Manufacturer you're most disappointed in lately

[sammyseaman]

Hmmmm????........

[Rincewind]

Suzuki for not bringing any new 2010 street models to the States.

[bomber]

Lately? Can Lately be defined by about a year?

HD, for the whole Buell/MV stupidity. It'd be nice to have a US based brand that sold something other than cruisers.

Less than that?

Nobody specific comes to mind. Given the great choices available, these just might be the good old days.

[chornbe]

Honda.

[Rincewind]

Lately? Can Lately be defined by about a year?

HD, for the whole Buell/MV stupidity. It'd be nice to have a US based brand that sold something other than cruisers.

Less than that?

Nobody specific comes to mind. Given the great choices available, these just might be the good old days.

I'm changing my vote.

[chornbe]

41 views.
4 replies.
6 votes.

Awesome community involvement.  

[MadOzodi]

41 views.
4 replies.
6 votes.

Awesome community involvement.  

Uhhh, I'm just not really disappointed in any particular mfgr. lately...I mean, I'd really have to    to come up with one.  But I can jump on the Harley disappointment bandwagon if ya want.  

[bomber]

41 views.
4 replies.
6 votes.

Awesome community involvement.  

I'm from Chicaga -- I could vote again, if you'd like.

;-}

[expatbrit]

KTM -- jinxed by my amazingly broken and breaking 950SM

[Fourstring]

Suzuki for not bringing any new 2010 street models to the States.

Lately? Can Lately be defined by about a year?

HD, for the whole Buell/MV stupidity. It'd be nice to have a US based brand that sold something other than cruisers.

Less than that?

Nobody specific comes to mind. Given the great choices available, these just might be the good old days.

These two got mulled over, but the asinine bobbling of Buell wins out.

[Galo]

I voted HD, but it was not a slam-dunk vote, what with Honda's new VFR to think about.  

That said, HD took my vote for the reasons above (Buell & MV Agusta) and more of the same 'new bike made up of old pieces' mentality.
I may not like the new VFR, but at least it's a radical departure from the prior one. But, the 1200XR.....welllllllllllllllllll....... ..see above

[AutoXer]

Yamaha - for dropping the FZ6;  for replacing the 6 with the FZ6R with full fairings and boy-racer graphics I wouldn't be seen on;  and bringing in the FZ8 in only the stupid ugly nekkid transformer-look version.   After owning 2 Yamaha's, when the FZ8 turned up mutt-ugly I went and bought a Suzuki 1250SA Bandit ...

[1000lbs]

Since I'm not particularly brand loyal I can't say I'm personally disappointed by any, but the H-D/Buell thing pushed my vote that way.  If it weren't for that, I'd say H-D does what they do pretty well.

Second would be Honda for a string of new bike intro's that seem like square pegs for round holes.
I'm obviously not in tune with the bike categories they are looking at, but there are other Mfgs that keep me looking.
Honda examples
Fury - Their top custom cruiser running without the 1800 VTX mill  
DN01 - overpriced and under functioned (I kinda like the way it looks though  )
Deauville - Not bad, but not modern/potent enough to draw much attention
VFR - I read it somewhere, and I think its pretty fitting "the bike no one asked them to build".

I'm not a Honda hater by any stretch and enjoyed my ST while it was around.  These examples just don't seem to fit their respective roles as well as Honda seems capable of.
 

[squeezer]

Lately? Can Lately be defined by about a year?

HD, for the whole Buell/MV stupidity. It'd be nice to have a US based brand that sold something other than cruisers.

Less than that?

Nobody specific comes to mind. Given the great choices available, these just might be the good old days.

I was about to vote Honda because it seems they've lost their innovative edge.

But Harley closing Buell -- not even allowing them to be sold -- trumps all.

They brought in a CEO who had never ridden but knew a lot about brand identity. It's showing.

[nater]

Suzuki--they are non-existant still.  I may have to become a Kawasaki fan if this keeps up...  Those new ZX-6s sure are getting some good reviews.

[sammyseaman]

Harley is disappointing because of the whole Buell fiasco but it's Harley and what else would you expect from a company run by a bunch of "suits".

Suzuki is very disappointing due to the lack of any new models. I know they were sceered and didn't want showrooms full leftover models but....

Which leaves Honda. Honda for me is the biggest disappoinment lately (and the last few years). They hype the feck out of the VFR and it's a big fat meh (and expensive). The dullsville is just plain old and dull (and expensive). The Wing?. Fury? DN-01? Expensive, silly and weird (and expensive). I've owned more Hondas than any other brand and I used to hold them to a higher standard but that has changed. Thinking about it, it changed about 20 years ago. They still make amazing dirt bikes, the CBR1000RR is an awesome bike and I like the overpriced Ruckus but these three aren't nearly enough for me.

[JReazor]

Honda but only because I expect so much more from them.

[birdrunner]

Honda but only because I expect so much more from them.

Exactly why I didn't vote HD.   I expected them to act like they did, so no dissappointment.

Honda, on the other hand.   Other than their CBR1000 and the CBR600,  they've been totally stuck.  It's now run by accountants.

[Frankienuckles]

Harley, because of Buell and MV Agusta. Mostly Buell, and then I read about Harley having trouble attracting younger riders to the brand . Maybe they make a line of lark style scooters or golf carts so they can keep up with their aging typical customers needs.

[stevent]

Honda for answering questions no one asked. They truly are a car company now, poor Soichiro must be spinning in his grave.

 

[Orson]

All the Big 4 for resting on their laurels from the glory days of the late 1970s and 1980s.

The yurpeen manufacturers have come up with new variants such as the Speed Triple, the Beemer GS and the Ducati Hypermotard that, have seemingly left the Japanese flat-footed and playing catch up.

[maddjack]

Honda, they were such a great company in the past, they still make good bikes but not with the passion of the past

[MadMax96]

Like others have mentioned - Triumph is really on their game.  I kinda question how they can keep this momentum of new models?  They must have a fat R&D budget!

Honda is coming out with some odd stuff, but at least they've been doing SOMETHING.  

Suzuki, on the other hand, has been pretty pathetic.  2010 offered nothing, even 2009 wasn't anything special, just the same old stuff with new colors like Honda normally does.

I don't have much hope for Suzuki this year either...  they really need to give a bike like the V-Strom some upgrades or come out with something a little edgier than the B1250 for sport-touring.

The M109R is a cool power cruiser, but they need a better bagger or dresser with some luxo features.

The C14 and new Ninja 1000 have turned me into a Kawasaki fan.

[evilted]

Honda.

H-D killing Buell just affirms a bunch of negative stereotypes I had about the Motor Company.  And In that regard I'm glad they unwound the MV Augusta deal sooner rather than later.

[Papa Lazarou]

Royal Enfield for fuel injecting their old thumpers.

[JReazor]

Royal Enfield for fuel injecting their old thumpers.

The march of progress will not be abated!

[UFO]

Easiest poll ever.  Honda.

[SilverHound]

Which leaves Honda. Honda for me is the biggest disappoinment lately (and the last few years). They hype the feck out of the VFR and it's a big fat meh (and expensive). The dullsville is just plain old and dull (and expensive). The Wing?. Fury? DN-01? Expensive, silly and weird (and expensive). I've owned more Hondas than any other brand and I used to hold them to a higher standard but that has changed. Thinking about it, it changed about 20 years ago. They still make amazing dirt bikes, the CBR1000RR is an awesome bike and I like the overpriced Ruckus but these three aren't nearly enough for me.

That sums it up for me too. Honda without a doubt.

[zer0netgain]

Honda for the latest VFR design and yet again failing to bring back the XX.

[MisterSmooth]

Easiest poll ever.  Honda.

Bingo.     What's happened over at Big Red?  

[falconati]

Honda but only because I expect so much more from them.

Exactly this.

[sammyseaman]

Looks like it's Honda by a landslide. I''l be sending this information straight to corporate. I'm sure we'll see big changes for Big Red next year  
















 

[birdrunner]

Looks like it's Honda by a landslide. I''l be sending this information straight to corporate. I'm sure we'll see big changes for Big Red next year  




 

I actually wonder if the accountanting and car division realize how totally dissappointing the motorcycle dept has been the last 10 years.?

[SilverHound]

I actually wonder if the accountanting and car division realize how totally dissappointing the motorcycle dept has been the last 10 years.?

What makes you think that they would even care? The motorcycle division of Honda only accounts for about 14% of their total worldwide revenues and of all motorcycle revenues, North America only accounts for about 5% so that includes Canada and Mexico as well as the US. We just don't have much juice in the US when it comes to what Honda will or will not produce for the North American Market.

[STJoe]

One more vote for Honda.  

[JReazor]

I don't think this many ST.Ners have ever agreed on anything before this.

[squeezer]

I don't think this many ST.Ners have ever agreed on anything before this.

And even some of us who didn't vote for Honda gave them an honorable mention.

I think a big part of it is what you mentioned above -- we have pretty high expectations for those guys. That makes it seem worse when they seem to have lost their mojo. While reading this thread a few days ago, it struck me that this is the first time since the Trail 70 came out in 1969 that absolutely no current Honda model makes it on to my WANT list. And my WANT list is pretty long.

Or maybe it's just because we listen to you guys bash 'em each week.    

[chornbe]

Let's be fair. It's not EVERY week. :-)

[R Doug]

For every Honda motorcycle made today, I could find a comparable bike from another company I would rather purchase.  

I used to love Big Red.  They have truly disappointed me lately.  

[Gary B.]

Sorry, I gotta go with Hardley Ableson on this. The Buell and Agusta fiascoes rate highly on the "trip over your own dick" scoresheet. Take a multi-million dollar bath on Agusta and Buell to save money? Then introduce "bold new designs" on the same shit they've been peddling for decades? I mean really, how many times are they going to repaint the same 80-year old design and pass it off as "new and improved" (flat black is new and cutting edge?)? I guess they figure their 50-70 yr old customers will be buying air cooled v-twins when they're well over 100. The marketing geniuses (and they are geniuses) need to start working on H-D branded walkers, hearing aids, and Depends. Then they pull the "We need concessions or we're packing our crap and heading South" routine which of course made all the pirates in my neck of the woods gasp "say it ain't so!" We here got to hear all the union guys crying over losing jobs where they were getting overpaid for years. Did they REALLY think the bubble was never going to burst?

[Gsam]

Honda .

[SuperHans]

For every Honda motorcycle made today, I could find a comparable bike from another company I would rather purchase.  

Sums up my thoughts on why I voted for Honda.



As much as I hate what H-D did to Buell, I can't vote for Harley. I never expected Harley to do anything but make cruisers. I wish they would do something else, but I will never expect them to break that mold.

[JReazor]

And even some of us who didn't vote for Honda gave them an honorable mention.

I think a big part of it is what you mentioned above -- we have pretty high expectations for those guys. That makes it seem worse when they seem to have lost their mojo. While reading this thread a few days ago, it struck me that this is the first time since the Trail 70 came out in 1969 that absolutely no current Honda model makes it on to my WANT list. And my WANT list is pretty long.

Or maybe it's just because we listen to you guys bash 'em each week.    

Yeah, the ONE Honda I can see myself riding out of a dealership on at the moment would be a leftover VFR800. The NT700V with ABS could be there if the engine isn't the dog that everyone says it is. I'd like to ride one to find out for myself.

[squeezer]

Yeah, the ONE Honda I can see myself riding out of a dealership on at the moment would be a leftover VFR800. (snip)

Cool. That bike is exactly why I said "current model." I still have a thing for older VFRs. I had been seriously considering downsizing to one recently. Probably won't.

[ANZAC]

Suzy for no bikes to US    Bad Suzuki  

[Gary B.]

I think Suzuki may have made a smart move, long term. By not clogging dealers with 2010 stuff, it saved the factory $$, and allowed dealers the opportunity to move older inventory in a slow economy without the pressure of floorplanning 2010 product. Yeah, I like to see the latest and greatest come out every model year like anyone else, but I'd more so like to see Suzuki and their dealers live to sell another day (or year). Hopefully they will introduce exciting, new models in the near future to lure customers while other manufacturers try to figure out how to unload 2009 and 2010 inventory.

[JReazor]

Suzy for no bikes to US    Bad Suzuki  

Dude. That's so 2010. The 2011 lineup looks a little better.

Besides, there are still plenty of 09s lying around.

[chornbe]

Dude. That's so 2010. The 2011 lineup looks a little better.

Besides, there are still plenty of 09s lying around.

I'll take that a step further and say KUDOS to Suzi for really coming back in '11 in a big way.  

[mugwump58]

Can I pick 2? And it's not really their fault. I'd love to have a KTM and Guzzi dealer somewhere a little closer.

[ANZAC]

Well, it seems Triumph and Kawasaki are the only ones that really have things in motion lately.  2011 will be interesting to see what happens.

[hig4s]

Yamaha for building the new V-max then not using that engine in anything else, and pushing big V-twin air cooled Harley copy bikes instead.

[bassjones]

Honda but only because I expect so much more from them.

plus (whatever we're at now)!

Pricing from Honda is a HUGE factor in my vote too.  Local dealer has a leftover 07 ST1300 (non-ABS)...  Honda won't allow them to drop the price any further on it and it's still priced higher than I can get a 2010 Concours or FJR from the Yamaha/Kawasaki/Suzuki dealer just down the street.  The new VFR is priced in BMW territory and was most definitely not the VFR that VFR diehards (like me) had been asking for.

[bomber]

plus (whatever we're at now)!

Pricing from Honda is a HUGE factor in my vote too.  Local dealer has a leftover 07 ST1300 (non-ABS)...  Honda won't allow them to drop the price any further on it and it's still priced higher than I can get a 2010 Concours or FJR from the Yamaha/Kawasaki/Suzuki dealer just down the street.  The new VFR is priced in BMW territory and was most definitely not the VFR that VFR diehards (like me) had been asking for.

Honda won't let em drop the price?

I believe your leg might be being pulled.

[hig4s]

plus (whatever we're at now)!

Pricing from Honda is a HUGE factor in my vote too.  Local dealer has a leftover 07 ST1300 (non-ABS)...  Honda won't allow them to drop the price any further on it and it's still priced higher than I can get a 2010 Concours or FJR from the Yamaha/Kawasaki/Suzuki dealer just down the street.  The new VFR is priced in BMW territory and was most definitely not the VFR that VFR diehards (like me) had been asking for.

The cheapest price I've seen on a 2010 FJR is $13999, Southern Honda has an 09 (non-abs) ST1300 for $13400,

[bassjones]

Honda won't let em drop the price?

I believe your leg might be being pulled.

Honda has strict pricing controls.  The leftover 07 VFR pricing came due to Honda's directives.  Dealers are only allowed so much leeway.  I imagine if I walked in with cash they might be willing to move, but I'm not that interested in it anyway.

[bassjones]

The cheapest price I've seen on a 2010 FJR is $13999, Southern Honda has an 09 (non-abs) ST1300 for $13400,

Kawasaki dealer here has 2010 ABS Concours for $10999.  They're still asking $11900 for the ST1300...  Even if the ST1300 was $1000 less than the Concours I'd still rather have the Kawi.  I haven't seen very many FJRs around here, but the 09 leftovers this Spring were going for around $11000...

[doublen675]

Harley, only because I don't like cruisers.  Otherwise, Honda.  They have so many resources at their disposal and they continue to disappoint me.  The VFR is nice, but they should be updating their other models to be competitive.

[drew95gt]

I hate to jump on the bandwagon...but I have to say Honda as well.  Not for the VFR either because I am in the minority and actually really like that bike, just can't afford it.  The pricing of Honda, or should I say OVERPRICING of Honda is my main reason for the vote plus the fact that they have been keeping most of the cool naked bikes in Europe only.  Give the street guys something besides a CBR600 and a CBR1000 please. The new VFR is nice, but it is not really a sport bike.

[Justin]

Exactly this.

+1, looks like an easy win for Honda here

[jsanford]

I said Ducati. For Metro-ing the Monster, carboning ev-ver-ree-thing, for making accessories for a bike that don't fit together, for the Diavel.  I wish they offered luggage for my motorcycle instead of sneakers.

[sammyseaman]

The STNers have spoken.

Honda with 54%
Harley with 24%

I suspect Honda would have gotten a lot more if'n Harley hadn't dumped Buell  

Maybe I should send these poll results to American Honda..............

[birdrunner]

I voted BEFORE Honda announced their new models.   A couple look interesting to say the least.    Of course pricing is still nuts, and U.S. availablity is uncertain....

[sammyseaman]

I voted BEFORE Honda announced their new models.   A couple look interesting to say the least.    Of course pricing is still nuts, and U.S. availablity is uncertain....

Yeah but the high price you pay you get the most dependable motorcycles ever made  

[Castaway]

Other: MV ... cause I can't afford a Brutale!    

[DNA]

Suzuki for not bringing any new 2010 street models to the States.

Yup - my vote.

[scott19]

I'd have to say Harley, because what they did to Buell was so final, brutal, short sighted and because that Barracuda that almost saw the light of day ended up being still born.

Honda, on the other hand, could change policy tomorrow, lowering prices and bringing in models we lust after, and all would be forgiven.  

[triumphtwin3]

Triumph; for not attending the NYC Motorcycle shows for quite a few years now! Also the lack of a shaft; or belt drive at the least; Sport Tourer!

[Dan K]

Honda, because Chris and James have brainwashed me into expecting more from big red.

And their pricing...

- Dan

[JimJam]

but I have to say Honda as well.  ...they have been keeping most of the cool naked bikes in Europe only...

Well Drew, Honda did something right - the CB1000R will be available in the US this spring.
Pix and stats at http://www.southbayriders.com/forums/showthread.php?t=102840&page=1.

[Papa Lazarou]

MZ

A fine brand now gone bust.

Bastards

[Moe wheels]

I voted for Suzuki. There is no $hittier feeling than to walk into a Dealer with CASH and get told NO.   All I wanted was a new V-strom 1000. The dealer was pissed too. He said there were no new bikes because the wharehouses were clogged up with leftover cruisers. How does turning away customers of other models help ? WTF.....DUMB A$$ES. That would have been my second V-strom, I was a repeat customer and I'm sure I'm not the only one they turned away. I think they only hurt themselves.

So I tried out a Multistrada    and I don't think I'll be calling Suzuki anytime soon.

As for Harley, I think they did Buell a big favor. Just wait for the "shall not compete" claus to expire. Just think of a new model line up with Rotax motors we can only hope.
I hated going to the Dealer for parts. They didn't know anything about the Buells and didn't want to know anything about them. The Harley dealer network did no favors for the Buell brand and I suspect Buell will do much better without Harley.

Moe

[Papa Lazarou]

Cut my wrist and it will bleed Honda red but for me they lost their way as far back as 86... that was the year they introduced their long awaited 600cc sportbike with a cammy hit I4... next they killed the grut and the sound of the 86 VFR750 by rephasing the V4 crank from 360º to 180º... I just wanted to choke the CEO...

I always like loads of grut in a machine, but Honda never really got it taped.

[jeepinbanditrider]

General Motors



oh wait we're talking bikes right?

I've always been dissapointed in Harley.  They COULD make a US company be competitive in the international racing scene again but they have no drive to develop past what they do now, and I don't see that changing anytime soon.

[sammyseaman]

I voted for Suzuki. There is no $hittier feeling than to walk into a Dealer with CASH and get told NO.   All I wanted was a new V-strom 1000. The dealer was pissed too. He said there were no new bikes because the wharehouses were clogged up with leftover cruisers. How does turning away customers of other models help ? WTF.....DUMB A$$ES. That would have been my second V-strom, I was a repeat customer and I'm sure I'm not the only one they turned away. I think they only hurt themselves.

So I tried out a Multistrada    and I don't think I'll be calling Suzuki anytime soon.

As for Harley, I think they did Buell a big favor. Just wait for the "shall not compete" claus to expire. Just think of a new model line up with Rotax motors we can only hope.
I hated going to the Dealer for parts. They didn't know anything about the Buells and didn't want to know anything about them. The Harley dealer network did no favors for the Buell brand and I suspect Buell will do much better without Harley.

Moe

You should be thanking Suzuki. If they had a V   Strom you wouldn't have bought the Duc  

[RoadBound]

I'm actually most disappointed in Honda for not firing their entire marketing team. They arguably have the best engineers in the world, but are seriously lacking in common sense. Examples like Honda's response to the ZRX, FZ and Bandit was the 900 Hornet. It's response to increased adventure bike sales is the Veradero. Come on now. The CBR line is the only line (I don't include GoldWings here because they are their own segment) Honda has to brag about these days. Even the technically impressive VFR1200 was designed for a market that doesn't exist. Simultaneously not sporting enough and not touring capable enough. Every other new model from other manufacturers is met with "Ya Ok, we can make a bike like that but it will be smaller in displacement, less powerful, more like something your grandad would buy and also it will very likely be ugly as crap. Did we mention it will be at least as costly if not more?" And if it is a bike worth having you can bet it won't be coming to the states.

_______________________________________ _______________________________________ ___________________

Truth is treason in the empire of lies - Ron Paul

[Orson]

I've heard good things about the Varadero.

While the looks aren't my cup of tea, it's hard to fault a 90 hp v twin powerplant  

It's not as if ADV bikes are made for any serious off roading anyways

[LostBrit]

Triumph; for not attending the NYC Motorcycle shows for quite a few years now! Also the lack of a shaft; or belt drive at the least; Sport Tourer!

In their defense Triumph seem to be playing it slow n steady. Probably not a bad idea in this economy.

The rumoured return of the Trophy should see a shafted tourer available in late 2012 or 2013(????).

[FiremanBob]

Honda. Honda has so much technical prowess and motorcycle tradition that they should be making the leading bike in each category. They are like the class genius not doing his homework and scoring C+ on everything.

[Kyle401]

Another vote for HD for killing Buell...

[Mr.Black]

God. Though awesome in his own right, His product is failing miserably.

[Flyer]

^^^^
 
God (barely) runs a big red company.

Voted Honda, but in their defense, their automotive division is old, arthritic and wrinkled too.
The Japanese economy is hoving over the dumpster, and the Redtech department has been eviscerated.
I believe they don't have the resources left to deliver us a SuperDuperXXXBlackerBird.
Harley deserves a dick-punch, but they've needed that for decades...

[Grizz]

  Aprilia         Make a follow up to the futura with the 1200 Vtwin.

[McHack]

I see people voting out of angst....

I don't see how anyone could think of anyone BUT Suzuki.... I mean,  they're not even trying at all.

At least Honda's trying.