Suzuki sales slump - hard times in Hamamatsu

[Aero]

From Ash On Bikes. Here in the UK Suzuki are cutting back the number of dealers by a third.  
Apparently the sales have dropped from more than 20,000 to around 7,000, driven mainly by the rise of the yen.
The other Japanese manufacturers have all raised their prices but are not doing as badly because of perceived quality, but Suzuki doesn't have that advantage.
I think the European manufacturers are going to continue to be the winners here. When given the choice of a Yamaha R1 or a Ducati 1198 for about the same money, I'll take the Ducati every time.
 
 http://www.ashonbikes.com/content/comment-suzukis-image-problem

[Rincewind]

Good article, thanks.  I wonder if we will be seeing a reduction of Suzuki shops in the US as well?

[Brad1445]

I'll take the Duc also.

[Joey Stalin]

I've always thought of the Gixxers as being highly competitive in the sport bike market, every bit the equal of anything from the other 3. And of course the Hayabusa is still king, despite competition from the ZX-14, it has a very loyal following. I've never noticed "cheap" parts on the Gixxers and definitely not the Hayabusa. But I guess these bikes only represent 1/4-1/3 of their brand, and a 38% increase in the value of the Yen can't easily be overcome. I just hope this isn't the beginning of the end, if so I'm buying a busa and putting it in the garage!

[JamesG]

The lack of disposable income to switch to the latest greatest model's BNG, and a 2% decrease in weight before the ink on the check for the last one's deposit was dry.

Honda, is well Honda. They could put a wing logo on a turd and they would still sell it for a premium. Yamaha not as much but still better than Kawasaki and Suzuki  which are disposable racing appliances, rather than high quality "investments".

[Flying W]

I'll take the Duc also.

Until its time for a valve adjustment

[Blunder]

I wonder if we will be seeing a reduction of Suzuki shops in the US as well?

Suzuki didn't even import a lot of 2010 models. GSX-Rs, DRZs and their off-road bikes and quads were about all they shipped over last year. Maybe some cruisers, too.