started again (was RE: Intermot)
On Tue, 26 Sep 2000, Burton, Bob wrote: Joe you're going to get Phil started again... What? Moi?? Again You must be thinking of another Phil:) Lots of very good bikes never make it to the US and they don't have to "prove" themselves in Europe first, I hope the FJR does, but it won't happen this year. What comes to the US is what the manufacturer's think they can sell out. Actually, the U.S. has gotten way too far into the "Blockbuster" mentality when it comes to marketing. Things that make money, but not lots and lots and lots of money, get ignored. And those of us with quirky tastes (I do include myself here, BTW) lose out. Even the Honda web page doesn't have the ST listed as a model for 2001, Jay what's up with that???is the X Wing really coming??? Bob B. (hoping sport tourer's do come to the US) Huh?? I'm not a fan of the ST (Jay and I have already discussed this one), but I can't believe Honda would drop it. They afraid it's dipping into Goldbarge sales? Phil
Re: started again (was RE: Intermot)
I am no expert on this (mostly because I am not a 'Wing fan) but the Goldbarge with it's new design, or at least new make-up on the fairing, should continue to get the market share of the touring class sales. In my opinion, the Goldwing is way to outdated, but that may be said for it's riders too! Ouch, I felt that one! Come on Honda, let's see something new in this class! And yes, I will still ride my '86 outdated Venture. My .02. S/A #10 Grant Gall [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On Tue, 26 Sep 2000, Burton, Bob wrote: Joe you're going to get Phil started again... What? Moi?? Again You must be thinking of another Phil:) Lots of very good bikes never make it to the US and they don't have to "prove" themselves in Europe first, I hope the FJR does, but it won't happen this year. What comes to the US is what the manufacturer's think they can sell out. Actually, the U.S. has gotten way too far into the "Blockbuster" mentality when it comes to marketing. Things that make money, but not lots and lots and lots of money, get ignored. And those of us with quirky tastes (I do include myself here, BTW) lose out. Even the Honda web page doesn't have the ST listed as a model for 2001, Jay what's up with that???is the X Wing really coming??? Bob B. (hoping sport tourer's do come to the US) Huh?? I'm not a fan of the ST (Jay and I have already discussed this one), but I can't believe Honda would drop it. They afraid it's dipping into Goldbarge sales? Phil
RE: started again (was RE: Intermot)
I've heard that the ST is missing from the Honda webpage, but it exist in their 2001 brouchers. Who knows? Kevin Hawkins // Greensboro, NC [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.geocities.com/~raddboy Y2K Kawasaki ZRX1100 // '93 Yamaha GTS1000 -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Tuesday, September 26, 2000 11:44 AM To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: started again (was RE: Intermot) Even the Honda web page doesn't have the ST listed as a model for 2001, Jay what's up with that???is the X Wing really coming??? Bob B. (hoping sport tourer's do come to the US) Huh?? I'm not a fan of the ST (Jay and I have already discussed this one), but I can't believe Honda would drop it. They afraid it's dipping into Goldbarge sales? Phil
RE: started again (was RE: Intermot)
I have seen the Honda 2001 dealer's brochure and the 2001 is in it, same red color as the 2000. Gil H.
Re: started again (was RE: Intermot)
In a message dated 9/26/00 11:59:33 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Things that make money, but not lots and lots and lots of money, get ignored. And those of us with quirky tastes (I do include myself here, BTW) lose out. That statement in itself is debatable. Although it helps when amortizing the tool up expenses of a production line to make more units, the benefits decrease when modifications have to be made to a percentage of them to make them legal for import into a certain country. That expense becomes the responsibility of the country doing the importing. Although quirky motorcycles are nice, if an operation, say YMUS, is selling everything they can get their hands on that the parent company is making, and screaming for more, are they going to ask for different models that response would be questionable on? Someone had previously mentioned that there are other styles of motorcycles out there other than cruisers and sport bikes. Yes, there are, but percentage wise, those two categories account for better than 3/4 of motorcycle sales. Jay could probably come up with the exact numbers, but ballparking it around there gives you an idea of where the US market is. Another reality is the factory can only make so many motorcycles. Are you going to make what you are selling out of, or make models that may sell? I believe if it were any of us calling the shots and it was our money on the line, we would either do what they are doing or fail miserably. All Japanese manufacturers remember the 80's, and are determined not to repeat them. Now, it seems much safer to produce almost enough motorcycles to keep up with the demand of the current trend, than be the manufacturer with the greatest diversity of product line. This philosophy is what Harley is often credited with, "If we make enough, we have made too many." Although many may not want to hear this, having models in high demand and limited supply allows dealers to operate more profitably by not having to give deep discounts to sell units. Remember folks, these owners of dealerships are small businessmen like many of you. Profit is not a dirty word. Although overall profitability varies from one dealer to the next, most are in the business for the love of motorcycles. Owning your own motorcycle dealership is not a free ride on easy street to Lifestyles of the rich and famous. The standing joke among dealership owners is To make a small fortune in the MC business, start out with a big fortune.
Re: started again (was RE: Intermot)
No he can't. Motorcycle manufacturers, unlike automobile makers (and most other large, publically held corporations) do not publish sales figures. But sport-tourers are among the smallest volume of bikes out there. The only reason manufacturers bother is because we're also among the most hardcore and we buy more bikes because we wear 'em out. (Except me. I just spread my miles around so many bikes, I'll never have a high-mileage anything.) -Jay In a message dated 9/26/00 8:05:23 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Jay could probably come up with the exact numbers, but ballparking it around there gives you an idea of where the US market is.
