[Bhatman510]

Originally Posted by timuseravan

Coming back to the topic , I think the huge push by bike makers and bike magazines for bigger and bigger engines and consequently higher costs (and weight) is also responsible for the slowdown.
I mean 10-15 years back, 600cc used to be big - today they are classified as "middle-weight" and that too is slowly changing as "middle-weight" moves to 800-900cc. For example, the Ducati monster used to be 600-900cc in range. Today the entry-level monster is 800cc going to 1200 at top end.
For almost 95% of the people, 600cc is more than enough.

And sadly it looks like the same strategy is being pushed in India.

On the opposite end, a lot of motorcycle manufacturers are pushing out lower than 650cc bikes in the USA for the past few years due to cheaper mfg costs and a huge push from the younger crowd for something cool looking and not crazy to ride. Many newer motorcyclists want the lower displacement since they do basic commuting (20-30 miles).

KTM - RC390 and Duke 390 (Thanks India!)
BMW - G310R(India again)
Honda - CBR 300, CB300F, CB500F, CBR500R, CB500X, New Honda Rebel (300/500), CRF250 Rally
Kawasaki - X300 Verysys, Rumored Ninja 400, Ninja 300
Yamaha - R3
Suzuki - GSX250, SV650...,

[maddy42]

Very interesting convo going on here. Some tips from what i learnt.

Go for used bikes as the first owner usually ends up putting under 20k miles on it. Best time to shop is the lean period which in arizona was summers. Got a 09 monster 696 for 5.3k. Bike is now valued at 4.5.

Insurance: Statefarm and progressive are the best according to me. Have not tried allstate. Geico over I pay 20 a month in my small town. Was paying 40 a month full coverage in a city.

Here is one good site for used bikes. Out of NH but has crazy number of bikes. So supposedly this state has the most bikes per person in the country.

http://www.nationalpowersports.net/I...se&showPopUp=0

One of my friend found a 2016 GSX F 1000 for 8999. Bikes freaking awesome!

Maddy

[GTO]

Things in Japan aren't so bright either:

Many Japanese motorcycle models are being retired as the industry's big names adjust to tighter safety and environmental regulations as well shrinking popularity.

Japan's motorcycle market is now 11% of what it was at its peak, with annual sales totaling 370,000 units.

Starting in September, makers will be required to halve the emissions of existing models with engine displacements of over 50cc.

The requirement will bring the domestic environmental regulations in line with the EU's old Euro 4 standards. The government is mulling further tightening the regulations in 2020 or later.

Full Nikkei Article