Most countries maintain offices of international trade. My guess is that there is a World Trade Center or equivalent organization in Seoul. Also, the Motorcycle Industry Council in the should maintain statistics for the U.S. You will most-likely need to join that group to gain access to their data. Also, the Radio Advertising Bureau should have some useful stats for you, but again, you will have to join. Go to the main campus of the largest university in Seoul and talk to a librarian. You will get more information than you can use.
Best selling bikes?
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I'm not sure if there's one central list, but close and steady reading of the media in each of your target markets should at least offer up a clue or two. For example, I caught something in one of the English magazines this past week (could've been MCN online?)about how their top seller is the CBR600F (our F4i), followed by the R1, and coming up surprisingly quickly is Honda's 125cc 2-stroke sportbike.
The biggest seller in America is usually the Harley Softail line taken as a whole, but break it down into individual models and you're going to obviously suffer dilution. Otherwise, one 600 sportbike or another is likely to head the list.
The biggest seller in America is usually the Harley Softail line taken as a whole, but break it down into individual models and you're going to obviously suffer dilution. Otherwise, one 600 sportbike or another is likely to head the list.
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Interesting note
I was just reading in CW that Honda only sells 1000 VFRs a year in the States. 1000???!!!
I thought this was the most incredible bike ever made and the best you VFR lovers can pony up is a measly thousands units per year?
I guess it really is a (used one) that is the best.
I was just reading in CW that Honda only sells 1000 VFRs a year in the States. 1000???!!!
I thought this was the most incredible bike ever made and the best you VFR lovers can pony up is a measly thousands units per year?
I guess it really is a (used one) that is the best.
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Judging by the bikes I see on the road I'd say the Harley Road King was the best seller around here, followed by different variations of metric cruisers.
Nation wide I've read somewhere that in the over 600cc catagory HD sells the most and Honda sells the most overall, so I'd say CBR600's followed by RK's and Heratige Softails .
World wide I think Honda step-through 50's or 90's top the list.
Nation wide I've read somewhere that in the over 600cc catagory HD sells the most and Honda sells the most overall, so I'd say CBR600's followed by RK's and Heratige Softails .
World wide I think Honda step-through 50's or 90's top the list.
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I heard somewhere that the harley sportster has been the number 1 seller for something like 15 years. Not sure if that's true.
Google search produced this thread with assorted moto-stat links:
http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=141477
http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=141477
Re: Interesting note
You must be good at lighting fires
I was surprised at the sales figures on VFR's myself. Rider magazine had their Best Of issue this past month. In the obligatory honorable mention article (you have to mention as many motorcycles as possible to limit the hate mail you'll receive from the readers who own bikes that didn't get mentioned at all, i.e. those who need someone else to tell them they can like their motorcycle) one of the editors scolded motorcyclists for not buying more VFR's. Said the bike just didn't get the respect- in unit sales- that it deserves.
Not sure why this is because I've never read anything bad about VFR's except nit picky stuff and mag reviews typically rave about it. Maybe it's because it's been such a well performing bike for so long and has had realtively few changes over it's long life it doesn't generate presence of mind/interest anymore in the motorcycle world. I.e. there is no "new and improved" bling to get people to notice it again. Honda may be treating it as kind of a cash cow product- no R&D, no marketing, etc. (although 1000 units a yr isn't much cow).
You must be good at lighting fires
I was surprised at the sales figures on VFR's myself. Rider magazine had their Best Of issue this past month. In the obligatory honorable mention article (you have to mention as many motorcycles as possible to limit the hate mail you'll receive from the readers who own bikes that didn't get mentioned at all, i.e. those who need someone else to tell them they can like their motorcycle) one of the editors scolded motorcyclists for not buying more VFR's. Said the bike just didn't get the respect- in unit sales- that it deserves.
Not sure why this is because I've never read anything bad about VFR's except nit picky stuff and mag reviews typically rave about it. Maybe it's because it's been such a well performing bike for so long and has had realtively few changes over it's long life it doesn't generate presence of mind/interest anymore in the motorcycle world. I.e. there is no "new and improved" bling to get people to notice it again. Honda may be treating it as kind of a cash cow product- no R&D, no marketing, etc. (although 1000 units a yr isn't much cow).
Good one
You beat me to the punch on this thread Buz. I was going to write the same thing. 1000 units a year for the "motorcycling pinnacle of excellence" eh? This bike is hyped to the max, and it doesn't sell for crap. I wonder how badly the bikes they don't like sell. Actually, trying to find any decent statistics on Japanese motorcycle sales OR profits is like finding hen's teeth. I wonder why they don't pony up with any real sales of profit info? Possibly all is not well in Oz?
You beat me to the punch on this thread Buz. I was going to write the same thing. 1000 units a year for the "motorcycling pinnacle of excellence" eh? This bike is hyped to the max, and it doesn't sell for crap. I wonder how badly the bikes they don't like sell. Actually, trying to find any decent statistics on Japanese motorcycle sales OR profits is like finding hen's teeth. I wonder why they don't pony up with any real sales of profit info? Possibly all is not well in Oz?
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Re: Good one
You can go KP on me and say I "stole" it from you!
I think you're on to something though. H-D always posts unit sales where it seems like everyone else claims an increase in percentage. Percentage is only relevant if you disclose the beginning number.
You can go KP on me and say I "stole" it from you!
I think you're on to something though. H-D always posts unit sales where it seems like everyone else claims an increase in percentage. Percentage is only relevant if you disclose the beginning number.
Re: Interesting note
Its all marketing, and Honda pride.
I've ridden a bunch of new bikes and never had a desire to trade off my VFR, but all the squids out there chuckle at its "measly" 750-800 cc engine, "skinny" tires etc.
Honda leaves it alone and keeps it in the lineup because they know they got it right, but to lure some ppl into buying something it has to be the biggest, fastest, lightest or something thats the "best" of something. Maybe someday ppl will just ride and be happy, and actually relaize the road is not a racetrack, but today isnt that day, so I'll just sit back and be smug about my 7 year old purchase and how I still enjoy it to this day all while having no problem keeping up with the idjits on the 04 yamakawazuki repli racers on the street, especially when they have to stop to do their stretches and save their wrists I can ride right by....
Its all marketing, and Honda pride.
I've ridden a bunch of new bikes and never had a desire to trade off my VFR, but all the squids out there chuckle at its "measly" 750-800 cc engine, "skinny" tires etc.
Honda leaves it alone and keeps it in the lineup because they know they got it right, but to lure some ppl into buying something it has to be the biggest, fastest, lightest or something thats the "best" of something. Maybe someday ppl will just ride and be happy, and actually relaize the road is not a racetrack, but today isnt that day, so I'll just sit back and be smug about my 7 year old purchase and how I still enjoy it to this day all while having no problem keeping up with the idjits on the 04 yamakawazuki repli racers on the street, especially when they have to stop to do their stretches and save their wrists I can ride right by....
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Re: Interesting note
I'm a lover not a fighter.
I think the VFRs problem is that is has no "Burger barn" appeal. The ugly secret is that sportbike guys are the equal of Harley posers.
I'm 40 and I could see myself owning a VFR and not giving a crap what the Burger barn crowd thinks.
KPaul tells the world that will be his next bike but never ponied up the cash.
I'm a lover not a fighter.
I think the VFRs problem is that is has no "Burger barn" appeal. The ugly secret is that sportbike guys are the equal of Harley posers.
I'm 40 and I could see myself owning a VFR and not giving a crap what the Burger barn crowd thinks.
KPaul tells the world that will be his next bike but never ponied up the cash.
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17,449 Posts
Re: Interesting note
No matter how nice the VFR is it's simply "old" and "boring". At least to the sportbike mafia. Too many people think their vehicle defines who they are. This is why idiots spend ridiculous amounts of money on new cars and/or bikes when they should be investing their cash in real estate. Gotta impress all those people who really don't give a sheet. Important Note: Buying the "latest and greatest" doesn't increase your condom size one millimeter. Neither do arm chaps or tattoos.
The VFR's manufacturing line is fully amortized by now, so Honda can afford to produce a bike that sells in small numbers, just like Yammer does with the V-Max or Ksaki does with the Police KZ1000 and Concours. The VFR is still an excellent choice for a bike that can freeway drone and still scoot around the twisties with aplomb. There's a growing idea that I think is psychotic that 750 class bikes aren't excellent performers. What? 160 mph ain't fast enough in the real world?
Around here I'd say the biggest sellers are metric cruisers, Harleys and 600-4s. I think they give away free t-shirts, shorts and sandals with the 600s.
No matter how nice the VFR is it's simply "old" and "boring". At least to the sportbike mafia. Too many people think their vehicle defines who they are. This is why idiots spend ridiculous amounts of money on new cars and/or bikes when they should be investing their cash in real estate. Gotta impress all those people who really don't give a sheet. Important Note: Buying the "latest and greatest" doesn't increase your condom size one millimeter. Neither do arm chaps or tattoos.
The VFR's manufacturing line is fully amortized by now, so Honda can afford to produce a bike that sells in small numbers, just like Yammer does with the V-Max or Ksaki does with the Police KZ1000 and Concours. The VFR is still an excellent choice for a bike that can freeway drone and still scoot around the twisties with aplomb. There's a growing idea that I think is psychotic that 750 class bikes aren't excellent performers. What? 160 mph ain't fast enough in the real world?
Around here I'd say the biggest sellers are metric cruisers, Harleys and 600-4s. I think they give away free t-shirts, shorts and sandals with the 600s.
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Motorcycle Consumer News (MCN) publishes a sales chart at least once a year. If you're not familiar with MCN, it is a advertising-free monthly motorcyle magazine that, I think, is excellent. You can purchase back issues, including, of course, the issue with the sales data. To talk to someone at MCN, click on the "contact us" button at http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/
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771 Posts
Re: You're onto something here
I don't think its a matter of new or old. These bikes appeal to a person that wants a combination of sporting performance, long range tanks, bags, etc. The people who owns these bikes are not the average joe squid, or bad-ass wannabee. Speaking from the VFR and Connie owners I've met, most enjoy just riding and not talking about how much they spent on chrome, or the performance mods they made. They also seem to be quite content to keep the same bike for years (over a decade in my case).
Am I going to get a new bike, as soon as I can budget it, but I also have some ageing sport bikes in my garage, a old beat up dirt bike, and a real old suzook gs650 broke down into its constituent parts in boxes. So I'm in no hurry.
Yes if I hit the lotto I'm off to the dealer.
I don't think its a matter of new or old. These bikes appeal to a person that wants a combination of sporting performance, long range tanks, bags, etc. The people who owns these bikes are not the average joe squid, or bad-ass wannabee. Speaking from the VFR and Connie owners I've met, most enjoy just riding and not talking about how much they spent on chrome, or the performance mods they made. They also seem to be quite content to keep the same bike for years (over a decade in my case).
Am I going to get a new bike, as soon as I can budget it, but I also have some ageing sport bikes in my garage, a old beat up dirt bike, and a real old suzook gs650 broke down into its constituent parts in boxes. So I'm in no hurry.
Yes if I hit the lotto I'm off to the dealer.
Re: Interesting note
I don't know about that. I don't think this bike was ever marketed at squids. The demographic it was aimed at has gotten smaller as the baby boom cohort moved on to FJR1300s, ST1300s and even Goldwings. Combine that with the fact you can pick up a new, more powerful, lighter, leftover Superhawk for $3K less and the VFR just doesn't have the appeal it once did.
I don't know about that. I don't think this bike was ever marketed at squids. The demographic it was aimed at has gotten smaller as the baby boom cohort moved on to FJR1300s, ST1300s and even Goldwings. Combine that with the fact you can pick up a new, more powerful, lighter, leftover Superhawk for $3K less and the VFR just doesn't have the appeal it once did.
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What I would like to know is, what kind of brown nosing or a$$ kissing do you have to offer to longride to have a relevant, interesting and current comment posted on this website?
It is very frustrating to try to have a good post that would generate intelligent and up to date banter with the other members, totally ignored!
It is very frustrating to try to have a good post that would generate intelligent and up to date banter with the other members, totally ignored!
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