[model B]

And to think i was looking at VTX 1300C as a possible new bike. no more! see the link.

[Myrddin]

My Yamaha dealer had $2 million in "floored" inventory that was costing $13,000/month in interest. Sales have been flat. Not enough to cover the interest. Yamaha repossessed all the inventory and pulled the 47 year old dealership. They left the dealer holding the bag with $130,000 in spare parts.

The story gets more grim. Toyota engines are manufactured by Yamaha. Toyota increased ownership in Yamaha to a controlling level. The next thing they did was stop all motorcycle manufacturing in 3 factories and converted them all to Toyota engine factories. The remaining motorcycle factories have been cut to 50% production capacity. Yamaha is using the repossessed inventory to cover where there is sales demand. Many small Yamaha dealers are being wiped out.

I purchased a 2008 Yamaha TW200, XT250 and 2007 Star Roadliner last year. I did so in anticipation of production cuts, scarcity of product and rising prices. The dealer was anxious to deal with flat sales and plenty of inventory that was one or two models years old.

This morning, I traded-in my 2009 Suzuki DR650SE for a 2009 Kawasaki Versys. The Versys better suits the kind of riding I have the time and inclination to do. It helps that my Yamaha dealer still has a full Kawasaki dealership.

[TChris]

Harley Davidson: It’s like a vibrating bed, with wheels!

[101voodoo]

Today Honda, tomorrow Nissan, Toyota, VW, BMW.....?

[101voodoo]

Today Honda, tomorrow Nissan, Toyota, VW, BMW.....?

[Buffalo Bob]

Us Goldwing owners have know about this for several years. While I am sad to see the Goldwing cease to be an American built product, this has nothing at all to do with Obama.

[smithandwesson76subgun]

I didn’t know Honda was U.A.W./sarc

[ShadowAce]

I've got a 2003 VTX 1800. I used to have a 95 Shadow ACE 1100. Both are incredible bikes for reliability and "fun factor."

I'm truly sorry to see Honda go. I enjoyed my trips to Marysville for Homecoming in the past. That was where I took my first ride on a 1800. Had to get one after that.

[dforest]

Last person to leave America? Please turn the lights out.

[bmwcyle]

Does anyone hear that big sucking sound of business rushing from the United States?