Topic: kiss the 1100 goodbye

[tramp]

just talked to a honda rep today while at a motorcycle show today
he said the 1100 will not be sold in the us because no one will buy one
that is why they don't make the 919 anymore
so there it is, screwed again by honda

[HavocTurbo]

eh...

It is what it is.

Sad day when the public demand isn't there for a classic looking bike.

[nickjtc]

The Reps up here say it is all down to economics. They have to get each different model approved by the DOT before it may be imported. That apparently is phenominally expensive (well, anything to do with bureaucracy is expensive I suppose!). Then they have to sell a certain number of units to achieve 'break even'. I assume that for us, with about 10% of the population of the US, that means that if they figure on selling, say, 5000 of a unit in the States they will need to sell 500 in Canada. Each year.

So, when a potentially 'big seller' crashes and burns (like the 919 or the Kawasaki W650 retro) they get a bit gun shy of going outside the box. Let's face it, if Honda/Yamaha/Suzuki/Kawasaki can sell cruiser clones by the container full, and sport bikes by the slightly smaller container full, why should they even think of trying to satisfy what might be less than 1% of the potential customer base for any given model.

Just my 44 cents worth (4 cents + inflation)

[eldar]

Sad thing is I bet the cruiser market is going to bottom out and then they will wish they had the 919 or 1100.

[Ecosse]

Mighty Honda can't put their big girl pants on and offer the 1100 huh?

I just read in a recent classic bike mag (don't remember which) that Moto Guzzi will bring the very tasty V7 Classic to these shores. If Moto Guzzi can do it Honda should be able; I agree with the above mentioned economic reasoning in general but often times it's marketing "experts" who just don't get it. Honda's loss.

[fuzzybutt]

well, at least harley is going to start selling the xr1200 here now, in 11 more days supposedly. i would actually consider a harley because of that model, it's style is pretty different from anything they make today

[Ecosse]

Sad thing is I bet the cruiser market is going to bottom out and then they will wish they had the 919 or 1100.

yeah, like when the SUV market tanked the "big three" were caught with their collective pants down. call me cruel but i hope it happens. not that i hate cruisers but rather to wise up these know it all's.

nickjtc ya have pretty valid points but if there's one thing i learned is that when the industry has its heart set on a product they can sell any lump of garbage they want- not that honda's are garbage.    when marketing makes something suddenly 'cool' people will beat a path to their door.

[ofreen]

I'd like to see that bike and lots of others sold here that aren't.  Just because I like to see some diversity out there on the road.  However, Honda is in the business to make money, not to appeal to my esthetic sense.  There have been enough interesting standard-style bikes flop in the U.S. market that the Japanese manufacturers are wary of that niche.  How can you blame them?  Where's the market interest other than a bunch of people on a forum who are clinging to their 35 year old bikes who may or may not (more likely) buy one of the new ones?

Instead of deriding the manufacturers, I'd go after the U.S. government on this one for requiring so many expensive hoops to jump through.  The bureaucrats must think a Euro-spec bike is dangerous to ride, I guess. 

[ev0lve]

Just out of interest does anyone know the sales figures for the ZRX1200R?

Did it tank in the showroom or do reasonably (break even or better)?

[333]

so there it is, screwed again by honda

Try blaming the American public.  Like any company, research is done to determine what will sell.

I assume that for us, with about 10% of the population of the US, that means that if they figure on selling, say, 5000 of a unit in the States they will need to sell 500 in Canada. Each year.

I wish.  Try about 3%, which includes ATVs and dirt bikes.  With gas soaring to $4.00 this last year, it may have grown to 4%.

[Ecosse]

So, am I to understand that Moto Guzzi, a smaller company with less brand recognition in North America, has less of those expensive hoops to jump through? I realize sometimes smaller companies are the braver and more dynamic ones but I have difficulty believing their market research has resulted in such radically different information than Honda and I doubt they are so bold as to take such a stupid chance- in this lousy economy of all times.

It isn't as simple as research data anyway; results rarely are so black and white as to not be subject to interpretation. If anyone thinks that it more or less comes down to an objective decision made by the cool headedness of upper management they would be off more than just a little. Many major decisions in brand direction are made by middle management (morons) and by people with a 'vision' and personal bias's ruling their heads.

Please look at history, it's ripe with examples. Why is the common consensus regarding the big three that it is primarily they who caused the mess they're in now but when it concerns this topic about the motorcycle industry we have so much faith that they know what the heck they're doing? Honda (cars) was doing just fine with the Civic CRX but dropped it for crying out loud in favor of that turd the Del Sol! Subaru was insistent for about a decade the turbo Imprezza would flop in the US. Wrong! Much of what a large company runs on is momentum; it is shocking how many completely inept people have major deciding power. Plus, I've not heard any solid information suggesting that with the same vigorous advertising 'standards' couldn't also sell well.

I'm not dismissing earlier points made, they're all quite valid, but there's more going on in the process and IMO it's a significant component. Yes I blame the public too... which more so than ever have acted as lemmings and willful slaves to advertising. But that also reinforces my point that with the right marketed image you can sell farts in a can.

But it'll be interesting if we see a similar fate befall the cruiser niche as did the SUV- obviously for different reasons. It's hardly ever a good idea to put your eggs all in one basket.

BTW wouldn't it be cool if they offered not only the 1100f but smaller cc versions too? I see what other countries get and envy them.

[ofreen]

So, am I to understand that Moto Guzzi, a smaller company with less brand recognition in North America, has less of those expensive hoops to jump through? I

It is a miracle there is even still a Moto Guzzi.  They have been all but tits up many, many times.  Not a good example as a successful business model.

[super pasty white guy]

I've always liked the look of a vintage Guzzi, and have been watching for one to show up for a reasonable price around here.  Especially with a bike I'd rather someone else take the depreciation hit.  But this... this i'd seriously have to consider buying new.

spwg

[tramp]

saw the xr1200 at the show today too
i like the bike alot
harley says 90hp
the heads are oil cooled
cost about 10,700

[754]

Has anyone here,
ever been at a show and been asked (or by any other method)

WTF the RIDING public.. would like to see brought out?? ?? ?? ??

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A bit off topic, but I in my life could never imagine a LOGICAL explanation for the wheels that went on first year Chryco Croosfire.
. I think whoever approved them should have a LIFETIME BAN from the transportation industry..

[bill440cars]

         Kiss The 1100 Goodbye?   Well, okay. I'd just ask that we'd be left alone (me & the 1100). Then, I would......................
..Jump On That Sucker and RIDE OFF!!!!!  


                                 Well, I would!

[bill440cars]

        The Suzuki's pretty tough, but this Moto Guzzi IS pretty sharp looking itself! \



        Only thing wronh with the Moto Guzzi is that it isn't mine!

[gregimotis]

        Only thing wronh with the Moto Guzzi is that it isn't mine!

What you meant to say, I'm sure, is that it isn't mine!

[bill440cars]

        The Suzuki's pretty tough, but this Moto Guzzi IS pretty sharp looking itself! \


                         OOPS!                       
        Only thing wronh WRONG with the Moto Guzzi is that it isn't mine!

          Greg, I think you are getting mixed up on this "Mine" thing. Now I wouldn't wish it on you, so I figured that I'd take the pressure off of you, by wishing it was mine.          

[Ecosse]

So, am I to understand that Moto Guzzi, a smaller company with less brand recognition in North America, has less of those expensive hoops to jump through? I

It is a miracle there is even still a Moto Guzzi.  They have been all but tits up many, many times.  Not a good example as a successful business model.

  Good point that!

[ofreen]

So, am I to understand that Moto Guzzi, a smaller company with less brand recognition in North America, has less of those expensive hoops to jump through? I

It is a miracle there is even still a Moto Guzzi.  They have been all but tits up many, many times.  Not a good example as a successful business model.

  Good point that!

I'm glad they are still at it.  One of these days I'd like to find a good deal on a V11 Lemans or Sport.  I've ridden them and they are fun, just couldn't see spending 10 or 11 grand on one.

[Ecosse]

Juuust a bit off topic but it seems the Guz engines are popular with builders of Morgan cycle car replicas. Dig those things.

[ekim98]

                         OOPS!                       
        Only thing wronh WRONG with the Moto Guzzi is that it isn't mine!        

 I wonder why Honda doesn't make a bike like this, instead of a dam Harley wana be cruiser!!

[754]

They tried.. CX 500, but they F,d it up with a rad, and made it almost as high as it was long...

.. no kicker either...

[ekim98]

They tried.. CX 500, but they F,d it up with a rad, and made it almost as high as it was long...

.. no kicker either...

If they tried as hard as they are trying to make a Harley, they could certainly come up with something. I'd just like to see an air cooled, naked street bike without all the bells and whistles that had a street fighter look. I'm sure their R&D has something on the drawing board.