Here’s little, but IMPORTANT piece I found over at that great UK cycle site, Visordown.com. Seems China and India are kicking up a notch in the sub-200cc category. Not sure how/if this will affect Japanese, Taiwanese and Korean numbers in the coming years, but it’s something to note. Here’s what Visordown had to say:
CHINA and Indian will produce a combined total of 36 million motorcycles per year by 2010.China and India are developing tougher emission control standards for vehicles in the upcoming years, driving the need for cost-effective electronic engine management systems.
Indian companies expect to manufacture 15 million two wheelers a year by 2010, up from 6.7 million in 2005, while China expects to make 21 million two wheelers a year in 2010, up from about 17 million in 2005.
The majority of these motorcycles will be scooters and motorcycles under 200cc. The UK motorcycle industry predicts an increase in demand for these bikes, however the main growth area won’t be Europe, but developing countries in the East.
Let’s hope they get something worth a crap. That’s right China and India, I’m taunting you! I dare you to produce something as good or better than a Super Cub.
25. October 2007 at 7:03 pm
From the Tokyo Motor Show:
Little bikes from Honda on
display that every other
scooter and motorcycle site
will ignore:
HONDA ETERNO 150
http://autos.goo.ne.jp/ms2007/
bike/other/TDSC_0574.html
HONDA CT110
http://autos.goo.ne.jp/ms2007/
bike/other/TDSC_0581.html
HONDA LITTLE CUB
http://autos.goo.ne.jp/ms2007/
bike/other/TDSC_0040.html
HONDA MONKEY
http://autos.goo.ne.jp/ms2007/
bike/other/TDSC_0592.html
http://autos.goo.ne.jp/ms2007/
bike/other/TDSC_0046.html
http://autos.goo.ne.jp/ms2007/
bike/other/TDSC_0093.html
HONDA GORILA
http://autos.goo.ne.jp/ms2007/
bike/other/TDSC_0050.html
HONDA APE
http://autos.goo.ne.jp/ms2007/
bike/other/TDSC_0594.html
http://autos.goo.ne.jp/ms2007/
bike/other/TDSC_0034.html
HONDA APE 50
http://autos.goo.ne.jp/ms2007/
bike/other/TDSC_0565.html
HONDA APE 100
http://autos.goo.ne.jp/ms2007/
bike/other/TDSC_0053.html
http://autos.goo.ne.jp/ms2007/
bike/other/TDSC_0162.html
HONDA MONKEY Z50 DAYTONA
http://autos.goo.ne.jp/ms2007/
bike/other/TDSC_0020.html
And… the Rune is baaaaaaack!
http://autos.goo.ne.jp/ms2007/
bike/other/TDSC_0591.html
Heard the Rune is going back into production but will be sold at a lower price than the first release. The Rune uses the same 6-cy engine as the GoldWing. But by stripping off the GWs bodywork, luggage, and electronics the Rune achieves a svelt 770-lbs (with only 118-HP). Makes you wonder what the auto-tranny EVO6 Concept would weigh.
25. October 2007 at 11:46 pm
What is the point if China or India can’t make something as good as a Super Cub?
I still won’t be able to buy a Super Cub.
It’s all about the money. If they sold small bikes, it would cut into the numbers of bigger, more profitable bikes that they already sell. Since they have no real competition, they just refuse to sell small bikes.
You know, I know and they know they could still sell a ton of small bikes in this country. The air would be cleaner. We would be less energy dependent. We would have more money in our pockets. We who love small motorcycles would have more fun.
26. October 2007 at 7:08 am
Even with 36 million motorcycles a year, it would be nearly two centuries before everyone on the planet has one. I say we need to step up the pace. A chicken in every pot, and a scooter in every driveway!
26. October 2007 at 11:49 pm
I want an Ape 100!! And the Eterno looks like a reiteration of the old Bajaj Legend!