Favourite jap bike brand. [Archive]

NZsarge

5th July 2009, 11:33

Always been a pretty staunch Yamaha guy but each to their own, I also have a soft spot for Kawasaki's too, just as well I guess since I bought my first non-yamaha just before xmas last year, can highly recommend ZX14's. :niceone:
Bottom line is if you're a decent person it does'nt matter what you ride but if you're a wanker/bitch then you're just a wanker/bitch the rides a bike.

naphazoline

5th July 2009, 11:34

I don't have a favourite - but facts-wise - Some months Suzuki have sold more units than the others combined.

They do seem to be able to do some VERY competitive pricing.
I'm not sure why?

muzz

5th July 2009, 11:34

I think it comes down to personal choice.
I have always liked the italian machines myself.

AllanB

5th July 2009, 11:55

I voted Honda as I own one. I have absolutely no facts to support my vote (that's the KB way of course) and actually believe it makes f-all difference which one of the big 4's bike you purchase - they are all bloody good.

Suzuki does have every good pricing and Honda has just stuffed there's up in comparison, so monthly sales probably mean shit with respect to actual quality of the brand.

Big Dave

5th July 2009, 12:00

I'm not sure why?

Only a theory - no facts - You know how some printer manufacturers discount the printer and make their money on the ink cartridges?

Subike

5th July 2009, 12:10

Bonez

5th July 2009, 12:19

I'm bias, so guess which one I chose....

Now if only I got off my ass and got one of mine servicable.:wacko:

Honda reliability my arse.:Oops:

YellowDog

5th July 2009, 12:22

Many buy and are loyal to Suzuki due to the fact that they have a large range and they are cheap.

I voted Suzuki, but I believe that Kawasaki and Yamaha both make better bikes.

wickle

5th July 2009, 12:31

Going by the bikes I have (8) it would have to be Suzuki.

martybabe

5th July 2009, 12:33

Yamaha, I ride a Suzuki, I pine after a Harley but Yam will always be my fave I think.:scooter:

Hiflyer

5th July 2009, 12:38

HYOSU....

oh wait i'll shut my mouth or fear of KB punishment...

Indiana_Jones

5th July 2009, 12:43

I'm a fan of Honda and Suzuki if we're talking Jap only

-Indy

Owl

5th July 2009, 12:46

No Triumph in the poll, so I vote Yamaha!:yes:

Hiflyer

5th July 2009, 12:49

I'll have to go with kawasaki if we're looking at single bikes but looking at he complete range I'd have to go with Suzuki/Honda (prettymuch the same thing)

McJim

5th July 2009, 12:54

The japanese make motorcycles?!?

I thought they just put wheels on sewing machines :rofl:

=cJ=

5th July 2009, 13:20

I seem to have accumulated Suzukis, no real preference to any brand, it's just what I've ended up with.

pritch

5th July 2009, 13:21

I don't have a favourite - but facts-wise - Some months Suzuki have sold more units than the others combined.

That's a local NZ aberration possibly to do with some strange attitudes at Bluewing?

Historically Honda reputedly had the best finish but now with various Honda models being assembled in India, Brazil, Italy, (and probably China?), quality of finish may be more patchy. The "flagship" models, however, will still be as good as it gets .

Honda have regularly scored as the most reliable in the big surveys overseas and that's been my experience so I ticked the Honda box. I own a Suzuki :scooter: and I did own a Yamaha once, not the best move I ever made, but not a disaster either. There's at least one Kawasaki that I'd like to try.

Perhaps if you are really into bikes you should be able to find something to like about virtually any bike?

TomJ

5th July 2009, 13:57

Kawasaki

just because it was my first bike and I got good service from the guys in the shop. Now on 2nd Kawa although looked at lots of other options before going for quality at reasonable price. - could not afford/justify larger amounts on the Triumph Sprint tempting me away from the Kawas

Headbanger

5th July 2009, 14:35

Historically Honda reputedly had the best finish but now with various Honda models being assembled in India, Brazil, Italy, (and probably China?), quality of finish may be more patchy. The "flagship" models, however, will still be as good as it gets .

Fraid not, My uncle is getting his brand new Goldwing repainted by Honda (well, they are paying for it) as the finish was so crap. Initially he wanted to take another one off the floor and discovered everyone he looked at had the same flaw.

boman

5th July 2009, 15:03

I have owned 3 Suzuki's, would love a Gixxer, Would also love an R1, 1198, RSV4, a custom chopper of some description, so I voted don't prefer any brand.

:scooter::crazy::woohoo:

HenryDorsetCase

5th July 2009, 15:08

Honda ftw!

Swoop

5th July 2009, 15:44

Going purely on sales, the Honda Cub adds significantly to the "dominance".

quickbuck

5th July 2009, 16:08

Honda for me..... Yes they are reliable Bonez... When they are less than 25 years old! ;)

Dad bought one brand new when I was 6, and I have been biased toward them ever since....

Big Dave

5th July 2009, 16:14

Perhaps if you are really into bikes you should be able to find something to like about virtually any bike?

Aye - I have favourite models - CB1000R, M109, FJR, Connie 14, Varadero, Rune, KLR - different manuf and diverse types of bike.

zx rider

5th July 2009, 16:34

Yamaha takes more risks than other Jap brands with new models IMO.
There are a lot of copies from the others of their models from what I see.
Suzuki only make lots of sales cause they are chep, and they make cars
Honda is that big red trobbing thing, and they also make cars
Kawasaki try really hard, and have a few successes
so whats left?
I like playing my keyboard.

Kawasaki make quite a lot of stuff too. :yes:
Big ol' oil tankers, container ships, trains (electric and diesel), and "Fuji Heavy Industries" are the Subaru guys as well.
This does not mean they are best of course, as opinions are usually born from one's experiences and we all have one (arsehole):Oops: as the saying goes.

Vern

5th July 2009, 16:36

Aye - I have favourite models - CB1000R, M109, FJR, Connie 14, Varadero, Rune, KLR - different manuf and diverse types of bike.
Yeah in our family we have a Honda, a Suzuki, a Yamaha, and a Chinese Lifan and i like which ever has the most petrol in it.lol No they are enjoyable to ride so you know what I voted. Vern:mobile:

Bonez

5th July 2009, 16:49

Honda for me..... Yes they are reliable Bonez... When they are less than 25 years old! ;)
Bugger. You had to point that out didn't ya.

You'll keep :angry2:

Still got a brand spankers 550F tank in the attic. Seems paint quality may have slipped over the last 33 years or so ;).

Solly

5th July 2009, 17:03

I like all bikes, but if pushed, I'd have to say Suzuki:yes:

ryanf062

5th July 2009, 17:51

Would have said honda but suzuki is dominating my shed:yes:

Little Smurf

5th July 2009, 18:47

I'm gunna have to say Kawasaki, I have 5 in my garage!!!!

I have also owned a Suzuki and a R6 and they were OK but I guess I was pleasantly surprised when I swapped the R6 to a 636 have never looked back :woohoo:

DELLORTO

5th July 2009, 18:52

Suzuki!!!

because they make good models and have a good selection of bikes.....suzuki dominates the road racing scene in new zealand

Deano

5th July 2009, 18:55

Up until age 19 I was a Zooki boy, then I got a 1986 NSR250RR. This was mint and blew away a few 91 RGV's.

Tried a 1993 Duke 900SS but servicing was too expensive.

Back to a Honda SP1, then an in line CBR1000RR and a Zooki gurls race bike.

pete376403

5th July 2009, 21:50

Aye - I have favourite models - CB1000R, M109, FJR, Connie 14, Varadero, Rune, KLR - different manuf and diverse types of bike.
dunno if you have any choice regarding test models, but - has KR ever tested a KLR650? There seems to be some conspiracy to keep the public in the dark about them, compared to (f'rinstance) the number of Suzukis KR gets.
Not too long ago in the bike of the year article, in big bore adventure bikes the KLR was not even in the list of contestants.

Big Dave

5th July 2009, 22:05

dunno if you have any choice regarding test models, but - has KR ever tested a KLR650? There seems to be some conspiracy to keep the public in the dark about them, compared to (f'rinstance) the number of Suzukis KR gets.
Not too long ago in the bike of the year article, in big bore adventure bikes the KLR was not even in the list of contestants.

We have a long termer that I should get my mits on this week. It has been having some bling fitted. I plan on getting it dirty.

cowboyz

5th July 2009, 22:19

Bottom line is if you're a decent person it does'nt matter what you ride but if you're a wanker/bitch then you're just a wanker/bitch the rides a bike.

this is true but the question remains..

Do cool people buy kawasakis or do kawasakis make people cool?

NZsarge

6th July 2009, 03:53

Honda for me..... Yes they are reliable Bonez... When they are less than 25 years old! ;)

Dad bought one brand new when I was 6, and I have been biased toward them ever since....
When we first got a bike on the farm it too was a Honda, come to think of it I too probably was'nt far from being six years old either..
It was a CT 125, and it was a pile of absolute crap, that amount of times the old man arrived home using four letter expletives was'nt funny, usually because he was walking.. After that unfortunate bike we moved to Yamaha DT 175's, they were like a heaven sent dream by comparison, I don't recall ever having any reliability issues with them at all. All the Yamaha's we had were good bikes and only became unreliable when they were absolutely knackered. It's funny how childhood experience colours your perspective until you get old enough and honest enough (with yourself) to know things change and what once was is'nt necessarily so today, all the "big four" make pretty good bikes these days but I still think it's true mostly that you get what you pay for to a large extent.

this is true but the question remains..

Do cool people buy kawasakis or do kawasakis make people cool?

I'd say it's not necessarily true either way, perhaps it's Kawasaki's that are cool? I'm sure there is the odd knob out there riding a Kawasaki, I mean i've even seen a guy riding a Kawasaki while were wearing a Honda t-shirt, how questionable is that?!!! ;) :laugh:

Toaster

6th July 2009, 05:53

SUZUKI

Just because I have "I HAVE A SUZUKI WHAT DO YOU RIDE?" tattooed on my John Thomas and it would hurt too much to remove it.

pritch

6th July 2009, 08:55

Fraid not, My uncle is getting his brand new Goldwing repainted by Honda .

Well I wouldn't have considered the Goldwing a "flagship" model, but that's just me.

Also perhaps I should have added USA to the other countries where Honda builds bikes, and where the finish just might not be up to Japanese best standard?

Bend-it

6th July 2009, 11:05

Heard a conversation the other day,about which brand is best.

Personally,i think that's bullshit.

All bikes have their good and bad models,but i thought it would be interesting to run a poll and see what the outcome is.

So you're starting a conversation on the exact same topic you thought was bullshit??!?!

I've owned more Suzukis than any other brand but currently own a Kwaka. Most favouritest ride I've had was on a Honda cbr1000rr... One day I'll officially come out of the closet, I guess...

But it also means I don't know how to answer your poll... not that it matters, since it's bullshit! ;)

Big Dave

6th July 2009, 11:15

Well I wouldn't have considered the Goldwing a "flagship" model, but that's just me.

'Reasonably' sure I've read the word in the 'wing press kit. Not 100%.

naphazoline

6th July 2009, 11:40

So you're starting a conversation on the exact same topic you thought was bullshit??!?!

That's why i voted, "i don't favour any brand".

Gee....Sorry if it offends you.:yawn:

toebug

6th July 2009, 12:01

Well I had to vote " I dont favour any brand" cause fuck it, I'm going to own them all!!!!

One day!

skidMark

6th July 2009, 12:05

I don't have a favourite - but facts-wise - Some months Suzuki have sold more units than the others combined.

Gixxers are like tampons, every cunt has one.

Edbear

6th July 2009, 12:41

Only a theory - no facts - You know how some printer manufacturers discount the printer and make their money on the ink cartridges?

Which reminds me, my fuel light's flashing....:yes:

SPP

6th July 2009, 12:46

I like green ones but black or red are good too.

Big Dave

6th July 2009, 12:49

Which reminds me, my fuel light's flashing....:yes:

Errr yes - I didn't mean that in a disparaging way - just that they offer a cheaper ticket price to get you on the roundabout.

duckonin

6th July 2009, 13:23

SUZUKI

Just because I have "I HAVE A SUZUKI WHAT DO YOU RIDE?" tattooed on my John Thomas and it would hurt too much to remove it.

:sweatdropWould hurt to have it put on your John Thomas also Toaster.HTFU..:Oops:

Edbear

6th July 2009, 13:40

Errr yes - I didn't mean that in a disparaging way - just that they offer a cheaper ticket price to get you on the roundabout.

LOL!! No offence of course, had a chuckle. It did remind me though on the way in to St.Johns this morning, the light started flashing at Takapuna, so I'll have to top up on the way home.

Headbanger

6th July 2009, 13:59

Well I wouldn't have considered the Goldwing a "flagship" model, but that's just me.

At $48000 surely they would be THE flagship model?

pritch

6th July 2009, 16:09

At $48000 surely they would be THE flagship model?

Dunno the ones I've looked at, and the one I rode, didn't immediately impress me that way. Again, that's just me.

I'm not sure if the "flagship" thing correlates directly to the dollar signs. But then I'm assuming that the market for Goldwings is relatively small in this country...

Honda do seem to a bit overdue for some new models to carry their flag.

Bradz

6th July 2009, 16:12

Team Green, something about the colour wins it for me.

Elysium

6th July 2009, 18:14

Honda for me and Suzuki second. Honda also in my opinion has the best logo. Suzuki have a better range of bikes to choose from.

skidMark

7th July 2009, 07:20

Dunno the ones I've looked at, and the one I rode, didn't immediately impress me that way. Again, that's just me.

I'm not sure if the "flagship" thing correlates directly to the dollar signs. But then I'm assuming that the market for Goldwings is relatively small in this country...

Honda do seem to a bit overdue for some new models to carry their flag.

Overdue for new models...

Havn't you gone into a honda shop this year...

new bikes for 09...

DN-01
Predator
Hornet 600

theres a couple more i cant remember the name of.

but they have this year released a new range that nobody has seen the likes of in over 10 years... manufacturers these days usually dont change most of thier bikes completely, i commend honda for stepping up to the plate while everybody else jst makes thier frames weaker then fixes them with an epoxied in plate

Dodgyiti

7th July 2009, 07:31

skidMark

7th July 2009, 08:23

It's only recently that I would even consider buying a Jap bike. When your dad spends 2 years in a Jap POW camp there is a strong influence to keep away from them in a 'least we forget' kinda way. Dads gone now and I have a YAMMAHA but I have not forgotten either...

I see where you are coming from, but japan is also a different generation now as well...

gotta move on from it i suppose, not that it changes what happened.

(P)

7th July 2009, 11:32

It's only recently that I would even consider buying a Jap bike. When your dad spends 2 years in a Jap POW camp there is a strong influence to keep away from them in a 'least we forget' kinda way. Dads gone now and I have a YAMMAHA but I have not forgotten either...

do you not have anything "made in japan"?

c'mon pal, let it go.

I voted suzuki!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

yeah

Bend-it

7th July 2009, 14:07

Would have said honda but suzuki is dominating my shed:yes:

It's only recently that I would even consider buying a Jap bike. When your dad spends 2 years in a Jap POW camp there is a strong influence to keep away from them in a 'least we forget' kinda way. Dads gone now and I have a YAMMAHA but I have not forgotten either...

Nothing German or Italian either then eh?

Lesson 1: If you want to have an automobile industry of any sort, make war against the rest of the world!

Laava

7th July 2009, 16:58

I couldn't care less. If I like it, I'll buy it and ride it BUT, I pull all the stickers off. They aren't paying me to ride their bikes so why should I let them advertise? Same with clothing, hate the poncy wank-off label shit that pretentious people strut around in....oops! Got a bit carried away there!

Little Miss Trouble

7th July 2009, 17:11

I always had and always will have a soft spot for Kawasaki.
This is of course helped by the fact that I always received great service from my local dealer. In fact once the factory warranty runs out on the SV I'll be taking her to them too..

meteor

7th July 2009, 19:08

Ive got 2 x red, 2 x green and a blue and white one that should really be yellow! I don't know what to vote for... I'm so confused

AllanB

7th July 2009, 19:41

Fraid not, My uncle is getting his brand new Goldwing repainted by Honda (well, they are paying for it) as the finish was so crap. Initially he wanted to take another one off the floor and discovered everyone he looked at had the same flaw.

On that note I was in my local Honda/Ducati dealership last week and while perving at a new Ducati 11somethin somethin worth $30 something thousand I noticed how lumpy the paint on the tank was. Maybe whats character on a Ducati, is shit on a Honda? ;)

While a superior type of paint is now used (2 packs) the finish appears to be a lot thinner than 25 or so years ago, and despite the top clear coat more prone to scratching. The paint on a 83 Kawa I owned for 25 years was still immaculate (probably due to over 3,000 layers of polish over the years). I have my doubts if the paint on my Hornet will still look so good after that long.

Headbanger

7th July 2009, 20:44

Thin paint was the issue with the Goldwing, it was wearing/scratched from getting wiped on the shop floor, Once out in the real world it went downhill drastically. I belive the paint wore right throgh to the primer within a few months.

pritch

8th July 2009, 14:31

Overdue for new models...

Havn't you gone into a honda shop this year...

new bikes for 09...

DN-01
Predator
Hornet 600

Shit Skid I'm in there so often they are considering charging me board!
At least twice a day every day this week for starters...

Bluewing only bring in part of the Honda range so there are lots of omissions. For instance: the very useful CBF1000, two or three 600s, the Deauville, and several scooters. Someone posted earlier that Suzuki have a better selection, if Bluewing imported the whole bloody line Honda would probably have a comparable range here.

Notwithstanding all of that, most consider the VFR and the Blackbird are overdue for upgrade or replacement and the VTR is also overdue for upgrade/replacement or deletion. Thus, I guess, the interest in the rumoured V4.