As Harley moves into it’s second hundred years in existence, it looks like their pre-eminent position at the top of the cruiser pile in the US is coming under attack in a way not seen since the US imposed import tax hikes to fight off overseas competition decades ago.
Harley-Davidson rules the U.S. cruiser market with 51 percent of total sales, followed by Honda at 22 percent and Yamaha at 11 percent, according to data compiled by Suzuki, which itself has an 8 percent share.
Suzuki and others are now looking to make a more serious run with a new line of cruisers, such as the ‘Boulevard’ with fuel-injection. The bike is being targeted at riders who are looking to move away from sportsbikes but still want a high-tech machine rather than downgrading to something more agricultural.
"We feel there is not a bike like that on the market right now," said Mel Harris, vice president of American Suzuki's motorcycle/marine operations. "This is not your grandfather's cruiser that goes putt, putt."
Bookmarks