Author Topic: Suzuki Squid Bike Trivia (Read 3242 times)

H2RICK · « **on:** August 28, 2007, 12:59:24 AM »

As reported by American Suzuki and quoted in the industry mag DealerNews August 2007 issue:
In 2006 (I assume model year 2006) Suzuki sold (in the US market) 22,709 "litre-class" sportbikes....more than double their next nearest competitor (Honda) who sold only 11,222 of the same class of bike.
Admittedly, the Suzuki total will include the Gixxer Thou....and the 'Busa....but that's a pretty incredible accomplishment. I'm not up on what Honda has to offer in this class but I'm betting it's at least 2 models and maybe more.
The Bandit, of course was not offered for sale in MY 2006 in the US but would NOT have been included in this total regardless because it's not classed as a sportbike but rather a "Standard".
The Big K was close on Honda's heels in third place with sales of 10, 716.
Brand y was in last place with a very heartening

9,053 sales. No wonder the R1 is considered an "endangered species" in the good old USA. Why....you can probably go days and days without seeing one.

Interesting statistics.

On another note, American Suzuki announced that it's starting what it calls "Team Suzuki Owners Club".
Glen Hansen, advertising and marketing manager at Suzuki
says: "We noticed so many Suzuki-dedicated clubs springing up online, we thought the time would be right to come out with something of our own."
No shite, Sherlock. The net pretty much puts paid to your "brilliant idea", Mr. Hansen. How the hell do people that dense get to hold such high paying and, presumably, responsible positions. American Suzuki is about 10 years late with such an "innovative" idea.

Just a few observations on a cold and rainy Monday night.
All discussion/comments are certainly welcome.

pmackie · « **Reply #1 on:** August 28, 2007, 05:57:14 PM »

I don't think us Canadian guys will get anything from it, but I voted to get my picture taken!

Red01 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 28, 2007, 09:16:21 PM »

According to the American Honda site, they're listing the CBR1000RR, RC51 & 919 as 2006 sport bikes... but I don't know if the 919 qualifies in the "litre class". (but if this is a US poll, wouldn't that be "liter class?") So it looks like Honda has either 2 or 3 depending on where the 919 shakes out.

Kawasaki had the ZX10R & ZX14 - they call them Super Sports. They're calling the Z-1000 a Sport class - so there's either 2 or three for them.

Yamaha only has the R1, so if they're only ~2000 bikes behind Big H with one model, I'd say they're doing pretty good. Maybe you don't see many R1's where you are, but they're pretty common around here. Way more popular than any single model from Honda or Kawasaki and I'd guess close to the same popularity as a GSXR1000.

As for joining a Suzuki corporate club... not likely unless there's financial bennies... a pic with a brolly gal might be a plus, too, but it would take more than just that.

Sven · « **Reply #3 on:** August 28, 2007, 10:03:08 PM »

I voted "maybe". So, uh, do I get a bright yellow tote bag?

PitterB4 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 28, 2007, 10:37:24 PM »

I made two assumptions and voted "Definitely." Assumptions being the question is really intended to ask"Would YOU ..." and that the SV1000S is considered a liter class sports bike.

Side note b/c I'm too lazy to go to their site... Honda stopped selling the Superchicken?

Red01 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 29, 2007, 01:45:03 PM »

Quote from: "PitterB4"

Side note b/c I'm too lazy to go to their site... Honda stopped selling the Superchicken?

Yup, IIRC, '05 was the last year for the Thunderchic. They stopped making RC-51's, too... they're just selling leftover '06's.

B6mick · « **Reply #6 on:** August 29, 2007, 06:12:59 PM »

Would I get a outlaw style back, and breast patch like HOG.

H2RICK · « **Reply #7 on:** September 02, 2007, 12:23:54 AM »

Quote

and that the SV1000S is considered a liter class sports bike.

It certainly is.....and my most sincere apologies, PitterB4 !!! I keep forgetting about the SV1000, one of Suzuki's perennial favourites. I'll put the omission down to my "3 or more cylinders" bias.

My buddy, Nigel, has one and swears by it. He rides it on track days and generally has a ball with it.

leedogg · « **Reply #8 on:** September 02, 2007, 12:45:11 AM »

The SV1000 was my choice last year when I was looking. ALMOST bought one, but a car instead. but a year later when I was looking again...I read a lil article about the NEW Bandit...bought one a week later. If you could get a naked SV1K in the US still- that prolly woulda been my bike- but the clip ons killed the deal for me after I sit on the B1250.

smooth operator · « **Reply #9 on:** September 02, 2007, 08:06:02 AM »

Quote from: "PitterB4"

I made two assumptions and voted "Definitely." Assumptions being the question is really intended to ask"Would YOU ..." and that the SV1000S is considered a liter class sports bike.

Side note b/c I'm too lazy to go to their site... Honda stopped selling the Superchicken?

I love my SV1000,just did a track day with it Fri.It definatly is a better track bike than my Bandit, although I still like to throw a leg over it sometimes too.And I'll pick it for a few hr trip sport ride over the Bandit too (1st gen),just handles /tracks better,lighter,6th gear,clock. Althoughthe Bandit is like a Timex,can take a lickin' & keep on tickin'. 'Ole reliable.
I guess I'll vote maybe, don't know if I'll get around to it,but I might. Don't imagine there will be any benifits involved. Dan