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Posted on 06/27/2022 2:52:02 PM PDT by martin_fierro
TOKYO -- Honda Motor and three Japanese rivals plan to discontinue about 20 motorcycle models by the end of this year, Nikkei has learned, in response to tougher emissions standards to be implemented in Japan in the fall.
The retired motorbikes represent 10% of the roughly 190 models available from Honda, Yamaha Motor, Suzuki Motor and Kawasaki Heavy Industries.
Going forward, the companies will shift to electrics. Honda will electrify its entire lineup of vehicles by the 2040s. Yamaha will make 90% of new vehicles plug-ins by 2050.
Honda, the world's largest motorcycle company, will retire approximately 10 out of 80 models. The affected bikes include popular models like the CB400 Super Four, a midsized motorcycle which has been a bestseller since the 1990s.
Also on Honda's chopping block are models from the full-sized Gold Wing series, as well as the Benly scooter made for delivery services.
Yahama will stop selling two models from its flagship FJR1300 series of tourers. Suzuki will pull at least five out of roughly 20 models from production lines by October, including the midsized GSX250R.
Kawasaki Motors, a subsidiary of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, stopped delivering some full-sized motorcycles last year.
Japan adopted tougher emission standards at the end of 2020 that applied to new models. The standards will apply to all existing models in November.
The rules are modeled after the European Union's Euro 5 law, introduced in January 2020. It mandates that nitrogen oxide emission be cut by up to 33%.
To comply with Japan's incoming regulations, motorcycle manufacturers will need to install upgraded catalytic converters or to completely redesign engines. However, it is extremely expensive to develop new engines. The price of rare metals used in catalytic converters has jumped to new highs.
Redesigning existing motorcycle models "would raise the sale price three to four times," said a source from a major motorcycle manufacturer. There is no prospect for growth for the Japanese market, so the makers will significantly shrink lineups and cut back on new model rollouts.
Motorcycle manufactures anticipate electrified models will sway competitive advantage amid the shift toward carbon reduction. The companies are concentrating research and development funds into electrics. Because Japanese players control 40% of the global motorcycle market, that trend is expected to hasten the transition away from gasoline two-wheelers.
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And life just gets that much more miserable, thanks to the EcoNazis”
Yep and is seems unstoppable. Telling the truth about the climate BS is almost illegal now.
The road conditions are terrible in these failed areas. It's multi-years neglect and not getting any better soon.
The terrible drivers factor into it to. They're untrained and unaware of basic driving laws and suffer from the unbridled pride of ignorance. Law Enforcement is unwilling or unable to deal with them so they only get worse.
Democrats suck.
I’m waiting for a Honda CRF300l Rally ABS to be unboxed right now at a dealer a few towns north of me. Will buy it either later this week or early next if all things work out.
Honda commits suicide.
If you didn’t notice motorcycle manufacturers are making twins and other less expensive motorcycles in the past few years. The number of new, exciting motorcycles is becoming less and less.
It used to be that sportbikes had a four year shelf life before a new model was introduced. Newer, faster models all the time. Not so much anymore.
Yet one more fun thing to bite the dust on our way to utopia.
Motorcycles used to be considered the most efficient transportation vehicles on the road.
They have a lot better mileage than any car and they do not pollute. Unlike the electric vehicles.
When I used to ride a bike, I used to say, I am risking my life for the Mother Earth!
But the Econazists just do not give up until we all live in caves and walk to our work in stone carving quarry.
If we are the lucky ones allowed to live!
I have a Honda motorcycle that’s getting close to 40 years old and it doesn’t even have 10,000 miles.
I just looked at it this morning thinking I need to get it started this summer.
:(
“Honda will electrify its entire lineup of vehicles by the 2040s. Yamaha will make 90% of new vehicles plug-ins by 2050”
The consumer might have a little something to say about that
Go for it I still have my unlimited Hayabusa in the garage 🤪
It’s not going anywhere
That comment is worthless without photos.;-)
Is it true that Hayabusas can only go in straight lines?
“..Democrats suck..”
Understatement of the century.
These so-called govt policy-makers need to be run out of the country on a rail. Who made them god to decide what society wants and/or needs? Screw em.
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