In one breath, we explain the pros and cons of motorcycles from different countries and why Honda is the world’s best-selling motorcycle brand.
Fifth, the United States, represented by the brand Harley. Since its establishment in 1903, Harley has become a part of American culture. Its appearance design is also highly recognizable. Through the influence of American movies around the world, Harley has become synonymous with American cruising in the hearts of many car fans.
Most consumers would think that the air-cooled engine is a relatively backward form of heat dissipation, but fortunately the structure is simple and easy to maintain. However, Harley’s new models in recent years have also been moving towards water-cooled heat dissipation. In addition, high fuel consumption and oil leakage are also Harley’s shortcomings.
Fourth, Austria, represented by the brand KTM. This motorcycle manufacturer was founded in 1934, and its strength lies in off-road motorcycles. Passionate orange is KTM’s most recognizable brand color. Wild and hardcore are the best summary of KTM models.
Of course, in addition to off-road and ADV models, KTM’s DUKE street car series is also very popular. The strengths of the KTM brand are high performance, lightweight and excellent handling. However, in the entry-level small-displacement field, KTM still insists on using single-cylinder engines. Although it is very distinctive and fun, at the same price, domestic consumers are often more willing to choose twin-cylinder models.
Third, Germany, with its representative brand BMW, is a symbol of high-end in both the automotive and motorcycle industries. Even for a passerby who knows nothing about motorcycles, the BMW logo represents expensiveness in the public’s impression.
It is true that BMW motorcycles are expensive and not affordable, but even so, BMW motorcycles still have a huge consumer group around the world. There is also a saying circulating on the Internet, “You just need to refuel, and leave the rest to BMW’s electronic control.” Indeed, BMW’s powerful electronic control configuration has always been a topic of conversation among domestic netizens. Of course, except for high-end models, the power of some mid- and low-end BMW models sold in China has been castrated.
Second, Italy, with its representative brand Ducati. This motorcycle brand has a history of nearly 100 years. Since it officially entered the Chinese market in 2009, China has become its fifth largest market. As a high-end motorcycle brand, Ducati currently sells large-displacement models of quasi-liter or liter levels in the domestic market.
Compared with its competitors, Ducati models generally have greater horsepower. Based on this brand characteristic, Ducati has three most classic nicknames: “horsepower dog”, “low-speed tractor” and “high-speed fighter”. Of course, in addition to the high cost of repair and maintenance, low-speed drag and high heat generation have always been Ducati’s brand “characteristics”.
First, Japan, represented by the brand Honda. In 2023, Honda’s total motorcycle sales reached 18.4 million units, while Yamaha, also from Japan, had only 4.6 million units, Suzuki had only 1.9 million units, and Kawasaki was not even in the top 10. Why does Honda have such a far-reaching sales volume among the four major motorcycle brands in Japan?
This has a lot to do with Honda’s strategy. Compared with Yamaha, which is “not doing its job properly”, Honda has reliable quality and balanced vehicle performance comparable to Suzuki. Compared with Kawasaki, which only produces medium and large-displacement vehicles, Honda has a basic base of small-displacement channel vehicles with huge sales. For domestic consumers, Honda has always conveyed a brand impression of being tough, durable, economical and fuel-efficient. However, from entry-level to high-end, the cost-effectiveness of Honda motorcycles has always been average.
So what do you think are the characteristics of domestically produced motorcycles? Feel free to share your views.
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