the end of honda racing!
Discussion
http://www.singletrackworld.com/article.php?sid=26...
was hoping the technology would reach a production bike. but a little disappointed if they just shut up shop here, big contribution to riding in the last few years... small applause, bigger if they put the technology up for others to progress.
was hoping the technology would reach a production bike. but a little disappointed if they just shut up shop here, big contribution to riding in the last few years... small applause, bigger if they put the technology up for others to progress.
This is sad news for DH as it was good to have a HUGE company investing in the sport. Be interesting to see where Greg Minaar and Brendan Fairclough end up.
As far as I understand it, Honda's initial plan was to start a DH team to gain publicity then sell the downhill bike and a range of high end bikes. The problem was Honda can look after their motorcross etc bikes aftermarket through their dealer network.
DH is totally different, with most people buying non-standard parts to fit to a frame and fork (ie most people custom make bikes, rather than buy off the shelf). So Honda couldn't control what happened with their frames. This apparently worried the guys at Honda
Big shame as the downhill bike looked awesome and had a lot of potential.
As far as I understand it, Honda's initial plan was to start a DH team to gain publicity then sell the downhill bike and a range of high end bikes. The problem was Honda can look after their motorcross etc bikes aftermarket through their dealer network.
DH is totally different, with most people buying non-standard parts to fit to a frame and fork (ie most people custom make bikes, rather than buy off the shelf). So Honda couldn't control what happened with their frames. This apparently worried the guys at Honda
Big shame as the downhill bike looked awesome and had a lot of potential.
Neil and I were chatting about DH vs road biking at the weekend. The typical DH biker will probably buy one bike every few years and bodge it to keep it working. Not fussed about getting parts tatty and will generally ride a bike that is far from in pristine condition. Thus, the average spend of a DH rider is quite low.
In contrast, road bikers and triathletes want pristine parts and will be happy to buy new mechs etc every race just to make sure the bike is working 100%. It's one of the current 'in' sports among the high net worth people, so there's a lot of cash bouncing around in that sport. So the bike companies make more cash from roadies.
In contrast, road bikers and triathletes want pristine parts and will be happy to buy new mechs etc every race just to make sure the bike is working 100%. It's one of the current 'in' sports among the high net worth people, so there's a lot of cash bouncing around in that sport. So the bike companies make more cash from roadies.
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