Brand Loyalty - Japanese Bikes

[Rob 131 Sport]

I know when it comes to cars, mates of mine always buy the same German marque. I was wondering whether this applies to Japanese bikes.

I’ve always preferred Kawasaki bikes and this would generally be my first port of call. However, I would be receptive to a Honda, Suzuki or Yamaha.

I was just wondering if there are any people who are totally brand loyal to one Japanese Manufacturer or are not really bothered and would move between the big 4 Japanese Manufacturers.

[aka_kerrly]

I've not yet taken the plunge and bought a bike but nearly all my mates who ride all stick to the Japanese or go for KTM crossers.

I do a fair bit of servicing/repairs on bikes and the Yamaha and honda stuff in particular seems quite pleasant to work on to and parts don't seem expensive.

Another point is the resale value , buy a brand new Chinese bike and it's worth less than half after a year or two. A Japanese bike will cost more initially but retain its value for many more years. Look at early 2000s bikes with 30+ k on and they are still more desirable than a generic cheap bike.

I

[Drawweight]

I don’t know anyone in my real life circle of mates who stick to one Japanese manufacturer. Of course if you go onto one make forums you’ll find people who simply trade in one bike for a newer model.

The only ‘one brand’ mate I know is a KTM fan and is onto his 4th ..or is it 5th but like us he started on various Japanese bikes.

Personally and in my circle we buy what suits at the time. Most of us have gone through them all although I’ve never owned a Honda for some reason.

I don’t think there’s the same BMW/Mercedes car faux snobbery in the bike world as a whole.

[Rockets7]

Predominantly Honda for me, Blackbird in particular, I’ve had 5 of them now and still retain an original carb version which leads an easy life these days and is tucked away under a cover. However I’ve recently dived into buying a very low mileage 1 owner Street Triple 675R, albeit the build quality is nowhere near Honda of old it rides very well and has a banshee character about it..... maybe I should have digressed a little sooner....

[ClaphamGT3]

Without consciously intending to, I keep coming back to Honda's - from a CB100 at 17, through multiple CBR600s, a couple of Fireblades and now a VFR800. I've had a Yamaha a Triumph and a Ducati as well but always drift back to Honda

[trickywoo]

I gravitate toward Suzuki because nothing much goes wrong with them. Bikes are toys for me these days and I don’t want any trouble from them at all.

European bikes do seem to have more issues than Japanese.

[Wyvern971]

I've had quite a few Honda's over the years, but my current bike is an MV because I always liked the F4.

That being said, if I get another bike (probably in addition), it'll probably be a Japanese one, though which brand just depends on what's out there at the time.

[liner33]

Kawasaki man myself but have owned a few Honda's but never any other brand

[black-k1]

Not really brand loyal, or country loyal. I've had bikes from 3 of the big 4 jap manufactures as well as non-jap bikes. Most of my bikes have been BMWs but that's more around the fact that the particular models were aimed specifically at the market segment I'd put myself in.

[bogie]

Not really loyal to any brand or country, had more Kawasakis when I was younger just because I liked the models at the time. I've found my taste and requirements have changed over the 35 years I've been riding as I would imagine most people do. Brands can change over time too.

[Fitz666]

I have had all 4 or them but am now very much a Yamaha man, more importantly a VMax man.

[Kawasicki]

Not bothered what brand... so long as the reputation is halfways ok.

[Freakuk]

Not Japanese, Ducati for me, I have owned them since 2000 mainly superbikes, had a Multi in the mix also.

I did have an R1 for endurance racing, but never really gelled with it.

I've also had 3 KTM's, with the latest SDR being my go to bike.

[Jazoli]

The Suzuki's I've owned (B6, 'busa, GSX650 and SV1000) have been poorly made and suffer greatly if ridden all year round, most recently I've been on Kawasaki's and Yamaha's, not had a Honda for years as they seem incredibly dull, the Triumph's I've owned have been ok too, I've no real affinity for any manufacturer and now buy on who offers the most bike for the least cash as I prefer new bikes these days.

[anonymous-user]

I had a Yamaha, then a Honda, now a Triumph (only three bikes in 14 years) and have to say the build quality seems fairly similar. I was expecting the Hinckley bike to be less reliable and not as well made somehow but this is simply not the case.

[toasty]

Had all 4, each of them has good bikes and bad ones. Build quality always felt a bit better on a Honda.

[Desiderata]

Honda as a wife.
Kawasaki as a girlfriend.
Yamaha as an employee.
Suzuki as a quick fumble.

[Bob_Defly]

Currently own a Honda and a Yamaha, really like both brands.

No interest in Suzuki or Kawasaki at all.

[Pebbles167]

I purposely buy cars & bikes from as many different manufacturers as possible. Its a short life and its worth experiencing everything. I can't think of any car or bike brand that at some point, hasn't made something that interests me.

That said, of the 18 cars I've had, 10 were Peugeot, and of the 9 bikes I've had, 4 were Yamaha.

I think it's fair enough if people prefer a brand, but completely writing one off leads to silly rivalry, ie: "BMW are st, I'd never buy one!" which I find annoying.

Edited by Pebbles167 on Tuesday 12th October 13:31

[Biker 1]

I've had Hondas, Yams, KTMs, & a Suzuki many moons ago. Never owned a Kwak, but I'd like to try a Z1000 or similar.
Hard to tell which is the 'better built' - KTM fasteners are terrible & rust at the merest hint of salt. Honda had some bargaintastic parts, built to a price in Thailand apparently. I've had a Japanese built Yamaha that was so much better finished than an XT660X made in France with Italian parts!