August 14, 2006 – Cycle Report

Kawasaki, Suzuki boost production in Japan
Japan’s four major motorcycle manufacturers produced 133,684 units in June, up 4,580 units or 3.5 percent compared to the production of 129,104 units in June 2005.
Combined production for the first six months of the year totaled 878,169 units, nearly equal to the production of 878,154 units during the same six months last year.
In June, Honda produced 49,982 units, up from 49,496 units in June 2005; Kawasaki produced 13,755, up from 12,999 units; Suzuki produced 41,933 units, up from 30,153 units; and Yamaha produced 27,965 units, down from 36,413 units.
For the six months ended June 30, Honda produced 271,157 units, down from 289,942 units during the same six months in 2005; Kawasaki produced 120,165 units, up from 104,758 units; Suzuki produced 261,677 units, up from 238,598 units; and Yamaha produced 224,894 units, down from 244,622 units.
The four manufacturers exported 99,827 units in June, up 11,574 units or 13.1 percent compared to the export of 88,253 units in June 2005. The total value of motorcycles exported was $541.69 million, including $431.72 million for vehicles and $109.97 million for parts. This is an increase of $84.34 million or 18.4 percent compared to a worth of $457.35 million recorded in June 2005.
For the first six months of the year, the four manufacturers exported 662,341 units, up 2,577 units or 0.4 percent compared to the export of 659,764 units during the same six-month period last year. The total value of motorcycles exported for the first half of 2006 was $4.06 billion, including $3.35 billion for vehicles and $712.4 million for parts. This is an export increase of $125.3 million or 3.2 percent compared to a worth of $3.9 billion recorded for the same six months of 2005.
KYMCO recalls Agility 50 scooter
KYMCO USA, the U.S. importer and distributor of vehicles by Kwang Yang Motor Company, Ltd., said Agility 50 scooters were inadvertently shipped without an engine “stop” switch.
The KYMCO Quality Control Department has determined that a noncompliance issue related to 49 CFR part 123 exists on all 2006-2007 Agility 50 models manufactured in May and June. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requires this model to be equipped with a proper engine “stop” switch, which is designed to stop the engine from running quickly in the event of an emergency.
KYMCO USA, Inman, S.C., says owners of these vehicles have been notified by mail to return them to a dealer for inspection and repair. For more information, visit www.kymcousa.com.
More than 1,500 take part in Mid-Ohio Dealer Ride
More than 1,500 riders from 140 motorcycle dealerships in seven states participated in the 16th Mid-Ohio Dealer Ride, an opportunity to ride the 2.4-mile, 15-turn Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. The Dealer Ride took place Aug. 6, during the lunch break of the Honda Super Cycle Weekend presented by Dunlop Tire.
In addition to the lunchtime lap on Sunday, participants received VIP parking in the track’s infield, and five lucky riders had the opportunity to win a pace car ride.
Ducati offers another repli-racer
Ducati enthusiasts who may have missed out on ordering the Desmosedici RR, or simply couldn’t find the funds, have another chance to pick up a limited edition repli-racer.
The 2007 Ducati 999s Team USA edition is a celebration of Ducati’s competition in the AMA Superbike series. The model — built exclusively for the North American market — was unveiled during the Red Bull USGP held at Laguna Seca Raceway. It will be limited in production to 150 units, and will bear the autographs of team racers Neil Hodgson and Ben Bostrom on the tail section.
Available for sale at Ducati dealers throughout North America beginning this month, the bike is powered by the 143hp 999cc Testastretta motor and will retail for $19,995. psb