Metric bike exports into U.S. trend lower

Metric manufacturers’ new motorcycle exports into the United States continue a year-long trend of significant reductions.

Metric OEMs, including Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki, shipped 4,582 units into the United States in May, a 46 percent decline from a year ago, according to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA).

Metric OEM unit shipments were down significantly in April (minus-21 percent) and March (minus-71 percent).

JAMA shipments to Canada, however, did increase for May. Shipments there totaled 778 units, up from 168 a year ago.

For overall production, JAMA members reported an increase for May. JAMA members manufactured more than 48,000 units in May, a 17 percent increase over a year ago.

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