Metric U.S. bike exports rise suddenly

Metric manufacturers’ new motorcycle exports to the United States saw a considerable jump in August, ending a year-long trend of declines.

Exports to the United States in August totaled more than 6,700 units, a 42.5 percent increase from the year-ago month, according to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA). The association includes Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki.

Metric exports to the U.S. had declined by almost 40 percent in July and were down significantly in the first half of 2010.

While August metric exports to the U.S. rose, they fell substantially in Canada. Exports there totaled 504 units, a drop of 41.5 percent.

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