Suzuki dealers seeing standard-class bike growth

Suzuki grows U.S. sales by 24 percent overall in September

Having sown the seeds of a strong model mix and tended that with fruitful sales programs, Suzuki dealers nationwide harvested healthy sales increases in September throughout the manufacturer’s range of motorcycles, ATVs and scooters. Compared to the same month last year, Suzuki increased sales in September by a striking 24 percent across its diverse product mix. The manufacturer heads into fall with a sales total ahead of the same period last year.

With exciting new models in the standard category, Suzuki grew this segment by 40 percent compared to September last year, and the company’s standard-class sales volume has blossomed more than 80 percent year to date. The GSX-S750 models, delivering the right performance at a superb price point, sold with gusto through September. The GSX-S1000 series motorcycles received rave reviews in the media’s first-ride tests, and these new bikes — which began arriving at Suzuki dealers in September — are proving to draw buyers to Suzuki showrooms. These buyers admire the S1000’s blend of performance, comfort and powerful value.

These new models, along with others like the DR200S and RM85, are helping Suzuki dealers gain attention. And with extensive communication about its attractive financing offers, Suzuki is making it clear that shoppers can feel comfortable buying a new Suzuki motorcycle, scooter or ATV.

“Suzuki and its dealers have worked hard to do two things: deliver a fresh and diverse lineup of Suzuki vehicles, and take the stress out of buying,” said Rod Lopusnak, director, Motorcycle/ATV Sales Operations. “By presenting deals as low as 0-percent financing, or alluring cash-back options, Suzuki dealers are helping make customers feel comfortable with their buying decisions. We’ve been able to provide dealers with a deep lineup of motorcycles, scooters and ATVs, as well as the best financing offers to make them even more attractive. That’s hard to beat.”

Along with healthy sales in the standard segment, Suzuki KingQuad ATVs continue to prove popular at retail. In fact, the KingQuad 400, 500 and new 750 are three of the company’s best-selling vehicles. ATV enthusiasts are realizing that the KingQuads deliver the best balance of features, performance and value.

Suzuki has long been a leader in the dualsport segment. While the company continues to freshen its dual-sport lineup with bikes like the DR200S and V-Strom 1000 ABS, sales across the lineup remain robust, growing 23 percent compared to September 2014. The DR200S in particular has proven to be a solid platform for new motorcycle riders.

Sales of Suzuki Boulevard cruisers grew by 50 percent compared to the same month last year. From the well-positioned Boulevard S40 up to the muscle cruiser Boulevard M109R, each model in this cruiser field proved popular. The touring-focused Boulevard T models are also consistently popular, with the value-priced C50T leading the way.

While celebrating the GSX-R’s 3 Decades of Dominance with special events at Superbike races and with new tribute colors of the
GSX-R1000, Suzuki dealers have found that GSX-R sales have dominated the sportbike category in September. Showing equally strong performance, sales of the GSX-R600, 750 and 1000, as well as the Suzuki Hayabusa, combined for 25 percent growth compared to the same month last year.

In the off-road and motocross segments, September proved to be a holeshot month. The Suzuki DR-Z70 — a class-leading performer for young off-roaders — doubled Suzuki’s enduro-segment sales compared to last September. And the excitement remains high for Suzuki’s MX bikes. A thoroughly updated RM-Z250 is garnering rave reviews in the media, and the bikes are beginning to arrive at Suzuki dealers. Meanwhile, sales of the existing RM-Z450 and 250 grew by 42 percent in September. With Suzuki’s re-invigorated Amateur Racing program coming online this fall, Suzuki is supporting even more of its customers with contingency rewards, track-side support, and opportunities to train with Ricky Carmichael. With increased recognition of these efforts, sales of these champion-inspired MX bikes, as well as the RM85 two-stroke racer, will remain strong.