Chinese bikes imported into various countries by a mix of companies. Powersports Outlet in Prescott used to carry them(might still do so). Seemed to me to be fairly decent. Ride fast, far, and often and God Bless all.

I wonder if all the brands are suffering a bit.  It seems they all are just a bit stagnant in what they have to offer.  Perhaps the strict noise and emission regulations have made it too costly to get creative as each new model is expensive to get certified - perhaps the current market is not strong enough to create a market for new models - perhaps the world epidemic has just put too many designers/laborers out of work and they can't design and build them.

I have reached a point in my life where I really don't need any additional motorcycles.  The last "new" motorcycle I bought was a 2009 Sherco trials motorcycle.........prior to that the last new bike was a 1974 Suzuki TM125.  I doubt that my habit of buying used motorcycles helps the dealers and manufacturers to stay in business.

It seems that the world market for a large single cylinder street bikes is small - the countries that buy singles in large quantities want small bikes (India, China, Indonesia).  When Royal Enfield had to bring their bikes up to the EU standards - the 500 Bullet was dropped, as they sold 10 times more of the 350's.

So , when America gets to $6.00 gas then we might get new shinny motorcycle ?  

I think the success of the RE 650 twin with its shinny instead of blacked out look might help the other companies see the light a little.   Even the new Honda 350 with its NICE LINES would be great in a America size motor.    

Maybe it will take $8.00 gas to make it happen , but I'm sure Biden and Harris are working on that ?  

Zepp wrote on 06/01/21 at 09:36:23:


Well- unfortunately there just aren't enough of us to warrant the big companies to make a nice retro bike (The Kawasaki W800 might be the exception....and I am not sure how well that is selling).

Honda made a nice looking retro CB1100 - it didn't sell well.
https://infomoto.com.au/features/why-the-honda-cb1100-comeback-failed-showroom-f
lops/

i really don't want an inline 4 cylinder and the complexity and weight that go along with it - I am happy with 1 or 2 cylinders on my motorcycles.  A few years ago I was thinking a Honda CB500F was a no-nonsense mid size bike that likely could do anything I wanted with reliability and affordability - but I hated the looks.  If Honda had put a CB500 twin engine (or any twin up to 800cc) into a chassis that looked like the CB1100 - I might own one today!    

It's 2021, I'm old, I'm not buying anything with tube tires!
Cheers!  

Hay guys , I've got a W650 (2000) that I bought when I was aggravated with my Guzzi V-7 .   But now that the Guzzi is not aggravating anymore I don't need two bikes so much alike.   The Wife likes the Corbin seat on the Guzzi ...

So

I've got a W650 for sale :  
Its got less that 20k miles on it and I've still got all the original parts except that Kawasaki tank emblem.
I'll have to have $3500 for it to brake even .
The Dunlop K-70 on the back is about gone and I've got a new tire for it already but am stretching the last few miles out of the K-70 before replacing it.  
I found it sitting is a lean-to in Southern Ky last summer and put carb kits in it , new tires , and was planning on keeping it to replace the Guzzi.
But now ... its the third bike and needs a new home.

new tire , the rear one , current front - look up the METZELER PERFECT ME11 FRONT TIRE rib tread (good on rain groves).