Post by Crossbones Dennis on Oct 26, 2011 18:44:44 GMT -6
ORLANDO, FLA - If you haven't noticed, there's been a sudden proliferation of upright-seated, vaguely rugged, off-roadish looking motorcycles being released by the OEMs — the dual-sport/adventure touring segment is on fire.
At the same time, the touring segment accounts for 28 percent of the market thus far in 2011, compared to the 17 percent slice it held in 2006.
And, the Motorcycle Industry Council reports that YTD sales of dual-sport motorcycles jumped by 14.3 percent, and in September were up 15.4 percent over the same month in 2010.
These market segments played a major part of American Suzuki Motor Corp.'s general presentation to an auditorium full of dealers at the OEM's 2011 dealer meeting at the Marriott Orlando Center Resort in Orlando, Fla.
Suzuki's new executive management team used the categories' glowing numbers in the buildup to announcing the 2012 V-Strom 650 ABS Adventure and the 2012 V-Strom 1000 Adventure, two variations on the OEM's popular DL series bikes.
Under the Adventure moniker, the DL650 comes equipped with aluminum saddlebags, a touring windscreen and an accessory bar. The extras bump up the msrp of the newly reworked and restyled "Wee-Strom" from $8,299 to $9,799. The larger DL gets saddlebags and a top case, additions that increase the msrp from $10,399 to $10,999.
It was just back in June that Suzuki unveiled the updated DL650 after an extended online teaser campaign. The new version includes an reworked 645cc motor from the Gladius, new bodywork, ABS as standard fitment and a reduced curb weight.
At the same time, the touring segment accounts for 28 percent of the market thus far in 2011, compared to the 17 percent slice it held in 2006.
And, the Motorcycle Industry Council reports that YTD sales of dual-sport motorcycles jumped by 14.3 percent, and in September were up 15.4 percent over the same month in 2010.
These market segments played a major part of American Suzuki Motor Corp.'s general presentation to an auditorium full of dealers at the OEM's 2011 dealer meeting at the Marriott Orlando Center Resort in Orlando, Fla.
Suzuki's new executive management team used the categories' glowing numbers in the buildup to announcing the 2012 V-Strom 650 ABS Adventure and the 2012 V-Strom 1000 Adventure, two variations on the OEM's popular DL series bikes.
Under the Adventure moniker, the DL650 comes equipped with aluminum saddlebags, a touring windscreen and an accessory bar. The extras bump up the msrp of the newly reworked and restyled "Wee-Strom" from $8,299 to $9,799. The larger DL gets saddlebags and a top case, additions that increase the msrp from $10,399 to $10,999.
It was just back in June that Suzuki unveiled the updated DL650 after an extended online teaser campaign. The new version includes an reworked 645cc motor from the Gladius, new bodywork, ABS as standard fitment and a reduced curb weight.