Kawasaki issues statement on link with Suzuki

Updated at 10.45am, Thursday, August 30, 2001

Kawasaki has issued an official release explaining how its tie-up with Suzuki will work from its point of view.

You can read the statement in full by clicking on ” Kawasaki’s official line ” right.

Read the rest of this story and then have your say by following the relevant link, right.

Updated at 9.25am, Thursday, August 30, 2001

Kawasaki and Suzuki’s announcement that they are to form an alliance to share components and development costs has inspired a lot of comment in our Talk Bikes, News, chat board.

Fatfryer hoped it would bring prices down but warned against the danger of large cartells.

Mgabbiani posted: ” This is old news in the car industry. Most of the bike manufacturers already source componenets like brakes, wheels, tyres, shocks, etc from the same group of suppliers. Sharing some R&D and manufacturing resources still allows them to develop bikes which are distinct from one another.

” Mechanically Ducati’s Monster is not very different to the S4 or 996, but they are very different to look at and ride. ”

And thunderpants asked: ” Is this in an effort to make bikes cheaper or just because they are both in the financial plop? ”

Read the rest of the story, below, and add your comments by following the link, right.

Updated at 3.15pm, Wednesday, August 29

Suzuki has now released an official statement on the alliance between themselves and Kawasaki.

And it seems clear that future bikes WILL share parts and components starting pretty swiftly with cruisers (Suzuki has the Intruders while Kawasaki has the VN range), larger capacity scooters and motocrossers.

You can read it in full by following the link ” Official Statement ” , right.

Updated 1.30pm, Wednesday, August 29

Suzuki and Kawasaki are tieing up in an alliance of their motorcycle businesses according to business analysts.

A spokesman for the UK arm of one of the companies confirmed the news, saying: ” It is true, the two are streamlining. ”

Official press releases from both firms are expected soon but it is known that the merger involves key elements of design, engineering and spares.

Individual brands and dealerships will remain separate, according to first reports.

That is thought to mean you will still be able to buy Kawasaki and Suzuki motorcycles, from separate dealerships, something we’re expecting to confirm as news comes in.

The agreement will see the two firms initially sharing development and production of off-road motorcycles and large capacity scooters.

Both firms are keen ;to emphasise there is no form of takeover from either side.

Suzuki is Japan’s third biggest bike maker and Kawasaki the fourth.

The implications are potentially huge and we’ll bring you more to clarify the picture as soon as we get it.