What you are saying…

The most important people in the Kawasaki-Suzuki deal are you the riders who buy the bikes. So to find out what MCN readers make of the tie-up, we visited the Greyhound meet in Folkingham, Lincs:

PEARL McGLEN, 39, Ruskington, Lincs

Rides:Kawasaki GPX250

Wants: Kawasaki ZX-12R

” While Kawasaki was the smallest manufacturer it had an identity of its own. Losing this is sad but if they are getting the benefit of the money and as long as they don’t water the bikes down too much then it will be good news for everyone. “

COLIN NEWTON, 38, from Digby, Lincs

Rides: Yamaha Thunderace

Wants: Kawasaki ZX-9R

” It will be a shame if Kawasaki and Suzuki bikes get too similar because you need that individuality. Cars have become more and more similar to each other over the years and there’s a worry that bikes would go the same way if this move goes too far down the line. The world of bikes wouldn’t be the same without the green Kawasaki. I’ve had my eye on the ZX-9 for a while and I still want one – it would be a different story if it changed to look more like a Suzuki, though. “

SCOTT McCLENNAN, 26, Cranwell, Lincs

Rides: Yamaha R6

Wants: Another R6

” Bikes need character. If this is taken away from them then it would stop me buying one. “

GRENVILLE AND JOYCE TAYLOR, 53 and 50, Bottesford, Notts

Ride: Yamaha Diversion 900

Want: Yamaha FJR1300

” It shows how Suzuki has grown in recent years, because it wasn’t so big a while ago. I suppose it will make things cheaper for riders as putting all their technical know how together should make the companies a lot more efficient. It’s a bit like VW, Seat, Audi and Skoda coming together in cars. You have to wonder whether Suzuki or Kawasaki will end up being the equivalent of Skoda.

MARK FLAXMAN-BINNS, 40, Osbournby, Lincs

Rides: VFR800

Wants: 2002 VFR800

” Kawasaki is a massive company, but it seems to have left the bike arm to sink or swim on its own – and it appears to have gone pear-shaped for them. I work in the car industry and there is lots of parts-sharing which happens in that. I don’t think motorcyclists will be keen on the idea, though.