03-03-2021, 03:09 AM
The insanely high cost of insurance for Japanese supersports is clearly one reason their sales have plummeted in recent years. Those rates are particularly high for those who would typically be most interested in such bikes: younger riders. Add that issue to the fact that the 750cc race class is dead, which effectively killed off the GSX-R750, and even the 600s aren't really a major player any longer. Plus, as you mentioned, the cost of these Japanese supersports went through the roof. Kids simply cannot afford a new 600 race bike, never mind an R1 or CBR1000RR.
They can, however, (somewhat) afford a Ninja 650 or MT-09. The lower-spec sporty naked is where the shrinking Japanese sportbike market currently exists. I won't say that it's thriving, but it's at least reasonably healthy. The Japanese supersport market has tech'd and priced itself nearly out of existence.
They can, however, (somewhat) afford a Ninja 650 or MT-09. The lower-spec sporty naked is where the shrinking Japanese sportbike market currently exists. I won't say that it's thriving, but it's at least reasonably healthy. The Japanese supersport market has tech'd and priced itself nearly out of existence.