09-07-2014, 06:58 AM
The Japanese are not selling their bikes in the US at a loss or they would have left the market long ago. European bikes generally cost more I think because they come equipped with higher quality suspension and brake components and their manufacturing costs are higher because of labor and government regulations. The Japanese are moving some of their production to Thailand where labor costs are lower as is Triumph. Triumph has been very successful in the US and all the while keeping their costs in line with their Asian competition. BMW manages to increase sales in the US despite their premium price. Harley Davidsons are very costly bikes yet their sales out do all other brands in the US. Americans spend heavily on the after market for things that personalize their bikes for the most part, that having little to do with initial costs.
I've owned some European bikes over the years, BMW, Moto Guzzi and Triumph and enjoyed them all but have always felt that I got a better value for the money with the Japanese brands. Other than my BMW, the Euro brands tended to require more in the way of maintenance, parts were costly and reliability not quite as good. Of course this is only my experience and I'm sure others have had nothing but positive results with their European bikes.
I've owned some European bikes over the years, BMW, Moto Guzzi and Triumph and enjoyed them all but have always felt that I got a better value for the money with the Japanese brands. Other than my BMW, the Euro brands tended to require more in the way of maintenance, parts were costly and reliability not quite as good. Of course this is only my experience and I'm sure others have had nothing but positive results with their European bikes.