04-24-2018, 07:49 AM
I agree with pdedse--it's difficult to say what "the market" thinks, without hard numbers. Kawasaki imported the W650 to the US for only two years, 2000 and 2001. The 2001 had improved geometry, seat, and a nicer color scheme on the tank, but they sold far more of the 2000s than the 2001s. The reason is that those who were enthusiastic for this retro bike went out and bought one in 2000, when they were first available. By the following year, that limited market was largely saturated with happy 2000 model owners. Kawasaki realized this and pulled the bike from our shores, though it continued on in Europe and Japan and eventually became the W800. I would not assert that this was because the esthetics or performance of the 2000 was preferred; the company learned what the depth of demand was by having lots of leftover 2001s.
Assessing the failure or success of the 2014 would need to take into account the total market--not just DLX but also how many potential CB buyers already bought a 2013. I doubt it was price alone.
Assessing the failure or success of the 2014 would need to take into account the total market--not just DLX but also how many potential CB buyers already bought a 2013. I doubt it was price alone.