Brand Loyalty?

[likebutta]

I am starting with a Kawasaki.

Why?

1) They had a bike that fit in that was under 500cc and under, as well as above 250cc. Not that I particularly had anything against going 250cc to start but the 250cc felt very cramped to me.

2) Reliability and parts availability. the EX-500/Ninja 500 has been around for a long time in it's current form and that appeals to me. I don't really care about aesthetics as some people go for but I think it's a beautiful bike just the same.

3) The price was right. Bought used and don't regret it for a second.


Every other brand I looked at potentially had something that was a drawback. I wouldn't hesitate to try something else after a few years, provided the other brands can put out something that is tailored to me.

[vince492]

I own an honda civic....Honda VFR....I owned a honda cbr 600rr (still have some part) Now, why? It's easy. I liked the look of them, the vfr is not the best looking one, but its the best all around. My next bike will be something like an Honda cb1000RA or a Yamaha FZ8, when I,ll have kids and no time to ride for days...I hope they import a 600cc instead of the 1000cc.

[twinn]

Lice Recip said, they are all to close to call. It all comes down to branding and style.

Personally, I like Kawi and Yamaha is a close second. We all joke about various other brands but its all in fun. They all follow each other anyway in terms of R and D.

For me, back when I was into jet skiis, waverunners, I only purchased Kawi or Yamaha's as they were basically the only two brands that sold sport-race jet skiis-- stand up style.

Every make/model has its great models and its lemons.

I find it funny how people get all caught up on mag reviews or 0-60, 1/4 times etc..

[Myztyk]

I'd argue most of you are loyal to machines...and not brands.

I find very little "brand" building is done in this category. Outside of Ducati and Harley that is.

[Chaos]

I find very little "brand" building is done in this category. Outside of Ducati and Harley that is.

They all try to do it. Harley and Ducati are just better at it.

[Myztyk]

Ahhh...fair point Chaos.

[RetroGrouch]

i find very little "brand" building is done in this category. Outside of ducati and harley that is.

+ bmw

[roadhamr]

i was a Kawi guy at one point but i always end up back where i started Honda. not sure why it just always seems to end up that way.

[Myztyk]

+ bmw

You think BMW? I'll admit I haven't seen much of their stuff to compare, however just don't feel like I get a cohesive "here's what we're about" message from them.

[zibzer]

I originally bought a 1975 Yamaha MX/DT175 because I could afford it. It was a beast and took a beating really well. I`m usually not into Japanese anything, but since then I`ve had 2 more Yamaha bikes. The only other manufacturers I would consider are Triumph, Harley, Victory, and Indian. I sided with one Japanese manufacturer, it would be sacrilegious for me to side with 2, lol

as for why I`m not a fan of most Asian automotive products.... I don`t really know

[Adamant]

I would say Honda, I have had manny bikes over the years, but once I got my first Honda I have not looked back. I currently have 99 VFR and would not ride anything else. Except maybe a new VFR or if my arthritis gets worse an ST1300. and my reasons, riding is believing and reliability.

[TwistedKestrel]

You think BMW? I'll admit I haven't seen much of their stuff to compare, however just don't feel like I get a cohesive "here's what we're about" message from them.

Their brand image is based on German-engineered elitism. Although I would still suffer a K1300S if given to me.

[Flywheel]

Be loyal to good products, not brands. Brands were originally developed to make people pay more for commodities. There's very little to distinguish most bikes. Sure, brand X uses more expensive components that brand Y, or spends more on engineering certain traits, but you pay for the privilege.

[reciprocity]

Brands were built to keep useless marketing people employed.

[Myztyk]

Their brand image is based on German-engineered elitism. Although I would still suffer a K1300S if given to me.

Yeah, but that's the master brand. I'm not sure how the bike deviates from that. Perhaps that is why I don't see them as great brand builders.

@ Reciprocity: The amount of products in your life that exist because of marketers would stagger you. But I'll let you keep believing that. It's the reason Canadian business fail miserably when they leave this country. (With a few exceptions)

[reciprocity]

@ Reciprocity: The amount of products in your life that exist because of marketers would stagger you. But I'll let you keep believing that. It's the reason Canadian business fail miserably when they leave this country. (With a few exceptions)

I work for one of the biggest advertising/marketing companies in the world.

[Myztyk]

I work for one of the biggest advertising/marketing companies in the world.

Of course you do. In a marketing job of course, right?

[reciprocity]

Of course you do. In a marketing job of course, right?

Nope, keep guessing,

Actually, I hand out mints and dry hands in the men's washroom.

Hoping to get promoted to women's washroom in the next 7-8 years.

[caboose483]

I sort of have some brand loyalty to Kawi but that's only because they're familiar to me. All the OEM's have certain little ways of doing things, i have got used to how Kawi does those things.

Nope, keep guessing,

Actually, I hand out mints and dry hands in the men's washroom.

Hoping to get promoted to women's washroom in the next 7-8 years.

I like visiting to steal Werthers and check out your hot interns.

[reciprocity]

I like visiting to steal Werthers and check out your hot interns.

new batch just came in.