Photo: Yamaha Racing
After unveiling the MV Agusta F3, the Italian company’s new three-cylinder supersport model, at the 2010 EICMA show with virtually no concrete specifications, MV Agusta has been quiet about its new motorcycle ever since. Expected to arrive as a 2012 model, the wait from unveiling to production has been excruciatingly long for those who fell in love with the F3’s take on Massimo Tamburini’s classic design.
Since its launch, the only progress we’ve seen is Castiglioni’s quoted target price steadily rising, so MV Agusta wants to make sure would-be buyers (and the press) remain intrigued by the model the newly liberated company is counting on for its future profitability. As such, MV Agusta has sent out a press release giving a status update on the 2012 MV Agusta F3, and the news bodes well for Italian motorcycle fans, as it suggests things are ahead of schedule in Varese.
Suzuki Motor Corporation is reporting its 3rd quarter in a row of sales dropping in its European and North American markets. In North America, the company sold 88,000 units, weighing in at a 34% reduction from last year’s numbers. Suzuki fared better in Europe where it sold 114,000 units, or a a 24% decrease from last year. Yes the bleeding continues, but at least .
Source: PowerSports Business
Honda North America is reporting that its combined motorcycle, ATV, and personal water craft sales fell by 52% last quarter, compared to last year’s numbers. For motorcycles alone, Honda’s North American new unit sales totaled 45,000, or a reduction of about 47% from last year’s marks, whereas the company’s total motorcycle sales totaled 72,000 units, nearly half of the 150,000 units sold last year.
For its entire fiscal year, Honda’s North American motorcycles segment sales totaled 320,000 units, or a drop of 29%. All eyes will on this quarter to see if the company can turn around this death-spiral in what is usually the best time of the season as far as motorcycle sales go.
Source: PowerSports Business