February 2011 Motorcycle Production

The Japan motorcycle production data for February 2011 was released Tuesday, displaying negative results.

There was a 4.8-percent decrease in overall units produced in Japan in 2011 from the Big Four of Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki and Yamaha, among others. The Japanese Automobiles Manufacturer's Association (JAMA) reports that 57,967 units were produced in February, compared to 60,921 motorcycles in 2010.

February 2011 domestic sales (factory shipment) were 34,416 units, a increase of 4 percent as compared with the same month of the previous year. Jama reports exports (result) stood at 98.3% as compared with the same month of the previous year.

Numbers are expected to be lower for March-on-March overall production due to the 2011 Japan Earthquake that devastated the country on March 11; relief efforts are still underway due to the quake and subsequent tsunami. Some factories were shut down, while others participated in a rolling blackout to save electricity.

Following are some February 2011 motorcycle production statistics from JAMA:

February 2011 Motorcycle Production Figures by Class:

• 50cc or under / 8,321 units, up 2,422 units or 41.1%
• 51 - 125cc / 4,218 units, down 1,994 units or 32.1%
• 126 - 250cc / 6,571 units, down 1,004 units or 13.3%
• Over 250cc / 38,857 units, down 2,378 units or 5.8%

February 2011 Motorcycle Domestic Sales Figures by Class:

• 50cc or under / 21,365 units, up 19.9%
• 51 - 125cc / 9,047 units, down 20.4%
• 126 - 250cc / 1,656 units, down 33.2%
• Over 250cc / 2,348 units, up 63.5%

Motorcycle Production Figures by Motorcycle Manufacturer:

Units / Change from prev. year (%)

• Honda 13,910 / 71.4
• Suzuki 17,884 / 117.6
• Yamaha 15,527 / 89.4
• Kawasaki 10,636 / 120.3
• Others 10 / 125.0
• Total 57,967 / 95.2