Discussion
Prof Prolapse said:
I think you'd struggle to tell from anecdotes.
It's just a thought, but despite assurances from manufacturers, if we could maintain quality of manufacture in these lowest bidder countries, why do they continue to make their premium products elsewhere?
Because the commuting markets are bigger there, I assume. I imagine they sell millions of 125s in developing countries.It's just a thought, but despite assurances from manufacturers, if we could maintain quality of manufacture in these lowest bidder countries, why do they continue to make their premium products elsewhere?
LuS1fer said:
Prof Prolapse said:
I think you'd struggle to tell from anecdotes.
It's just a thought, but despite assurances from manufacturers, if we could maintain quality of manufacture in these lowest bidder countries, why do they continue to make their premium products elsewhere?
Because the commuting markets are bigger there, I assume. I imagine they sell millions of 125s in developing countries.It's just a thought, but despite assurances from manufacturers, if we could maintain quality of manufacture in these lowest bidder countries, why do they continue to make their premium products elsewhere?
Biker 1 said:
I had an XT660 a while back: Italian engine & forks, AFAIK assembled in France. Very subjective, but it didn't feel as well made as a previous Japanese made Yammy.
Can of worms I guess - are the Indian made KTMs any worse than Austrian??
What did you reckon to the 660? I'm considering buying one as they can be had for £2500Can of worms I guess - are the Indian made KTMs any worse than Austrian??
Chicken Chaser said:
What did you reckon to the 660? I'm considering buying one as they can be had for £2500
Heavy & under-powered for a supermoto, but EXCELLENT as a commuter. Long travel forks/shock, so top ride quality. Nice & high, so you can see over just about all traffic. Surprisingly nimble & good for filtering. Low down torque useful. Very reliable. Cheap running costs. Go for Pilot Road 3 tyres. Spokes corrode real bad - you will need lots of ACF50. Engine can stall a lot - this is easily fixed by upping idle speed. Get some after market pipes & remove baffles: really nice rumble sound....Prof Prolapse said:
That's not my question though. My question is why waste money manufacturing in expensive countries like the UK, Germany, Japan, and Italy. If countries like Thailand and India and do a job of equal quality for less?
Export costs and there is presumably less need to economise on the prices of their higher rung models. There are also going to be home market employment and factory maintenance to consider. It's not like BMW would close down their German factories to build in thailand, even if they did make as good a job of it. They can pass the costs on.Biker 1 said:
Heavy & under-powered for a supermoto, but EXCELLENT as a commuter.
Dont really need it for commuting, fancied it as a tool to ride around the dales and moors roads which are s
t surfaces and twisty. Recommended? So cheap ive been offered one with little mileage on an 07 with full tax and test for £2500Chicken Chaser said:
Dont really need it for commuting, fancied it as a tool to ride around the dales and moors roads which are st surfaces and twisty. Recommended? So cheap ive been offered one with little mileage on an 07 with full tax and test for £2500
Sounds like a good price - assuming FSH & low miles. Bike is built sturdy, great fun in twistys, but you need to rely on torque. Breathless at top end of revs. So, if you get exactly the right sort of conditions: B roads with lots of sharp corners & potholes, you will easily keep up with sports bikes. Brakes are good as is ride quality & MPG. Suspension travel is much more than sports bikes, & takes a bit of getting used to...... Engine casing finishes are flaky, as are spokes. Take for test ride & see what you think. Oh, & they eat tyres for breakfast....t surfaces and twisty. Recommended? So cheap ive been offered one with little mileage on an 07 with full tax and test for £2500Edited by Biker 1 on Tuesday 13th May 16:16
Just ordered one to replace myCBR 300 R, which was also built in Thailand. Have looked at Kawasaki and Yamaha, but this bike ticks all the boxes for me.
Cost here in Thailand is 288,000 baht, which is a bit over £5000 at today's rate.
Collecting it two weeks. Looking forward to some great rides here.
Cost here in Thailand is 288,000 baht, which is a bit over £5000 at today's rate.
Collecting it two weeks. Looking forward to some great rides here.
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