Much like the car industry, the motorcycle industry is set to change dramatically in the coming decades through the heavy adoption of electrification but before that happens, four key Japanese bike manufacturers have announced significant cuts to their line-ups due to strict emissions standards.
It has been revealed that Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki will discontinue approximately 20 models by the end of this year, representing roughly 10 per cent of the 190 models offered by the four manufacturers.
Nikkei reports that Honda is scrapping approximately 10 of its 80 current models in response to strict emissions standards that will be introduced across Japan in the fall. Among the models going the way of the dodo include the CB400 Super Four, the Benly scooter, and the full-size Gold Wing series.
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Suzuki is following suit and set to axe at least five of its 20 models by October, including the GSX250R. Yamaha will also stop selling two models from its series of FJR1300 tourers while Kawasaki abandoned some of its full-sized offerings last year.
Japan’s new emissions standards are modeled after the Euro 5 laws in effect across the European Union and have applied to all new models from the end of 2020 and will impact all existing models in November. Complying with the new regulations will necessitate bike manufacturers installing upgraded catalytic converters or redesigning engines. The costs involved in making some models comply are simply too high to justify for Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki.
Major motorcycle manufacturers are following in the footsteps of automakers in readying for the age of electrification. Honda has already committed to electrifying its entire lineup, including motorcycles, by the 2040s while Yamaha says 90 per cent of its vehicles will be plug-in models by 2050. Kawasaki’s plans are more ambitious with an aim to sell only hybrid and electric motorcycles in developed countries by 2035. In the meantime, it will launch more than 10 electric and hybrid bikes by 2025.
