Suzuki America reports bike, ATV sales increase in July

News release

Introduced in mid-June, the completely updated 2015 Suzuki RM-Z450 motocross bikes are now arriving in Suzuki dealerships, with 2015 RM-Z250 motocross bikes arriving over the last few weeks. With big changes to the RM-Z450 such as new triple-chamber air forks, the Suzuki Holeshot Assist Control, and more, the new bike is building anticipation among dealers and consumers. Still, sales of existing Suzuki RM-Zs, both the 450 and 250 models, remain strong with July’s monthly sales up more than 20 percent compared to the same month last year.

Developed with the race-testing help of Yoshimura Suzuki’s James Stewart, the 2015 Suzuki RM-Z450 is sure to continue Suzuki’s history of delivering race-winning motocross bikes. After riding the new bike along with media at the press introduction held at Zaca Station MX near Santa Barbara, Calif., Stewart said the 2015 RM-Z450 “reminds me why I picked the Suzuki in the first place … it’s cool to see with the triple-air (fork) how much the same it is as our (race) bike. The motor is actually really good, and I’m surprised how close they are to a race bike.”

Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (SMAI) is also providing entry-level motorcyclists with new opportunities. Suzuki dealers increased sales of entry-level motorcycles through July, with the fuel-efficient and highly affordable GW250 and new Burgman 200 ABS – the best-selling scooter through July – leading the way. The refreshed 2015 DR200S DualSport will begin arriving at Suzuki dealers in August; its outstanding fuel economy, RM-Z styling, and DualSport performance will keep it in high demand.

“Demand for affordable, fuel-efficient motorcycles is strong,” said Steve Bortolamedi, Communications Manager for SMAI, “and Suzuki has a diverse lineup of motorcycles to offer everyone from entry-level riders to veterans looking to add a bike to their fleet. From the classically styled TU250X – 2015 models are in Suzuki dealers now – to the sporty standard GW250, plus the smart-scooter Burgman 200 ABS and the adventure-seeking DR200S, Suzuki has a motorcycle for anyone looking to save money. Our new #FoundMySuzuki campaign lets riders share their Suzuki experience, too.”

Getting a headstart on the ATV season, Suzuki dealers increased sales of Suzuki KingQuad True Timber XD3 Camo ATVs through July. Updated with important improvements to deliver improved power feel, better fuel economy, easier cold starting and more, the 2015 KingQuad 750 and KingQuad 400 models are beginning to arrive now at Suzuki dealerships. The 2015 utility-sport KingQuad 750 ATVs is equipped with a newly designed twin-spark-plug cylinder head, plus multi-hole fuel injectors, modified intake and exhaust cams, and more. The 2015 KingQuad 400 ATVs – both the five-speed and auto-tranny models – feature new ECUs with Suzuki’s “Slip Control Logic” technology to improve drivability and grip in loose and slippery terrain. The True Timber XD3 camo pattern remains a popular feature for ATV buyers.

ATV sales growth was not limited to camo KingQuads. Sport ATV buyers made it clear in July that the Suzuki QuadSport Z400 was their vehicle of choice, with sales up 109 percent over the same period last year.

Consumers continue to find a wide range of easy-to-purchase financing options available through Suzuki dealers. The Star Spangled Summer promotion runs through August, and offers low-percentage financing plus cash-back opportunities on some models. By combining these attractive offers with the arrival of exciting new products, Suzuki is giving powersports customers a number of ways to enjoy riding and owning a Suzuki motorcycle, scooter or ATV.

In racing news, Suzuki returned to the Loretta Lynn’s Motocross championships with its complete Rider Support truck setup, backing a fleet of amateur Suzuki races competing in the annual event. Standout Florida teenager Hannah Hodges dominated the Girls 12-16 class aboard her Suzuki RM85, winning every moto and the championship.

To celebrate the sales success of Suzuki’s leading dealers, Suzuki created the “Race to Suzuka” contest and escorted 30 dealers to Japan for the famed Suzuka 8-Hour road race. Dealers got to watch Kevin Schwantz compete on the Yoshimura Legends team, and were also on hand to celebrate Yoshimura’s 60th Anniversary.

“It was my first time to Japan,” said Shawn Bostwick of Del City Oklahoma Suzuki. “It was a great experience overall, with phenomenal racing action. And Suzuki did a wonderful job of putting it on; I couldn’t have asked for anything better. I’ve been on many incentive trips before, and the difference with Suzuki is that the company’s executives are always approachable. The people who didn’t take advantage of this contest missed a trip of a lifetime.”