Japanese Bikes More Reliable Than Harleys & BMWs

Updated: Thursday, March 28, 2013, 11:32 [IST]

According to a survey conducted by American monthly, Consumer Reports, owners of Japanese motorcycles are less likely to encounter problems with their machines than owners of American Harley Davidsons and German BMWs.

The first ever motorcycle reliability survey conducted by Consumer Reports National Research Center reveals that one in four Harley owners encounter technical problems with their bikes, while one in three BMW owners face problems. In contrast, only one in ten who own Honda, Yamaha or Kawasaki motorcycles face any major problems with their bikes. The irony, however, is that owners of both BMW and Harley Davidson display considerable brand loyalty. 74 and 75 percent of these owners said they would stick to their respective brands regardless of the problems with their bikes.

Honda owners on the other hand also display similar level of loyalty at 72 percent. However, only 63 percent Yamaha owners and 60 percent Kawasaki owners said they would buy another Yamaha or Kawasaki if they were to buy a bike again.

The results of the survey is strange since they contradict one another. So, is there some tangible reason that explains the brand loyalty displayed towards BMW and Harley Davidson? According to Rik Paul, Auto Editor, Consumer Reports, "Reliability is one of many factors consumers might consider when purchasing a motorcycle. However, other factors like sculpted lines and rumbling engines also strike the right note among motorcyclists."

Article Published On: Thursday, March 28, 2013, 10:06 [IST]

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