Re: Replacement for the Honda ST1300 in 2014?
While their updates may not be yearly, they do update. They know one important rule of sales- it's a lot easier to keep a customer than to try to get one back who left. Honda may be at that point now, which would explain them possibly giving up the ST. Once customers have jumped ship it would take a lot to draw them back.
Manufacturers don't always create & sell a model simply for the immediate profits. Sometimes they are willing to sell a model with either low sales figures, or low profit because it can help them in other areas. Kids motorcycles are a good example. They don't sell in huge numbers, yet they are updated and are kept around. Why? They lure new buyers to Honda. Put a kid on a small Honda dirt bike and as they grow they will want another Honda...then another. They also buy accessories & gear.
How many ST owners came from other Honda models, such as sportbikes? How many later move from the ST to a 'Wing? The ST is the natural filler for middle aged riders who have outgrown the sportbike thing, but aren't ready for a 'Wing. They might not make a ton of money off STs, but they keep riders owning Hondas, and make up for it by later selling them 'Wings. If an ST owner jumps ship to BMW, chances are they aren't coming back.
While their updates may not be yearly, they do update. They know one important rule of sales- it's a lot easier to keep a customer than to try to get one back who left. Honda may be at that point now, which would explain them possibly giving up the ST. Once customers have jumped ship it would take a lot to draw them back.
Manufacturers don't always create & sell a model simply for the immediate profits. Sometimes they are willing to sell a model with either low sales figures, or low profit because it can help them in other areas. Kids motorcycles are a good example. They don't sell in huge numbers, yet they are updated and are kept around. Why? They lure new buyers to Honda. Put a kid on a small Honda dirt bike and as they grow they will want another Honda...then another. They also buy accessories & gear.
How many ST owners came from other Honda models, such as sportbikes? How many later move from the ST to a 'Wing? The ST is the natural filler for middle aged riders who have outgrown the sportbike thing, but aren't ready for a 'Wing. They might not make a ton of money off STs, but they keep riders owning Hondas, and make up for it by later selling them 'Wings. If an ST owner jumps ship to BMW, chances are they aren't coming back.