Japanese Big Four to eliminate 20 models by end of the year

Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki will be getting rid of several models in line with the latest emissions standards in Japan.

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Following the new emissions rules to be implemented in Japan, four major motorcycle brands in the country, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki are reported to be stopping the production of several models starting later this year.

The overhaul will be done to achieve the latest emissions standards in Japan. The implementation of emissions regulations in Europe has also seen several Japanese brand models have stopped production and sales including the Yamaha R6 and FJR1300.

Yamaha is currently continuing production of the R6 Race, a model exclusively for racing circuit use.

The layoffs of some of the models will also take place in Japan with the latest reports claiming Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki will discontinue 10 per cent of the 190 models currently offered.

Honda will discontinue 10 of the 80 existing models with rumours saying the iconic model, the Gold Wing will also be a victim. Recently, Honda has already stopped production of the CB400 Super Four.

The same step will also be followed by Suzuki which is said to stop several models including the GSX-R250.

However, these four brands are expected to focus on electrical machinery to re-develop new model offerings for the world market.

However, with these four brands accounting for 40 per cent of the world’s motorcycle supply, the elimination of more than 20 models will certainly have a major impact on the global motorcycle market.