The word on the street is that Ducati is up for sale.
Bonomi family-backed Investindustrial is said to be expecting to get around $1.6 billion by selling the 86-year-old company, with potential suitors including BMW, Volkswagon and Indian motorcycle manufacturers Mahindra.
Ducati had record market share in its North American territories last year, as well as record 43 per cent sales growth in the U.S., in a time when many companies in the industry are faltering, so it could certainly be an attractive buy, compared to some of the other manufacturers.
One of those companies facing financial woes is Suzuki – we told you about their sales slump last week.
It appears Suzuki wants to turn those numbers around, pretty badly. In the U.S., they’re reportedly offering 60-month zero per cent interest financing on any new Suzuki model of any year, including ATVs, motorcycles, and scooters. They’re also offering a cash-back deal on any 2011 model, putting up to $1,000 back in your pocket. And, they’re also offering a $100 check per rider to help finance MSF safety courses in the U.S.
If Suzuki wants to clear out their existing inventory, this is the way to do it. Hopefully this offer will come north to Canada as well – it’s a fantastic deal.
Suzuki makes some great bikes at good prices,  e.g. both V-Stroms, DR400s, DR650s, SVs, GSXRs, Burgmans (if you must) but they should give up on the cruiser market, which they’ve never excelled at.  You can usually buy two DLs for the out the door price of an overpriced Yodelmeister creampuff.  Unfortunately, Suzuki’s not really run by enthusiasts but only a Japanese corporation and so will probably lack the courage to change.
Suzuki makes some great bikes at good prices,  e.g. both V-Stroms, DR400s, DR650s, SVs, GSXRs, Burgmans (if you must) but they should give up on the cruiser market, which they’ve never excelled at.  You can usually buy two DLs for the out the door price of an overpriced Yodelmeister creampuff.  Unfortunately, Suzuki’s not really run by enthusiasts but only a Japanese corporation and so will probably lack the courage to changeÂ
I bought a new bike last year. I was looking at a left over 09 Suzuki. To me it looked like the msrp was raised and then the bike was discounted back to it’s 09 price. I guess that kind of game playing didn’t work to well.