Reading my stuff on MD over the last couple of years, you may wonder why we’re not called “Chicken Little.com.” That’s because most of the news from the motorcycle industry has been so universally bad. But a ray of hope came from Suzuki Motors yesterday when the company announced a limited return to the USA market after shipping next to nothing to dealers for the 2010 model year.

As of right now, the only models Suzuki announced for 2011 are the 2011 V-Strom 650 ABS, 2011 DR650SE, 2011 DR-Z400S, 2011 Hayabusa, 2011 Boulevard S40, 2011 RM-Z250, 2011 RM-Z450, 2011 TU250 and the 2011 Boulevard M109R and Boulevard M109R Limited. The R85 motocrosser will also be available, as well as a number of quad models.

These models doubtless give a snapshot of Suzuki’s best-selling models;  everything in this list was available in 2009 (and 2008, for that matter), although the RM-Z250 and RM-Z450 motocrossers are updated. But the release states this is the “first big wave” of new models, implying that there is more to come; good news for roadracers and sportbike enthusiasts craving a new GSX-R.

Was it a good strategy to wait out what may have been the worst year of the Great Depression by almost completely withdrawing from the market? Since we don’t have access to 2010 motorcycle sales numbers, that’s a tough call to make, but it’s clear Suzuki is still alive and kicking. And that’s good news for the industry as well as motorcycle consumers.

by motorcycledaily