I have been out of the loop this year so forgive the ignorance, but I have heard some rumors that some of the manufacturers are going to bring back a worthwhile contingency program next season. Is there any information to support these rumors? Thanks, Daniel
Only thing I have heard from Kawasaki is that they are stepping up marketing for 2011. Asked about contengency and told no info yet.
Stepping up from nothing isn't too tough... The Japanese OEMs are struggling and taking the year off has helped, but the cuts that are made when you have economic issues is always Marketing (which includes everything race related) and R&D as proof with Suzuki for example shutting the pipeline down on new bikes... I wouldn't be surprised to see them do something next year, but it isn't going to be big if anything at all. Folks, it isn't going to get better anytime soon. However, they are all spending less and being smarter and I think the market will flat line and stop falling. We will then build slowly from there and hopefully be solid once again. But, to expect a huge change in one year, you might be a little over zealous...