The two-wheeler future

Japanese manufacturers look to crossovers, hybrids, and alternative-energy concepts to reinvigorate the motorcycle industry.

Japan just squeezes into the world's top five motorcycle-producing countries, helping to contribute to a collective annual output estimated at about 35 million units. Growth is most prominent in the developing regions and countries, the two-wheel vehicles helping provide affordable means of personal and commercial transportation. China is by far the biggest motorcycle-producing country in the world, followed by India, Indonesia, and Thailand. Japan comes in fifth with homeland production of about 1.75 million units, a mere quarter of its 1980 banner total.

It does not mean that the sun is setting on the far eastern isles. Far from it, the Japanese Four (J4)-Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki-dominate the global motorcycle industry in number of units produced at their own and joint venture plants around the world. Honda is the king, with 2005 production of 12.5 million units-an all-time record for the company-or one-third of the entire global industry's production.