If it is un-American to buy a Kawasaki. Why is the U.S. Military the largest buyer of the Kawasaki KLR650 ?

Question

I just noticed a lot of riders put down Japaneese bikes as being un-American. I own a Kawasaki.

Answer 1

They buy them because they have been relatively unchanged for more than 10 years and they are easy to repair and maintain. They have a very good balance of off-road ability and long-distance comfort. Perfect for military use when you add all those things up and there is no American made motorcycle with those exact qualities. End of story. The U.S. military buys PLENTY of things from other countries, don't worry.

Answer 2

Hmmmm...How can I say this politically correct...they are IDIOTS. I rode and owned the Harley's and the British bikes over a period of 50 years, and I still ride, but my last two (2) have been Honda's as 1.) I get ALOT more bike for my $$; 2.) I am able to ride it because the shop does not have it most of the time as with the others (nor am I working on it way into the night..night after night). Those fools who make fun just DON'T GET IT, and it is NOT UNAMERICAN as Honda and other manufactures provide thousands of American jobs, in fact my Honda says on it " Made In USA ".

Answer 3

Let's face the facts here folks. The Japanese have the motorcycle market locked up. Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki are giving people what they want for a reasonable price. They have more models to choose from with more engine options, and their bikes are well built and reliable.

This is why the folks in the military by the foreign bikes-affordable options. The American way IS more bang for the buck, and sadly only the Japanese have figured that out so far.

But..., I can see a day when the Harley-Davison folks figure that out as well(they will have to), then look out Japan.

Answer 4

The only ones that perpetuate that type of thinking are American motorcycle manufacturers. Coincidence? Can't really blame them though, y'know?

People tend to have pride in what(ever) they ride. It's just sad when they feel they have to trash other riders for their choice of bike or (ride)style.

Anyway, at this point, the military wouldn't be willing to pay the "American-Made" prices for parts nor would most manufacturers be able to keep up with demand. They can barely keep up with civilian demand(at rape me prices). Whereas, (esp.) Japanese manufacturers are used to providing quality products at below average prices.

Simple economics.

Answer 5

Kawasaki has a factory in Nebraska that builds motorcycles. Last time I checked a map Nebraska was still part of the U.S.

Answer 6

I don't think it is un American, I bought my Vulcan 800 in America, with American dollars, from an American. I get tired of hearing this American, non American bike crap. I am sorry but I find it very hard to believe that everything on a Harley was made here in the USA. I know if you look inside alot of Harley Davidson jackets, on the label it says made in China. Yes I have seen it.

Answer 7

KLR-650 Kawasakis are a very tough dual sport motorcycle.Bull-ya for Kawasaki.

Answer 8

Who said it's un-American to buy a Kawasaki? You trying to start sumthin?

Answer 9

Its not un American , People with attitudes about not buying Harleys better check their clothes ,toasters, Alarm Clocks ,computors and every other house holds Item before bitching about some one riding a Jap bike /If Harley doesnt come down on there prices nobodys going to buy them

Answer 10

Because the U.S. Military isn't racist. The Kawasaki KLR 650 is made in Japan by the Japanese race.