Posts from Japan, Part 4: A little window shopping.

While out on the MT-07 a couple of days ago, I must have passed by a dozen or so bike shops. Sizes ranging from a mini-storage unit all the way to 2 floor warehouses chock full of two wheeled goodness. I stopped at one of the bigger ones to get a sneak peak at what the new and used bike market in Japan has to offer.

"Welcome to Red Baron". One of the biggest nationwide here in Japan. Always full of great looking bikes and very reasonable prices from my perspective. They sell both new and used bikes from all makers. I've seen Japanese (of course), European and even a Harley or two at the local branch.

 

Here is the Red Baron himself. John from California. I don't have a clue as to where they get this stuff. I've heard from friends that this chain can be a bit pricey at times for service giving it the nickname "The Red Robber".

 

One shot of what you'll typically find inside. Like many shops in Japan, it is packed tight to maximize use of space. There is also a second floor where they keep bikes in for long term repair.

 

More bikes looking in the other direction. Most of these were used bikes. When I last visited a year and a half ago, they had MT-09s and MT-07s for sale new for a grand or so less than in the states. They also offered test rides on certain models.

 

A whole bevy of beauties right off the bat! Supermotos have to be one of the best chocies for riding in Japan. The tall seat height and nimble handling make for the perfect tight confine transport. Not to mention that Supermotos are just a blast to ride as long as you aren't planning extended freeway speed commutes.

 

This little Suzuki looked like fun. A 250cc single cylinder labeled both "Grasstracker" and "Big Boy". While the former name was apt given its scrambler configuration. I'm not sure a 250cc sized bike can be correctly termed "Big Boy". 

 

Oh yeah baby! A Kawasaki ZRX 1200 in sexy, sexy black and gold. A buddy that is stationed in Western Japan just bought one. He is having some custom work done to it before picking it up. I can't wait to get his ride report on it.

 

An inline four cylinder 400cc Suzuki you say? Why yes. One of the type of smaller displacement bikes available to everyone, but us Americans. Japan has a tiered licensing system which leads to the small (400cc and under) and mid size (750cc) market to be much larger than what we get in the States. I imagine that this bike is very smooth, but needs revving to really get the most out of it.

 

Another smaller sized inline four. I forgot to get the model name, but it just looks like a good time. This looks like it'd be fun to convert to a track bike. Of course almost any bike looks like a good potential track bike to me. Yes, even Harleys (with better frames and less chrome of course).

 

The father of the current Honda Grom. This is the Honda Ape. The grandfather of the Grom is called the Monkey and is even smaller. These little bikes have a big following here as they are small displacement and available to younger riders. The licensing system has age and cc restrictions making the small bikes and scooters a favorite for young high school and college students to customize. This one was a great example of one that has been well kept and unmolested.

 

While I'm far from being a scooter guy, these look like fun. The Maxi-Scooters come in larger displacements up to about 700cc. Also popular for customizing especially amongst the Bosozoku crowd. Several magazines are dedicated to making them stand out from each other with full exhaust kits and even audio options. They actully handle well from the way I've seen them split lanes and zip through traffic.

 

Well that is it for now. My vacation is winding down and so may be the posts in this series. Don't go far as Japan is always full of surprises and you never know what might turn up next. See you soon.

 

Blue