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In 2024, Kawasaki was the leading brand in the large motorcycle category, including products with an engine displacement of more than 250cc, with roughly 25.76 thousand units sold. The numbers furthermore indicate that Japanese motorcyclists have an affinity to other overseas brands when it comes to heavier bikes. 

Domestic market

The demand in Japan’s domestic motorcycle market is shrinking, as indicated by the declining trend in the number of motorcycles in use in Japan. The overall decline stems from the light-weight motorcycle category of 50cc and under, accounting for nearly half of all motorcycles used in Japan, which shrank considerably during the past decade. On the other hand, all other segments of larger sized motorcycles increased in usage. In terms of domestic motorcycle production, the industry is a shadow of what it was during the three decades from 1970 to 2000. Much of the production has been shifted to overseas factories. 

Exports

A substantial number of motorcycles are still produced in Japan, only a part of which is sold domestically. Most motorcycles produced in Japan are exported. Leading export regions of domestically produced motorcycles include Europe and North America. The vast majority of exports are large-sized bikes, of 250cc and more, while there are hardly any exports of motorcycles with an engine capacity of 50cc and smaller.