Are Suzuki and Kawasaki the same thing?

[Sherlock]

We looked at a Suzuki Twin Peak ATV and the dealer said it is really made by
Kawasaki with a Suzuki label on it and these companies have merged into one.

Is this true? When did this happen? Why?

[Hardcore Icon]

It's half way true.

A couple years ago Suzuki and Kawasaki agreed to combine some operations in
order to save on expenses. One of these areas was Research and Development.

Shortly after this, the Suzuki Z400 was released, and followed up with the
Kawasaki KFX400 (the Suzuki Z400 with Kawasaki colors). Since then several
different models have seen crossover, but they are still two different
companies.

There is also a tie in with Arctic Cat, since Suzuki owns 1/3 of Arctic Cat,
and until recently all Arctic Cats used Suzuki motors (ATV's and snowmobiles
as well). For this reason, you also see models like the Arctic Cat DVX400
(Suzuki Z400 with Arctic Cat colors).

Be cool,

Icon

"Sherlock" <svgu...@juno.com> wrote in message
news:haaXc.13317$3O3....@newsread2.news.pas.earthlink.net...

[Spdloader]

I think it's more of a technology sharing deal, Suzuki is running some
Kawasaki engines, and Artic Cat, is using both Kawasaki and Suzuki engines
in their ATV's.

I don't believe they are one company though.

Spdloader

"Sherlock" <svgu...@juno.com> wrote in message
news:haaXc.13317$3O3....@newsread2.news.pas.earthlink.net...

[Hetfieldinn]

They merged. If you've noticed, Kawasaki now has their name and plastic colors
on the Suzuki LT50, and LT80. Also, the z400 and KFX400 are identicle except
for the front nose piece.

Suzuki has made the motors for Arctic Cat for years, but I have heard that AC
has a new motor in the making.

[Randy Miller]

That's not quite true.... What Suzuki and Kawasaki have done is
decided to share some technology..... Here's how it works...

If Kawasaki makes a bike that fills a niche that isn't covered by
Suzuki, then Suzuki will sell one with Yellow plastic and Suzuki
badges.... and visa versa... That way the die hard Kaw and Suz people
will have access to other models that they wouldn't have had
otherwise... Sure... you could say that they could just go to Kaw
and get it.... but there are some of us who just won't ride anything
*green* :)

On Thu, 26 Aug 2004 00:30:05 GMT, "Sherlock" <svgu...@juno.com>
wrote: