Anyone that’s ridden a Hyosung 650 will have acknowledge its a painfully pale imitation of the Suzuki powerplant, licenced or otherwise.

Everything is possible, but given that Suzuki sold the 650 twin to Cagiva, Laverda, and others, and given that they are a global motor manufacturer that makes outboard engines, automobiles and commercial trucks, it seems highly unlikely that they would require the services of a small Korean engineering firm.

When the Yamaha FZ09 evolved into the FJ09, had it changed enough to offer real choice? I would say so as it adapted the engine & frame into a different category of bike.

What about the FZ09 to the XSR900? Both are naked standards. Yamaha chose to add certain features to one but not the other (slipper clutch, ABS) to enhance the differences, but isn’t it just a styling exercise and therefore badge engineering? But if you argue that because of that styling, the bike is now appealing to a segment of the market that would otherwise never considered it (hipsters for the sake of generalization), isn’t it actually real choice?

So if the XSR isn’t badge engineering, not counting scooters, how many current examples of obvious badge engineering actually exist in today’s motorcycle market? I think it occurs more within the broader category of cruisers, but not so much in other categories.

I’m expecting part 2 will be going into more details on frozen treats…?

Michael – I’m just trying to keep up with the Kool Kidz.

Its always a pleasure to read your work, please keep it up !!!