Why did Yamaha discontinue the Tiansun 125?
3 Answers
Yamaha discontinued the Tiansun 125 for the following reasons: Poor sales performance: The primary reason was poor sales. Although the Yamaha Tiansun 125 once had a glorious history in its time, dominating the 125CC cross-country motorcycle segment with no real competitors, it excelled in both power performance and product quality, becoming Yamaha's best-selling model for a period. Launch of new models: It's quite normal for a motorcycle model to be phased out during the development process. After discontinuing the Tiansun 125, Yamaha promptly introduced other new models to take its place. New models typically offer superior performance compared to their predecessors, with noticeable improvements in various aspects. Therefore, there's no need to be overly attached to discontinued models, as purchasing currently available new models might be a better choice.
I've been riding motorcycles for many years. The Tianjuan 125 is actually quite easy to handle and suitable for beginners commuting, but the main reason Yamaha abandoned it is probably due to poor market performance. Nowadays, young people prefer new models with cool designs and strong technological appeal, such as bikes with LED lights or smart systems, while the Tianjuan 125 has a traditional design and outdated features. Environmental standards have also become stricter, like upgraded emission regulations, and this bike's engine efficiency is low, possibly failing to meet the new requirements. After Yamaha launched the Fazer series, Tianjuan's sales declined continuously, with customers shifting to more fuel-efficient or feature-rich models. In the long run, the company found it uneconomical to invest in maintaining the old model, preferring to focus resources on trending products. The motorcycle market changes rapidly, with trends leaning towards electric and sporty models, so old brands like Tianjuan naturally get phased out.
Let's talk about this issue, I think the core lies in technological obsolescence. The old engine used in the Tianjun 125 can't keep up with the times. Now, the emission standards have been upgraded from China V to China VI, requiring lower emissions and higher energy efficiency. Yamaha might need to add electronic fuel injection or a new oil system, but the transformation cost is too high. Mechanical components like the clutch and brakes are also quite basic, failing to meet the new safety standards, and user feedback indicates troublesome maintenance. Additionally, competitors like Honda have launched more advanced models, using lightweight materials to enhance performance. Yamaha's strategy is to focus on introducing new series, such as models with ABS, which can save production line resources while responding to market demands for innovation. Abandoning the old models actually helps the brand maintain its leading position.
