I was the one who sent the "dealer letter" explaining the reason for the assembly of the Midnight Falcon. Was it a reward for dealers selling 12K units or was it build out of extra parts laying around? Who knows, and you won't find out anything for sure from Suzuki Company.
All they are interested in is selling units, to heck with collectors and the folks who try to keep the history of the company going. If you don't think I'm right go and buy parts for the older bikes, make sure to take your "big wallet." You would think as years go by parts would get cheaper, so they could deplete the inventory, but no just the opposite. They don't want you riding old bikes, they want you to buy new bikes.
What's the big deal with telling folks how many of a certain model were produced? You would think you were asking how to assemble a nuclear weapon. They can't "release that information" because they don't know and don't care to find out. You can buy books on British bikes and find out exactly how many of each model was produced and even the month of certain modification that took place on the assembly line.
Some bike clubs get a "ball park" figure of bikes built by having the club members send in their VIN numbers. After as many as possible have been sent in, they subtract the smallest number from the largest and there is your "ball park." BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COUNT. It's a shame you have to resort to these tactics when someone has the figure written down on a piece of paper. But it could upset the balance of military power if they "released that information."
I guess the one per dealer count is as good as any way to come up with the production figure. But my local dealer received three units and all were sold before they arrived. When asked, other dealers in my area didn't even know they were offering a Special Edition model. I don't think any Midnight Falcons went to California, did they? Some of you California guys can answer this. I sent a scan of my SE to a California dealer and he didn't have a clue as to what it was. He was serious when he said I took a can of black spray paint to a regular Busa. By the way, does anyone know how many Suzuki dealers there are? Or is that information "unable to be released?"
I know I've been ranting and raving but sometimes a man has just got to "vent." During my Air Force career I had been through a really rough week and went to our maintenance office to blow my stack. After listening to me for about 10 minutes the Captain said...."are you through venting?" I replied yes. Then the Captain said...."good, now go back to work." So now I guess I'll go back to work.
Ridem if you gottem!
