different bike names (RD350 / RZ350 etc)

[kawashima]

RD350 in uk / RZ350 in japan
RD500 in uk / RZV500 in japan
Burgman650 in uk / Skywave650 in japan
Why do you think they change names in areas?
Is "Sky wave" strange for a bike name do you feel?
Regarding RD, I feel it old models bike names compared to RZ.
I heard Z of RZ means "liquid cooled", and RZ is successor of RD. But recently I learned RZ is called RD in uk and I wondered why.
Regarding Skywave, I feel it's like nissan micra / march. I suppose japanese name is so silly sounding for native english speaker, but do you think so?
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own:2020 Serow 250
owned: 2012 YB125SP, 2008 TDM900, 2005 W650, 2002 LS125R, 2002 CB400SF, NS50F, C50 / Trip to UK(2009), Hokkaido touring(2013)

[Kickstart]

Hi

RD was claimed to stand for "Race Developed".

There are some major differences between some models. For example the RD500 and RZV500 had different frames (from memory).

Some names do not go down well in other languages. Nissan Cedric and Nissan Gloria would be laughed at in the UK.

Toyota MR2 apparently didn't sell well in France and they wondered why until it was pointed out that MR2 was MR Duex in French, which would be pronounced like the French word merde.

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[27cows]

Worst example off the top of me head was the Revere (UK)/Bros (elsewhere), at a time when those two blonde pillocks were at the nauseating height of their fame.

[kawashima]

[Kickstart]

[c_dug]

I park beside a Bros at work, there isnt much difference at all in our bikes, front brake calliper is different (mines sliding, the bros is opposed), very slightly different body work, other than that there is really very little obvious difference.

I think the bros is an alloy frame, my revere is steel.

c_dug

edit: didn't even realise the bros was chain drive, he always parks up beside a wall.
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I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

[Dibble]

Bros/Revere /Hawk(US)had different frames swingarm ,suspension brakes,fuel tank,seat,bodywork ,bars or to put it another way they shared an engine block -but were somehow very similar

[c_dug]

Will have to have a closer look at the bros next time I see it!

Out of interest the engine in the old transalp 750 looks very similar, anybody know is a swap possible?

c_dug
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I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

[Kickstart]

Hi

Think it has been done for the Bros a few times.

The Bros always seems far narrower than the Revere.

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[Dibble]

[The Original Muzza]

Back on cars, I hear the Mitsubishi "Pajero" didn't sell too well in certain Spanish regions due to slang.
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Current Bikes: Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 (2020)
Former Bikes: Honda MSX125 (2014), BMW Funduro (1996), Honda VT500 (1983), Yamaha FZR250 (1989), Suzuki GZ125 Marauder(2005),:Triumph TT600 (2002) (stolen)
From then on, I and the bicycle feelings deeper.

[Kickstart]

Hi

Yep, and even without slang the Chevy Nova didn't sell well in Spanish speaking countries. After all would you buy a car called the "Vauxhall No Go".

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[Glory Hunter]

Mitsubishi Pajero = Wanker in Spanish (Latin Am), thus called a Shogun in some regions

Ford Pinto = Small Penis (Brazil)

Vauxhal Nova = Doesn't go (Spanish), thus Opel Corsa (Race in Italian)

Mazda La Puta = Bitch / Whore (Spanish)

Also, I still can't believe Mazda managed to sell a people carrier called a Bongo Friendee - I mean what does that even mean?

On a related note, when Arsenal were sponsored by SEGA, any Italian watching just saw the word WANK scrawled across their shirts!
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2003 Suzuki VanVan - Sold
2000 Honda CB500 - written off by a spoilt brat with no manners
2005 Yamaha XT660 - I'm in lurve....