A growing roster of manufacturers has publicly acknowledged that they are experiencing serious difficulties in constructing and delivering new machines to their dealer networks and customers.

Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha have all highlighted disruption to their manufacturing processes, citing a shortage of essential components including semiconductors caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Furthermore, delivery of the machines that it has been possible to build has been affected by the accidental blockage of the Suez Canal when the Ever Given famously ran aground and prevented other ships from travelling through it earlier this year.

In a public message to the dealer network and customers, President and CEO of Yamaha Motors Europe Eric de Seynes said: “We understand that the wait for products to be delivered can be frustrating, and for that we are very sorry. Therefore, we sincerely hope you will accept our apology for any delay. We sincerely hope that you will be able to rev your heart with your new machine very soon.”