Due to a rise in the pricing of Yamahas, and a consequent drop in the sales of stock, J & L motorcycles in Carlisle has decided to end its 9-year partnership with the manufacturer.   The decision to cease trading in the partnership comes after owners John Kennedy and Laurence Brown made the call to 'choose with their heads and not their hearts' in order to safeguard the business and the staff, the release said: “The motorcycle industry is going through a tough time right now, since 2008 overall motorcycles sales have dropped. Yamaha’s current range, product pricing and dealer standards are simply not a viable way for us to stay a successful business.” Existing Yamaha customers of J&L will still receive full support from the dealer in regards to warranty claims, servicing and spare part requirements will be fulfilled. The resulting changes made from the decision to drop Yamaha will see the dealer have additional space to build a four-bay workshop. Alongside the new workshop is the announcement of a newly-formed partnership with Michelin, meaning the Cumbrian dealer now stock and fit the whole range of Michelin tyres. Based in Cumbria J&L motorcycle currently stock new Ducati, Aprilia and Kawasaki models, alongside used bikes, as well as a full range of parts, clothing and accessories.                                                                                                                                                                               

I know a lot of dealers who are falling out with Yamaha also. Very few have gone the whole hog (excuse the pun) but have instead increased the prominence of other marques (even adding some). My two main dealers are both pushing Triumph and both have introduced Suzuki to their range, yet both are retaining Yamaha officially, to keep the Service trade I'm guessing...

Yamaha are just to expencive for what you get