Honda, Ducati lead shift to big motorbikes in Thailand

In less than a decade, Thailand has gone from a marginal producer of "big bikes" -- loosely defined as motorcycles over 400cc or 500cc -- to a leading exporter, mirroring the country's success as an auto manufacturing hub. Nearly all major brands now assemble in the country. Even Harley-Davidson, which has long touted its "Made in America" image, announced plans earlier this year to open a plant in Thailand.