I had a similiar experience as Bill Sturm when I tried to order the European 5103R and the 5143R.

I know folks like the antiquated 13" and I have one and like it also, but it is soooo old school/medieval compared to the newer Euro saws they sale.

Are the craftspeople of North America not worthy of these saws?

Do you know what the gentleman at Timber Wolf Tools said when I asked him about it?

He said that he has spoken to the North American Makita representative (the main dude) and that guy said that North Americans do not want such quality and prefer the cheaper stuff instead.

I pared it down, but that was the jist of it.
-Collin