Australian motorcycle market rallies
But still down 19.8 percent YTDThe Australian motorcycle market has rallied in February, and is now down only 19.8 percent on the same period in 2008 - a marginal improvement over the 22 percent slump recorded in January.
Figures obtained by BikePoint reveal the scooter market has still taken the biggest whack in 2009, down 33 percent year to date (YTD), while road (down 11.4), off-road (down 22.9) and ATV (down 20.1) have also been put through the wringer.
But there has definitely been a rearguard action in February and, of the four market segments, only ATV has continued to lose ground on its January YTD (which was down 15.6 percent).
The total market is being led by Yamaha (3330 units) from Honda (3180), Suzuki (2413), Kawasaki (1948), Harley-Davidson (1306), KTM (916) and Triumph (616).
Of all the manufacturers represented, only BMW, BRP Australia (Can-Am ATVs and Spyder) and MV Agusta have increased sales in 2009, although the latter has come from a very low base (up from eight to 10 units). Victory also wasn't on sale this time last year, but it's sold 25 units so far in 2009.
In the road segment, Harley-Davidson is No. 1 so far in 2009 with 1306 sales, with seven of its bikes in the top 10 of the cruiser bracket - led by the Dyna Super Glide. Then it's Suzuki (1176), Honda (1119) and Kawasaki (965).
Yamaha has maintained its firm grip on off-road with 1678 sales, well ahead of Honda (1330), with KTM (858) just pipping Suzuki (855) for third position.
A number of new bikes have made a strong impact on the market so far in 2009, including Kawasaki's four-stroke motocross duo, the KX250F and KX450F, Yamaha's YFM90 ATV, the Harley-Davidson Softail Rocker, SYM Orbit 50 scooter, BMW F800 GS and Ducati M696 Monster.
The biggest selling bikes across the board in 2009 are the Kawasaki Ninja 250, still riding the wave of success from a great finish to 2008, ahead of the Honda CT110 (via an order-only arrangement with Australia Post), Honda CRF450R. Suzuki DR-Z400E, Yamaha YZ250F, KX250F, Honda CRF250R, Harley-Davidson FXD, Yamaha PW50 and Yamaha WR450F.
Pic: Honda's CRF450R
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