Australian motorcycle market up 4.5%

Three quarters into 2011, the Australian motorcycle market – ATV, off-road, road and scooter – is up 4.5 precent on the same period in 2010, according to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).

Until the end of September, 77,129 units have been retailed compared to 73,810 at the same time last year, with the ATV sector leading the way, up 25.8 percent, with the scooter (up 12.1) and road (up 1.5) segments also in the black.

Off-road is down 5.1 per cent, but in September it began an upward trajectory, with road and scooter also forging ahead.

Off-road and road still dominate the landscape, accounting for 68.2 percent of the total market, followed by ATV (20.7) and scooter (11).

FCAI motorcycle manager Rhys Griffiths said the strong sales figures were representative of significant growth in the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) segment, which has grown 25.8 per cent year-to-date (compared with 2010).

“Growth in motorcycle sales – particularly in the ATV and scooter segments – continues to significantly outpace other automotive sectors in Australia,” he said. “Strong up-take in the ATV segment is likely to be the result of the economic recovery in regional and rural Australia earlier in the year, where drought has been a mitigating factor for several years.”

Mr Griffiths said sales of scooters also continued to expand, with the segment growing 12.1 per cent year-to-date when compared with 2010.

“Strong growth of scooter sales and the resilience of overall road bike sales suggest commuters are finding motorcycles to be a practical solution to high fuel prices and inner city traffic congestion.

“Despite road-bike sales falling 1.5 per cent year-to-date, the segment is still the largest in the market, accounting for 36.9 per cent of all motorcycles sold.”

Honda continues to lead the way as the biggest selling marque in 2011, ahead of Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Harley-Davidson, KTM, Polaris, Triumph and Kymco.

Outside of the Honda CT110X (1819 sales), the Kawasaki Ninja 250R (1562) and Honda CBR250R (1528) are fighting an extraordinarily close battle for the honours as the biggest selling motorcycle in Australia this year, followed by the Honda CRF50F (1289), Yamaha YZ450F (891), Honda CRF250R (829), Suzuki DR-Z400E (790), Honda CRF230F (733), Honda CRF450R (722) and Yamaha PW50 (697).

Other strong performers have included the Suzuki DR650SE (505), Polaris Hawkeye (717), Yamaha XVS650 (pictured, 589), Kawasaki KLR650 (414) and Honda CBR1000RR (430).

BMW Motorrad continued its growth with record worldwide sales in September of 8612 motorcycles, up 6.8 per cent on 2010's September figures. From January to September world wide sales increased by 6.6 per cent to 86,892 motorcycles (2010, 81,508).

BMW Motorrad has performed well in what is a challenging market in the 500cc-plus market, and is on course for a new annual sales record.
Since their release, the K 1600 GT and GTL have gained recognition as market leaders and both have been showroom successes. The R 1200 GS continues to lead the enduro adventure segment and the F Series models continue to attract new riders.

BMW Motorrad Manager for Australia and New Zealand, Tony Sesto, said the result is gratifying.

“BMW Motorrad has invested in technical and design innovation across the model range. From the stunning K 1600 GT and GTL to the newly released G 650 GS Sertão, we have motorcycles that excite and attract riders in all our market segments,” said Sesto.

“BMW Motorrad will continue to innovate. The Concept e electric scooter was unveiled in Frankfurt and in the near future BMW Motorrad will launch into urban mobility with two premium maxi scooters. The sales results for the year to date point to an exciting and successful future for BMW Motorrad.”