Motorcycle sales continue to surge

Five percent increase on this time last year

Over 96,281 motorcycles, scooters and all-terrain vehicles were sold in Australia to the end of September this year, according to official figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).

That represents a five percent increase year-on-year, with the road and scooter segments the key drivers of growth, up 10.8 and 14.5 percent respectively.

"It is encouraging to see that the motorcycle market continues to show such positive results in the current economic circumstances," FCAI Chief Executive Andrew McKellar said. "The increasing popularity of scooters reflects the community's concerns with higher fuel prices, road congestion and city parking.

"There is now an exciting array of models on offer in all segments, meaning everyone from experienced to first-time riders should have no problem finding a motorcycle to suit need their needs."

Year-to-date, road bikes remain the most popular segment in the marketplace with 36,128 sales, ahead of off-road (33,897), ATV (14,541) and scooters (11,715).

Honda retained its No. 1 spot in the total market with 22,573 sales, followed by Yamaha with 20,599 and then Suzuki with 12,743.

In the roadbike sector, the Kawasaki Ninja 250 and Honda CBR125RW have been the big improvers as the 250cc and under class continues to power ahead - even with the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) opening up a whole new gamut of bikes to novice riders.

Another huge performer has been the SYM VS125 scooter, which is the eighth biggest selling roadbike with 611 units, behind the made-to-order Australian Post Honda CT110 (1868), Ninja 250 (1429), Honda CBR1000RR (1088), CBR125RW (989), Harley-Davidson Fat Boy (704), Hyosung GT250R (653) and Yamaha YZF-R1 (632).

Below are the leading bikes in their respective categories:

Cruisers - Fat Boy
Scooters - VS125
Sportstouring - Suzuki GS500F
Under 250cc road - CT110 (Ninja 250 second)
Adventure Touring - Kawasaki KL650
Naked - Triumph Street Triple
Supersport - CBR1000RR
Touring - Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic
Supermotard - Yamaha XT660
Enduro - Yamaha WR450F
Motocross - Honda CRF450R
Fun - Yamaha PW50
Farm - Honda CTX200
Trail - Honda CRF230F

For a summary report on all sales, click here.

For the sales in the respective categories, click here.

MANUFACTURER COMMENTS

Kawasaki Australia
Kawasaki's status as the fastest growing Japanese brand in the recently released FCAI report is testament to the brands commitment to providing models of exceptional high quality and functionality. Without question, the low price tag attached to the Ninja 250R, along with its LAMS approval and great looks courtesy of its full supersport-style fairing turned the model into the "must have" motorcycle in 2008 and provided Kawasaki with its highest selling model of the year. Kawasaki's positive results so far in 2008 can also be attributed to the brands success in the USA where models such as the 1400GTR, Versys, KLR650 and Ninja 250R won top media and MOTY awards. Kawasaki has not adjusted its order levels as a result of the recent global economic slump and its prices remain extremely competitive. As is probable with all importers, Kawasaki has forward ordered well into next year and import numbers are not likely to change. Issues like the weakening of the Australian dollar next to the Japanese yen and the American dollar and increasing energy and freight prices may affect end retail pricing for all manufacturers in the future. Kawasaki is confident that the upcoming release of exciting new models such as the all new Vulcan 1700 range, 2009 Ninja ZX-6R, Ninja 650R and new Vulcan 900 Custom Special Edition will all contribute to Kawasaki's continued success in the marketplace throughout the remainder of 2008 and carry the brand boldly into 2009.

Piaggio Australia
Piaggio continues to be the No. 1 choice for scooters in Australia with almost 23 percent share of the market with the three distinctive Piaggio, Vespa and Gilera brands. Each one of our Piaggio brands is up on the same time as last year for their own reasons. Vespa continues to be the choice for the discerning owner who wants more than simply transport and the Gilera Fuoco 500 3-wheeler has been a sell-out success. Piaggio has experienced the biggest increase of 135 percent on same time last year and this is due to the depth of range we are offering from entry level to maxi’s and the MP3 250 and 400 3-wheelers.

Hyosung Australia

Hyosung Australia has turned around a first half decline into a third quarter resurgence with sales three percent up on the same period as last year. We started off the year a bit light on and this hurt us a little. Combined with availability and some other initiatives we have climbed back up to consolidate our No. 7 position in roadbikes behind the big six. It’s not just down to our popular GT250R either, with LAMS being available across the entire model range and providing plenty of options for new riders”.

Triumph Australia
The Triumph range continues to outsell its European counterparts and by more than two to one of its nearest competitor (BMW) and is snapping at the heels of the Japanese brands. Our range and our dealers are what continues to make the difference for us. We’re not just a one-trick pony as Triumph now has many popular models in many segments. The naked segment has been dominated by the Street Triple 675 in No. 1 spot, followed closely by the Bonneville, T100 and the Speed Triple all helping to fill out four of the top six positions. Our 2300cc Rocket models also continue to muscle through the power cruiser and touring segment. We are expecting a strong finish to the year in the adventure touring and sport ouring segments with the added attraction of free panniers being added to the brilliant 1050cc Tiger and the Sprint ST (already with free panniers), recently being awarded AMCN peoples' choice of best sports tourer.

Honda Australia
We are incredibly proud of our new Fireblade, and both the industry and public response to it has been fantastic. Our new LAMS approved CB400 road bike is really taking off as well. Its popularity is due in part to the number of people opting for fuel efficient commuters as a sensible alternative. We have a few more key models being released before the end of the year including the new naked CB1000R street fighter, and TRX420FPA and TRX500FPE ATV's that both feature power steering so we are looking forward to another successful 12 months. This year has been an exciting one for us on the safety and training front with the opening of our new HART centre in Brisbane, as well as the management shift of the Honda owned centre in St Ives, NSW. The developments with HART are part of our larger plan to eventually have a world class rider training facility in every capital city of Australia, all part of Honda's bigger commitment to ensuring every rider has the skills and knowledge they need to stay safe on the road.

Ducati Australia

Regarding our Sept ’08 YTD sales results, naturally we’re pleased with the results. Firstly because it’s what we projected at the beginning of the year for ‘08, and also as it follows on from our fantastic growth in ’06 (+30 percent) and ’07 (+40 percent) and of course i have to sincerely thank our customers and dealers for buying Ducati for us to realise these results. So I suppose the question is, what’s the reason for the results when compared to the modest growth by other brands and the industry in general? Two very important things - products and people. From a product point of view, Ducati is arguably the most exciting and dynamic brand in motorcycling today – we race and we win and what we race inspires what we build. We’ve seen the introduction of many new models in the last 18 to 24 months, models that reflect both our racing experiences and success for performance, safety and riding pleasure and also directly linked to customer and market feedback. These models have made a direct hit in terms of expectation for intended design, evidenced by the sales successes and press / media nominations and awards. We’ve also responded to feedback in relation to ownership costs by reducing servicing costs by up to 50% from 2007 models onward. Simply put, we’re building the motorcycles that our customers want and expect and we’re making them easier and lower cost to live with. From a people point of view, we’ve asked our dealers to invest and operate their dealerships in way that is consistent with the premium image of the Ducati brand and with the expectation of Ducati customers. Evolving the retail environments (people and dealership), meeting these expectations and offer levels of service and services is also contributing to our results and growth.

Motorcycle sales continue to surge

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