Motorcycle sales down 14 percent in 2009

Figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) show 55,500 motorcycles, scooters and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) were sold in the six months to the end of June - a 14 percent decline compared to the same period in 2008.

"This result reflects the impact of broader economic conditions," FCAI Chief Executive Andrew McKellar said. "Motorcycle sales are now at the level we would expect them to be and are broadly consistent with the trends in new car sales."

ATVs are maintaining sales in line with the record 2008 results with 9,722 units sold - down just 0.1 percent on last year.

"This indicates the value the rural sector, in particular, places on these vehicles despite tough economic conditions," Mr McKellar said. "It appears the Federal Government's business tax break is helping to maintain sales in this segment," he said.

Roadbikes were the most popular segment in the marketplace, recording 20,763 sales (13.4 percent decrease) closely followed by the off-road segment's 19,423 sales (15.3 percent decrease).

Scooter sales fell 29.3 percent in the first half of the year, recording 5592 sales compared to the record 2008 result.

Honda was the overall market leader with 11,837 half yearly sales, followed by Yamaha with 11,393 and then Suzuki with 8,212.

Other key points:

To view the comparison report across all brands, click here.

To view the top 10 sellers in each category, click here.

Pic: the biggest sellling motocrosser, Honda's CRF250R.

MANUFACTURER COMMENT

“The arrival of the new LAMS approved G 650 GS has opened up new opportunities for us, not only attracting new learner riders but also those returning to motorcycling.

“With the product range set to diversify itself even further in the coming year with the highly anticipated S 1000 RR and new F 800 R, the sales forecast looks bright for BMW."

HARLEY-DAVIDSON
"Our June numbers don't represent a full month as we cut off retail data a week early to enable an internal operating system change," said marketing manager Adrian O'Donoghue. "Through the end of May H-D retails were on target and only a small percentage behind last year.

"A number of exciting new 2010 models will help to keep heat in the kitchen later this year. All things considered we're doing quite well."

TRIUMPH
Triumph has finished off the first half of the year strongly, 20 units up on the same period for 2008.

"We are particularly pleased to be in a positive position, given the current economic climate," said Triumph's Marketing Manager, Mal Jarrett. “To be 20 units up on the same period last year, equates to a 1.2 percent increase, in a market that is currently 14 percent down”

"Once again our bikes in the 'naked' segment performed extremely well, with the Street Triple at a 50.8 percent increase and first place in the category, the Bonneville at a 25 percent increase and second place in the category, and the Thruxton achieving a whopping 56 percent increase and ninth place in the category. The T100 also made it into the top 10 at seventh place, as did the Speed Triple coming in at eighth place.

"The Sprint ST was also a strong performer for us, with a 40.7 percent increase over the corresponding period in 2008, and finishing third best seller overall in the 'sportstouring' category.

“Although there’s still a hard road ahead, it appears that customers are choosing a brand that they can trust not only for being a reliable mount, but one that will retain its resale value and be around for many years to come."