Off-road motorcycles drive Australian market growth in 2026
New motorcycle sales in Australian remain stable with a increase in demand for off-road machines reported through the first three quarters of 2026Australia’s new motorcycle and off-highway vehicle market has grown 6.7 per cent in the first nine months of 2026, with off-road motorcycles accounting for most of the increase, according to new industry figures.
Data released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) shows 68,304 motorcycles, scooters and off-highway vehicles were sold between January and September, up from 63,988 over the same period in 2025.
Off-road motorcycle sales rose 17.1 per cent year-on-year to 30,845 units, an increase of 4505. The segment accounted for around 45 per cent of all reported sales and was the largest of the four categories tracked by the FCAI.
The result contrasts with largely unchanged demand for road motorcycles, which recorded 24,163 sales, down marginally from 24,182 in the first nine months of 2025.
Scooter sales also increased, rising 4.3 per cent to 3794 units, while off-highway vehicle sales fell 3.3 per cent to 9502.
FCAI acting chief executive Dianne O’Hara said the overall market remained ahead of last year, highlighting the performance of recreational motorcycles.
“Fun, trail and motocross motorcycles all performed well, highlighting the enduring appeal of recreational riding,” O’Hara said.
She also pointed to stable road motorcycle sales and continued growth in scooters, which she described as an efficient and practical transport option for urban areas.
The figures suggest the market’s growth is being driven more by recreational riding than by an increase in demand for road motorcycles. Off-road sales alone accounted for more than the entire net increase across the four categories, with declines in off-highway vehicles and a slight fall in road motorcycle sales partly offsetting the gains elsewhere.
However, the FCAI data does not identify the individual models or price brackets behind the off-road increase, nor does it explain what has prompted the stronger demand. Key brands including Royal Enfield and CFMOTO are also not inlaced in the FCAI data.
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