Oz bike sales crack 100,000

According to figures released today by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), motorcycle sales achieved 102,142 in 2005 – an increase of 14.3 per cent compared to the 89,374 sales in 2004.

For the second consecutive year scooters were the highest-selling category in the registered road bike sector, recording 10,242 sales, up 30 per cent on 2004.

"The uptake of scooters in Australia reflects the urban lifestyle and increased traffic congestion," said FCAI Chief Executive Peter Sturrock (pictured).

Cruisers recorded 7979 sales, signifying a strong consumer trend towards the lifestyle associated with this traditional type of motorcycle, the recreational, older riders and 'returnees' to motorcycling, while sports bikes featured prominently on 6998 sales.

The road bike market has continued its resurgence with 38,802 sales representing a 20.4 per cent increase over the 32,220 road bike sales of 2004.

Off-road motorcycle sales however, continue to dominate the Australian market, representing approximately 45 per cent of all motorcycle sales, with 46,272 sold.

"The continuing trend indicates the extreme popularity of off-road riding as a recreation and leisure pursuit," said Mr Sturrock.

Mini-bikes and enduro motorcycles were the top-selling off-road categories with sales of 13,682 and 12,788 respectively.

"In controlled surroundings, mini-bike riding for young people provides a natural progression to recreational off-road riding on enduro bikes as they reach licensing age," said Mr Sturrock.

The All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) market achieved strong growth last year following an easing of drought conditions that have affected their sales in recent years.

A total of 17,068 ATVs were sold, an increase of 15.8 per cent on the 2004 figures.

Honda again claimed overall market leadership with 28,243 motorcycles sold, followed by Yamaha with 25,345, and in third position Suzuki with 12,713.

In addition to holding the overall market lead, Honda also led in all three industry categories of Road Bikes (7088), Off-Road Bikes (15,882) and ATVs (5273).

Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha all experienced a growth of approximately 11 per cent in sales.

Other brands such as BMW and Harley-Davidson have experienced higher increases also of 13.5 per cent and 9.8 per cent.

"The increased sales of all categories of motorcycles are a pleasing result for the motorcycle industry, continuing a trend that began three years ago," said Mr Sturrock.

"We foresee motorcycle sales continuing to rise in the coming months," he said.