Sales drop over first quarter

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) reports that overall motorcycle, scooter, quad bike and SSV sales dropped over the first three months of this year compared to the previous corresponding period, but sales in both the road bike and scooter categories grew.

A total of 24,338 bikes, scooters and off-highway vehicles (OHV) were sold between January 1 and March 31, representing a drop of 10.7 per cent over the first quarter of 2021.

The dirt bike segment contracted by 17.2%, with 9644 units, while the OHV segment contracted by a whopping 40%, with 3275 units. While supply chain issues are ongoing across the broader motorcycle industry, the OHV segment result also likely reflects the exit of some manufacturers following the introduction of more stringent regulations, including mandatory Roll-Over Protections Systems (ROPS).

But both the road bike and scooter segments made solid gains. The 9273 road bikes sold over the quarter represent growth of 12%, while the 1696 scooters that rolled off showroom floors represent growth of 15% on corresponding 2021 figures.

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The road bike market is currently a fraction ahead of the dirt bike segment, the two categories accounting for 39.9% and 39.6% of the overall tally respectively. The OHV segment accounted for 13.5% of the tally, while the scooter segment accounted for 7%.

The FCAI no longer makes public the sales data for individual models and niche-specific categories, while it should be noted that the FCAI figures don't include sales of brands distributed by Urban Moto Imports (Royal Enfield, Benelli, MV Agusta) or Mojo Motorcycles (CFMOTO, Kymco, Sherco), who are not FCAI members.

It should be noted that the sales figures only include new motorcycles and brands that are registered members of the FCAI. Certain importers such as Urban Moto Imports (i.e Royal Enfield, Benelli, MV Agusta) and Mojo Motorcycles (i.e CFMOTO, Sherco) are not included in the overall sales figures.

The FCAI’s Chief Executive, Tony Weber, highlighted the importance of bikes and scooters in addressing congestion, travel time and fuel pricing concerns.

“In a period of rising fuel costs and increased congestion, now is the time for States and Territories to implement nationally consistent licensing regulations for motorcycles and scooters,” he said.

“Enabling more motorists to move to motorcycles and scooters is a key tool in helping to lower the cost of living and reducing the amount of time road users spend in traffic.”

The first quarter's data comes in stark contrast to the overall tally for 2021, when sales increased by 13.4% compared to 2020. Dirt bikes accounted for 43% of that figure, and growth was recorded across all the major categories.

However, like most industries, the Australian motorcycle industry is grappling with a unique and challenging set of market conditions right now, with generally strong demand constrained by supply issues and a labour squeeze courtesy of the continuing fall-out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The previous two years of COVID lockdowns boosted the savings of many, and with travel off the agenda recreational discretionary spending on items like bikes, boats and RVs jumped. However, rising shipping costs and the shifting sands of supply and demand have seen the ticket prices for new bikes increase, with the second-hand market following suit.

More recently, surging fuel prices following the outbreak of war in the Ukraine are set to add yet another element to the turbulent mix and could well encourage more workers to consider a two-wheeled alternative for commuting – provided they can secure their bike or scooter of choice in a timely manner. Add in the spectre of rising inflation, and how 2022 will play out in motorcycle sales is still anyone's guess.