RECORD numbers of Australians are turning to two-wheeled transport for everyday commuting and recreation.
Official figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) show that 96,281 motorcycles, scooters and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) were sold to the end of September, a five per cent increase on the same period last year.
FCAI Chief Executive Andrew McKellar said it is encouraging to see that the motorcycle market continues to show such positive results in the current economic circumstances.
The scooter segment was a key driver of the growth in the marketplace, recording a 14.5 per cent increase on a year ago.
“The increasing popularity of scooters reflects the community’s concerns with higher fuel prices, road congestion and city parking,” McKellar said.
Year-to-date, road bikes remain the most popular segment in the marketplace recording 36,128 sales (10.8 per cent increase) compared to the off-road segment’s 33,897 sales (2.0 per cent decrease), ATV’s 14,541 (2.2 per cent increase) and scooters with 11,715 sales (14.5 per cent increase).
“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,” he added.
Honda retained the number one spot in the total market with 22,573 sales, followed by Yamaha with 20,599 and then Suzuki with 12,743.
Honda also dominated sales in the road bike segment achieving 7,703 sales, ahead of Suzuki with 5,667 and Harley-Davidson with 5,644.
Cruisers retained leadership of the road bike sub-segments (9892 sales), ahead of 250cc (8035 sales) and sports road bikes (6296 sales).
In the off-road class, Yamaha secured the top spot with 11,338 sales, followed by Honda with 9,793 and Suzuki with 4,476 sales.
Enduros remain the most popular model in that segment (10,431 sales), ahead of motocross (9,859) and then mini bikes (8,464).
Honda achieved the top-selling position in the ATV sector with 4,079 sales, followed by Yamaha with 3,952 and Suzuki with 2,437.
In the scooter segment, SYM held the top spot with 1,806 sales, ahead of Piaggio (1493) and Yamaha (1329).
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