Bike sales cruise into record books. March 2006

According to figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), motorcycle sales achieved 102,142 in 2005 - an increase of 14.3 percent 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.

Cruisers recorded 7,979 sales, signifying a strong consumer trend towards the lifestyle associated with this traditional type of motorcycle, the recreational, older riders and 'returnees' to motor-cycling, while sports bikes featured prominently on 6,998 sales.

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

Off-road motorcycle sales however, continue to dominate the Australian market, representing approximately 45 percent 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 percent 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 (7,088), Off-Road Bikes (15,882) and ATVs (5,273).

Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha all experienced a growth of approximately 11 percent in sales. Other brands such as BMW and Harley-Davidson have experienced higher increases also of 13.5 percent and 9.8 percent.

"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.

. . . but what about Ducati?
While virtually all manufacturers experienced sales growth in 2004, Ducati was the notable exception, recording a 23% drop in sales compared to 2004.

No cause for alarm, according to the marque's Australian importers, NF Imports.

A quiet year in terms of new model releases in 2005, combined with an extended runout of 998 models in 2004 is the reported reason for the discrepency. With six new models due for release this year, NF Imports are tipping a much bigger year for Ducati in 2006.