Fall in road bike sales recorded throughout opening half of 2019
Section: General
Motorcycle industry records 11.4 percent decline in sales.
Image: Supplied.
Figures from the latest Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) report indicate road bike sales have declined 17.7 percent throughout the first half of 2019 in comparison to last year, while the motorcycle industry as a whole recorded a 11.4 percent fall.
Harley-Davidson was market leader with an 18.7 percent share, followed by Yamaha Motor Australia with a 17.5 percent and Honda Motorcycle Australia with a share of 17.47 percent.
Honda’s CB125E topped the road bike division with 569 sales, followed by Yamaha’s MT-07L with 525, and Kawasaki’s all-new Ninja 400 with 488 sales.
Tony Weber, chief executive of the FCAI, said the softer motorcycle sales reflected what is currently a tough market: “The first six months of 2019 have seen several events which have contributed to the sensitivity of the market, including environmental factors such as drought and flood, a tightening of financial lending, and the recent federal election.”
Motorcycle industry records 11.4 percent fall in sales.
Image: iKapture.
Figures from the latest Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) report indicate dirt bike sales have declined 5.9 percent throughout the first half of 2019 in comparison to last year, while the motorcycle industry as a whole recorded a 11.4 percent fall.
Honda Motorcycles Australia now leads the off-road segment with a 28.5 percent share, followed by Yamaha Motor Australia with 28.2 percent, and KTM Australia with 16.7 percent.
Kawasaki’s KLX110 topped overall sales with 870 units sold, followed by Honda’s CRF50F with 763 sales, and Yamaha’s WR450F with 671 sales – all three models posted increases in sales over last year’s figures.
Tony Weber, chief executive of the FCAI, said the softer motorcycle sales reflected what is currently a tough market: “The first six months of 2019 have seen several events which have contributed to the sensitivity of the market, including environmental factors such as drought and flood, a tightening of financial lending, and the recent federal election.”
BMW Motorrad has put its foot forward in the electric-powered motorcycle market, unveiling the Vision DC Roadster concept bike to mark a new generation for the German manufacturer.
While in a conventional motorbike the size of the engine is mainly determined by its capacity, it is the battery that takes up most space in the case of an electrically powered vehicle.
Starting from this new basis, the BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster is able to make this transfer – retaining the iconic appearance of a boxer while filling it with a new function. This is why the Vision Bike is instantly recognisable as a BMW motorcycle, revealing its electric nature on closer inspection.
Replacing what would previously have been the engine, there is now a vertically fitted, longitudinally oriented battery. For cooling purposes, two side elements protrude with cooling ribs and integrated ventilators. As in the boxer engine of the BMW R 32 – the development of which was masterminded by Max Friz in 1923 – the cooling elements are placed in the air stream.
The cylinder-shaped electric motor is positioned underneath the battery and is directly connected to the universal shaft. The BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster thus demonstrates a clever drive architecture that visually echoes the history of BMW Motorrad while at the same time taking it a step further.
In the side view, the BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster presents a highly dynamic gesture with clear front-wheel orientation. The low front section and the short, high rear convey a sense of agility. Instead of the fuel tank, a flat, finely-wrought tubular structure spans the vehicle corpus. Its further shaping integrates the seat in a modern form, thereby creating the flyline of a sporty roadster. The frame structure is a key factor in defining the dynamic side view.
The large battery with its laterally protruding cooling systems is positioned at the centre of a frame milled from aluminium. The three-dimensional surface finish on the battery trim conveys a contemporary aesthetic appeal with its precise contours. The cooling elements echo the slight forward tilt of the battery silhouette, giving the side a dynamic momentum. When starting the electric motor, these cooling elements move out slightly, indicating that the bike is ready to go.
A key element of the BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster’s captivating overall appeal is the elaborate finish to be found in all its details. Within the mainly dark colour concept, it is the mechanical elements such as the exposed universal shaft and the Duolever fork that add striking accentuations. In this case, the two classic BMW features are re-interpreted and elaborately showcased.
The BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster is a visionary symbol of the future of BMW Motorrad with alternative drive forms. It showcases the electrically powered driving experience in honest, authentic form, in particular creating a new, distinctive aesthetic appeal that is still firmly rooted in the finest BMW tradition.
Yamaha Motor Australia has announced a Trans Tasman Tenere Tour after three Tenere 700 display units arrived in Australia, which will embark on a travelling roadshow in July before the all-new model goes on sale towards the end of 2019.
The all-new twin cylinder adventure bike will appear in venues across Australia and New Zealand so that potential customers and dealers can get up close and personal with the new lightweight adventure model.
The three units will be presented in three different guises – one accessorised with an Australian off-road theme, one in full touring mode with hard luggage and low seat option. and the third unit will be standard. All three colour options will be on display.
The travelling road show will be headlined by Yamaha legend, keen Tenere rider and four-time Mr Motocross, Stephen Gall. Special guests include Yamaha’s Dakar Rally – and prototype Tenere – rider Rodney Faggotter. Tenere Tragic organiser Andrew Clubb and Ride ADV head honcho Greg Yager will also be on hand to discuss all things Tenere.
“This will be a great opportunity for customers to get up close and personal with the new Tenere 700 and learn more about it,” said Yamaha Motor Australia’s marketing manager Sean Goldhawk. “Each event will feature a full media type presentation with contributions and insights from our special guests.
“Customers will also be able to register their interest in the new model and the related accessories as well as some exciting new adventure rides that we are planning for new Tenere 700 owners.
KTM New Zealand has announced its fourth annual ‘Adventure Rallye: Top of the South’ edition that will explore the South Island on 9-14 November this year, where riders will be treated to five days of stunning landscapes and epic routes mapped out by local experts.
Set to tour the famous Top of the South regions of Nelson Tasman, Marlborough and Canterbury, ‘Sunny Nelson’ provides the ideal location to start and finish the Rallye.
Kickstarting the action is a loop day out Nelson, with riders straight into dirt mere kms from downtown, with a fun rocky climb followed by breathtaking views – and that is just the first 50km.
The route will then see riders head to the riverside mountain town of Murchison along some of the local experts favourite tracks, as well as some of the South Islands most famous adventure roads – Rainbow and Molesworth Stations – with further overnights at the charismatic town of Hanmer Springs and the coastal port of Picton before returning to Nelson to cap off an epic week.
Open to orange adventure riders with the following eligible KTM bikes: 640, 690, 790, 790R, 950, 990, 1050, 1090, 1090R, 1190, 1190R, 1290 and 1290R models. The Rallye is tailored to suit a wide range of rider abilities, from those in their first years of adventure riding up to seasoned Adventure pros.
The aim on the KTM New Zealand Adventure Rallye is to be suitable for all KTM adventure riders – therefore two route options are offered daily for riders: Main Route and Breakout Route. The Main Route will be shorter and less technically challenging, with the Breakout Routes offering advanced riders more challenging terrain.
The Main Route will be made up of winding back country roads, metal roads and well formed off road tracks. Riders on the Breakout routes can expect rocks, mud, hills, mountains, farm land and some real challenges.
And taking the adventure to another level, back for 2019 is the KTM Ultimate Race Qualifiers, which will see two lucky Rallye riders win the chance to participate in the 2020 Merzouga Rally in Morocco.
The KTM New Zealand Adventure Rallye is about offering a great experience to our orange adventure riders by taking all the hard work of planning a ride so you can truly enjoy your adventure. With lead riders, sweep riders, GPS routes, luggage support, technical support, medical support, a backup vehicle, dinner every night and a photographer and videographer to capture the memories.
Ducati has taken the covers off its prototype Streetfighter V4 which will make its debut at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on 30 June in the USA.
As part of the development process of the new model, the ‘Race to the Clouds’ has been identified as an ideal proving ground for testing the high performance of the Streetfighter V4.
In keeping with tradition, the Streetfighter V4 derives directly from the sporty Panigale V4 stripped of its fairings, and fitted with high and wide handlebars. The high performance of the 1100cc Desmosedici Stradale is kept in hand by aerodynamic profiles specifically designed for this model.
The prototype will race with a pixelated livery, designed by the Centro Stile Ducati – unlike the normal practice with prototypes, the livery does not hide the lines, but exalts them by deliberately revealing how the bike will finally look.
“The Streetfighter V4 will be one of the stars of the Ducati World Premiere 2020,” declared Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati. “Streetfighter V4 is the Panigale for road riding – so there was no better stage than the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb for what will be the highest performance Streetfighter ever put into production.”
The bike will be presented to the public at EICMA 2019 and will be available in Ducati dealerships starting from mid-March 2020 onwards.
Long-time importer AHG sells remaining shares to Austrian manufacturer.
Image: Supplied.
After 25 years of stable and successful business, Automotive Holdings Group (AHG) has sold the remaining 74 per cent share of its motorcycle importation business to the brands’ parent company, KTM.
AHG has been the exclusive importer and distributor of the KTM brand for the Australian and New Zealand market since 1994, with the Husqvarna Motorcycles and WP Suspension brands joining the stable in recent years.
In 2017 KTM, which is Europe’s leading motorcycle manufacturer, purchased a 26 per cent share of the AHG motorcycle importation business. It now moves to full ownership of both KTM Group Australia and KTM Group New Zealand.
The move to full ownership will see KTM Group Australia and KTM Group New Zealand become full subsidiaries of the Austrian company.
Now selling more than 11,000 KTM and Husqvarna Motorcycle units combined, the Australian and New Zealand business has become the third largest market in the world for KTM and will now become the third largest subsidiary for the company.
“What a journey it has been since our first AHG Dealer Conference in 1994 and there have been so many significant milestones along the way,” said Jeff Leisk, general manager, KTM Group Australia and New Zealand.
“I am extremely proud to have seen the KTM and Husqvarna Motorcycle brands go from strength to strength in both the Australian and New Zealand markets. We have built strong relationships with our dealers and our customers and this has been the key to our success.
“Becoming a factory owned subsidiary will increase the level of support that we can offer our dealer network, our staff and our customers, so I am excited about the next chapter.”
About the new acquisition Hubert Trunkenpolz, chief marketing officer, KTM said: “We are absolutely delighted with the outcome and our full ownership of KTM Group Australia and KTM Group New Zealand.
“This transaction once again reinforces our commitment to the Australian and New Zealand markets. This is a very positive development for the KTM dealer network and the KTM customer in both countries.”
The change will take effect from 1 July 2019. While the change of ownership is a significant development for both the company and the market, there will be no impact on KTM Group staff or the established dealer networks for KTM, Husqvarna Motorcycles and WP Suspension.
Adventure ride to take Suzuki riders from the Gold Coast to Warwick.
Image: Supplied.
Registration has opened for the 2019 Suzuki Adventure Ride, which will take Suzuki riders on a journey travelling from the Gold Coast through to Warwick in Queensland on 6 July.
Traversing the Gold Coast Hinterlands, Tyalgum, the Border Ranges National Park on simply stunning roads, its set to be an incredible adventure.
The ride is free of charge, and during the day there will be two course options taken at various points along the ride with the group splitting into.
Group A is designed for large adventure touring motorcycles such as V-Strom 650 and 1000, with a mix of dirt and tar, while Group B is catered for smaller, off-road focused adventure touring motorcycles such as the DR650SE.
Exclusive opportunities to test ride Suzuki’s latest V-Strom 650, V-Strom 1000 and DR650SE motorcycles at the conclusion of the ride will also be available.
Saturday night a group dinner will take place at 6:30pm with prizes and giveaways at the Cherrabah Resort. Accomodation is available at the resort for a fee. For more information on the 2019 Suzuki Adventure Ride, visit www.suzukimotorcycles.com.au.
Throttle Roll return set for this weekend in Sydney
Section: General
Motorcycle culture and custom bike event to take place at the Commune.
Image: Supplied.
Following a year hiatus, Throttle Roll is set to return this Saturday at the Commune in Sydney for a celebration of custom motorcycles and the surrounding culture.
The expansive open warehouse areas at the Commune in Waterloo will ensure the celebrations that kick off at 11am will continue into the evening, regardless of weather conditions.
Supporting the spectacular display of custom bikes from Australia’s leading custom builders, Throttle Roll 2019 will feature live bands, moto themed artwork, moto markets, trade stands, food trucks, craft beer, Mutt Motorcycle Mini Movies, and the legendary Throttle Roll mechanical bull.
Event entry tickets are $20 online or $25 at the door, while more information can be found at www.throttleroll.com.
Three-day event to take place alongside Wollongong AUS Supercross.
Image: Foremost Media.
Troy Bayliss Events today announced its new-look Australian Motorcycle Festival will take place at Lang Park in Wollongong, New South Wales, on 8-10 November, which will run alongside round three of the 2019 Australian Supercross Championship at WIN Stadium, also operated by the three-time Superbike world champion.
The festival format, which takes over from the former Sydney Motorcycle Show, creates a unique visitor experience with over 20,000sqm of outdoor space hosting displays, entertainment and activations.
The new location also provides an opportunity for expansion with the all-new festival incorporating interactive elements such as test rides, live motorcycle demonstrations including safety and stunt riding. Test rides will also take place on the water with a range of PWC’s.
“Lang Park provides the perfect location to showcase the latest offerings from the motorcycle industry and WIN Stadium is the perfect size stadium to host Australia’s best supercross riders competing against International athletes,” Bayliss explained.
Image: Foremost Media.
“Motorcycling is a lifestyle and that’s what this festival is all about. Visitors to the festival will get to test, try, learn and be entertained all in the once place. The trip from Sydney down the Grand Pacific Drive via the national park and cliff roads into Wollongong is easily one of the best in Australia for scenic rides.
“Once in Wollongong we encourage riders to enjoy the festivities and experience everything Illawarra and south coast has to offer. Short rides, long rides there is something for everyone.
“To have the third round of the supercross taking place right next door on Saturday evening is a great addition and creates the ultimate weekend for motorcycle enthusiasts and we would like to thanks Destination Wollongong, Wollongong City Council and Win Stadium for welcoming the event. We have so much more to be announced over the coming weeks.”
Destination Wollongong general manager Mark Sleigh added: “Wollongong makes for the perfect road trip with stunning coastline taking in Sea Cliff Bridge as well as the winding escarpment which will put all your motorcycle skills to the test.
“The combination of the championship round and the motorcycle festival make for the perfect weekend away, so we encourage everyone to stay a little longer and enjoy the attractions, natural assets and cafes and bars on offer in Wollongong.”
Over 40,000 visitors are expected to head to Wollongong, making it one of the largest motorcycle events in Australia.
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