Tag Archives: sales

Will online swapping kill swap meets?

Will online swapping make motorcycle parts swap meets a thing of the past and will riders choose to swap their bikes online rather than sell them and buy a new bike?

At least one online start-up hopes the future will move toward online swapping just as our habits are shifting toward on-line shopping.

Nicholas Robertson who has founded the Australian online site SwapU.com.au believes there is a future in online swapping.

There are already selling sites that also allow you to swap, but they are not geared up specifically for swapping, so there are few items offered  for a swap.

SwapU.com.au is specifically set up for swapping only.

It makes good economic and sustainability sense to swap. 

I have checked out the site and there are several motorcycles and motorcycle parts being offered for a swap, among a range of other items such as cars, furniture, crafts, electronics, etc.

It even includes a “swipe” section which is similar to those dating apps where you swipe right or left depending on your level of interest.

Nic admits his site is in its early stages and is “pretty glitchy in parts”.  

“It is what happens when it is a part-time gig, I guess,” says the former Kawasaki KX125 owner.  

“There are a lot of interesting ways at coming at the swapping experience from the perspective of the customers.  

“Many people want to have more experiences and don’t have a way to get the cash that they want from a sale to buy their new item.  So they swap.  

“Others are just interested in what they might be able to swap for their item.  People swap for a range of reasons.”

Swapping an item on SwapU requires the two parties to agree on the swap and whether any money also needs to change hands.

It’s pretty straight forward for most items.

However, there are legal issues involved in swapping vehicles such as stamp duty, registration, roadworthy certificates, etc.

A close-up of the front half of the 2022 Kawasaki W800

Swappers will have to check the legal requirements in their state and there are details about that on the website.

As usual, buyers and sellers should be aware of online scams and issues such as insurances write-offs, stolen vehicles and money still owning on a vehicle to finance companies or banks.

Click here for more details.

I can see that it would be great for swapping parts as it gives you access to parts that may be on the other side of the continent rather than just what is available at a local swap meet.

And if your part is quite rare, a site like this gives you more chance of finding it.

Swapping vehicles appears more problematic.

However, if it cuts out the middle man and saves you money, then it could be worth a go.

You can find out more details on their “blog” section.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

 Motorcycle sales boom falters

The motorcycle sales boom that happened in the wake of the first pandemic lockdown appears to be over.

Sales of motorcycles, scooters and ATVs in Australia dropped by more than 10% in the first quarter.

While there are no reasons given, it could be a combination of the threat of rising interest rates, inflation, a looming election, supply chain issues and the war in Ukraine.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries figures for the first quarter of 2022 show 24,338 motorcycles, scooters and OHVs were sold, a drop of 10.7% on the first quarter in 2021.

This follows a record 13.4% increase last year, mainly led by off-road motorcycle sales.

On the release of those figures, FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said that despite pandemic restrictions limiting access to showrooms, the new motorcycle, scooter and OHV market in Australia remained positive.

FCAI CEO Tony Weber is learning to ride a motorcycle NGK
Tony Weber

He gave no reason for the drop this year, but says bikes and scooters are the answer in times of rising fuel prices.

“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 says. 

“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.”

In the first quarter, off-road motorcycles again led with 39.6% of the market, but the 9644 sales were a decrease of 17.2%.

Road motorcycles accounted for 9723, which is 39.9% of total sales, up 12%.

The OHV market recorded a drop of 40% to 3275, representing 13.5% of the market.

Scooters made up the smallest portion of first-quarter sales with 1696, an increase of 15% and a 7% market share.

“Motorcycles, scooters and OHVs are a crucial element in the lives of many Australians, be it on the road or for recreation.” Tony says.

FCAI figures

A close-up of the front half of the 2022 Kawasaki W800

It should be noted that the official FCAI figures don’t necessarily mean a lot these days.

The supposed “peak body for the automotive industry in Australia” now represents a dwindling number of importers who pay to be members.

While several manufacturers who are not members may be minor players, CFMoto is not included and it is most likely in the top 10 sellers in Australia.

Plus scooter sales are possibly much higher as most scooters sold are 50cc models from Asian manufacturers who are not FCAI members and therefore not included in the figures.

The figures now only provide the breakdown in classes (road, off-road, OHV and scooters) and do not include the top 10 sellers in each category such as sports bikes, enduro, tourers, cruisers, learners, etc.

So riders now have no idea how their brand, model and category is performing which used to be a good indicator of resale value.

The figures used to include a list of the top sellers by manufacturer, but now riders have no indication of which manufacturers might be desperate for sales and offer discounts.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

BMW Motorrad hits global sales record

While BMW Motorrad set a record sales year in 2021 with a massive 14.8% increase, Australia’s performance was up only marginally.

According to BMW Motorrad Australia, they sold 2512 motorcycles and scooters to the end of December which was a 0.8% increase on 2020.

Globally, BMW Motorrad sold 194,261 motorcycles and scooters which was up 24,989 up on the previous year.

Understandably, the German company’s best performer which remains the largest market with 25,972 sales and leading the brand in its home.

Next best is Italy with 16,034 (15.2%), just one ahead of the USA which witnessed 32.1% growth.

But the biggest improver was India with a whopping 102.5% increase to 5191.

Other notable improvements were China which was up 21.4% to 14,309, Spain (12,616, 14.4 %) and France (19,887,13.4%).

BMW Motorrad claims the UK’s exit from the EU had no significant impact on their sales with an increase of 26.6% and sales of 9263 in Great Britain/Ireland compared with 7315 the previous year.

BMW R 18 Big BoxerBMW R 18 Big Boxer
BMW’s R 18 Big Boxer engine

Boxer models remain the driving force for the company with sales of more than 60,000 R 1250 GS and GS Adventure alone and R models accounting for half of the company’s sales.

BMW Motorrad boss Markus Schramm says he is proud of the results.

“It’s precisely in times of crisis where you can see how well a team sticks together,” he says. 

“I look forward to 2022 with great confidence as we start the year with what is sure to be the strongest product offering ever. 

“Our four cruiser models from the BMW R 18 model family are entering their first full year of sales together. 

“In addition, in the first few months of 2022 alone, the market launches of the all-electric BMW CE 04 and our four superior 6-cylinder models K 1600 GT/GTL/B and Grand America, which have been further improved in all respects, are absolute highlights in our range and will generate a further sales drive in the first half of the year. 

“We also have a lot planned for the second half of 2022, so our customers and fans are in store for a number of surprises.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Ducati Australia records 50% boost

Ducati Australia has recorded the biggest rise in sales for the company worldwide in 2021 with a 50% increase.

Ducati sold 59,477 motorcycles globally which is a new record for the Italian company, up 24% on 2020 and 12% over 2019.

In 2021 Ducati’s growth came in all the main countries, starting with the United States, which regained the place of leading market for Ducati with 9007 units which corresponds to an increase of 32% on 2020.

It was followed by Italy with 8707 bikes (23% on 2020) and Germany with 6107 (11% on 2020).

The Chinese market also grew with 4901 motorcycles (21%), as well as the French with 4352 (12%) and the UK with 2941 (30%).

While the number of bikes sold in Australia has not been revealed, they say sales are up 50% which is the biggest growth for the company in any market last year.

While individual importer sales are no longer reported by the Australian Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, Ducati sold 1521 bikes in 2019 when they were last reported.

So they should be well and truly above 2000.

The dramatic Ducati Australia sales increase compares with a 13.4% increase in Australian motorcycle and OHV (Off Highway Vehicle) sales last year.

Multistrada v4

Ducati says the new Multistrada V4 is their best-selling and most popular motorcycle in 2021 with 9957 motorcycles delivered to customers.

The Ducati Scrambler 800 family followed with 9059 bikes and the Monster with 8734.

Ducati boss Claudio Domenicali says the 2021 result came despite global supply chain issues.

“Supply chains created delivery delays for which I want to apologise to all Ducatisti, thanking them for their patience,” he says.

Ducati also claim this will be another big year for the company with the 2022 range receiving the highest order portfolio at the beginning of the year.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Australian bike sales soar 13.4%

A surge in off-road motorcycle sales has pushed Australian motorcycle and OHV (Off Highway Vehicle) sales last year by a record 13.4%.

According to official figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, 123,530 motorcycles and OHVs were sold throughout 2021.

Off-road motorcycles recorded the biggest increases, up 18.8% to 53,118, representing 43% of overall sales.

Road motorcycles were the next most popular segment, up 6.8% to 37,270, accounting for 30.17% of the market.

The OHV segment grew 13.9% to 28,321, with a 22.92% market share.

Scooters make up the smallest portion of the market with 4821 sold, representing 3.90% of the overall market and an increase of 8.1%.

Off-road push

FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said that in the context of pandemic restrictions limiting access to showrooms, the new motorcycle, scooter and OHV market in Australia remains positive.

FCAI CEO Tony Weber is learning to ride a motorcycle NGK
Tony Weber

“The pandemic has meant less access to showrooms for consumers. Despite this, all sectors of the motorcycle and OHV market recorded growth throughout 2021. This demonstrates the quality of product that manufacturers are sending to Australia,” Tony says.

The FCAI is urging governments to take note of the large off-road motorcycle sector which is a widely used form of recreation.

“More and more Australians are using off-road motorcycles to increase their physical fitness, as a form of mental wellbeing and as a way of experiencing the Australian bush.

“It is important for politicians at all levels to be cognisant of this and to set aside appropriate land for it.”

With congestion a perennial problem for all of Australia’s capital cities and major centres, road motorcycles and scooters should be seen as tools to help ease the load on Australia’s transport systems he says.

“Traffic is a major issue across Australia. Getting more commuters onto motorcycles and scooters will help to reduce congestion and increase traffic flow.

“We are encouraging Governments to consider how they can motivate commuters to use motorcycles and scooters as safe, practical and efficient ways of getting around our cities and urban centres.”

FCAI figures

It should be noted that the official FCAI figures don’t necessarily mean a lot these days.

The supposed “peak body for the automotive industry in Australia” now represents a dwindling number of importers who pay to be members.

While several manufacturers who are not members may be minor players, CFMoto is not included and it is most likely in the top 10 sellers in Australia.

Plus scooter sales are possibly much higher as most scooters sold are 50cc models from Asian manufacturers who are not FCAI members and therefore not included in the figures.

The figures now only provide the breakdown in classes (road, off-road, OHV and scooters) and do not include the top 10 sellers in each category such as sports bikes, enduro, tourers, cruisers, learners, etc.

So riders now have no idea how their brand, model and category is performing which used to be a good indicator of resale value.

The figures used to include a list of the top sellers by manufacturer, but now riders have no indication of which manufacturers might be desperate for sales and offer discounts.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Aussie bike sales continue rise

Australian motorcycle and OHV (Off Highway Vehicle) sales for the first nine months of this year have increased 8.3% over Covid-ravaged 2019.

According to official figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, 86,239 bikes were sold compared with 79,623 this time last year which was a 26.4% increase over 2019.

So it seems there are plenty of people out there getting on motorcycles or buying second and third bikes.

“This steady growth of 8.3% over the same period in 2020 shows us that there is strong demand from buyers who want to use a motorcycle as their first choice for the daily commute and for recreation,” says FCAI boss Tony Weber. 

Road bikes were up just 2.2% to 26,119, off-road motorcycles were up 10.5% to 35,120, OHVs up 14.1% to 21,590 and scooters up 1.5% to 3410 units.

However, the official FCAI figures don’t necessarily mean a lot these days.

The supposed “peak body for the automotive industry in Australia” now represents a dwindling number of importers who pay to be members.

While several manufacturers who are not members may be minor players, CFMoto is not included and it is most likely in the top 10 sellers in Australia.

Plus scooter sales are possibly much higher than the announced 1.5% increase as most scooters sold are 50cc models from Asian manufacturers who are not FCAI members and therefore not included in the figures.

The figures now only provide the breakdown in classes (road, off-road, OHV and scooters) and do not include the top 10 sellers in each category such as sports bikes, enduro, tourers, cruisers, learners, etc.

So riders now have no idea how their brand, model and category is performing which used to be a good indicator of resale value.

The figures used to include a list of the top sellers by manufacturer, but now riders have no indication of which manufacturers might be desperate for sales and offer discounts.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Richard Hammond’s Classic Collection Is Being Put On The Chopblock

Mr. Hammond is in the process of letting go some of his classics in lieu of a better handle on a new venture he’s got in the works – and we’re excited at the lineup he’s placed on the chop block. 

a view of some of Roger Hammond's classic collection, which he will be auctioning off to support a new business venture, called "The Smallest Cog"

According to a report from DriveTribe, the English journalist is working on a new niche of “Richard Hammond’s Workshop,” which will apparently become available on Disney+ in the western hemisphere and Discovery+ UK for the Central Hemisphere. 

The niche in question – a business called ‘The Smallest Cog’ – has required a bit of extra funding.

And what better way to fund a business in a moto industry than by selling moto-related machines?

For Hammond, it’s a slightly hilarious situation. 

a view of Hammond on the Grand Tours show, in a car, turning around and smiling at the camera

“The irony of me supporting my new classic car restoration business by selling some of my own classic car collection is not wasted on me,” he says. “It is with a very heavy heart that they go, as they have a great deal of personal sentimental value – but they will be funding the future development of the business and giving life back to countless other classic vehicles.”

The ‘classic collection’ in question is not lacking, to say the least.

A view of Hammond's 1927 Sunbeam Model 2
The 1927 Sunbeam Model 2

Among the iconic 1959 Bentley S2, 1969 Porsche 911T, and limited edition Lotus Espirit Sport 350 (No. 5/48), sits the 1927 Sunbeam Model 2 – a sports variant of what is otherwise a brilliant part of early motorcycle history. 

A view of Hammond's 1932 Velocette KSS Mk1
A 1932 Velocette KSS Mk1

The collection also boasts a 1932 Velocette KSS Mk1 motorbike – a supersport clubmansracer that contributed heavily to the earlier days of the Isle of Man

A view of Hammond's 1977 Moto Guzzi Le Mans Mk I
A 1977 Moto Guzzi Le Mans Mk1

Hammond also has brought out a very nicely polished 1977 Moto Guzzi Le Mans Mk1 – a series II, by the look of the larger rectangular taillight. 

A view of Hammond's 1976 Kawasaki Z900
The 1976 Kawasaki Z900

Two more motorcycles round up the two-wheeled contribution to the auctions, both a pair of beauties that Hammond bought for his 40th and 50th birthday: The 1976 Kawasaki Z900 and a very nice 2019 Norton Dominator 961 Street Limited Edition

a view of Hammond's 2019 Norton Dominator 961 Street Limited Edition
2019 Norton Dominator 961 Street Limited Edition

“I’m taking a risk – I’m putting my money where my mouth is. I’m setting up a classic car restoration workshop for real, and Discovery+ will be following my attempts to do so”, says Hammond, on a recent Twitter post. 

Activated carbon (also known as activated charcoal), in its raw form

The Smallest Cog will be landing later this year, date TBA – until then, take a gander at Hammond’s Lineup, and start the bid!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Australian motorcycle sales rise

Motorcycle and OHV (Off Highway Vehicle) rose 5.7% in the first half of this year compared with the same period in 2020, according to official figures released today by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).

They report that sales were 55,840 compared with 3001 for the first six months of 2020.

It sounds good, but sales were down in the first half of 2020 by 2.5% thanks to Covid lockdowns and 5.7% is a long way short of the 51% increase in the first quarter.

So are sales really all that good?

Certainly dealers have reported to me that they sales in both used and new bikes are strong, but they do like to be optimistic.

As for the figures from the FCAI, the supposed “peak body for the automotive industry in Australia” these days represents a dwindling number of importers who pay to be members.

While several manufacturers who are not members may be minor players, CFMoto is not included and it is most likely in the top 10 sellers in Australia.

The FCAI figures still show the breakdown of road bikes (13.7% to 17331), off-road (6.4% to 22,231), OHVs (5.3% to 13,779) and scooters (up 15,4% to 2499).

However, the figures no longer include a breakdown of manufacturer results nor sales per sector (such as cruisers, tourers, sports bike). 

In the case of scooters, we suspect that most importers are small brands from Asia who are not members. So the FCAI scooter sales figures are possibly substantially out whack with reality.

So what does all this mean for the consumer?

a rider enjoying a wet day on a motorcycle tour by Wild Triumph

Previously riders could see how their brand, model and category was performing which was a good indicator of resale value.

The figures also gave a good indication of which manufacturers might be desperate for sales and offer discounts.

FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber says the reported sales increase shows that more people are turning to two wheels.

“As cities and communities continue on the path of returning to the workplace, we are seeing signs that motorbikes are an ideal choice for reducing congestion on our roads,” he says in the official press statement

Let’s hope he’s right.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Vehicle Industries Play Catch-Up With Onslaught of Chip Shortages

Semiconductor chip shortages have affected almost every automobile and motorcycle production aspect on a global scale. 

With the rise of unprecedented times in 2020, parts manufacturers had to make decisions in ordering future parts for future production – a process called ‘just-in-time manufacturing.’

This process increases financial efficiency with companies by predicting the scale of future sales.

The resultant underestimation of the prediction – coupled with companies raging in fierce competition for chips from other industries and the delay caused by the Suez Canal Incident – has caused a crunch and shortage in the chips installed in today’s vehicles and motorcycles.

a picture of new Yamaha bikes during production shortage

Many companies have reacted to this shortage by pushing the sales of vehicles and motorcycles that are more popular to cut down on costs and generate revenue. 

The average vehicle boasts an installation of 30 to 50 semiconductor chips, with some newer models ranging upwards of 100. There are decidedly fewer in a motorcycle, but Motorcycle manufacturers have also been walloped by the shortage, with giants like Yamaha releasing shortage explanations to the populace.

Here is a link to their video message below:

a picture of a car using batteries, highlighting the current issue of battery waste

According to a report from TheGlobeAndMail, the industry needs a solution to this shortage.

COVID-19 demonstrated vulnerabilities and gaps in global supply chains, so I do believe we should be framing [the chip shortage] as a demand opportunity, not a constraint one,” says Melissa Chee, chief executive officer of VentureLab, a tech incubator based in Markham, Ont. “Do we really want to just be final assembly, or could we rethink the role we play in that final [chip] ecosystem?”

Desperate times call for desperate measures – and with the shortage taking effect globally, now may be the time for the global automotive industry to reduce the lean on international suppliers.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

1947 Salsbury Model 85 Scooter: Drool-Worthy Dreamboat Could Be Yours

Ageless aerodynamics. 

Absolute cupboard of a caboose. 

The putter of perfection. 

All this and more could be yours for a minimum bid of $8,000. 

Am I kidding? Nope. Say hello to the Jetson family, folks.

BringATrailer has 3 days left on a bid for a vintage firetruck-red 1947 Model 85 scooter, and I’m digging the dynamics. What other scooter can brag gas/brake pedals, a spring-cushioned solo seat, and 1.5 cubic feet of storage capacity?

According to a report from RideApart, Salisbury started up with their scooter line in the 1930s, when post-Depression Americans were looking for a cheap commute. Amelia Earheart, female pilot, and icon of the times, was said to have served as an inspiration for Salsbury’s spiffy style.

And that’s not all. Style came with speed, even back then. The scooter’s top velocity is due to the 320cc fan-cooled, 6 hp side-valve motor and maxes out at a hair-raising 50 mph – pray you don’t hit the speed bumps the wrong way. 

black and white photo of a Salsbury Model 85, 1947

worker holding up examples of patented solid-state batteries

The Model 85 was acquired by its current owner in 1996 and has since been refurbished with chrome detailing, paint touch-ups, and a fine-tuned CVT – in this case, ‘CVT’ standing for ‘Constant Velocity Transmission,’ not ‘Continuously Variable Transmission,’ as is true for most modern CVTS with a hand throttle. 

Additional perk: only 1000 units of this model were made, with precious few remaining in such good shape. They sold for $800 back then, so the full accounting for inflation tips the scales at a neat $9500.  

It’s a bargain, and you know you want it – if only to putter about town and make your neighbors jelly.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com