Australian motorcycle and off-highway vehicle (OHV) sales have increase 51% in the first quarter over the same period last year.
It’s a similar story to the soaring Aussie housing market and new car sales (up 22.4%), with similar supply and price ramifications for buyers.
Motorcycle dealerships are looking bare at the moment with rising demand as people look to spend their money on luxury items since they can’t travel overseas.
With new bike supply tight and demand high, this has resulted in an end to the past few years of manufacturer and dealer discounting.
It’s also led to a clean-out of second-hand models. Great news if you want to sell a bike, but bad news if you want to buy one.
It’s not just dealerships reporting high sales and prices, but also private sellers and auction houses which are reporting high clearing rates and top prices.
The official Australian Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) figures show exceptional growth in the 2021 first quarter sales results for motorcycles.
Total sales for the period from January to March 2021 were 27,256 units, an increase of 9279 motorcycles, scooters and off highway vehicles. This represents a 51.6% increase on the same period in 2020 when 17,977 sales were recorded.
It should also be noted that sales in Australia did not collapse during the first few months of the pandemic as they did overseas. Australia recorded a drop of only 2.6% in the first quarter of 2020.
In the first quarter of 2021, road bikes increased 20.9% to 8684, a notable increase but actually the lowest increase of all four sectors of the market.
Dirt bikes also recorded strong growth, with 11,642 units sold during the first quarter – an 88.9% increase on the 2020 first quarter.
OHVs continued their significant sales growth during the past year, accounting for sales of 5455 units this quarter. This is an increase of 1984 units, or 57.2%, over the same period in 2020 when 3471 were sold.
Scooter sales were up 26.9% to 1475, or 313 more than in the first quarter of 2020, when 1162 were sold.
“The results are clearly reinforcing the view that motorbikes, scooters and OHVs are continuing to be a favoured mobility choice across the country,” says FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber.
Tony Weber
“It also reflects a growing confidence in the economy as people use their disposable income to either upgrade or buy a motorcycle for the first time.
“The big increase in off-road motorcycles also suggests that the changed social environment brought about by COVID 19 has encouraged many people to look to this area as a positive form of recreation,” he said.
It should be noted that the FCAI figures no longer include a breakdown of manufacturer results or sales per sector (such as cruisers, tourers, sports bike). Several manufacturers are also not included in the FCAI results, most of them minor. However, CFMoto is not included and it is likely within the top 10 sellers in Australia.
CFMOTO Australia has added a free dress-up kit for their learner-approved 300SR sportsbike and extended last year’s three-year warranty across all their bikes until the end of May 2021.
All CFMoto bikes until the end of 2020 receive the extended warranty, up from the standard two-year factory unlimited km warranty.
We are not sure why CFMoto would need to include this dress-up kit when the bike is so attractive, cheap and the market is so buoyant.
But who are we to look a gift horse in the mouth!
The 300SR dress-up kit includes alloy goodies valued at $699 and includes:
The fun 292.4cc sports bike already has race replica decals, aggressive styling, light weight, upside-down forks and clip-on handlebars.
And despite it only having 21.4kW of power at a screaming 8750 revs, it is a delight to flick around the city streets and up into your favourite twisting mountain road.
This is the first fully faired bike from the Chinese manufacturer and one of several firsts for the company in coming months. Other firsts are a range of 700cc bikes, a 1250cc adventure bike and even an electric range.
CFMoto is imported to Australia by Mojo Motorcycles who have kept prices competitively low on all their bikes and the 300SAR is no exception at $5790, ride away with a three-year warranty.
The main rivals to the 300SR are the Honda CBR300R at $5749, KTM RC390 ($5995), Suzuki GSX250R ($5790) and Yamaha YZF-R3 ($6299).
It comes in Nebula Black or the standout Turquoise Blue with race replica decals.
If you’re in the market for a rare gem, this may be just what you need. Here we have a 1986 Ducati 750 F1B Tricolore currently posted on Ebay.com by user “dogtowncycles” out of Santa Monica, California.
This Ducati Superbike has just over 13,000kms (8,000miles) on the clock. The specifications on this beautiful Ducati remain original except for the indicators. The bike has been tuned up making it ready for its next owner. It’s listed for $14,900 with an immediate $500 deposit required. Mind you, the listing also shows a “Best Offer” option, so give it your best offer and see if you can take this beautiful bike home.
The F1B has a lot to offer inside of the gorgeous Tricolore fairings, a chromoloy tube chassis and swingarm, a 748cc SOHC desmodromic 90-degree V-twin pumping out about 75 horsepower. The F1 also came with a 16-inch front wheel fitted with Brembo brakes. For more details on specifications and VIN, check the listing here.
Now if you’re worried about picking up this purchase, there is a shipping option available on the listing. Using the “Shipping Quotes” on the listing, you can enter your ZIP code to generate a quote. Out of curiosity, we checked shipping from Santa Monica, CA to New York, NY and we were met with a quote of about $700. So do not let the location of this beautiful Ducati hold you back from owning your dreams.
The official Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) sales figures for new motorcycles and off highway vehicles (OHVs) to the end of September 2020 show a 26.4% rise over the same period last year.
A total of 79,623 vehicles have been sold.
FCAI boss Tony Weber says these strong sales results were in direct contrast to the majority of Australian industry sectors, many of which had reported negative growth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In fact, Aussie car, truck and bus sales are down 20.5% for the same period with 644,891 sales.
“Achieving such a strong sales performance in the current market conditions is simply remarkable,” Tony says.
“And it is due, for the most part, to the rising popularity of off-road bikes (up 39.9%) and strong demand for OHVs (up 44.4%).
“Off-road bikes have grown in popularity as people turn to close-to-home recreational pursuits during the pandemic restrictions.
“And OHVs – which include both ATVs and SSVs – are in strong demand due to the implementation of controversial Government legislation which will see the quality ATV brands exit the Australian market.”
Road bike sales are up 8.2% to 25,556, while scooter sales continue to drop, down 4.5% to 3361.
Scant figures
We can’t provide any more detail as the FCAI no longer provides sales information such as top ten charts in each category, individual model sales, nor brand sales figures.
They say this abbreviated format aligns with the publication of corresponding information in the USA and Europe.
Also, it should be noted that 23 minor manufacturers are not included in the official FCAI figures.
They are mainly small-volume importers such as Norton, Hyosung, VMoto, Benelli, Bimota, Bollini, CFMoto, Daelim, EBR, Kymco, Laro, Megelli, Mercury, MV Agusta, Norton, PGO, Royal Enfield, SWM, SYM, TGB, Ural and Viper.
A collection of more than 20 classic BMW motorcycles, representing eight decades of the Bavarian machines, will hit the auction block this weekend in Switzerland.
The Bonhams auction returns to Bonmont Golf and Country Club in Cheserex, Switzerland on Sunday 20 September 2020.
The Bonmont auction features classic and modern vehicles, but the highlights will be two exceptionally rare and sought after 1920s BMWs.
A 1927 BMW R42 is estimated to fetch up to $US53,000 while a 1928 R57, one of only 1006 produced, is estimated to reach as much as $US85,000.
Post-war motorcycles offered include a 1976 BMW R90S (up to $20,000) and a 1982 example of the BMW R80G/S (up to $US15,500), the ‘gentleman’s green laner’ model which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
Also featured in The Bonmont Sale is a 1977 Honda CB500 Swiss police motorcycle (up to $US16,500) which served in the cantons of Frebourg and then Solthurn, estimate.
The Bonhams Bonmont Sale will be held on Sunday 20 September starting at 2pm (CEST).
It will be a traditional live auction, with an auctioneer at the rostrum and bids will be accepted from clients in the room (respecting social distancing and all local COVID guidelines), with limited public admission by prior appointment.
Rare veteran and vintage motorcycles from noted Victorian collector and enthusiast Warren Hicks will feature at the Shannons Timed Spring Online Auction from 11-18 November 2020.
The six special motorcycles built between 1907 and 1925 are being offered with no reserve, so they could sell for reasonable prices.
The rarest of the six is the circa-1907 Zenith Bi-Car, frame No 3, which is the only known example to exist of this radical design with its front wheel hub-centre steering. It is the motorcyle at the head of this article.
It is being offered in ‘barn find’ condition and has not been seen in public since 1974.
The Zenith is expected to attract strong international interest in the $A50,000-$A70,000 range.
A circa-1914 American Excelsior V-Twin 1000cc ‘Two speed’ is being offered complete but not run since 1978.
The Excelsior is powered by a 1000cc V-Twin engine and has cast iron footboards and a foot brake pedal.
It is also the first two-speed motorcycles, with its left handlebar grip operating the clutch.
The bike is expected to sell in the $A40,000-$A60,000 range.
A circa-1910 FN ‘Four’, presented in complete and original but unrestored project condition, is also very rare as a four-cylinder early single-speed, shaft-drive motorcycle.
The bike has been with its current owner since 1970 after beginning its local life in Broken Hill.
It is expected sell in the $40,000-$50,000 range, with a package of parts, including spare four-cylinder engines.
The very rare circa-1922 Stranger V-Twin 538cc ‘two-stroke’ motorcycle being offered at the auction is one of two known survivors worldwide out of just 20 made.
The only other known survivor, is in a British museum.
Purchased in Adelaide in 1957 and last ridden in 1975, the Stranger had a chain/belt drive and no front brake.
In the post-World War I Vintage motorcycles, there is a circa-1922 KG Cito Special 500cc OHV and a circa-1925 Villiers-engined Diamond 147cc.
The 500cc OHV German-built KG Cito is one of just three believed to exist today, as the company was taken over by Allbright in 1923.
Equipped with shaft-drive and a Bosch generator for its electric lighting, this very rare early German motorcycle is expected to fetch $A40,0000-$A50,000.
The Diamond 147cc is the last of the chain-cum-belt motorcycles built.
The ultra-lightweight bike has no front brake, clutch or kickstart and is expected to bring $A5000-$A8000.
Despite KTM Group’s boss saying sales were up during the pandemic, the Austrian company has suffered a one-third sales slump as it offers two rare RC16 race bikes for sale.
In the first six months of 2020, sales of KTM Group motorcycles, which also includes Husqvarna and Gas Gas, were down 33% from 135,711 to 90,331.
This is despite several reports that CEO Stefan Pierer said they were not affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and had hired more people.
Meanwhile, KTM Motorsports is selling two race-prepared KTM RC16 factory MotoGP bikes from last year’s season.
This is a very rare opportunity.
The only other time we can recall MotoGP bikes being sold was in 2012 when Ducati sold Casey Stoner’s 800cc Desmosedici for about $A455,000 and Valentino Rossi’s bike for $A444,000.
They were sold because the series moved from 800cc to 1 000ccc.
The unspecified 2019 KTM race bikes will come with a Pol Espargaro’s racing leathers and helmet, other merchandise and a VIP MotoGP hospitality weekend in 2021.
KTM is asking about $A475,000 each for the bikes.
If you’ve got that sort of money after raiding your superannuation, send an email to [email protected].
KTM will compile a list of buyers and make a final decision on the lucky buyers.
Desperate times require desperate measures and MV Agusta Australia has just launched a “5-Day Flash Sale” with discounts up to $5000.
We don’t know how sales have been going for the brand as they no longer belong to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries which collates sales figures.
However, this move seems to indicate sales have been slow.
FCAI boss Tony Weber says the increase is “significant and signals improving conditions for both members and dealers”.
Tony Weber
However, there is concern among dealers that the boost was in some part due to customers buying their dream bike with superannuation funds and that the end of the financial stimulus Jobkeeper payments in September could lead to another downturn.
The biggest rises during the quarter were in ATVs which jumped 50.9% to 14,545 and off-road bikes which were up 42.4% to 20,885.
Tony believes their success is due to people holidaying at home instead of overseas and the government’s instant asset write-off program which makes the purchase of farm machinery and equipment attractive.
What’s next?
However, it is of concern that expensive and high-profit-margin road bikes were down 2.7% to 15,243, while scooters were also down 12.8% to 2166.
That’s on the back of a 7.8% decrease in road bike sales in the first quarter and a 14.1% drop in scooter sales.
Honda claimed the top spot in the June quarter, with 12,563 sales for a 23.8% market share, followed by Yamaha with 12,344 (23.4%), Kawasaki 6545 (12.4%), KTM 4391 (8.3%) and Suzuki with 3594 (6.8%).
Dirt-bike and ATV sales drive massive motorcycle boom
2020 Half-Year Motorcycle Sales Data
Sales data released today by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) covering the half-yearly motorcycle sales figures, January 1 through June 30, 2020, contain some great news.
The data tells us is that the off-road market is booming.Dirt-bike sales are up by a whopping 42.4 per cent compared to the first six months of 2019, while ATV/SSV sales have gone ballistic to the tune of a 50.9 per cent improvement.
Overall, a total of 52,838 vehicles were sold from January to June 2020, in comparison to 42,457 during the same period in 2019. This represents a strong 24.5 per cent increase in sales, a bright spot in an economic environment that has been predominantly negative over the past four months.
Kawasaki’s KLX110 is Australia’s biggest selling motorcycle. The KLX110 comes in a few different sizes and is priced from $3199
Kids bikes fill the top four spots on the dirt-bike charts with the KLX110 the biggest seller overall ahead of Honda’s CRF110F and Yamaha’s PW50. For the big kids it was Yamaha’s WR450F leading the way ahead of KTM’s 300 EXC.
Yamaha’s WR450F is the top selling big kids off-road motorcycle
That 50.9 per cent boost in ATV/SSV sales is largely driven off the back of the looming deadline for the fitment of roll over protection systems that has seen brands such as Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Polaris declare their intention to stop selling their ATV machinery in Australia. These respected brands deem the ROPS bars unsafe and as such refuse to fit such systems to their vehicles. This has seen farmers and people on the land rush their dealers to such a point that most brands have been really struggling to meet demand and have effectively run out of stock of their most popular models.
Yamaha’s YFM450 FB/P is Australia’s top selling ATV with 597 hitting the turf so far in 2019
The tarmac side of the equation is not quite so rosy though with Road sales down 2.7 per cent and Scooter sales down 12.8 per cent.
Honda #1 overall
Honda took top spot overall across the combined entire Road and Off-road motorcycle, ATV/SSV and Scooter sales with a strong 22.3 per cent growth over the first half of this year compared to the same period in 2019.
Honda’s ATV/SSV sales were up 62.6 per cent and off-road up 31.4 per cent, but unfortunately on the tarmac Big Red did not fare quite so well with a 13.3 per cent negative report on road bike sales and a 15.9 per cent decline in scooter sales.
Honda Motorcycles General Manager – Tony Hinton
“Rider training, licensing and learner course numbers are through the roof which I am particularly happy to see, its very positive for the future of motorcycling in Australia. This increase could be due to an apprehension many may have towards public transport during this time of social distancing but it’s a preference we hope to see stay long after COVID passes. We always want more people to look to motorcycling as a viable choice of transport for the commute as well as weekend enjoyment. It’s actually the first time I have seen these kinds of numbers for our training in over 10 years and its really promising, I think we all have an opportunity here.”
“ATV sales right at the moment are the result of several factors, the improved environmental conditions farmers are experiencing right now, plus the tax incentives are also encouraging for farmers to purchase our four-wheel product. I might add, the realisation that the main ATV brands are leaving the market by October 2021, has well and truly sunk in so Aussie farmers don’t want to miss out on getting an ATV while they still can.”
“Our Kids bikes and off-road product sales have spiked which we attribute to an increase in families wanting to do more activities together, they are looking at ways to explore their local areas, particularly with travel (including interstate) out of the question right now. More are getting out and riding or teaching their kids to ride which is again promising for our next generation of motorcyclists.”
“Anecdotally we’ve heard from our dealers there are plenty of Gen Y customers who are living for the now, enjoying the access to their Super fund and treating themselves to a new motorcycle.”
Honda CRF450R sales are up 45.9 per cent
Yamaha #1 in Road and Off-road
Yamaha were second overall but topped the Road and Off-road sales figures. Overall Yamaha were up 37.8 per cent with a huge 49.2 per cent boost in Off-road sales and even bigger 81.6 per cent ATV/SSV sales increase but, like Honda, Team Blue did record a slight downturn in both Road and Scooter sales. Yamaha recorded a total sales volume of 12,344 to Honda’s 12,563 units.
Yamaha’s Tenere 700 lost top spot overall but still topped the adventure-touring category, more than doubling the sales of any other motorcycle in that genre
Yamaha’s National Sales and Marketing Manager Matt Ferry
“YMA endured a slow start to the year with bushfires, floods and COVID restrictions looking to impede business. But May and June have seen unprecedented demand across our product range.
“We set the foundations for this result with a range of effective EOFY promotions, but no-one could have predicted how successful these last two months have been. June recorded the highest retails ever in a single month.
“Many customers have been unable to participate in group activities, travel and team sports and have been looking for a leisure pursuit that fits within social distancing guidelines – and that is motorcycling.
“The rise in sales of off-road bikes shows that riders are keen to enjoy the outdoors and big numbers of fun bikes indicate a healthy future for our industry. Yamaha has always been strong in these categories. Our positive sales result is also down to YMA staff – many of whom are passionate riders, which enables us to connect effectively with both our dealer partners and customers.
“This incredible result, combined with very strong May retails, has put YMA in a commanding position for the second half of the year – with the potential to end 2020 as one of the biggest ever retail years on record.
“In order to achieve that goal YMA has introduced a wide range of benefits including a 2.99% p.a. comparison rate finance that aims to capitalise on not only the shift away from public transport and traffic-affected cars towards motorcycles, but also the transition from ATV to ROV. All promotions are designed to maximise ongoing retail potential.
“We’d like to thank our dealer partners and YMA staff for their hard work in achieving these results and for their continued support.”
Kawasaki Ninja 400 Australia’s #1 Road bike
Kawasaki recorded a strong 44.4 per cent growth across all sectors combined and were in positive territory across Road (12.4 per cent), Off-Road (72.8 per cent) while ATV/SSV sales are up 62.6 per cent. The Ninja 400 is Australia’s biggest selling Road bike after knocking Yamaha’s Tenere 700 out of top spot. Kawasaki sold 6545 units across all the sectors of the market.
Kawasaki Ninja 400 is Australia’s #1 Road bike
KTM continue upwards trajectory
Ranked fourth in the combined categories is KTM. The Austrian company up 32.7 per cent overall driven off the back of a 21.6 per cent improvement in Road sales and 36.6 per cent boost in Off-Road. KTM shifted a total of 4391 units.
Brad Hagi, Managing Director KTM Group Australia and New Zealand
“The current sales boom is an unforeseen and welcome boost for the entire motorsports industry. Consumers have been cooped up since March – and before that we had the devastating bushfires – so people are looking for a way to escape the confines of their homes, while safely maintaining distance from others.
“Combine the fact that people are unable to travel overseas with the government assistance programs on offer and you find a perfect scenario that has instilled confidence in the consumer to go out and purchase a motorcycle to experience that sense of freedom and find adventure.
“For all segments within the industry, from learners to off-road riders, for a reasonable amount of money they can escape the concerns of COVID-19 and have fun on a motorcycle. It is great for the motorcycle industry as a whole – and it is now up to us within the industry to capitalise on all these new riders.”
KTM’s two-stroke 300 EXC is the second largest selling big kids off-roader in Australia
Suzuki #5
Suzuki are fifth on the back of an 8.2 per cent lift with increases recorded in ATV, Off-Road and Scooter sales, however Suzuki did register a slight downturn in Road bike numbers.
Lewis Croft – National Marketing Manager Suzuki Australia Motorcycles
“ATV sales have been quite a phenomenon, the whole sector is up 50.9 Per cent and we are up 39 per cent.
“Good economic conditions has helped that and the penny has somewhat dropped in regards to the new ACCC rules mandating roll-over protection bars, which we will exit the market because of, and we are effectively now sold out of all the farm style ATV machines.
“DR-Z400E sales are the best in a decade and we have actually run out of stock there also.
“Our dealers are reporting that a lot more families are coming into stores and purchasing models across our trail and kids fun bikes range, where we also had our best results in years. Our dealers are also reporting the sales of second-hand motorcycles are going quite strong.”
Suzuki were the only brand to record significant scooter sales growth so far in 2020
Polaris riding the ATV/SSV boom
ATV/SSV specialist Polaris is the next biggest brand. That result is made all the more remarkable due to that they only participate in that single category. With 3433 sales they finished second only to Honda in the ATV/SSV category.
Polaris Managing Director Alan Collins
“The overall ATV/SxS market is up 50.9% YTD, driven by good rainfall in key areas this year alleviating some of the devastating drought conditions, generally solid agricultural conditions, the $150,000 government instant asset depreciation initiative and the impending exit of all major brands from the ATV market ahead of the Consumer Good (Quad Bike) Safety Standard taking effect.
“Whilst the overall ATV/SxS market is up 50.9% YTD, the utility SxS market YTD is actually growing at a similar pace to ATVs. As such, the ATV/SxS market growth is being driven as much by growing market demand for SxS and the market transference from ATV to SxS products as it is by the urgency relating to the ATV market exit of the major brands. Many safety-conscious customers are wisely choosing to purchase vehicles fitted with engineered and certified ROPS such as SxS, rather than entertain the prospect of an ATV fitted with a contraption offering no proven safety benefit which may cause as many injuries as it prevents.”
Harley no longer Australia’s biggest selling Road bike brand
Likewise Harley-Davidson only plays in one part of the market and after so often leading the nation in Road sales, this year H-D are trailing Yamaha after reporting a 10.7 per cent downturn in sales to now rank second on Road sales, and seventh overall on the combined market figures.
Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special topped the touring category in 2017 and led the away again in 2018, did it again in 2019 and is also leading the way in 2020
BRP up 34.5 per cent
ATV/SSV specialist BRP/Can-Am reported a 34.5 per cent boost to rank eighth outright.
Husqvarna up 67.5 per cent
Husky were a big improver, up 67.5 per cent overall which was comprised of a 134.9 per cent increase in Road sales, off what was an admittedly low base, but the real big numbers came of course in their Off-road sales which were up 59.8 per cent and numbered 1526, besting Suzuki’s off-road figures.
Husqvarna 701 Enduro is selling strongly with 126 hitting the trails so far in 2020
BMW in positive territory
BMW shifted 1342 units to be up 8.4 per cent and round out the overall top ten. BMW ranked fifth on Road sales with their R 1250 GS models continuing to sell strongly while the S 1000 RR was Australia’s top selling pure sportsbike by a significant margin.
The BMW S 1000 RR is by far the biggest selling pure Sportsbike in Australia
Nigel Harvey – BMW Motorrad Australia Head of Product and Marketing
“We had a particularly strong month in June which has continued to be a pleasant surprise considering the challenges many Australians are facing. The result was supported by strong sales in our new product line-up which is proving to have hit the mark with Australia customers.”
Triumph and Ducati down
Triumph rank 11th overall with 803 sales, down 11.4 per cent on the first six months compared to 2019.
Ducati were down 23.9 per cent after recording 504 sales. The 1st July 2020 marked the introduction of the wholly owned corporate subsidiary of Ducati in the Australian market, taking the reins after a successful 56-year relationship with NF Imports.
Indian up 40.2 per cent
Indian sales are up 40.2 per cent with 453 Indian Motorcycles hitting Australian roads during the first six months of 2020 with the FTR1200 and Challenger models doing particularly well.
Overall volume across all sectors (Brands) 2020 half-year motorcycle sales data
January – June 2020 compared to January – June 2019
Total
YTD 2020
YTD 2019
% CHAN
Honda
12563
10274
22.3%
Yamaha
12344
8959
37.8%
Kawasaki
6545
4533
44.4%
KTM
4391
3310
32.7%
Suzuki
3594
3322
8.2%
Polaris
3433
2685
27.9%
Harley Davidson
2613
2925
-10.7%
BRP Australia
1793
1333
34.5%
Husqvarna
1782
1064
67.5%
BMW
1342
1238
8.4%
Triumph
803
906
-11.4%
Ducati
504
662
-23.9%
Indian Motorcycle
453
323
40.2%
Vespa
337
379
-11.1%
Piaggio
238
375
-36.5%
Moto Guzzi
57
65
-12.3%
Aprilia
47
104
-54.8%
TOTAL
52839
42457
24.5%
2020 half-year motorcycle sales data Road Motorcycle Sales (Brands)
January – June 2020 compared to January – June 2019
Road
YTD 2020
YTD 2019
% CHAN
Yamaha
2624
2749
-4.5%
Harley Davidson
2613
2925
-10.7%
Honda
2373
2738
-13.3%
Kawasaki
2262
2012
12.4%
BMW
1258
1156
8.8%
KTM
1053
866
21.6%
Suzuki
948
1097
-13.6%
Triumph
803
906
-11.4%
Ducati
504
662
-23.9%
Indian Motorcycle
453
323
40.2%
Husqvarna
256
109
134.9%
Moto Guzzi
57
65
-12.3%
Aprilia
39
60
-35.0%
TOTAL
15243
15668
-2.7%
Off-Road Motorcycle Sales (Brands) 2020 half-year motorcycle sales data
January – June 2020 compared to January – June 2019
Off Road
YTD 2020
YTD 2019
% CHAN
Yamaha
6170
4135
49.2%
Honda
5497
4182
31.4%
KTM
3338
2444
36.6%
Kawasaki
3099
1793
72.8%
Husqvarna
1526
955
59.8%
Suzuki
1255
1157
8.5%
TOTAL
20885
14666
42.4%
Scooter Sales (Brands) 2020 half-year motorcycle sales data
January – June 2020 compared to January – June 2019
Scooter
YTD 2020
YTD 2019
% CHAN
Honda
815
969
-15.9%
Suzuki
428
375
14.1%
Vespa
337
379
-11.1%
Yamaha
256
261
-1.9%
Piaggio
238
375
-36.5%
BMW
84
82
2.4%
Aprilia
8
44
-81.8%
TOTAL
2166
2485
-12.8%
ATV/SSV Sales (Brands) 2020 half-year motorcycle sales data
January – June 2020 compared to January – June 2019
ATV
YTD 2020
YTD 2019
% CHAN
Honda
3878
2385
62.6%
Polaris
3433
2685
27.9%
Yamaha
3294
1814
81.6%
BRP Australia
1793
1333
34.5%
Kawasaki
1184
728
62.6%
Suzuki
963
693
39.0%
TOTAL
14545
9638
50.9%
Top Ten Selling Motorcycles in Australia (Models) 2020 half-year motorcycle sales data
January – June 2020 compared to January – June 2019
Manufacturer
Model
Total
YTD 2020
YTD 2019
% CHAN
Kawasaki
KLX110
1259
870
44.7%
Honda
CRF110F
1092
570
91.6%
Yamaha
PW50
1040
628
65.6%
Honda
CRF50F
934
763
22.4%
Yamaha
WR450F
745
671
11.0%
Yamaha
TTR50E
685
452
51.5%
Kawasaki
NINJA 400
636
488
30.3%
Yamaha
TTR110E
616
300
105.3%
KTM
300EXC
554
344
61.0%
Yamaha
XTZ690
530
0
100%
What about the other brands….?
It should be noted that some brands are not represented in the official audit figures in relation to motorcycle sales. Brands under the UMI group such as MV Agusta, Royal Enfield and Gas Gas, along with the likes of Sherco, CF Moto, Kymco and SWM which come under the stewardship of Mojo Motorcycles, are not included in the sales figures as these companies choose not to be members of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.
An educated guesstimate suggests that these brands represent around 10-15 per cent of the whole market, thus the data is formulated from audited figures that cover around 85-90 per cent of the motorcycles sold in Australia.
Michael Poynton – Director Mojo Motorcycles
“I can report that we recorded a very strong sales result over May and June, across all of our brands in all respective segments. We have also seen no slow down as we start July, with daily retail sales still at a very high level.”
Joseph Elasmar – CEO, Urban Moto Imports
“We are proud to announce our best ever sales quarter in Australia for Urban Moto Imports off the back of a record 2019. We would like to thank all our customers that have purchased their new motorcycles in-store or ordered via our new online ordering system. We hope these new motorcycle owners are now enjoying the freedom and safety of independent travel for both commuting and leisure riding.
“The commitment shown from our ever-growing dealer network has been exceptional, as they have had to adapt and adjust their business models to support our customers throughout these unprecedented times. We see this as an exciting time for the motorcycle industry and a period where many commuters are looking for alternatives to public transport, with motorcycles being more accessible than ever before and leisure riding being a way for people to spend weekends escaping the cities and allowing them to travel this great land.
“We feel extremely fortunate in being able to support those currently in need with Royal Enfield making donations to Foodbank Australia, providing eight thousand meals and also giving two hundred registered frontline workers a Royal Enfield gift as a Thank You for the support they offer to our communities.
“We look forward to seeing our new motorcycle owners and riders on the roads and at upcoming motorcycling events in the near future.”
FCAI Statement
“It is wonderful to see some strong sales from our member motorcycle brands,” Tony Weber, chief executive of the FCAI said. “A year-on-year increase of 24.5 per cent is significant, and signals improving conditions for both members and dealers.”
The most popular segment during the half was the ATV and SSV segment, with a total of 14,545 sales compared to 9,638 sales in the first half of 2019. Off-Road motorcycles reported 20,885 sales in the half year, compared to 14,666 in the same period 2019.
“The ATV and SSV segment is up a remarkable 50.9 per cent and now represents 27.5 per cent of the total market. And off-road bikes are also on fire, with an increase of 42.4 per cent, and claiming 39.5 per cent of the total market,” Mr Weber said.
The popularity of these two segments are thought to be a direct result of the COVID19 pandemic. Tony Weber explained:
“People can’t go for overseas holidays, and for quite some time, they couldn’t even go for holidays within Australia. So, we believe that, instead of spending up big on expensive family vacations, people are treating themselves in different ways – and this could mean they are taking up new sports like trail bike riding.
“ATVs and SSVs are also popular, and we understand this is due to the Government’s instant asset write-off program which makes the purchase of farm machinery and equipment very attractive at the present time,” Mr Weber said.
Road bikes and Scooters did not enjoy the same increase in popularity as the previous two categories. Road bikes reported 15,243 sales during the first half, down 2.7 per cent on the same period last year. Scooters recorded 2,166 sales, down 12.8 per cent, for the first half of 2020.
Honda claimed the top spot YTD reporting, 12,563 sales for a 23.8 per cent market share, followed by Yamaha with 12,344 sales for 23.4 per cent share, Kawasaki with 6,545 sales for 12.4 per cent share, KTM with 4,391 sales for 8.3 per cent share and Suzuki with 3,594 sales for 6.8 per cent market share.
The FCAI has previously stated that motorcycles make perfect sense for commuting within the guidelines of our current pandemic environment. With mass transit systems susceptible to contagion risk, personal transport has become the go-to option for many commuters. Motorcycle and scooter riders can mitigate infection risks, with two-wheeled transportation offering an effective means of maintaining social distance while enjoying a freeing and fun ride that ends with easy parking. Riders can also nimbly negotiate traffic and park conveniently, cutting commute times.
Nationwide, motorcycle and scooter dealers remain open to perform servicing and sales for riders wishing to make a return to the road. Riders are reminded to strictly observe all social distancing and contagion control requirements, and to regularly disinfect helmets, gloves, and any high-touch surfaces on vehicle controls.
Along with compiling motorcycle sales data, the FCAI is the primary organisation funded by the motorcycle industry to deal with government agencies. FCAI helped lobby for the Learner Approved Motorcycles Scheme and the Recreational Registration Scheme. They also lobby for exemptions on tightening emissions schemes in relation to motorcycles, and helping to prevent governments trying to restrict or ban the use of ATVs.
