November motorcycle sales down

The market for motorcycles in November shows a decline of 3.2 per cent in a year where the market has experienced a mere 0.1 per cent growth for the year to date.

Sue Robinson, director of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA)/Motorcycle Retailers Association (MRA) commented "Of particular concern is the slowdown in the 51-125cc commuter bike market that has performed throughout the year with an increase in the year to date of 9.3 per cent. However, in November the 51-125cc market experienced a downward fall of 6.8 per cent. This is a strong indication that economic pressures are affecting basic purchases of lower priced motorcycles that many consumers consider an essential form of commuter transport."

Over the last 2 years there has been a shift from purchases of higher priced larger motorcycles to basic 50-125cc machines. In 2011 the market was split 50/50, whereas 2012 has witnessed smaller bikes under 125cc deliver sales of 52 per cent and a reduction in market share to 48 per cent for larger motorcycles above 126cc. This movement in the market is a reflection of consumers becoming more cautious when it comes to large purchases given the ongoing pressure on the domestic economy.