Motorcycle sales buck financial trends

Motorcycle sales are bucking the rest of the miserable financial trends being seen with the global economic downturn with figures of just 3.4% down for the whole of 2008 according to the Motor Cycle Industry Association.

The whole of the motorcycle trade ended up 2008 just 4,866 registrations short of 2007.  A total of 139,715 motorcyles, mopeds and scooters were registered in 2008, only 3.4 per cent down on 2007.

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“The figures for December showed a 19.1 per cent decline to 6,706 registrations for the month. In comparison the UK car market plunged 11.3 per cent last year.

Scooter registrations were also 1.1 per cent up, and the adventure sport and touring categories increased by 5.7 per cent and 8.6 per cent respectively.

The MCI’s Sheila Ranger said: “With a robust performance very close to 2007, the motorcycle market and industry is providing further evidence that powered two-wheelers offer a credible and very affordable transport option.

“We will all continue to face financial pressures in 2009, and with rail fares increasing by as much as 11 per cent and incentives such as bikes being able to use bus lanes, motorcycle use is more relevant and practical than ever.”

It seems motorcycles are moving towards wider use for practical everyday purposes, as well as fun and freedom. This is reflected in a fall in market share of the high performance supersport sector which now accounts for under 17 per cent of the market.