Motorcycle sales dropped 54.5% in June (compared to last year) according to the Motorcycle Industry Council, and scooter sales fell a staggering 77.5% during the same period. Though Harley's profit losses reflect trouble at the top of the market, the news is anything but reassuring for the general state of the motorcycle industry, as overall year-to-date motorcycle sales are down 46.3%, with off-highway bikes suffering the least (compared to scooters, on-highway, and dual purpose motorcycles.)
Dismal sales figures will never dampen sincere enthusiasm about motorcycling, but they sure make you wonder how long it will take for business to bounce back. With most manufacturers slowing down production cycles and taking a more cautious tack, one hopes that upcoming products remain just as technologically cutting edge as they've been in the past. Heck, all this talk about a down market makes me simply want to throw my gear on and ride anything, anywhere... and you?
Source: Dealernews
Related:
- State of the Nation: Motorcycle Sales Down 30.5%, Offroad Bikes Hardest Hit
- Survey Sez: Motorcycles Going Mainstream
- Drop in Motorcycle Sales, Upswing for Scooters and Dual-Purposes
Photo © Ciaran Griffin
Let there be no doubt, if you work in the industry in any capacity, those sort of numbers are very alarming. Not a great deal different either, north of the 49th.
Gee, guess it isn’t just Harley who’s doing bad. (Where are you GB??) Guess those hi-tec, reliable, awesome metric bikes aren’t selling well either.
Are those numbers a little suspect. Last summer was when the gas price hike hit the pain point for a lot of people. I know here in SoCal you couldn’t find a bike or scooter less than 750cc on any showroom floor.
Joe – They are indeed hi-tech, awesome & reliable….and metric.
By ‘north of the 49th’ I meant 49th parallel…the GREAT WHITE NORTH – CANADA EH!
Ian..that surpised me too. Gas has come down a bit but it’s still pretty dear. I thought scooters would be right up there. The new injected 150 Honda is very cool.
Hey Pete, you forgot “not selling well” with the Hi-tech, awesome and reliable.
Joe….
Yup…it’s going to be while coming back from this beating – but, most everyone will come back.
Pete I agree, most of them will come back, I know HD will, been around for over 100 yrs. Hope all the metrics make it.
I tried to help out by buying a bike this year. Like many big cruisers, mine is simply a big toy. I rode it yesterday and won’t see it again for three or four weeks. Many people are struggling with necessities, so for them toys are out of the question.
I fall asleep 4 nights a week dreaming about an 1198S…that’s gotta count for something – at least good intentions!