Aus bikes sales slow in Q1, 2017

Combined sales (road bikes, dirt bikes, ATVs and scooters) dropped 13.4 per cent for Q1 2017 compared to the same period last year - 21,794 compared to 25,160.

 

ATVs recorded the smallest fall - 1.3 per cent - but road bike sales were down a disturbing 15.5 per cent and dirt bikes down 15.3 per cent, while scooters continue to plummet - down 22.3 per cent for the quarter compared to Q1 2016.

 

While the overall market was down, individual brands were up. Unsurprisingly, given the closure announcement, Victory sales were up by 61 per cent for the quarter as enthusiasts and speculators move on Victory bikes before they're all gone. Also up were Indian (12.4 per cent), Husqvarna (33.1 per cent) and BRP (16.8 per cent).

 

Best-selling individual model for Q1 2017 (excluding the postie fleet Honda NBC 110) was Harley-Davidson's FXSB Breakout. A total of 352 sales for the quarter outstripped the LAMS models that usually top of the sales tree, despite the Breakout's starting price of almost $30,000.

 

Harley also had two other models - the Street 500 and Night Rod Special - in the combined top ten for the quarter.

 

Yamaha was the top brand in off-road, Polaris led the ATV market and Piaggio was on top in the dwindling scooter market.