The motorcycle market has continued to show declines on last year’s record figures.

Figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) show 82,601 motorcycles, scooters and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) were sold in the nine months to September - a 14.4% decline compared to the same period in 2008.

“The motorcycle market has faced a period of challenging economic circumstances and although down on the record highs of last year has remained resilient,” FCAI chief executive Andrew McKellar says.

“It is encouraging to see that some brands have managed to record increases on last year,” he says. (e.g. BMW, Husqvana, BRP and Triumph).

“While these positive achievements provide grounds for optimism, some areas of buyer confidence remain fragile,” McKellar says.

“The industry would caution against any further interest rate rises and urge those contemplating buying a new motorcycle to take advantage of the current low rates,” McKellar says.

ATV sales were broadly in line with the results of 2008 with 14,202 units sold - down just 2.3% on last year.

“It appears the business tax break has encouraged many to undertake new investment. However, with this policy measure ending on 31 December, people should move quickly to take advantage of it,” he says.

Road-bikes were the most popular segment in the market recording 30,984 sales (14.5% decrease) closely followed by the off-road segment’s 29,615 sales (12.6% decrease).

Scooter sales fell 33.9% in the first three-quarters of the year, recording 7800 sales compared to the record 2008 result.

Yamaha was the overall market leader with 18,019 sales, followed by Honda with 17,949 and then Suzuki with 11,568.

source: Autofile