Quarter one has delivered mixed results for the sale of motorcycles, with off road bikes taking a hit on the back of a 17.2 per cent drop year-on-year, according to figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.
The FCAI data takes in official sales across motorcycles, scooters and off highway vehicles (OHV), with the numbers showing total sales for Q1 to the tune of 24,338 units – a decrease of 10.7 per cent on 2021.
Off road motorcycles recorded 39.6 per cent of overall sales, with 9,644 units sold, down significantly on last year. Road bikes made up 39.9 per cent, the biggest single stake, recording 9,723 sales, an increase of 12 per cent.
The OHV market recorded a drop of 40 per cent year-on-year, down to just 3,275 sales, or 13.5 per cent of the total market. Scooters made up the smallest portion of first quarter sales with just 1,696 sold.
This represents an increase of 15 per cent on 2021 sales figures and 7.0 per cent of total bike sales.
“Motorcycles, scooters and OHVs are a crucial element in the lives of many Australians, be it on the road or for recreation,” FCAI chief executive Tony Weber said.
He believes enabling more motorists to move to motorcycles and scooters is a key tool in helping lower the cost of living and reducing the amount of time road users spend in traffic. On that basis, Mr Weber is calling for standardised licencing.
“In a period of rising fuel costs and increased congestion, now is the time for States and Territories to implement nationally consistent licensing regulations for motorcycles and scooters.”
