Motorcycle Sales Down 40.8% in 2009
Motorcycle sales down 40.8% in 2009
According to numbers released by the Motorcycle Industry Council, motorcycle sales totaled 520,502 units, down 40.8% from the 879,910 units sold in 2008. The MIC also reports ATV sales were down 29.3%, for a total decrease of 36.9% for motorcycles and ATVs combined.
While those numbers are sobering, quarterly figures show an upward trend over the second half of 2009.
Retail sales dropped 32% in the first quarter of 2009, while a poor second quarter resulted in a dramatic drop of 42% in sales. The third quarter showed some improvement with a 40% decline in sales, and the sales decline slowed even further in the final quarter, resulting in the year-end decrease of 36.9%.
Divided by motorcycle segments, annual streetbike sales totaled 357,691 units, a drop of 41.5% from 2008. Scooters showed the largest decrease, down 60% in 2009, though that may be a result of a record sales boost in 2008 due to rising gas prices. Off-road sales fared better with just a 28.4% decline. Dual-sport sales dropped 42%.
The MICs figures include data reported by 19 manufacturers: Aprilia, Arctic Cat, BMW, Buell, Can-Am, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Husaberg, Kawasaki, KTM, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio, Polaris, Suzuki, Triumph, Vespa, Victory and Yamaha. ATV figures do not include side-by-sides.
| 2009 Year-End Sales Figures from the Motorcycle Industry Council | ||||
| Type | 2009 | 2008 | Change | % Change |
| ATV | 321,181 | 454,098 | -132,917 | -29.3% |
| Dual | 26,257 | 45,250 | -18,993 | -42.0% |
| Off-Hwy | 105,103 | 146,779 | -41,676 | -28.4% |
| On-Hwy | 357,691 | 611,133 | -253,442 | 41.5% |
| Scooter | 31,451 | 76,748 | -45,297 | -59.0% |
| Motorcycle Total | 520,502 | 879,910 | -359,408 | -40.8% |
| Grand Total | 841,683 | 1,334,008 | -492,325 | -36.9% |
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