New motorcycle sales figures published by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) indicate a 5.9 per cent decline in 2023 compared to the first six months of last year.
The FCAI recorded a total of 45,085 units sold so far in 2023, including side-by-side and ATV models, as well as conventional road bikes, dirt bikes and scooters.
Notably, the road motorcycle segment outmuscled the off-road sector with 17,432 units sold compared to 16,884, respectively.
For reference, in 2022 the off-road segment was a clear leader accounting for 42.1 per cent of the market, compared to road motorcycles which spoke for a 36.6 per cent share of the pie.
“It was significant to see that the sales of road motorcycles exceeded the sales of off road motorcycles during the first six months of this year,” said FCAI chief executive Tony Weber in a press release.
“Also of note was the six per cent decrease in scooter sales compared with this time last year noting that sales of scooters generally held firm during challenging economic times.”
Mr Weber also noted that it had been a “tough six months for the motorcycle industry” on the back of economic pressures including cost-of-living and interest rate increases.
“We will monitor the broader economic conditions and the potential for them to impact on sales across each of the market segments,” he said.
*FCAI Australian motorcycle sales from January to June 2023
| Segment | YTD 2023 | YTD 2022 | Change |
| OHV | 8,151 | 7,575 | 7.6% |
| Off Road | 16,884 | 19,406 | -13.0% |
| Road | 17,432 | 18,164 | -4.0% |
| Scooter | 2,618 | 2,784 | -6.0% |
| Total | 45,085 | 47,929 | -5.9% |
*The FCAI’s motorcycle sales figures do not include data from the likes of Royal Enfield, MV Agusta and CFMOTO (among others), which choose not to disclose sales information to the public.
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
