OK, Some Good News By kz1000st (Read 432 times)

[kz1000st]

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 6, 2013 – The Motorcycle Industry Council reports that retail sales increased 2.6 percent last year among 19 leading manufacturers tracked by the trade association. And for the first time since 2002, all four segments (scooter, dual, on-highway and off-highway) showed increases in year-over-year new unit sales, according to the MIC's Retail Sales Report.
Scooters posted the most significant rate of growth with an increase of 7.7 percent, while dual-purpose motorcycles also showed impressive growth with a rise of 7.4 percent. Off-highway motorcycle sales were up 2.1 percent, while sales of their on-highway counterparts improved by 1.8 percent.

I haven't found the numbers yet but 7.7% is a healthy increase to a formerly sliding market. Also keep in mind that just about all the Chinese makers AREN'T members of MIC. Given that; there are probably way more new scooters out there than the statistics indicate.

Edit: Here we go.
www.dealernews.com/dealernews/article/motorcycle-atv-retail-sales-2-percent-2012-says-mic

Scooter sales up 2444 units, not including China scoots.

[ccprof]

If the gas prices keep going up, there will be a lot more sales!

[tvnacman]

There is no reason for the gas to be going up . Record profits , cars with better fuel milage = less fuel per . Looks like they only want us to go so far on a dollar . It would be nice to see scooter sales go up . With that part sales will go up with it .

John

[kz1000st]

The MIC noted this in February.

"The MIC is optimistic about this increase in motorcycle and scooter sales," said MIC President and CEO Tim Buche. "In spite of some challenging economic times, the sales of used motorcycles has also increased. Though revenue is not reported to MIC, the major aftermarket distributors have acknowledged strong demand and increased sales as well. Further, we know that Americans are still enjoying themselves a great deal on bikes as tire sales have increased over the past 3 years."

I don't doubt this at all. I've seen fewer bikes for more money on Craigslist this year. Last year I scoped out like four CF Moto V-5s for under $1000 at this time. This year-none. Also the price of 2008 scooters has climbed again surpassing new, online models.

If gas stays at this level this will be a major two wheeled season.