Q3 2013 US Motorcycle Sales Results

Fri, 01 Nov 2013

Motorcycle and scooter sales in the U.S. in 2013 remain consistent with last year’s figures, according to data released by the Motorcycle Industry Council. Several manufacturers blamed poor weather for the poor start this year, and the rebounding sales in the third quarter helped to negate the slow sales from earlier in the year.

The industry group, which gathers data from its member brands BMW, Can-Am, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, the Piaggio Group (which includes Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and Vespa), Victory, Suzuki, Triumph and Yamaha, says Americans purchased 385,256 motorcycles and scooters over the first three quarters of 2013 compared to 381,785 last year.

On-highway motorcycles remain the largest segment, seeing a modest 1.0% increase in sales to 274,578 motorcycles. Off-road motorcycles saw the most improvement, with 55,802 units representing a 9.4% increase over last year’s figures. The MIC also reports a 7.9% increase in dual sport sales to 25,409 motorcycles.

Scooter sales remain down however, with sales dropping 16.7% to 29,467 units over the first three quarters.

2013 US Motorcycle Sales Figures Through Three Quarters from the Motorcycle Industry Council

Type Q3 2012 Q3 2013 Change % Change Dual Sport 23,558 25,409 +1,851 +7.9% Off-Hwy 51,006 55,802 +4,796 +9.4% On-Hwy 271,859 274,578 +2,719 +1.0% Scooter 35,362 29,467 -5,895 -16.7% Total 381,785 385,256 +3,471 +0.9%

[Source: Motorcycle Industry Council]

By Dennis Chung