Motorcycle Industry Association
March bike sales drop 11.8%
Source: Insidebikes | Carole Nash » Bike News - Wednesday, 14th April 2010, 8:49 GMTThe latest new machine registration figures for March 2010 show the decline in new motorcycle, scooter and moped sales across the UK shows little sign of ending, reports Alastair Walker. Overall, two-wheeler registrations in March were down 11.8%, with mopeds down 11.3% and scooters dropping by some 8.3%. On the upside, the March falls were less than the rolling three month average decline of around 20%, so the better weather in March, plus the new registration letter, seem to have perked up the market slightly. BMW dealers have reason to celebrate this month with the new S1000RR posting 385 registrations, making the top bike in its class. The R1200RT also did well, with 212 units being taxed and made ready for the road in March. BMW were in 4th place in the manufacturer league table in March, just behind Suzuki and ahead of Triumph and Kawasaki. Honda were the most popular marque last month, with 2,354 units on the road, with Yamaha just behind them. Honda’s VFR1200 picked up another 190 registrations in March, following its successful launch in February and 458 CBF125 machines were logged with the DVLA, almost as many as the entire Piaggio range for the month ( 581 units ). The market is most definitely being dominated by older riders, as Custom, Touring and Sports-Touring class bikes remained static in terms of registrations, whilst Supersport, Adventure Sport and Trail machines fell sharply, in fact the Supersport class fell by a whopping 27% in March, although at 2900-odd units, it is still a large chunk of the UK motorcycle market. Small machines continue to struggle, despite the recession and rapidly rising fuel prices. 50cc mopeds and scooters were down 11.3% in March. In hard economic times you would expect car drivers to consider using a moped for commuting, but it doesn’t seem to be happening. On the upside, 50cc-125cc class machines posted a modest 3% rise in March, although they’ve dropped 16% on average in the opening quarter of 2010. Despite the UK industry association calling for a scrappage scheme aimed at encouragng sales of small, fuel-efficient bikes and scooters, there seems no chance of that happening, regardless of who wins the general election. A similar scheme in Italy boosted sub-125cc, Euro 3 compliant class machines in 2009. Is the MCIA’s Get On campaign enough, post your ideas on promoting the fun, fuel saving and freedom from traffic jams that biking offers here; Read article
DfT announce bike licence changes
Source: Insidebikes | Carole Nash » Bike News - Tuesday, 30th March 2010, 8:41 GMTThe age at which motorcyclists can ride larger motorcycles without prior experience will increase from 21 to 24 by 2013 in a range of changes introduced by the Department for Transport. The DfT has introduced a number of changes to motorcycle, HGV and bus licensing, as well as those wishing to tow medium sized trailors, to come into force in January 2013 which it claims will improve the skills and safety of new riders. Under the new system, the current two categories of motorbike will be replaced with three - A1 (up to 125cc), A2 (up to 35Kw) and A (above 35Kw), with new rules introduced for riders of larger bikes. Riders who wish to progress to larger categories of motorbikes will have to take a further test and there will be a rise in the minimum age from 21 to 24 for those wishing to start riding larger bikes without previous experience. However, riders moving from smaller to larger motorcycles will not be required to take a familiarisation course as was originally proposed in the initial consultation. Instead, following discussions with the Motorcycle Industry Association, riders who have had a full licence for smaller bike for two years or more will need to be accompanied by an Authorised Trainer while on public roads until they have passed their test. Rosemary Thew, Chief Executive of the Driving Standards Agency which is responsible for delivering driver testing and setting standards for driver training, said: “It’s important that everyone has the skills they need to drive or ride safely. “We are grateful to everyone who responded to the consultation and are already working closely with the groups and industries that will be affected by these new requirements.” Read article
VFR1200 boosts Feb bike sales
Source: Insidebikes | Carole Nash » Bike News - Tuesday, 9th March 2010, 11:37 GMTHonda’s VFR1200 boosted the February new motorcycle sales total, with a healthy 97 units snapped up, reports Alastair Walker. The MCIA recently released last month’s sales statistics and Honda’s impressive performance from Feb 13th onwards, when the bike was launched, helped bump up the sports-tourer segment by 59%. Elsewhere the market continued its relentlessly downward spiral. Custom bikes dropped by 6%, whilst touring and trail machines fell by 12%, relatively modest reductions considering the weather, rising unemployment and the end of the 15% VAT rate in 2010. But other sectors like adventure touring were off 20%, mopeds dropped 28%, naked bikes fell 35% and supersports fell by an alarming 45%. Total two-wheeler registrations last month were 3197, down 23% and the one positive note is that figure is smaller than the huge drop in January, which saw many dealerships deserted as snowfalls affected daily life. One interesting figure is that the VFR1200 notched up 97 sales in two weeks, whilst BMW’s new sportbike the S1000RR could only manage 30 sales in the entire month. This despite rave reviews in the motorcycle press for the new BMW and lukewarm reports on the new Honda. Could it be that today’s sportbikes are almost all too uncomfortable for today’s 50-something motorcycle buyer, or is the depreciation suffered by sportbikes the main factor? Perhaps the most worrying trend in the new machine registration figures is the lack of sales for mopeds and scooters. The recessions of the 70s and 80s both saw large increases in small motorcycle and scooter sales, but the younger generation, and commuters, seemed to have more or less abandoned the idea of motorcycling. Those are arguably two social trends which will see motorcycling in the UK become a pastime for pensioners within a decade. Unless something is done, and soon. Read article
January bike sales gloom
Source: Insidebikes | Carole Nash - Wednesday, 10th February 2010, 11:01 GMTThe heavy snows of January, and VAT rising to 17.5%, reduced UK consumer demand generally, but new motorcycle and scooter sales were especially hard hit, reports Alastair Walker. Overall, new motorcycle sales fell by 42%, moped scooters were down 37% and scooters above 50cc fell by 35%. In an attempt to put some positive spin on the dismal sales figures the MCIA claim that more commuters are turning to two wheels, with seven of the January top ten machines being under 125cc. The MCIA also note that Touring class motorcycle sales only dropped by 22%, which is better than the huge falls of 50% for Custom, 56% for Supersport and 47% for Naked bikes. insidebikes spoke to two dealers who both agreed that `January was a write-off, people who are snowed in don’t buy bikes.’ Another dealer said he was concentrating on used bike sales in 2010, as selling new machines was barely profitable; `We are struggling to make £300-£350 on a new bike sale, and the overheads on the showroom are in the region of 50K per year.’ However, the poor January weather didn’t deter fans of the BMW marque, with 50 units of the new S1000RR recorded and 51 unit sales for the R1200RT touring model. Maybe BMW riders are just that bit better at coping with adverse weather. Another interesting detail in the January sales figures is that Direct Bikes sold 131 machines over the internet, mostly 50cc scooters. That puts them ahead of Aprilia, who have an expensive dealer network to maintain. Maybe the future for commuter mopeds and scooters lies in online sales, with service centres sold as a low cost franchise. If February doesn’t bring too much snow, everyone in the industry will be hoping that buyers will return in significant numbers. If not, 2010 looks like being another year of pain for the UK motorcycle market. Read article
MCI lobby business minister
Source: Insidebikes | Carole Nash - Monday, 8th February 2010, 8:47 GMTThe MCIA have lobbied business minister Ian Lucas, arguing that motorcycles and scooters need more consideration when drafting legislation on `green’ transport initiatives. The MCI met Lucas last week, putting forward the case that motorcycles need to be considered for a scrappage scheme similar to cars, plus more a favourable company tax and allowances regimefor electric bikes and scooters. The MCIA also requested inclusion in the government’s automotive council and a fair appraisal of two-wheelers in the VED tax scheme. Unsurprisingly, as an election is looming, Lucas and his departmental advisors promised to engage in constructive dialogue with the MCIA in future. The MCIA stated the case that the motorcycle industry employs some 62,000 people, and generates over £2.75 billion, with £1 billion contributed in taxes per annum. The MCIA delegation included Tara Glen, Steve Kenward and Craig Carey-Clinch. Steve Kenward commented that; “The meeting had a very positive outcome. We are looking forward to working with the government to create proper recognition for the motorcycle industry.” What do you think; can the MCIA persuade this, or any government, to take motorcycles seriously as mass transport in the UK, or are we always going to be second class citizens compared to car drivers? Post your comments here. Read article
2009 bike sales down 20%
Source: Insidebikes | Carole Nash - Wednesday, 20th January 2010, 10:21 GMTThe year-end statistics from the motorcycle industry show that new motorcycle and scooter sales above 50cc dropped by 20%, compared to 2008, reports Alastair Walker. December 2009 was an especially grim month with huge percentage falls in various sectors. For example Adventure Sport class machines were down 52%, Customs fell 55% and Supersports were off by 34%. The only good news was that Touring and Trail/Enduro categories held steady, with no change compared to December 08 figures. Top selling bikes in December 09 included the BMW R1200GS and F800GS, with the CBR1000RR Fireblade being the top bike in the 651cc-1000cc bracket. The top brand by sales volume in 2009 was Yamaha. A dismal 2009 for new bike sales, with the MCIA calling for a motorcycle scrappage scheme to bost commuter class sales, and the Get On campaign aimed at novices. But what lies ahead for 2010? Sales Manager Dave Hewitt from Manchester Harley-Davidson, based in Stockport, doesn’t see an immediate pick-up in the first few months of 2010; “The recent snowy weather hasn’t helped of course, but even so, it’s been quiet so far this January. Harley-Davidson had a tough 2009 no doubt about it, Buell is no more. But the Harley brand is still strong and residual values are high, so that makes a H-D a very good bike to buy in the long run. You could buy a new R1 for example and lose 3K-4K in a year of ownership, you won’t get that depreciation with a Harley. ” Dave sees a diminishing number of used bikes available in the UK in 2010; ” The one thing that is really changing the UK bike market is the rising number of eurozone buyers, all after good, recent reg plate secondhand bikes - we are selling used bikes to brokers and private buyers based in Germany, Denmark, Portugal and Spain in particular. Some brokers are filling a van with five or six machines every two weeks - the good stuff is going abroad as sterling remains weak.” Honda dealer Miles Kingsport based in East Yorkshire has also seen a rise in european buyers, especially from Holland, with the MK dealership being based in Hull; “We have an arrangement with a dealer in Holland, who gives us a decent price on hard-to-shift used machines,” says Andy Kirkup, Sales Manager, “but we try to hang onto the really low miles, super clean used Hondas. We never sell new bikes abroad, it would upset Honda, so euro demand will make no difference to UK prices in 2010 on our brand new motorcycles. Our shop is gearing up for the VFR1200 launch in February, that will be the real test how new bike sales will shape up this year.” Read article
MCI calls for bike scrappage
Source: Insidebikes | Carole Nash - Monday, 18th January 2010, 15:08 GMTThe MCIA ( Motorcycle Industry Association ) is to press the government to offer a scrappage scheme on smaller motorcycles and scooters, plus incentives on electric bikes, reports Alastair Walker. The car scrappage scheme has been a success, revitalising the UK new car market in 2009 and boosting the sale of smaller, more fuel efficient cars in particular. On the downside many classic car enthusiasts have been angry that well preserved, and useful, cars from the 80s and 90s have been crushed. The MCIA are taking a set of ideas to the government, but their core message is fairness, as the MCI’s Craig Carey-Clinch explained to insidebikes; “The government’s policy is that motorcycles and scooters form part of mainstream transport, but they haven’t even been considered for scrappage schemes, or serious incentives to get consumers to switch from petrol powered two-wheelers, to electric bikes and scooters. The subsidies and benefits available for electric car owners are wide-ranging, but nothing is been done to encourage motorcycle and scooter riders to adopt this new technology.” Carey-Clinch sees much of the government’s future legislation - irrespective of who wins the election - as being aimed at reducing carbon consumption in the future, and therefore taxing petrol vehicle use much more. ” Oil isn’t running out, but it will become more expensive in future. All we want is the same consideration as the car driver who chooses a higher mpg/less CO2 emitting car. Those who switch to a better mpg, cleaner running motorcycle or scooter, should also receive some incentive. A large section of the two-wheeled market choose bikes simply to commute on - they are not enthusiasts. There needs to be a chance for owners of older scooters and small capacity motorbikes to trade-in their 10-20 year old commuter in for a newer, less CO2 emissions model.” As yet, the MCI haven’t decided on specific cash amounts which would be available for bike or scooter owners under any scrappage scheme. But Carey-Clinch sees the 500 euro incentives offered in Italy as being `pretty realistic.’ That would equate to around £450 in the UK, but would it be enough to persuade a cash-strapped commuter to buy a new scooter for say £2000, or an electric scooter for up to £4000? THE DEALER VIEW Russ Clay from DK Motorcycles thinks that any incentive would be good news; “The market is tough and shows no sign of revival at present,” says Russ, who is Sales Manager at DK, one of the biggest players in the UK new and used bike market, ” I think many riders buy a bike, new or used, for fun really, but if there’s a detailed plan to get commuters onto smaller machines then we would support it of course.” ” My own feeling is that the government introduced car scrappage to preserve jobs in UK based car factories. But part from Triumph, we have no bike jobs to preserve. So I can’t see the MCI winning the argument on that score with the government.” Added Russ. Meanwhile Grant Hacking, from Doug Hacking Motorcycles in Lancashire wants to see a scheme aimed at getting rid of the cheaper Chinese-made scooters on the roads; “Some Chinese made bikes are OK, but I would support any scheme to scrap some of the internet-sold bikes and scooters out there. The build quality isn’t what it should be. But generally, I can’t see many bikers scrapping a decent 500cc-1300cc machine. We have 10-15 year old Hondas and Kawasakis in stock, which are perfectly good machines and we put a warranty on them because they are reliable and there’s lots of life left in them. Even older British bikes from 30 or 40 years ago are valuable and useful.” Simon Whitelock from Red Dog Superbikes near London thinks modern machines just aren’t economical enough; “I have a 1923 Triumph 550cc machine which can do over 80mpg. There’s no depreciation on it and any home mechanic can fix it, the thing could last a lifetime - how is that less `green’ than buying a new electric scooter every 10 years? I don’t see why new bikes are so bad on fuel, much more could be done to make bikes cheaper to run. I reckon 125cc-250cc commuters should be capable of over 120mpg. Then people would buy them.” Do you think a bike scrappage scheme would revive new bike sales? Post your comments here. Read article
Motorcycle Market Weathers Well During Economic Downturn of 2009
Source: LondonBikers.com - Friday, 15th January 2010, 0:55 GMTStatistics released by the Motor Cycle Industry Association for the end of 2009 show an overall reduction in sales of 20%. The figures for the end of year show that in total 111,513 bikes, scooters and mopeds were sold. Read article
Bikers less likely to drink & ride
Source: Insidebikes | Carole Nash - Tuesday, 24th November 2009, 10:42 GMTMotorcycle riders are half as likely as other motorists to take to the road whilst over the legal limit of alcohol, research by a leading motorcycling body has found. With one in six deaths on Britain’s roads being attributed to drink-driving, the Motorcycle Industry Association has found that bikers are far less likely to take to the roads whilst over the legal limit. According to Department for Transport statistics, of the motorcycle riders tested following an accident in 2008, 1.4% failed a breathalyser test. This compared to an average of 2.7% for all road user casualties as a whole The claim coincides with Road Safety Week 2009, where the call to all road users is to commit to not drink even a drop of alcohol before driving, nor consume any other illegal drug, to help reduce the number of accidents and casualties on British roads. For road users as a whole, the group most likely to drink and drive were those under 17, with 11.8% of young people in this age band failing the test. Only 1.2% of these positive tests were given by young motorcyclists. Motorcyclists aged between 20 and 24 were most likely to fail a breath test, with 2.4% of tests taken by riders in this age band positive for alcohol. However, this figure is still less than half that of the average for all road users between 20 and 24, of whom 5% gave a breath test positive for alcohol. Sheila Rainger, MCI Director of Communications, said, “The demands of riding a motorcycle are greater than those of driving a car and it is good to see the majority of motorcyclists recognizing this fact by refusing to mix drinking and riding. “However, there is no room for complacency. As vulnerable road users, motorcyclists need to stay sharp. The MCI is backing the Road Safety Week 2009 call to all riders to commit to ‘not a drop, not a drag’ before starting the engine, and as Christmas party season approaches, urging riders to be aware that alcohol can stay in your system well into the morning after.” In 2007, at least 15,935 people in the UK were killed or hurt by drink and drug-drivers according to road safety charity Brake. That equates to 1,328 people every month, 306 people every week, 44 people every day, 2 people every hour. In 2007, 478 people were killed by drivers over the drink-drive limit in the UK. Women are much less likely than men to cause drink drive crashes. However, nearly a third of the casualties in drink drive crashes are women; often passengers in cars driven by young men. Nearly one in six convicted drink-drivers are caught the morning after. Read article
