Latest Motorcycle Industry Association statistics highlight a sudden eight per cent overall boost to 11,866 units in September. Following two negative months, for the third quarter to conclude on such a high inevitably raises suspicions of large-scale preregistration to achieve quarterly dealer bonus targets.
Motorcycles were up by 15.2 per cent to 8009 units in the month. Over-50cc scooters rose by just 0.8 per cent to 2509 units. The moped sector fell by 12.7 per cent to 1348 units. For the nine months of 2013 to date, total registrations are 3.3 per cent down at 75,738 units.
The only negative motorcycle style segment was Supersport, losing 7.8 per cent to 1402 units. Among the other higher-volume slots, Naked was the star, up by 22.7 per cent to 2554 units. However, that hardy perennial Adventure Sport was worth more to dealers — given it’s loaded with big-ticket machinery rather than 125cc tackle — thanks to a 15.2 per cent increase to 1685 units.
As usual, the monthly brand podium was headed up by Honda on 2345 units. Yamaha was runner-up with 1267 units. Suzuki took a surprise third spot on 1055 units.
BMW Motorrad, in fourth place overall with 953 units, snatched September’s over-500cc title from Triumph, which racked up 911 units.
For details, click here and for full analysis see the November edition of British Dealer News magazine.
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