Posted: Tuesday, 24th October, 2006 : 9:30 AM - - 6,181 Reads

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The figures show that annual sales of motorcycles totalled 82,980 for the nine months to the end of September - an increase of 15,116 or 22.3 per cent over the same period of 2005.

By year's end the motorcycle industry is likely to well exceed the record of 102,000 sales set in 2005.

Last year was the first time in three decades that motorcycle sales in Australia had reached six figures.

As it was in 2005, the Road Bike market has been the main driver of growth this year, with sales increasing by 9568 or 34.8 per cent.

"While road bike sales have undoubtedly been boosted by record fuel prices over the winter, it's been evident for more than 18 months that commuters are rediscovering motorcycling as an economical and convenient form of daily transport," said FCAI Chief Executive Peter Sturrock.

The latest figures show that the scooter boom continues it's impressive growth.

Sales are up 3592 vehicles or 54.3 per cent on previous record sales set in the first nine months of 2005.

"As the number of scooters on our streets grows, so is general public awareness of their advantages in terms of fuel economy, traffic congestion and parking scarcity," said Mr Sturrock.

Mr Sturrock said the rapid rise in scooter sales was also being propelled by an influx of new models from many brands, offering a wider range of scooter styles and capacities to suit almost all riders.

The other big trend in the Road Bike market has been the rise of the Cruiser segment, which grew by 1876 sales or 33.8 per cent to the end of September.

With sales year to date of 7418, the Cruiser segment has increased its lead over Sports Bikes, which have increased 620 sales or 13.2 per cent to 5319.

The Off Road market grew at a more modest pace but still showed an encouraging gain of 4165 vehicles or 14.5 per cent to the end of September.

Yamaha topped Off Road bike sales for the January to September period with 11,158 sales, ahead of Honda with 10,116 and Suzuki 4014.

The best-selling road bike brand for the year to date was Honda with 7152 sales, ahead of Yamaha with 4465 and Suzuki 4229 sales.

The FCAI expects sales to grow again in the fourth quarter thanks to warmer weather and a boost to the New South Wales market from next month's Sydney Motorcycle Show.

"The industry is unveiling an unprecedented line up of new models at the Sydney show and we expect the excitement generated by them to be reflected in fourth quarter sales," said Mr Sturrock.

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