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Road Warrior
08-04-2008, 03:27 PM
http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=51179&vf=2


Motorcycle sales surge to record levels
AAP, April 8, 2008






Motorcycle sales surged to record levels in the first quarter this year, with industry chiefs predicting the strong market to continue.


Motorcycle sales surged to record levels in the first quarter this year, with industry chiefs predicting the strong market to continue.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) said Tuesday 30,460 motorcycles, scooters and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) were sold to the end of March, a 4.9 per cent increase on the same period in 2007.

"The motorcycle market has continued to grow so far this year despite the recent interest rate rises and signs of softer retail spending," said FCAI chief executive Andrew McKellar.

"The increase of almost five per cent in the March quarter indicates that underlying demand for new motorcycles and ATVs remains strong.

"We are cautiously optimistic that sales will remain buoyant, despite the current uncertainties in the broader economic outlook."

Last year motorcycle sales hit an all-time high of 129,966, with the market growing by about 70 per cent over the past five years.

Road bikes were the biggest sellers in the first quarter this year with 11,580 retailed, compared to 10,687 in the off-road segment.

Honda was the top selling brand to the end of March with 22.6 per cent of the market ahead of Yamaha on 22.3 per cent, Suzuki 12.1 per cent and Kawasaki 8.2 per cent.

XLR8 V8
08-04-2008, 03:38 PM
As costs of running a car go ever higher, and traffic on the highways in and out of the cities each day turns into a carpark, this was inevitable. No doubt they include the little moped scooters in these sales figures - lots of those things buzzing around these days

vicarious
08-04-2008, 04:02 PM
i had a 50cc scooter as i won it on a competition, but a sold it about a year later as there was just to many people not looking out as i value my life. With bike sales increasing you probably can see the road toll increasing through bike rider error/other driver error.

Road Warrior
08-04-2008, 07:41 PM
As costs of running a car go ever higher, and traffic on the highways in and out of the cities each day turns into a carpark, this was inevitable. No doubt they include the little moped scooters in these sales figures - lots of those things buzzing around these days

Dunno what road safety 'practitioners' are like over there but over here in Wait Awhile they would sooner see us off the road, and believe that we cause all our own problems and hate us because we can't get pinged by speed cameras (unless they use the rear facing ones).

Add that to the fact that Perth drivers are pretty much the worst in the country and it amazes me that our yearly toll isn't higher, but there was like 20,000 sold in WA alone last year so noone seems too perturbed from riding.

NefariousVX
13-04-2008, 11:01 PM
I have to say that i rode a scooter for about a year in and around adelaide and it was bloody hair raising to say the least, people just dont see you and you cant go fast enough to keep up with traffic at times, but i now ride a 250 in and around brisbane and the gold coast and there are still the same problems with people not always seeing you but this time i have the spped to stay or get out of their way. Scooters are ok but a bike is alot safer if you have the self control to not gass it all the time.

Major Jock Itch
17-04-2008, 07:09 PM
Stick to cars folks, how many times do need to witness riders crashing into objects taking their lives away and for us to see their torn body in pieces

andz0
19-04-2008, 04:11 PM
so much cheaper to get around

bambam
21-04-2008, 12:17 AM
Stick to cars folks, how many times do need to witness riders crashing into objects taking their lives away and for us to see their torn body in pieces

Not all people that ride bikes die. Bikes themselves arent dangerous. Its the ****wits on the roads in cages that are.

Admittedly there are some twats on bikes, but natural selection will take care of them.

Road Warrior
21-04-2008, 12:51 PM
Stick to cars folks, how many times do need to witness riders crashing into objects taking their lives away and for us to see their torn body in pieces

WTF is this crap

VT_Lance
28-04-2008, 11:28 AM
i was thinking of getting bike when i get my licence back there cheaper,fast and none my friends got one lol

DaveHAT
28-04-2008, 12:06 PM
With the ever increase costs of running a motor vehicle ... it's isn't that surprising.

I've ridden bikes for many years but gave it up as a matter of self preservation. All too often, the attitude, awareness and tolerance of motorists (both bike & car) these days IMO only ... makes riding a motorcycle too risky.

Don't get me wrong ... it's sensational fun WHILST YOU'RE UPRIGHT ... I just hope that people rushing to get motorcycles in an attempt to reduce running costs have considered things beyond the price a fuel.

:)

OPPYLOCK
02-05-2008, 10:24 AM
Don't get me wrong ... it's sensational fun WHILST YOU'RE UPRIGHT ... I just hope that people rushing to get motorcycles in an attempt to reduce running costs have considered things beyond the price a fuel.

:)

So what you are saying is that we may see a sharp reduction in the number of of unaware tightarses?

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l150/OPPYLOCK/ScooterHelmet.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l150/OPPYLOCK/CanYouFindTheKid_small.jpg

Sometimes you just have to let nature take its course.

Scommo
02-05-2008, 10:33 AM
Hahahaha^^

Im looking to get one of those helmets with a bandana across my face when I get my license for my postie bike:rofl::rofl:

Gonna look tough! :rofl: