Jump to content

Dirtbike & Dual Sport Motorcycle Sales Soar During First Half of 2020


Advpulse

Recommended Posts

dirtbike-Dual-sport-motorcycle-sales-soa

Seems like this pandemic keeps bringing more surprises to the motorcycle industry. Earlier this year, some manufacturers reported an unusually-high uptick in sales during the first few months after the lockdown. Now, a new report from the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) shows that dirtbikes and dual sport bike sales have continued to soar in the US despite the COVID pandemic—and perhaps even because of it.

According to the MIC Retail Sales Reporting System, ‘off-road only’ motorcycle sales rocketed 50.3 percent in the first half of the year compared with the same period last year, while dual-purpose motorcycle sales jumped 20.9 percent in the same time frame. 

“Riding dirt and trail bikes has always been one of the best ways to spend time with family and friends,” said Erik Pritchard, president and CEO of the Motorcycle Industry Council. “Now, with the pandemic, it has amplified what’s positive about getting out on motorcycles. You can get out of the house, have fun with your loved ones, and still maintain social distancing.” 

dirt-bike-Dual-sport-motorcycle-sales-so
ADVERTISEMENT

In the meantime, scooter sales have also increased during the first half of 2020, with a reported 4 percent rise compared to the same period last year. “There are many benefits to motorcycles and scooters,” Pritchard said.”During this pandemic, being on a motorcycle means being able to avoid crowds and lessening the chance of spreading and picking up germs. And many riders say it adds fun to a normally mundane commute. “

It is not all good news for other motorcycle segments though. As consumers spend their dollars on off-road models, on-highway motorcycles are seeing a sales dip of 9.6 percent compared to the same six month period last year, a trend that comes as no surprise to many in the industry.

However, in spite of a slump in street bike sales, the overall health of the motorcycle industry in the US is actually improving during the pandemic. Combining this dip with the sales surge of off-road only motorcycles, dual sport bikes and scooters, puts total motorcycle sales up 6.4 percent compared with 2019 in the first half of the year. Motorcycle manufacturers with a broad lineup are in a good position right now, while others with street-only models may be feeling the pain. 

dirtbike-Dual-sport-motorcycle-sales-soa

Considering the growth of the dual sport/ADV market over the last decade, and now evidence that it can thrive in an economic downturn, you can bet manufacturers will be paying more attention to this segment. That should benefit consumers with improved models, more choice and more competitive pricing moving forward.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...