Motorcycle registration figures released by the Motor Cycle Industry
Association (MCI) show that the total sales of two wheelers during June
2005 are up by 2% on June 2004.
Adventure sport is the sector that has shown the largest growth and
compared to June 2004 there has been an increase of 41%. This month the
BMW R1200 GS continues to be the biggest selling bike in that category
as it has been for the first six months of the year.
The statistics for year to date confirm the growing diversity in
motorcycle sales. Adventure (27%), naked (16%) and custom (10%) continue
to be the three biggest growth sectors and now account for one-third of
all new motorcycle registrations. This ongoing trend reinforces the view
that people are looking for more from their bikes and that more riders
are opting for bikes that are versatile and provide on and off-road
riding opportunities.
Motorcycling is getting safer and this is helping to make riding more
appealing to more people as an everyday form of transport. Statistics
released by the Government in June show that the number of motorcycle
casualties has reduced by ten percent during the last year. The number
seriously injured has reduced by 13 percent and the number of killed has
decreased by 16 percent.
Since the introduction of the London congestion charge there has also
been an increase in the amount of motorcycle and scooter traffic in the
city. During the first year motorcycle kilometres ridden within the
congestion zone increased by 6% and the accidents involving motorcycles
within the charging zone reduced by 20%.
Craig Carey-Clinch MCI's Director of Public Affairs said, " Even though
the weather has been variable this year, more bikes are being registered
as people realise there a plenty of different types of motorcycles and a
diversity of things you can use them for. Trail riding, commuting,
holidays, touring, long distance over landing, leisure riding or track
days are some of the activities riders of all ages, experiences and
abilities.
"The latest figures provide further evidence of market consolidation as
riders are diversifying their motorcycle choice. The MCI hopes that this
signals the start of a positive period for motorcycle sales at a time
when government is taking motorcycling more seriously and has launched
the National Motorcycle Strategy to help create an environment that
enables motorcycling to grow and flourish."
