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Motorcycle market: cautious optimism
The motorcycle market is currently doing quite well, the trend is towards comfortable two-wheelers for everyday traffic. Things aren't looking so good for mopeds at the moment. by Franz Farkas
Motorcycle market: cautious optimism
The two-wheeler season has been quite positive so far this year. The mild weather gave bikers an early start to the season, and sales figures are all up compared to the previous year. But the year is far from over and the total will be added up at the end. The 2013 balance sheet published by ARGE Zweirad shows an increase of 4.8 percent at the end of the previous year, which is 26,047 vehicles. For the first time in three years, it is not the class up to 125 cm³ that is responsible for the increase, but rather the large motorcycles. There was an increase of over 8 percent. Apparently a certain saturation has been reached with the smaller motorcycles that can be driven with an additional test for the B license.
Two-wheelers as commercial vehicles
As the motorcycle audience ages, purchasing habits have also changed. There is a noticeable trend towards large scooters, especially among those over 45 years old. Since these vehicles are fully suitable for touring, many people are turning to the more comfortable two-wheeler, which can also be used more universally on short journeys. In general, a rethink is underway throughout the industry; motorcycles are increasingly being used as commercial vehicles and not just as fun vehicles. The reason for this is, among other things, the merciless parking space management in cities, from which single-lane parking spaces are (still) exempt. Large enduros are also popular, and the new models from BMW and KTM are particularly popular. However, this balance is primarily at the expense of the super athletes. These are often not registered at all and are only used on closed race tracks.
Moped market apparently saturated
The moped market is in very bad shape; it shrank by almost 20 percent in 2013 compared to the previous year. A major drop is particularly noticeable in mopeds with gearshifts. If you buy a moped, then with an automatic as a scooter. For this reason, Japanese companies, for example, have often drastically limited their range of mopeds. The reasons for the weak moped market are varied. There is the new driving license regulation, which allows 16-year-olds to drive a 125cc. Many people prefer to wait a year before picking up the 50, or give up the two-wheeler altogether and get their car driving license at the age of 17. Nevertheless, over 17,000 mopeds were still sold, over 26,000 of motorcycles over 50 cm³ and still 9,000 in the large class. In comparison, Austria is a weak country when it comes to motorcycles. Switzerland and France have a much larger market.