The numbers are in… and they are up! Off-highway motorcycle sales rocketed 50.3% in the first half of the year compared with the same period last year, while dual-purpose motorcycle sales jumped 20.9% in the same time frame, according to the MIC Retail Sales Reporting System.
“Riding dirt and trail bikes has always been one of the best ways to spend time with family and friends,” said MIC president and CEO Erik Pritchard. “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.”
On-highway motorcycles did see a dip of 9.6%, while scooter sales rose 4%. Combined with off-highway and dual-purpose bikes, this puts total motorcycle sales in the first half of the year up 6.4% percent compared with 2019.
To capitalize on the momentum and the opportunity being presented to the industry, MIC launched a Commuter Distancing campaign to encourage people to consider motorized two- and three-wheelers as transportation alternatives. “There are many benefits to motorcycles and scooters,” says Pritchard. “In normal times, studies have shown that they help alleviate congestion. 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. Our Commuter Distancing social media posts are a reminder of these benefits.”
The Commuter Distancing posts point people to FindYourRide.org where they can quickly find information on how to get rider training and where to find a bike. “It’s just a first step, and many in the powersports industry are waiting to help riders-to-be explore their options,” Pritchard notes. “Sales from the first half of the year indicate growing interest in powersports products and we’re excited to help them on their journey.”
The MIC Retail Sales Reporting System gathers new motorcycle sales data from the 14 leading manufacturers and distributors in the U.S., providing a strong indicator of sales trends.