Market reports – Motorcycle market in February 2005: unfavorable weather –

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Motorcycle market in February 2005: unfavorable weather

Market reports - Motorcycle market in February 2005: unfavorable weather -

Due to the unfavorable weather conditions, the motorcycle market fell 2.6% in February, but remains on the upward trend in the first two months of the year with an overall growth of + 1.9%.

Due to unfavorable weather conditions, the motorcycle market fell 2.6% in February but remained on an upward trend over the first two months of the year (+ 1.9%).

While it is mainly scooters that continue to circulate in the winter, it is the 125 cc market that is hit with a decline of 10%. Conversely, sales of large-displacement motorcycles are showing astonishing growth of + 1.8%, probably because, contrary to appearances, the acquisition of a motorcycle is the result of reflection rather than a purchase of ‘impulse. This does not seem to be the case for quads, whose decline is confirmed with a drop of 12.8% in February alone..

125 cc: Piaggio in the lead

Logically, scooters and utility motorcycles are favored by winter buyers. These are also intensive users who do not hesitate to invest in a high-end vehicle: apart from the Honda CBR 125 and the Yamaha DT 125, two machines intended for young people, there are no entry-level models in top of the ranking. The playful machines like Yamaha TW125, Suzuki VanVan or Honda Lead mark time, because it is not the ideal time to tour the beaches…

This trend obviously benefits Piaggio, which maintains its positions and takes the lead in the market. Honda builds on the astonishing success of the Varadero 125, but its scooters are still struggling to win while Yamaha is resisting with its Majesty scooter and, suddenly, does not suffer too much from the temporary absence of motorcycles 4 stroke in its range.

For the other manufacturers, the January trends are confirmed with MBK in great shape and KTM taking advantage of the preparation for the enduro season to place its 125 EXC in the top 10! Peugeot, on the other hand, is still looking for a second wind for its Elystar and the bleeding continues for Aprilia..

More than 125 cc: the Kawasaki Z750 confirms

While its streamlined variant is not yet available, the Kawasaki Z750 confirms its first place ahead of the Yamaha FZ6 Fazer (naked and streamlined versions). But there may well be changes in the coming months, because for its second month on the market the new Bandit 650N is already in 4th place! If we combine its sales with those of the 600 N and S, the Bandits are in the lead. Case to follow…

What is certain is that the Z750, FZ6 and Bandit dominate the market. The Z750 had the skin of the Honda Hornet which disappears from the Top 10, while the SV 650 still tries to resist.

On the brand side, Suzuki and Yamaha are still neck and neck. The brand with three tuning forks is back in the lead, taking advantage of the success of its enduro range and the WR 250F is even number 6 in sales! The opposite situation at Honda and Kawasaki: while no Honda emerges at the top of the ranking, the brand is progressing by relying on its very wide range while at Kawa, the Z750 is a hit but barely manages to compensate for the weakness of the range. Suddenly, sales of the green brand stagnate.

On the challengers side, BMW seems to have already set off for a record year as the K1200S is still not available and the R 1200RT is only delivered in small quantities. Ducatists and bikers seem to be waiting for good weather hand in hand, while the 2005 enduro trend is more KTM than Gas Gas. Finally, great satisfaction for Triumph which confirms its excellent month of January. A good omen as the new Speed ​​Triple and Sprint ST go into dealerships !

Benoît LACOSTE

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