MOTORCYCLE MARKET COMMENT – Year ended December 2024
During the last quarter of 2024, the motorcycle market experienced a surprising growth spurt, recording a total of 37 693 new unit sales for the 2024 calendar year. This represents a 20.8% increase over the 31 199 new units recorded for 2023 and exceeds earlier forecasts by a good margin. The commercial segment was responsible for 75% of the year on year growth, thus restricting the good news somewhat to the players in the commercial sector.
Segment performance remains a mixture of ups and downs as usual. Small capacity commercial motorcycle and scooter volumes increased by 21%. Electric 2 and 3 wheeled motorcycle sales continue to grow at an exceptional rate of 170% and is essentially all commercial. The leisure segment increased by 6%, with the 500cc+ machines on the lively end, which is a welcome sign. Off-road motorcycle sales decreased by 12% year on year.
The Quad market increased by 32% but as previously reported, this was very much driven by a new budget entrant to the market and in smaller capacity classes. The larger and higher priced models experienced a modest 5% growth, but also at the more budget end of the segment.
Used motorcycle sales recorded an increase of 4.3% compared to 2023. At 47 714 units this is the highest number since 2016, but sales vary from year to year buy anything from -2 to +4%, making the used market much more stable and predictable compared to the new market.
Predicting what will happen in in the motorcycle market has historically been a very challenging exercise, and there is no reason to believe this will change in respect of 2025. The commercial segment is certain to produce some growth as it seems unlikely that the delivery business has reached saturation. The leisure market is however very reliant on the presence of disposable income, and this is not likely to change in the year to come. The tough trading conditions are expected to continue for the year ahead.
Issued by Arnold Olivier, National Director, AMID
