Bike sales continue to tank across Europe

[Rogerborg]

Oh dear. According to ACEM, sales are down again in 2011: 9% down across all of Europe compared to the same period in 2010.

Italy and Spain - traditionally strong markets - were both down over 15% and Greece was over 16%. Ped and bikes are both down. The European market is down 25% from 2008 levels, with a commensurate loss of jobs.

https://www.pintofeuro.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/doomed-pic.jpg

The one silver lining is that pending license changes and spy-chip legislation will completely shag the arse out of the remaining market and... waiiiit a minute, that's not a silver lining.

The context is that if the European market continues to decline then it's hard to see why manufacturers will bother investing money in new models to meet swingeing EU emissions targets. There will be new bikes available (probably) but fewer of them, and with less variety.
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Knot600RR]

One could argue that drop in sales could prompt the makers to actually develop bikes that people want.

It's not overly surprising that Italy, Spain & Greece were down - I suspect people have greater concerns than what new bike they 'must have'.

As far as the UK goes, I suspect that bikes will become more and more of a luxury item only affordable by surplus cash waving middle aged people.

The days of it being a cheap transport alternative are numbered.

[janner_10]

Not that I speak with any authority on the matter, but the hoop jumping (plus expense) to actually get your license even prior to your first bike cost, I sure will put new bikers off coming through. So there is less to replace the older ones dying / crashing / retiring etc etc
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Yamaha FZS600 (Now gone to heaven) > CBR600F4i (SOLD) > '99 YZF-R1

[fatpies]

[Bomberman]

[Rogerborg]

[Knot600RR]

That was kind of my point, many makers are producing too many bikes, many just variations of a theme. My comments weren't about making more bikes!

I'm not really arsed about the price to be honest and I don't mean that in a 'look at my wad' way.

I drive a car as well, and the bike is a secondary means of transport, note secondary - not a toy, and no matter the price, filtering ability, parking cost etc., no bike will ever persuade me out of my car for long journeys or if the weather is bad, or if I'm taking my family out.

The 'boutique' market may well be the answer, Ducati, Aprillia, etc., concentrate on a pretty limited range and they appear to be making the right stuff as waiting lists are evident for some of their models.

As to 125's, well as the Chinese are getting significantly better, maybe by the time of all these new regulations they'll be 'up there'.

Lets not forget that until these rules come in, they're still making decent machines that'll last well into 2030 & beyond, so I'm not getting too upset by all this yet.

I fear other circumstances will probably put an end to biking as we know it before that happens.

Enjoy it while you can....

[jjdugen]

I'm 63, and so are most of my riding peers. I'm good for maybe another five years before cost of living eats into my pension. The rest of us have various ailments that will only get worse. If I saw crowds of youngsters up at Rivi Barn or outside the cafes / chip shops then I would have no worries. But there are non, just the odd Ped Boi with a crackly exhaust annoying the neighbours. No matter how well I argue the cost and time saving benifits of a bike, no-one outside the circle wants to even consider saluting the flag. One guy was caught in the recent M6 traffic jams and was stuck for over three hours, I patiently explained that I would have been home, had my tea and be watching TV by the time he extarcated himself, but all I get is the weather, they are dangerous, all the protective clothing etc. The market is dwindling because of the lack of interest, the only thing that will improve matter is if fuel DOES go to £2 a litre, then people will have to make decisions.
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The CBR900RR has been sold. Aprilia Falco worms its way into my heart.
Try Soi 23 on Amazon for a good read.... Self promotion? Moi?

[Knot600RR]

I'm not sure even price of fuel would make me change my mind. Car 50+mpg
Bike 35-40 mpg

[Knot600RR]

I suppose with all the constraints on 'yoof' getting onto bikes, then the makers will loose the 'Born Again Biker' (for want of a better phrase) in the future.

Yup. Doomed.

[von1papen]

If anything I've seen alot of people I know getting 125's for their work commute (not suitable for everyone I know but) just because you can buy a cg for afew hundred quid, insure it for a hundred and run it for nothing.

Perhaps brand new bike sales are down (because funnily enough atm people can't spunk all their money on a new bike) but the second hand market is thriving as usual

[Rogerborg]

Mmm, fair point, actually. We don't need to panic just yet as the number of bikes in service is still rising, according to the MCIA, with the big gains being in the <=125 (I'd thank congestion charges and crippling car insurance for yoofs) and the litre+ classes. Ped numbers are down though, which highlights that it's Big Boys that are driving sales.

But with new sales dropping and the total number of licensees still rising (we're still passing faster than we're crashing) that might not continue forever.

Perversely, the best thing for the current generation of riders might be if new riders drop off faster than new bike sales.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Flowers]

Very interesting topic this....

From someone that is new to the 'bike world' . I treat it as a hobby. Once I'm through the relevant tests I would only buy second hand bike, due to experience and funds.

However I believe that as long as there's youngsters struggling to cover high car insurance costs and men having their 'Mid Life Crisis' then bike sales are safe. Especially second hand bikes.

Although it's no surprise new bike sales are a concern.
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Peace be the Journey

[acid drop]

[Rogerborg]

[Ericck]

[tsmith]

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

[inspectorgadg...]

Its because its getting so much harder to pass and prices are way too high.

[fatpies]

[janner_10]

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

[Rogerborg]

There is a teeny issue in that there are things other than "full" licenses. What does an "A <= 25kW" mean when you roll off the Chunnel train? Or for that matter, try to hire a bike in France, or Germany, Italy, and so on?
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[fatpies]

[TheSmiler]

To be honest like most people I would rather go out and buy a second hand bike than a brand new bike from the shop, especially if it it for commuting.

Although you have higher reliability from newer bikers like stinky mentioned in another thread, you can get the same or even better specs bike for cheaper.

The slack in sales is most probably due to the new legislation coming in consumers not sure what specs they get so they aren't screwed in the behind. That and the roads are getting shocking with councils cutting back on their spending.
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CB125>CG125>GN125>ER5>K100RS>R1100RS>K100RS
A2 completed 23/07/15 Ready for the Golden Crisp Packet