EFFICIENT ALLROUNDERS ARE VERY POPULAR
13 September 2004 - Industrie-Verband Motorrad Deutschland e. V.

600cc Motorcycles are Trendsetters

After 5 constant years there has been a movement in the top group of Germany''s most popular motorcycles in 2004. By bringing the new BMW R 1200 GS to the market its predecessor and permanent front-runner, the R 1150 GS, was kicked off the throne. But the new model is wide ahead already. With 3,845 sold vehicles (from January to July 2004) the Bavarian big enduro already ranks in second position. The present chart striker and newcomer, however, comes from Honda: the CBF 600 S concept seems to work out. With flexible adjustments and an optional braking system the CBF – suitable for beginners as well as for experienced riders – this year already has attracted 5,221 buyers.

Four more 600cc models are among the Top Ten: Yamaha FZ6 Fazer (with 3,397 new registrations in rank 3), BMW 650 GS (2,865/rank 5), Suzuki GSF 600 Bandit (2,063/rank 8) and Suzuki SV 650 (1,983/rank 9). These numbers clearly show that motorcycles from 500- 749cc are the most successful class of the present year; a plus of about 1.5 per cent from January to July could be registered. With 36.3 per cent this means also the biggest market share in this segment.

On the whole the market development for powered two-wheelers, though, has been problematic so far, although new registrations have continued to consolidate. Visitors'' interests on the spring trade fairs had placed greater expectations. ''Organizers of spring fairs have consistently reported slightly rising, or at least stabile visitors'' numbers'', as Reiner Brendicke, General Manager of the IVM puts it, ''People still feel attracted by scooters and motorcycles''. Obviously discussions about old-age plans, inefficient fiscal reforms, Harz IV and the daily concerns about one''s own job only allow for one consequence in Germany: High investments and purchases are postponed to a later point in time. There are no clear signals from politicians to allow anew for long-term guaranties of life standards in order to reach medium-term changes of the present situation.

One consequence of this development is that statistics have notified a downward movement in new registrations by 8.4 per cent for motorcycles and by 6.2 per cent for light-weight motorcycles. On the whole Germany has registered 138,659 powered two-wheelers of more than 50cc up to July 2004. Together with 45,885 sold items of power-assisted bicycles, small scooters, and mopeds this amounts to almost 185,000 new motorized two-wheelers on German roads.

Due to the great success of the CBF 600, Honda is this year''s market leader with a share of 18.7 per cent, followed by BMW (17.6 per cent) and Suzuki (16.3 per cent). The winners of the year are MV Agusta/Cagiva and Buell who considerably increased their market shares by 86.3 respectively 69.5 per cent.

The segments of tourers and classic bikes are most badly hit by the problematic market situation. In these segments downward movements of 32.2, 18.0 respectively, had to be notified. However, another plus of 3.5 per cent was registered for the segment of enduros (3.5 per cent) and 1.8 per cent for sports bikes.

It is especially the INTERMOT Munich from September 15-19 that is supposed to provide a new impulse for the market development. ''Brand-new bikes and customer-oriented models of manufacturers and importers as well as innovations in the field of the accessory trade will be presented on the trade fair and will hopefully transform mere plans into real purchases'', says Brendicke. In combination with an extensive action program there will be a unique event around motorcycles and scooters that is going to enthuse not only bikers who have already been ''infected'' by the motorcycle-virus, but especially offers opportunities to beginner riders to experience vehicles and accessories.

www.ivm-ev.de

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