Interesting MIC stat today...

[Karaya One]

This came across my desk today from a friend at the MIC.

Total motorcycle unit sales -

June 2007 - 550,699

June 2011 - 258,762

250,000 new helmets not bought to go with the new bike. Or gloves. Or jackets.

250,000 first services not needed.

Sales tax not paid to states on new reg's.

Parts and Acc's not bought to customize your new toy.

The industry has contracted by a third already from 15,000 to just over 10,000 repair shops and dealerships since 2007.

Just a neat stat to show you the state of the industry today.

[Kazinator]

Just like the economy there are peaks and valleys. It will bounce back.

[scottfromboston]

Just like the economy there are peaks and valleys. It will bounce back.

I don't think that we'll ever again see the type of free-and-easy credit that bought a lot of bikes during those peak years.. but that's IMO.

[eboos]

This came across my desk today from a friend at the MIC.

Total motorcycle unit sales -

June 2007 - 550,699

June 2011 - 258,762

Those numbers perfectly mirrors my experience over the past few years in motorcycle sales. Dude how I wish every year was like 2007.

[Karaya One]

Those numbers go June to June each year - it makes more sense when you look at it that way.

The only growth? Can Am and the Spyder. Though they really had no where to go but up since its so new from 2008. BUT - 4500 sold June 2010- June 2011.

[Karaya One]

I don't think that we'll ever again see the type of free-and-easy credit that bought a lot of bikes during those peak years.. but that's IMO.

Hard getting a 600 financed now. They want 700's plus 10-20% down. This was the 22 yo rider who consumed sport bikes.

And it doesn't help when a new 600 is 10K-11K.

[OreoGaborio]

ouch.
Those numbers make my head hurt

[oVTo]

One of the big bike mags recently mentioned that sales of 600s for one of the big four were off by 90% (since the 2007 peak?). I haven't read that stat anyplace else, but it's amazing and depressing if true. I'd guess it's Suzuki - their 750 lists for just $400 more than the $11,599 600, so most buyers probably pony up the difference for the bigger bike.

[nhbubba]

They want 700's plus 10-20% down.

That seems reasonable to me.

20% is just ~$2-2.5k. I'd expect closer to 40-50% down, on what is a toy that will depreciate over night. x2 the first time they drop it.

"700's" means credit score, right? Still reasonable IMO.
Think someone in the 600-range get financed with 50% down?