New-model motorcycle sales among leading brands increased more than 37.2% in the first quarter of 2021, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council Retail Sales Report. Compared to the same period last year, Q1 sales were up by double digits in every category: on-highway, off-highway, dual-purpose and scooter.
"This is the fourth straight quarter of strong sales numbers, indicating continued and growing interest in riding among new and returning riders," said Erik Pritchard, MIC president and CEO. "Combine the new-motorcycle sales performance with the pace of tire sales and we know that more riders are putting on more miles. We hope that indicates that riding is becoming a larger part of consumers' lives."
Specifically, year-to-date sales of dual-purpose motorcycles were up by 47%. Off-highway sales were up 45.4%. Scooter sales rose 34.6%. And on-highway motorcycle sales increased 31.4%. With these continued increases comes a host of new riders, so MIC suggests sweetening the deal with education.
"May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and we're also glad to see continued strong interest in hands-on rider training," Pritchard added. "The Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic RiderCourse and the MSF DirtBike School are great places to start for those new to motorcycling. The DirtBike School is open to students ages six and up. For more experienced riders, advanced courses are available.”
