The hard lockdown and closure of the NaTIS system in April and May 2020, and a significant catch-up of sales and registrations during June and July 2020, made it difficult to draw meaningful comparisons with the comparative trading periods of 2020 versus 2021.

At YTD October 2021, we have a much clearer picture in that the market size at 21 608 new units is not only 25% up on comparative 2020, but importantly 15% up on 2019.

Forecasting to the end of December, the motorcycle market is likely to experience its best year since 2016 with a market estimate of 24 850 units in respect of 2021.

All segments are performing well with growth varying from 3 to 40%, the one exception being the 250-500cc leisure/commuting motorcycles, which is down 30%.

This is perhaps indicative of a perception that this segment is expensive relative to what one can buy, but also that the typical buyer in this segment is experiencing financial stress. ATV and side-by-side sales are still affected by stock shortages but have nonetheless experienced good growth.

Unsurprisingly, the commercial segment continues to grow.

Electric motorcycles and three-wheelers form a statistically insignificant portion of the market and sales are flat compared to 2020.

Used motorcycle sales are up 15% in 2020, but down 6% in 2019 on average. The industry remains positive to end 2021 off on a high.

With exciting new models on the horizon, manufacturers are looking forward to continuing the growth pattern in 2022 and beyond.

Source: AMID