Motorcycle sales in Australia increased in the first half of 2012, according to figures releases this week by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).

In the six months to the end of June, 51,952 motorcycles were delivered to Australian customers, representing an increase of 1,331 units (or 2.6 percent) over the same period in 2011.

Sales growth was mostly driven by the road bike segment, which increased 8.4 per cent (1,567 units) to 20,174 and the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) segment, which increased by 3.4 percent (357
units) to 10,951 compared with the first six months of 2011.

The off-road segment accounted for 15,594 sales (to the end of June) for a 30 percent market share.

The road bike segment remains the single largest by market share, with half-year sales representing 39 percent of all motorcycles sold. ATV deliveries represented 21 per cent of the market, while scooters’ share decreased to 10 percent.

Honda was the number one brand, delivering 11,788 motorcycles to the end of June. Yamaha was in second position to the end of June with 8,692 sales, followed by Suzuki (6,105), Kawasaki (4,612) and Harley-Davidson (3,643).