U.S. New Cycle Sales Eclipse One Million Units
The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) estimates nearly 1,050,000, two-wheelers were sold in the United States in 2004, representing a sales increase for the 12th year in a row.
The MIC, located in Irvine, Calif., is a not-for-profit national trade association representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, scooters, motorcycle parts and accessories, and members of allied trades. The MIC tallies sales for Aprilia, BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson/Buell, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha.
The organization says sales of its 12 major partner manufacturers were up 4.7% compared to sales in 2003. Cruisers remained the top sellers, followed by sportbikes and touring bikes.
The year recognized by the MIC as having the highest number of new bike sales is 1973, when Americans purchased more than 1.5 million motorcycles. A low point came in 1992, when approximately 278,000 new motorcycles and scooters were sold.
“Women now account for nearly ten percent of owners, more families with kids are out riding dirt bikes, and even more seniors are enjoying two-wheel travel,” said Tim Buche, MIC president. “As motorcycling becomes more and more part of the fabric of mainstream America, with overall consumer confidence on the rise, and with more and more people taking a look at motorcycles as viable transportation and excellent recreation, we are optimistic that the industry will continue its great ride.”
