From the Editors

What motorcycle brand fared the best in 2009?

The phrase “flat is the new up” was commonly used to describe industry sales in 2009. Unfortunately for the motorcycle industry, no manufacturer hit the “new up” when it came to new unit sales. The company that came closest, however, may surprise you.

This company has the lowest percentage decline in new unit sales compared to the prior-year period. What company was it?

Reply to this blog with your guesses. Oh, and if you’re a Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) member who already has this information, that doesn’t mean you can cheat.

After a sufficient amount of responses, I’ll follow up with the brand name and all the details, including sales numbers. PSB readers will see the full-year sales report in the coming weeks.

Don’t forget to submit your guess. Good luck!

Related Articles

30 Comments

  1. Cobra Motorcycle Mfg. You know, the fastest 50s in the world that take every championship that they come across. They have a 65 too.

  2. OK here’s a big hint: one person said it. I’ll post the answer early this afternoon.

  3. OK enough suspense…

    ANSWER: The company that has the lowest percentage decline in new unit sales compared to 2008 – BMW Motorrad USA.

    The company’s end-of-year on-road sales only declined 22 percent, which is about half the decline the rest of the industry faced, stated BMW in a press release. The Motorcycle Industry Council hasn’t yet released end of year sales numbers, but at the end of the third quarter, on-road sales were off almost 44 percent.

    Last year BMW was one of just two motorcycle manufacturers to have positive growth.

    Stay tuned to Powersports Business for the full-year sales report in the coming weeks.

    Congrats Patti! You’re the only person who guessed right!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button