Motorcycle sales falter in June, but up for first half

U.S. motorcycle retail sales fell slightly in June, though they are positive for the first half of the year, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council.

ATV, dual sport and off-highway sales were up for June, 0.5 percent, 1.3 percent and 6.4 percent respectively. However, a decrease in on-highway and scooter sales, at minus 3.9 percent and minus 3.6 percent, respectively, drove down the monthly total for all segments. Motorcycle sales, excluding ATV, were down 1,276 units, or 2.5 percent, to 49,507 units sold. Including ATV, sales were down 1,185 units or 1.7 percent, to 67,267 units sold.

The numbers for the half were positive, except for the off-highway segment, which was down 2.2 percent to 36,300 units. Year-to-date through June, dual sport motorcycles saw the largest increase, up 8.8 percent to 17,266 units sold. ATV and scooter sales were both up 5.6 percent, and on-highway sales were up 3.0 percent. Total motorcycle sales, excluding ATV, were up 2.8 percent for the first half of the year to 266,061 units sold. With ATV, 375,628 units were sold, up 3.6 percent from the year-ago quarter.