As we look towards the end of calendar year 2023, it appears to be a foregone conclusion that the motorcycle market is going to experience a contraction. Based on YTD September 2023 sales a forecast of slightly more than 30 000 new units is likely for the full year. This will be a decrease of 4.9% on comparative 2022.

Segment performance reflects that the commercial sector has experienced a 4% increase for the nine months ended September 2023. Scooters performed poorly with disappointing 39% decrease in sales, although about half of this can be attributed to a shift from scooters to small capacity geared motorcycles for commercial purposes. Small capacity leisure/commuter motorcycles also decreased by 30%. The higher priced leisure segments show an overall increase of 1.2%, which is largely attributable to the introduction of mid-sized and accordingly more affordable motorcycles during the period under review. ATV/Side x Side sales are down 10% compared to 2022.

Electric motorcycles and 3 wheelers continue to form a statistically insignificant portion of the market. However, the 246% increase in registrations over the past 9 months coupled to numerous new Brands appearing on the market indicate that there is a growing interest in EV, although there is still very little commercial traction.

Used motorcycle sales statistics are only available up to June 2023 YTD, which is up 6.5% on the corresponding period for 2022.

The industry view that trading conditions will continue to be tough, remains, given the presently high interest rates and likelihood of poor if any economic growth. There are also early warning signs that the commercial sector may be reaching a saturation point in terms of new unit uptake. Under the circumstances, no growth is expected for the rest of the year.

After going over the recommended 1,000km first service (by 300km), we knew it was time to give our ‘long-term’ Suzuki V-Strom DS 250 SX some attention. So it was taken to the friendly guys at ‘Doctor’s Bikes and Scooters’, situated in Krugersdorp.

The first service involves an oil and filter change, checking everything over, lube, and an exemplary wash, for only R900. When we collected the bike it looked, and felt, brand-new once again, so a big thank you to the professional people there.

For all your Suzuki needs, including sales of all 2023 models, including the new Hayabusa Limited Edition 25^th Anniversary model, drop in and have a chat. They’ll also service/repair any motorcycle you’d care to mention, and more…

At R59,250 this bike is simply tremendous, and it’ll easily pass 300km on less than 10-litres of fuel, what are you waiting for?

Call: 011 764 2706 / 082 307 6610   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Or visit: www.doctorsbikes.co.za  for more information.

With the recent acquisition of MV Agusta, by the KTM/Husqvarna/Gas Gas group in SA, things will most certainly look more favourable in the very near future.

Not only will new bikes be arriving during the first part of the New Year (2024), there’ll now be full technical support for the iconic Italian range and, off course, spares and parts for current models previously purchased in South Africa – great news for all concerned we’d say.

Only a few appointed MV dealers will emerge from this collaboration, so watch this space for more information on the forthcoming locations.

We’re looking forward to riding new MVs once again as we’ve always enjoyed their unique style and amazing engineering in the past. Meanwhile to see what MV have on offer for 2024 go to www.myagusta.com.

For MV Agusta enquiries in SA call (011 462 7796).