Introduction

Motorcycle and scooter sales grew strongly in 2007 reaching 129,966 units, the highest level since motorcycle sales have been recorded by the FCAI.

The road bike market continued to surge ahead in 2007 with growth of 18 per cent over the previous year, reaching 45,510 sales for this sector consolidating its position as the leading two wheel market sector ahead of the off-road market with 37,053 sales.

Scooters maintained their prominent position recording 14,271 sales and for the fifth consecutive year scooters were the highest selling category in the registered road bike sector.

Cruisers were the top selling motorcycle type for 2007 with 13,196 sales confirming the dominant buyer trend towards the life style image of this large engine, iconic motorcycle category. Sports bikes were the next highest selling category in the road bike sector with 8,398 sales.

Off-road motorcycle sales of 37,053 increased by 5.0 per cent in 2007 and consolidated the reputation of off-road riding as a key recreation and leisure activity.

Mini-bikes continued to sell strongly in 2007 with 13,380 sales. Mini-bikes cater for young riders in supervised locations developing off-road skills for later recreational riding on reaching licensing age.

ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) sales of 19,752 recorded a 9 per cent increase in 2007. Sport type ATVs now comprise around one quarter of sales with the standard workhorse agricultural ATV market increasing despite continuing national drought conditions.

ATV Coronial Inquest

Five years after commencing an inquest into ATV related fatalities the Victorian Coroner announced in December 2007 that no further evidence would be heard regarding causes of the fatalities or aftermarket engineering solutions to ATVs.

FCAI members importing ATVs provided the Coroner with technical advice from international experts and a range of industry safety recommendations that formed the basis of the FCAI Code of Practice for the safe use of ATVs. The Code of Practice has been well received by State and Federal occupational health and safety regulators and workplace agencies.

The Coroner is expected to conclude investigations and finalise his report early in 2008.

Membership

In late 2007 the FCAI Motorcycle Group welcomed Arqin Motorcycles to its growing membership. Arqin is the first Chinese motorcycle company to seek membership of
the Chamber.

The FCAI Motorcycle Group now comprises 13 full members companies representing 18 brands of motorcycles and six brands of ATVs. In addition it has one associate member,
the Australian Scooter Federation, representing 16 leading scooter brands.

Government Representations

Through its representation on motorcycle safety committees, the FCAI provides advocacy on safety related issues to government officials at Federal and State levels.

In particular, the Chamber reviews and endorses evidence-based safety programs and actively promotes rider training and LAMS, the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme. The FCAI has successfully advocated the introduction of LAMS in New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania and has been instrumental in the Victorian decision to introduce LAMS from mid-2008.

International Connections

The FCAI maintains its connections with global motorcycle issues through its membership of the international body IMMA (International Motorcycle Manufacturers’ Association) and monitors important research and technological developments in key motorcycling areas such as:

  • Motorcycle airbag development;
  • ABS and combined braking systems for motorcycles;
  • Daytime running lamps (DRLs) for increased motorcycle conspicuity; and
  • Reduced noise and exhaust gas emissions