Will online swapping make motorcycle parts swap meets a thing of the past and will riders choose to swap their bikes online rather than sell them and buy a new bike?

At least one online start-up hopes the future will move toward online swapping just as our habits are shifting toward on-line shopping.

Nicholas Robertson who has founded the Australian online site SwapU.com.au believes there is a future in online swapping.

There are already selling sites that also allow you to swap, but they are not geared up specifically for swapping, so there are few items offered  for a swap.

SwapU.com.au is specifically set up for swapping only.

It makes good economic and sustainability sense to swap. 

I have checked out the site and there are several motorcycles and motorcycle parts being offered for a swap, among a range of other items such as cars, furniture, crafts, electronics, etc.

It even includes a “swipe” section which is similar to those dating apps where you swipe right or left depending on your level of interest.

Nic admits his site is in its early stages and is “pretty glitchy in parts”.  

“It is what happens when it is a part-time gig, I guess,” says the former Kawasaki KX125 owner.  

“There are a lot of interesting ways at coming at the swapping experience from the perspective of the customers.  

“Many people want to have more experiences and don’t have a way to get the cash that they want from a sale to buy their new item.  So they swap.  

“Others are just interested in what they might be able to swap for their item.  People swap for a range of reasons.”

Swapping an item on SwapU requires the two parties to agree on the swap and whether any money also needs to change hands.

It’s pretty straight forward for most items.

However, there are legal issues involved in swapping vehicles such as stamp duty, registration, roadworthy certificates, etc.

Swappers will have to check the legal requirements in their state and there are details about that on the website.

As usual, buyers and sellers should be aware of online scams and issues such as insurances write-offs, stolen vehicles and money still owning on a vehicle to finance companies or banks.

Click here for more details.

I can see that it would be great for swapping parts as it gives you access to parts that may be on the other side of the continent rather than just what is available at a local swap meet.

And if your part is quite rare, a site like this gives you more chance of finding it.

Swapping vehicles appears more problematic.

However, if it cuts out the middle man and saves you money, then it could be worth a go.

You can find out more details on their “blog” section.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

A surge in off-road motorcycle sales has pushed Australian motorcycle and OHV (Off Highway Vehicle) sales last year by a record 13.4%.

According to official figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, 123,530 motorcycles and OHVs were sold throughout 2021.

Off-road motorcycles recorded the biggest increases, up 18.8% to 53,118, representing 43% of overall sales.

Road motorcycles were the next most popular segment, up 6.8% to 37,270, accounting for 30.17% of the market.

The OHV segment grew 13.9% to 28,321, with a 22.92% market share.

Scooters make up the smallest portion of the market with 4821 sold, representing 3.90% of the overall market and an increase of 8.1%.

Off-road push

FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said that in the context of pandemic restrictions limiting access to showrooms, the new motorcycle, scooter and OHV market in Australia remains positive.

“The pandemic has meant less access to showrooms for consumers. Despite this, all sectors of the motorcycle and OHV market recorded growth throughout 2021. This demonstrates the quality of product that manufacturers are sending to Australia,” Tony says.

The FCAI is urging governments to take note of the large off-road motorcycle sector which is a widely used form of recreation.

“More and more Australians are using off-road motorcycles to increase their physical fitness, as a form of mental wellbeing and as a way of experiencing the Australian bush.

“It is important for politicians at all levels to be cognisant of this and to set aside appropriate land for it.”

With congestion a perennial problem for all of Australia’s capital cities and major centres, road motorcycles and scooters should be seen as tools to help ease the load on Australia’s transport systems he says.

“Traffic is a major issue across Australia. Getting more commuters onto motorcycles and scooters will help to reduce congestion and increase traffic flow.

“We are encouraging Governments to consider how they can motivate commuters to use motorcycles and scooters as safe, practical and efficient ways of getting around our cities and urban centres.”

FCAI figures

It should be noted that the official FCAI figures don’t necessarily mean a lot these days.

The supposed “peak body for the automotive industry in Australia” now represents a dwindling number of importers who pay to be members.

While several manufacturers who are not members may be minor players, CFMoto is not included and it is most likely in the top 10 sellers in Australia.

Plus scooter sales are possibly much higher as most scooters sold are 50cc models from Asian manufacturers who are not FCAI members and therefore not included in the figures.

The figures now only provide the breakdown in classes (road, off-road, OHV and scooters) and do not include the top 10 sellers in each category such as sports bikes, enduro, tourers, cruisers, learners, etc.

So riders now have no idea how their brand, model and category is performing which used to be a good indicator of resale value.

The figures used to include a list of the top sellers by manufacturer, but now riders have no indication of which manufacturers might be desperate for sales and offer discounts.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com