The decision to close their Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth stores was announced just over a week ago and now they are offering generous deals on selected 2019 models.
They are offering $3000 off accessories or apparel and free on-road costs on Roadmaster, Chief Vintage and Springfield Dark Horse.
For their FTR 1200 and Scout Bobber the deal is $2000 off accessories and/or apparel with complimentary on-roads .
The deals end on January 31 and are not restricted to their four company-owned stores.
They say there will be a gradual closing down of their stores throughout the year as alternative dealerships are found.
By the end of 2020, Indian Motorcycle in Australia and New Zealand will operate solely with an independent dealer network, except for Christchurch for is independently owned.
Clearing out floor stock with sales offers will help them move the process along faster.
That’s one customer benefit from closing their company-owned stores. Another benefit they claim is that it will increase the spread of dealerships throughout the country.
Company history
Perth store opened in 2016
The model of a mix of company owned and independent dealers has been operating since they started in Australia in 2008 with Victory Motorcycles.
Indian Motorcycle was added in 2013 after being bought by Polaris. They sold 102 Indian Chief models in their first year.
The traditional brand has experienced substantial growth since, even during the past few parlous years of motorcycle sales, but last year recorded a 3.9% decrease to 803.
That’s still far better than the 11.9% slump in total road bike sales in Australia.
In 2017, Polaris axed the Victory Motorcycle brand, but continued with the company owned stores just for Indian.
However, it was only a matter of time before they switched to the conventional system as used elsewhere in the world.
Polaris Australia boss Alan Collins said customers needed “more locations and more support”.
“Moving to an independent franchised network of dealers is more sustainable for us and our partners as we look to grow in order to meet demand, while also enabling a broader network of support and options for our customers.”
BMW Motorrad has posted its ninth consecutive record year with global sales of 175,162 motorcycles and maxi-scooters, a 5.8% increase over 2018.
That’s impressive, given many markets were down and Europe was only slightly up, yet BMW recorded 7% growth in Europe.
However, in Australia, BMW sold 2675 motorcycles and scooters which was 8.5% down on the previous year, coincidentally the same as the total market decrease.
Strong scooters buoyed those results with their road bike sales down a massive 12.9% to 2470.
BMW Motorrad boss Markus Schramm credits the launch of seven new models for their ninth record year, despite a global slump in sales of motorcycles and scooters.
The new R 1250 GS and outgoing R 1200 GS models claimed top honours as the bestsellers:
BMW R 1250 GS
R 1200/1250 GS and R 1200/1250 GS Adventure: over 59,000 units worldwide
G 310 R and G 310 GS single-cylinder models: Over 20,000
F 750 GS and F 850 GS and other inline-twin models: Over 29,000
2020 outlook
R 18/2
Markus says they are going for a 10th consecutive record year with the introduction of the F 900 range, revised S 1000 XR and, of course, the much-vaunted R 18 cruiser.
We don’t expect it will be a big seller, but it will add to sales as the cruiser is a whole new family and shouldn’t cannibalise any of their existing product.
The company is already taking orders for the cruiser, even though we do not yet know what it looks like.
Ducati will add another Scrambler model to its fleet “in the coming months”, either an 803cc street motard or an 1100cc desert-racing Dakar model.
The vague announcement came in the company’s annual report on 2019 global sales which were fairly flat at 53,183, just 179 more than 2018.
There was no mention of Scrambler sales figures.
Maybe they have slipped, although Ducati boss Claudio Domenicali said as recently as last November that Scrambler is now the company’s biggest seller with more than 70,000 sales since launch in 2015.
At the end of the official press release, they say:
Last but not least, the Ducati Scrambler range – which saw the new 800 Dark presented at EICMA – will see the introduction of a new model in the coming months.
It doesn’t give much away, but we suspect it will be either the motard or Dakar model debuted at EICMA in Milan last November.
It features a matt black frame, black engine with polished fin ends, black seat with grey trim and round black mirrors.
Motard Scrambler
Claudio said at EICMA that their styling department was asked to create “something unprecedented but entirely possible”.
The results are the motard and scrambler.
The Motard will be based on the 803cc Scrambler.
“This is a bike we are working on right now,” said Claudio, so the production version can’t be far away.
Desert X Scrambler
The Desert X is based on the 1100cc Scrambler.
It celebrates the 1990 Paris-Dakar Rally victory by Italian rider Edi Orioli on the Ducati-powered Cagiva Elefant. That bike is in now in Ducati’s museum above their Bologna factory.
Dakar-winning Cagiva
“We want to build the future without forgetting the past,” Claudio said.
Interestingly, Desert X is the name of a contemporary art exhibition held in the Coachella Valley in Southern California.
While Ducati already has an 803cc Desert Sled which is more off-road capable, the Desert X will be the 1100cc equivalent.
Scrambler Ducati Desert Sled
Ducati global sales
Ducati says they sold 8304 Panigales last year, confirming its status as the “world’s best-selling superbike with a market share of 25%”.
Two new bikes introduced in 2019 – the Hypermotard 950 and Diavel 1260 – racked up sales of 4472 and 3129 respectively, doubling the overall volumes achieved in 2018 by previous versions.
The Multistrada family performed equally well, scoring a 3% increase compared with 2018 thanks also to the addition of the 950 S and a revamped 1260 Enduro. Deliveries totalled 12,160, the best sales performance since the Bologna-built bike made its debut 16 years ago.
KTM and, to a lesser extent Husqvarna, have defied the Australian road bike sales slump of -11.9% last year, according to official statistics from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries released today.
They were the only two road bike companies in Australia to register positive growth last year: KTM was up 292 (18.3% to 1889 for the year and Husqvarna was up 64 (24.2%) to 329.
Despite a 2% drop in off-road sales, the result was enough to help KTM leapfrog Suzuki into fourth place overall for the first time.
At the other end of the scale was Honda which dropped 24.4% in road bike sales, its biggest fall in more than a decade.
Harley-Davidson topped road bikes despite dropping 643 (7.9%) to 6462, ahead of Honda, with Yamaha third.
Massive slump
The figures are the worst for road bikes since 47,752 were sold in 2016.
That’s a catastrophic slump of 16,771 sales or 33% in just four years.
Australian motorcycle sales took another 8.1% dive in the third quarter which contributes to a 33-month downturn in the industry.
By comparison, car sales are down 7.9% last month which is the 18th month in a row of decline, according to official data released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).
FCAI boss, Toby Weber, who is learning to ride a motorcycle, says the bike and car sales decline is “in line with the broader economic environment in Australia”.
“We have seen many factors, including multiple weather events, Federal and State elections, and tightened lending practices contribute to the overall economic conditions,” he says.
In the nine months this year, 62,898 motorcycles, ATVs and scooters were sold, compared with 68,460 for the same period in 2018.
Honda was the overall leader with a 23.1% share of the national market, followed by Yamaha with 21% and Kawasaki with 10.6%.
Road bikes dive
The biggest drop was in road bikes, which took a 13.8% dive.
Harley-Davidson was the road bike leader again with a 19.6% share, while Honda had 16.8% and Yamaha 16.6%.
Honda used to lead this segment, but as been hit by Australia Post not buying postie bikes, but converting to three-wheeler electric bikes.
Australia Post postie bike electric trike eDV
Across the industry segments, Scooters defied the trend, with a 14.5% climb in sales during the first three quarters.
Honda held a 39.9% scooter share, followed by Vespa with 14.8% and Piaggio with 14.2%.
The ATV/SSV took a 11.3% dive with Polaris the leader on 28.1% share, followed by Honda 22.5% and Yamaha 19.3%.
Off-road category sales fell 2.4%, led by Yamaha 28.1% share, Honda 27.4% and KTM 18.8%.
A 2015 US motorcycle industry study found that the availability of demo rides not only improved customer satisfaction of dealerships but also increased motorcycle sales.
The ninth annual Pied Piper Prospect Satisfaction Index (PSI) US Motorcycle Industry Benchmarking Study found that test rides were offered 63% of the time to mystery shoppers compared with 34% five years earlier.
It also found sales staff encouraged customers to sit on a bike 81% of the time, up from 70%.
A good dealer experience also translated to improved sales, with dealerships ranking in the top quarter selling 22% more motorcycles than dealerships in the bottom quarter.
It found Harley-Davidson, BMW and Ducati the most aggressive in offering test rides.
It is no coincidence that every Pied Piper study for the past decade or more has been led by those same three companies.
Aussie test rides
While there is no equivalent study in Australia, the results are perhaps indicative of strict global manufacturer training standards of dealer staff and attitudes to offering demo rides.
The lack of demo rides is one of the biggest complaints about dealerships we receive at MotorBikeWriter.com.
But many of these are for popular new models where demand outstrips supply and every bike that comes into the dealership is already sold.
Perhaps the most aggressive brands offering test rides in Australia are Harley-Davidson, BMW and Indian.
Harley not only offers test rides to licensed riders, but also offers a static ride to unlicensed riders with their Jump Start program.
It’s rare for any dealer to offer test rides of off-road or adventure bikes because of the risk of damage, but BMW even hosts annual GS demo ride days around the country.
And Indian throws in free fuel and accommodation on their weekend demo ride offers!
We only have our own experiences and anecdotes of readers to go on, but it seems Japanese brands are the worst at allowing test rides.
Maybe that has to do with complacency because they are the four biggest sellers.
Sales trends
But with their sales down between 6.8-17.4% in the first quarter, they need to pick up their act.
It may cost more to have demo bikes available, but the results speak for themselves.
The motorcycle industry grapples with this basic sales technique.
Some dealers just see the cost of bike depreciation, fuel and staff time to take riders on escorted demo rides, rather than looking at long-term customer goodwill.
It also requires the manufacturers or importers to back them up with demo bikes and allow them to later sell them at a discount.
Riders see buying a bike as a lottery unless they can actually throw a leg over and feel the bike.
They need to evaluate the ergonomics for their body size, hear the noises, test the power and handling, and even feel the heat from the engine.
Have you ever been denied a demo ride? What did you do? Did you go elsewhere and buy the same bike or another brand? Leave your comments below.
(Sponsored post for students in the North America)
Motorcycles are a fun and exciting way to commute, travel, and the adventurous nature of riding a bike fits young college students perfectly. Finding the appropriate motorcycle depends on the habits where you live and what you plan to do with it. When trying to find the best beginner motorcycle, it’s not the same if you want a bike for the open road, or if you plan to ride around the town mostly.
You could consider buying a used motorcycle to fit student budget, but there are also some excellent choices for new and affordable motorcycles for students. Most young people love to travel, and the bike is an exciting way to go around.
Top 5 bikes for students
Other things to consider beside buying a motorcycle is the strength, insurance, additional equipment for safety, and travel. For safety reasons ‘don’t cut costs with features like ABS. You should think about getting a motorcycle license, insurance, and registration costs. Besides the bike itself, a motorcycle helmet is an essential part of the equipment.
Whit all that in mind, you will still have to think about the motorcycle, and here is our list of Top 5 bikes for students.
Honda Rebel 300
Lightweight bike ideal for beginners, Honda Rebel 300 has value price, and it comes with enough power packed in sporty aesthetics. The fuel-injected single-cylinder motor has midrange power and torque performance, and it is known for reliability. Beginners will appreciate the widened front wheel that creates an excellent opportunity for learning how to drive a motorcycle and gain valuable experience. Honda Rebel 300 is suitable for cruising and everyday commute and this model is very popular in Australia.
Suzuki SV650
SV650 combines old-school with modern design. Suzuki builds in 645cc V-twin engine with low emissions and fuel-efficiency. The frame is lightweight, and easy to handle even on more demanding terrain. Suzuki SV650 is bike from the low-price range category, and offer great value for what it gives you.
KTM 390 Duke
The single-cylinder engine in KTM 390 Duke has excellent performance and reliability. The motor provides low to medium torque, which makes him an excellent choice for beginners. The high and curved seat provides stability and superior control. Although it is affordable, it has features from pricier bikes. KTM used sporty geometric design, and the bike has an entire steel frame.
Yamaha XT250
For offroad lovers, Yamaha made XT 250, a bike with a dual-sport motorcycle, equally efficient both on the streets and off-road. The first generation was released back in 1980, and it was featured in Rambo movie. The XT250 stands out with dual-sport purpose and distinctive style. Students get carried away when riding a bike. A little guilty pleasure is fine, and if you ‘haven’t be able to finish academic obligations due to your cruising around the country. You might need essay service help with writing or correcting your works if you suddenly fell into a trap called open road motorcycle virus.
Kawasaki Ninja 400
Kawasaki Ninja 400 has a robust sports motor, and with only 172 kg, it is crazy easy to ride and handle. The bike has a sports design predominantly, and it’s been around for ages. The model 400 has a new engine, and the design has sports written all over it. Another great thing about Ninja 400 is the price.
Conclusion
For our top student motorcycles, we tried to satisfy all use cases from off-road, through sports bike to the open road and city dwellers. Bikes for beginners have a lower price, some features that can help you learn how to drive and with low to medium torque ‘it’s clear these are the best choices for safety. Another great thing about these bikes is the price range and affordability. Beginners will be satisfied with the performance, and when they learn all the tips&tricks and how to handle a powerful machine beneath you, you can think about the next step. Until then, choose the right bike for your college days and enjoy the ride.
But with dealers suffering in the third year of a sales slump, anything that takes them away from the process of selling could make them very nervous.
Online orders
Online ordering of cars has been happening in the US for more than a decade.
But cars are more modes of transport than motorcycles.
A 2015 US motorcycle industry study found that the availability of demo rides not only improves customer satisfaction of dealerships but also increases motorcycle sales.
Harley offers non-licensed people a demo ride with their Jump Start
You can’t do a demo ride over the internet.
We can understand the success of online orders for limited-edition motorcycles such as the MMV Agusta Superveloce 800 Serie Oro and Brutale 1000 Serie Oro as well as the Katana which is limited to 5000 worldwide.
Collectors would be more likely to buy a bike based on its collectibility, not its rideability.
But it may be difficult to extend that to mass-produced models.
Do you think online ordering is the future for motorcycle sales and will it destroy or promote dealerships? Leave your comments below.
Fraser Motorcycles is believed to be negotiating to sell its retail concerns to MC Holdings who run TeamMoto, several other motorcycle dealerships, a riding school, repair business and Cassons Accessories.
We contacted both companies and received a “no comment”.
However, several motorcycle industry insiders have told us they have heard the two companies are in negotiations.
MC Holdings is already the biggest motorcycle dealership group in the country.
They currently have 31 dealerships in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory.
Fraser dealerships
Taking over the eight Fraser dealerships in NSW, Melbourne and Perth would give the company enormous buying power which could mean better prices and more influence over importers.
There can be several reasons for leaving a deposit on a motorcycle.
The most common reason is to secure it from being bought by someone else while you sort out your finances.
You may also want to put a deposit on limited-edition bikes to secure one or to get a special model made at the factory to your specifications.
Also, with some new models released several long months before being available in Australia (such as the Suzuki Katana and Indian FTR 1200) distributors take deposits to secure customers while they are still enthusiastic.
However, there are deposit pitfalls for the unwary customer.
If you changed your mind in the nine months from when it was unveiled to when it became available for sale last week, you only get $450 back as Suzuki charged $500 processing fees, plus 10% GST.
Suzuki Motorcycle Australia marketing manager Lewis Croft says they were the first in the world to offer the online deposit system and may do it more often as it had been a success.
Spokesman Christopher Gales says they only had one customer change their mind.
“In general we always give deposits back. It doesn’t do anyone good to hold a deposit of a customer,” he says.
Indian FTR 1200
Private sale
If you are buying a second-hand bike through a private buyer, before pay.ing a deposit you should check the credentials of the bike with a REVS search.
It will ensure the bike has not been written off, stolen, still under finance, etc.
You should also do some checks on the seller.
We suggest visiting them at their house. Get a copy of their licence and ensure the address matches.
Also, have an independent third-party witness the written transaction and maybe also record the deal with a photo or video.
If you decide to leave a holding deposit, you can use an escrow account such as Protecti which holds the money until both sides are happy with the transaction. However, fees are involved.
Bikes advertised through major online sites usually offer sellers and customers some protection. Check the website’s conditions of sale which may include a complaints section.
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Perth store opened in 2016
Indian Challenger
Sydney Indian and Victory store
BMW R 1250 GS
R 18/2
BMW R 18 Big Boxer
Dakar-winning Cagiva
Scrambler Ducati Desert Sled
