As at press time, the latest available registration statistics for Germany (covering the period for January to November 2022) showed that the German motorcycle market was -7.22% YTD at 107,992 units. With the exception of January and February 2022, all months in 2022 were negative, and it is widely assumed in Europe that the German motorcycle market is now in recession. In total PTW terms, the market was essentially flat YTD at +0.69% (201,443 units).
Bud's Harley-Davidson (Evansville, Indiana) has been sold to Evan Schipper. Established by the Morand Family in 1965, Schipper has been a Harley store owner since 2006 with dealerships in Fort Wayne (Indiana), Louisville (Kentucky) and St. Louis (Missouri).
KTM parent company PIERER Mobility AG has announced "another record year in 2022 and positive outlook for 2023." It expects revenues in the 2022 financial year to be between € 2,420m and € 2,435m, which corresponds to an increase of around 19% compared to the previous year. "With 375,612 motorcycles sold in the 2022 financial year (previous year: 332,881), PIERER Mobility achieved its 12th record year in a row with a sales increase of around +13%. In Europe, the sales volume was around 130,000 motorcycles and around two thirds of the motorcycles (approx. 245,000) were sold in the markets outside Europe - North America, India and Australia in particular." In addition, the Bicycle Division achieved sales growth of more than +15% and sold 118,427 e-bicycles and bicycles (previous year: 102,753).
Motorcyclists that took part in the Sturgis Buffalo Chip charity events for 2022 raised a generous $400,000 for Veterans, charities for children and the community. The figure pushes the grand total that Sturgis Buffalo Chip has raised for charity during the Sturgis Rally to over $2.1m. PSB.
Japanese streetwear brand Neighborhood and Harley-Davidson are collaborating on a limited Moto Culture inspired apparel collection. Neighborhood, started in 1994 in Tokyo, Japan, was originally conceived as part of founder Shinsuke Takizawa's motorcycle enthusiast interests. "Neighborhood's mix of luxury construction standards and classic utilitarian and subculture aesthetics made the brand a cornerstone of modern streetwear. With shared interests in motorcycling and focus on craftsmanship, Neighborhood x Harley-Davidson is the new iconic duo."
Marietta, GA, based Estenson Racing has announced its continued partnership with Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (YMUS) and a talented four-rider line-up for the 2023 Progressive American Flat Track season. Multi-time road race champion JD Beach and two-time Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Champion Dallas Daniels return to fight for the title in the Mission SuperTwins Championship. Also returning with the team next year is Trevor Brunner, who will be joined by new signee Tom Drane for a two-pronged threat in the Parts Unlimited AFT Singles class.
BMW Motorrad has posted its highest sales in the company's history with a total of 202,895 motorcycles and scooters delivered to customers - an increase of +4.4% year-on-year. "The Europe, Americas and Asia regions, in particular, all posted new sales highs and made a vital contribution to BMW Motorrad's record sales. The brand's compelling line-up, with successful products that shape its respective segments, and the market introduction of popular new models, like the fully-electric BMW CE 04, were strong factors in the successful result for 2022."
Sources: AMD, IDN, FT, Reuters, PSB, MPN, BDN, MCN, AP, Bloomberg, MSNW, Electrek, electricmotorcycles.news, RideApart.com, Motor1.com, Cycle World, motorbikewriter.com