The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has released its motorcycle and off-highway vehicle (OHV) sales data for 2024, highlighting a slight overall market contraction amidst ongoing economic pressures.
In total, 94,224 motorcycles and OHVs were sold in 2024—a 1.8% decline from 2023’s figure of 95,980 units. This relatively modest decrease reflects the resilience of the motorcycle market despite rising interest rates and cost-of-living challenges.
As always, it is worth noting that due to several major importers and distributors refusing to share their sales figures with the FCAI, these numbers do not give a full picture of the Australian motorcycle market’s performance, and actual sales are likely significantly higher than those reported by the FCAI.
Nonetheless, these figures do give a good read of the state of the market and the challenges it faces moving into 2025. Read on for the full segment breakdown, and don’t forget to read our other year-end market reports.
Segment Overview
Off-Road Motorcycles
The off-road motorcycle segment continued to perform strongly, recording 41,178 units—a 2.6% increase compared to 2023’s 40,138 units. This segment accounted for the largest share of total sales, indicating a sustained interest in recreational off-road riding, despite broader economic pressures.
Road Motorcycles
Sales of road motorcycles reached 34,266 units, reflecting a 2.4% decline from 35,122 units in 2023. This marks a continuation of the trend seen mid-year, as road bikes remain susceptible to fluctuations in discretionary spending.
Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs)
The OHV segment saw 14,028 units sold, a 3.8% decline compared to 14,585 units in 2023. This dip suggests a more cautious approach to large-scale off-road utility purchases, often used in agricultural and industrial settings.
Scooters
The scooter segment saw the steepest decline, with 4,752 units sold—a 22.5% decrease from 6,135 units in 2023. This sharp drop underscores the impact of economic pressures on smaller, urban-focused commuting options, which may be influenced by a continued shift toward hybrid work arrangements.
Market Commentary
FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber acknowledged the impact of economic factors on sales, stating, “With motorcycles often considered as a discretionary purchase for many people, cost of living pressures and interest rates were matters that influenced the decision to purchase a new bike for commuting, recreation or off-road purposes.”
He also highlighted the evolving role of new technologies, noting that 429 electric motorcycles were sold in 2024, comprising 0.45% of the market.
Looking ahead, Mr Weber expressed cautious optimism, adding that new models with enhanced features arriving in showrooms in 2025 may help reinvigorate consumer interest.
Ongoing Industry Resilience
Despite the slight overall decline, the 2024 results illustrate the motorcycle market’s ability to remain stable across key segments. The off-road category continues to thrive, reflecting its enduring appeal for recreation, while the road motorcycle and OHV segments experienced only moderate declines. However, the sharp drop in scooter sales indicates that economic pressures are having a stronger impact on cost-sensitive commuters.
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As the industry navigates a challenging economic landscape, the FCAI anticipates that new product offerings and improving economic conditions could help revitalise demand in 2025. We will continue to monitor these developments and provide updates throughout the year.
In the meantime, be sure to explore our other market reports, including the Q4 TIC T-Mark Sales Summary, Q4 TMA Sales Summary, Q4 2024 Motorcycle Market Brand Consideration Report, and Q4 2024 RV Market Brand Consideration Report, for the latest analysis on Australia’s automotive industry.
Retain Media provides this data “as is” for informational purposes only and accepts no liability for decisions made based on this reporting. Users are encouraged to use this data as one of multiple data points in their market analysis.
