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Motorcycle, scooter sales on track for another record year
Motorcycle and scooter sales jumped even higher this summer sales season than during a strong 2004, further demonstrating America's growing passion for two-wheeling, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council.
Among 12 of the leading brands, sales of on-highway models for the third quarter of the year are up 16 percent compared to the same period in 2004. From July through September, scooter sales among these brands climbed 65 percent.
Sales are on track to eclipse the one-million mark for the third straight year, again reaching levels last seen three decades ago. At a time when gasoline prices are hovering near $3 per gallon nationwide, motorcycle sales are ready to go up for the 13th consecutive year.
"Motorcycle sales have been on the rise for more than a decade, through economic times both high and low," said Tim Buche, president of the Motorcycle Industry Council. "While there's no study or survey that directly correlates increased fuel prices with the popularity of two-wheelers, we do know that dealerships, motorcyclists and scooterists are fielding more questions from other motorists about what kind of mileage they're getting. There are a lot of great reasons to ride and better fuel economy only adds to the positives. "
The MIC recognizes 1973 as the high point for annual motorcycle sales, when Americans purchased more than 1.5 million bikes. Sales in 1979 topped the one-million mark, but tapered during the 1980s and early 1990s. Motorcycling rebounded in 1993 and the numbers have grown every year since then.
U.S. New Unit Motorcycle Sales
1992
278,000
1993
293,000
1994
306,000
1995
309,000
1996
330,000
1997
356,000
1998
432,000
1999
546,000
2000
710,000
2001
850,000
2002
936,000
2003
1,001,000
2004
1,063,000
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