The Japanese motorcycle market recorded a decline of 8.2 percent in the first five months of 2024. This followed a 9.1 percent drop in the first quarter of the year compared to the same period in 2023.
The news itself is not surprising because the newer generations avoid the motorcycle as a means of transportation and recreation. Japan’s public transportation system is excellent and offers many cost-effective alternatives to driving a car or motorcycle.
A survey conducted by Piece of Japan clearly showed that most motorcyclists are between 50 and 60 years old.
However, this news has a sense of irony as Japanese motorcycles continue to dominate the global motorcycle market share.
Indeed, global market leader Honda fell by 8.5%, Yamaha took a huge hit of 18.1% and Suzuki also saw a double-digit decline of 12.1%.
However, Kawasaki achieved a huge growth of 31% during the same period.
As for other manufacturers present on the Japanese market, Harley-Davidson achieved a growth of 4.6%, Triumph of 10.7%, and KTM achieved a sales increase of 23.1%.
To see the market continue to decline despite the gains of these other brands just goes to show the sheer volume of bikes sold by Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki.
This data was compiled by MotorCycles Data, which tracks actual deliveries to customers, not manufacturer-to-dealer sales.
Source: www.moto-berza.com
