The stronger Australian motorcycle market not only sees more would-be riders climbing into the saddle, but its also giving many manufacturers a country to look to for growing sales.

Officially motorcycle sales were down for the first nine months of 2009 compared to the same period last year, however the smaller decline indicates a more robust market for many financial experts.

“The motorcycle market has faced a period of challenging economic circumstances and although down on the record highs of last year has remained resilient,” FCAI Chief Executive Andrew McKellar said.

Figures released by Australia's Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) show 82,601 motorcycles, scooters and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) were sold in the nine months to September – a 14.4 per cent decline compared to the same period in 2008.

Brand names like Triumph and Ducati saw increases in sales across their entire line, while Honda Suzuki and Harley-Davidosn took the good with the bad; some models show extraordinary increases with others dipping in sales.

“It is encouraging to see that some brands have managed to record increases on last year,” Mr. McKellar said, “While these positive achievements provide grounds for optimism, some areas of buyer confidence remain fragile.”

With motorcycles 250 cc and under leading the sales pack, Australia's open roads across the famous outback led cruisers to take a close second place. Just as Harley-Davidson dominated the cruiser segment of sales, BMW appeared to be king of the byways with the German motorcycle manufacturer monopolizing the Adventure Touring category. Harley's FXD model led the way for its cruisers and the F800 GS took point for BMW. 
But many feel the strength of motorcycle sales goes beyond riders passions.

“The industry would caution against any further interest rate rises and urge those contemplating buying a new motorcycle to take advantage of the current low rates,” Mr. McKellar said.

Road-bikes were the most popular segment in the market recording 30,984 sales (14.5 per cent decrease) closely followed by the off-road segment’s 29,615 sales (12.6 per cent decrease).

Scooter sales fell 33.9 per cent in the first three-quarters of the year, recording 7,800 sales compared to the record 2008 result.

Yamaha was the overall market leader with 18,019 sales, followed by Honda with 17,949 and then Suzuki with 11,568.