Australia’s Motorcycle Market 2025: Sales Trends Through the Third Quarter
The Australian motorcycle market in 2025 has experienced a mix of resilience and decline across its first three quarters. After a steady first half, the third quarter brought a modest downturn in overall sales. Economic pressures – such as higher interest rates and living costs – have influenced consumer behavior, making buyers more cautious. Still, certain segments like off-road bikes and scooters showed notable strength earlier in the year, buffering the market from a larger downturn. This report provides a comprehensive look at motorcycle and Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) sales in Australia from January through September 2025, comparing segment performance, quarterly trends, and key insights for the industry.
Market Performance in the First Nine Months of 2025
According to data released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), a total of 63,988 motorcycles (including OHVs) were sold in Australia between January 1 and September 30, 2025. This represents a 2.2% decrease compared to the same period in 2024. The slight year-to-date decline indicates that while the market held steady in the first half of the year, a softening in the third quarter pulled the overall numbers down.
First Half 2025: Steady Performance
In the first six months of 2025, sales essentially matched 2024’s mid-year total at 42,549 units, remaining unchanged year-on-year. Strong second-quarter results offset a weaker first quarter, keeping the half-year tally level with last year. This stability amid economic headwinds underscored the market’s resilience up to mid-year.
First Three Quarters 2025: Modest Decline
By the end of Q3 (nine months), sales slipped to 63,988 units, about 1,411 fewer than the 65,399 units in the same period of 2024. In percentage terms, the market is down 2.2% year-to-date. This suggests that the third quarter (July–September) saw a notable slowdown, reversing the flat growth seen in the first half. The Q3 decline – roughly estimated at a ~6% drop vs Q3 2024 – introduced a slight downturn in an otherwise stable year. Even with this dip, the overall trend for 2025 is one of relative stability, especially when viewed against broader economic challenges.
- YTD Units63,988
- YoY Change-2.2%
- H1 Units42,549
- Q3 vs 2024~ -6%
Sales by Segment (January–September 2025)
Sales dynamics vary across categories. By the end of the third quarter, each segment charted a unique trajectory in 2025. Highlights below:
Off-Road Motorcycles
Share: 41.2%- Units (Q1–Q3)26,340
- YoY change-0.7%
Earlier in the year, off-road bikes were a growth driver (~+3.3% in H1) thanks to sustained interest in recreational riding. A Q3 slowdown erased those gains, leaving the segment slightly below 2024’s pace by September.
Road Bikes
Share: 37.8%- Units (Q1–Q3)24,182
- YoY change-3.8%
Mild declines persisted throughout the year. H1 was down a modest ~1.9%, but Q3 further eased demand as cost-of-living pressures kept some buyers on the sidelines despite new model activity.
Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs)
Share: 15.3%- Units (Q1–Q3)9,828
- YoY change-4.3%
Consistently below last year as ag and utility buyers delayed big-ticket purchases. The decline eased from ~ -5.5% in H1 to -4.3% YTD after a steadier Q3.
Scooters
Only growth segment- Units (Q1–Q3)3,638
- YoY change+4.6%
A small yet significant slice (~5.7% share) and the only category to post growth YTD. Momentum from H1 (~+6.8%) carried into Q3 as commuters sought affordable, efficient urban mobility.
| Segment | Units (2025) | Units (2024) | YoY | Share (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Off-Road | 26,340 | 26,521 | -0.7% | 41.2% |
| Road | 24,182 | 25,127 | -3.8% | 37.8% |
| OHV | 9,828 | 10,272 | -4.3% | 15.3% |
| Scooter | 3,638 | 3,479 | +4.6% | 5.7% |
| Total | 63,988 | 65,399 | -2.2% | 100% |
Data: FCAI (Jan–Sep 2025) and industry reporting; segment shares are year-to-date.
Quarterly Breakdown of 2025 Sales
Breaking down the year by quarters reveals how the market trends evolved from a dip in Q1 to a stabilization in Q2, and then to a slight downturn in Q3. Each quarter of 2025 brought different challenges and outcomes.
Q1 2025: Slight Decline in Early Sales
-3.5% vs Q1 2024- Total units19,206
- Road8,073 (▼1.8%)
- Off-road6,897 (▼5.0%)
- OHV2,909 (▼2.3%)
- Scooter1,327 (▼8.5%)
Economic headwinds (higher rates and living costs) weighed on demand, with all major segments declining. Despite this, brand leadership was stable: Yamaha led, followed by Honda, Kawasaki, and KTM.
Q2 2025: Resilience and Recovery in Some Segments
~Flat vs Q2 2024- H1 total42,549 (~0% YoY)
- Off-road+3.3% (H1)
- Scooter+6.8% (H1)
- Road-1.9% (H1)
- OHV-5.5% (H1)
Q2 steadied the market, offsetting Q1’s dip. Off-road and scooters led the improvement; road bikes were largely stable; OHVs lagged.
Q3 2025: Modest Downturn and Market Softening
~ -6% vs Q3 2024- YTD total63,988 (▼2.2% YoY)
- Implied Q3 units~21,400
- Off-roadYTD ▼0.7%
- RoadYTD ▼3.8%
- OHVYTD ▼4.3%
- ScooterYTD ▲4.6%
Renewed softness in road and off-road tempered the year-to-date result. OHVs stabilized somewhat, while scooters held most of their gains.
Note: Bars are indexed (2024 = 100) to illustrate relative change; not exact unit counts. Replace with live data if integrating a chart library.
Despite the third-quarter slowdown, sentiment remains cautiously optimistic. The overall decline is small, suggesting the market is holding steady in challenging conditions. Enthusiasts and commuters may return if economic conditions improve into late 2025 or early 2026, with Q4 promotions and 2026 model launches potential catalysts.
Top-Selling Brands and Market Leaders
Throughout 2025, brand leadership remained consistent. The Japanese Big Four dominate reported sales, with Yamaha, Honda, and Kawasaki occupying the top three positions, and KTM close behind. Broad product ranges, deep dealer networks, and strong model pipelines helped these brands stay competitive despite tighter market conditions.
Yamaha
LeaderContinues to lead overall motorcycle sales in Australia. A wide lineup—competitive off-road machinery, popular road models, and scooters—supports the broadest appeal. Despite a softer market overall, Yamaha’s year-to-date volume has grown, indicating share gains and robust demand.
Honda
#2Firmly second with positive YTD results. Strength across categories—from CRF off-road to CB/CBR road and a diverse scooter range—helps Honda win in growth areas (off-road, scooters) while buffering declines elsewhere.
Kawasaki
#3Maintains growth in 2025. Iconic Ninja road bikes, versatile KLX/KLR ranges, and learner-friendly models continue to resonate. Results point to effective promotions and product timing across core segments.
KTM
#4A force off-road and competitive on street, but 2025 appears flat to slightly down versus 2024 in reported data. Intense competition from the Japanese trio keeps pressure on pricing and model cadence.
Other notable brands include Suzuki and Harley-Davidson, plus European and Asian marques such as Ducati, Triumph, and BMW. While detailed brand-by-brand figures are no longer publicly released, the top four command a significant share of reported sales. Their ability to post gains in a down market suggests competitive conquesting and strong brand loyalty.
Note: Some brands outside the FCAI reporting umbrella (e.g., Royal Enfield, CFMoto) likely perform well but aren’t reflected in these rankings, as they do not contribute to the FCAI’s official sales audit.
Data Coverage and Market Outlook
One must consider that the official sales figures discussed above do not tell the whole story of Australia’s motorcycle market. The FCAI sales data includes only those manufacturers who are members of the FCAI and participate in its voluntary reporting. In recent times, several significant brands have opted not to report their sales to the FCAI, leading the FCAI-aligned brands to release only summary data rather than detailed model-specific breakdowns. This lack of detailed reporting is a strategic move, aiming to protect market intelligence from non-contributing competitors.
Non-FCAI brands not in the audit
Several brands are absent from the official audit. Notably, the Urban Moto Imports group (which includes Royal Enfield, Benelli, MV Agusta, Segway, Rieju, among others) does not submit data. Additionally, manufacturers like CFMOTO, Kymco, Sherco, and Landboss—distributed by Mojo Motorcycles—are not FCAI members and thus also missing from the sales figures.
- These brands collectively represent meaningful unit volume, especially in entry-level road, budget off-road, and ATV/OHV niches.
- Segment mix may appear softer in FCAI data than it is across the whole market.
Market outlook
The slight downturn in Q3 shows the market is not immune to economic pressures. However, the year-to-date decline is only 2.2%, and key segments like off-road and scooters continue to show enduring demand—signs that a rebound is plausible.
- Macro tailwinds: If interest rates stabilise and consumer confidence improves, deferred purchases may return late-2025 or early-2026.
- Model cadence: New model launches slated for late-2025 / early-2026, plus run-out promotions on MY25 stock, could stimulate demand.
- Segment dynamics: Urban mobility trends continue to favour scooters; adventure/off-road enthusiasm supports the largest category.
Key Insights and Takeaways
Economic Factors Shape Demand
High living costs and interest rates prompted restraint in discretionary spending, driving a dip in Q1 and a softening in Q3. When conditions steadied in Q2, buyers returned—suggesting pent-up demand that could unlock as pressures ease.
Resilience of the Motorcycle Market
H1 sales matched 2024 and the nine-month decline sits at ~2%, indicating a stable rider base. Enthusiast (off-road) and practical (commuter/scooter) segments continue to support overall demand, keeping the market “holding steady under pressure.”
Off-Road and Scooters Lead
Off-road retained the largest share (40%+) and grew in H1. Scooters were the only YTD growth category (+4.6%), reflecting demand for affordable urban mobility and commuting efficiency.
Road Bikes and OHVs
Both saw moderate declines. Road could rebound with new models and improved confidence; OHV may recover as ag/utility budgets normalise or if supportive policies and grants materialise.
Dominance of Leading Brands
Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki held the top three and posted gains in a challenging year, underscoring strong loyalty, product cadence, and dealer reach. KTM remains competitive but faces pressure to match the trio’s pace.
Hidden Market Potential
Non-FCAI brands (e.g., Royal Enfield, CFMOTO) are not captured in official totals. Actual Q1–Q3 sales likely exceed 63,988 by a wide margin, indicating a healthier overall market than FCAI data alone suggests.
Sources
- Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) – 2025 Motorcycle Sales Reports fcai.com.au
- MCNews.com.au – Australian Motorcycle Sales Figures, Q1–Q3 2025 mcnews.com.au
- FCAI / MCNews – Detailed Segment Data and Market Commentary mcnews.com.au
- Retain Media – Q1 2025 Motorcycle Market Summary and Analysis retainmedia.com.au
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