The rush to purchase a motorcycle by the Australian market has taken a big dive in the sales of motorcycles and scooters with a drastic fall of approximately 15 per cent in the first quarter of 2009.

Demand rose to record levels in 2008, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) said 26,241 new bikes, scooters and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) were sold to the end of March 2009.

The overall result is down by 15.5% on the 31,064 sold in the same period in 2008.

FCAI chief Andrew McKellar said that while there had been a downfall, the motorcycle sector was coming off a period of very high demand, driven slightly by ridiculous petrol prices in 2008.

Andrew also said there were still a good number of reasons why motorists are considering purchasing a new motorcycle or scooter.

"There are signs that the motorcycle market has softened in the past three months, however, it has to be remembered that it is being compared to the record sales result of 2008," Mr McKellar said.

"There are obvious financial benefits of motorcycle ownership and in these economic times people should look seriously at their transport needs."

The sales of motorcycles held up well in the March quarter with demand falling just 6.8 per cent to 10,794.

However, the demand for ATVs was down 13 per cent and off-road bike sales slumped by almost 20 per cent.

The sale of Scooters suffered in the downturn with only 2,996 retailed to the end of March, a fall of 31 per cent.

Mr McKellar said scooters remained a fashionable, convenient and economical mode of transport.

"But it is clear that the tightening economy has affected sales of this previously rapid growing segment," he said.

Manufacturer Yamaha was the top selling brand in the 1st quarter with 5,197 units ahead of their competition Honda on 4,917 and the Suzuki brand with 3,763.

Renowned Harley Davidson performed better than most with demand down just 3.6 per cent to 1,902.

The best-selling bike was the Kawasaki EX250-F with 552 retailed over the 3 months, ahead of the Honda CT110 on 479 and the Suzuki DR-Z400E.

Honda had the top selling scooter with the SCV100 snapped up by 160 buyers, an increase of 90 per cent over the same period in 2008.

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