US Motorcycle Trade Group Will Now Track ADV Sales

[MotoNews]

Published in: News

Written by Christian Lowe | Photos by Manufacturer Official Sites

The US-based trade association representing the motorcycle industry announced it will now count Adventure Motorcycles as a separate category for tracking sales and market development.

In an April 19 release to its members, the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) said it will break out adventure motorcycles from dual-type bikes, which the trade group defines as “motorcycles certified by their manufacturers to be in compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, designed primarily for off-highway recreational use with the capability for legal use on public roads.”

Previously, the MIC had included most sales of ADV bikes in the “dual-type” category. For example, sales of both BMW R1250GSs and a Yamaha Tenere 700 were classified as dual-type as they were seen as “designed primarily for offroad recreational use,” according to MIC media representative Jacqueline Peterson. That meant lumping the GS in with sales of bikes like the Honda CRF 300L or Kawasaki KLX 300R—very different bikes with different purchasing patterns.

The new adventure bike category includes motorcycles that are “designed primarily for on-highway use and capable of light-duty, off-highway riding.” According to the industry group, adventure bikes have distinct features, such as small windscreens, long-travel suspension, engine guards and have a “rally-style” front fender or high front fender design.

Adventure motorcycles are popular among riders in the U.S. and around the world with their ability to handle both on-road and off-road riding—making them versatile and appealing to a wide range of riders.

"The rapid expansion of adventure bike models, now offered by most of the leading manufacturers, along with considerable sales growth in this segment, really called for a change to our sales reporting," said Buckner Nesheim, MIC director of research and statistics, in the April 19 release. "The new MIC Retail Sales Reports will make it easier, at a glance, to track ADV motorcycles as they head from showroom floors to buyers across the nation."

While they are still a relatively niche market compared to other types of motorcycles, in the last decade adventure bikes have become a significant part of the motorcycle market, with more manufacturers introducing new models to meet the growing demand.

By counting adventure bikes along with other types of motorcycles, the MIC can track trends and identify changes in consumer preferences, which is essential for manufacturers, dealers, and industry analysts. Additionally, including adventure bikes in their sales data helps the MIC to accurately represent the size and scope of the motorcycle industry.

The adventure motorcycle segment has boomed in recent years largely due to their versatility, comfort, and capability to handle different types of terrain. Adventure motorcycles can be used for a wide range of activities, including commuting, touring, and off-road adventures, making them a popular choice for riders who want a bike that can handle anything they throw at it. 

Additionally, the rise of adventure travel and the popularity of adventure sports like overlanding and mountain biking has contributed to the growing popularity of adventure motorcycles. Many riders are drawn to adventure motorcycles because they offer the ability to explore remote areas and go on long-distance trips in comfort and style.

The MIC’s move to include adventure motorcycles as a distinct segment is a nod to their increasing popularity and the expectation that the market for these bikes will continue to grow in the coming years.

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