Latest news with #Liddington-Cox
Sydney Morning Herald
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- Sydney Morning Herald
Motorbike sales go from wild to mild
He said sales had now reverted to the normal suite of buyers: 'We have young people who have always wanted a motorbike, we have retirees wanting to buy a touring bike, you've got people who are trying to change their lifestyle.' Motorbikes still account for almost one in 20 total vehicles in Australia; Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki and KTM are among the most popular brands. Loading Consumer psychologist Adam Ferrier bought a motorbike for his son during the pandemic, but he sold it when restrictions eased. 'With cost of living, having a toy is now seen as a little bit reckless, so the ones who are surviving are the commuting vehicle,' he said. 'But the issue is, that commuting vehicle has been upended by e-bikes and e-scooters.' Motorcycle Council of NSW chairman Vincent Buck said some consumers were waiting for better electric motorcycle options which were still 'catching up'. Buck said the increased popularity of food deliveries would underpin demand for motorbikes because they were economical for short-distance trips and easy to navigate. Matthew Wiesner, chief executive of Motorcycle Holdings, Australia's largest seller of motorbikes, said the industry appeared to be growing its base of riders for the future. 'That's pleasing, and it's a matter of making sure that's continuing. The growing population helps. Immigration helps,' he said. Forty-year-old Alex Liddington-Cox this year fulfilled his dream of buying a motorbike — for just $2000 via Facebook Marketplace. Liddington-Cox uses his bike a few times a week when he doesn't need to transport his two young children. Loading 'When you're on the bike, it feels like a great investment. When you're off the bike, it doesn't,' he said. Liddington-Cox is aware of the safety risks of riding a motorbike. Last year, motorcyclists comprised 21 per cent of total road fatalities — up from 17 per cent in 2015. 'It is an ever-present concern when I'm on the bike. But I'm not the sort of person who wants to eliminate all risk from my life, even though I do have children. I still think that you need to have some fun,' he said. Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries chief executive Tony Weber said motorcycles were often a discretionary purchase, and in the current environment, many Australians were understandably more cautious with their spending. 'With improving technology, better safety features and an ongoing need for efficient transport, we remain optimistic about the long-term appeal of two-wheeled mobility in Australia,' he said.
The Age
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Age
Motorbike sales go from wild to mild
He said sales had now reverted to the normal suite of buyers: 'We have young people who have always wanted a motorbike, we have retirees wanting to buy a touring bike, you've got people who are trying to change their lifestyle.' Motorbikes still account for almost one in 20 total vehicles in Australia; Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki and KTM are among the most popular brands. Loading Consumer psychologist Adam Ferrier bought a motorbike for his son during the pandemic, but he sold it when restrictions eased. 'With cost of living, having a toy is now seen as a little bit reckless, so the ones who are surviving are the commuting vehicle,' he said. 'But the issue is, that commuting vehicle has been upended by e-bikes and e-scooters.' Motorcycle Council of NSW chairman Vincent Buck said some consumers were waiting for better electric motorcycle options which were still 'catching up'. Buck said the increased popularity of food deliveries would underpin demand for motorbikes because they were economical for short-distance trips and easy to navigate. Matthew Wiesner, chief executive of Motorcycle Holdings, Australia's largest seller of motorbikes, said the industry appeared to be growing its base of riders for the future. 'That's pleasing, and it's a matter of making sure that's continuing. The growing population helps. Immigration helps,' he said. Forty-year-old Alex Liddington-Cox this year fulfilled his dream of buying a motorbike — for just $2000 via Facebook Marketplace. Liddington-Cox uses his bike a few times a week when he doesn't need to transport his two young children. Loading 'When you're on the bike, it feels like a great investment. When you're off the bike, it doesn't,' he said. Liddington-Cox is aware of the safety risks of riding a motorbike. Last year, motorcyclists comprised 21 per cent of total road fatalities — up from 17 per cent in 2015. 'It is an ever-present concern when I'm on the bike. But I'm not the sort of person who wants to eliminate all risk from my life, even though I do have children. I still think that you need to have some fun,' he said. Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries chief executive Tony Weber said motorcycles were often a discretionary purchase, and in the current environment, many Australians were understandably more cautious with their spending. 'With improving technology, better safety features and an ongoing need for efficient transport, we remain optimistic about the long-term appeal of two-wheeled mobility in Australia,' he said.
