Powersports sales in 2015 got off to a slow start as activity in both retail and wholesale markets were considerably light. This was mainly due to the harsh weather climates throughout the country. As spring came closer and weather improved, some areas saw an uptick in sales and interest. That trend was prevalent in the wholesale market as the prices have increased. This was expected as most dealers aggressively start to stock pile inventory for the upcoming selling season.
Used sales have not fully recovered as we continue through spring but considering the current unpredictable weather patterns throughout many regions, many remain optimistic. Manufacturers are releasing all new models with competitive pricing and putting large incentives on older units that make purchasing a new unit much more desirable.
Slow sales in winter and poor riding conditions are still present as we head into spring. Sales begin to pick up speed but not enough to increase values in a majority of segments. With large amounts of inventory available we see that only units in very good condition are able to hold their value.
| Street Bikes |
Utility Vehicles |
Dirt Bikes |
| -2.2% | -2.5% | -1.8% |
| Unit Type Abbreviation | Unit Type | Rough Trade-In | Clean Trade-In | Average Retail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-W | 3 Wheel Cycle | ↓ -3.9% | ↓ -3.7% | ↓ -3.5% |
| 6-W | 6 Wheel AN | ↓ -2.9% | ↓ -3.1% | ↓ -2.8% |
| 8-W | 8 Wheel AN | ↓ -5.0% | ↓ -4.8% | ↓ -4.5% |
| ATT | All Terrain Tractor | ↓ -1.5% | ↓ -1.0% | ↓ -2.1% |
| C/T | Cruiser/Touring | ↓ -2.5% | ↓ -2.2% | ↓ -2.0% |
| CRU | Cruisers | ↓ -2.0% | ↓ -2.1% | ↓ -2.0% |
| D | Dirt (Not MX) | ↑ 0.7% | ↑ 0.6% | ↓ -0.3% |
| DS | Dual Sport | ↓ -4.9% | ↓ -4.5% | ↓ -3.9% |
| E | Enduro | ↓ -1.6% | ↓ -1.4% | ↓ -2.3% |
| MB | Minibike | ↓ -1.9% | ↓ -1.9% | ↓ -1.5% |
| MX | Moto Cross | ↓ -1.7% | ↓ -1.6% | ↓ -2.0% |
| C | Racer (Not MX) | ↓ -3.0% | ↓ -2.8% | ↓ -2.5% |
| RT | Road/Trail | ↓ -1.3% | ↓ -1.2% | ↓ -1.0% |
| S | Scooter | ↓ -1.6% | ↓ -1.4% | ↓ -2.0% |
| SAT | Sport ATV | ↓ -2.0% | ↓ -2.1% | ↓ -2.1% |
| SXS | Sport Side By Side | ↓ -2.5% | ↓ -2.4% | ↓ -2.1% |
| S/T | Sport Touring | ↓ -2.0% | ↓ -1.8% | ↓ -1.5% |
| SPT | Sportbikes | ↓ -2.5% | ↓ -2.3% | ↓ -2.1% |
| TOU | Touring | ↓ -1.6% | ↓ -1.9% | ↓ -1.8% |
| T | Trail | ↓ -1.9% | ↓ -2.0% | ↓ -1.9% |
| TR | Trials | ↓ -1.5% | ↓ -1.4% | ↓ -1.2% |
| UAT | Utility ATV | ↓ -2.2% | ↓ -2.2% | ↓ -2.1% |
| UTL | Utility Side By Side | ↓ -2.3% | ↓ -2.3% | ↓ -2.1% |
The figures below are based on consumer traffic on NADAguides.com and are calculated by comparing the percentage change of consumer interest, for the top 15 researched manufacturers, January-March 2014 as compared to January-March 2015.
The NADAguides powersports data is based on national averages; however, our analysts recognize the significance of regional variance by unit type. The following charts represent consumer traffic based on four regions. Traffic percentages for 2013 and 2014 are offered as a comparison to the year-to-date 2015 traffic.
A view of the national average gasoline prices and year-over-year change is supplied to provide support for longer-term strategic planning.
J.D. Power makes no representations about future performance or results based on the data and the contents available in this report (“Market Insights”). Market Insights is provided for informational purposes only and is provided AS IS without warranty or guarantee of any kind. By accessing Market Insights via email or the NADAguides.com website, you agree not to reprint, reproduce, or distribute Market Insights without the express written permission of J.D. Power.
J.D. Power is the largest publisher of the most market-reflective vehicle pricing and information available for new and used cars, classic cars, motorcycles, boats, RVs and manufactured homes, offers in-depth shopping and research tools including a broad range of data, products and service and informational articles as well as tips and advice. J.D. Power also produces electronic products, mobile applications, raw data, web services, web-syndicated products and print guidebooks.
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