BMW US Motorcycle Sales, Down 22 Percent in 2009

Recent sales reports released by the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) show that BMW Motorrad USA outperformed all of its competitors in 2009. Despite a US motorcycle market that declined 41 percent and lost nearly 360,000 units, BMW motorcycle sales only declined 22 percent, which was the smallest decline among all motorcycle brands.

This can only be satisfactory for BMW, as the Germans were one of only two motorcycle manufacturers to post positive growth in the Unites States in 2008.

"Our dedicated dealers were the key to our success this past year," Todd Andersen, BMW Motorrad USA Marketing Manager, said in a release. "Despite the tough market, they continued serve our customers well and promote our new products like the K 1300 S and the K 1300 GT. They were supported by attractive financing programs from BMW Financial Services. While many other dealers struggled to finance their customers' purchases, BMW dealers never lost access to good financing, and this will continue for 2010."

"We expect significant sales growth in 2010," said Andersen, "on the strength of the launch of the production version of the S 1000 RR Superbike, the most powerful and sophisticated sport bike ever produced. Our dealers have confirmed deposits on over 600 bikes and deliveries to customers will begin January 26."

New versions of BMW Motorrad's most popular models, namely the R 1200 GS, the R 1200 GS Adventure and the R 1200 RT are scheduled to go on sale this year. BMW Motorrad is also expected to release further details on the Concept 6 machine, which features a straight-six production engine.