The market for new motorcycles in Russia: a steadily sharp decline

Content:

1. Yamaha Tracer 700
2. Honda CB4X
3. Suzuki V-Strom 1050
4. Kawasaki EV Project
5. Harley-Davidson Pan America
6. Yamaha YZF-R1
7. Yamaha MT-03
8. Yamaha T-Max 560
9. Yamaha Tricity 300
10. Honda Fireblade CBR1000RR-R
11. Honda Africa Twin
12. Honda CRF450R
13. Suzuki RM-Z250
14. Suzuki Katana
15. Kawasaki KX250
16. Kawasaki ZZR1400
17. Kawasaki ZH2
18. Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX
19. Harley-Davidson Bronx
20. Harley-Davidson 1200 Custom
21. Harley-Davidson LiveWire

Motorcycle industry trends are completely dependent on global trends. If throughout the decade brands competed in the power and maneuverability of motorcycles, then by 2022 the public’s focus has shifted to handling, electronics, environmental friendliness and minimalist design. And Japanese manufacturers are still leading in the number of fans. It was the development of the Asian motorcycle industry that changed the global bike market: while in America there was a slight decline in sales, in Europe they increased almost 1.5 times. What brand new products are customers most looking forward to? How are manufacturers ready to surprise you? Which bikes are worth special attention? More about this in our review of 2020 motorcycles.

The most anticipated new products

At the beginning of November 2022, everyone who cares about the motorcycle industry could visit the EICMA Milan Motor Show. The event is distinguished by its scale, because for a whole week almost 2,000 companies are ready to surprise and entertain the public. Among the 1,500 motorcycles presented this time, let’s focus on the main sensations.

• Yamaha Tracer 700. The Japanese have adjusted the appearance of the flagship “tourist”, giving it aggressive features. The seating position and steering wheel have changed to make it more comfortable for the driver; the windshield has become more streamlined, which can now be adjusted. The improved engine complies with Euro 5 standard.

• Honda CB4X. Currently presented in concept form with an open release date. The crossover representative is designed on the basis of the CBR650, equipped with 17-inch wheels and a 4-cylinder engine with 95 horsepower. The potential buyer of such a motorcycle is a beginner who is looking for a reliable and easy-to-ride bike. The motorcycle is predicted to be in good demand and have an affordable price.

• Suzuki V-Strom 1050. The resourceful, reliable and promising tour enduro retains the 1037 cc engine, which, according to company representatives, should become even more powerful. At the same time, the manufacturer promises that this will not affect fuel consumption in any way. The V-Strom has also changed externally: the body kit lines have become “broken”, the double seat has “turned” into a single seat, the steering wheel has acquired a new LCD instrument panel. Travel comfort is ensured by weather-appropriate operating modes and modern multimedia functions.

• Kawasaki EV Project. The first street-class electric motorcycle looks similar to the Ninja 650 and promises 100 km. mileage on a full charge. A manual gearbox is installed here, which will ensure good controllability and responsiveness of the bike to the pilot’s actions. Another new product in which the Kawasaki brand is involved is the Bimota Tesi H2 2022. Having purchased part of the shares of the Italian company, the concern participated in the creation of a new hyperbike.

• Harley-Davidson Pan America. A touring enduro with an American character and a 1250 cc engine combines the classic style of the Harley family and the high technology that Asian manufacturers have accustomed us to. The bike is designed to cope with off-road conditions and feel great on asphalt surfaces.

A huge number of Italian, German, Austrian manufacturers managed to make themselves known and intrigue with new models. But let’s pay more attention to the familiar and proven representatives of the Japanese motorcycle industry on our roads.

Russian motorcycles

Irbis

A company founded by a group of entrepreneurs from Vladivostok in 2001 and now based in the village of Chernoye, Moscow region. The Irbis line includes road and sports motorcycles of all classes, snowmobiles, ATVs, motorized towing vehicles, and it must be said that, at least externally, Irbis are sometimes even cooler than their foreign counterparts. The picture shows the road 250 cc model Irbis Garpia.

"Ural"

An absolute legend, born in 1941, one of the few Soviet motorcycle factories that survived the collapse of the USSR and the dashing 90s. Today, Ural produces heavy motorcycles with sidecars, mainly for export, in a classic retro style. The picture shows the Ural Tourist T model of the 2016 model year.

A.B.M.

The company was founded in 1996 and for some time worked exclusively as a dealer of foreign manufacturers, but now it makes a full line of motorcycle equipment, including light motorcycles and mopeds under its own brand. The picture shows the ABM Jazz 125, a good (and inexpensive) model, ideal for a first motorcycle.

Stels

Well, where would we be without Velomotors? The company has a range of ATVs, snowmobiles, and of course motorcycles. The picture shows the Stels Flex 250 model, and in total the Stels range includes more than 15 bikes for various purposes.

Armada

This company does not produce road motorcycles, but specializes in pit bikes, lightweight motorcycles suitable for supermoto or motocross. The picture shows the company's most powerful model, the Armada PB250.

ZiD

The Degtyarev plant still makes motorcycles, although it is mainly an assembly plant for Chinese Lifans. But there are also our own developments in the range, for example, the ZiD Barkhan off-road tricycle, which has the coolest appearance and the same cross-country ability.

Avantis

The company was founded in 2009 and is mainly engaged in the supply of imported motorcycle equipment. Among the products under its own brand there are several light pit bikes. Pictured is Avantis Orion 125.

Baltmotors

The product line of this company, founded in 2004, includes ATVs, motorcycles, motorized dogs, inflatable boats and a range of gasoline-powered equipment for outdoor activities. Motorcycles, by the way, are for all occasions; there are more than 10 models. Pictured is Baltmotors Street 200 DD.

"Tarus"

Kaluga craftsmen have developed and produced one of the popular ultra-light all-terrain vehicles “Tarus 2×2”. The motorcycle weighs 82 kg and can cover any terrain.

Lebedev Motors

The company was founded in 2008 and produces all kinds of all-terrain vehicles, mainly tracked ones. The product range also includes two-wheeled all-terrain vehicles of the “Ataman” line. The picture shows the Ataman MAD MAX model, suitable for use on public roads as well.

"Vasyugan"

A very powerful all-terrain vehicle, the only model of the company of the same name. Netizens say: “The beast-machine will go everywhere.”

Many novice motorcyclists, trying to save money, opt for inexpensive Indian and Chinese motorcycles, while there are a number of modern Russian brands that are also worth paying attention to. Perhaps you will like the domestic motorcycle much more!

The Motojet motorcycle dealership is an official partner of many Russian and foreign companies. We will supply any equipment that is presented in our catalog. Delivery is available throughout Russia, to any region. Call or leave a request for the model you like and receive discounts and bonuses!

New products from the Japanese "Big Four"

Yamaha

YZF-R1 is a supersport with an advanced engine. Injection and valves have been improved, while the usual 200 horsepower has been retained. The main changes include compliance with the Euro 5 standard. The electronics settings have become more precise and the body kit has changed. Fans of fast driving will appreciate the reduced aerodynamic drag.

MT-03 – “Torque Master” with updated frame and optics. The 321 cc engine remained here, the design of the body kits, optics and frame changed, and a new LCD instrument panel appeared. The appearance has become “sharper”, and the ride has become more maneuverable. Another representative of the series has changed - MT-125, whose engine has been “pulled up” to European standards.

T-Max 560 is a stylish scooter with a 32 cc engine. cm more voluminous. Comfortable seating position, low weight and a high-spirited engine make it an excellent solution for moving in city traffic.

Tricity 300 is a three-wheeled scooter with a futuristic appearance. The main advertising message of the motorcycle is aimed at young residents of European cities who are ready to give up cars in favor of a rational and fun means of transportation.

Honda

The Fireblade CBR1000RR-R is a sleek 200hp superbike. It is created for the track, and every element of the design is “charged” for victory. A compact engine, an extended wheelbase, a customizable electronic fork, and advanced functionality for monitoring the bike’s performance are just some of its characteristics. The model is as technologically advanced and maneuverable as possible.

Africa Twin is a favorite of travelers on endless roads and off-road. The 2022 configuration changes the exterior to an aggressive one with matte paint, gets a larger engine and a new dashboard. Now there is cruise control as standard, and the transmission can be either manual or automatic.

The CRF450R is a motocross bike with an improved chassis and an installed HSTC system. The 250 cc representatives of the series have also been updated, receiving upgraded brakes, engines and new color options.

Suzuki

The RM-Z250 is a well-proven enduro with a refreshed exterior that emphasizes racing ergonomics. The engine operates through a dual-injection system, which improves performance. The bike is designed for fast and safe cornering. The “senior” representative of the series, the RM-Z450, has also been updated, having undergone basic external and technical transformations.

Katana is a legendary sports tourer in a state-of-the-art body. The main changes affected the appearance; it became avant-garde with a hexagonal headlight and LED turn signals. The dashboard has been completely updated. The bike produces 150 hp. with an engine capacity of 999 cc. see, and Brembo calipers are responsible for braking.

Kawasaki

KX series – motocross bikes with engine capacity from 65 to 450 cc. see Subcompact configurations are often used to train young athletes and have proven to be excellent in cross-country racing. The KX250 model received the most upgrades. The new engine has a modern valve system. The frame is better able to absorb bumps, and the air filter design has been rethought to benefit high-rpm power. The oldest 450 cc representative of the series received modified graphics.

The ZZR1400 is a sport-tourer ready to boast a bright Golden Blazed Green color scheme.

ZH2 is a revolutionary representative of the naked class with a supercharged 998 cc engine. see Its main characteristics: 200 horsepower, LED optics, full electronics with cruise control, reliable Showa suspension and Brembo brakes, beloved by many.

The Ninja 1000SX is the fourth generation of Kawasaki's popular series. The designers have rethought the exterior, the optics have switched to LED technology, the electronics have been upgraded, and the engine now corresponds to the fifth eco-class.

On my own two feet

In total, in January - June 2022, Russians purchased 8,504 motorcycles. This is 10.4% more than a year earlier. But if in the first quarter the market doubled compared to last year, then in the second it decreased by 3 percent. The pandemic and the restrictions imposed had an impact. April was a disaster; sales then fell by a third.

More than 40% of the market is occupied by the three leading brands. The first place in terms of volume is occupied by the German BMW. From January to June, 1,293 motorcycles of this brand were sold, but sales decreased by 14.8% compared to last year. But sales of the Russian Racer motorcycle increased by 34.5%, the brand came close to the leader. Over the course of six months, Russians purchased 1,284 of these motorcycles. In third place is the Indian Bajaj. A total of 1,006 motorcycles of this brand were sold, 28.8% more than last year.

Russian factories have successfully brought budget motorcycles to the market: Racer has already come close to BMW in terms of sales volumes

Domestic motorcycles attract consumers due to their price amid the crisis caused by the pandemic, says Petr Shkumatov, head of the ONF working group “Protection of the Rights of Motorists.” Prices for Racer, depending on the model, range on average from 40 to 150 thousand rubles, while BMW costs several times more. Racer now holds a market share of 15.1% compared to 12.4% a year earlier. By the way, sales of motorcycles from another Russian brand, Motolend, which came in fifth place in terms of volume, increased by 78% in the first half of the year. The market share of this brand increased from 4.8 to 7.7%.

Russia has a developed motorcycle community, which includes over 2 million people. At the same time, the motorcycle market itself is very limited. In the USSR, the motorcycle was a common means of transportation. The situation changed after almost all domestic factories producing motorcycles ceased operations and there were no mass domestic models left on the market, says auto expert Igor Morzharetto. As a result, motorcycles in Russia have become more of an entertainment item for wealthy people and are often used as a second or third vehicle in the family. “As a rule, a person already has a car, and buys a motorcycle for fun on weekends in the summer,” he notes. That is why, for example, more BMW motorcycles for 15-20 thousand dollars are sold in Russia than Chinese brands for a thousand dollars, the expert explains.

Russians purchased 18.8 thousand used motorcycles in the first four months of 2022

Despite the fact that motorcycle enthusiasts demonstrate consistency in their passions, one cannot count on further growth in sales. “Now the demand is obviously growing amid the quarantine, when showrooms were closed, people wanted to buy a motorcycle and could not do it. In May-June, they bought motorcycles to ride in the summer,” says the expert. After a crisis, sales usually increase, and then the market returns to its natural level relative to income, says Shkumatov. By the way, in monetary terms the market decreased by 5-10% compared to last year. At the same time, there may clearly be more sales of motorcycles in units, the expert concludes.

Now the situation is changing. Russian factories have successfully brought budget motorcycles to the market. In the expensive segment, domestic motorcycles will compete with foreign brands after 2022. By this time, Aurus motorcycles will appear on the market. As Denis Manturov, head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, previously stated, their production can be established in two years. According to him, this motorcycle will be completely electric.

Keep up with the times with Harley-Davidson

The most popular and even iconic American manufacturer also managed to intrigue fans with new bikes. In addition to the Pan America mentioned above, other models also deserve attention.

• Bronx is a roadster with a 975 cc engine and 115 horsepower. The manufacturer focuses on a bold appearance, which hides uncompromising handling. The motorcycle is planned to roll off the assembly line at the end of 2022.

• The 1200 Custom is a custom motorcycle with an impressive design. At the heart of the bike is the 1250 cc Evolution engine, which produces everyone's favorite working sound. This is a classic of the family, which is equipped with the latest technology. Power is maintained by a closed exhaust system. The finish, as always, shows the perfect combination of black and chrome.

• LiveWire, a conceptually new approach to driving, presents an electric bike with a power reserve of 225 km. Harley-Davidson followed eco-trends and did a great job. The bike accelerates to 100 km/h in 3 seconds. Without having to squeeze the clutch and change gears, just turn the handle and enjoy the speed. You can charge both at a specialized station and from a home outlet. The touchscreen display, adjustable frame and customization options make the LiveWire one of the most desirable bikes around. The model will be presented in 2022. The start of sales is focused on the current year.

The world's leading manufacturers have something to surprise with in the coming year. But the main thing is to directly meet any needs of the audience. Whether you love speed or travel, value reliability or eco-friendly products, the modern motorcycle industry definitely has the right solutions. So we look forward to market growth and further development of our favorite brands.