For the last 5 years, more and more motorcycles and scooters have been sold in France since ever before. 2007 was no exception, with all records beaten. 238,966 new PTWPowered Two Wheel - motorcyles, scooters, mopeds have been sold in France during 2007.
The top ten models sold during 2007:
1. Yamaha 125 Xmax - 9,740
2. Kawasaki Z750 - 7,044
3. Honda XL 125 V - 6,068
4. Kawasaki ER-6 - 5,846
5. Suzuki 125 Burgman - 5,747
6. Peugeot Satelis 125 - 5,729
7. Yamaha Fazer 600 - 5,720
8. Piaggio MP3 - 4,846
9. Suzuki GSF 650 - 4,838
10. Yamaha 500 Tmax - 4,124 |
Notice that in the top 10, 4 of them are 125 cc scooters, and 1 big cc scooter. Remember that in France, you are allowed to ride a 125 cc motorcycle/scooter if you have had a car license for 2 years.
Many business folks have taken to riding 125 scooters, since the cities are always inaccessible for cars, and it's getting worse.
Only 5 out of the top 10 are motorcycles (1 of them being a 125), and all of those are Japanese. The first non-Japanese motorcycle is BMW with their R1200RT, selling 1,938 units during 2007.
Despite the French government attempts to reduce the number of motorcycles, the progression of motorcycles and scooters have therefore been spectacular between 2005 and 2006, when 125 sales outstripped most other types. Look at the graph below, and you'll see the story!
Despite having top billing, Japanese main brands Yamaha and Honda have seen a noticeable reduction in sales, while Kawasaki and Suzuki are more or less even. European, American and Asian manufacturers have for the most part seen an increase in sales.
Is it the end of the Japanese motorcycle reign?
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