LOS ANGELES: Adventure bikes are still holding their own; Ducati's Scrambler is creating a scramble towards customisation and personalisation; and thanks to Kawasaki, superbike makers are about to get into a horsepower war.

The adventure bike is still riding strong as the most popular motorcycle style. Much of the appeal is down to the enduring popularity of BMW's endurance bike, the GS, which is still the brand's best-selling model and which in 2015 has already helped the company achieve record month-on-month sales.

But rather than wane, expect the sector to continue to grow. After a 12-year absence, Honda is returning to the segment with a brand new Africa Twin and fans of the original - which still change hands for a premium - are already getting excited. It promises the durability and ruggedness expected from an adventure bike, but also promises a new “trick” first-of-its-kind dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission, specially calibrated for off-road use.



But as well as being able to slowly but confidently navigate the wilds, being able to go incredibly fast in a straight line is also expected to make a comeback this year. The superbike was going out of fashion, thanks to the individual style and more practical riding positions offered by sportsbikes, nakeds and streetfighters. However, thanks to Kawasaki, the superbike is getting exciting again.

In November, it revealed the Ninja H2, the most powerful and fastest road-legal bike in history and the first with a supercharger. The bike won't be going on sale until 2016 but has already started a battle for supremacy among motorcycle makers who are all now trying to wring as much horsepower as possible out of the models due for launch this year.

Also unveiled in November was the Ducati Scrambler, a bike that is unapologetically retro and one that is very self-consciously trying to be a lifestyle brand in its own right. Like a MINI or a Fiat 500, there is an almost endless scope for personalization, and for matching accessories.



And the Scrambler is clearly appealing to the more style conscious. In April, Ducati reported its best ever month of sales - 7,309 bikes - and singled out the Scrambler as a contributing factor.

But personalisation, timeless design and customisation are always going to be a big draw for well-heeled bikers - demand is yet to wane for the Triumph Bonneville for example, and since the start of the year, a number of bike makers, including Ducati and BMW have announced new in-house customisation options or limited editions of regular models.

However, one retro bike maker might be losing a little of its sheen. Harley-Davidson's global sales for the first quarter of 2015 are down 1.3 percent year on year. And although the drop is small, it is still in stark contrast with European marques, particularly at the premium end, that have reported growing sales over the same period.




 

 

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