Top selling dual purpose bikes in USA June 2010-May 2011

[fredz43]

Powersports Business periodically publishes lists by category of new bike registrations in all 50 states. These figures are compiled by a company called R. L. Polk. Here is their latest list for the period of June, 2010 thru May, 2011 in the dual purpose category.

1. Kawasaki KL650-E 4,006
2. BMW R1200GS 1,142
3. Kawasaki KLX250SF 1,011
4. BMW R1200GS ADV 1,009
5. Yamaha XT250 988
6. Suzuki DR650SE 928
7. BMW F800GS 923
8. Kawasaki KLX250S 918
9. Yamaha TW200E 785
10. Suzuki DRZ-400S 727

 

[X5]

Powersports Business periodically publishes lists by category of new bike registrations in all 50 states. These figures are compiled by a company called R. L. Polk. Here is their latest list for the period of June, 2010 thru May, 2011 in the dual purpose category.

1. Kawasaki KL650-E 4,006
2. BMW R1200GS 1,142
3. Kawasaki KLX250SF 1,011
4. BMW R1200GS ADV 1,009
5. Yamaha XT250 988
6. Suzuki DR650SE 928
7. BMW F800GS 923
8. Kawasaki KLX250S 918
9. Yamaha TW200E 785
10. Suzuki DRZ-400S 727

Nice find thanks. Surprised no Honda XR650L. Cannot wait to see next years.

 

[eemsreno]

No WR250 Yamaha I thought that was a good seller Next year we may top the list.

 

[MotorcopBBQ]

Go KLR Go

 

[Venture]

Kawasaki KLX250, yep, I believe that one. Those things are a dime a dozen. I had my pick of probably a half a dozen used when I bought mine.

 

[colorider]

Maybe the reason our SuperT is missing from the list is because the insurance companies still think it is a sport bike!!!

::025::

 

[Mike Sisson]

Maybe the reason our SuperT is missing from the list is because the insurance companies still think it is a sport bike!!!

::025::

We didn't have our bikes yet.... Would have to see the 2nd half of the year's #'s

 

[fredz43]

They periodically publish monthly stats and I will be looking for those that start with August, 2011 registrations. These are their annual stats that go from June thru May. Our bikes will be on next year's annual report that will cover from June 11 thru May 12.

 

[Brntrt]

Go KLR Go

.

No wonder Kawi doesn't upgrade the KLR, been in production for almost 25 years unchanged. The R&D and tooling costs long ago paid for. Pure profit$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

 

[markjenn]

Neat data.

The KLR is a hell of a bike for the money and extremely popular for good reason. As much as I love my DRZ, I've often thought about getting a KLR and being a lot more comfortable on trips. Doesn't surprise me that it tops the list.

Also not surprised that Honda is totally MIA with the antediluvian XR650L and uninspiring CRF230L. Honda badly needs to get back into the game with a competitive 650 based on the 650R and a dual-sport version of the late/great XR400.

Yamaha is there, but hanging on by their fingernails with the TW200 and XT250; I bet the sales are mostly to MSF contractors for range bikes.

These sorts of sales numbers make me wonder why Yamaha is having so much trouble justifying importation of the Tenere. Kawasaki is selling more KLR's than the next six or seven single-cylinder dual-sport bikes COMBINED, yet Yamaha can't import a bike that would be direct competition and a great higher-tech alternative. Assuming reasonable pricing, I could see Yamaha taking at least a third of the KLR market with the Tenere, which would amount to sales about 2.5x as many as they're selling now of the Super Tenere. The only explanation I can think of is that they simply can't get the production costs of the Tenere down low enough - it would sell well at $7K, but at $8K it probably becomes a tough sell against $6400 KLRs and $8100 DL650 twins.

KLRs and Wees are not terribly exciting but they're both superb bikes and make a lot of sense in these tough economic times.

- Mark

 

[Tremor38]

Re: Re: Top selling dual purpose bikes in USA June 2010-May 2011

Neat data.

The KLR is a hell of a bike for the money and extremely popular for good reason. As much as I love my DRZ, I've often thought about getting a KLR and being a lot more comfortable on trips. Doesn't surprise me that it tops the list.

Also not surprised that Honda is totally MIA with the antediluvian XR650L and uninspiring CRF230L. Honda badly needs to get back into the game with a competitive 650 based on the 650R and a dual-sport version of the late/great XR400.

Yamaha is there, but hanging on by their fingernails with the TW200 and XT250; I bet the sales are mostly to MSF contractors for range bikes.

These sorts of sales numbers make me wonder why Yamaha is having so much trouble justifying importation of the Tenere. Kawasaki is selling more KLR's than the next six or seven single-cylinder dual-sport bikes COMBINED, yet Yamaha can't import a bike that would be direct competition and a great higher-tech alternative. Assuming reasonable pricing, I could see Yamaha taking at least a third of the KLR market with the Tenere, which would amount to sales about 2.5x as many as they're selling now of the Super Tenere. The only explanation I can think of is that they simply can't get the production costs of the Tenere down low enough - it would sell well at $7K, but at $8K it probably becomes a tough sell against $6400 KLRs and $8100 DL650 twins.

KLRs and Wees are not terribly exciting but they're both superb bikes and make a lot of sense in these tough economic times.

- Mark

+1 on all points. Price point seems to have a big influence, with the exception of the GS, which is there due to segment and name recognition.

Overall, the list does seem to reflect current economic woes. I suppose that is why the WR250R didn't make the cut, although that still surprises me. I suppose that's just a reminder to me of how small of a pie wedge is comprised of adv rider forum members.

 

[YamaPA]

Kawasaki KLX250, yep, I believe that one. Those things are a dime a dozen. I had my pick of probably a half a dozen used when I bought mine.

I'll order a bakers dozen for $1.30 please....it's going to be a tight fit in bike room, but at that price I can leave one or two outside.

 

[DevilAnce]

I'm really really surprised the Honda XR 650L is not on that list..

 

[rem]

The KLR is a tough little bike of worldwide availability and popularity. But I think its main attraction is price. As long as it stays as affordable as it is, it will continue to be an immensely popular bike. And the accessory list is endless. It will always be high on the list. R

 

[20valves]

Go KLR Go

overheard from inside the helmet of a KLR pilot watching the taillights of a Super Tenere disappear .......

 

[simmons1]

overheard from inside the helmet of a KLR pilot watching the taillights of a Super Tenere disappear .......

That is unless it gets really rough. My KLR will go anywhere my Tenere will, but there are places the KLR has been that would be tough if not impossible to ride on my Tenere. In those places the Tenere would watch the taillights of a KLR disappear. ::013::