DIRT NEWS
RETURN TO RIDING SEES OUTSTANDING JUNE
RESULT FOR KTM
W
ith restrictions now easing across the
country, a return to motorcycle riding
sees trails, tracks and roads inundated
with motorcyclists, and this significant
revitalisation of riding has resulted in a boom
of business for the motorcycle industry.
“Who could have foreseen that the COVID-19
pandemic would segue into a nationwide
demand for motorcycles that has been
unseen in the last decade,” states Brad Hagi,
Managing Director of the KTM Group Australia
and New Zealand.
“Our dealerships have done an outstanding job.
They stood by us during this uncertain time and
we worked through the challenges together.
They kept their doors open and supported
riders through the uncertainty, so it is fantastic
to see the results our dealers have achieved this
past month.”
The return to riding also sees support transcend
from the motorcycle industry to regional
tourism, as motorcycle adventurers turn to
explore their own backyards.
“Repeating the mantra of ‘we’ll all need a ride
once the dust settles’ kept a light at the end of
the tunnel for motorcyclists through a period
filled with doubt, however seeing how literally
this is being taken now is remarkable,” continues
Brad. “And with the ambiguity around
international travel, riders are turning instead to
discovering their own regions and local areas, in
turn supporting local businesses such as hotels,
pubs and cafes, which is great to see.”
With June sales figures the best in the
company’s history, the KTM Group looks forward
to seeing the motorcycle industry continue to
prosper and what this might mean for the future.
“We aren’t out of the woods yet, there is still a
long way to go before this crisis is over,” states
Brad. “This recent sales spike has not only seen
existing and former riders return to riding, it has
also seen new riders enter our sport, to
experience the unique freedom it offers,
and that is a real positive for the industry
long term.”
18 KIWI RIDER