1Q motorcycle, ATV sales are soft.(retail sales report, all terrain vehicles)

Powersports Business, May, 2005

Motorcycle sales were off 2% in the first quarter of 2005 compared to the same period last year, according to figures compiled by the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC). A total of 195,984 units were reported sold during the quarter, down 3,952 units from the first quarter in 2004. In March, motorcycle sales declined 8.3%, or 8,775 units, compared to March 2004.

Year-to-date ATV sales through March were flat, slipping 165 units on total sales of 160,761 machines. March sales were off 5.9%; sales dropped 4,301 units, finishing at 67,995 units.

The only motorcycle segment that gained during the first quarter was dual machines, climbing 20.6% on sales of 5,641 units.

The highway segment was flat for the quarter on sales of 123,817 units, but...