The “hard lock down” and closure of the NaTIS system in April and May 2020 and a significant catch up of sales and registrations during June and July 2020 made it difficult to draw meaningful comparisons with the comparative trading periods of 2020 versus 2021.

At YTD October 2021 we have a much clearer picture in that the market size at 21 608 new units is not only 25% up on comparative 2020, but importantly 15% up on 2019. Forecasting to the end of December, the motorcycle market is likely to experience its best year since 2016 with a market estimate of 24 850 units in respect of 2021.

All segments are performing well with growth varying from 3 to 40%, the one exception being the 250-500cc leisure/commuting motorcycles which is down 30%. This is perhaps indicative of a perception that this segment is expensive relative to what one can buy, but also that the typical buyer in this segment is experiencing financial stress. ATV and Side by Side sales are still affected by stock shortages but has nonetheless experienced good growth. Unsurprisingly, the commercial segment continues to grow.

Electric motorcycles and 3 wheelers form a statistically insignificant portion of the market and sales are flat compared to 2020.

Used motorcycle sales are up 15% on 2020, but down 6% on 2019 on average.

The industry remains positive to end 2021 off on a high. With exciting new models on the horizon, manufacturers are looking forward to continuing the growth pattern in 2022 and beyond.

Issued by Arnold Olivier, National Director, AMID

Another record of over 330 riders turned out for this stunning event over two days

The successful Enduro World Michelin Mega Madalas event held in Clarens recently had another record rider entry over the two days. A popular series supported by Vermont Sales and their Tork Craft brand, has always been entered by the co-sponsor and multiple Motocross champion Ryan Hunt who is still racing at 50 but now many events together with his son Reece.

“The guys at Enduro World put some magnificent events together and they never cease to amaze me with the massive rider entries.” said Ryan Hunt Director Vermont Sales/Tork Craft Springbok, and Multiple SA National MX Champion, a co-sponsor of the series. “They know what they are doing and have years of experience. “The Enduro World Mountain Madalas events are also a great series to support, due to its structure, its well organized, they get a vast number of entries and cater for all types of riders/classes,” “We are proud to put something back into the sport and be part of the Michelin Mountain Madalas events,” said Hunt.

‘We had 250 riders on Friday and 330 on Saturday which was a great turn out, Clarens is also a really neat venue for the riders and families,” said Event Promoter/Director Andre Roodt. The rain fell in abundance on Friday causing slippery, sections and tricky rock climbs for the top riders, however the guys on the easier routes also had a lot of fun. Saturday the sun came out and presented us with near-perfect riding conditions.”

“Our Red extreme loop was 28 km long and took some less equipped riders almost 10 hours to complete, it was the true test of grit, riding skills and stamina. The blue and green easier loops were enjoyed by most riders who just joined in for fun. Overall, it was a great weekend of racing for all involved and yet again we achieved our objectives” said Roodt.

Enduro World offer the best Enduro routes in the best places possible with the most magnificent views with no racing, and no pressure, simply wholesome fun with friends and the whole family.

Specific specialist gloves designed for all catagories

Gloves are essential for protection and handcare for all types of work and should ultimately be worn in all situations for protection when using outdoor tools, equipment and power tools, they are also a must for all types of two wheel offroad riding and racing. Specialist branded gloves are hugely expensive and one can really spend a small fortune on big name brands. Tork Craft has a comprehensive range of gloves that cover all these markets at very affordable prices matching the quality of these leading international brands.

Recent tests by leading offroad riders proved that the Tork Craft, gloves, Blue Air Mesh and the Spandex Red gloves were perfect and did the job. The palms are reinforced and padded and the closures on the bottom side made a lot of sense. One cool thing on the red spandex is the terry cloth on the back of the thumb, wiping goggles or sweat away from your brow is easy.

The reason why these gloves are so popular and well accepted is quite simple they were designed by multiple SA National Motocross legend, Ryan Hunt, who certainly knows about quality gloves after his 41 years of competitive racing and working in the largest tool and accessory business all his life. “I use them for my racing today, as does many of our team riders, mechanical, industrail and service customers,” said Ryan Hunt Director Vermont Sales. “The range caters for various catagories and are designed to handle the work in Industry and sports.”Tests on the quality were done in the workplace, industries, tool shops, gardening and construction sites. Report backs covered comfort, longer life, and value for money. The Tork Craft “Work” and “All Purpose” gloves have the range to suit all types of working and sporting needs as they offered great protection and a good comfortable grip.

“Ones hands are very important to ones livelihood and injuring fingers and hands can be a serious set back in your day to day job”, said Ryan Hunt. “We use gloves in the work place, at home, in the garden, workshop, for riding mountain bikes and for all our Motocross and enduro racing. The Tork Craft range is growing to cover more needs,” said Hunt.  

Tork Craft gloves are available from all leading outlets countrywide, call Vermont Sales for your nearest outlet

Tork Craft is a leading brand of accessories and tools at Vermont Sales and all the products are available from leading specialist stores southren Africa wide for more information talk to your retail outlet or contact, Vermont Sales on +27 (0)11 314 7711 or the web site www.torkcraft.com