The 2001 International Motorcycle and Scooter Show at Birmingham's NEC has been a superb showcase for all that is best in the motorcycle industry, according to Frank Finch, the Retail Motor Industry Federa-tion's motorcycle director.

"It provides many companies with the opportunity of renewing links with their trade partners, as well as the chance to promote products or services to new customers.

"Our association's presence at the show provided an opportunity to meet current and potential members and to keep in touch with the ever-changing market.

"For example, it is encouraging to note that the actual recovery rate for stolen motorcycles over the past four months has increased from less than 15 per cent to over 35 per cent.

"And while demand in the market-place has weakened after a strong start to the year, overall sales still closely match 2000 levels and year-end sales predictions will see sales comfortably exceed 160,000 units.

"But there is no room for com-placency over the economic climate.

"Recent world events will have made financiers look hard at their invest-ments, par-ticularly in the leisure sector of which we are an intrinsic part, but the clear lack of profitability in the sale of new machines in key volume sectors of the market should not be under-estimated."

Mr Finch pointed out that the UK had been the biggest European market for supersport motorcycles for some time, but there had been a slowdown in demand, due to high insurance costs.

"There are indications that manufacturers are being sensibly cautious in the numbers of machines being imported into the market for 2002 which should help bring back some much-needed profitability.

"Also, there is no evidence that large numbers of riders of sports machines are leaving the market, more likely just chang-ing the type of machine they own.

"Indeed, the annual volume of new riders coming into the market, gauged by numbers taking compulsory basic train-ing, is now 27 per cent higher than the figure nine years ago and rising, driven mainly by riders aged 25 and over which have doubled over the same period.

"While the moped scooter sector seems to be suffering at present with sales down four per cent year to date, the demand for scooter motorcycles continues to grow.

Although at just over 28,000 units this year to date up 15 per cent - it is still some way short of the moped scooter total of 35,000.

"The ever increasing availability of the larger capacity super scooters, which are far more popu-lar on the Continent, may well hold the key to growth in this sector.

"Given the possible glut of scooters in the European market next year it is hoped that the scooter importers here will be keenly aware of the consequences of market over-supply in a sector in which dealer margins are tight at best.

"The RMI's Motorcycle Retailers Association believes the market next year will do well to stay close to 2001 sales levels.

"Next year will be challenging for everyone in the motorcycle industry.

"There is obviously a strong need for the industry to take stock and prepare itself for a tough winter.

"However, by looking closely at the market and monitoring changes in customer demand, there will be opportunities for profit in the coming year."