TRAVERSE Issue 16 - February 2020 | Page 126

S uffragists C entennial M otorcycle R ide R outes & R egistration R eleased Coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the ratifi- cation of the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote (USA), Women’s Motorcycle Tours has released the official dates, routes and opening of registration for the Suffragists Centennial Motorcycle Ride (SCMR2020). The female-focused, three-week cross-country motorcy- cling event will commence Friday, July 31, 2020 and end on Sunday, August 23, 2020. “The SCMR2020 will be the most significant female- -focused riding event in 2020,” claims Clickenger. “I love wrapping epic motorcycle rides around histo- rical events, and Centennials are particularly powerful times to bring people together. My intent is to create an event that makes history at the same time as we celebra- te it.” This cross-country event will provide multiple ex- periences for all disciplines of motorcycle riders in celebration of the centennial of women’s suffrage. The 19th Amendment provided women with the right to N vote and is seen as a significant historical event in the journey toward equality and empowerment for women. Partnering with local, state and federal organizations, SCMR2020 will broadcast and amplify the message of women’s freedom, excitement and empowerment throu- gh motorcycling. While the ultimate goal is to create an atmosphere of celebration and unity among female motorcyclists, SCMR2020 welcomes all riders; male and female, all brands of motorcycles, two and three-wheeled machines … even non-riders. “Freedom, unity and celebration are our guiding prin- ciples,” concludes Clickenger. E W S Clickenger and Women's Motorcycle Tours will have a booth at all of the Progressive International Motorcycle Shows. More information can be found at centennialride.com NEW MOTORCYCLE SALES DOWN New motorcycle sales remained steady throughout 2019 in regard to composition within the Australian market despite a fall of over 6% compared to 2018 according to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries. Within the 89,199 motorcycles sales during 2019 over 38% were to ‘off road’ machines, still the top of the market. Road bikes weren’t far behind with almost 36%. Among individual brands, Honda came in at number one with 233% market share, Yamaha second with 22%, Kawasaki in third with 10%, followed by KTM and Suzuki. Road bike sales nationally reduced by 12% on the 2018 result. In this segment, Harley-Davidson finished in first position, ahead of Honda, with Yamaha in third. Husqvarna and KTM were the outstanding performers, with increased sales in 2019 compared with 2018 (+24% and +18% respectively). The ATV segment contracted in its overall share of the market, down by 0.5%, this meant an overall drop of 8.5% across the whole motorcycle market. An area that grew significantly was that of the scooter market with growth of 16% to claim almost 6% of the entire market. TRAVERSE 126