“Motorcycles: European Market Briefs 2013-2014”. - Export.gov

U.S. Commercial Service Resource Guide for the European Motorcycle Industry
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New registrations 2012, TOP motorcycle models by manufacturer
MARKET ENTRY
Any motor vehicle model to be operated on public streets in Germany has to be approved
by a federally accredited institution (e.g. the German Technical Inspection Agency, TÜV)
in advance. Also, certain subsequently added custom parts, which have a bearing on the
operational qualities/attributes of a vehicle, have to be approved by the TÜV. Otherwise,
the operating license and the insurance coverage become invalid.
MARKET ISSUES & OBSTACLES
There is a general trend regarding the German biker community: as bikers are getting
fewer, the community is also getting older, while spending per biker is increasing. The
PTW industry often stressed the need for a revision of existing EU motorcycle license
regulation to address the decreasing number of new and young bikers. In 2013, a revised
EU legislation came into effect, intending to further harmonize license legislation among
its member states. The need for lower entry barriers for new riders was addressed,
allowing for more flexibility for beginners but also returners and experienced riders.
Despite increased flexibility, the revised classes still include limitations for young bikers,
such as a power/weight ratio for young riders. This legislative environment explains why
manufacturers are producing a range of models in different cc- and KW-classes – e.g. in
2013, Yamaha offers 67 different models across all segments. Please contact Industry
Specialist Felix Happe (Felix.Happe@trade.gov) in Frankfurt/Germany if you are
interested in further details.