Industry Pulse Check: Sales Show Signs of Recovery
After a challenging 2025, the powersports industry may be showing signs of finding its footing. According to the latest industry data from Statistical Surveys Inc., combined new and used powersports sales posted a modest year-over-year gain of 0.97 per cent in March 2026. While that growth is far from explosive, it marks an optimistic and meaningful improvement compared to the 2.02 per cent decline recorded during the same period last year.
The numbers suggest consumers may be ready to return to dealerships, particularly for new units, although there are some differences when it comes to segment and region.
New Model Sales
The biggest bright spot in March came from the new powersports market, particularly touring motorcycles. New unit sales increased 3.10 per cent year over year, a substantial turnaround from the 7.94 per cent decline seen in March 2025. The improvement points to renewed consumer confidence and stronger demand for current-model machines. However, not all categories benefited equally.
Touring motorcycles delivered one of the strongest performances of any segment, surging 25.14 per cent year over year. Sport motorcycles also posted an impressive double-digit gain of 11.07 per cent, indicating continued demand for performance-oriented machines despite ongoing economic pressures.
Cruisers tracked closely with the overall market, posting gains of 2.37 percent. Meanwhile, several segments lagged behind. Dual-sport motorcycles managed a 0.97 per cent increase, while dirt bikes fell 6.67 per cent.
Used Market
The used powersports market remained relatively flat, slipping 0.15 per cent year over year. While slightly negative, the result suggests the pre-owned market remains remarkably stable despite fluctuations in new inventory availability and financing conditions. Dual-sport motorcycles led the used market with a 4.35 per cent increase, followed touring models at 2.40 per cent. Sport bikes and cruisers essentially mirrored overall market performance, posting gains of 0.27 per cent and 0.50 per cent, respectively.
The weakest used category was dirt bikes, which fell 13.05 per cent. The continued strength of used dual-sport and touring motorcycles may reflect buyers seeking versatility and long-distance capability while remaining price-conscious.
Touring Motorcycles Continue to Shine
One of the most notable trends emerging from the March data is the continued strength of the touring segment. Both new and used touring motorcycles outperformed the broader market, with new touring units posting a remarkable 25.14 per cent increase and used touring machines climbing 2.40 per cent.
Whether fueled by increased interest in long-distance travel, an aging rider demographic, or consumers prioritizing experiences over other discretionary purchases, touring motorcycles remain one of the industry’s strongest categories heading into the riding season.
Sport motorcycles also continue to demonstrate resilience. Double-digit growth in new sport bike sales suggests enthusiasm remains high among riders seeking performance-focused machines.
Regional Markets Tell a Different Story
While national numbers point to a modest recovery, local markets continue to vary dramatically. Several regions posted extraordinary growth in March.
Leading the way was Selma, Alabama, where new powersports sales skyrocketed 900 per cent year over year. Presque Isle, Maine followed with a 500 per cent increase, while North Carolina produced multiple standout markets, including Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, Rocky Mount-Wilson, and Raleigh-Durham all seeing a triple digit sales increase. These outsized gains may reflect a combination of dealer inventory improvements, local economic conditions, and relatively small comparison periods from the previous year.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, several markets experienced significant declines.
Juneau-Ketchikan, Alaska, Lawrence, Kansas, Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, Hawaii, Orangeburg, South Carolina, and Pittsfield, Massachusetts all saw double-digit year-over-year decreases in new unit sales. The wide variation underscores an important reality for dealers: national trends provide context, but local market conditions remain critical.
What It Means for Riders and Dealers
March’s results don’t necessarily signal a full-scale powersports boom, but they do indicate that the industry may be moving in a more positive direction after a very difficult and tumultuous stretch. New vehicle sales are recovering, touring motorcycles remain a standout category, and the used market continues to provide stability.
For dealers, the data reinforces the importance of inventory alignment and local market awareness. For riders, increased sales activity could mean greater model availability and more competition among dealers as the peak riding season gets underway.
As spring transitions into summer and fuel prices continue to fluctuate, the industry will be watching closely to see whether March’s momentum becomes a sustained trend, or an outlier in an otherwise cautious market.
Dustin Woods
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