Black Book reports that most segments in the powersports market are down this month as expected, but by smaller than traditional seasonal amounts.
After finally showing significant increases in value last month, ATVs and utility vehicles have declined slightly for December. ATVs are down 1 percent, while utility vehicles are down 0.8 percent versus last month.
Snowmobiles are expectedly up again this month, but by very minor amounts, with the average increase being 1.3 percent. Their rate of increase in value has been very small so far this year, but may speed up as soon as the colder areas of the country see their first significant snowfalls.
Personal watercraft and jet boats are also expectedly down again this month, but by only 0.8 percent and 0.9 percent, respectively. They have most likely bottomed out as far as values go for the winter season.
Mirroring the segments already mentioned, street bikes are down 0.9 percent, while on/off-road motorcycles and scooters are down 1 percent. Cruisers are down by 0.4 percent, but that does not tell the whole story. Within the cruisers segment, the domestic V-Twins are up by about 1 percent for most models versus last month, while the metrics are down by around 1 percent.
The rise in values by the domestic V-Twins may be the start of generally increasing prices for most motorcycles from here on, or this could be a one-time adjustment, as this is the only motorcycle segment to see increased pricing this month. It should be noted, however, that starting in December or early January, most street bike prices begin to appreciate as dealers begin to build inventory for the spring selling season.