UK riders spend more ... on less

Continued economic uncertainty is changing the way UK motorcycle and scooter riders spend, research by a leading motorcycle clothing and accessories retailer has revealed.

Infinity Motorcycles monitored purchases across their seven UK stores and website – infinitymotorcycles.com – in 2009 and 2010, comparing the amount spent, and the type of purchases made.

Although overall spend was up by £22 per customer in 2010, Infinity found that buyers were much more cautious about the way they spent.

Versatility and value for money appear to be the main factors for purchases. Sales of textile suits saw a rise of 5%, with a comparable slide in sales of leather garments; suggesting riders are favouring a multi purpose / multi weather option, rather than seasonal outfits.

Premium brands also saw a spike, with customers opting to invest in a more long-term solution, rather than multiple purchases of the cheaper options. Murray Bray, Infinity’s Buying Director, said:

“Customers are buying higher end product over the cheaper brands because they want the performance which the cheaper brands don't offer - Gore-Tex products were up 9% over 2009. Customers are also seeing it as more of a sensible investment to buy something that lasts. ”

The general trend in the UK market is towards more spending on clothing and accessories, as riders are less inclined to spend on a new motorcycle, opting instead to add to their existing machines and upgrade riding kit.

Bray went on to say: “Looking at the way clothing and bike sales have performed year on year, it's a fact that people are buying proportionality more clothing and accessories than motorcycles. Short term that’s good news for us, but we’re hoping initiatives like the Get On campaign will encourage new riders, and help boost the industry as a whole.”

For further information, contact Infinity Motorcycles on 01904 675600 or visit www.infinitymotorcycles.com

Ends

Editor’s notes: Infinity Motorcycles are one of the UK's largest chains of motorcycle, clothing and accessories retailers, with stores across London and in Farnborough, Southampton and York, as well as a national mail order service online at: www.infinitymotorcycles.com

Caption - cost concious customers are choosing high quality products, such as Rukka's Gore Tex Alex  jacket, looking for long lasting versatility over cheaper priced items.