Yamaha reports higher sales of quad and speed bikes

Friday, Dec 16, 2005

By Maey El Shoush, Staff Reporter

Dubai: Yamaha sales of quad bikes and speed bikes have increased by 20 per cent this year.

This is due to a variety of reasons including growth in population, and more bikes will be seen on the roads in 2006, according to Marwan Sami, director of Bike and Marine Division for Yamaha.

The UAE market is the largest for Yamaha in the Middle East.

"The foreign community in Dubai is increasing, as well as the increase of wealth amongst residents, this reflects positively on our sales," said Sami.

During the Motor Show, Yamaha unveiled two new models including the R6 2006 model. The R6 is a powerful speed bike made for the road, and demand for it is increasing steadily.

Street legal bikes, as they are also referred to, especially those used mainly for delivery, are also on a constant rise.

"There is a very high demand for faster delivery and courier service in Dubai, they have completely overtaken bicycles," added Sami.

Sami said this is due to the countless new projects in Dubai which are attracting international residents who are highly paid, and people are demanding a faster service.

The second bike showcased at the event was the Rapture 700, this is an off road bike specifically for those who wish to cruise and tour the desert. The Rapture 700 is a limited yellow and black model built to celebrate Yamaha's 50th anniversary and costs Dh31,000.

Orders for the first deliveries of both bikes, due to arrive in 10 days, are completely sold out.

The second shipment is due in the first week of January 2006, then every three weeks afterward.

The demand for ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles) is highest among the local community who are looking for speed, power and desert driving.

These bikes are illegal on the streets and meant only for off-road use.