South Africa’s motorcycle market has changed dramatically over the last few years. As fuel prices and the cost of motoring have escalated, demand for home delivery services has also increased.
The result has been a flood of cheap motorcycles to service those South Africans who want a more affordable version of motorised transport or have their groceries and hot food takeout delivered.
But despite the growth in affordable commuter and delivery motorcycles, South Africa’s legacy motorcycle market remains very traditional. Having produced some of the most outstanding track, motocross and Dakar rally raid motorcycle racers, South Africans are strongly affiliated with two-wheeled adventure riding, which reflects in the buying patterns of motorcycle brands and aspirations in the local market.
Which are South Africa’s most esteemed motorcycle brands, and why?
The German luxury car brand has a history with motorcycles that goes back decades. Despite not inventing it, BMW can rightly claim to have entrenched the adventure motorcycle lifestyle in South Arica.
Recognising that some of its luxury car customers were seeking a solo vehicle for exploring South Africa’s rural splendour, BMW South Africa started marketing the GS motorcycle brand as a lifestyle offering in the late 1990s. That marketing genius delivered terrific results.
The BMW GS range is a default choice for adventure riders, and South Africa’s standing in the world of all things BMW, and off-road motorcycling, is such that the international GS challenge has often been hosted locally.
How did BMW go from a peripheral motorcycle brand in the mid-1990s to a dominant one by the mid-2000s? Brand adjacency, product categorisation and enablement. Unlike other motorcycle brands, BMW already had access to a loyal luxury goods customer base, thanks to its cars.
The genius was recognising that BMW car owners and brand followers did not want luxury on-road motorcycles, but adventure bikes, with BMW engineering and build quality.
The evolution of BMW’s GS range was precisely what late-entry motorcycle riders wanted. It combined the brand’s iconic horizontally opposed engine layout, with modern design and true all-terrain rideability. Allowing South Africans who wanted to own an adventure motorcycle the opportunity to buy one from a recognised BMW dealership, and upsell them all the related accessories and kit, has been vital to BMW’s success in the two-wheeled market.
Off-road motorcycles aside, BMW’s luxury touring bikes and the KL superbike, have also found a receptive audience in South Africa. Its brand presence in the luxury motorcycle market is immense.
Across the border from BMW’s headquarters in Munich, Germany, you’ll find KTM. The Austrian adventure bike and motocross brand is renowned for its orange colourways and off-road ability.
KTMs are regarded as more hardcore adventure bikes than BMW’s GS range, with the Austrian bikes having won multiple Dakar rally raids.
The Austrian brand also has a storied history in motocross, something BMW has never ventured to do.
Despite retailing at very premium prices, KTM has a loyal following in South Africa. It is regarded as the purists’ adventure and off-road touring bike, while hardcore motocross riders are drawn to the orange bike brand’s low-weight race bikes.
Beyond KTM’s traditional all-terrain models, it also markets a range of on-road sports bikes, ranging from 125- to 1290cc. For motorcycle enthusiasts who are slavishly committed to the Austrian brand’s legendary off-road bikes, the appeal of having a two-bike garage, with one of the road versions makes a lot of sense.
KTM’s brand development in the South African market is credited to its off-road bikes, but the addition of several road bike options has entrenched KTM’s appeal. KTM riders who would have once had to look to a rival Japanese brand for a road bike, are now happily served by the Austrian company’s expanded road bike range.
Although Honda cars and motorcycle retail through separate channels in South Africa, the brand adjacency is real. With a vast portfolio of motorcycles, from entry-level commuters to hyperbikes, Honda offers a model for every possible need.
In South Africa, Honda’s most iconic model is the powerful CRF 1100 Africa Twin. Serving the robust adventure bike market, this is a bike with Dakar rally raiding pedigree.
Riders who desire the Honda brand values and build quality in a more agile package can opt for the XL750 Transalp.
Unlike BMW or KTM, Honda offers authentic entry-level motorcycles for South African riders on a budget, such as its ACE 125. Although demand for superbikes and two-seater tourers remains low, the legendary GLH1800 Goldwing remain available for those Honda riders who prefer taking the bike for their coastal vacation instead of a car.
The brand’s enigmatic CBR1000 RR Fireblade continues to defend Honda’s sports and superbike reputation in the South African market.
Another Japanese motorcycle brand that does a lot, beyond two wheels, is Yamaha. Outboard engines, generator sets, musical instruments, and audio.
Yamaha’s multi-disciplinary engineering approach shows the depth of talent in its employ. And it’s no surprise that the brand produces some excellent motorcycles with a lot of local rider loyalty. For years, the R1 was a defining presence in the litre-superbike category, and Yamaha continues to be a very popular choice in the sportbike category.
Although Yamaha doesn’t offer a rival to BMW, KTM or Honda’s large-capacity off-road touring bikes, it does market the Ténéré 700, with a 689cc engine. This is an all-terrain bike which prioritises agility and rider feedback. For South African off-road adventure riders who value the more agile responses of a midsize bike, the Ténéré 700 has great appeal.
There is also an authentic utility element to Yamaha’s local standing, especially among South African farmers The TW200 is unquestionably the most popular agricultural bike.
With its low seat height, ease of maintenance and excellent stability across all riding surfaces, it’s not an exaggeration to state that there’s only one thing farmers love more than their bakkie, and that’s their TW200.
South Africa's motorcycle market has witnessed significant changes driven by rising fuel prices and the demand for delivery services. While cheap motorcycles cater to affordability and convenience, the country's traditional affinity for adventure riding remains strong.
BMW's GS range capitalized on this trend, leveraging its luxury car customer base to establish dominance in the adventure motorcycle segment. KTM, known for its hardcore off-road ability, attracts purist adventure riders and motocross enthusiasts. Honda offers a diverse range of motorcycles, including entry-level options and powerful adventure bikes. Yamaha excels in sportbikes and provides agile midsize bikes, along with popular utility models for farmers.
So, whether you're buying new or secondhand, make sure you get the right bike for your needs. And, get it to you with the top motorcycle transport companies in South Africa.
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