BMW Motorrad USA released their 2017 motorcycle sales figures last week and the German manufacturer was down 1.3 percent from 2016. In 2017, the company sold 13,546 motorcycles, slightly down from 13,730 motorcycles sold in 2016.

In a fantastic piece of PR spin, BMW was quick to point out, that despite losses, they outpaced the rest of the industry. 

“BMW Motorrad reported sales of 13,546 motorcycles for 2017, down just 1.3% from the 13,730 motorcycles sold in 2016. However, despite the slight downturn, BMW outpaced the rest of the motorcycle industry (which was down 3.2%) and its relevant competition (which was down 6.3%).”

In the announcement, BMW said sales in December 2017 increased 37.3 percent (1,270 units) compared to December 2016 (925 units). They also said “BMW Motorrad USA posted a 15% growth in sales from September through December compared to the same period in 2016, and showed a 27% growth in sales from November through December in 2017 compared to the previous year.”

“We are proud to report these impressive results despite current market conditions,” commented Michael Peyton, vice president, BMW Motorrad North America. “BMW Motorrad USA achieved all-time record sales in November, while December 2017 was our best December since 2004 and our fourth consecutive month of sales growth.”

BMW said the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure accounted for 15 percent of December sales volume.