IRVINE, Calif. — The hard hit economy affected U.S. sales of new motorcycles in the first quarter of 2009, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council. Sales were down a total of 30.5 percent, compared to the same period last year, among 12 of the leading brands.

Generally affordable, fuel-efficient dual-purpose motorcycles declined the least, by 24 percent. Sales in the off-highway market declined the most, by 39.7 percent, some of which is linked to the government’s ban on youth models due to a new law regarding lead content in consumer products.

“There are still many customers wanting new motorcycles, both veteran riders and those wanting to join in the fun and gain the benefits,” said Tim Buche, president of the Motorcycle Industry Council. “But, in reaction to the economy, there have been some production cuts. And the lead ban turned many parents away from buying new dirt bikes for their kids."

“There’s a need for wholesale financing to help keep dealerships supplied with inventory, and a need for consumer credit to loosen up so that dealerships can get those new bikes out on the roads and on the trails. It’s very hard to get retail financing now, even if you have good credit,” he added.

The early year sales decline follows a relatively flat year for motorcycles. The MIC’s preliminary estimate for all motorcycles and scooters sold nationwide in 2008 is 1,087,000, down just 3.3 percent compared to 2007. Sales still topped the one-million mark, and did so for the sixth straight year. That beat the longest run of million-plus sales ever recorded by the MIC, during the five years from 1970 to 1974.

Scooter sales last year reached their highest annual level ever, currently estimated at 222,000. Among the major brands, scooter sales through the first quarter of 2009 were down 36.7 percent compared to the first three months of 2008. Sales in the on-highway market declined by 27.3 percent.