Yamaha has replaced Harley-Davidson as the top brand rated by Australian riders, while Shoei is the top helmet, Aplinestars best for gear and Pirelli the best tyre.
The results come from the second annual survey of 1079 riders by customer satisfaction research and ratings business Canstar Blue.
Top motorcycle brands
Only the seven most popular road bikes were surveyed with Yamaha ahead of BMW, Harley-Davidson and Honda all on five stars, then Ducati, Suzuki and Kawasaki on three stars.
Bikes were assed on six characteristics including reliability, value, comfort, handling, mileage and after-sales service.
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(* In all survey sections, “Overall Ssatisfaction” is an individual rating and not a combined total of all ratings. Brands with equal overall satisfaction ratings are listed in alphabetical order.)
“Motorcycle riders want to look and feel good when they’re on the road, and also feel safe,” Megan says.
“Safety should be an important consideration when they are deciding which accessories to buy. It’s important that things like helmets, jackets, boots and gloves fit an individual properly and provide the level of comfort and protection they need.”
Top motorcycle helmets
Shoei GT-Air Suzuki MotoGP helmetIn the helmets section assessing eight brands, Shoei scored five stars and jumped from sixth to replace last year’s leader, Nolan which dropped to sixth wth three stars.
Helmets were assessed on value, comfort, fit, ease of cleaning, durability, noise dampening and vision. Riders spent an average of $309 on their helmets.
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Top motorcycle gloves
In the gloves section, Alpinestars claimed the first of two customer satisfaction awards by topping the ratings table, replacing DriRider from 2015. Only the most popular five glove brands were assessed. Aussies spent an average of $89 on their gloves.
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Top motorcycle boots
Alpinestars also picked up the inaugural award for motorcycle boots, ahead of four other brands. Consumers spent an average of $227 on their latest motorcycle boots.
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Top motorcycle jackets
DriRider GT leather JacketDriRider held on to its title of the highest rated brand of the top four motorcycle jackets assessed. Consumers spent an average of $354 on their newest jackets.
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Top motorcycle tyres
Pirelli replaced Michelin at the top of the tyres table of four popular brands. Consumers spent an average of $240 on their most recent tyres purchase.
They were assessed on value, life, wet/dry handling and braking ability.
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Megan says that while every rider is different, the Canstar Blue ratings offer a helpful overall guide on how other riders rate the products they own.
“Customer reviews are a great way to help you make better informed decision,” she says.