MOTORCYCLE MARKET CONTRACTS FOR THIRD CONSECUTIVE MONTH, NMDA CALLS FOR GOVERNMENT SUPPORT IN UPCOMING BUDGET

“August marks the third consecutive month of contraction in the motorcycle market, capping off a disappointing summer” says Symon Cook, Head of National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA), commenting on the latest MCIA figures.

In August, there was a -5.8% decrease in total registrations, from 8,209 to 7,735 units. Total motorcycle sales fell by -6.4% from 7,665 to 7,173 units, whilst moped registrations increased by 6.2% to 516 units. Year-to-date figures show a slight decline of -2.1% for total registrations.

The various categories of motorcycles exhibited a wide range of performances, ‘Modern Classic’ witnessed growth of 23.3% for the month to 1,005 units. ‘Adventure’ saw a drop of -15.3% to 1,099 units. ‘Custom’ saw a decrease of -7.3% from 627 to 581 units.

Electric motorcycles saw modest growth of 5.7% from 334 to 353 units. Year-to-date electric figures still remain just below the corresponding period last year, down -1.4% from 2,647 to 2,611 units.

In terms of the different ICE capacities, the 126-500cc category witnessed growth (19.3%), whereas the larger engines saw a decrease, with 751-1000cc contracting by -15.0% and 1000cc+ contracting by -23.2%.

Honda has once again emerged as the best-selling brand of the month, with 1,168 units sold, followed by Yamaha (893) and Triumph (726), whilst Keeway rounded out the top ten with 232 models sold.

Symon Cook concluded: “A positive takeaway from the figures is that the electric subcategory experienced modest growth after several months of consecutive declines when compared to the same period last year.

“It is evident that the Government must take further action to restore consumer confidence. The upcoming budget in October presents the Government with an opportunity to address many of the issues, as outlined in NMDA’s General Election Manifesto.*

“As we enter the final quarter of the year, the '74 plate change in September should provide a boost as we transition from the end of the warmer months into winter.”