NOVEMBER SEES POSITIVE GROWTH IN MOTORCYCLE MARKET, ENDING FIVE CONSECUTIVE MONTHS OF CONTRACTION

“Following a challenging year for the motorcycle market, it is positive to see a month of growth, with total registrations up by 9.7%, ending five consecutive months of contraction. This will come as reassurance to industry stakeholders as we approach the festive period” says Symon Cook, Head of National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA), commenting on the latest MCIA figures.

In November, there was a 9.7% increase in total registrations, from 6,316 to 6,926 units. Total motorcycle sales grew significantly by 12.9% from 5,859 to 6,615 units, whilst moped registrations decreased by -31.8% to 283 units. Year-to-date figures show a decrease of -2.9% for total registrations.

The various categories of motorcycles exhibited a wide range of performances, ‘Modern Classic’ saw a sizeable increase of 51.9% for the month to 735 units. ‘Adventure’ also rose by 22.6% to 1,322 units. ‘Scooter’ saw a decrease of -6.5% from 1,790 to 1,674 units.

Electric motorcycles saw an increase of 11.7% from 239 to 267 units. Year-to-date electric figures are still lagging behind last year’s corresponding period by -7.2%.

In terms of the different ICE capacities, the 126-500cc category witnessed growth (21.1%), whereas the larger engines also saw some increases, with 751-1000cc rising by 20.5%. 1000cc+ engines contracted by -6.7%.

Honda is once again the best-selling brand of the month, with 1,317 units sold, followed by Yamaha (818) and BMW (454), whilst Keeway rounded out the top ten with 220 models sold.

Symon Cook concluded: “The figures offer an encouraging boost and hold the promise of building momentum as we move into 2025, yet it is important to note that the numbers remain lower than those recorded during the same period last year.

“It is good to see an improvement in the electric market, however, it remains that there needs to be more governmental support and clarity here to ensure consistency.

“Earlier this month, NMDA held a Parliamentary breakfast, jointly with the National Motorcyclists Council. The breakfast hosted by Fabian Hamilton MP, was a great opportunity to reflect on 2024 as well as on the opportunities and challenges in 2025. Collaboration between manufacturers, policymakers and riders will be key in the year ahead.”