Plate change marks 2.2 percent increase in motorcycle market

 

“Sales were up 2.2% in the motorcycle market during September, marking a positive plate change month. On average year-to-date each month on average has seen around 9,300 bikes registered, however 12,493 bikes were sold in September, 34% more units than the average month”, said Stephen Latham, Head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) which represents motorcycle retailers across the UK.

 

Most sectors performed well, in particular the naked bikes range which has been performing well throughout 2018. September marked a 19.2% rise, making it the largest sector in the UK market. The most significant growth in this power range came from the 51-125cc and the 126-650cc range.

 

The growth in the low power 51-125cc range was expected after the oversupply and self-registration that went on 18 months ago over the change from euro-3 to euro-4 that distorted the market. The growth in mid-range machines 126-650cc can be put down to a more diverse range models that have entered the market to appeal to younger riders who want to move up from the 125cc small motorcycles.

 

Latham continued, “Manufacturer wise, Honda, Yamaha and BMW were the market leaders this month, and the bestselling machine was the ‘supersport’ Yamaha YZF R125 ABS registering 341 machines.

 

“Dealers are optimistic that 2018 registrations will continue to grow and be up at least 2% up on 2017 and in line with predictions”.