Commuters and staycationers support motorcycle market

“September has proven a great month for motorcycle dealers with an overall 11.8% rise in registrations, testament to the operational capabilities of the dealer networks to cope with pent-up demand and respond to the growing consumer interest”, said Patrick O’Connell, Head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) which represents motorcycle retailers across the UK.

Overall motorcycle sales rose by 11.8% in September to 14,513 units, equating to 1,535 more units than September last year. This uplift is partly due to the pent-up demand through the lockdown period, however, year on year change has now been reduced to only -8.3%, showing a strong marketplace.

NMDA’s covid-19 “safe to ride” campaign has continued to support consumer demand as more people take to two wheels to avoid public transport and stay mobile. A 43.4% increase in the 0-50cc bracket, coupled with a 20.9% increase in the 51-125cc bracket show strong growth in the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) friendly market, potentially an indication of new riders or commuters*.

A 15.4% increase in the adventure sport category, including the highest selling of all models (BMW R1250 GS Adventure – 277 units), indicates a great faith from riders in this sector of the market.

Lexmoto made significant gains with the Echo Plus and Aspire 50, only overshadowed by the stalwart Honda PCX125 as the highest selling scooter in September, helping Honda to remain as the top brand and Lexmoto to achieve the fourth spot. BMW and Yamaha were in second and third position respectively.

Although small numbers, Electric Powered bikes showed a 90.3% increase across all power bands, as more EV options from a number of manufacturers are making their way into the showrooms. The over 50% growth in the over 35KW bracket could indicate that a proportion of current riders are confident enough to move away from traditionally powered bikes.

Patrick O’Connell continued, “The motorcycle market continues to benefit from commuters switching to bikes as an alternative to public transport as well as those avoiding travel abroad and looking at other ways to spend money on leisure and ‘touring staycations’ within the UK”.

“Q4 will be an interesting time for dealers as the lack of supply for some new models and the run-out of Euro 4 powered bikes by 2021 dominates dealers’ mindsets. With some manufacturers not even having Euro 5 models in production yet, NMDA continues to monitor and offer support to members”.