Motorcycle registrations continue upward trend

“Power Two Wheelers (PTWs) have shown a positive year-on-year increase of 11.2% (14,863 units) in June. However the most significant numbers come when comparing to June 2019, where sales were up 28% (11,643 units) , at which time dealers were not working under any covid-19 related restrictions.”, said Paddy O’Connell, Head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) which represents PTW dealers in the UK, commenting on the latest MCIA’s figures.

Once again, sales of Electric Powered Two-Wheeled Vehicles (EPTWs) continued their upward trend in June with an increase of 153% (633 units), both overachieving year on year and adding to the 2,619 registrations year to date for 2021. This increasingly important mode of transport is helping to raise the profile of the PTW industry, as government and consumers look to sustainable, carbon neutral forms of mobility. A reminder of EVA (Electric Vehicle Approved), the accreditation scheme developed by NFDA to certify retailers' excellence in the electric vehicle sector. The scheme has been endorsed by the Government's Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) and the Energy Saving Trust (EST)*.

In June, larger engine scooters (51-125cc) were dominated by the Yamaha NMAX 125 with 781 registered units, more than doubling the numbers for any other single model, from any category. Naked bikes continue to lead the motorcycle sector with 3,101 registrations in June. Adventure bikes closed the gap with a 40.7% increase year on year to 2,999 units. 251 of these registrations came from BMW with their R1250 GS Adventure model.

Honda was the brand leader in June with 2,661 units registered, followed by Yamaha (1,901 units) and BMW (1,464 units) completing the top three spots.

Paddy O’Connell added, “With the PTW finally being recognised by Government as a viable option for mobility, the main issue to consider now remains manufacturer supply. With all major brands largely being in the same situation, managing customer expectations becomes paramount.

“The NMDA continues to encourage members to join our quarterly NMDA meetings to share experiences of all the support that NMDA membership can offer, and to get behind the #DestinationDealer campaign. This initiative is to help dealers reconnect with their customers and remind them that motorcycle and scooter showrooms are not just a place to transact, they are also a place to chat, have a coffee, look at the new products and meet up with like-minded people”.