Commuter bikes offer only good news as two-wheel registrations dip 3.5%

The latest motorcycle and scooter registration figures show sales overall were down 3.5 per cent last month compared with April 2011. Under 50cc scooter sales were down the most (9.6%) in April, while over 50cc motorcycle decreased by 2.5 per cent. There was however growth in two segments. Sales of Adventure Sport and 51-125cc Scooter bikes shot up 47.5 per cent and 8.9 per cent respectively.

Sue Robinson, Director of the RMI National Franchised Dealers Association which represents motorcycle and franchised car retailers across the UK commented: “The poorest performing sectors were the custom, super sport, touring and trail bikes.  With people’s disposable income shrinking, the demand for these larger motorcycles has noticeably dropped, as they are often considered a non-essential purchase.”

“It appears the Adventure Sport motorcycle is now being purchased as a form of commuter transport resulting in the increase in sales. It seems that more working professionals that commute into the cities are choosing to this type of motorcycle as a way of cutting down on travelling time and costs,” Sue Robinson concluded.