May motorcycle sales show year-on-year rise

May UK motorcycle sales figures show that there were 10,509 more machines registered than in May 2013 with sales reflecting new confidence in the market and economy.

“It is extremely positive to see that the motorcycle market was up by an impressive 8.2 per cent in May,” said Stephen Latham, Head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) which represents motorcycle retailers across the UK.

The most significant improvement comes from the 651-1000cc sector which was up 15.7 per cent, showing that the mature rider is returning to the market and buying new bikes – possibly motivated by the better weather conditions experienced this year.

Latham continued, “The sub 50cc lightweight market increased 3.3 per cent in May – this is the first increase in this sector for a significant period, suggesting encouragement among young riders is growing.

“In the first quarter of 2014, sales of powered two-wheelers increased by more than 12.3 per cent. An additional 4,700 machines have been sold this year so far indicating optimism among dealers as a result of the many personal-leasing packages on offer from motorcycle manufacturers at the moment.”