Motorcycle sales rise, despite imminent plate change

Commenting on the release of figures from the Motor Cycle Industry Association for new motorcycle registrations in August, Stephen Latham, Head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) which represents motorcycle retailers across the UK, said: “In what is traditionally a slow volume month for motorcycle registrations, it was encouraging to see a healthy 13.9 per cent growth in sales, ahead of the 65-plate change next month.”

Over the last four years, we have seen registrations in the month of August average at 6500 units. August 2014 saw 6980 bikes registered, however this year it was extremely positive to see a total of 7951 motorcycles registered – indicating a strong demand in the market.

Latham continued, “All bike sectors showed increased growth in August– apart from the 50cc bikes which saw a -15.5 per cent decline.

“The most significant growth came from the larger 651 – 1000ccc sector which recorded a 38 per cent growth. There has also been increased demand in the ‘naked’ bike sector, which recorded a 29 per cent increase, with the Honda CB 125 F’ model overtaking sales within it.

“The market in 2015 so far has remained stable, showing an average continuous growth of 13.2 per cent, suggesting that confidence in the economy is strong. We look forward to seeing what next month’s market holds following the 65-plate change.”