October motorcycle sales bounce back

Figures released by the Motor Cycle Industry Association show that, in October, sales of motorcycles were 14.2 per cent higher than the same month last year, at 8,504 registrations. The year to date figure was 102,229 registrations; 12.4 per cent up on the same period for 2014; in total 1059 more new machines were registered compared with this time last year.

“Following last month’s disappointing sales figures on the back of the 65-plate change, it was encouraging to see the October market bounced back with a healthy overall growth in motorcycle sales”, said Stephen Latham, head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) which represents motorcycle retailers across the UK.

Latham continued, “Sales of scooters and naked bikes were up significantly by 18.8 per cent and 22.3 per cent – with many of the sales coming from the 125cc sector, purchased by new riders and commuters.

“In the larger 651 – 1000cc sector, the increase in sales stemmed from the more experienced riders who are benefiting from continued low finance rates and personal leasing programmes offered by manufacturers.

“Both Honda and Yamaha were the leading manufacturers in October, primarily down to them having a broad range of 125cc motorcycles on offer. In third place was budget brand Lexmoto with 841 entry level sales – almost double of its nearest competitor Triumph who sold 442 bikes.

“There has been speculation and concern among motorcycle dealers that Lexmoto’s value for money offerings in the marketplace is pulling customers away from the more established brands.

“Dealers are feeling confident following this month’s bounce back, and the NMDA looks forward to seeing what the final few months of 2015 has to offer in the motorcycle market.”