Great year for motorcycle sales

Figures from the Motor Cycle Industry Association show that UK registrations for 2015 were the highest for 33 years. “Consumer confidence and a stronger economy are just a few of the factors that contributed to boosted motorcycle registrations in 2015”, said Stephen Latham, head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) which represents motorcycle retailers across the UK.

2015 saw motorcycle manufacturers and dealers work together to demonstrate the benefits to customers acquiring their new machine on lease-purchase schemes on the back of continued low interest rates. As with the car industry this option of only paying for the part of the asset that has depreciated is popular with retail buyers and has been instrumental in boosting bike sales in 2015.

Latham continued, “The year ended with a 12.7 per cent increase in registrations, with 43,759 commuter bikes (51-125cc) put on the road – the highest on record since 1983 suggesting improved employment figures in the UK. This particular sector accounted for 38.3 per cent of bikes sold making them the largest single sector for registrations in the year.

“For some years now, sales of entry level low powered machines (0 – 50cc) have been on a downward trend and 2015 was no exception with a further decrease of -11.4 per cent. This sector now represents just 8.3 per cent of sales in the UK.

“All other higher power ranges showed signs of a significant increase – with the highest volume coming from the 650 – 1000cc machines, which at a growth of 24.9 per cent represented 1 in 5 of all bikes sold. Growth in this sector clearly demonstrates the return of the established rider that generally purchases for leisure and sport reasons.

“Feedback from motorcycle dealers is positive as they believe the market could further increase by 8 – 10 per cent over the course of 2016. The NMDA looks forward to seeing what the January figures hold as an early indicator for the market this year.”