Good August demand for motorcycles despite imminent plate change

“In what is traditionally a low volume month for motorcycle registrations, it was encouraging to see a strong 4 per cent growth in sales over the same period last year – ahead of the 66-plate change next month”, said Stephen Latham, Head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) which represents motorcycle retailers across the UK.

Overall demand for motorcycles was up 5.6  per cent year-to-date – marking eight continuous months of growth so far in 2016.

Latham continued, “Demand for practical motorcycles with small and medium size engines has been strong, with both the naked and scooter sectors up 14.7 per cent and 15.9 per cent growth in August. In total both sectors recorded 4430 (53.1 per cent) registrations between them, dominating the overall total of 8341 registrations in the month. Both Keeway Superlight and the Lexmoto Adrenaline took the best seller positions in the adventure sport and custom sectors.

“The top selling power machines in the August market were both the 125cc and mid-power up to 650cc with growths of 12.2 per cent and 17.9 per cent respectfully.

“Larger bikes in the expensive 650cc and 1000cc power range saw a minor decline, where it is likely buyers are holding out for the new 66-plate in September.

“As with previous months, Honda led the manufacturer brands with 1330 sales, followed closely by Yamaha who registered 1181 sales, and Lexmoto in third place with 866 registrations.

“There is a general feeling of confidence among the big bike dealers that the market will continue with the upward trend we have been seeing over the months. We expect the September market to be strong as the enthusiastic bikers return to the market to purchase larger prestigious machines with the new 66-plate.”