Double digit growth in September motorcycle sales

A total of 2,359 more motorcycles were registered in September 2016 compared to the same period in 2015. “September saw exceptional growth in the motorcycle market – recording a growth of 17.3 per cent following the 66-plate change,” said Stephen Latham, head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) which represents motorcycle retailers across the UK.

Latham continued, “All power ranges above 50cc outperformed figures from September 2015 – in particular the top end motorcycles over 1000cc which saw a massive 35.9 per cent increase registering 3415 machines compared to 2512 units in the same month last year. These high powered top-end bikes usually retail over the £10K mark, therefore are likely to be ordered to be supplied with the new 66-plate so they hold residual value up for long

“Mid-range powered motorcycles (126-650cc) also did well posting an increase of 41.7 per cent in the month – this power range has seen the most significant growth throughout 2016 up 13.6 per cent. So far in 2016 over 101,000 motorcycles of all sizes have been registered, and just 2 years ago the NMDA was predicting this number as an overall year end figure, so it is extremely positive to see the sector has now  achieved this in just 9 months.

“As with previous months, Honda led the manufacturer brands with 2,603 sales, followed closely by Yamaha who registered 1,965 sales, and BMW in third place with 1510 registrations. In August BMW registered just 226 machines, so this is a clear indication that consumers held back till this month to have the latest number plate on their new bikes.

“The desire to bear the latest plate clearly shows in the difference between discretionary purchases from enthusiastic experienced riders against the demands from necessity for basic commuter transport where the number plate is less important. This is indicated by the budget brand Lexmoto falling back from third to seventh position with 934 sales.

“The market looks buoyant to the end of this year with many dealers and manufacturers focused on clearing all their Euro 3 stock prior to the January deadline where they will then move over to more expensive Euro 4 products. With the weak value of sterling, prices should be rising now but many are holding back to ensure the Euro 3 product is moved on. The introduction of Euro 4 product in the New Year will enable many importers and manufacturers to mask their currency price increase into the Euro 4 price hike. Until then we predict the market will continue to perform well for the remainder of 2016.”