Motorcycle sales up in February, scooter sales drop

The Motor Cycle Industry Association is encouraged by the small rise in demand for motorcycles, though with the caveat that scooter registrations have declined. “Demand for motorcycles in February was up 1.2 per cent on the same period last year, registering 3943 units. However, scooter registrations were down -2.1 per cent,” said Stephen Latham, head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA), which represents motorcycle retailers across the UK.

As well as expressing concern for the decline in scooter sales, the NMDA stated that it is positive to see that the issues with the euro 3-4 bikes, which affected sales of low powered machine sales last year, must have now passed through. Sales of 125cc have also modestly increased by 4.4 per cent in February and up 2.2 per cent for the year.

Most sectors in the market were up, with the exception of the sport and touring motorcycles. Sales of mid-size machines in the 126-650cc range were up 32.1 per cent with 2085 bikes registered so far this year and top of the range machines above 1000cc also recorded a healthy growth up 18.9 per cent.

Latham continued, “With the growing epidemic of crime involving scooters in metropolitan towns and cities, it is not surprising that scooter sales are down.

“February is typically a quiet month for new registrations due to poor weather conditions and many traditional riders holding off until the new 18-plate is launched in March.”