Motorcycle sales stable in May

Year to date figures from the Motor Cycle Industry Association show that the market stands at 44,695 units registered – only 158 more bikes sold than the same period last year.

“Following a challenging year in 2017 for new motorcycle registrations due to the oversupply of run-out euro-3’s, we were expecting better results this year, however, whilst the market is stable, registrations have only improved 0.7 per cent in May, said Stephen Latham, head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) which represents motorcycle retailers across the UK.

Most power sectors are doing better than last year, with the exception of the sub 50cc models which have seen an ongoing downward trend, and more concerningly, the   -15.9 per cent decline in larger 651 – 1000cc machines which are generally purchased by more experienced riders who are bike enthusiasts and look to change their machines often. This sector has registered just 10,744 units so far this year, down by almost 2,000 bikes on the same period last year. It is likely that manufacturers will revaluate their finance packages and PCP offerings soon in order to attract demand.

Latham continued, “There are several reasons the market seems to be struggling. Firstly, economic uncertainty and negotiations over Brexit has left consumers with concerns about their financial security. Secondly the surge in reports of moped crimes in some cites which is deterring many from purchasing bikes.

“Manufacturer wise, Honda topped the list this month with 1,800 registrations, followed by Yamaha in second position with 1,553 sales, and Triumph in third position registering 1,014 machines.

“Overall, whilst dealers are slightly concerned that bikes sales are slow, they are optimistic that the market will pick up over the coming months.”