Slow starting market could mean deals

Latest figures show bike sales were down 15 per cent to the end of March 2004 compared to the same three months of 2003. But that slow market could be good news for some.

It could mean you’ll be in a strong position to do some bargaining if you’re ready to buy right now. But be warned, the willingness to do deals may not last.

Official MCIA figures show 22,927 bikes have been sold this year, to the end of March, compared to 26,919 in 2003. But in 2003 we had great early-season weather to drive the sales. This year hasn’t been as bright, so far.

Experts say there are already signs that this could be another scorching summer and as temperatures rise and roads dry the rush to dealers will put the brakes on hot deals.

So this could be the right time to strike. If you’re thinking of selling your bike, click on BIKES FOR SALE in our navigation bar for the fastest way to do it.

Yamaha’s R1 is the UK’s biggest seller so far this year.

The biggest selling bikes of the year so far are: 1. Yamaha R1 (753), 2. Honda CBR600RR (583) 3. Honda CBR125R (582), 4. Suzuki SV650S (482), 5. Honda SCV100 Lead (458), 6. Yamaha FZ6 Fazer (442), 7. Piaggio NRG (420), 8. Suzuki GSX-R1000 (386), 9. Piaggio Zip 50 (383), 10. Honda XR125L (375)

Top fives by capacity:

(126cc-650cc) 1. CBR600RR (583), 2. SV650S (482), 3. FZ6 Fazer (442), 4. Kawasaki ZX-6R (355), 5. Yamaha R6 (310)

(651cc-plus) 1. R1 (753), 2. GSX-R1000 (386), 3. Aprilia RSV Mille (325), 4. Yamaha FZS 1000 Fazer (208), Suzuki GSX-R750 (202).