New bike sales rise

Bike sales for June were up 2% compared to June 2004 – according to the Motor Cycle Industry Association.

Adventure sport remains the fastest growing category of bike. Compared to June 2004 sales of this style of bike are up 41%. The BMW R1200 GS continues to be the biggest selling bike in the category – as it has been for the first six months of the year.

Figures for the year to date (ie Jan-Jun 2005) show Adventure (27%), naked (16%) and custom (10%) continue to be the three biggest growth sectors and together they now account for one-third of all new motorcycle registrations. Versatility, it seems, is becoming more important to buyers.

Craig Carey-Clinch, the MCI’s Director of Public Affairs said, “Even though the weather has been variable this year, more bikes are being registered as people realise there a plenty of different types of motorcycles and a diversity of things you can use them for. Trail riding, commuting, holidays, touring, long distance over-landing, leisure riding or track days are some of the activities riders of all ages, experiences and abilities are enjoying.”

Despite all that, the biggest selling bike in the UK remains one of the most focused – the Suzuki GSX-R1000, with 1772 sold so far this year. And the top 10 remains dominated by full-on sports bikes.

Top 10 sellers this year so far:

1. Suzuki GSX-R1000 (1772)

2. Honda CBR1000RR (1421)

3. Honda CBR125R (1372)

4. Kawasaki ZX-6R (1121)

5. BMW R1200GS (1109)

6. Yamaha R1 (1085)

7. Yamaha R6 (1053)

8. Honda CBR600RR (974)

9. Honda SCV 100 Lead (936)

10. Suzuki GSX-R600 (887)