Motorcycle registrations down in February

Published: 14 March 2017 Updated: 14 March 2017

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New motorcycle registrations were down by a whopping 21.6% in February compared to the same time last year, with 2000 fewer new bikes sold so far in 2017.

The dip comes after a successful 2016 which saw registrations for new motorcycles , scooters and mopeds rise by 11.7%, with a total of 128,644 new machines registered. There was also a surge of pre-registrations in December of Euro3-spec bikes.

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Stephen Latham, Head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA), said: “Almost all sectors suffered a decline in sales – with scooters showing the most significant decrease of -28.6 per cent. This sector was one of the biggest contributors to the December pre-reg issue. Similarly, when reviewing the power/cc split, it was the 51-125cc machines that saw the largest decline in the market – down -34.3 per cent.

“Honda was the leading manufacturer in February, followed by Yamaha and BMW, however it is worth noting that due to the lower volumes this February, none of these big manufacturers registered more than 1000 machines.

“Generally retailers are reporting that established leisure riders are returning to the showrooms looking for replacement bikes as the new season gets underway.

“Registrations in February are traditionally low as many buyers wait for the new number plate in March, so it is expected bike sales in March – particularly of the larger brands – will help stabilise the motorcycle market. We look forward to seeing how the market unfolds with interest.”

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By Liam Marsden

Former MCN Web Producer