Motorcycle sales blossom as Spring sun fuels market rebound following difficult start to the year

The UK motorcycle market has begun to show initial signs of recovery after being battered by a sales shortfall of nearly 30% in the first two months of 2025. 

• Related: Concerns mount as more major motorcycle dealership chains enter administration amid sales shortfall

According to data provided by the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA), March saw 13,086 new machines registered. 

While still in the red, with numbers down 22.1% year-on-year, March’s registration volumes represent a steady improvement on the market dip of roughly a third reported in both January and February (compared with 2024’s figures). Sales are expected to pick up further over the coming weeks.

Dealers are beginning to see momentum return as leftover non-Euro 5+ stock, pre-registered before the January cut-off, starts to clear, and the traditional spring surge gets underway. 

“As we move into the main selling season, the March market has started to show the expected signs of recovery,” said MCIA CEO Tony Campbell.  

“Looking ahead to April (and with the weather on our side), we forecast the new bike market to return close to the volumes seen in previous years, provided the unfolding trade war does not worsen over the next few weeks.” 

Adventure models struggled to sell throughout the month, falling 26% to 3075 units registered. Naked and custom machines dropped by a similar margin, while touring took the largest hit at 31.3% down. Scooters, while not immune to the downturn, fared slightly better. 

Honda led the brand charts with 2760 registrations in March, followed by BMW on 1778 and Triumph with 1491. Unsurprisingly, Honda’s uber-popular PCX125 scooter was the UK’s top seller overall – although BMW’s R1300GS also made a strong showing, topping both the over-1000cc category and adventure bike categories. 

“Consumer confidence is already low, and with the added economic uncertainty worsening by decisions being taken across the pond, it is difficult to predict how our sector and market will eventually react,” Campbell continued.  

“The motorcycle market has historically performed well during challenging economic times as it provides affordable mobility and attracts a loyal and passionate customer base. 

“We are calling on the UK Government to make every effort possible to secure a speedy, workable trade arrangement with the U.S so as to avoid further damage to the wider economy.” 

Eyes now turn to April, where sunnier skies should push seasonal demand up towards familiar levels.