New motorcycle registrations have shown marginal growth as we move out of Q1 and into Q2, although compared to previous years the motorcycle market still seems turbulent.
April saw a modicum of growth (1.1 per cent) in new bike sales, although this was mainly driven by low-capacity and low-cost bikes with the MCIA data showing the newly announced Triumph Speed 400 as one of the stars of the 125 to 500cc segment. The overall growth in the market was bolstered further by a 4.4 per cent uplift in scooter sales, with mopeds also up 24.9 per cent.
The large-capacity motorcycle market faired less well in April, with the 501 to 750cc and 1000cc plus segments falling a combined 10.1 per cent. The 751 to 1000cc segment also faltered, with new bike registrations down 8.9 per cent. The drop in sales for larger capacity (and more expensive to buy, run and insure) machines, further highlights a desire from consumers to hold on to their money at a time when the cost of living continues to bite, with the looming general election on July 4th adding further uncertainty.
May proved to be a better month for new bike sales, with the MCIA reporting a 2.6 per cent increase in sales compared to May 2023. The year-to-date number is also up on 2023, although fractionally at just 0.7 per cent ahead of the same period last year and just like it was in April, it’s the small capacity bikes that are doing the majority of the heavy lifting. The MCIA reports that electric bike sales increased by 0.6 per cent, while combustion bikes overall were up 1.4 per cent, with the 51 to 500cc segment showing the most growth with a healthy 11.9 per cent uplift on the same period in 2023.
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