UK Motorcycle Sales Plummet in Early 2025 – Can the Industry Recover?

DATE: 19/03/2025

The UK motorcycle market is facing a tough start to 2025, with sales continuing to trend in the wrong direction. After a sluggish January, February followed suit with an even steeper decline—down by a staggering 30% compared to the same period last year.

According to the latest data, only 3,215 motorcycles were registered in February, with larger-capacity bikes taking the hardest hit. However, the downturn wasn't limited to just big bikes—every segment of the market felt the squeeze. This sharp drop follows what was already a disastrous January, marking the worst start to the year since 2021.

Why Are Motorcycle Sales Down?

While a decline was anticipated, the sheer scale of the drop has caught many by surprise. In contrast, 2024 was a record-breaking year for some brands, with Triumph achieving its best-ever sales figures and Honda also seeing strong growth. However, industry insiders suggest several key factors are at play in this downturn:

• Pre-Registration Impact: The Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) had already warned that high levels of pre-registrations in late 2024 would distort early 2025 sales figures.

• Economic Uncertainty: Ongoing economic policies introduced by the Government in October have dented consumer confidence and increased costs for businesses.

• Shifting Buying Trends: Smaller-capacity scooters have dominated the market, with models like the Honda PCX125 outselling larger motorcycles by a factor of four.

Can March and Spring Save the Industry?

Looking ahead, industry leaders are hoping for a turnaround as the traditional riding season kicks off. Tony Campbell, CEO of the MCIA, remains cautious but hopeful:

“We fully expected the market drop to continue through this quarter and will continue to monitor closely. A strong March and Spring will be critical if the year is to recover. However, the Government’s current economic policies are damaging confidence, and without a shift in direction, the outlook remains uncertain.”

With key riding months ahead, all eyes will be on whether motorcycle dealerships can bounce back or if 2025 is set to be one of the most challenging years in recent memory.