October 2020 Registrations

UK 

09/11/2020

A return to full lockdown in England through November, shutting the majority of UK dealer showrooms, will obviously hinder continuing sales recovery. But October’s registration figures were generally sound. BDN financial editor Roger Willis reports.

According to MCIA data, overall monthly progress delivered an impressive 24.3% rise to 8856 machines. Motorcycles were 20.2% up to 5756. Scooters grew by 25.7% to 2126. Mopeds stacked on 49.6% to 869 and trikes added 64.1% to 105.

Up-to-125cc commuter products led the charge and accounted for more than half of October’s market — climbing by 45.7% to 4827 small scooters, motorcycles and mopeds. For the year to date, this “self-isolation” sector has now achieved a Covid-busting 10.9% increase to 39,650. However, the 126cc-plus spread was considerably weaker. Numbers were just 5.6% higher at 4029 on a monthly basis. And the YTD tally has fallen by 15.8% to 51,082.

During October, over-1000cc bikes copped a 6.4% decline. But that may be associated with an inventory famine. Best-selling BMW R1200GS variants disappeared from view and the brand slid to seventh in manufacturer rankings, its monthly registrations 10.7% down.

At the top of those rankings, Honda leadership was maintained by almost a third of its 1271 registrations consisting of PCX125 scooter and CB125F motorcycle models, a combined volume of 384. But that paled into insignificance against the enormity of Lexmoto’s domination of the up-to-125cc firmament. In hot pursuit, the Chinese flag-carrier had shifted 1100 bikes, a massive 64.7% hike.

Yamaha, relegated to final podium step, retreated by 1.3% to 809. But at least shame was ameliorated by the satisfaction of seeing its Ténéré 700 usurp BMW from otherwise regular Adventure Sport plaudits.

A trio of high achievers followed. KTM in fourth enjoyed a 39.4% lift and fifth-placed Triumph was 17.8% up. But some of the 476 bikes it plated were rumoured to be unhomologated specification stock originally destined for Far Eastern consumption, therefore subject to SVAs and preregistration. Kawasaki took sixth spot, flaunting 46.9% growth, with the keenly-priced and efficacious Ninja 1000SX earning both Sport/Tour and over-1000cc accolades.

MotoGB’s Chinese Keeway and Taiwanese SYM brands then made rare guest appearances. Along with Piaggio in tenth, 9.1% down on the previous October, they evicted Harley-Davidson, Suzuki and Royal Enfield from chart contention — although 83 examples of the latter’s Interceptor 650 twin held onto status as star of the 126-650cc show for a sixth consecutive month.

Total YTD volume stood at 90,732, a mere 5.9% in arrears after ten months of 2020 but 16,676 bikes short of break-even versus the full-year figure for 2019. Given November’s lockdown and a headwind from widespread stock shortages, complete recovery will almost certainly now be impossible. And an illusory advance due to any last-minute rush to preregister underogated Euro 4 machinery will only serve to queer the pitch.

UK 

09/11/2020

“The October motorcycle market showed a significant 24.3% increase over this time last year, testament to the robustness and ability of our dealers to react to the increasing demand”, said Paddy O’Connell, Head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA), which represents motorcycle dealers in the UK, commenting on the latest MCIA motorcycle sales figures.

The motorcycle market showed a significant 24.3% increase in October over this time last year, from 7,126 units to 8,856.  Notably, Scooters and Mopeds saw an increase in registrations from last year, as new and old riders alike, continue to take to PTWs. The increase in home deliveries of foods has contributed hugely to this sector, taking the 0-50cc bracket up by 16.2% and the 51-125cc up by 9.9% from 2019’s numbers.

These low powered scooters and motorcycles can be ridden upon completion of a day’s Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course, with no test required, making the transition to powered two wheels from cars an exceptionally accessible option. NMDA is lobbying on members’ behalf to try to reopen CBT and further license training as soon as possible

Larger motorcycles also saw great levels of growth from last year, with the Adventure, Naked, Supersport and Trail/Enduro categories all experiencing more than double-digit progress. Only Customs and Touring bikes saw a slight decline year on year, but the actual numbers were minimal.

Honda still tops the manufacturers listing with 1,271 registrations with Lexmoto bounding into second place, mostly thanks to the Echo 50 which was also the highest registering scooter. The stalwart Honda PCX remains at the top of the model list, although time will tell if it can remain there, with reports of supply issues as we head towards the Euro changes in 2021.

O’Connell added, “Despite all the challenges we have faced and the new lockdown in England, we are yet to feel the effects that this may have on what has been a strong year to date.

“Considering that we are comparing this year’s results to 2019 when there were no lockdowns and no threats to the economy at the level of the pandemic, it is impressive that dealers have managed to grow the marketplace.

“As we are at the beginning of a new period of uncertainty, we must highlight the passion, the perseverance and the determination that our members have shown throughout this tremendously difficult year. Dealers’ performance has shone through again and we are exceptionally proud to represent our NMDA members”.