Used bike market analysis April 2026

Glass’s used market overview

The used motorcycle market remains buoyant, with dealers reporting stronger activity than last year.

A strong mix of machines are selling, with Yamaha MT-07 and MT-09s always sought after, while used Royal Enfield models attract strong interest too.

Feedback on stock availability in the market is mixed, with some dealers able to source ample stock, while others are finding it challenging to find good stock for the correct money, with consumers offering unwanted machines to dealers seeking retail values. In view of consumer spending confidence, potentially further hindered by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, this could further elevate used market activity in the months ahead as the more affordable option.

New Motorcycle Market

Data published by the Motor Cycle Industry Association showed growth for the second month this year, with registrations 14.7% ahead of February last year. However, registrations for the first few months of 2025 were negatively impacted by high volumes of pre-registered machines in the market. As a result comparing February 2026 with February 2024 gives a better indication of the market, and sales in 2026 were 22.4% down against 2024, suggesting the market remains below the norm. That said, it is still early in the season, and quarter two will give a better indication of market performance.

Latest dealer feedback indicates that the new motorcycle market remains mixed, with some retailers reporting stronger demand than last year, while others face a quieter spell. However, certain manufacturer campaigns may be influencing this variable performance.

Among new models, Kawasaki’s W230 is emerging as a success, with its retro styling proving particularly appealing. Yamaha’s Ténéré 700 is popular, and its WR125 dual-sport machine is selling very well. Meanwhile, Chinese motorcycle brands continue to gather momentum, supported by growing consumer confidence in Chinese automobiles.

Overall, manufacturer stock levels are adequate, though certain popular models remain in short supply, resulting in extended lead times.

Outlook

February was a very dull, wet, but mild month. At the time of writing, March has started on a slightly drier note, and daylight hours are now rapidly lengthening.

Glass’s does not expect any significant changes to values overall in the coming weeks.

Paul McDonald
Senior residual value analyst

Honda consolidates lead as the season stirs

With spring almost here, March saw continued growth in web user engagement. Both our all-new Bikes for Sale and Bike Reviews showed subtle, but significant, shifts in brand and category performance.

In Bikes for Sale, Honda strengthened its lead, climbing to 17% of sessions, up from 15% in February. Triumph slipped to 13% and BMW held third at 12%. The gap between leading Japanese brands and their European rivals is tightening as the season builds momentum.

Naked bikes remain the most viewed category at 21%, building year-on-year. Adventure bikes also maintain a strong pre-season appeal, while sports bikes views showed a modest uplift  compared to last month as riders look ahead to drier roads and track days.

In Bike Reviews, Honda extended its dominance as the most popular brand, with Triumph holding steady in second and Kawasaki climbing into third. Naked bikes commanded an even larger share of Bike Review searches at 26%, while adventure machines slipped in popularity perhaps reflecting the change in weather and the scales tipping in favour of fun over practicality.

Overall, March points to a market increasingly energised by the approaching riding season, with Honda consolidating control, sports interest ticking upward, and naked and adventure bikes continuing to capture MCN website users’ attention.

Adam Oldfield Digital reviews editor, MCN

Bikes for Sale

1. Honda GL1800 Gold Wing
2. Honda NC750X
3. BMW R1250 GS
4. Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade
5. BMW R1250 RS
6. Kawasaki Z900 RS
7. Kawasaki Z1000SX
8. Harley-Davidson Sportster
9. Harley-Davidson Breakout
10. Honda VFR800

MCN Reviews

1. Honda 17.3%
2. Triumph 13.0%
3. BMW 11.8%
4. Yamaha 9.6%
5. Kawasaki 9.1%
6. Suzuki 7.2%
7. Ducati 6.8%
8. Harley-Davidson 4.6%
9. Royal Enfield 3.1%
10. KTM 3.0%

February sees surge in appetite for larger bikes

Used bike sales on the Autotrader Bikes website remained static in February compared to the same month last year. While overall growth has levelled off, it’s important to note that 2025 delivered several months of robust double-digit year-on-year sales increases. In this context, stability still indicates a healthy used motorcycle market. Notably, demand continues to rise even as supply declines, and Autotrader Bikes has rated the overall health of the used bike market at 16%.

In the fastest-selling chart, Yamaha’s FZ6 Fazer emerged as a surprise leader, averaging just 10 days to sell, highlighting an increase in demand for larger-capacity bikes. Models over 400cc made up 60% of the top 20, good news for dealers, as they typically command higher prices and better margins.

Currently, the average time to sell a used motorcycle is 54 days, up slightly from 52 days a year ago, suggesting a modest easing in market pace.

Eddie Bahn
Account director, Auto Trader Bikes

Fastest selling bikes on Auto Trader

Average number of days advertised before sale

1. Yamaha FZ6 Fazer                   10
2. Benelli BN 125                        13
3. Honda CB125R                       13.5
4. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin    14
5. Honda CB600F Hornet             14
6. Honda CBR125R                     14.5
7. Royal Enfield Himalayan 411    15
8. Honda Vision 110                   16.5
9. Honda CB125F                       16.5
10. Honda XL750 Transalp            17
11. BMW F900 GS Adventure        17.5
12. KTM 125 Duke                        18
13. Royal Enfield Hunter 350         18
14. Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin   18
15. Lexmoto LXR 125                   19
16. Honda CBR600RR                   20
17. Aprilia RS660                         20
18. Kawasaki Ninja 650                20
19. Honda Monkey                       21
20. Triumph Bobber                     21