The used motorcycle market remains buoyant, with sales activity from January to March proving stronger than expected. Mid-range machines in the £3000-£6000 price bracket are driving the majority of enquiries. However, some dealers are reporting that premium brands, including Harley-Davidson, Ducati, BMW and Triumph, are also performing well.
Used stock levels remain lean, with supply primarily sourced from trade-ins rather than active purchasing. As a result, fast-selling models continue to turn quickly. While discussions of a potential ceasefire in the Middle East have emerged, consumer spending confidence remains compromised. Nevertheless, the used market continues to benefit from being the more affordable option. Combined with a broader mix of stock becoming available as the season progresses, this should help underpin continued strength in the market.
NEW MOTORCYCLE MARKET
Data published by the Motor Cycle Industry Association once again indicates growth, with registrations running 15.1% ahead of last year. However, the early months of 2025 were negatively impacted by high volumes of pre-registered machines in the market. As a result, when comparing March 2026 with March 2024, sales were 10.4% lower, suggesting the market remains below the long-term norm, albeit the anomaly is shrinking. Meanwhile, year-to-date registrations for the first quarter of 2026 were 15.2% ahead of the same period last year.
Latest dealer feedback suggests that new motorcycle sales are outperforming last year’s levels. January through March exceeded targets for some dealers, supported by strong demand for key models such as the Honda NC750 and GB350S. Royal Enfield’s 0% finance offers have driven rapid sales, slightly lifting Consumer Finance Penetration. Dealer stock levels are generally healthy, although longer lead times persist for certain 1000cc models. Improved weather conditions and steady showroom availability leave dealers well-positioned for the main riding season ahead.
OUTLOOK
March was a mixed but mild month, with variable riding conditions. At the time of writing, April has also started on a variable note, though it has already provided an early taste of summer. With the clocks having gone forward, daylight hours are now increasing rapidly.
Glass’s does not expect any significant changes to values in the coming weeks.
Paul McDonald
Senior residual value analyst