May 2024 registrations

Those fictional darling buds of May have no bearing on harsh facts, least of all stagnant sales in the UK motorcycle trade. Once again, the dealer dial has barely moved, according to MCIA monthly data.

Total registrations increased by a mere 2.6% to 11,172 units. Motorcycles put on the bravest face, 4.5% up to 8681. Scooters fell by 2.7% to 2003. Mopeds posted a 7.6% decline at 400 and trikes dropped by 3.3% to 88. As for motive power, petrolhead products grew by 3.6% to 10,868, while battery-electric floundered once more, with a 23.2% plunge to just 304.

The up-to-125cc urban mobility and fleet delivery market made only a marginal 0.3% advance to 3681 units. Honda’s PCX 125 — apparently the UK’s most frequently stolen scooter — topped that particular pile, with 338 machines sold. However, notionally A2-oriented 126-500cc steeds claiming wider budget appeal beyond that remit made the sole significant gain, rising by 38.8% to 2044. Triumph’s Speed 400 retained the stand-out earner accolade, shifting a further 353 samples through showroom doors.

Every larger-capacity sector shrank. 501-750cc offerings were virtually flat, retreating by 0.6% to 1338. Honda’s born-again CBR600 RR, promoted energetically by Dean Harrison in the Supersport TT, led the way with 75 bikes plated. But they were almost certainly dealer demonstrators.

The formerly popular 751-1000cc slot blotted its copybook, declining by 6.9% to 2005 registrations. A 125-strong phalanx of Triumph Tiger 900GT Pro ironmongery fronted that overall tally. And finally premium 1000cc-plus tackle was 2.7% down to 1800. The BMW R1250GS Adventure provided leadership for a second month on the trot, relegating BMW’s new-wave R1300GS to invisible also-ran status.

Best-selling brands reflected market unease for some. Honda hegemony was taxed by a 6.9% slump. Triumph, on the other hand, was in the midst of its traditional Q4 push, with sales surging by 47.8%. (Triumph’s full financial year ends on 30 June.) Yamaha completed the podium positions 4.6% in arrears.

BMW Motorrad was brighter, 14.3% up and final member of the four-figure league. Kawasaki and then KTM were losers, respectively 12.7% and 9.2% down. Chinese flag-carrier Lexmoto added a useful 59.7%, including a debut star presence in the battery-electric firmament thanks to topping its up-to-4kW moped range with 23 Cypher models.

Royal Enfield crept into positivity, lifting by a modest 3.6%. Suzuki was roundly beaten, plunging by 31.3% and smelling of absent inventory. Finally, Ducati was tail-end charlie, falling by 15.6%.

For the five months of 2024 to date, total registrations have increased by a pathetic 0.7% to 49,084. The key petrol-powered contingent is 0.6% up to 47,592, with a distant 1492 electric bikes in pursuit increasing by 1.4%.

Roger Willis

BDN financial editor 

Second month of moderate growth 

As the weather alternates between summer sunshine and dreary grey skies, the powered two-wheeler market is showing signs of stabilising and moving towards growth. Building on the moderate increase shown in April, May has built on this, with growth of 2.6%” says Symon Cook, head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA), commenting on the latest MCIA figures.

“In May, there was a 2.6% increase in total registrations, from 10,889 to 11,172 units. Total motorcycle sales increased by 3.1% from 10,365 to 10,684 units, while moped registrations contracted by 7.6% to 400 units. Year-to-date figures show a modest increase of 0.7% for total registrations.

“The various categories of motorcycles exhibited a wide range of performances. Modern classic witnessed remarkable growth of 50.1% for the month to 1587 units, and adventure was up 18% to 2413 units. Competition saw a significant decrease of 26.2%, down from 565 to 417 units.

“Electric two-wheelers saw a substantial contraction of 23.2% from 396 to 304 units. Despite this, year-to-date figures still show an increase of 1.4% to 1492 units.

“In terms of the different ICE powertrains, there was a clear leading performer this month, with the 126-500cc category witnessing a remarkable period of growth (38.8%). The bigger bikes saw a decrease, with 751-1000cc contracting by 6.9% and 1000cc+ contracting by 2.7%.

“Honda has once again emerged as the best-selling brand of the month, with 1940 units sold. It is followed by Triumph (1479) and Yamaha (1077), while Ducati rounded out the top 10 with 271 models sold.”

Cook concluded: “Despite two consecutive months of relatively moderate growth in the two-wheeler market, year-to-date total registrations are only marginally higher than they were at this time last year. 

“It is crucial that the next government understands the needs of the sector, including current challenges such as licensing regulations, to help restimulate the new two-wheeler market.

“Whilst NMDA members express optimism as we approach summer, this general election period will be critical to retailing and consumer demand.”