Usually August motorcycle registrations are low in volume due to new owners waiting for the new 65 number plate but this year almost 80% of a normal month’s volume was registered in August, demonstrating demand is on the up, reports the NMDA. The overall markets grow 13.9% in August compared with the same month last year.
Over the previous four years (2011–2014) registrations for the month of August have consistently been in the mid 6000s. The high point was last year, with 6980 registered in the month. This year, however, almost 1000 more bikes – 7951 – were taxed, indicating a real upswing in market demand.
In August growth came from most sectors with the exception of the sub-50cc machines. In terms of power output, larger motorcycles between 651-1000cc showed the highest growth of 38%. The popularity of ‘Naked’ motorcycles continues. This August showed growth of 29% and this is borne out by Honda which was the highest seller in this sector with the Honda CB125F taking the top slot.
“The market for the year to August is very stable showing continued growth of 13.2%. It is to be hoped that strong demand from customers for the new 65 number plate in September will further boost dealer sales and registrations as economic confidence and demand for new products is strong,” writes NMDA chief Stephen Latham.
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