Latest Motor Cycle Industry Association registration figures indicate that terrible winter weather in January combined with ongoing economic uncertainties to deliver a double whammy for the trade.
Total registrations for the month plunged by 14 per cent to 4092 units. Motorcycles and scooters were down by 13.4 per cent at 3437 units and mopeds fell by 17 per cent to just 655 units.
The two most buoyant style categories in recent times both suffered significantly. Adventure Sport dropped by 28 per cent to 398 units and Scooter lost 10.4 per cent at 1087 units. The only small measures of relief came in Touring, up by 1.1 per cent to 89 units (precisely one bike more!), and Trail/Enduro — growing by 29.9 per cent to 378 units.
Reflecting the Scooter reversal to a great degree, the key commuter market 51-125cc capacity band decreased by 12.7 per cent to 1706 units. Worst-hit was the 651-1000cc range, declining by 23.4 per cent to 597 units. Deferred purchase decisions induced by extreme weather clearly played a role in this misfortune.
For full monthly MCIA registrations data, see the next issue of British Dealer News.