November 2024 Registrations

A pre-registered paradise for year end?

A muscular burst of preregistrations relating to discount deal offers — of which there are a lot about at the moment, given the market’s parlous state — has certainly helped to perk up November’s action. And let us not forget the traditional “jingle bells” seasonal showroom inventory registrations to ensure year-end bonus targets are met. Either way, overall 9.7% growth to 6926 units was much better than nothing. Within that, the petrolhead ICE firmament boasted a 9.6% rise to 6659, while the battery-electric presence staggered 11.7% upwards to a gestural 267.

Motorcycles actually rose by 21.4% to 4941. But over-50cc scooters were 6.5% down to 1674, and mopeds slumped by 31.8% to just 283. Trikes took a 33.3% dive to only 28.

Among the broad sweep of ICE capacity classes, almost all were positive for the first time in several months. Sole laggard was the premium 1000cc-plus slot, falling by 6.7% to 819. Its “best seller” was the new BMW R1300GS Adventure, although a tally of 89 bikes registered may have included dealer demonstrators.

The 0-125cc mobility sector, including mopeds, added the weakest gain of 5.2% to a mix of 3075 units. Yamaha seized fleet delivery honours thanks to 305 NMAX 125 scooters plated during the month — although 301 Honda CB125F motorcycles were in very close pursuit.

Bracketed by those two extremes were a trio of solid performers. The budget-priced 126-500cc range was 21.1% up to 1193, with Honda’s Forza 350 scooter usurping the more regular domination of 350cc Royal Enfield or 400cc Triumph bargain products. The 501-750cc sector grew by 23.7% to 595, headed by 72 samples of the Honda NC750X. And finally, 751-1000cc steeds improved by 20.5% to 977. Suzuki’s keenly priced DL800 V-Strom twin topped that particular pile.

Arriving at the MCIA’s best-selling brands chart, readers might like to mark their own homework when it comes to casting aspersions about who has been preregistering and/or distress discounting.

Honda’s leadership was unchallenged and 6.6% up. First loser Yamaha, on the other hand, was 10.4% down, and those NMAX scooters comprised 37.3% of the brand’s entire monthly volume. BMW in third spot was 10.5% up. Royal Enfield climbed by 99%, and Suzuki added 70.1% to complete the top five, allegedly.

Triumph was a humble 4.1% higher, followed by insolvent KTM 18% in arrears. Then Lexmoto and Kawasaki respectively incurred modest losses of 4% and 5.3%. Finally, Keeway stacked on a heroic 45.7%. Distributor MotoGB’s Keeway K-light 125 and Benelli Leoncino 125, respectively rode off with November’s custom and modern classic best-selling accolades. Maybe…

For the 11 months of 2024 to date, total registrations were 2.9% down to 105,193. Gas guzzler headcount had fallen by 2.8% to 101,662. Battery-electric declined by 7.2% at just 3531 units.

November breaks five-month cycle of contraction

Following a challenging year for the motorcycle market, it is positive to see a month of growth, with total November registrations up by 9.7%, ending five consecutive months of contraction. This will come as reassurance as we approach the festive period,” said Symon Cook, head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA).

“In November, total registrations increased by 9.7% to 6926 units. Total motorcycle sales grew significantly by 12.9%, while moped registrations decreased by 31.8% to 283 units. Year-to-date figures show a decrease of 2.9% for total registrations.

“The various categories of motorcycles exhibited a wide range of performances. Modern classics saw a sizeable increase of 51.9% for the month, and adventure machines also rose by 22.6%. Scooters, however, saw a decrease of 6.5%.

“In terms of the different engine sizes, the 126-500cc category witnessed growth of 21.1%, 501-750cc was up 23.7% and 751-1000cc rose by 20.5%. The largest over-1000cc category contracted by 6.7%.

“Honda was once again the best-selling brand, with 1317 units sold, followed by Yamaha on 818 and BMW with 454. Keeway rounded out the top 10 with 220 units sold.

“Electric motorcycles saw an increase of 11.7% from 239 to 267 units in November, but year-to-date electric registrations are still lagging behind last year’s corresponding period by 7.2%.”

Cook concluded: “The figures offer an encouraging boost and hold the promise of building momentum as we move into 2025. But it is important to note that the numbers remain lower than those recorded during the same period last year. It is good to see an improvement in the electric market; however, more governmental support and clarity are needed to ensure consistency.

“In December the NMDA and the National Motorcyclists Council held a parliamentary breakfast. This was hosted by Fabian Hamilton MP and provided a great opportunity to reflect on 2024 and embrace the opportunities and challenges of 2025. Collaboration between manufacturers, policymakers and riders will be key in the year ahead.”