Used bike analysis December 2025

Glass’s used market overview

Dealer feedback indicates a buoyant used market, with strong retail activity. Mid-size machines remain the most popular choice, while larger adventure machines face challenges due to higher prices, size, and rising insurance premiums. With consumer spending confidence remaining suppressed, price sensitivity continues to shape purchasing behaviour. As a result, demand is strongest in the sub-£10,000 category.

Chinese brands are also showing signs of gaining traction, as they offer value for money and their quality is improving. This has prompted more dealers to stock them. Stock availability is healthy, although quality 125cc models remain more difficult to source. Overall, most dealers report satisfaction with current inventory levels, reflecting stable supply and steady consumer interest.

Outlook

October saw a couple of named storms impact the UK, but overall, it was a benign month weatherwise. Following the mildest start on record, the first half of November was wet, while the second half experienced a cold snap that saw some parts of the country contend with the first frosts and snow of the winter, with riding conditions compromised.

Combining climatic uncertainty along with current budget-influenced consumer qualms, Glass’s expects motorcycle values to ease moderately in the coming weeks.

Paul McDonald
Motorcycle editor

Bikers already looking ahead to next year

With the days getting shorter, and many motorcycles now tucked away until Spring, MCN readers are getting a biking fix by working out what they could buy next.

Over the last four weeks, Honda has remained the top brand on our Bikes for Sale pages, but BMW’s R1250 GS Adventure claimed the top spot as most viewed, highlighting the continued demand for adventure-ready machines. Honda’s NC750X and GL1800 Gold Wing follow, reflecting interest in both practical commuters and touring bikes.

In the reviews section, Honda again leads with a mighty lead over BMW and Yamaha.

Reviews of naked bikes still draw the most reader attention,  but sportsbike reviews have shot up and are now close behind. 

The most popular naked review is the 2026 Honda CB125F commuter, while on the sporty end Buell’s oddball Hammerhead 1190 is attracting clicks, and adventure riders are having their interest piqued by Harley-Davidson’s Pan America.

This winter, riders are again proving there’s no offseason for daydreaming about your next bike!

Adam Oldfield
Digital reviews editor, MCN

Bikes for Sale

Most viewed models

1. BMW R1250 GS Adventure
2. Honda NC750X
3. Honda GL1800 Gold Wing
4. Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa
5. BMW S1000 RR
6. Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200
7. BMW S1000 XR
8. Kawasaki Z900 RS
9. Yamaha R1
10. Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade

MCN Reviews

Most viewed brands

1. Honda 17.8%
2. BMW 9.6%
3. Yamaha 9.5%
4. Triumph 8.4%
5. Suzuki 8.2%
6. Kawasaki 8.1%
7. Buell 6.7%
8. Ducati 5.4%
9. Harley-Davidson 3.4%
10. KTM 3.2%

Lightweights continue to dominate used sales

In October, used bike sales on the Autotrader Bikes website saw an 8% increase compared to October 2024, and the overall health of the used bike market was rated at 14%.

The number of 125cc motorcycles in the top 20 fastest-selling bike models increased significantly, now comprising 75% of the list. Leading the chart for October was the Benelli BN125, which sells, on average, in just six days followed closely by the KTM 125 Duke and the Honda CB125F, both of which clear showrooms in just over a week. According to sales data, used bikes are, on average, selling within 33 days.

Autotrader Bikes has reported 12 consecutive months of growth in the used market, with 11 of those showing double-digit gains. This sustained growth is a clear indicator of strong momentum in used bike sales.

Market health increased slightly in October, reaching 14% as rising demand coincided with a shortage of quality used stock.

Eddie Bahn Account director, Auto Trader Bikes

Fastest selling bikes on Auto Trader

Average number of days advertised before sale

1. Benelli BN 125 6
2. KTM 125 Duke 8
3. Honda CB125F 8
4. Yamaha R125 8
5. Honda CBR125R 8
6. Kawasaki Ninja 125 9
7. Husqvarna Svartpilen 125 11
8. Honda CB125R 11
9. Yamaha MT-125 12
10. Kawasaki Ninja 650 12
11. Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 13
12. Keeway Superlight 125 13
13. Yamaha XSR125 14
14. Lexmoto LXR 125 14
15. Kawasaki Z125 14
16. Suzuki GSX-R125 14
17. Triumph Scrambler 400X 14
18. BMW R1200 RS 14.5
19. Yamaha YBR 125 16
20. Royal Enfield Meteor 350 16