January 2025 Used Stats

Glass’s used market overview

Data published by the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA) showed an increase in sales in November, with registrations 9.7% ahead of the same month of 2023. This is a positive result following several months of decline. However, some of this growth can likely be attributed to an increase in pre-registration activity ahead of the introduction of the new Euro 5+ standard that came into force in January.

In terms of style categories, modern classics increased by 51.9%, customs rose by 39.6%, while naked and adventure machinery saw an increase of 30.4% and 22.6% respectively. Nonetheless, total year-to-date registrations to the end of November were still 2.9% behind last year.

Despite the improvement in registrations, feedback from dealers continues to suggest a tough market, with retail activity largely driven by discounts and manufacturer incentives. There are shades of the 2008-2011 period when the retail landscape was similarly challenging. 

The 2024 Motorcycle Live show took place at its usual venue, Birmingham’s NEC, from the 16-24 November, with an attendance of just under 90,000 visitors, which is slightly more than the previous year. Feedback suggests the first weekend, in particular, was well attended, and the general vibe was positive, with strong enquiry levels on new models and a thriving atmosphere with plenty to keep the crowds entertained.

Used Motorcycle Market

Sales activity for used machines in November was, at best, described by dealers as comparable to last year and, at worse, tough. Attractive deals on new machines continue to hinder demand for late-model used stock, and the increase in machines pre-registered to avoid the new Euro 5+ legislation could have a further detrimental impact. 

The lower end of the market remains buoyant due to affordability.  Meanwhile, in larger-capacity categories, the Yamaha MT-07, Triumph 675 and 765 models are sought after, and some dealers are having a good run with off-road and enduro machines.

Stock levels in the market remain high, and this could further increase due to the number of dealers closing down recently. However, most dealers say they are happy with their stock levels for the time of year. 

Outlook

The country had its first taste of winter in November, with widespread snow and ice, while December started on a mixed note with storm-force winds and plenty of wet weather. Taking account of the challenging market, Glass’s expects residual values to ease across most segments in the coming weeks, particularly for later-registration machines.

Paul McDonald
Leisure vehicles editor

New year, new bike

As the rain beats down and thoughts turn to the warmer months ahead, lots of bikers have been lusting after the various machines for sale on the MCN website.

In bikes for sale, Honda’s dominance is waning, with the firm’s bikes accounting for just 19% of traffic, down from a high point of 25% earlier in the year. However, the top two most looked-at machines are still both Hondas: the CBR1000RR Fireblade and the NC750X. BMW then fills the top three with its R1250 GS Adventure.

Over in reviews, the Royal Enfield Guerilla 450 tops the charts for naked bikes, with this sector accounting for 24% of all traffic reading our reviews. Smaller-capacity adventure bike popularity is rising too, with CFMoto’s 450MT proving the most popular in the adventure  sector, which accounted for 18% of all traffic. BMW’s excellent S1000 RR superbike remains the most popular sports bike review for our readers, with that style of bike accounting for 15% of sessions.

Gareth Evans Online editor, MCN

Bikes for Sale

1. Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade
2. Honda NC750X
3. BMW R1250 GS Adventure
4. Honda RC45
5. Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa
6. BMW R1200 GS
7. Honda VFR800

8. Triumph Bonneville T100
9. Triumph Speed Triple 1050 RS
10. Yamaha R1>

MCN Reviews

1. Honda 17.7%
2. Kawasaki 10.9%
3. Yamaha 10.6%
4. BMW 10.5%
5. Triumph 9.7%
6. Suzuki 9.3%
7. Ducati 6.0%
8. Enfield 4.3%
9. KTM 3.1%
10. Aprilia 2.7%

Strong used bike sales

For the first time in more than 12 months, we’ve observed a significant positive trend in used bike sales, which have increased by around 30% year-on-year for two consecutive months.

On average, bikes are taking just over 40 days to sell. Additionally, we are witnessing a notable improvement in market health. This November has shown double-digit growth, with market health increasing by an impressive 12.2% compared to November 2023.

In the top 20 Auto Trader charts, 70% of models are 125cc bikes. Lexmoto’s LXR125 leads the chart, taking an average of only seven days to sell. Yamaha’s R125 and Kawasaki’s Z125 round out the top three podium places, with both models taking fewer than 10 days to leave showrooms. Notably, the Aprilia V4 Tuono made a rare appearance in the list. Despite failing to sell in big numbers when new, this bike is performing well in the second-hand market, thanks to its rave reviews.

Eddie Bahn Account director, Auto Trader Bikes

Fastest selling bikes on Autotrader