Used bike market analysis march 2026

Glass’s used market overview

The used motorcycle market saw a buoyant start to the year, with dealers reporting strong demand. However, some dealers say they are facing challenges in sourcing quality stock. Many report fewer part exchanges on offer, adding to the pressure on supply. As preparations for the new season begin, stock availability has tightened further, forcing dealers to take a more proactive approach to acquiring motorcycles.

Demand remains steady across a wide range of brands and models, though the trend of middle-weight machines being popular continues, particularly in the adventure, naked and retro sectors.

Most dealers remain optimistic that 2026 will follow a similar trajectory, with used motorcycles viewed as the more affordable choice.

Outlook

Following a dull and wet January, February has started on a similar note, while the threat of ice and snow continues.

Glass’s does not expect any significant changes to values overall in the coming weeks.

Paul McDonald
Motorcycle editor

Naked bikes rule the roost

Despite the tail end of winter bringing nothing but downpours, MCN readers continued their high engagement in February across both Bikes for Sale and the Review sections, with a few notable shifts as the riding season approaches.

Honda maintains its dominance in Bikes for Sale, with 15% of sessions. Naked bikes remain the largest category for user sessions, rising to 22%, up from just over 20% for the same period of 2025 and continuing an upward trend since 2023, suggesting a continued and growing appetite for plastic-free machines as riders plan for spring.

Within the most-viewed models, the Honda NC750X once again claims top spot, reinforcing its broad appeal. The list remains competitive, with perennial favourites such as the Honda VFR800 and Kawasaki Z900RS still in high demand.

In the Bike Reviews section, Honda commanded 16% of sessions, ahead of Triumph with 12% of user interest and Yamaha with 10%, maintaining a robust interest with users.

There’s noteworthy commotion in the adventure segment, highlighting Voge’s DS800X Rally and Rieju’s new Aventura 307 Rally as fast risers.

February shows a sharpening focus on core Japanese brands, the popularity of naked and adventure categories, and a marketplace embracing new challengers alongside trusted favourites.

Adam Oldfield Digital reviews editor, MCN

Bikes for Sale

1. Honda NC750X
2. Honda VFR800
3. Kawasaki Z900RS
4. Honda GL1800 Gold Wing
5. Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade
6. Triumph Bonneville T120
7. Yamaha FJR1300
8. BMW R1250 GS Adventure
9. Honda CB1000R
10. Harley-Davidson Sportster

MCN Reviews

1. Honda 15.7%
2. Triumph 11.7%
3. BMW 9.5%
4. Yamaha 9.5%
5. Suzuki 8.3%
6. Kawasaki 8.2%
7. Ducati 6.7%
8. Rieju 5.4%
9. KTM 4.6%
10. Aprilia 2.8%

Surge in big bike interest

The used motorcycle market kicked off 2026 with impressive momentum. Autotrader Bikes reported a 13% year-over-year increase in January sales, and market health climbed to 18%, a notable four-point uplift driven by sustained demand and a continued shortage of high-quality used stock as the sector gears up for the spring season.

The Royal Enfield 450 Himalayan was in demand, averaging just 12 days to sell. Husqvarna’s 701 Supermoto and Honda’s CBR125R also performed strongly, typically selling within two weeks. 125cc models accounted for 60% of the top 20 fastest sellers, underscoring strong demand in this segment and indicating that new riders are entering the market. Significantly, there was also a surge in appetite for larger bikes, with models over 400cc accounting for 35% of the top 20 fastest sellers. On average, used motorcycles are now selling within 61 days.

Eddie Bahn Account director, Auto Trader Bikes

Fastest selling bikes on Auto Trader

Average number of days advertised before sale

1. Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 12
2. Husqvarna 701 Supermoto 12.5
3. Honda CBR125R 13
4. Lexmoto LXR 125 14
5. Benelli BN 125 15
6. Triumph Scrambler 400 X 16
7. Honda CB125R 20
8. Suzuki GSX-S125 20.5
9. Yamaha R125 24
10. Triumph Speed 400 25
11. Triumph Sprint ST 1050 26
12. KTM RC 125 27
13. Suzuki GSX-R125 28
14. Honda ST1300 Pan European 28
15. Honda CB125F 30
16. Suzuki SV650 30
17. KTM 125 Duke 30.5
18. Honda PCX125 31
19. Kawasaki Ninja 125 32
20. BMW R1300 GS Adventure 33