used bike market analysis May 2025

Glass’s used market overview

Sales activity for used machines in March was widely reported as reasonable, with momentum gathering pace, which is to be expected at this time of year. Some dealers are already experiencing a stronger season compared to 2024. Demand is generally consistent across the board, although mid-range machines are still very sought after. Like the new market, the used 125cc market is tough.

Although stock levels are plentiful, finding the correct mix of stock is more of a challenge. Deals on part exchanges are becoming more difficult as consumers want too much for their machines, particularly those who purchased three to five years ago when prices were exceptionally strong. As a result, dealers have to be more proactive and prepared to pay more.

Outlook

Not only was March a warm and very dry month, but it was also the sunniest on record for England and the third sunniest for the UK, making for perfect riding conditions. April has started on a similar note, and now that the clocks have gone forward, riders can look forward to increasing daylight hours. Glass’s expects residual values to remain firm across all segments in the coming weeks, except pre-2013 models, which are expected to slightly increase.

Paul McDonald
Motorcycle editor

Honda knocked off the top spot

The weather is much improved, and recently we’ve seen loads more bikes on the road, along with an increased number of visits to the MCN website as riders search out their next steed.

It’s all change in our bikes for sale section, as a new trio at the top of the list of most-visited pages usurp the perennially popular Hondas (NC750X, Gold Wing and FireBlade). Suzuki’s GT750 (the Kettle) is now in top spot, followed by the Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX and the Moto Guzzi V85 Strada. It is surprising to see a Suzuki, launched more than 50 years ago, in such high demand, but the allure of the two-stroke triple is clearly attracting the interest of bikers. The ‘Kettle’ was featured as Bike of the Week in March and garnered nearly 30,000 views. Despite dropping out of the top three, Honda still remains the most popular manufacturer taking 17% of views, but now has Triumph nipping at its heels.

Over in the bike reviews section, naked bikes account for 28% of sessions, with BMW’s S1000 R the most popular. The CFMoto 675SR-R is the most popular sports bike, while the latest Triumph Tiger Sport 800 takes the adventure bike crown.

Gareth Evans Online editor, MCN

Bikes for Sale

1. Suzuki GT750
2. Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX
3. Moto Guzzi V85 Strada
4. Honda NC750X
5. Honda GL1800 Gold Wing
6. Kawasaki Z900RS
7. Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade
8. Triumph Speed Twin 1200
9. BMW S1000 XR
10. Honda VFR800

MCN Reviews

1. Honda 18.5%
2. Yamaha 11.7%
3. BMW 10.2%
4. Triumph 10.2%
5. Kawasaki 10.1%
6. Suzuki 9.6%
7. Ducati 6.4%
8. Aprilia 3.3%
9. KTM 2.9%
10. Royal Enfield 2.5%

Used bike sales continue upwards

The health of the used motorcycle market saw a significant increase of 22% in March. While the overall market experienced a slight slowdown due to demand exceeding supply, it still recorded growth of more than 11%. According to sales data from Auto Trader Bikes, used machines are now selling, on average, within 43 days.

Notably, nearly half of the models in the top 20 fastest-selling bikes are 125s. Lexmoto’s sporty LXR 125 leads the chart, selling in an average of just 7.5 days. KTM’s RC 125 and Yamaha’s XSR125 secured second and third places, both selling in less than two weeks.

Interestingly, following the appearance of Honda’s CBR1100XX Super Blackbird in eighth place in the February statistics, Triumph’s 2005-2011 Sprint ST 1050 made a rare appearance in the top 10 in March. This suggests that second-hand buyers might still be in search of capable, spacious and fast sports tourers on a budget.

Eddie Bahn
Account director, Auto Trader Bikes

Fastest selling bikes on Auto Trader

Average number of days advertised before sale

1. Lexmoto LXR 125 =7.5
2. Triumph Speed 400 =8
3. Honda CRF250L =10
4. KTM 390 Adventure =10
5. KTM RC125 =10.5
6. Yamaha XSR125 =10.5
7. Triumph Sprint ST 1050 =11.5
8. KTM 125 Duke =12
9. Kawasaki ER-6n =12
10. Honda CB125R =13
11. Kawasaki Ninja 400 =13
12. Triumph Scrambler 1200 =13
13. BMW F800 GT 13
14. Suzuki GSX-R125 =14
15. Benelli BN 125 =14
16. Honda PCX125 =14
17. Suzuki SV650 =15
18. Honda CB600F Hornet =15
19. Triumph Bobber =15
20. Yamaha R125 =15