Bike Market Slumps Again in July, But CBR600RR Sales Give Hope
New motorcycle registrations have taken a bit slide in July, and the year-to-date number is also down on last year
The latest Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) new motorbike registration numbers make uncomfortable reading, as they highlight a slowing of the market in the summer months.
The data relates to the month of July, and overall it shows 7.3 per cent reduction in new bike registrations compared to July 2023. The year-to-date figure is also down on 2023, with this year’s YTD figure lagging 1.6 per cent down on the previous period.
July saw 8,767 new bikes getting registered in 2024, compared to 9,390 in 2023. The YTD number for 2024 so far is 67,655 - at the same point in 2023 68,733 new bikes had been recorded. That data covers every time of powered two-wheeler which requires registration, and it was the adventure bikes (1,655), nakeds (2,065) and scooters (1,863) that were the top three best-performing sectors for the month of July.
More specifically the big winners were the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure (105), the Triumph Speed 400 (175) and the Honda PCX125 (241) which took the top three places. Honda’s revamped and relaunched CBR600RR also proved that there is space for a proper out-and-out sports bike in the UK market, with 71 examples of the track-focused pocket rocket hitting the UK’s roads.
Speaking about the latest data, The MCIA’s CEO, Tony Campbell, said:
“Despite the new Government, I remain unconvinced that its initial policies will boost consumer confidence. While we acknowledge the significant challenges the Government faces, we call on the Transport, Business, and Treasury ministerial teams to prioritise creating a stable market environment. Industry urgently requires considered policies that provide security and confidence.
“MCIA is working hard to build positive relations with the new Government. Although it is still early days, it is crucial the Government capitalises on the strong foundation laid by the previous administration and begins addressing the pressing needs of our industry.”
MCIA’s Manifesto for a Thriving and Sustainable Powered Light Vehicle Sector aims to position Britain as the global leader in powered light mobility. Properly implemented, our Manifesto would not only secure the sector’s 58,000 jobs, but also restore Britain’s status as the home of motorcycle manufacturing and modernise vehicle regulations to drive innovation. The time to act is now, and we remain committed to working with the new Government to realise the full potential of our sector."
Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
