UK August motorcycle sales rise

The latest new motorcycle and scooter figures show last month sales overall were up 3.1 per cent against August 2011. Under 50cc scooter sales were down 10.6 per cent per cent in August, while all over 50cc motorcycle sales have increased by 6.7 per cent.

Sue Robinson, Director of the RMI National Franchised Dealers Association which represents motorcycle and franchised car retailers across the UK commented “Whilst it is encouraging to see motorcycle sales grow by 3.1 per cent in August the market still remains static with growth of only 0.9 per cent year to date.

“As in previous months this year 125cc scooters continued to improve in sales, up 7.6 per cent in comparison to August last year and up 13.7 per cent year to date. The Adventure-sport, naked and trail-enduro motorcycles also showed signs of improvement in August. However many of these motorcycles are also fitted with a 125cc engine. “Larger bikes fitted with an engine over 1000c saw a big decline in sales in August, down 11.3 per cent. This type of bike is often viewed as a non-essential item so this may indicate that consumers are once again postponing any purchases until they can experience greater economic stability.
“The switch to selling smaller engine and lower priced motorcycles instead of more powerful and expensive bikes has caused great financial pressure for many dealers. Margins are dropping and there is a shortage of good quality mid-powered motorcycles from part-exchanges that could then be sold on in the strong second hand market.

“The MRA are interested to see if the plate change in September will increase the demand for new motorcycles.”