2013 motorcycle market down

“The motorcycle market fell 1.9 per cent in 2013 with 1,757 fewer units being sold than in 2012”, said Sue Robinson, Director of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) which represents motorcycle retailers across the UK.

“Overall, we anticipated the 125cc market to revive the sales, but after a positive start to the year, sales declined by 3.5 per cent. Other sectors including the 50cc and 651-1000cc machines also saw a fall in sales in 2013.”

The only sectors which saw an upturn in sales were 126-650cc bikes at 16.1 per cent – up almost 2000 units. Models of over 1000cc saw an a greater uplift in sales – 6 per cent and 918 more units sold, indicating the established riders are upgrading their machines as the market seems less affected by recessionary pressures.

Robinson continued, “Whilst the car market saw a 10.2 per cent increase in 2013, it is disappointing to see motorcycle sales fall behind 2012. The reason behind increased demand for the car industry is partly down to the innovative way of buying a car or van through different finance packages promoted and offered by a number of the manufacturers.

“The car market offers standard low-rate or 0 per cent HP offerings, and also personal-leasing deals where the customer only pays the depreciation and interest over 2 or 3 years and then hands the vehicle back after the agreed term.

“This brings the customer payments down substantially and therefore generates demand for vehicles that would otherwise appear to be too expensive for customers – possibly something for motorcycle dealers to look at this year in order to see the market strengthen in 2014”.