Motorcycles Sales Up 10% in UK

UK motorcycle sales grew to their highest level in five years in 2014, with a rise of 10% compared to the year before.

UK motorcycle sales grew to their highest level in five years in 2014, with a rise of 10% compared to the year before.

2014 saw new registrations increase in every single month, according to the Motorcycle Industry Association, with year-end figures showing 101,277 new motorcycles, scooters and mopeds were registered compared to 91,908 in 2013.

Naked bikes did very well, up 32%, while tourers were up 13%.  In capacity terms, bikes between 651cc and 1000cc increased substantially, up 18%.

The rise coincided with an increase in the number of bikes on the road. Government figures show the number of powered-two-wheelers licensed for the road is at its highest level in five years, at 1,326,500. That's nearly double the number in 1994, according to the MCIA.

MCIA Chief Executive Steve Kenward predicted continued growth and stated 'We are optimistic we will see similar levels of growth for the next 12 months.  Motorcycles which appeal to leisure riders have sold very well, which marks a sustained return of consumer confidence. We began to see the shoots of recovery in bike sales towards the end of 2013, but with 12 months of solid growth, we feel confident enough to say that this indicates people are feeling more comfortable about spending money.

Locally we've seen an increase of 46% in new bike sales which we hope to build on in 2015 with the launch of Ducati Norwich, which will mean Seastar Superbikes become one of only ten Ducati Stores in the UK.  After an investment in excess of £200k we plan to open the new Ducati Showroom on our current site in March.