But it's not time to crack open the champers..
HONDA lead the sales charts for motorcycles and scooters sold in August 2011.
Despite Honda leading the charts, the total figures don't give any cause for celebration. Honda has a network of around 80 dealers, meaning each dealer is sold an average of 10 motorcycles in August. Dealers we have spoken to - across multiple brands - are surviving solely on the workshop.
The PCX125 scooter was Honda's biggest single seller with 121 units sold in August. The CBR1000RR Fireblade leads the 651 - 1000cc category but with just 56 units sold - giving an indication of the extended lull in sales following the recession. 12 months ago, industry big-wigs predicted sales would pick up in the latter oart of 2011, however, sectors like the Supersport category are 10% down on the same time in 2010.
Scooter sales are up 13% on 2010 and Piaggio make the top-three in a market where motorcycle sales are suffering. With low-capacity motorcycle and scooter sales holding firm, it's a surprise to see Triumph - who's smallest capacity motorcycle is 675cc - in fourth place. Sales of the firm's Tiger 800 are proving vital for Triumph in 2011.
UK motorcycle sales by brand - August 2011
Honda 841
Yamaha 755
Piaggio 471
Triumph 373
Kawasaki 308
Suzuki 273
SYM 264
Direct Bikes 263
BMW 252
Harley-Davidson 218
