Adventure motorcycle sales “well ahead of market trend”
Motorcycle sales continue to trend in the right direction, as one category stands out in particular.
Adventure motorcycle sales have improved by 27.4 per cent through the first three months of 2026 when compared with the same period in 2025.
Other segments have also performed well through the first three months of the year, leading to overall motorcycle sales growing by 14.6 per cent in Q1. Meanwhile, scooter sales closed Q1 with growth of 17.5 per cent.
While it was expected that motorcycle sales would improve at the start of 2026 compared with the same period last year, the adventure segment “is well ahead of the market trend”, according to the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA).
A total of 5,559 adventure motorcycles were sold in the UK from January to March. That’s 1,195 more than the same three months in 2025. In terms of monthly performance, March was by far the best month of 2026 for the adventure segment, as it more than doubled January and February’s numbers combined.
Other segments that have achieved year-to-date growth of more than 20 per cent in 2026 are the competition and scooter categories.
The custom, naked, touring and sportbike segments have all recorded more than 11 per cent growth so far this year.
The only segment that posted worse numbers in March compared with the same month in 2025, was the modern classic category. A total of 1,747 units were sold vs 1,805 last year.
Total sales, which include mopeds, scooters, motorcycles and other vehicles within the wider L-Category, went up by 15.1 per cent in March 2026 compared with the same month last year. Year-to-date figures have improved by 15.2 per cent.
Tony Campbell, CEO of MCIA, said this about the latest motorcycle sales figures:
“It is encouraging to see the first quarter close positively against the same period in 2025. Whilst expected (considering the large market distortions impacting the end of 2024 and early part of 2025). This positive start to 2026 will have a real impact on the sector which is still recovering from 2025.”
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After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.
