Phoenix Motorcycle Training owner offers solution to UK sales slump
Phoenix Motorcycle Training owner, Mark Jaffe, speaks to Visordown about the current sales slump in the UK, while also offering his top tips for new riders.
2025 proved to be a difficult year for the UK with regard to new motorcycle registrations, with overall sales dropping by 19.4 per cent compared to 2024. But Phoenix Motorcycle Training Owner, Mark Jaffe, has told Visordown that by having more instructors available, the current sales slump could be reversed.
It’s of no great surprise that 2025’s end-of-year sales numbers were down compared to 2024, as new bike registrations were down every month for most of the year.
But Jaffe is confident that the appetite for motorcycling in the UK remains very high, saying:
“Even with the news about the decline in new bike registrations, there is still great appetite for motorcycling in the UK. Our network of local training centres has been steadily growing for many years, and the pace of expansion is only getting faster. One thing slowing the process is the number of motorcycle instructors available.
“We are constantly recruiting more people to meet the demand for training, and as we find new instructors to train, we can get even more people through their CBTs and full licence training and therefore assist with the sale of motorcycles and reverse the slump in registrations. The more riders there are, the safer we will be as motorcyclists, and the more bikes will be sold.”
Jaffe also spoke to us about getting more new riders involved with motorcycling, providing tips on how to best prepare for CBTs and full licence training. He said:
“Learning to ride is one of the best feelings ever, but the thing is that everyone learns in their own way. At Phoenix we make sure we approach each learner as an individual, and make sure they get the skills and knowledge in a way that suits them. We do this because our instructors don’t just know about riding motorcycles, they understand teaching too.
“Our approach is unique to us, and every bike school is different. The best thing to do when you are considering where to take your CBT or full licence training is to check the reviews on Trustpilot, where you can get unbiased reviews from real customers. See how many reviews the schools get, and what they say - that will give you a great indication of whether this is the right place for you.”
On January 6, the government revealed its first full Road Safety Strategy in more than a decade, with reforms to motorcycle training and licensing possibly changing.
It could mean that theory tests become part of CBT training, however, more information about potential changes to the current system will likely become available as the review progresses.
Jaffe reveals plans for 2026
Phoenix Motorcycle Training has already opened two second new facilities in 2026, one in Peterborough, and one in Bicester, taking its total number of training centres across the UK to 23. But when speaking to Visordown, Jaffe said more new locations are in the pipeline, while more off-road riding opportunities are coming soon.
“2026 looks to be a great year for motorcycling, and we will be announcing new Phoenix locations very soon,” said Jaffe. “Our trail riding training business is growing too, so expect to see new opportunities to learn to ride on dirt too.”
More information about all of its training centres, and the courses it offers can be found on the official Phoenix Motorcycle Training website.
Find the latest motorcycle news on Visordown.com.
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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.