UK motorcycle sales rose once again in February 2020

Sales of motorcycles in the United Kingdom continued to progress strongly in February 2020 to give the industry a timely boost in the face of coronavirus concerns.

Having begun the year strongly with figures in the ‘green’ for January, sales in February 2020 - according to data from the Motorcycles Industry Assocation - were comfortably up on the same month in 2019 with larger displacement motorcycles rising +3.5%, helping to offset the -4.2% slide in sales for scooters and mopeds.

The main driver for this growth was a rise in naked motorcycle sales – the largest segment in terms of sales – with a rise of +14.4% year-on-year (now +19.0% year to date) – and an +8.7% rise in Adventure Sport models. Though it accounts for relatively few sales in numbers, the Sport/Tour class nonetheless saw almost double year-on-year.

In all, 4,607 two-wheelers and tricycles were sold in February 2020, up from 4,473 a year earlier to represent a rise of +3.0%

Following the first two months of the year, sales of motorcycles in the UK sit at 10,753 units – a +2.9% rise year-on-year.

However, there are concerns the onset of the coronavirus could have an enduring impact on sales. Though the UK has so far avoided significant case numbers, the government has warned of an impending pandemic which could enforce new regulations - such as remaining indoors - which are expected to have wider ramifications on a variety of industries.

What are the best-selling motorcycles in the UK?

Honda retains its customary spot atop the branded sales charts after shifting 1,124 units during February, with the Honda PCX 125 scooter holding onto its place as the best-selling two-wheel model in the UK.

Indeed, it was a strong month for Honda as a whole with the Z 125 MA emerging as the best-selling naked motorcycle and the Honda CRF 250 LA topping the Trail/Enduro charts.

Moreover, Hondas were top in four of the five designated engine bands with the PCX (51-125cc), CB 500 F (126-650cc), CB 1000 R (651-1000cc) and CRF 1100 (Over 1000cc) dominating the opposition.

Elsewhere, the Yamaha Tracer 700 topped the Adventure Sports charts, heading off the BMW R 1250, to consolidate the Japanese firm’s second place overall.

KTM enjoyed a strong month to move ahead of Triumph for fourth overall, while Kawasaki lifted to seventh as Harley-Davidson, Piaggio and SYM took up top ten spots at the expense of Ducati, Royal Enfield and Suzuki.