MCIA repeats government plea on rider licensing review as motorcycle sales continue to grow

So far in 2026, motorcycle registrations have climbed by 14.8 per cent across the UK compared to the same period in 2025, highlighting why industry bodies are pushing for the government to make the two-wheel sector a bigger priority in its transport system. 

Across the entire year to date, total registrations have grown by 14.4 per cent, which includes all vehicles under the wider L-Category umbrella, such as mopeds, scooters, motorcycles, and more.

87,685 L-Category vehicles have been sold compared to 76,649 at the same stage in 2025, according to the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA).

The motorcycle sector has, unsurprisingly, been the driving force behind the improved numbers, with adventure bikes responsible for the biggest year-to-date rise.

New adventure motorcycle registrations have grown by 23.4 per cent so far this year, with competition bikes a close second at 22.5 per cent. For the month of September, the total market grew by 6.8 per cent vs the same month last year. 

Bike sales in the competition segment increased by 27.1 per cent for the month, which was highest of any motorcycle category. 

The best-selling brand was Honda, which was the only manufacturer that sold over 2,000 units. The Japanese company sold a total of 2,159 units in the UK, while BMW and Triumph managed to break past the 1,000 unit mark, with 1,256 (BMW) and 1,001 (Triumph) sales respectively. 

Speaking about the continued growth, Tony Campbell, CEO of MCIA, said: 

“September is a key month for the full year market being the second largest of the year, so it is very pleasing to see the market continue to recover from 2025.”

Campbell also went on to address the ongoing rider license and training review, where he repeated his call for the government to respond favourably towards motorcyclists. 

Campbell started by saying “mopeds, motorcycles and other L-Category vehicles should be a key element in a well thought out integrated travel system where [the] government needs to work harder to fully understand what the solutions are.”

He then added: 

“As this Government moves forward with devolution and reindustrialisation, it needs to recognise that this sector is about much more than getting from A to B. It also supports manufacturing, innovation, skilled jobs and social mobility and that’s why we’re committed to working with ministers on smarter, integrated travel policies and urge the government to respond positively as it considers the review of rider licensing and training”.

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