New motorcycle registrations surge with adventure bikes leading the way

While industry experts continue to wait for a government response to the rider licence review, motorcycle registrations in the UK are continuing to prove that the two-wheel sector is in a healthy place.

This is after the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) posted the latest figures across the L-Category vehicle sector, with new motorcycle registrations growing by 17.1 per cent compared to the same month in 2025. 

Leading the way was the adventure segment, with sales increasing by a whopping 41.1 per cent compared to August 2025.

A total of 1,652 adventure motorcycles were registered last month compared to 1,168 in August 2025. The demand for adventure motorcycles has been high for most of 2026, leading to a year-to-date increase of 25.7 per cent. 

Speaking about the UK enjoying another strong month of new registrations, Tony Campbell, CEO of MCIA, said: 

“August marks another strong month for our sector, with market volumes continuing to recover compared to 2025. While the summer months are traditionally a strong period for new registrations, these figures are further evidence of the ongoing demand for mopeds, motorcycles and other L-Category vehicles here in the UK.”

The competition segment closed out August with the second highest growth compared to the same month in 2025 (31 per cent), as well as the current year-to-date figures vs last year (21.8 per cent).

Third on this list is the naked segment, which saw an increase of 23.3 per cent in new registrations for the month of August.

While all specified motorcycle categories, except the touring segment, are enjoying a year-to-date increase in registrations compared with the same period last year, Campbell says the MCIA is still awaiting a response from the government concerning the rider licence review, which is likely to provide a clearer outlook regarding future support for the two-wheel sector.

Campbell added: 

“However, we are still awaiting the Government’s response to the rider licence review, which remains an important opportunity to support access to the market. Increasing volumes are of course welcomed, but if we want to build on this momentum in the years ahead, we need to see tailored support that enables our industry to play a much greater role in supporting its wider transport ambitions.

“There is no denying that our sector continues to face challenges, but we need this Government to look at what mopeds, motorcycles and other L-Category vehicles can offer, rather than viewing them through the narrow safety lens that we have seen recently. 

“Our sector is a significant solution to the UK’s mobility and transport challenges, and that’s why the MCIA team is currently developing a further evidence base to show why incentivising uptake is an important and necessary step – an approach we are looking forward to launching shortly.”

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