UK government action urged to “protect” heritage motorcycling

The UK’s Vintage Motor Cycle Club (VMCC) and National Motorcyclists’ Council (NMC) have together called for protection of heritage motorcycles in the country.

The NMC notes that in 2023 there were 624,805 vintage and classic motorcycles in the UK, according to a Loop report, and that in 2020 the UK’s fleet of heritage motorcycles was valued at £1.2 billion.

Additionally, 2025 statistics from the UK government indicate that around 30 per cent of the licensed motorcycles in the UK are 25-years-old or older, and the NMC says that the sector contributes up to £1.6 billion to the UK economy per year.

But the NMC says the heritage motorcycle sector is under pressure in the UK because of number of factors, including “security of legacy fuel supply, historic vehicle rules, plus manufacturing and engineering skills attrition in the sector,” as well as environmental policies the Council says are “poorly implemented” and changes to fuel composition.

The NMC says the UK government must improve its understanding of heritage motorcycling. Together with the VMCC, it says it wants “much better recognition” of the heritage sector from government, as well as continued protection of historic vehicle exemptions from ordinarily mandatory processes and charges like MOTs and ULEZ.

“To secure the sector’s future, coordinated action is needed across government, industry and civil society,” said VMCC President Roger Bibbings.

“In particular, Government action can protect heritage motorcycling while still meeting environmental and safety goals.

“With appropriate policy support, the sector can continue to thrive while making a minimal environmental impact. 

“Targeted, well-designed derogations in future regulation will allow legacy and historic motorcycles to remain a living part of Britain’s cultural landscape for decades to come.”

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