UK motorcycle registrations grow by 17.3 per cent in February
Motorcycling's positive start to 2026 continued in the month of February, as new bike registrations increased again.
After January showed signs of life for the UK motorcycle market, February’s new registration figures have painted an even rosier picture.
2025 was a tough year as a whole when it came to new motorcycle registrations. An overall drop of 19.4 per cent was recorded, with statistics provided by the MCIA (Motorcycle Industry Association) making for generally bleak reading.
However, January’s numbers bounced back considerably, as motorcycle sales increased by 12.9 per cent over the same period last year.
That does not include mopeds, scooters, and other vehicles within the wider L-Category (L1 to L7). But when all of these categories, including motorcycles, were put together, the total year-to-date market increase was recorded at 16.1 per cent for January 2026.
That year-to-date figure has dipped to 15.5 per cent after February’s numbers came in, however, the motorcycle segment still saw an increase of 17.3 per cent compared to the same month in 2025. That means new motorcycle registrations so far in 2026 are up by 14.7 per cent.
The two motorcycle segments that saw the most growth in February compared to the same month in 2025, were the sportbike (32.2 per cent) and adventure (28 per cent) categories.
Speaking about the continued upturn in new vehicle registrations, Tony Campbell, CEO of MCIA, said:
“Another month of strong growth is a welcome start to the year, and whilst expected (considering the large market distortions impacting the end of 2024 and early part of 2025) these new registrations will have real positive financial impacts on Member’s revenues and Dealer networks at this critical time.”
Campbell also spoke about the ongoing war in the Middle East and how it could affect the economy, as well as the rise in fuel prices, which could offer potential growth for the two-wheel sector.
Campbell added:
“The economy was starting to witness signs of stability, with the Bank of England predicted to cut interest rates further in March, however, the outbreak of war in the Middle East now means this is less certain, as we enter a new period of conflict and geopolitical unrest.
“With fuel prices already rising, this often signals a growth opportunity for our sector as people look to make savings.”
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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.
