Motorcycle registrations increase 149.2%

Following a significant bounce-back in registrations during April, data published by the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) shows that registrations grew significantly again in May compared to last year, by 149.2%. However, the UK was in full lockdown last year with dealers closed, therefore significant growth was inevitable. Comparing May 2021 registrations with May 2019s pre-pandemic total, there was still impressive growth of 23.1%. It will be interesting to see how June’s registrations compare to last year, bearing in mind that dealers reopening across the UK in June 2020 following Lockdown-1, with the market experiencing an impressive bounce back.

Engine band highest registrations – May 2021

Data courtesy of the MCIA

New Motorcycle Market

Two months have now passed since dealers began reopening across the UK as Lockdown-3 restrictions eased and demand has remained buoyant with little sign of the market slowing down. However, as in recent months, stock supply of new machine remains an issue for many dealers, with deliveries now expected in July, August and September, following original lead times of March, therefore key periods of the season have been missed.

Since its launch, the Triumph Trident has been in strong demand and the Yamaha Tracer 900 GT also proving to be a popular machine. However, as with recent months, demand remains strong across the board.

What can the industry expect moving forward?

With demand showing little sign of slowing down, the outlook is optimistic. However, stock supply is likely to prevent the 2021 season from being as strong as it could have been. Hopefully, stock issues will ease in time for the 2022 season. However, as has been the case since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, caution is advised as the near future remains uncertain, with potential economic challenges hindering consumer spending.

Used Motorcycle Feedback

The motorcycle market for used machines is showing little sign of slowing down either. Low availability and long lead times for new machines will likely boost used demand even further throughout the summer. Demand is strong across the board with Triumphs and Japanese brands particularly sought after. As has been the trend in recent years, sports machines are the least popular but a market for them still remains.

Some dealers have reported selling in excess of 60 new and used machines (combined) per month, which underlines just how strong current demand is.

Stock

Stock shortages continue to be the main challenge for the industry with little sign that will improve anytime soon. Long lead times for new machines are delaying part-exchanges and while some dealers took some in early, they have now sold. As a result, competition within auction channels remains very high, with strong hammer prices.

Riding Conditions

May was a cool and wet month, with late spring sunshine in short supply. However, the weather in the early weeks of June has vastly improved with largely warm and sunny days, making for fine riding conditions once again as summer solstice nears.

Taking into consideration ongoing strong market activity and stock shortages, values have been moderately increased across most sectors in Glass’s July edition, except where trade feedback or evidence from the marketplace indicated models required specific adjustments.