A slow start to the season, but summer is on the way at last

During May, the Powered Two-Wheeler market suffered an overall 8.7% decline, equating to a 5.2% decline year-to-date. Mopeds overall declined 29.0%, with Scooter mopeds registering a 35.8% decrease. Only 435 mopeds were registered in total, compared to the 613 registered in May 2022.

Motorcycles registered a 7.8% market decrease. Year-to-date, this decrease equated to 3.4%. Unspecified motorcycles had the biggest market increase in May, up by 66.7%, with road sport motorcycles (up 4.8%) and competition motorcycles (up 8.9%) also making progress.

Tricycles registered positive market growth in May, increasing 13.8% in total, but May was a poor month for electric PTWs, which decreased by 30.2% with just 395 units sold. However, electric motorcycles ≤35kW and exempt electric PTWs both registered significant market increases, up by 25% and 16.7% respectively.

ICE PTWs suffered a market decline of 7.7% in total. However, the 751-1000cc sector registered a 28.9% market increase, with 2154 units sold.

Symon Cook, NFDA and NMDA head of business operations, commented: “The motorcycle market in the UK has experienced a slower start to the year than usual. External factors relating to supply have constrained the number of bikes readily available to showrooms, and economic turbulence, with the rise of inflation, has impacted consumer confidence and spending.

“Nevertheless, with the warmer summer months approaching, dealers are optimistic that sales will improve. The spring 2023 edition of the NMDA Dealer Attitude Survey, which provides a comprehensive overview of dealer-manufacturer relationships and their key issues, is now out and provides valuable information on the alliance between dealers and brands.”