Glass’s motorcycle market overview

Data published by the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA) shows that registrations declined in May by 8.7% compared to 2022, with scooters and mopeds being the main culprits for the downfall. However, typically larger volume sellers, the Adventure, Naked and Road Sport categories, all recorded growth over last year, so it wasn’t all bad news. The year-todate tally now stands 5.2% behind last year. Dealer feedback suggests that the market has perhaps become more volatile recently, with demand for certain brands possibly hindered by the cost of living pressures. As more mortgage deals come to an end, and with banks announcing a further increase for their base interest rates in May, this will no doubt elevate pressure further on consumer finances. However, some dealers hope that the recent dry weather will help boost the market following a wet spring, and it will be interesting to see how it performs during the core summer months. Recently launched machines have been generally well received, with the new BMW M1000 R and S1000 RR proving very popular for some dealers.

Stock supply continues to improve, however there remain gaps in certain model ranges with late summer lead times looking likely for these.

Used Motorcycle Feedback

Sales and demand for used machinery during May continued to be reasonably buoyant overall, albeit more variable for some dealers. Stock continues to be more readily available this year, with strong offers from the public and the fact that some dealers bought in heavily during the winter period in preparation for the season. Requests for non-qualifying ULEZ machines have recently increased, with more rural and suburbanlocated dealers taking these in to sell locally and nationally. The majority of dealers remain satisfied with their stock levels, and demand continues to be strong across most style and capacity segments.

Outlook

Following the wet spring, summer has arrived with a bang, and the weather so far in June has been very dry, with temperatures on the increase.

Combined with daylight hours at their longest for the year, this makes for some fine riding conditions. As a result, Glass’s expects residual values for secondhand motorcycles and scooters to remain firm across all segments in the coming weeks.

Paul McDonald Leisure Vehicles Editor