Year-end figures for new motorcycle registrations show sales for 2014 were up by 10 per cent compared to 2013, with an increase every single month throughout the year.
A total of 101,277 new motorcycles, scooters and mopeds were registered during 2014, compared to 91,908 the year before and of this year’s new registrations, more than 48,000 were smaller commuter-sized machines.
The figures, collated by the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA), show that certain styles were particularly popular with ‘Naked’ bikes* up 32 per cent on the previous year and ‘touring’ bikes** up 13 per cent.
Larger motorcycles sold well too with an increase of 18 per cent in the sale of models between 651cc and 1000cc.
MCIA CEO Steve Kenward said that with Motorcycle Live attendance also increasing by 10 per cent, he was optimistic that similar levels of growth will be seen over the next 12 months.
“Motorcycle Live is regarded within the industry as a barometer for the year ahead, so the increase in visitors and their tremendous response to exciting new models bodes well for sales in 2015,” he said.
“This news is interesting to a wider audience too, as it contains two stories; one about a return to consumer confidence and the other regarding congestion.
“Motorcycles which appeal to leisure riders have sold very well, which marks a sustained return of consumer confidence. We began to see the shoots of recovery in bike sales towards the end of 2013, but with 12 months of solid growth, we feel confident enough to say that this indicates people are feeling more comfortable about spending money.”
Government statistics show the number of PTWs licensed for the road has also increased to 1,326,500 – the highest figure registered for five years, and nearly double the number on the road in 1994.
“The rise in new sales puts an end to several years of caution from our core customers, who had been hanging on to their bikes for twice the length of time they do in more prosperous times,” added Steve.
“Greater confidence seems to have unleashed a pent up demand, aided by good finance deals and some highly desirable new models coming to market.”
*Machines which are built to a basic specification with no fairing and an upright riding position. **Touring bikes generally have large engines and are designed for long-distance riding.
Lexelle offers a range of added value products to provide enhanced levels of cover for existing motor insurance policy holders.