UK Motorcycle Sales Rebound in September

September brings renewed growth for UK motorcycles and scooters, led by adventure and sportbike sales after a challenging start to 2025.

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After a difficult first half of the year, the UK motorcycle market is beginning to show early signs of recovery. Following steep declines earlier in 2025, September brought a noticeable improvement in new vehicle registrations, particularly within the scooter and adventure bike segments.

According to the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA), overall sales across the L-category sector, including mopeds, scooters, and motorcycles, improved during September, offering a welcome contrast to previous months.

From Decline to Stabilisation

The year began sluggishly for the UK motorcycle market, culminating in a particularly poor June, when sales fell 18% year-on-year. From June 2024 to June 2025, motorcycle registrations were down 20.1%, reflecting weak consumer confidence and ongoing cost pressures in the retail sector.

September, however, showed a more balanced picture. While total motorcycle registrations were still 3% lower than the same month in 2024, the deficit was much smaller compared to earlier declines. Scooter sales even moved into positive territory, rising 1.5% year-on-year, signalling renewed urban demand and a shift toward affordable, efficient commuting options.

Adventure and Sport Segments Drive Growth

Among the strongest performers were adventure motorcycles (ADV), with sales jumping 21% compared to September 2024. The road sport category, which includes sportbikes such as the Yamaha R7, also saw an 8% increase in new registrations.

These gains suggest that enthusiast riders are returning to the market, buoyed by an improving selection of mid- and high-capacity models and ongoing brand engagement through track events and adventure touring promotions.

Optimism Ahead of 2026 Model Launches

Looking ahead, the final quarter of 2025 could see further momentum as major manufacturers prepare to unveil new 2026 models at upcoming shows such as EICMA in Milan and Motorcycle Live in Birmingham this November.

These events traditionally generate excitement and drive pre-orders, often resulting in stronger sales in the months that follow.

If sales trends continue upward and consumer sentiment improves, 2025 may yet close on a more positive note, setting the stage for a stronger and more confident motorcycle market in 2026.