Motorcycle Market Rebounds Strongly in 2026

The motorcycle industry shows strong recovery in 2026, with rising sales, market growth in Europe, and continued dominance of traditional models.

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After several challenging years, the motorcycle industry is finally showing signs of recovery in 2026. The market had previously faced a significant downturn, with a sharp decline of 20.8% recorded in 2025. However, early indicators this year suggest a positive shift, raising optimism for a more stable growth trend ahead.

In 2025, total market volume stood at 222,456 units, which remained more than 23% below pre-pandemic levels in 2019. While many European markets have already rebounded and even surpassed their earlier performance, some, including France, have struggled to regain momentum.

The French market, in particular, has been affected by stricter urban policies in major cities like Paris and Lyon, where regulations limit the use of certain two-wheelers in city centers. Combined with a slower economic environment and limited national support for electric mobility, these factors have weighed on overall growth.

Despite these challenges, the first quarter of 2026 delivered strong results. Sales reached 62,488 units, marking an impressive 35.1% increase compared to the same period last year. This rebound has pushed France back into position as the second-largest motorcycle market in the EU, just behind Italy.

Interestingly, this recovery has not been driven by electric vehicles. The electric motorcycle segment continued to decline, dropping by 4.3%, indicating that traditional internal combustion models still dominate the market.

Among manufacturers, Honda maintained its leadership position, posting steady growth of 17.3%. Yamaha followed in second place with a strong 35% increase, largely recovering from a weaker previous year. Kawasaki moved into third place, surpassing BMW, which recorded only modest growth.

Other notable performers include Triumph and Peugeot, both showing solid gains, while CFMoto emerged as a standout with rapid expansion. Suzuki also posted significant growth, alongside a strong recovery from KTM.

Overall, the motorcycle industry in 2026 appears to be entering a recovery phase. While uncertainties remain, particularly due to global economic conditions, the strong start to the year suggests renewed momentum and potential for continued growth.