UK Motorcycle Sales in Early 2025: A Bumpy Start but Honda Powers Ahead
As the UK motorcycle scene eases into 2025, there's no avoiding a sense of caution hanging over the market. With the cost of living continuing to pinch consumer spending, it's no surprise that big purchases—like motorcycles—are increasingly seen as optional luxuries rather than necessities.
Recent data from the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA), shared via Motorcycle News (MCN), paints a sobering picture. January motorcycle registrations dropped sharply, down around 30% compared to the same period last year. Just over 4,200 new bikes were registered, versus more than 6,400 in January 2024.
Euro 5+ Emission Rules Might Be Skewing the Stats
It's worth noting that the numbers reflect registrations, not necessarily sales to end customers. That distinction matters—especially this year. With new Euro 5+ emissions standards kicking in from January 2025, many UK motorcycle dealers rushed to register their existing stock in December 2024 to avoid compliance headaches. As a result, some bikes that were technically "sold" this year were already on the books by the end of last year, which could explain part of the dip in January's figures.
Still, this isn't an isolated blip. The downward trend has been building over the past couple of years, and MCIA's CEO, Tony Campbell, is quoted as saying the industry is keeping a close eye on early spring—a make-or-break period that will set the tone for the rest of the year.
Honda: The Quiet Market Leader
Despite the overall dip, one brand is proving it knows how to play the game—and that's Honda. The Japanese giant has doubled down on value and competitive pricing across several segments, and it seems to be paying off handsomely in the UK motorcycle market.
The January data tells a compelling story:
- Honda NT1100: Topping the charts as both the best-selling touring motorcycle and the top model in the litre-plus category, outpacing even the long-dominant BMW R1300 GS and GSA.
- CB1000 Hornet: Crowned the best-selling naked motorcycle.
- GB350S: Not only the best-selling modern classic but also leading in the 125cc to 500cc class.
The GB350S deserves special attention—it's gone head-to-head with popular models like the Triumph Speed 400 and Royal Enfield's 350cc range, both of which frequently dominate this category. For Honda to pull ahead here, especially with a price tag just under £4,000, is no small feat.
Likewise, the Hornet CB1000—starting at £8,999 and stretching to £9,999 for the SP version—represents serious bang for your buck. Honda's strategy is clear: make desirable motorcycles accessible at a time when consumers are feeling the squeeze.
A Lesson in Scale and Strategy
Honda's ability to deliver well-specced, reliable motorcycles at lower price points likely comes down to one key advantage—scale. With an astonishing 20 million two-wheelers sold globally each year, Honda can operate at efficiencies that few other manufacturers can match.
It's this sheer volume that allows them to undercut many rivals while still offering top-tier bikes. For UK riders, that's a win-win: more choice, better prices, and fewer compromises.
Looking Ahead: Will Value Lead the Way?
As we move out of winter and into peak riding season, the next few months will be critical. If the cost-of-living crisis continues to drag on consumer confidence, brands that offer practical, affordable motorcycles may continue to thrive—while those pushing premium-only models could face a tougher ride.
For now, Honda's success offers a glimmer of optimism in an otherwise sluggish start to 2025. And with new models like the CB1000 Hornet SP and GB350S already in showrooms—and reportedly under review by top UK motorcycle media—we'll soon see whether the real-world riding experience lives up to the early hype.
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