After a tough year for the motorcycle trade, September has delivered some welcome news. Fresh figures from the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) suggest that the UK powered two-wheeler market is finally showing signs of recovery, with several key segments recording month-on-month growth.
The MCIA’s latest registration data, covering Mopeds, Scooters, Motorcycles and other L-category vehicles, shows the overall market ended September down just 2% on the same month last year. That might sound modest, but it’s a marked improvement — cutting the year-to-date decline to 15.2%, compared with 17.2% at the end of August.
Honda's evergreen PCX125 continues to top the scooter chart
Scooters lead the way
Scooters once again proved the star performers, closing the month 1.5% up compared with September 2024. Demand remains strong for lightweight, affordable and practical transport options, particularly in cities where fuel costs and congestion continue to push riders toward more efficient alternatives.
The segment’s steady rise also reflects a broader shift in commuting habits. With more riders looking for economical ways to navigate urban areas, scooters have become a go-to solution — not only for new riders but also for those returning to two wheels after years away.
Kawasaki's recently updated Ninja 1100SX tops the Road Sport (Sports Touring) class, while BMW's R 1300 GSA tops the Adventure sector
Adventure and Sports Tourers on the up
The motorcycle market overall remains slightly down year-on-year, but September showed encouraging progress. Registrations finished the month just 3% lower than 2024 levels, a significant recovery from earlier in the year.
Adventure bikes led the charge with an impressive 21% increase compared to last September, as more riders continue to embrace their versatility and all-round usability. Sports-tourers also posted a healthy 8% rise, reflecting renewed interest in this reinvigorated class.
The data points to a returning appetite for motorcycles that combine everyday practicality with weekend escapism — a trend that dealers will hope continues into the final months of the year.
MCIA CEO: “Excellent signs of recovery”
MCIA Chief Executive Tony Campbell described the September results as “excellent signs of recovery,” given the challenges the industry has faced throughout 2025.
“September has shown some excellent signs of recovery given the challenging year we have seen thus far. 2025 continues to be a tough trading environment for retailers, where consumer confidence remains low and margins are under continual pressure.”
Campbell added that the final quarter of the year will be “crucial” for the sector, especially with uncertainty surrounding possible tax increases in the November Budget.
“We hope the much-rumoured tax rises will be avoided, as this will only cause further harm to the economy,” he warned.
Tough year, but confidence returning
The powered two-wheeler industry has had to contend with a turbulent economic backdrop this year — from high interest rates to falling consumer confidence. Many dealers have reported thinner margins and unpredictable footfall, especially in the mid-market and premium bike segments.
Yet, despite the pressure, the latest MCIA figures suggest that demand may be starting to stabilise. While total registrations remain below 2024 levels, the improving month-on-month trend hints that the worst of the slowdown could be behind the industry.
Looking ahead: lobbying for growth
Campbell also reaffirmed MCIA’s commitment to supporting long-term growth and working with government to deliver reforms that encourage more people onto two wheels.
“So far, this Government’s pledge to grow the economy is proving more difficult than they first thought, but we are not seeing any signs that taxing their way-out strategy will change.”
He confirmed that the MCIA is continuing its push for changes to the rider licensing framework and plans to propose a sector-specific growth package to government in early 2026 — designed to boost uptake of Mopeds and Motorcycles while supporting the UK’s net-zero goals.
The initiative is expected to include measures that promote motorcycles and scooters as affordable, low-emission transport options — a message the MCIA believes aligns with both economic and environmental priorities.
While the market still has a way to go, September’s results offer a welcome boost for manufacturers, dealers and riders alike.
If the trend continues — and the upcoming Budget avoids new financial burdens on consumers — 2025 could end on a more stable note than many in the trade dared to expect earlier this year.
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