Reasons to be cheerful
Commuter-size motorcycle sales increase
John Newman
Last week the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) gave out the news that, in 2015, more 'commuter-size' motorcycles were sold than in any given year since 1983.
Motorcycle sales/registrations as a whole showed a healthy - 12% - increase over the period, but 101-125cc bikes numbered almost 44,000 (out of a total 114,000) in sales. The bikes were most popular with younger people, who are often restricted in the power capacity they can access; they were also popular with those seeking an alternative to the increasing traffic density and congestion that comes with driving a car.
Steve Kenward, the CEO of MCIA, said 'We are seeing an increase in sales of new motorcycles of all sizes, but our records show that we've never seen as many bikes of this size being sold before. We think it is likely they are being used for commuting, as they are economical to run and easy to park.
'Motorcycle dealers have been reporting an increase in families swapping a second car for a motorcycle, to beat the misery of sitting in traffic during rush hour.'
Honda PCX 125
The best selling motorcycle in the UK for 2015 was the Honda PCX 125.
If people are purchasing small cc bikes in numbers, it's a good bet that they will be also be equipping themselves with riding gear, and commuting means acquiring decent all-weather gear, plus security equipment for the bike when it's parked up.
The news was especially welcomed by Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), who put out a statement which included the observations that the presence of more two-wheelers on the road would lead to more awareness from other road users. And that campaigns to allow powered two-wheelers to use bus lanes will have influenced decisions to "'beat the traffic".
Increasing the optimism. It's hoped that this positive turn will lead a proportion of the people who have taken to the road on two wheels to realise that motorcycling can provide all round pleasure, fun, excitement and freedom.
Are you planning on buying a low-cc motorcycle this year or making the switch to ride to work? Tell us about it at
[email protected].
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