New data released by the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) shows a noticeable improvement in UK motorcycle registrations during February, suggesting the two-wheeled market may be regaining some momentum after a slower period last year. While the growth is encouraging, the numbers also highlight several challenges facing the industry, including economic uncertainty and weak demand for electric motorcycles.
According to the latest figures, internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycle registrations increased by 16.8% year-to-date compared with the same period in 2025. During the first two months of 2026, 8,592 petrol-powered motorcycles were registered, up from 7,359 units during the same timeframe last year.
Looking specifically at February, registrations rose 15.3%, with 3,838 new ICE motorcycles registered across all engine capacities. However, while this growth marks a positive step, the figures still fall short of earlier years. In February 2024, the UK recorded 4,955 registrations, while 4,594 motorcycles were registered in February 2023. This suggests that although the market is recovering, it has yet to fully return to its pre-slowdown levels.
Electric Motorcycles Continue to Struggle
While traditional petrol-powered motorcycles experienced growth, the electric segment told a very different story. Electric motorcycles have struggled so far in 2026, with sales dropping 16.4% during the first two months of the year. Only 250 electric bikes were registered during that period, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by electric two-wheelers in gaining widespread adoption.
Higher purchase prices, limited charging infrastructure, and shorter riding ranges compared with petrol bikes continue to make electric motorcycles less attractive for many riders, particularly in a market where affordability and practicality often drive purchasing decisions.
Honda Leads the Market
Among manufacturers, Honda emerged as the clear leader in February registrations. The brand recorded 947 motorcycle registrations, comfortably ahead of second-placed Yamaha, which registered 434 units.
Honda also dominated multiple capacity categories with several of the best-selling models in the market. These included the popular Honda PCX125 in the 51–125cc category, the versatile Honda CRF300L in the 126–500cc class, the Honda NC750X in the 501–750cc segment, the high-performance Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP in the 751–1000cc category, and the touring-focused Honda NT1100 in the 1000cc-plus class.
Dealer incentives and promotional offers likely contributed to Honda’s strong performance, helping attract buyers in a competitive market.
Market Outlook and Uncertainty
Despite the positive sales trend, MCIA CEO Tony Campbell warned that broader geopolitical developments could impact the motorcycle industry in the coming months. Ongoing tensions in the Middle East, for example, could lead to rising fuel prices and economic instability.
Interestingly, such changes could have mixed effects on the market. While economic uncertainty often slows vehicle purchases, higher fuel prices may also encourage more people to consider motorcycles and scooters as cost-effective alternatives to cars for commuting and daily transport.
Final Thoughts
The February registration figures suggest that the UK motorcycle market is showing signs of recovery, particularly for traditional petrol-powered bikes. However, the slow uptake of electric motorcycles highlights the challenges still facing the transition to electrified two-wheelers.
In my view, the coming years will likely see a gradual shift rather than a rapid transformation. Riders remain drawn to the affordability, reliability, and long range of conventional motorcycles, and manufacturers will need to address pricing and infrastructure concerns before electric bikes can compete on equal terms.
