In the way of things a new year brings with it the opportunity to assess the successes (and failures) of the previous one. Specific to bikes the publication of annual sales figures from industry body the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) reveals which sections of the market and specific models have been the most popular, which can be useful insight as to which bikes to buy.
Overall new motorcycle sales in 2023 were slightly down on the previous year but despite this, the MCIA says there is still plenty of reason to be optimistic for 2024. Overall sales for 2023 were 113,589 machines – 2.5 per cent down on 2022. Over 109,000 of those were of conventional petrol bikes, with electric sales in 2023 just 4,062 (or just 3.6 per cent of the market) – down from 6,526 in the previous year representing a drop of over a third. But enough of the negatives. The new figures also reveal the most popular categories and individual bikes, too. Among combustion-engined bikes the A1 licence class 51-125cc remains the biggest selling, accounting for over 34 per cent of total sales, helped by the fact this also includes scooters and other commuter bikes. The next most popular categories were 501-750cc and 751-1000cc categories, which were both up in 2023.So-called ‘nakeds’ remain the most popular format of bike, accounting for nearly a quarter of sales. Adventure bikes aren’t far behind, with ‘modern classics’ also very popular. To drill down further here are the most popular bikes from the last year, category by category.
Best-selling ‘naked’ – Honda CB750 Hornet
The best-selling of all ‘big bike’ motorcycle categories is, by the MCIA’s classification, ‘naked’ models. Which is to say traditional, straightforward motorcycles without fairings (hence the term) as popularised in recent times by Yamaha’s fun, affordable and versatile MT-07. While the Yamaha remains the benchmark and the Triumph Street Triple 765 also has a big following two newcomers stole the headlines in 2023, these being Suzuki’s punchy and fun GSX-8S and, even more successfully, Honda’s all-new CB750 Hornet. The latter, with its all-new 755cc parallel-twin engine, class-leading 92 horsepower output, nimble handling, equipment and – most importantly – bargain price stole not just hearts but wallets. Find out why with our long-term review.
Best-selling adventure bike – BMW R1250GS/Adventure
One of the most predictable of all best sellers, even if that is now certain to soon change. These off-road styled all-rounders have a huge following given you can tour, commute or even hit the dirt on them and the adventure bike class has been one of the most popular in the UK for decades. Basically two-wheeled SUVs and a reflection of the similar trends in the car world, the BMW GS is the perennial best-seller. Little wonder. This shaft-driven boxer twin is both flexible and proven, the big-tanked, high-spec Adventure variant (included in the overall numbers) and the huge range of options and accessories simply underlining its versatility. Enough, in fact, for it to again be the UK’s best-selling adventure bike. However, that certainly won’t be the case for long. An all-new R1300GS was unveiled in September and is already selling well. Not enough to change the overall result but definitely enough to stake its claim for next year. Read our full review of the R1250GS here.
Best-selling ‘modern classic’ – BSA Gold Star 650
‘Modern classics’ is the MCIA definition for the classically-styled retro roadsters popularised by Triumph’s reimagined Bonneville. It’s impressive how many ‘new’ examples are being launched, as is the case again in 2023. Last year saw the continuing popularity of Royal Enfield’s 650cc twin, the Interceptor 650, along with its new, bargain-priced 350 single, the HNTR 350, while 2023 saw the arrival of revived Norton’s re-engineered 961 Commando (which doesn’t feature here primarily because of its premium £12K+ price) and born-again BSA’s new 650cc single, the Gold Star. Although made in India by new owners Mahindra, the new Gold Star has proved a popular alternative thanks to authentic styling, sweet detailing, easy manners and a keen price – enough to make it the best seller in the class last year. Read our full review of the Gold Star 650 here.
Best-selling ‘road sport’ – Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX
A case of back to business as usual in this sporty road all-rounder category. One of Britain’s best-selling bikes for years has been Kawasaki’s Ninja 1000SX, a sports-tourer previously called the Z1000 SX originally based on the Z1000 super naked. With all of that bike’s thrills, the added practicality of a fairing and luggage options, an updated spec including a TFT dash, slick electronics, top quality brakes, great suspension and, best of all, a still keenly affordable price, it’s not hard to see why the big Kawasaki remains such a popular choice. Even after Suzuki briefly stole its plaudits with its version, the GSX-S1000GT as introduced last year. Another Japanese bike also running the Kawasaki close is Yamaha’s excellent Trace 9 GT triple. Read our review of the Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX here.
Best-selling scooter – Yamaha NMAX
125cc scooters remain hugely popular by the simple virtue of being great value commuters – you can ride them from 17 with simply a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) certificate and while motorways remain out of bounds they’re still brisk enough to cope with A-roads and dual-carriageways. They’re also a doddle to ride with no gears and a very economical and affordable. Two examples with the best blend of quality and value stand out and have vied for the best seller spot for the best part of a decade, it being a tit-for-tat between Honda’s ever-popular RCX125 and Yamaha’s slightly newer NMAX 125, which sneaks top spot this year. Read our review of the Yamaha NMAX 125 here.
Best-selling Tourer – BMW R1250RT
When it comes to dedicated, large-capacity touring machines one bike has stood head and shoulders above the rest longer than anyone can remember – BMW’s big boxer twin RT. Most recently updated in 2019 with an enlarged, 136 horsepower Shift Cam boxer engine, seven-inch TFT dash and a new look, the R1250RT remains far and away the best bike of its type, is beloved by the emergency services (including the police) and remains the best seller in this category in 2023. It is, however, worth pointing out that it now has a credible rival. Honda launched its NT1100 in 2022, combining the impressive parallel-twin engine from the Africa Twin with more comfortable, road-orientated accoutrements, and it’s proved a big seller. Read our Honda NT1100 review here and our review of the BMW R1250RT here.
Best-selling 125cc motorcycle – Yamaha YZF-R125
As with 125cc scooters, 125cc motorcycles remain hugely popular simply because they are the introductory ‘learner’ class for those starting out on two wheels. From the age of 17, as long as you have a provisional licence and have done your CBT you can ride a 125cc motorcycle on the road. And the one bike above all others youngsters want to ride is Yamaha’s sporty YZF-R125. And it’s not hard to see why. Although not cheap it’s got genuine, MotoGP-inspired big bike looks. It may be limited to 15 horsepower but its liquid-cooled single cylinder motor is as sophisticated and potent as they come and it's well-equipped and easy to ride, too. Of course, not all 125cc buyers want a pricey, racy machine. For those after a more affordable, practical commuter Honda’s CB125F remains a great alternative to a scooter and, as a result, it sells in its hundreds, too. Read our full review of the Honda CB125F here and of the Yamaha YZF-R125 here.
