For over a century, the heartbeat of motorcycling has been the sound of an engine. From the low growl of a Harley-Davidson to the banshee wail of a Yamaha R6, petrol power has given bikes their soul. But the world is changing. Governments, manufacturers, and environmental campaigners are all steering us toward an electric future. In the UK, the sale of new petrol-powered bikes is facing restrictions by 2035, a deadline that feels uncomfortably close for many riders.
So, what does this mean for bikers today? Should you hang on to your petrol pride and joy, or start preparing for an electric switch? And what impact will this shift have on the value of your bike if you decide to sell? Let’s break it down.
Petrol Power: More Than Just Transport
For bikers, petrol isn’t just fuel. It’s identity. It’s culture. It’s the rumble that wakes you up on a Sunday morning ride-out, the smell of hot exhaust after a blast through country lanes, and the mechanical chatter you learn to recognise like an old mate’s voice.
When the government talks about phasing out new petrol vehicles, they tend to think in terms of emissions, efficiency, and targets. Fair enough. But for riders, it isn’t just about getting from A to B. Motorcycling is an experience. It’s a lifestyle. And petrol engines are woven into that experience.
That’s why there’s so much resistance to the idea of an all-electric future. Cars? Fine, most people see them as appliances anyway. Bikes? Different story.
The Push Toward Electric
The UK government has already set out its intentions. Originally, 2030 was the proposed cut-off date for new petrol and diesel vehicles. That’s since been pushed back to 2035, giving bikers and manufacturers a little more breathing room. But make no mistake — the direction of travel is still electric.
Major brands are dipping their toes (and wallets) into e-bikes:
Harley-Davidson launched LiveWire, though it’s struggled with sales.
Kawasaki has unveiled hybrid and electric models.
- Triumph has been testing the TE-1, their first all-electric prototype.
On paper, the technology is impressive. Electric bikes deliver instant torque, futuristic design, and whisper-quiet riding. But in the real world, they’re facing uphill battles — high prices, limited charging infrastructure, and a lack of emotional connection.
Why Riders Aren’t Ready
Here’s the reality: most bikers aren’t queueing up for an e-motorbike. A few reasons why:
Range anxiety: Petrol bikes can blast 150–200 miles without breaking a sweat. Many electric bikes still struggle past 100 miles before needing hours of charging.
Cost: Electric bikes are pricey. Even mid-range models cost more than equivalent petrol versions.
Character: Let’s be honest — the silence of an electric motor doesn’t exactly stir the soul. Where’s the rumble? Where’s the soundtrack to your ride?
Infrastructure: Imagine pulling up to a remote biker café in the Yorkshire Dales and realising the nearest charger is 40 miles away. That’s not practical.
Until these issues are solved, petrol is going nowhere in the hearts of bikers.
Petrol Bikes Could Become More Valuable
Here’s where it gets interesting for anyone considering selling: petrol bikes might actually increase in value in the years ahead.
Why? Because scarcity breeds demand. As manufacturers focus more on electric, fewer new petrol bikes will hit the market. Riders who aren’t ready to switch will look to the second-hand scene to get their fix. And that demand could drive prices up, especially for desirable models.
Think about what’s happened in the car world. Classic petrol cars — from 80s hot hatches to vintage sports cars — have become highly collectible, often selling for more now than they did brand new. The same trend could easily play out in motorbikes.
That 600cc supersport you’ve been riding for years? It could be tomorrow’s sought-after machine. A solidly maintained commuter bike? It might be resale gold when petrol options start drying up.
Classics, Customs, and Collectors
Another factor worth considering is the cultural value of petrol bikes. Some will never die out. Classics like Triumph Bonnevilles, Honda CBs, and even quirky 125s have a loyal following. Customs and café racers built from old-school engines are only going to get cooler as time goes on.
Collectors know this. That’s why you’ll see rare bikes already fetching strong money. As electric dominance creeps closer, expect petrol classics to gain even more cult appeal.
What This Means If You’re Thinking of Selling
So, where does this leave you if you’re wondering whether now’s the time to sell your bike? Here’s the honest truth:
If you’ve got a popular, well-kept petrol bike, you’re sitting on an asset that may hold — or even increase — its value as the years roll by.
If you’re riding something a bit more niche, now could be a smart time to sell while demand is hot. Bikers are buying petrol now to secure what they know won’t always be around.
If you’re eyeing up your next bike, petrol options are still plentiful, but the clock is ticking on how many new ones will be built.
At SellYourBikeToday.com, we’re already seeing how these trends play out. Riders are coming to us to offload older models, upgrade to dream bikes while they still can, or cash in on current high demand.
The Hybrid Middle Ground?
There’s another angle worth considering — hybrids. While most people picture electric vs petrol as a straight swap, some manufacturers are experimenting with hybrid systems, combining small petrol engines with battery assistance.
This could be a stepping stone that helps bikers ease into the idea of electricity without completely losing the familiarity of petrol. But whether hybrids take off in the same way they have with cars remains to be seen.
The Biker Community’s Take
Talk to bikers at any café, on any forum, or at any meet-up, and you’ll hear the same conversation. Some are open-minded about electric bikes. Others dismiss them outright. Many say they’ll keep their petrol machines forever, no matter what the government legislates.
The biker community isn’t just about machines — it’s about passion, camaraderie, and shared experiences. And most of those experiences are still petrol-powered.
Looking Ahead to 2035 and Beyond
It’s unlikely that petrol bikes will vanish overnight. Even if new sales stop, second-hand markets will thrive. Parts and maintenance will stick around for decades. The community will make sure of it.
What’s more, history shows that enthusiasts keep their chosen machines alive. Just look at how many classic cars and bikes are still on the road long after their “sell-by date.” Petrol bikes will become treasured, not trashed.
Petrol Still Has Life in It
The future might be electric, but petrol isn’t finished yet. Not by a long shot. For many riders, the switch to electric will only happen when they absolutely have no choice. And until then, the demand for petrol bikes — new or used — will remain strong.
If you’re sitting on a bike you’re not riding as much as you used to, or you’re curious what it’s worth in this shifting market, now’s a smart time to check. At SellYourBikeToday.com, we’re bikers ourselves, and we know how much your machine means to you. Whether you’re selling to upgrade, cash in, or just move on, we’ll give you a fair, honest valuation that reflects the reality of today’s market.
Because while the government dreams of an electric-only future, bikers live in the here and now. And right now? Petrol is still king.
An extremely easy sale, no tyre-kickers, no stress! SellYourBikeToday.com is ready when you are.