The State of Play
The UK motorcycle market has hit a speed bump in 2025. Registrations for new bikes have dropped sharply — down by more than 20% compared with last year. For many, that’s no surprise. Rising costs, tighter regulations, and economic uncertainty are squeezing riders and manufacturers alike.
But the story isn’t as simple as “bike sales are down.” Some types of bikes are struggling badly, while others are proving remarkably resilient. And for bikers looking to buy, sell, or simply understand where the market’s heading, the shifts are worth paying attention to.
Who’s Feeling the Pain?
Not all motorcycles are equal when the market turns sour. In 2025, adventure bikes — once the darlings of British riders — are among the hardest hit. Registrations are down by around 30%. High insurance premiums, weighty price tags, and rising ownership costs have dulled their shine.
Sports bikes have also taken a knock, with younger riders finding them too expensive to insure and older riders put off by the uncomfortable riding position for longer trips. Customs and nakeds are seeing similar declines. These were lifestyle machines that thrived when disposable income was higher, but right now, they’re not pulling the same crowd.
Modern Classics: The Bright Spot
The standout exception? Modern classics. Sales of retro-styled bikes like the Triumph Bonneville, Royal Enfield Interceptor, and even smaller capacity offerings like the Triumph Speed 400 have held up better than most segments, dropping by only around 10%.
Why? Because they tick so many boxes. They’re cheaper to buy, easier to insure, and appeal across age groups. A 21-year-old just out of their test sees style and affordability. A 55-year-old veteran rider sees charm, heritage, and a bike they can live with.
This segment’s resilience shows us something important: riders don’t just want practicality, they want bikes with personality — but ones that don’t cost the earth to run.
The Regulation Squeeze
On top of market forces, Euro 5+ (also known as Euro 5B) is tightening the noose on manufacturers. This update to emissions standards doesn’t just target exhaust emissions — it also demands stricter onboard diagnostics and compliance systems. For manufacturers, that means more development costs. For riders, it usually translates into higher retail prices.
Some bikes will vanish altogether if they can’t justify the upgrade costs. That could mean certain niche models become harder to find in a few years — potentially making them future classics, but also complicating resale in the short term.
The Electric Question
Then there’s electricity. For years, electric motorbikes were something riders looked at but didn’t touch. Limited range, high prices, and a lack of charging infrastructure kept most bikers firmly loyal to petrol.
But 2025 is different. Honda has finally announced its first full-sized electric model for the UK, with a price point that puts it in line with mid-range petrol bikes. Zero continues to expand its lineup, and brands like Maeving are carving out a niche with stylish commuter-friendly machines.
Will this kill petrol? Not overnight. Petrol’s still king, especially for riders who want the sound, feel, and freedom of a proper combustion engine. But for urban commuting and tech-savvy younger bikers, the tide is turning.
Licensing Reform on the Horizon
The DVLA has hinted at changes to motorcycle licensing in the UK. Nothing’s set in stone yet, but proposals include simplifying the route from CBT to full licence and adjusting the staged access system.
If that happens, it could reshape demand almost overnight. Easier access could bring a new wave of young riders into the market — but it could also dent demand for smaller capacity bikes if riders can skip straight to bigger machines sooner.
For sellers, that means timing matters. If you’ve got a 125 or 250, it may be wise to sell before any changes flood the market. If you’re holding a bigger bike, you might see demand increase when new riders are allowed to jump up sooner.
What This Means for Resale
So, what does all this mean if you’re looking to sell your bike in 2025?
- Adventure and sports bikes may struggle to fetch the prices they did a few years ago. Demand is softer, and buyers have more choice.
- Modern classics are holding value better and may even gain as riders turn to bikes that balance style and affordability.
- Electric bikes are still a gamble on resale. Early adopters face faster depreciation, but as mainstream acceptance grows, values should stabilise.
- Older models affected by Euro 5+ changes could hold their value if they become harder to replace — though buyers will want reassurance on parts and maintenance.
SYBT: Helping You Ride the Market
This is where SellYourBikeToday.com comes in. While the broader market shifts and resale values bounce around, we make things simple for you. Whether you’re sitting on a modern classic that’s holding strong, an adventure bike you want to move before prices slide further, or even an electric you’re not sure about, we’ll give you a fair valuation and handle the sale without fuss.
We’re bikers ourselves, so we understand that selling your bike isn’t just a transaction — it’s letting go of a piece of your story. That’s why we look at the full picture: condition, mileage, upgrades, and the market trends that matter. No undervaluing, no tyre-kickers, just a straight deal from people who get it.
Looking Ahead
Where’s the UK motorcycle market heading as we move into 2026? Expect modern classics to stay strong, electrics to gather momentum, and for big adventure and sports machines to remain under pressure. Watch licensing changes closely, because they could tilt the whole playing field.
For now, the smart rider is one who understands the shifts, keeps an eye on demand, and knows when to cash in. And if you want a smooth, no-nonsense way to do it, you already know where to look.
An extremely easy sale, no tyre-kickers, no stress! SellYourBikeToday.com is ready when you are.