Industry insider: High demand for clean used motorcycles

MyCarCheck.com/Trade is the trade valuations arm of CDL Vehicle Information Services. Based on cutting-edge industry data and feedback from independent and franchised dealers, the company provides bulletins highlighting the most significant trends in the UK motorbike and scooter market.

MyCarCheck.com/Trade’s motorcycle expert, Rob Hobson, commented: “It has to be hoped that the wet weather conditions experienced for much of last month across most of the country have not dampened the overall strong showing the market has achieved over the first half of this year.

“July alone saw just under 10,000 machines registered, up nearly 14% compared to the same month last year. With the new marketplace running at around 12% up on last year after 8 months of the year, and all style categories showing growth, only time will tell if this upward momentum can be maintained for the remainder of this year.

“September sees the introduction of another new plate as 2014 64 registrations roll out of showrooms. While the second plate change in the year has less impact on the market than the early year change, there should still be a significant lift. 

“The new plate will obviously bring in a number of good used bikes for the bigger franchise operators, and will go some way towards filling showroom spaces over the short term. While we have eased values down this month, in anticipation of a slow in demand, we expect trade bids to remain strong for the best bikes. Interestingly, values at the older end of the marketplace, particularly sports styled bikes, continue to be remarkably strong, probably fuelled by the ongoing demand for track bikes. 

“Showroom reports have been very mixed of late. Some retailers are more than happy. Others say things have been pretty quiet. The overall impression is that the market had slowed, although adverse weather conditions clearly haven’t helped. 

“The used market is in a kind of catch 22 situation. Those good times of exporting the cream of our crop, and taking a short term profit, continue to bite as our pool of used stock ages and dwindles. There continues to be demand for most things in the ‘standard, clean, below average use’ and ‘above average condition’ categories, but higher mileage, less desirable stock is getting ever more difficult to shift.

“The new bike market may be showing growth in terms of numbers but many of these are in truth achieved by low rate finance and added incentives. There has to be concern as to how long this level can be maintained. Certainly late plate used examples are suffering as a result.

“This year, while sales have not exactly been on fire, it hasn’t been all doom and gloom for dealers either. This level of quiet ongoing trade could well prove to be just what the market needs. We have long suffered from a pattern of boom and bust, so maintaining a steady level of continuous demand must surely be a good thing.”

MyCarCheck.com/Trade provides buyers and sellers with all the vehicle price data they need: ready to retail, trade, average, retail and Cat D. As a free bonus, it also provides the annual road tax cost and key DVLA information, including the make, model, colour, engine size, body style, fuel type and date of registration. Simply enter a motorcycle, car or van registration and the vehicle’s mileage to get an accurate valuation and additional information in an instant. Once signed up you can check as many vehicles as you like at no extra cost.