The motorcycle and scooter market begins 2025 with a significant decrease.

The beginning of the year 2025 marks a particularly tumultuous period for the motorbike sector, due to a significant drop in sales that worries professionals and enthusiasts in the field. Recent figures reveal an overall decline in registrations and a market in full transformation, subject to new regulations and evolving purchasing behaviors. Various segments are affected, but some already stand out for their resilience or decline. This article looks into the different aspects of this situation, while exploring the causes, consequences, and future perspectives for iconic brands such as Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, and many others.

Market analysis of motorcycles and scooters in the first quarter of 2025

The market for motorcycles and scooters in France recorded a spectacular drop in the first quarter of 2025. According to data from the Solly Azar AAA Data two-wheel observatory, sales contracted by 21% compared to the previous year. All segments are affected, and new vehicles are the biggest losers with a decline of 22%, while the used market is not spared either, with a decrease of 20%.

The registration figures for motorized two-wheelers show that motorcycles have dropped by 18%, while mopeds show a collapse of 30%. Only the electric market is holding up better, with a limited drop of 5%. This overall picture reflects the precariousness of the market, which has to contend with various challenges.

The challenges related to new standards and regulations

The implementation of the new Euro 5+ standards has profoundly disrupted the landscape of motorized two-wheelers. These new regulations impose strict environmental criteria, pushing many buyers to procrastinate their purchasing decisions. Indeed, the uncertainty surrounding the changes in standards has led many to wait, anticipating a possible drop in prices or a better selection of compliant models.

Here are some key elements to consider:

• Impact on registrations: In 2025, only 47,356 new vehicles were registered, a figure well below the 61,054 from last year.
• Consumer behavior: Many buyers preferred to wait and see how the new standards would influence the market.
• Pre-registrations in 2024: Manufacturers rushed to register models before the transition, creating an artificial bubble of sales at the end of 2024.

A contrasting picture between new and used

While the market for new motorcycles is experiencing a marked contraction, the used sector is also facing significant challenges. Indeed, the used market recorded a decline of 20%, with 164,233 transactions compared to 206,229 last year. This can be attributed to several factors, including lower demand and limited supply due to vehicle retention by previous owners.

This table illustrates the significant changes in the motorized two-wheeler market, both in new and used vehicles. In light of this data, it is evident that the sector faces unprecedented reversals at the beginning of the year.

Mopeds: an inevitable free fall

Mopeds, a segment that had attracted a large public of urban dwellers, are seeing their popularity plummet, registering a decline of 30% in early 2025. This decline accentuates a trend observed since 2023, where consumer interest in smaller and more affordable models begins to wane.

Factors explaining the decline of mopeds

The decrease in popularity of mopeds is not only explained by economic issues, but also by societal and technological changes. Here are some notable reasons:

• Environmental standards: The tightening of rules around polluting emissions heavily weighs on the appeal of this segment.
• Transport alternatives: The emergence of new mobility solutions, particularly electric scooters and public transport services, further undermine this category of vehicles.
• Disinterest from manufacturers: Many manufacturers, faced with declining sales, choose to abandon this segment to focus on more profitable models.

The consequences for the moped market

This alarming trend has notable repercussions for the market players in the moped sector. With competition continuously evolving, it has become urgent for brands like Piaggio and Vespa to adapt their offerings to attract an increasingly demanding audience. Where the moped segment was once flourishing, its decline raises questions about the sustainability of certain iconic models.

This data clearly shows the magnitude of the challenge facing major players in the moped market. To remain competitive, they will need to consider new strategies to entice customers deemed essential.

The motorcycle market: between resistance and fluctuations

While mopeds are in free fall, the motorcycle world presents a contrasting landscape. After a slight increase in 2024, motorcycle sales dropped by 18% in the first quarter of 2025, a reversal that raises questions. Although the entire segment is declining, certain categories seem to resist more than others.

Motorcycle segments that stand out

Within the motorcycle world, not all are equal. Higher displacement models, particularly those over 400cc, show signs of resilience. Sport and roadster models, for example, have seen their sales increase, illustrating a change in consumer attitudes.

The following data shows how these segments react differently to the changes:

• Sport: Significantly up, with a growth of 26.2% in new sales.
• Roadsters: Slight decrease of 5.2%, but this segment remains popular.
• Utility motorcycles: A decline reflecting a shift towards recreational rather than utilitarian use.

This sales dynamic indicates a trend towards more high-performance and sporty motorcycles, while interest in utility models is decreasing. Brands like Ducati and Harley-Davidson are strategically positioning themselves to capture this passionate clientele.

Consumer behavior in the 2025 market crisis

The motorcycle and scooter market does not leave consumer behaviors indifferent. Current trends show notable changes in the concerns and interests of buyers, thus influencing their choices.

Youths favoring motorcycles

It is now evident that age impacts purchasing behavior in the two-wheeler sector. The age group of 14 to 17 years is the only one showing an upward trend, with an increase of 4% in sales. In contrast, older groups show a significant decline.

• 18-25 years: -15%
• 26-55 years: -19%
• 55 years and older: -24%

Geographic areas: a revealing impact

Rural areas are more affected by the decline, with a drop of 23%, while large urban areas show a less significant drop of 18%. These figures highlight the importance of purchasing power and accessibility to mobility solutions in the purchase of a two-wheeler.

These elements demonstrate that market dynamics cannot be taken lightly. A strategic adjustment will be crucial for brands like BMW Motorrad and KTM, which must address these challenges with vigilance and a forward-looking vision.

Source: www.motoplanete.com