Honda sees motorcycle sales increase by 82.5%

Honda’s two-wheel machines are proving incredibly popular even through the winter weather, with its models taking three out of the top ten places in the sales charts for 2010 overall and Honda seeing a significant increase in sales of 82.5% in the first month of this year.

With the ultra-economical and stylish CBF125 being the UK’s most sought after new motorcycle purchased for the last two years running, and the Fireblade and VFR1200 sports tourer following closely in demand in 2010, Honda’s reputation for great quality, reliability and style in its machines has been highlighted further in the first month of 2011 with the manufacturer seeing an 82.5% (exc mopeds) increase in sales compared to January last year.

Ending January having sold 868 motorcycles and claiming 23% market share, Honda recorded its highest marketing share for more than four years - an impressive achievement in the challenging current economic climate and also in what has become an increasingly competitive market in the UK over recent years.

But the CBF125 was not the only Honda motorcycle to have led in its sector in January. The CBR1000RR Fireblade out sold its sportsbike rivals to remain king of the litre-class. Meanwhile six Hondas filled the top ten places in the scooter category with the new, trendy and practical PCX125 scooter heading the pack followed by the ANF125 Innova in second, PS125 in forth, SH125 in fifth, Lead 110 in seventh and SH300 in eighth. And in the Naked category, the ever popular performance naked CB1000R led the way, with the great all-rounder Deauville taking the third spot in the tourer category.

Steve Martindale, General Manager of Honda (UK) Motorcycles commented, “We’re very pleased to have ended 2010 with three of Honda’s great machines in the top ten of the sales chart and the CBF125 as the top seller for the second year running. Our sales figures for January have been very encouraging indeed, however, it’s important to set this in context and remember that January last year saw sub-zero temperatures and snow falling for a number of weeks, which always has an effect on motorcycle sales. That said, the figures do also speak for themselves and to have a Honda machine as the most popular bike in four of the eight road-going motorcycle categories in January is testament to customers’ faith in our machines, our strong product range and the great offers on our machines.

“We’ve been seeing an increase in demand for scooters and smaller capacity bikes over the months and January was no exception. We can only conclude that rising fuel prices, increasing congestion and associated charges, parking limitations and increases in the costs of other forms of public transport are leading people to believe that scooters and motorcycles are a sensible, practical, economical and fun genuine alternative form of transport.”

For further information about Honda’s great range of motorcycles and scooters, genuine Honda parts and accessories, latest offers and forthcoming events, visit honda.co.uk.