Sales in the motorcycle market have continued their steady growth during August with year-to-date market growth of 11.4% equating to 6,553 more motorcycles on the road in the first seven months of this year.

“The motorcycle market in August remained stable as expected ahead of the September 14 plate change,” said Stephen Latham, head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA), which represents motorcycle retailers across the UK.

The commuter style 51-125 cc bikes sector showed the largest growth of 10.5% compared with the same month last year, as these machines were less affected by the number plate change.

Latham continued: “There was an overall growth of 6.6% across all types of motorcycles showing market stability and optimism for the peak month coming in September.

“We are keen to see the results for next month as a core indicator for the future of motorcycle dealers.”