MOTORCYCLE MARKET COMMENT – YTD June 2026
In contrast to the 1st Quarter of 2026 which reflected a 1% decline in the overall market, the 2nd quarter gained healthy momentum and recorded solid growth in most segments, ending with a very satisfactory 11% increase in sales compared to the corresponding 2025 period.
The Commercial segment reflects an overall increase of 7% with ICE motorcycles and scooters still very dominant. Electric motorcycles are down by 22% but there are only a few fleet players in this sub segment, operating with relatively fresh fleets, so trends are difficult to predict at this stage. The Utility Quad and Side by Side market is comparatively much smaller, and very agricultural focussed and reflects a very satisfying 33% increase. What is of some concern is the recent developments around undocumented immigrants and resultant repatriation actions. The commercial delivery sector employs a very large number of foreigners as rider/drivers because there are simply not enough South Africans to satisfy demand. The impact that this may have on the commercial delivery sector and future sales can only be speculative at this stage but cannot be ignored.
The Leisure segments show an overall increase of 44%%. Youth motorcycles and quads are slightly behind this at 42% growth, which is especially promising as this portion of the market is an important feeder to future motorcycle sales. The sub 500cc Leisure segment is up 43% with affordability playing a key role in consumer choices. The over 500cc segment has also performed well delivering a 15% increase. Whilst the impact of competitively priced Chinese product is not yet as noticeable as in the automotive sector, it now forms slightly more than 10% of this essentially luxury segment and is expected to continue growing. Off Road motorcycles grew by 24%.
Used motorcycle sales is up a 2.2% on the corresponding period for 2025, and given the relatively stable used market, is a good sign.
Although the motorcycle market remains very competitive, it has shown surprising resilience given the current geopolitical challenges and a sluggish economy. Should sales trends continue its upward trajectory, we may very well see new unit sales for 2026 exceeding the 44 000 level, which will be the best sales year since 2012.
Issued by Arnold Olivier, National Director, AMID
