Small bikes, big potential: 125cc registrations rise as motorcycle market grows

Every biker’s story starts somewhere. For many, it begins with a smaller bike, a set of L plates and that first taste of freedom on two wheels.

That’s why the latest figures from the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA) make encouraging reading. New registrations in the 51-125cc petrol-powered category  rose by 21.7% across the first ten months of 2026, compared with the same period last year.

With growth across much of the wider motorcycle market too, could this be a positive for the future of biking?

Smaller bikes are making a big contribution

Between January and October 2026, 30,557 new machines in the 51-125cc category were registered, compared with 25,103 during the same period in 2025.

That’s an additional 5,454 registrations.

October also saw an increase, with 3,038 registrations, up 7.3% on October last year. The growth therefore extends beyond a single strong month.

For the motorcycle industry, demand for smaller machines matters. These bikes can provide an entry point into riding, as well as being a long-term choice for people who want practical everyday transport.

Does this mean more people are getting into biking?

It’s an encouraging possibility, although the figures cannot tell us that on their own.

New registrations include machines bought by existing riders, replacement bikes and purchases for business use. They don’t tell us how many buyers have just completed their CBT or bought their first motorcycle.

Even with that qualification, growth in smaller-capacity machines gives the industry something positive to build on.

Someone buying their first 125 could become a regular customer of a local dealer, training school or motorcycle clothing shop. They might go on to take their full teat, join a riding group and spend years exploring on two wheels.

Others will stay with a 125 because it suits their needs perfectly. You don’t need a bigger engine to belong in the biking community.

Which smaller bikes are proving popular?

October’s best-seller tables show smaller machines leading several motorcycle categories.

The Honda PCX 125 topped the motorcycle scooter category with 223 registrations, while the Honda CB125F led the naked category with 112.

The Lexmoto LXR 125 headed the road sport category with 41 registrations, and the Yamaha WR125R led the competition category with 30.

These are category leaders rather than a ranking of all 125s, but they show smaller bikes making their presence felt across different styles of riding.

Adventure bikes are enjoying strong growth

The positive news extends beyond smaller machines.

Adventure motorcycle registrations reached 22,069 between January and October, an increase of 23.8% compared with the same period in 2025. October alone recorded 1,864 registrations, up 28.5%.

That made adventure the largest motorcycle category in the year-to-date tables.

Looking at engine sizes, petrol-powered machines in the 501-750cc category grew by 14.5% over the first ten months, while 751-1,000cc registrations increased by 16.3%.

Meanwhile, registrations of petrol-powered machines over 1,000cc fell by 6.6%. The market is growing, but demand is developing differently across its various segments.

The wider picture: registrations up 14%

Across motorcycles, mopeds and tricycles, 95,575 new vehicles were registered between January and October 2026, up 14% on the same period last year.

October contributed 7,890 registrations, an increase of 10.3% compared with October 2025.

There were some weaker spots. Electric registrations fell 12.4% year to date, although electric motorcycles in the up-to-11kW category increased by 11.2%.

The overall picture is positive, with smaller-capacity machines and adventure motorcycles among the areas showing encouraging growth.

Helping a first bike become a lasting passion

At Sorrymate, we see a healthy smaller-bike market as a positive sign for motorcycling’s future.

Growing demand creates opportunities. What matters next is helping riders feel welcome, build their confidence and develop the skills that make riding more enjoyable.

That might mean further training, finding a supportive riding group or simply having someone to ask when everything is new.

Whether you commute on a 125, enjoy weekend rides on a middleweight or travel further afield on an adventure bike, you’re part of the same community.

And every experienced biker was a beginner once.

Source: Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA). Commentary and interpretation by Sorrymate