Bikers rev up sales.

Byline: By David Whinyates

Only days after the car industry announced tumbling summer sales, the UK's motorcycle industry is basking in the news of a June sales increase.

Sales of two wheelers were up by just 1% during the first month of the summer, but figures released by the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) show a continuing growth on the year-to-date sales in the adventure sport (up 32%), naked (up 15%) and custom (up 7%) sectors.

Although total bike and scooter sales for the year are down by 2%, the two wheeler market looks healthier than the car market, where new registrations have slumped by 5.9% year-to-date with a month-on-month drop of 6.6% in July.

According to the MCI, interest and enthusiasm for motorcycling is still strong in the UK, and there are approximately 3.5 million people who have motorcycle entitlement on their licence.

Craig Carey-Clinch, MCI's director of public affairs, says: "Motorcycle sales have remained relatively stable this month and people are still choosing a diverse range of bikes to meet their different needs.

"People's interest in motorcycling is broadening and there are more reasons than ever for people to either continue riding or start, whether it is for leisure or commuting purposes.

"Safer roads, avoiding congestion and adopting a cost-effective and convenient way of travelling are just some of the explanations that maintain motorcycling's appeal."