There has been strong growth in motorcycle market following the 66-plate change in September.

Sales were up 17.3% with 2,359 more units registered in September 2016 compared to the same period in 2015.

Stephen Latham, head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) which represents motorcycle retailers across the UK, commented: “All power ranges above 50cc outperformed figures from September 2015 – in particular the top end motorcycles over 1,000cc which saw a massive 35.9% increase registering 3,415 machines compared to 2,512 units in the same month last year. These high powered top-end bikes usually retail over the £10,000 mark, therefore are likely to be ordered to be supplied with the new 66-plate so they hold residual value up for longer.

“Mid-range powered motorcycles (126-650cc) also did well posting an increase of 41.7% in the month – this power range has seen the most significant growth throughout 2016 up 13.6%.

“So far in 2016 over 101,000 motorcycles of all sizes have been registered, and just 2 years ago the NMDA was predicting this number as an overall year end figure, so it is extremely positive to see the sector has now achieved this in just nine months.”

Honda led the manufacturer brands with 2,603 sales, followed by Yamaha which registered 1,965 sales, and BMW in third place with 1,510 registrations.

Latham added: “The market looks buoyant to the end of this year with many dealers and manufacturers focused on clearing all their Euro 3 stock prior to the January deadline where they will then move over to more expensive Euro 4 products.

“With the weak value of sterling, prices should be rising now but many are holding back to ensure the Euro 3 product is moved on. The introduction of Euro 4 product in the New Year will enable many importers and manufacturers to mask their currency price increase into the Euro 4 price hike. Until then we predict the market will continue to perform well for the remainder of 2016.”