The global motorcycle industry is a fascinating study of contrast. In the US, motorcycles are largely seen as recreational vehicles—weekend toys for enthusiasts rather than daily transportation. In Asia, however, two-wheelers are an essential part of life, serving as a primary means of mobility for millions.
Europe, meanwhile, sits in a unique "Goldilocks Zone"—a balance between utility and enthusiasm, where motorcycles are both practical urban mobility solutions and enthusiast machines for sport and recreation.
A recent report from ACEM (the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers) highlights this dynamic by showcasing the steady growth of the European motorcycle market in 2024. ACEM represents major manufacturers such as BMW, Ducati, Honda, KTM, and Yamaha, and their latest data underscores an industry on the rise.
According to ACEM, motorcycle registrations in Europe’s five biggest markets—France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK—rose by 10.1% in 2024, reaching 1,155,640 units. This marks a significant increase from 1,049,898 units in 2023, proving that motorcycles are playing an increasingly important role in European mobility.
Among the strongest performers include:
- Germany: 248,618 units (+16.3%)
- Spain: 229,685 units (+14.2%)
- Italy: 352,294 units (+10%)
- France: 214,049 units (+3.5%)
- UK: 110,994 units (+2.7%)
While all five markets saw positive growth, Germany and Spain led the way with double-digit increases.
That being said, not all categories enjoyed equal growth. While motorcycles thrived, moped registrations fell by 6.5%, down to 180,591 units across Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain. Italy defied this trend, with a 19% increase in moped sales, while other countries, such as Germany (-16.1%) and France (-12.5%), saw notable double-digit declines.
As for the most popular motorcycle categories, commuter bikes and mid-sized ADVs continued to dominate sales, reflecting their practical appeal for both work and play. Popular commuter bikes include the Honda CB500F, Yamaha MT-07, and Kawasaki Z500, known for their reliability, affordability, and accessibility—qualities that make them ideal for urban riders and daily commuters. At the same time, mid-sized ADVs like the Yamaha Tenere 700 and BMW F 900 GS are favored for their versatility and on- and off-road capabilities.
Meanwhile, electric motorcycles and high-performance naked bikes gained traction, too, showing growing interest in both sustainable mobility and high-adrenaline riding. Electric motorcycles are attracting urban commuters and eco-conscious riders looking for zero-emission transportation without compromising performance. And high-performance naked bikes like the Ducati Streetfighter V4 and Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS are gaining popularity among enthusiasts who crave raw power, aggressive styling, and cutting-edge technology.
With all that on the table, it’s worth mentioning that ACEM Secretary General Antonio Perlot attributes much of the 2024 growth to pre-2025 stock registrations, as manufacturers rushed to sell bikes before the new Euro5+ emissions standard took effect on January 1, 2025. This means a temporary slowdown may occur in early 2025, but the long-term outlook remains positive.
With demand rising, the motorcycle industry is primed for innovation—but how much innovation? Electric motorcycles are steadily gaining traction, and hybrid models could soon follow. Meanwhile, on the performance side of the spectrum, bikes just keep getting faster, lighter, and more loaded with tech.
To that end, I think that as cities around the world push for cleaner transport solutions, motorcycles—whether gasoline-powered, hybrid, or electric—will continue to evolve. One thing is clear, though, and it’s that the global motorcycle market isn’t just surviving; it’s thriving.
Source: ACEM
