Motorcycles and scooters have always been a big part of life in Europe. Whether it’s for leisure, sport, or just getting around town, two-wheelers play a huge role in daily mobility. Unlike in some parts of the world where motorcycles are seen mostly as recreational vehicles, Europe has a deep-rooted culture of using bikes for everything—from weekend rides through the Alps to daily commutes in packed city streets.
Small-displacement scooters and motorcycles are especially common in urban areas, where they help riders zip through traffic and avoid expensive parking fees. With all that in mind, it’s no surprise that Germany has just hit a major milestone: over five million registered motorcycles as of January 1, 2025.
The road to this number has been a steady one. According to a report by German publication Motorrad, back in 2021, there were around 4.5 million motorcycles and scooters registered in the country. By 2023, that number had climbed to just under 5 million.
Now, Germany has officially crossed the mark, and Bavaria is leading the pack. Despite not being the country’s most populous state, it boasts an impressive 1,079,282 registered two-wheelers. North Rhine-Westphalia, which has more residents, follows with 947,291, while Baden-Württemberg takes third place with 784,427. Even Hesse, a much smaller region, accounts for 368,859 bikes.
So, what’s fueling the growth? One big factor was the rush to buy motorcycles before stricter Euro 5+ emissions regulations kicked in. With these new standards looming, manufacturers slashed prices on Euro 5 models to clear out inventory. That led to a spike in registrations as riders took advantage of the deals. It also helps that motorcycles continue to be a smart choice for urban mobility, especially as congestion worsens and public transport becomes more expensive in some areas.
When it comes to brand popularity, BMW remains king in Germany, with 650,864 bikes registered across the country. That’s hardly a surprise given BMW’s homegrown status and strong lineup of adventure and touring motorcycles.
Piaggio takes second place, likely thanks to the ever-popular Vespa, which is a staple in European cities. Yamaha and Suzuki are also major players, with 474,836 and 439,326 registered bikes, respectively. Interestingly, Honda—the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer—only ranks fifth in Germany, with 399,437 bikes on the road.
Meanwhile, KTM has had quite a difficult time, as we’ve talked about nearly countless times at this point. As you’re probably all aware, KTM quite literally almost went out of business after finding itself in debt, reportedly amounting to 2.9 billion euros. At this point, KTM is undergoing restructuring, and despite assurances that things are going well, doubts surrounding the brand’s stability remain. Needless to say, what happened to KTM is proof of just how quickly poor decision-making can make a situation go from seemingly perfect to utterly dire.
To that end, Germany crossing the five-million mark isn’t just about numbers; it’s a testament to how strong the country’s motorcycle culture is. With changing regulations and market shifts, the industry is constantly evolving, but one thing is clear: Germans love their bikes. Whether it’s blasting through the Autobahn, carving up and down mountain passes, commuting through Berlin, or rolling up to a Sunday café meet, riders across the country are keeping the spirit alive.
Now the big question is: How long before it hits six million?
Sources: Motorrad Online, ACEM
