When we think of motorcycles in the US, the image that often comes to mind is one of freedom, rebellion, and weekend rides along scenic highways. But head over to Southeast Asia, and you’ll see a completely different picture—one where motorcycles aren’t just for fun, they’re the backbone of daily life.
Case in point: The Philippines just racked up nearly 448,000 motorcycle sales in the first quarter of 2025 alone. That’s not a typo. In just three months, this relatively small island nation of around 110 million people moved almost half a million bikes. For perspective, that’s more motorcycles than the entire U.S. market sold in 2023—and the year’s just getting started.
According to data from the Federation of Asian Motorcycle Industries (FAMI), Q1 sales in the Philippines rose 10% from the same period in 2024. Domestic production is also booming, with over 232,000 motorcycles assembled locally in the first two months of the year.
These numbers come from the five big players in the country’s motorcycle scene: Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and TVS. Combined, they account for a huge chunk of total motorcycle sales and production in the Philippines amounting to around 80 percent. And while Japanese brands dominate the market, Indian manufacturer TVS has carved out a solid following with its affordable and reliable small-displacement bikes.
And yes, the data doesn’t include smaller, up and coming players like CFMoto and QJ Motor. It also doesn’t include premium brands like Ducati, BMW, KTM, and Aprilia. And so the actual sales numbers are likely much higher than what the FAMI has reported.
Unlike the US, where bigger is often seen as better, Southeast Asian markets are built on small-displacement machines—think 110cc to 155cc scooters and commuters. In the Philippines, bikes like the Honda Click, Yamaha Mio, and Suzuki Raider 150 rule the roads. These aren’t just popular—they’re essential.
Need to weave through Metro Manila’s infamous traffic? These scooters are your best bet. Trying to make a living as a delivery rider or motorcycle taxi driver? That same scooter is your office on two wheels. For many Filipinos, a motorcycle is their primary (and sometimes only) mode of transport.
What’s fascinating is how different these same brands appear in other markets. In the US, Honda is known more for machines like the Gold Wing and the Rebel 1100. Yamaha brings to mind the MT-07 or the R1. Kawasaki? We think of Ninjas. But in the Philippines—and much of Asia—these brands make their bread and butter on scooters, underbones, and small commuters.
These are bikes that cost less than an iPhone and sip fuel at over 50 kilometers per liter (that’s nearly 120 mpg). They’re easy to park, cheap to run, and simple to maintain. No frills, just function.
And while the Philippines might be making headlines with its Q1 numbers, it's not alone. Indonesia, with a much larger population, sold over 1.1 million motorcycles in just two months. Meanwhile, Vietnam recorded 673,000 units in the first quarter. It’s clear that Southeast Asia isn’t just a strong market for motorcycles—it’s the market.
And with local economies bouncing back post-pandemic, consumer lending is picking up too. In the Philippines, banks reported over 24% year-on-year growth in auto loans early this year—despite still-elevated interest rates. That’s a strong indicator that Filipinos are willing to finance their rides to get to work, run errands, and support their livelihoods.
The contrast between how motorcycles are used in the West versus the East couldn’t be more stark. In the US, a motorcycle often symbolizes a lifestyle. In the Philippines and its neighbors, a motorcycle is life. It’s not a toy or a weekend escape, but rather, essential transportation, income, and independence all wrapped into one.
It’s also why the region is so critical to the global motorcycle industry. Brands that might be struggling to move high-end models in Europe or North America are thriving in Southeast Asia thanks to consistent volume, brand loyalty, and a never-ending demand for affordable two-wheelers.
