It’s no secret that 2024 was a tough year for motorcycling in the UK. With many of us tightening our belts, thoughts of a new bike were put on hold for another year and this was reflected in sales figures, which fell by 3.1%, with a bit over 100,000 new motorcycles registered in the UK.
Sub 125cc machines make up around a third of all motorcycles sold, but what were the most popular models? Using figures supplied by the Department for Transport, and disseminated by trade publication British Dealer News, here are the 10 most popular motorbikes on sale in the UK today, in terms of numbers registered between January and December 2024.
Royal Enfield Himalayan (1139 units registered)
Tenth favourite motorcycle in the UK in 2024 was Royal Enfield’s biggest selling model, the ever-popular Himalayan adventure bike.
Royal Enfield was actually the seventh best-selling brand in the country and was second only to Honda in the 126-650cc sector, into which all its models fit.
Powered by the latest water-cooled ‘Sherpa’ engine, the 450 Himmy was a new model for 2024 and replaced the popular but rather old-fashioned air-cooled version. Although less simple and more expensive than the model it replaced, the 450 proved very popular with a wide range of riders – from true long-distance adventurers to everyday riders looking for simple steed with plenty of presence.
Honda Vision 110 (1142 units registered)
Responsible for delivering pizzas (and other takeaway meals) up and down the country, Honda’s NSC110 scooter (more commonly known as the Vision 110) is, of course, one of the best-selling powered two wheelers once again.
It’s as basic as it comes but it does what it says on the tin. Honda’s even knocked the best part of £700 off the RRP this year. At £2299, it’s likely to still be on this list in 12 months’ time.
An appliance, but a very effective one.
Triumph Scrambler 400X (1236 units registered)
One of a pair of new Triumph 400s introduced in 2024, the Scrambler variant was slightly less popular than the roadster variant but still saw an impressive 1236 examples leave British showrooms last year.
Triumph were one of the few bike manufacturers to enjoy an increase in UK sales last year, with the 400s being the main reason behind that. The Scrambler 400X will be joined by a more rugged XC version for 2025, with a few modifications to appeal to a more hardcore buyer.
Triumph Tiger 900 (1393 units registered)
Almost 1400 of us rode off on variants of Triumph’s heavily updated Tiger 900 in 2024, proving there’s still plenty of demand for middleweight all-rounders.
The Tiger remains one of the Hinckley brand’s most enduring models, being by far and away the most popular of their ‘big’ bikes. The 2024 model made a significant step in terms of performance and specification, although the streamlined Tiger 900 range was still based around two key specifications – the road orientated GT and the taller and more off-road competent Rally – and these numbers are a combination of all the various sub models.
BMW R 1250 GS Adventure (1513 units registered)
No top 10 list would be complete without the ubiquitous big BMW GS adventure bike and, slotting in at number six, comes the outgoing R 1250 GS Adventure.
Everybody knew the 1250 was being phased out, to be replaced by a new version based on the new 1300 platform for 2025 and, as a result, there were plenty of great deals to be had. The GSA did slip back a little in the charts (it was fourth in 2023) but with the R 1300 GS Adventure now in showrooms it will be interesting to see how its replacement is received this year.
BMW R 1300 GS (1526 units registered)
The two variants of BMW’s big adventure bikes are rarely far apart in the sales charts, and so it was again last year. In the end, just 13 more people registered a ‘standard’ 1300 GS in 2024 than bought an Adventure version of the outgoing 1250.
A completely new motorbike, compared to the 1250 it replaced, the 1300 makes more power and is lighter and more agile. The GS is the talisman of BMW’s range and, with 2024 being BMW Motorrad’s centenary, it was no wonder the company really went to town with it.
The hype was real, as witnessed by the many positive reviews and sales which confirm the R 1300 GS as Britain’s best-selling large capacity motorcycle.
Triumph Speed 400 (1570 units registered)
We were smitten by Triumph’s spanking new Speed 400 when we rode it at the start of 2024 and it seems you were too.
The classy little single took the honour of being Britain’s biggest selling motorcycle over 125cc, appealing as much to experienced riders looking to downsize as it did to novices, and helping Triumph increase overall sales despite a challenging marketplace.
Normally new models have peak sales in year one, but such is the affordability of these new 400s we can see them holding their own for years to come.
Honda CB125F (1664 units registered)
Number three in our chart is no surprise at all. Honda’s learner legal CB125F maintains its place as Britain’s favourite geared motorcycle. The little workhorse is a long-time favourite with riding schools and commuters alike and shows no sign of losing its grip. It’s the kind of motorcycle Honda does so well, selling 1664 units last year alone, and we expect the slightly updated 2025 version to continue to be a best seller this year, and next year, and the year after that…
Honda PCX125 (2808 units registered)
The battle for top of the pops was always going to be between the two scooters which have dominated sales for years. The rise in home delivery services has seen scooters sell in increasingly bigger numbers and these two PTWs are beloved of couriers and delivery riders, as well as commuters, as they offer that near perfect blend of performance, equipment and value.
Runner-up spot goes to Honda’s contender in that premium economy sector, the PCX125. It’s topped the charts before and may well again, especially as there’s an updated version for this year, but for now it has to take the silver medal as its great rival climbs its way atop the podium.
Yamaha NMAX 125 (3372 units registered)
Forget City v United, Hunt v Lauda or Rossi v Stoner, because in Britain’s motorcycle showrooms the real battle is between the PCX and NMAX.
Yamaha’s only entry in the top 10 best seller list topped the chart by over 500 units last year. The NMAX 125 gives a touch of added sportiness to the 125cc scooter category which clearly won the hearts of commuters and delivery riders up and down the country.
With a 60mph top speed, great practicality and low running costs we totally get why the NMAX is proving so popular. It looks classy too and, like the PCX, also benefits from an update for 2025. It’s Britain’s favourite powered two wheeler, and deservedly so.
