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After a slow start to the year, new motorcycle sales in South Africa made a strong comeback in the second and third quarters.
Year-to-date sales are 13.5% ahead of the corresponding 2025 period, according to the Association of Motorcycle Importers and Distributors (Amid).
Current trends indicate that total sales for 2026 could exceed the 46,000 unit level, which would be the best year since 2008, when the global economic crisis negatively impacted many markets, says Arnold Olivier, Amid’s national director.
There were 43,144 motorcycles sold in South Africa in 2025, the best year since 2014.
The leisure segment is the best-performing sector,
The leisure segment is the best-performing sector, with a year-to-date increase of 42%, led by the sub-500cc market (up 43%), youth motorcycles and quads (up 39%) and the over-500cc segment (up 16%). Off-road motorcycles grew 6%.
A trend towards more affordable motorcycles has been the case throughout the year, says Olivier.
“The motorcycle market shows more liveliness than what has been the case for several years but will remain very competitive as more brands enter the market, especially in the commercial segment.”
The commercial motorcycle market increased 10.2%
The commercial motorcycle market increased 10.2%. Within this segment, internal combustion engine (ICE) machines are up 8%, and electric bikes continue to grow strongly with a 35% increase.
“Though EV is clearly the flavour of the day, it is worth noting that it is growing off a comparatively small base, as ICE motorcycles and scooters still dominate this segment with 85% of volume,” says Olivier.
“The third quarter has also seen the introduction of significant numbers of conventional electric motorcycles as opposed to scooters. At present the commercial EV environment is dependent on battery swapping stations to operate effectively. This has the effect that ownership will, for the time being, vest in the hands of fleet operators who can install and maintain these swapping stations.”
Used motorcycle sales have remained stable this year with a modest 1.1% increase over the corresponding period in 2025.
