Top-Selling Motorbikes in the UK 2025 – New, Used, and Overall Rankings
Introduction:
The UK motorcycle market in 2025 is revealing clear trends in rider preferences, with official data highlighting the models and brands that Britons are buying most. Using Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) new registration figures and DVLA vehicle statistics, we’ve compiled up-to-date toplists of the best-selling new motorbikes, the most-transferred used bikes, and an overall ranking of the most popular models (and brands) in the UK for 2025. Despite a slow start to the year – new registrations in the first quarter were down about 26% year-on-year due to a late 2024 sales spike – several models have distinguished themselves as market leaders. Below we break down the top new bike sales, the used-bike favorites, and a combined picture of the UK’s 2025 motorbike popularity.
Best-Selling New Motorbikes in the UK (2025)
Even with economic headwinds, certain models are flying out of showrooms. These are the bikes that led new registrations in 2025 (based on official MCIA data), along with brief commentary on their appeal:
1. Honda PCX125 – 125cc Scooter The Honda PCX125 continues to dominate UK sales. It’s a perennial top-seller in the 125cc category, popular with commuters and delivery riders for its twist-and-go ease and frugal engine. In fact, the PCX125 was the single most-registered model in March 2025 with 461 units in that month alone. This scooter’s blend of affordability, >100 MPG fuel economy, and urban practicality keeps it at the pinnacle of new-bike charts.
2. BMW R1300GS (Adventure) – Large Adventure Bike BMW’s R-GS series has long been the king of big bikes in Britain, and the new R1300GS (including the Adventure model) is no exception. It essentially picked up where the R1250GS left off, becoming one of 2024’s biggest sellers upon its launch and carrying that momentum into 2025. In January it narrowly edged out other bikes for the top spot in the motorcycle category, and in March the R1300GS Adventure alone saw 359 new registrations. Riders are drawn to the GS’s renowned versatility, touring comfort, and cutting-edge tech – making it the UK’s favorite adventure motorbike year after year.
3. Honda GB350S – Modern Classic Roadster A surprise hit of 2025, the retro-styled Honda GB350S has been topping the “Modern Classics” sales charts every month. This affordable 348cc single cylinder bike (priced under £4,000) appeals to both new and experienced riders with its classic looks and simple, air-cooled charm. It logged 72 registrations in January (leading the 126–500cc segment) and then peaked at 299 sales in March as supply ramped up. The GB350S has even outsold last year’s star, the Triumph Speed 400, in this category – a testament to the demand for stylish yet budget-friendly commuters.
4. Yamaha NMAX 125 – 125cc Scooter Yamaha’s NMAX 125 has been the closest rival to Honda’s PCX in the scooter market for years. It offers similar twist-and-go convenience, sporty styling, and connectivity features at a competitive price. While early 2025 saw a slight dip in NMAX sales (partly due to a new upgraded model arriving mid-year), it remains one of Britain’s best-selling two-wheelers. In 2024 the NMAX was virtually neck-and-neck with the PCX125 in total sales, and it continues to be a top choice for riders seeking economical urban transport.
5. Triumph Speed 400 – Entry-Level Naked Triumph’s Speed 400 (launched mid-2024) stormed onto the scene as a massive sales success and that momentum has carried into 2025. This 398cc single, priced just over £5k, combines retro-modern styling with genuine performance (40 bhp) and has drawn in riders of all ages. At its 2024 debut, the Speed 400 sold 173 units in April and 353 in May – phenomenal figures for a new model. By 2025, with many initial buyers already on the road, demand has stabilized, but it’s still among the best-selling bikes over 125cc in the UK. Triumph’s attractive pricing and the bike’s all-around competence make the Speed 400 a continued strong seller.
6. Honda NC750X – Mid-Size Adventure/Touring Honda’s do-it-all NC750X has quietly become a favorite for practical riders, and it showed up strongly in 2025 sales. In April, for example, the NC750X was the best-selling Adventure-style motorcycle with 137 units registered that month. Its appeal lies in an approachable 745cc twin with excellent fuel economy, a built-in storage frunk (tank compartment), and commuter-friendly manners. Amid a market gravitating to smaller, affordable bikes, the NC750X stands out as a value choice for those who want a larger-capacity bike for daily use and light touring.
7. Honda NT1100 – Touring Bike Honda’s NT1100 tourer proved its popularity by topping the touring category in early 2025. In January it was the best-selling touring motorcycle (and the #1 bike over 1000cc), even outpacing BMW’s GS in that segment. With around 78 units in Jan and a steady ~80+ units in subsequent months, the NT1100 has been a bright spot in the litre-bike market. Essentially a road-focused tourer built off the Africa Twin engine, the NT1100 delivers comfort, wind protection, and a generous feature set at a lower price than many adventure bikes. Its strong early sales suggest British riders have embraced this “no-frills” touring machine for its practical approach.
8. Honda CB750 Hornet – Middleweight Naked Honda heavily targeted the value end of the middleweight naked class with the new Hornet, and it paid off in 2025. The CB750 Hornet (branded by some as “CB750” or even “CB1000 Hornet” in MCIA stats) was the best-selling naked bike in January 2025 and continued strong through spring. With 119 registrations in March and 93 in April, the Hornet has clearly resonated. Its formula is compelling: ~90 bhp parallel-twin performance, sharp styling, and a base price under £7,000 – well below many competitors. Honda’s aggressive pricing and the Hornet’s positive reviews have made it one of the top new motorcycles of 2025 in the UK.
9. Honda CB125F (CBF125) – 125cc Commuter Motorcycle Among geared motorcycles, Honda’s simple 125cc commuter stands tall. The CB125F (formerly known as CBF125) is a long-time UK best-seller in the 125cc category, favored by riding schools and learners. It offers bare-bones reliability, over 140 MPG efficiency, and extremely low running costs – attributes that kept it selling strongly in 2024 and into 2025. While exact monthly figures in 2025 are below those of the flashier scooters, thousands of CB125Fs are still sold annually. It remains “a darling of motorcycle training schools” and a top choice for beginners, helping it stay in the top 10 new-bike sales.
10. Others to Note – Lexmoto & Royal Enfield Rounding out the new sales picture, it’s worth mentioning a couple of trends. Lexmoto, a Chinese budget brand, doesn’t have one single model in the top 10, but collectively its 50cc and 125cc bikes sell in high volume – enough to make Lexmoto the 5th-best-selling brand in Feb 2025. And Royal Enfield’s Meteor 350 (and new Classic 350) have contributed to the booming modern-classic segment (up 31% in 2024). In short, affordable small-displacement bikes – whether from Japanese makers or newcomers – dominate new sales, with a few premium models (like BMW’s GS) holding their own thanks to loyal enthusiast demand.
Most Sold Used Motorbikes in the UK (2025)
The used motorcycle market in Britain is massive – roughly half a million used-bike transactions take place per year, far exceeding new sales. While individual model data for used sales is harder to come by (since the DVLA doesn’t publish second-hand sales by model), we can gauge popularity by looking at which bikes are most common on the road. Logically, the models with the highest number of licensed examples are also among the most frequently sold or transferred second-hand. According to DVLA data (number of bikes licensed as of late 2023), these are the top 10 most prevalent motorbike models in the UK – and thus the likely leaders in used sales/trades in 2025:
Yamaha NMAX 125 – 13,516 licensed This 125cc scooter is the single most common bike on UK roads. Its huge numbers stem from its popularity with delivery riders and commuters, leading to a brisk trade in used NMAX scooters as they churn through multiple owners. With over 13.5k on the road, the NMAX tops the used-market ranks by volume.
Honda PCX125 – 6,103 licensed Honda’s PCX125, the new-sales champ, is also firmly entrenched in the used arena. There are over 6,100 PCX125 scooters currently taxed in Britain, and many change hands each year after serving as commuters or courier mounts. The PCX’s strong resale demand reflects Honda’s durability and the bike’s workhorse reputation.
Yamaha YBR125 – 5,860 licensed A classic learner motorcycle, the YBR125 was a best-seller in the late 2000s and 2010s. Today it remains extremely common on the second-hand market. With an air-cooled engine and simple mechanics, YBR125s are cheap to buy used and often used as first bikes – meaning a constant cycle of newbies buying and later reselling them.
BMW R1200GS – 5,439 licensed The BMW GS isn’t just a new-sales star; previous generations like the R1200GS are widespread on UK roads and highly sought in the pre-owned market. At least 5,439 R1200GS (1250cc) machines are registered in the UK, making this model (and its variants) the most common large-capacity bike. Many owners eventually trade up to newer models, so there’s a healthy used supply meeting strong demand from riders looking to join the "GS club" at a lower price.
Honda CBF125/CB125F – 5,243 licensed Honda’s humble 125cc commuter (CBF125, and its newer CB125F) is another used-market staple. Over 5,200 are on the road. These bikes often serve as training fleet motorcycles or affordable commuters, changing keepers frequently once learners get full licenses. The high count underlines their ubiquity in classifieds – they’re easy to fix, cheap to run, and plentiful.
BMW R1250GS Adventure – 5,033 licensed The Adventure-spec GS (R1250 GSA) is also extremely popular, with just over 5k registered in Britain. Many of those were sold new in recent years and are now entering the used market as the R1300GS arrives. Well-kept used GS Adventures hold their value well and are snapped up by tourers seeking the iconic go-anywhere bike with a pre-owned price tag.
Honda PS125i (SES “Pes125”) – 4,969 licensed Another 125cc Honda scooter that quietly amassed big numbers is the PS125i (often just called the Honda PS125). With around 4,969 examples on the road, it’s clear that older Honda scooters have a long afterlife. Many of these change owners multiple times as inexpensive city runabouts. (The Honda SH125i and Forza 125 could also be considered here – Honda’s family of 125 scooters collectively dominates used listings.)
BMW R1250GS (Standard) – 4,385 licensed In addition to the Adventure model, the standard R1250GS TE (Touring Edition) has about 4,385 bikes out there in the UK. Combine this with the Adventure above, and the GS 1250 family is clearly the largest big-bike presence in the second-hand market. Whether it’s a 3-year-old R1250GS or a 10-year-old R1200GS, used GS’s are a cornerstone of UK motorcycle dealerships and online marketplaces.
Yamaha MT-07 – 4,316 licensed Yamaha’s MT-07 middleweight is a modern classic in its own right – a bike known for its fun factor and value. With over 4,300 on the road, the MT-07 has been a top selling model new for years and those riders often resell or trade up, making the used supply strong. Its popularity means an abundance of second-hand MT-07s for A2 and full-license riders looking for an affordable yet punchy 2-cylinder machine.
Triumph Street Triple RS – 4,181 licensed Rounding out the top ten is Triumph’s Street Triple RS (765cc), with about 4,181 registered in the UK. As one of the best-regarded British bikes, the Street Triple has a loyal following. Many earlier-generation Street Triples remain in circulation, and the high number of licensed bikes translates into a busy used market for this model. It’s not uncommon to see Street Triples changing hands as enthusiasts upgrade or collectors snap up well-maintained examples.
Used Market Context: It’s worth noting that in 2022 there were 504,602 used bike ownership transfers (keeper changes) in total, and a similar figure (~504,000) in 2023. This means for every new bike sold, roughly 4–5 used bikes find new owners. Many bikes are sold more than once in a year – in 2022, over 12,000 motorcycles changed hands three times within the year. The thriving second-hand scene is dominated by the models above, simply because those bikes are the most numerous in the park. In practice, inexpensive 125cc models (commuter bikes and scooters) see the highest churn, as evidenced by their multiple keepers and prevalence in SORN and licensing stats. Meanwhile, higher-end bikes like the BMW GS, while often kept longer by first owners, still contribute significantly to used sales given their volume. In summary, the used market “top sellers” mirror what’s common on UK roads – with small-capacity machines exchanging hands most frequently, and popular big bikes maintaining strong resale demand.
Overall Most Popular Motorbikes (Combined New & Used) in 2025
Taking both new sales and used prevalence into account provides a holistic view of what Britons are actually riding and buying in 2025. Below is an overall ranking of the bikes (or families of bikes) that can be considered the UK’s most popular motorcycles this year, factoring in showroom sales and on-road presence:
1. Honda PCX125 – The Ubiquitous Commuter
No bike has a stronger combined showing than the PCX125. It’s consistently the top-selling new model and is among the top two most common machines in the entire country. This 125cc scooter exemplifies popularity by numbers – from 2024 into 2025 it has outsold every other bike, and thousands of older PCXs are still buzzing around UK cities daily. Its dominance in both new registrations and used listings makes it arguably the most popular motorbike in Britain overall.
2. Yamaha NMAX125 – Runner-Up in Sales & Fleet
Close on the PCX’s heels, Yamaha’s NMAX125 is another model that scores high in every metric. It’s the single most licensed bike on UK roads (13.5k registered) and a perennial top-seller in new 125cc sales. The NMAX’s dual presence – huge fleet numbers and steady new sales (especially with a 2025 update now available) – secures its spot as one of the UK’s most popular bikes overall. If one includes all its derivatives (ABS variants, etc.), the NMAX line stands out as a cornerstone of UK two-wheeler transport.
3. BMW R1200/R1250/R1300GS – The U.K.’s Beloved Big Bike
Combining the legacy of the R1200GS and R1250GS with the current R1300GS, it’s clear the BMW GS family is the most popular large motorcycle in Britain. On the new side, the R1300GS and GS Adventure are at the top of 2025 sales charts for big bikes. On the used side, the R1200GS/R1250GS (all variants) collectively account for well over 10,000 bikes on the road in the UK – dominating the adventure and touring category. This model line’s enduring appeal (spanning two decades of improvements) means that whether new or second-hand, “the GS” is a consistent best-seller and a fixture in British motorcycling culture. From globe-trotters to daily commuters, many riders swear by the GS, keeping demand high across the board.
4. Yamaha MT-07 – Middleweight Marvel
The Yamaha MT-07 earns its place as a combined favorite thanks to a strong new sales history and a thriving life on the used market. Ever since its 2015 launch, the MT-07 has been a top-selling naked bike in the 700cc class, valued for its punchy 75 hp twin, lightweight handling, and sub-£7k price. By late 2023 there were over 4,300 MT-07s licensed in the UK, and it remained one of 2024’s best sellers despite an impending 2025 model update. Although new sales have tapered slightly with competitors like the Honda Hornet entering the fray, the MT-07’s huge installed base and continued popularity with used buyers solidify it as one of the UK’s most popular bikes overall.
5. Honda 125cc School/Commuter Bikes (CBF125/CB125F) – Learner Legends
Rounding out the top five is Honda’s venerable line of 125cc standard motorcycles – machines like the CBF125 (earlier model) and the current CB125F. Individually, these bikes aren’t as flashy as a GS or as visible as a scooter, but collectively they’re a bedrock of British motorcycling. There are over 5,200 of Honda’s 125cc commuters on the road, and they consistently sell well to new riders each year. Used CBF/CB125F models trade briskly (often passing between multiple owners as riders progress). Their overall popularity comes from being simple, ultra-economical, and trusted over many years – the go-to choice for training schools and anyone needing cheap, reliable transport on two wheels. This enduring presence in both new sales rankings and as a staple of the used market cements Honda’s 125cc commuters as a key pillar of UK motorcycling in 2025.
Honorable Mentions:
Triumph’s Speed 400 deserves a nod – while its absolute on-road numbers are still growing, it was the best-selling sub-500cc bike in late 2024 and continues strong in 2025, indicating it may soon join the top ranks. Similarly, Royal Enfield’s 350cc range (Meteor/Classic), and Kawasaki’s Ninja 125/Z125 (in the learner sport segment) are building a presence. In terms of brands, Honda leads new sales by a large margin (thanks to its dominance in multiple categories) and also counts the most machines in active use, making it the overall market leader. Yamaha and BMW also emerge as top brands in the UK – Yamaha for its sheer volume of 125s and popular models like the MT series, and BMW for virtually owning the premium adventure segment and enjoying strong brand loyalty in both new and used markets.
Conclusion & Summary
In 2025, the UK’s motorcycle landscape is defined by two extremes: practical lightweight bikes for commuting and newbies, and premium larger bikes for enthusiasts – with both ends of the spectrum enjoying robust sales. The new-bike toplist is dominated by affordable 125cc machines (led decisively by Honda’s PCX125 scooter) and a handful of standout higher-end models like the BMW R1300GS and Honda’s value-packed mid-range offerings. Meanwhile, the used market is several times larger than the new and is saturated with those same 125s and enduring icons like the GS, reflecting the long lifespans and turnover of these bikes. When combining the data, it’s clear that Honda’s lineup (from 125cc commuters to its big tourers) has struck a chord with British riders, earning Honda the #1 brand spot in early 2025, while Yamaha and BMW also command significant portions of both new sales and total bikes in use.
Overall, the most popular motorbikes in the UK this year offer a mix of reliability, cost-effectiveness, and riding pleasure. Whether it’s a workaday scooter like the PCX125 or an aspirational adventure bike like the GS, the common thread is that riders are seeking value and versatility. As the year progresses, industry watchers expect the market to stabilize and possibly rebound, especially if economic conditions improve. For now, the 2025 toplists above provide a snapshot of UK motorcycling: a passionate community that continues to buy bikes that make both practical and emotional sense, keeping the wheels turning in Britain’s vibrant two-wheeler scene.
Sources:
Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) – New Registration Statistic
Bennetts BikeSocial – UK Motorcycling Spring 2025
Motorcycle News (MCN) – January 2025 Sales
Lexham Insurance – “Best-Selling Bikes of 2024”
MotoGold UK – Market Trends 2024
