UK Used Motorcycle Market 2026: Is Now the Best Time to Sell?

Admin
3 days ago
4 min read

If you’ve been keeping an eye on the UK motorcycle market lately, it probably feels like riding through a thick January fog. Between shifting emissions regulations, fluctuating interest rates, and the "insurance crisis" making headlines, many riders are asking the same question: Is 2026 the year to sell, or should I hold on for another season?

At AnyBikeBought.com, we live and breathe the UK bike trade. We’re seeing a unique set of economic factors converging this year that make 2026 one of the most interesting—and potentially profitable—years to sell your motorcycle.

Here is everything you need to know about the current market and why "waiting until next year" might be a costly mistake.

1. The "Euro 5+ Hangover" is Over

The biggest story of 2025 was the transition to Euro 5+ emissions standards. This forced manufacturers and dealers to pre-register thousands of non-compliant bikes late in 2024 and early 2025. This flooded the market with "nearly new" bikes at heavy discounts, which naturally dragged down the value of genuine 1–3-year-old used motorcycles.

Yamaha motorcycle with "For Sale" sign, UK flag, Big Ben background, stock chart. Text: "UK Used Motorcycle Market 2026: Is Now the Best Time to Sell?"

As we move into 2026, that excess "pre-reg" stock has finally cleared. We are seeing a return to a more traditional "pricing ladder." With brand-new bikes now significantly more expensive due to higher compliance costs, high-quality used bikes are back in the spotlight. If you have a well-maintained machine from 2020–2024, its value is likely stabilizing as the "bargain" new alternatives disappear.

2. The Mid-Capacity Boom

We are seeing a massive shift in what UK buyers want. While the 1000cc+ "super-adventure" and "super-sport" segments have cooled slightly, the mid-capacity market (400cc – 800cc) is on fire.

Bikes like the Yamaha MT-07, Triumph Trident 660, and the new Royal Enfield 450 series are incredibly easy to sell right now. Riders are looking for "real-world" usability and lower running costs. If you own a bike in this middleweight category, you are sitting on a high-demand asset. Because these bikes are the "sweet spot" for both new A2 graduates and downsizing veterans, their resale values are currently bucking the downward trend seen in other sectors.

3. The Insurance Factor

It’s no secret: motorcycle insurance in the UK has become a major headache. For many riders, premium hikes are the deciding factor in whether they keep their bike or sell it.

This has created a "bifurcated" market:

The Struggle: High-risk, high-theft models in major cities are becoming harder to sell privately because buyers can't get affordable quotes.
The Opportunity: If you are selling a bike that falls into a more reasonable insurance group—such as modern classics, nakeds, or smaller commuters—you have a much larger pool of buyers.

At AnyBikeBought.com, we don’t let insurance trends dictate our offers. We buy across all categories, meaning you can exit a high-premium bike without the stress of finding a private buyer who can actually afford to insure it.

4. Interest Rates and the "Cost of Riding"

While the Bank of England has begun a gradual easing cycle, interest rates remain higher than the "free money" era of the early 2020s. This means PCP and HP deals on brand-new bikes are still expensive.

What does this mean for you? It means more buyers are looking at the used market to avoid high monthly finance payments on new machines. Demand for reliable used bikes is being propped up by people who have been "priced out" of the showroom. This "pushed demand" helps keep your bike's valuation higher than it might have been in a booming economy.

5. Why Timing Your Sale Matters in 2026

In the UK, the "Spring Surge" is a real phenomenon. Traditionally, prices peak between March and May. However, with the current economic climate, waiting until the peak of the season can be a gamble.

Supply is Increasing: As more Chinese brands like CFMoto and Voge establish themselves in the UK with aggressive pricing, the "prestige" value of older Japanese and European bikes faces more competition.
Depreciation Never Sleeps: Every month you wait, your bike adds mileage and loses "age" value. In a market where buyers are becoming more selective, a bike with 12,000 miles is significantly easier to move than one that has just ticked over to 16,000.

The Verdict: Is Now the Time?

If you are looking to free up capital, clear an outstanding finance balance, or simply move on from a bike you aren't using, 2026 is a "seller's window." The market has stabilized after the chaos of the emissions changes, and used demand remains robust due to the high cost of new alternatives.

Sell Your Bike the Easy Way

Don't want to deal with the "tyre-kickers" on Facebook or the uncertainty of an auction? At AnyBikeBought.com, we provide a transparent, data-driven way to sell your bike in minutes.