Most people think motorcycling has a problem attracting new riders.
But what if that’s not the real issue?
In this video, I break down why experienced UK riders are quietly quitting motorcycling and why the industry isn’t being honest about the scale of it.
There are around 5 million motorcycle licence holders in the UK… but only a fraction are still actively riding. So what’s happening to everyone else?
From rising insurance costs and expensive bikes, to family pressure, disappearing dealer networks, and the loss of riding communities, this video digs into the real reasons riders are walking away.
Chapters:
00:00 – INTRO
00:24 – MY EXPERIENCE
01:02 – THE NUMBERS
02:03 – WHY THEY’RE LEAVING
02:11 – REASON ONE
03:20 – REASON TWO
04:02 – REASON THREE
04:31 – REASON FOUR
05:09 – YOUR OPINION?
05:28 – WHAT THE INDUSTRY IS DOING
06:43 – SPONSORED SEGMENT: LITELOK
07:59 – THE ROAD BACK TO RIDING
08:47 – SUMMARY
🎥 Watch next:
UK motorcycle dealers are closing and nobody is being honest about why: https://youtu.be/dqu-5AglqHE
💬 Have you ever thought about quitting riding?
What made you stay or what made you stop? Drop it in the comments.
🔒 If you’re still riding, protect your bike with LITELOK:
https://www.litelok.com/JACKTORQUESBIKES
Sources:
MCIA (Motorcycle Industry Association) data on UK licence holders and active riders
MAG-UK (Motorcycle Action Group) reporting on rider numbers
MCN (Motorcycle News) coverage of rider demographics and MCIA statements
Visordown interview with Tony Campbell (MCIA CEO)
DVLA / DVSA data on motorcycle licence demographics and registrations
35 Comments
I realise this is a video directed at rider retention in order to sustain growth in the new generation, though I did want to share some about the new rider experience.
Motorcycle: I think people can come to grips with their first used motorcycle being anywhere from £1.5k to $3.5k. Even though it is a major cost, a car would be more, and the cost isn't unexpected. Being able to trust a seller on the other hand, has it's own set of issues as with any automobile.
Insurance: A difficult one depending on location, many won't offer it to people that do not have a garage to store the bike in. Even if they have a gated car park and Sold Secure diamond rated locks. This is actually very related to the problem of home ownership for young folk, and is in conflict with urbanisation.
A hypothetical question to an insurer said going from CBT to full licence would have changed the premium by perhaps 10%, which is significant but isn't the kind of savings one would expect after a £1k DAS course a year into riding.
I went to a manufacturer franchisee dealer when buying my first used bike as I had a specific model in mind, and their insurance for trial rides would not cover people with less than 1 year experience. Not even on their private property. I didn't find short term motorcycle insurance for an hour or a day. So as far as I know, the best new riders that aren't well connected in communities can do is: Sit on a bike for fit, do a whole lot of research, hope it works out, and drop thousands on a bike and 1 year insurance contract with no return policy options… unless you buy it online without having seen the bike (which nets a 14 day cooling off period return window). Insanity unless buying new, but even then not a good experience. I only did it as it had the manufacturer's warranty and a good resale market
Gear: Actually, a relatively good experience here. There are many savings to be had here, and getting started really just needs a good new Sharp rated helmet that fits well (£100-£200), a good abrasion resistant motorcycle coat suited to the conditions (£100-150), and motorcycle gloves (£20-£40). Then throw on a good pair of jeans and hiking boots. There are economical disk locks and chains as well that do a good job if layered together, and bike covers are cheap.
Training: I appreciate the trainer that worked with me, but man these training school businesses do not offer nor advertise a half decent time frame to properly learn a manual motorcycle for those it does not immediately click with. So many people go to a CBT to learn, and then are told to go home after 2 hours on the pad because the instructor has other students to juggle as well as the required 2h road segment. I went to two different businesses due to scheduling constraints, and the difference in service was staggering. One gave the full day to learn and had two instructors on site, the other business cut off training quite early quoting time constraints. Hoping the government consultation addresses this to be more modular to split it over multiple days so people can properly learn.
Similarly, the DAS course being 1 day training, mod 1 test, 1 more day training, mod 2 test, with weeks between such that they do not lose test slots if people fail mod 1… it really doesn't seem like enough for someone who hasn't owned their own bike before with lots of time to practice. 2 sparse days training and bike use for tests for £1k. Coming back for additional days costs more and can be difficult to schedule. It is a vastly different experience compared to learning in a car with an instructor many times over a few months. Also don't forget that most prefer to run these courses during the normal work week, which normal working people might not be so keen to take holiday for if they can't guarantee how successful they will be.
From a beginner's perspective it seems like the training schools tailor their timelines to people with experience, and there aren't many economical options for those who just want to have some time here and there on a bike in a decent sized carpark to come to grips with the controls. I wouldn't be surprised if people who are not yet committed to motorcycles nor part of a community give up after one poor experience in this system. Meanwhile my coworker talks about the days they just took off on their motorcycles in a field to learn back in the day without issue.
The one golden item regarding training is that further training courses are often given glowing reviews. TFL in London in this case offering 2 hours of free on the road training to anyone with a CBT in London to help improve is a huge welcome gift to new riders.
Sources of interest: I considered riding because I have family members and coworkers that do. Already having access to a car and public transport, I don't need it. It was also a challenge I felt some fulfillment in overcoming that helped break up some of life's monotony.
The main people I see being interested in a life on two wheels are those who have family/friends that do it/have done it, those that want to do delivery riding in big cities to filter, and those who want to commute cheaply on a scooter. Only one of those groups is even interested in a manual motorcycle, and I agree with your point in that less active riders on the road means less opportunity for potential riders to have that connection. To me there isn't yet an obvious growth strategy, so everything is currently upheld by experienced riders who have an impact on others.
Do I think it is worth it so far? Mostly, I am glad to be competent on the road with a good motorcycle; but I did spend much more on training than I was initially expecting, insurance was not competitive, and I had to take an uncomfortable leap of faith on the purchase of the used motorcycle. But I know it only gets better from here.
I walked away twice now due to constant attempted bike theft. Every attempt resulted in thousands of pounds damage. There are so many thieves and very few get caught! In the end, the bike was in repair more than at home. F ridiculous! I live in Windsor UK and its bloody constant with no police patrols to be seen. Soul destroying… I had a ground anchor – a chain – front and back disc locks – tracker – data tag. Did NOT stop the damage!
Lunatic, drunk, drug, don't give s shit no licence no insurance drivers plus roads like riding on the moon…. no way.
Great Video and very informative.
I’m 34 and been riding since 16. The industry has definitely changed since I started riding. Our Local main dealer Bridge motorcycles was great 15 years ago. Bought 3 new bikes from them when I first started riding. Went in recently enquiring about a new Kawasaki and unless you want a bike on pcp with a service plan they aren’t interested at all. Never even got a follow up call to arrange a test ride I requested. Plenty of smaller dealers around that still cater for the average rider though! I do all my own maintenance and servicing and being a bit older now with good NCB insurance is basically nothing. I can insure 4 bikes for the same price as my car. It’s still a cheap way to get around 👌🏻
I have a BMW 1000XR 2021 and a CBR 600RR, IM 54, I look forward to sunny days to go for a blast, there’s nothing better for the soul, you have to live and do something that scares you, I definitely get scared sometimes when I ride but I love it 🥰
I was 73 years old when I finally decided to sell my beautiful bikes. I always loved riding, going to race meetings, bike shows , ridden through every country in western Europe, done track days including the Nurburgring and enjoyed every single moment since I was 16 years old, but at the end, I felt the thrill had gone and I hate that fact, but I can look back on a wonderful life that motorcycling (and music) has given me. Motorcycling is special.
By the way, if I was to buy another bike now, it would be the Kawasaki Z900RS cafe. Had a test ride, it’s a real beaut.👍🤔you never know, maybe.😀
I passed in 1996 aged 23, never owned a motorbike.
100% of bikers die. It's a scandal.
No mention of the climate in this country UK, i ride bikes for pleasure now, but in my younger days it was my only transport, thus a necessity, you dont want to be cold and wet when your older, it would be interesting to see how many bikes are taxed year round and used, il wager not many
I tend to ride during the week only now, as there are so many idiots on the road at the weekends. I don't want to quit riding, but with the state of the roads, I think the time I spend riding in the UK is going to diminish, so I will be looking to ride in mainland Europe or further afield more.
I am one of the old knackered riders and I remember a time when if I had a near death experience on the road. I would be talking about it for days. Now that experience has become so common it's rare to have rides where I don't have my life threatened by other motorists' gross incompetence or oblivious drivers on their phones, drivers suffering from suicidal impatience, malicious psychotic drivers deliberately trying to cause me harm, drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The list goes on. Don't get me started on the lunar surface we jokingly call roads. So, yes I have been thinking about giving up motorcycling because I believe one day my luck is going to run out.
Everything in society is against us. For the youth start with the motorcycle test process and cost, parents and safety issues, costs now more in line with car ownership, very few have practical skills, roads more dangerous and crowded so not much fun factor especially with the new wet British weather. Regulations laws, Insurance costs etc etc. yes we are being gradually phased out. Enjoy the few years we have left, with prices of second hand and classics falling dramatically, we can do it on a budjet
Motorcycling can be an utter joy but rising costs, potholes, increasing restrictions from authorities, disappearing or poor dealers, fear of theft, terrible driving from people caccooned in SUVs, 20mph limits everywhere are chipping away at the freedom that experienced riders enjoy…Add to that the difficultly and expense of starting out on two wheels and it is easy to see why fewer people are riding and coming into the riding community.
I'm increasingly thinking of selling most of my bikes. I rarely ride anyway, despite having enough free time to do it. It is just too much hassle and expense.
I started riding in 1978 aged 17 with a RD125T, passed my test '79 owned a few bikes, stopped riding in 1988 due to life getting in the way, as it tends to, got back into bikes 1998, with a YZF750R, since then I've owned 2x R6's, 5x various FireBlades, a VTR SP1 – brilliant bike should have kept that one, 3x GSX-R's, by my count I've owned 27 bikes, had my GSXR1000K5 stolen in 2017 while I was living abroad, they almost got my Cagiva as well, but got disturbed, it was that, that started the rot to set in; came back to live in the UK sold the Cagiva, a year later as I was missing, riding, bought a FireBlade… owned it a year and managed to get out on it 3 maybe 4 times, sold it a year later…. back in the halcyon days (late 90's – mid 2000's) a bunch of us would meet up at Ryka's and go for a blast here and there, some days putting in 200 or 300 miles, rode to IOM TT and South of France for a few years.
I nearly bought another bike only a couple of months ago, (Feb 2026) but decided against it in the end, nowhere safe to keep it etc, etc, and the cost of re-kitting myself out was ridiculous…..It's interesting if I venture up to Ryka's I do see younger riders and there are younger riders about, but not like it was in the 70's or 80's where it was predominantly younger riders.
Like others have said the roads are in a shocking state, it's bad enough in the car having to dodge round all the pot holes, but you can't fall off a car and hurt yourself, after coming round a bend and being presented with a foot deep hole on your exit line, having been off a bike a few times, over the years, I know!!! luckily never 'really' hurt myself badly (dislocated shoulder in 2002), but no broken bones in all those years riding, even a stint as a courier in London in the early 80's I survived it all, I've worked in the industry selling bikes and bike gear so I've seen quite a lot and the consequences when it all goes wrong, I feel pretty lucky, but times have changed the powers that control us, hate motorcycles and are intent on stopping us, being us, if it's not Gatso's everywhere it's 20mph zones, and other deterrents like noise cameras, some of the roads myself and mates use to ride are all now heavily Policed, it just takes the fun out of it for me, so sadly my biking days are gone, never thought that would happen at 17 years old when I started all those years ago… 😒
i know that if the tests had been so expensive and took so long when i first started riding although i loved bikes i just wouldnt have bothered. ridden since 16 now 67
Hi, For me at 66 it's cost and snobbery!
I rode a maxi scooter (fantastic) for health reasons for the last two years of my riding years but, my so called
biker mates stuck their noses up Bike meets became upsetting by the bikers attitude I even stopped once to help a biker that had broken down on his bmw bike and was told to piss off !
Now have grandkids (1 disabled) to look after so funds needed for them
Sorry, but you cannot "actively control" bike theft. If they want it they will get it, or wreck it in the attempt.
Thats surprising that thats such a tiny number only 5million but does it include deliveroo riders on cbt!?
The problem is also thefts are a big problem and with no actual come down on thieves or the police even bothering to investigate thefts. If you don't have a garage you can't realistically have a bike its to much of a risk. Theres also thieves going to bike nights and putting airtags on bikes and tracking them down then stealing them later, a 2025 bmw gs1300 was nicked just up my road in a locked garage.
Theres also the thing which the government allowed in lockdown which is deliveroo/uber eats and they just renew the cbt and inturn the cbt is being changed because of these people we didn't need. I see them at the lights watching tiktok its so bad it pisses me off everytime i see these flip flop wearing scumbags taking risks putting people in danger and putting up my insurance premiums.
People watching phone screens, ego maniacs in 300 bhp cars determined to prove their magnificence, huge potholes between lanes on the motorway. Makes me wonder why I carry on looking at the odds.
I have been riding for 50yrs, (im 66yrs old), this year i have been thinking very seriously about giving up riding, the simple reason for this is cost, i am now paying more road tax on my BMW 1150 than i am paying for my toyota eygo, don't get me wrong, i love riding but there are to many rules now that make riding more a liability than a plesure, so i am on the fringe right now on wether to leave a love for good.
I'm mid 70's and finally beginning to edge towards calling it a day, yes cost is an issue, just in the last few years it has become more noticeable in the Uk but mainly it is other road users, motorcycle fatalities are going up now after many years of reduction. i won't pack up completely as my best friends are bikers but certainly limit the amount of riding as it is getting scary.
Bike theft and insurance coverage is a real problem and as I have no garage, even thinking about getting a nicer bike just fills me with dread. It will be a ticking time bomb waiting to be stolen. No sure if I want that kind of stress in my life.
too feffin cold at 70 years old <<<< after riding since 16 years old ,,,brrrrr/
53 and been riding for 30 years. Have 2 bikes and about to trade one in for a Sportsbike to relive my earlier riding days. Can’t ever see me being without one. Ride as much as I can. Stay safe peeps..
As you have mentioned, the poor state of the roads is a real issue.
No.1 reason is poor dealer service! Ambivalent sales-staff with an attitude like they're doing YOU A FAVOUR by selling you a bike; 6-8 weeks for a workshop appointment & that's me taking in a loose wheel to get a tyre plugged; poor quality & often dangerous mechanical work that you pay through the nose for, & that's just 3 reasons out of many. The main Honda dealer near me is SHOCKING & when I've complained to Honda UK they're not interested.
All the other issues like cost, theft, bad drivers, mobile phone drivers, the appalling state of the roads etc are second place on the concern list for me.
What will get me back into biking? When Elon Musk produces a quality bike (likely electric, I'll have to accept) that I can order online, have delivered to my door, gets its software updates over-the-air, requires minimal servicing, & when it does require work I can have a manufacturer's man in a van arrive at my home or workplace to fix my bike properly & safely.
Too many times I've come away from the main dealers wondering why on earth I'm paying £££s for their garbage service. I don't appreciate being mugged-off but in the motorcycle industry this is what it feels very often & is accepted as normal service by too many customers. IME many many main dealers deserve to fail & younger people are, fortunately, not prepared to put up with that nonsense….. & choose to spend their money on hobbies, brands & with businesses who value them as customers.
The young have a greater aversion to suffering discomfort these days, at 78 so do I! My workaround is occasional jaunts in the UK summer and more jaunts in the Spanish Andalucian winter. Mind you only a tiddly 125cc geared nowadays, I know my limits. The paradox is I'm more aware of my mortality these days. I only wish the self entitled variety of road users sitting in air bagged, crumple zoned isolation were equally aware of my mortality on a bike!
Why freeze to death a bike when buying a car on PCP is so cheap!
It's a dangerous activity, if it doesn't kill you, it can leave you with injuries which will stop you as you age.
I am pushing 80 years old, 11 stone, i don't ride my big collection of bsa triumphs and many more, so i ride my fat boy and my other soft tail harleys, i ride them like i stole them, very confident, am hoping to carry on till 90 plus, i started as mod early sixties, i have lost at least 15 fellow bikers good mates, most of them by silly riding mistakes,,i am a retired engineer ran my car garages for 50 years, bkes well i have had the lot,even built my own racing bike 😊
Certainly with younger (teenage) riders the pressure from parents is a big factor. 'Motorbikes are dangerous. You'll get yourself killed. Get a car.' I went through the same myself back in the 1970s. 40 years later and I am still here. Rather proves them wrong doesn't it?
I'm 35 & started late at 31 but closely considering stopping myself, as mentioned on your video the road surfaces are getting worse, theft is also a concern, more & more police targeting bikers for easy revenue but for me which is the biggest annoyance is really simple – WEATHER!!!!! UK weather just doesn't allow for riding your bike comfortably for more than a couple of months a year . Throw in work/family/LIFE there is just too many factors contributing towards not being able to ride. Its a sad state of affairs for the biking community as in only the 4 short years i have been riding I've met people ill be friends with for the rest of my life ,yet we just wont have the one thing in common that bought us together anymore.
I passed my test in 2013 when I was in my mid 30s, I have just sold my Aprilia Tuono and I cant see me getting another bike in the near future, its mostly down to the cost of running it for the mileage I did, which was about 1200/1300 miles a year. It hard to justify with 2 kids, although I hope to get another one day.