Motorcycle Sales in Belgium Hit 15-Year High, 125cc Models Lead
Belgium’s motorcycle market has reached its highest point in 15 years, with 16,368 new motorcycles registered during the first six months of 2026 — a 13.2% increase compared to the same period in 2025. The surge, driven largely by the popularity of light 125cc motorcycles, signals a notable shift in Belgian mobility patterns, according to data released Tuesday by mobility federation Mobia.
A Market Rebound
The first-half total is the highest since 2011, when 17,327 new motorcycles were registered over the same period. Growth was observed across nearly all engine displacement categories, with the sole exception of the heaviest class (1,000cc+), which saw a 3.3% decline.
“After an excellent first quarter, the new motorcycle market also experienced a strong second quarter,” said Christophe Dubon, spokesperson for FEBIAC, the Belgian automotive federation that operates under the Mobia umbrella. “The year has thus started very well. We see an increase across all engine sizes, except for the heaviest class.”
The 125cc Factor
A standout trend is the rising popularity of 125cc motorcycles, which can be ridden in Belgium with a standard category B (car) driving license after completing a four-hour practical training session known as Code 372. This accessibility has made 125cc bikes an attractive entry point for new riders, particularly urban commuters seeking affordable and nimble transportation.
In the used market, 125cc motorcycles dominate with 11,312 registrations in the first half of 2026, making them the largest segment by a wide margin. Among new registrations, the 751–1,000cc category leads with 3,730 units.
Regional Dynamics
Flanders remains the dominant market, accounting for 57.2% of new motorcycle sales. Wallonia continues to grow its share at 37.1%, with Walloon Brabant posting the strongest provincial growth at 17.6%. Hainaut, Liège, Luxembourg, and Limburg also recorded double-digit increases.
Brussels, despite an 8% sales increase, saw its market share decline to 5.8%. The city’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ), which bans older, more polluting motorcycles, may be encouraging buyers to opt for newer, compliant models — a dynamic that VRT NWS noted in its coverage of the data.
Brand Performance and Chinese Growth
Honda, BMW, and Yamaha remain the most popular brands in Belgium, followed by Kawasaki and CF Moto. The FEBIAC press release highlighted “spectacular percentage increases” from Chinese motorcycle brands, alongside strong performances from KTM and Moto Guzzi during the first half of the year.
The Brussels Motor Show in January 2026, which attracted nearly 350,000 visitors, gave the market a strong start. According to Traxio, the automotive sector federation, the event generated interest not only at Brussels Expo but also in dealer showrooms across the country.
Second-Hand Market Declines
While new motorcycle sales surged, the second-hand market contracted. Used motorcycle registrations fell 2% overall to 35,242 units, with the heaviest 1,000cc+ class dropping 8.5%. The decline may reflect buyers favoring new models with modern features, attractive financing options, or compliance with tightening environmental regulations.
Outlook and Headwinds
Despite the strong first half, Traxio has cautioned that the remainder of 2026 faces potential headwinds. “For the rest of 2026, the new market will primarily be watching for the impact of the tense geopolitical situation and oil prices in combination with decreased consumer confidence,” the federation said in a statement reported by BRUZZ.
Whether the growth trend continues into the second half will depend on how these economic pressures interact with the underlying demand for two-wheeled mobility. What is clear is that Belgium’s motorcycle market has entered a new phase — one in which accessibility, urban mobility needs, and environmental regulations are reshaping who rides and what they choose to ride.