The Belgian market for new motorcycles concludes the first quarter with distinctly positive momentum. With 6,990 registrations compared to 5,694 in 2025 (+22.8%), the sector records its best start to the season since 2021.
In March 2026 alone, 3,169 motorcycles were registered. That is +10.2% compared to March 2025 and +5.5% above the average for a March month in the 2021–2025 period (3,004 units).
The second-hand market is also performing well during the first quarter, rising from 12,757 to 13,705 units, an increase of +7.4%. The used car market has therefore recovered, as evidenced by a 15.3% increase compared to 2024 and a 22.2% increase compared to 2023. However, it remains structurally lower than before the introduction of the second-hand inspection in 2022.
Second-hand inspection
The good news is that the rise in the second-hand market continues across virtually all engine categories. Honda remains the largest used vehicle brand, ahead of BMW, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Piaggio.
The second-hand market clearly performed better in the first quarter than last year. However, it remains to be seen what effect the announced abolition of the second-hand inspection in Flanders will have.
Flanders was also the largest second-hand market in 2025 (59.7%), followed by Wallonia (31.9%) and Brussels (8.2%). We also see increases in almost all provinces, from +0.3% in Antwerp to +25.4% in Walloon Brabant. Only Namur and West Flanders are losing ground slightly.
The strongest risers are in the 125cc category, which increases by 13.7% and has a market share of 31.5%, or nearly 1 in 3 second-hand registrations.
Brussels Motor Show
After five years, motorcycles returned to the Brussels Motor Show, and according to motorcycle dealers, this had an immediate positive impact. Showrooms are once again attracting many customers with a broad interest in all kinds of two-wheelers.
Thanks in part to the Brussels Motor Show, 2026 got off to such a strong start. Quite a few interesting new models and updates were presented, which certainly sparked interest in buying.
Flanders remains the largest region, accounting for 57.9% of new motorcycle sales in Belgium. Wallonia accounts for 35.8%, and Brussels 6.3%. Since older motorcycles are no longer allowed in Brussels, riders are encouraged to buy new or more recent models and scooters.
Most popular brands
But in fact, all provinces are doing well with increases of at least +9.2%. The most popular brands remain Honda, BMW, Yamaha, and Kawasaki. At the top of the manufacturers’ rankings, Honda is narrowly ahead of BMW. Yamaha makes a strong comeback and takes third place, ahead of Kawasaki and the Chinese CF Moto, which rises by no less than 158% compared to 2025.
In the new market, the main focus remains on the impact of the tense geopolitical situation, rising oil prices, and declining consumer confidence.
The second-hand market will likely be shaken up again from the autumn onward by the abolition of technical inspections in Flanders (hopefully in a positive way), and it remains to be seen what the other regions will do.
