MOTORCYCLE tourism in the UK has become a significant contributor to the national economy and a major factor in the rising demand for adventure sport bikes, according to leading vehicle finance provider Close Brothers Motor Finance.

Recent figures released by the MCIA* revealed that motorcycle tourism spending totals £562 million in the UK each year, supporting more than 13,000 jobs through a wide range of services, activities and events.

Chris Reid, National Motorcycle Manager for Close Brothers Motor Finance said: “Motorcycle tourism has become an important part our economy, both financially and as a source of employment, with many riders now using their bikes for holidays and short breaks alongside general use.

“It’s something that shouldn’t be surprising, especially when you consider what the UK has to offer riders. We have renowned biking roads, particularly in Scotland and Wales, while events such as the British MotoGP and historic road races like the Isle of Man TT consistently attract large domestic and international audiences.”

Of the 1.2 million active motorcyclists in the UK, around 109,000 travel abroad on their bikes each year.

“Beyond the obvious economic benefits, the popularity of bike tourism is good news for the motorcycle industry and for dealers, as sales of adventure sport bikes designed for longer trips and for travel are increasing”, said Chris.

“The BMW R1200GS has been the best selling motorcycle over 125cc for the last five years, while sales of adventure sport bikes were up 21% in April compared to the same period last year*.

“The popularity of these machines shows no sign of slowing and the strong demand will continue to create opportunities for dealers to increase their sales.

“I believe that a significant factor behind the growing market for adventure touring bikes is the wide range of finance packages available which make them more affordable for riders and more marketable for dealers.

“Our dedicated motorcycle division works closely with our dealer partners to offer PCP on new models, alongside 0% finance deals, and we’ve seen that it can boost and broaden the appeal of these bikes to customers.

“Combine this with the impressive fuel range, comfort and competence of most machines both on and off road, and it’s easy to see why the sector has proven so popular over the last five years.

“Crucially, we’re also noticing that adventure sport bikes and motorcycle tourism are now helping to attract new riders to the market and that not only strengthens the industry as a whole, but it will boost the contribution that it makes to our economy as well.”

For more information about Close Brothers Motor Finance please visit www.closemotorfinance.co.uk