Motorcycle sales keep climbing, says MDPPA

The Philippine motorcycle market kept its pace in the second quarter of 2025, moving 910,923 units and edging up by 4.8 percent from the 876,074 sold a year earlier. The steady climb points to one the fact that two wheels remain a practical way to get around.

Riders are sticking to motorcycles for familiar reasons. They are affordable to buy, cheap to run, and easier to slip through traffic than cars. For many commuters, that mix is hard to beat, especially with fuel and fares still biting into daily budgets. Industry observers also note the growth of delivery and mobility services, which continue to rely on small bikes for quick trips and last‑mile runs.

The latest numbers compare April to June 2025 with the same three months in 2024. The result shows both small shifts and steady leaders across the main categories: automatic and scooter models, moped, street, business, big bikes, and a few niche types. Automatics and scooters remain on top, reflecting how riders want simple, hop‑on and go transport for daily use.

KAWASAKI motocross racers charge through the dirt, highlighting the thrill and skill that fuel the sport.MDPPA, the group behind the data, reads the almost five percent rise as a sign of a healthy market with broad demand. That view lines up with what many shop floors are seeing. Buyers who delayed purchases in past years are finally upgrading, while first‑time owners are taking advantage of entry‑level prices and easy financing. Banks and dealers have kept monthly payments within reach, which helps new riders say yes.

Momentum also comes from simple need. Public transport can be crowded and unpredictable, especially outside the major train routes. A small bike cuts waiting time and opens job options beyond one’s neighborhood. In the provinces, a motorcycle can be both a family shuttle and a work tool in one. These everyday reasons add up and show in the quarterly totals.

Looking ahead, industry players expect 2025 to finish slightly better than last year. The working forecast is for around five percent growth for the full year, assuming the economy stays stable and lending remains accessible. That projection mirrors the Q2 trend and suggests no big swings on the horizon, just gradual gains.

The Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association counts five member brands, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha and TVS. Together, they anchor the formal market and run programs that touch safety, emissions compliance, and rider training. MDPPA’s Tropang MAALAM effort is one example, using education and awareness to nudge habits like proper gear, lane discipline, and basic maintenance. Safer riders mean steadier growth, and the industry knows that bad headlines can stall confidence fast.

Category details matter, too. The dominance of automatics and scooters hints at what many riders want from new models. Under‑seat storage, low seat heights, and fuel‑sipping engines fit school runs and office commutes. Mopeds and business bikes still hold their place in delivery fleets and rural routes, where toughness and low upkeep win the day. Big bikes stay niche, more weekend toy than tool, but they add color to the market and keep enthusiasts engaged.

For now, the Q2 figure tells a clear story. People continue to buy motorcycles because they solve daily problems at a price that works. If jobs hold, fuel stays manageable, and roads do not get any kinder to cars, expect two wheels to keep their lead through the rest of the year.