Europe

Germany 2025. Motorcycles Market Lost 27.8% Hit By Recession and Low Consumer Demand

30 January 2026

26663

German Motorcycles Market collapsed in 2025. Following a steady previous four years period of time, the market lost a huge 27.8%, the worst performance in Europe, with strong consumer demand decline and with the KTM Group collapse.

Economic Outlook

Germany is “emerging somewhat from its state of shock,” IW chief economist Michael Groemling said. However, about a third of this growth will be due to a calendar effect, with nearly two-and-a-half more working days available than in 2025, according to the IW. Germany’s economy ministry in October revised up its 2025 forecast to 0.2% growth and it expects 1.3% growth in 2026.

The tax and social contribution rate in Germany will reach a record 41.5% of gross domestic product in 2025, up from 40.2% last year, according to IW forecasts. “Our economy is facing rising government financing burdens – even in economically weak times,” Groemling said. This is due to higher defence spending and investments in infrastructure, but also to rising social obligations for pensions, health insurance and unemployment insurance, Groemling said.

Consumer spending is expected to remain below potential, despite inflation stabilising at around 2%, as employment prospects remain muted, IW said. Unemployment is projected to hover near 3 million, with overall employment stagnating. The industrial sector is set to shed more jobs, further dampening the outlook. Germany’s debt-to-GDP ratio is forecast to rise to 66%, while the government’s share of economic output will exceed 50%, reflecting increased fiscal pressures.

Motorcycles Market Data and Trend

Following a steady previous four years period of time, in 2025 the 2-wheeler market in Germany collapsed losing a huge 27.8%.

Indeed, a weak economy and low consumption rates, with high inflation are not supporting demand for new motorcycles. And considering that the expected push up created by electric vehicles is vanishing after an early start, the market was having difficulties to grow up.

However, in 2025 the demand vanished and all manufacturers reported heavy loses with a market landed at 183.386 units (-27.8%) in the deepest lost reported in this century.

Performance of Leading Manufacturers

Looking at top manufacturer’s performance, almost all of them are reporting deep lost.

Honda is confirming the previous year leadership with sales down a mere 5.8%.

In second place Piaggio losing 19.0%, less than the third, BMW, which is down 26.3%.

In 4th place Yamaha (-27.9%) ahead of Kawasaki (-12.2%), Aprilia (-28.9%) and Triumph (-24.8%).

Many positions behind, KTM collapsed (-75.4%), with Husqvarna down 82.1%