2025 Motorcycle Trends

The Big Picture: 9.5 Million Bikers Strong

Motorcycling in the U.S. is alive and well (kind of), and it depends heavily on what data you look at. As of 2023, there are roughly 9.5 million registered motorcycles, with nearly 8.8 million of these bikes being street-legal machines. That’s nearly double the number in 2002. The fleet is large, diverse, and steadily growing, even if new unit sales wobble.

How old are these bikes on the road

There are a lot of oldies on the road. The average motorcycle age is 14.3 years. That means America has been riding a lot of bikes from the early 2010's. While classics linger, the vast majority of bikes are under 30 years old—modern enough to have fuel injection, ABS, and maybe a USB port.

Who’s Riding What

* Cruisers: 38.2%

* Touring: 23.5%

* Scooters: 7.9%

* Dual-Sport/ADV: 8.4%

(Sport/Naked Bikes/Standard/Chopper: the rest)

Sidebar: Top 5 Best-Selling Bikes Right Now

1. Yamaha MT-07 / R7

2. Kawasaki Ninja 400 (Starter bike, track bike if you're talking about the RR)

3. Honda Rebel 300/500

4. Honda CRF300L Dual-Sport

5. Harley-Davidson Street Glide / Road Glide

Daily Riders vs. Weekend Warriors

Less than 1.5% of workers commute to work by motorcycle (Census data).  Only 200,000–475,000 riders use their bikes daily. The rest? Garage queens, weekend warriors, and road trip rigs. Sad, but true. 

“In Texas, your bike might survive the 105-degree commute. Your body? Not so much.”

— Anonymous Rider, Dallas

Commuter vs. Weekend Warrior

* Commuters: 2%–5% of registered bikes

* Seasonal riders:10%

* Weekend-only owners: The majority

The Road Ahead for the Industry

1. Aging inventory. More parts, service, and accessories demand as riders keep older bikes alive.

2. Used Machines are winning in a weaker economy. Dual-sport and ADV bikes are growing, they’re versatile.

3. Electrification. Electric motorcycles are gaining buzz, but adoption in the U.S. will be gradual. Expect scooters and delivery bikes to lead the way which they already are

4. Commuting Potential. Lane filtering, HOV access, and congestion pricing could make motorcycles a smarter urban choice. Until then, expect commuting rates to stay low.

If you really want to test your dedication, ride to work in August (especially if you live in Texas), show up at your desk sweaty and bug-splattered, then explain to Karen from Accounting why you “don’t need a car.” Spoiler: you’ll lose that argument.

Final Thoughts

The motorcycle industry isn’t dying, it’s changing.  Older (boomers) are aging out, and it's a challenge to get the younger generation on board and consider throwing a leg over. That said, I believe that the tide will turn and that the future of two wheels in America is still wide open.

Get out and ride, and Throttle Life Daily! 

Dave

About the Author

Dave Nagel is the throttle-happy mind behind Throttle Life Daily, where motorcycles aren’t just a hobby—they’re a daily lifestyle. With years of two-wheeled experience and a talent for storytelling, Dave turns everyday rides into road-tested wisdom, gear reviews, and hilariously relatable moto-adventures.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for general informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional financial, mechanical, or safety advice. For the most accurate, up-to-date, and model-specific information, please refer directly to the manufacturer, the Motorcycle Industry Council, or your nearest authorized dealership.