Motorbike popularity at highest level, more than 1.5 million motorcyclists and 800,000 motorbikes for the first time, shows recent BOVAG survey
Utrecht, 22 February 2023 - The build-up of MOTORbeurs Utrecht is in full swing. From Thursday 23 to Sunday 26 February, Royal Jaarbeurs will be all about motorcycling and everything related to it. BOVAG concluded from recent research that the enthusiasm for motorcycling is greater than ever before. For the first time, there are more than 1.5 million motorbike licence owners and sales of new motorbikes are at the highest level in 15 years. Rachel Jankowsky, fair manager MOTORbeurs Utrecht: "We noticed in the run-up to MOTORbeurs Utrecht that there is also unprecedented enthusiasm for visiting the fair. We have never sold so many tickets in presale. Visitors can enjoy four days of motorbikes, spectacular shows and activities. Whether you are a novice or an experienced motorcyclist, this edition is dedicated to the needs of various types of motorcyclists."
New at MOTORbeurs Utrecht: five themes for every type of motorcyclist
This edition, MOTORbeurs Utrecht is divided into five different themes. Rachel Jankowsky: "The great interest in motorcycling has increased enormously since the corona period. We have noticed that various types of motorcyclists have joined the industry. Within this group of motorcyclists, there is great diversity in how people engage with their hobby. For example, on the one hand there is the adventurer who wants to discover the world on a motorbike, and on the other there is a motorbike enthusiast who prefers to tinker with his or her bike. From the exhibition organisers' point of view, we respond directly to this by using five themes to reach all types of motorcyclists. With the theme 'Explore', for example, we appeal to visitors who love kilometres and beautiful tours on their motorbikes. The community theme is all about sharing the passion for motorcycling. The 'Customising' theme focuses on beautifying motorbikes. The 'Performance' theme allows visitors to get ready for the sporty motorbike season. The theme E-Mobility & Innovation focuses on innovations in the industry where electrification of motorbikes is an important part."
Animo for motorbike unprecedented since corona
BOVAG's research further shows that a new milestone can be expected next month with the registration of the 800,000th motorbike in the Netherlands. There were almost 714,000 at the end of 2014 and the total grew to 747,000 by early 2020. However, since the outbreak of corona, interest has increased sharply, with the total reaching almost 795,000 by the end of January 2023. New motorbike sales therefore reached the highest level since 2008 at 15,527 last year, while 2023 also got off to a promising start with the highest number of new motorbikes in January in 15 years. All but one of the 1,000 units were delivered in the Netherlands last month. A record number of used motorbikes were also imported in 2022. Rachel Jankowsky: "Motorcycles were already popular, but we have never experienced these unprecedented numbers. We look forward to inspiring tens of thousands of motorbike enthusiasts over the coming days with numerous activities: from a first motorbike riding lesson at the 'BOVAG - Try the Bike' to improving techniques like a real trial rider. Bike experts will also be on hand to inspire motorbike enthusiasts on how to make their bikes even more beautiful, crazy and unique. In addition, this year's The Motor Podcast will be recorded live at the fair with special guests and visitors talking to each other about their motorbike passion."
Additional information
MOTORbeurs Utrecht will take place from Thursday 23 February to Sunday 26 February 2023 at Royal Jaarbeurs. On Thursday 23 and Friday 24 February, the fair will be open from 10am to 10pm. On Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 February, the fair will be open from 10am to 6pm. Information on entrance tickets, the programme and activities can be found at https://www.motorbeursutrecht.nl/
