January's weather and the acknowledged poor retail start to the new year took its toll on the motorcycle market. Statistics for all styles, being 42% lower than for January of 2009.

Smaller capacity bikes are fairing better in the market. The top ten selling models reveals that there appears to be a greater demand for smaller capacity bikes, which are ideal for commuting and can offer a practical cost-effective form of personal transport. Seven of the top ten selling models are up to 125cc capacity. The top selling models include: Honda CBF 125 M and the Yamaha YBR 125.

With this interest in smaller capacity bikes the top three selling manufacturers in January were Honda, Yamaha and Piaggio. In the larger capacity sectors, BMW is the top selling manufacturer with the BMW S 1000 RR and BMW R 1200 RT registering the highest number of sales.

The touring sector has managed to retain some ground, experiencing a lower percentage (-22%) fall, but as it only has less than 5% market share this has had a limited effect on the overall market. The three sectors with the biggest market share at the start of 2010 are Scooters, Naked and Supersport.

Steve Kenward. MCI's CEO said "Although the climate continues to present challenges in January the industry is confident that it's Get On campaign is showing results in the lightweight sectors.

"The MCI is working hard to encourage new people to recognise the benefits of individual mobility that a powered two-wheeler offers." However, Kenward added, "The new sales figures demonstrate how critical it is for the Government to create a level playing field across the entire automotive sector a point discussed at the recent meeting with MP Ian Lucas from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills"