The gaze usually falls on the automotive market for the mobility segment, but a random look at any street in an Argentine city will show the incessant dynamics of motorcycles. The situation is not capricious and is repeated without distinguishing between developed and poor countries. In the former, the collapse of urban traffic turned mobility solutions towards smaller electric and hybrid vehicles, but also towards motorcycles. In less developed places, the shortcomings of public transportation also found an economical solution in motorcycles, more accessible and with greater possibility of financing.
The rebound. In Argentina, the interannual and monthly growth, added to the strong dominance of national production and the clear preference for low-displacement motorcycles for urban use, presents a scenario of vitality and projection for the industry. According to information from the Chamber of Motorcycle Manufacturers (CAFAM), in October 2025, 63,446 units were patented compared to 46,765 in the same month of 2024 (+35.7% year-on-year). Likewise, it also experienced a growth of 6.55% compared to the previous month, in which 59,543 units had been patented. Thus, in the first ten months of the year, 541,498 patented units were reached (+38.7% year-on-year), compared to 390,480 in 2024. Of the total, 97% correspond to motorcycles manufactured in Argentina, while imported motorcycles represented the remaining 3%.. Regarding user preferences, the analysis by displacement shows that the low-displacement segment continues to be the driving force of the market: motorcycles between 101cc and 250cc represented 88.3% of sales.
Regarding the categories, the CUB (also known as Underbone) comfortably led the ranking with 36,217 patented units, consolidating itself as the preferred option for urban mobility. In a highly contested second and third place were the ON/OFF (11,737 units) and Street (11,705 units) categories, demonstrating their popularity and versatility. Scooters, for their part, registered 2,431 patents.
The reasons. In the opinion of Federico Vacaspresident CAFAMAlthough it is true that we are coming from periods of contraction, current indicators show strength that goes beyond a simple rebound. “The key is to consolidate the pillars of improved access to credit and lower interest rates. “Economic predictability and the availability of accessible financial tools are crucial” underlines.
Although small-displacement motorcycles historically led sales, the growth of medium-displacement motorcycles is a clear sign of the evolution of consumer preferences. The versatility of the motorcycle as a means of transportation, work tool and leisure vehicle is a value that we must continue to promote. For Vacas, demand is multifactorial, but the main element is versatility. ““The motorcycle has established itself as an unrivaled urban mobility solution: it is agile, economical in its fuel consumption and maintenance and requires a significantly lower initial investment than other vehicles,” he adds. In addition, it became a fundamental work tool for the growing sector such as logistics and delivery, added to the lack of transportation in many cities or the transportation price factor. “Finally, we cannot forget the aspirational and leisure factor; for many, the motorcycle is a gateway to a community and a lifestyle”he concludes. The fact is that for an important segment of the population, especially young people and workers who have access to their first vehicle, the motorcycle is a direct and efficient substitute for the economical car. It offers independence and mobility at a fraction of the cost of purchase and maintenance. For other users, however, it works as an ideal complement. And as I mentioned before it complements the lack of transportation.
The pyramid. In the case of the Simpa group, a national company that represents and manages the production and marketing of several different brands with an emphasis on mid- and high-end brands (KTM, Husqvarna Mobility, GASGAS, Moto Morini, QJMOTOR, MV Agusta, Harley-Davidson® Argentina, Royal Enfield, Vespa, Can-Am, CFMOTO -four wheels, Piaggio, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Ninebot-Segway, Super SOCO and FELT Bicycles), the trend is also upward, but it has been recorded since the end of the pandemic. Juan Carlos Masits commercial director, marks this time as a break in the demand for motorcycles due to their versatility for use in transportation, but also for recreation, at least in the segments that they are focused on. “Financing is key due to the possibility of having fixed installments that greatly enhances demand. It is not only about accessing the first motorcycle but also being able to make a replacement by going to a newer model or upgrading to one with a larger displacement,” he explains. Of the 30,000 annual units they sell (80% produced at the Pilar plant) with values ranging from US$4,000 to US$130,000 in the case of some models of the iconic Harley Davidson, they have two agreements with BBVA and Santander to access credits. pledges with financing of up to 80% of the price of the unit. “We understand that the projection of a drop in the interest rate is something good for our market, but above all for the country that mobilizes the economy and boosts demand,” he concludes.
by Marcelo Alfano
