Motorcycle sales are up 4.2 percent in the first quarter compared to 2025.Sport and touring bikes lead the way. Riding season is upon us, we must go!The two-wheeled industry is doing well, it seems. The Motorcycle Industry Council reports that sales rose 4.2 percent for the first quarter of 2026, compared to the same timeframe a year ago. And it wasn’t all scooters and those cursed eBikes, either, it was real motorcycles with engines, the kind Steve McQueen or Marlon Brando would ride.“Touring and sport bike sales have been especially notable through the first quarter, with touring posting the largest first-quarter unit increase of any motorcycle category since 2022,” said Buckner Nesheim, MIC director of research and statistics. “Dual-purpose motorcycles also posted gains, giving us a few signals to watch as the market continues to take shape throughout 2026.”The data suggests people are riding more, too, with sales of motorcycle tires showing a 5.3 percent increase among leading brands through Q1, according to MIC data reported in Motorcycle Powersports News. You don’t need new tires if you didn’t wear out the old ones. Why? Here's one possible explanation: The Motorcycle Industry Council research team surveyed motorcycle owners to see if any of them will be riding more because of the increased price of gas. About 50% said they would be riding more for everyday trips (commuting, errands, etc.) because of fuel. There are still pressures on the industry, though, including inflation.“U.S. inflation accelerated in April, raising additional concerns for consumers considering large purchases such as motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides, boats and automobiles,” said PowerSports Business.com. “According to the latest Consumer Price Index report released May 12 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, consumer prices rose 3.8 percent year-over-year in April, the highest annual inflation rate since May 2023. Monthly inflation increased 0.6 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis.”US-ENVIRONMENT-WILDFLOWERS-SUPERBLOOMBut we can still celebrate.“First-quarter motorcycle sales growth is an encouraging sign that consumer demand remains strong,” said Christy LaCurelle, MIC president and CEO. “While profitability pressures continue across the industry—including tariffs, incentives, financing costs, and operating expenses—increased retail activity demonstrates continued enthusiasm for riding and momentum heading into peak season.”That’s right, riding season is here. So if you ride, then go out and ride. If you don't, keep an eye out for those who do. Clean out the carbs on that beater bike you have under the tarp and get riding. See you on the highway.