4 Best-Selling Motorcycle Makes and Models for 2025
The South African motorcycle market is experiencing exponential growth. As reported in Business Day, sales surged by 20.8% in 2024 compared to 2023.
Why the sudden interest in bikes? As well as demand from the commercial segment, consumers are increasingly looking for more affordable modes of transport.
Middle-of-the-range motorbikes are cheaper to run and maintain than cars. Plus, and it’s a big plus, they enable easy, congestion-free commuting.
Below we outline the four best-selling motorcycle makes and models to select from in South Africa this year.
Already own a bike? A motorbike is a significant asset – and with Pawn My Car, you can easily unlock the liquidity it represents. We offer fast, convenient loans against motorbikes, including adventure, cruiser, sports and commuter bikes.
BMW R1300 GS
The R1300 GS is the top of the range in BMW’s sleek and sophisticated adventure segment. It features elegant lines, intelligent sensors, enhanced weather protection, and added warmth and comfort.
Available in four ultra-cool variants – Triple Black, Racing Red, Trophy and Option 719 Karakorum – the BMW GS range is powered by a 145-horsepower air or liquid-cooled twin-cylinder four-stroke Boxer engine.
Prices start at around R362,000 for a power-packed adventure bike sporting the iconic BMW badge.
KTM 390 Adventure R
Lightweight and with the build and posture of a rally bike, the 390 Adventure R is an on-road adventurer with off-road capabilities. It features the signature orange colourways, bodywork ad graphics of the high-adrenalin Austrian motorcycle brand.
The latest addition to the KTM R range is fitted with a LC4c liquid-cooled engine, six-speed transmission and heavy duty 18/21 spoked wheels.
When switched across to off-road mode, the bike allows for plenty of rear-wheel slip to enable agile handling in wet, muddy conditions.
Weighing in at 165 kilograms and capable of achieving 3.4 litres per 100 kilometres, the all-new KTM Adventure R is ideal for daily commutes and heart-pumping all-terrain fun.
Honda CRF1100 Adventure Sports
The CRF1100 Adventure Sports is essentially the legendary Africa Twin but with long-range capability thrown in. Honda has used the same liquid-cooled four-stroke eight-valve parallel-twin engine, frame and riding position and added a 24.8-litre tank with a 500-kilometre range.
It’s an on- and off-road machine that has been refined for the long haul. Upgrades include dual LED headlights for enhanced visibility, a multi-display touchscreen to enable fingertip control of all systems, and four interchangeable road settings – urban, tour, gravel and off-road.
The latest generation CRF1100 is available in two models – the Adventure Sports ABS and Adventure Sports DCT. Prices start at around R315,000 and there’s a choice of red, blue and white metallic paint or iridium grey matt.
Yamaha MT-09 Tracer GT Plus
Yamaha’s ultimate sport tourer, the MT-09 GT Plus is a comfortable, high-performance cruiser equipped with a host of advanced features – a seven-inch, high-luminosity display, app-enabled connectivity and navigation, and adaptive cruise control that automatically adjusts the cruising speed to match the vehicle in front.
The six-speed transmission is paired with an 890cc liquid-cooled CP3 engine to deliver plenty of grunt on the road. Three ride modes, Sport, Street and Rain, ensure optimal performance in all conditions.
The MT-09 Tracer GT Plus is available in two colour combos, Pastel Dark Grey and Icon Performance, with its trademark blue wheels, liquid-metal bodywork and black uppers. Prices start at around R329,950.
At Pawn My Car, we don’t trade in motorbikes – but we do help motorcycle owners unlock the liquidity that their bikes represent, quickly and professionally. For an asset-based loan against a motorcycle in Cape Town, Gqeberha, Durban or Johannesburg, call us on 0861 112 866 or apply online and we’ll get back to you promptly.
