500 Million Motorcycles Sold Worldwide

Honda has hit a couple rather remarkable milestones in worldwide motorcycle sales, and we thought this was worth sharing.

In a business briefing released May 20, Honda revealed two astounding stats in motorcycle sales. The briefing largely focused on hybrid and battery electric tech, but it also revealed some remarkable numbers pertaining to motorcycles-

“For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, Honda motorcycle unit sales reached 20.57 million units, which account for approximately 40% of the global motorcycle market, setting an all-time record for fiscal year sales in 37 countries and territories. Moreover, demand for motorcycles is expected to grow further, particularly in the Global South, which includes India, the world’s largest motorcycle market, where population is increasing and people’s income is increasing. Industry-wide sales are expected to grow from the current level of 50 million units to the level of 60 million units by around 2030.”

40% of global motorcycle market. That alone is utterly amazing. Honda absolutely dominates the world in overall motorcycle sales. But what came next blew our minds.

The first Honda motorcycle, the 1949 Dream D-Type. Photo by Honda.

This is staggering to ponder-

“Honda’s cumulative global production of engine/motor-powered motorcycles has reached 500 million units, 76 years after the company began mass production of motorcycles in 1949 with the Dream D-Type. The milestone was commemorated today during a ceremony at the Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Private Limited facility, in India’s Ahmedabad District.”

500 million motorcycles, in 76 years. We can’t even fully get our heads around that. Mind boggling. It seemed appropriate that Honda would make the announcement from India, as in most parts of the world, definitely in India, motorcycles are a vital means of transportation, not just recreation.

Founded and established out of the ashes of World War II, Honda grew into a world leader in mechanical technology, for everything from motorcycles to automobiles to heavy equipment. The company has stayed true to their roots, based on the belief that the purpose of technology is to “make people’s lives easier.”

The first American-built Honda, the 1979 CR250M, rolling off the assembly line in Marysville, Ohio. Photo by Honda.

Honda’s first overseas subsidiary was American Honda Motor Co., established in 1959. Honda began international mass production of motorcycles at its first overseas production facility in Belgium in 1963 and, since then, has expanded its production globally in accordance with their fundamental principle of producing locally where there is demand. Honda began North American production of motorcycles in 1979 at the Honda of America Mfg., Inc. plant in Marysville, Ohio, where 64 Honda employees began building the CR250M Elsinore dirt bike. That first motorcycle rolled off the production line on September 10, 1979.

American Honda went on to build the legendary GL1100 Gold Wing there, and 29 other motorcycle models, including cruisers, standards and tourers. The company now builds SxS and ATV models in South Carolina and North Carolina respectively, using both American and internationally sourced parts.

More from the press release:

“As a result of this sustained expansion, Honda achieved its 100 million-unit milestone in 1997, its 200 million-unit milestone in 2008, and its 300 million-unit milestone in 2014. In 2018, Honda’s annual production exceeded 20 million units for the first time in its history, and cumulative global production reached 400 million units in 2019. Although the annual production of motorcycles temporarily declined due to COVID-19 in 2020, demand has steadily recovered worldwide to pre-pandemic levels since then. In addition to producing internal combustion engine (ICE) models, Honda positioned 2024 as its first year of global expansion for electric-powered two-wheelers and has started launching new models globally, creating a wide and diverse product lineup.”

Honda now boasts an annual production capacity of more than 20 million units in 23 countries and regions, with 37 production facilities. The company delivers products and services to customers worldwide through a network of more than 30,000 Honda dealers. Honda is the global titan in motorcycling.

50 years of the iconic Honda Gold Wing, being celebrated this year. Photo by Honda.

In a statement issued by Toshihiro Mibe, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.’s President, CEO and Representative Director:

“For Honda, motorcycle business is our founder’s business, and will continue to be the company’s core business… In the motorcycle business, we have built the trust of our customers through our many products and services, which has enabled us to achieve a cumulative production volume of 500 million units. I would like to thank our customers and all stakeholders who were involved in achieving this milestone, from development to production, sales and service. Honda will continue to take on the challenge of expanding the joy of our customers around the world.”

So we tip our helmets to Honda for their phenomenal achievements over the years, and upon reaching these historic milestones. We love the brand, and look forward to watching them further develop and impact the future of transportation, and the moto-lifestyle we love so much.

Road Dirt Crew

*Top featured photo: 2013 Honda CB1100, quite possibly the perfect blend of heritage and modern. Photo by Honda.