No ulterior motives here.

Bike registrations across most of Europe are on the rise, giving a boost to motorcycling in many countries. A total of 408,362 powered two and three wheelers were registered in the first four months of 2016 across the EU. An increase of 4.7% compared with the corresponding period last year.

Stand out plus percentage registrations were recorded in Spain (14.5%), Italy (16.7%), Slovenia (11.8%), Sweden (9.0%) and the UK (8.8%). Even Greece recorded a 2.9% increase. But France and Germany, large countries with big motorcycling interest and big rider numbers, just about held steady. Then there were a whole raft of countries in the Baltic area and some eastern European countries where registrations were well into minus territory.

It's difficult to determine whether there are any conclusions to be drawn from the figures in economic or consumer terms. And a more detailed examination of the figures would be needed to see what categories of motorcycles are being purchased. But good to see more bikes being sought and bought.