Motorcycle shop with sales and servicing
Open a small showroom and workshop selling used bikes, with servicing, parts and accessories alongside.
- £20k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
3,631 UK companies in this field, 28% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 45400 “Sale, maintenance and repair of motorcycles and related parts and accessories”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A local motorcycle business on a unit or small forecourt. You sell used (and possibly new) bikes and add servicing, parts and riding gear to bring in regular income.
Your first three steps
- Write a simple plan covering stock budget, rent, a mechanic's wage and your likely monthly costs, then look at units in your area
- Speak to your council about planning use class and any signage rules, and get quotes for motor trade, public liability and premises insurance
- Start with a small range of used bikes and approach distributors about becoming a stockist for a brand or for parts and accessories
Who pays
Local riders, commuters, learners and enthusiasts who want a bike, a service or gear from someone they can visit.
How it makes money
Bike sales margin, workshop labour, parts and accessories sales, and sometimes commission on finance or insurance introductions (check what authorisation this needs).
Skills that help
- Strong motorcycle knowledge, ideally with workshop experience
- Buying and pricing stock
- Customer service and negotiation
- Managing stock, cash flow and suppliers
Watch out for
- Premises costs: rent, business rates and a lease commitment, so check terms carefully
- Selling on credit or arranging finance is regulated, check Financial Conduct Authority rules before offering it
- Consumer law on satisfactory quality, warranties and returns
- Employer's liability insurance once you hire staff
- Waste oil, tyres and batteries need correct disposal, check waste registration requirements
- Large stock holdings can tie up a lot of cash, and seasons affect demand
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: motorcycle shop with sales and servicing
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a motorcycle shop?
Startup costs are typically around £20,000 to £100,000, depending on the premises, how much bike stock you hold and your workshop equipment. These are estimates. Large stock holdings can tie up a lot of cash.
How much can a motorcycle dealership earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on bike sales, servicing, parts and gear. Seasons can affect demand, and rent and business rates are due regardless, so plan your cash flow.
What rules should I check before opening a motorcycle shop?
Check your lease terms and business rates. Check Financial Conduct Authority rules before offering finance or credit, and consumer law on satisfactory quality, warranties and returns. Also check waste registration for oil, tyres and batteries, and employer's liability once you hire.
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