Pakistan Just Bought More Motorcycles Than Ever Before: The FY26 Numbers Are In
Pakistan's motorcycle industry has just recorded the best year in its entire history. According to data released by Arif Habib Limited this month, Pakistani riders purchased motorcycles at a pace never seen before, smashing the previous all-time record set in FY21. The numbers tell a story not just about bikes but about a country getting back on its feet economically after two very difficult years.
How FY26 Compares to Previous Records
The FY26 performance did not just beat the previous record, it surpassed it by a meaningful margin. The chart below shows how this year compares to the industry's historical peaks:
| Fiscal Year | Motorcycle Sales (millions) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FY21 | 1.853 million | Previous all-time record |
| FY23 | Below FY21 | Sharp slowdown due to economic pressures |
| FY24 | Recovery begins | Gradual rebound in second half |
| FY25 | Strong growth | Sales up 39.8% year on year |
| FY26 | 1.932 million | New all-time record (motorcycles only) |
| FY26 (incl. 3-wheelers) | 1.974 million | New combined record |
Who Sold What: The Full FY26 Breakdown
The market is heavily concentrated at the top. Atlas Honda's dominance is almost unprecedented for any industry in Pakistan. Here is exactly how the units divided up:
| Manufacturer | Units Sold FY26 | Segment |
|---|---|---|
| Atlas Honda | 1,690,000 | Motorcycles (88% share) |
| United Auto Industries | 190,800 | Motorcycles (budget segment) |
| All others combined | ~51,200 | Motorcycles (remaining market) |
| Sazgar Engineering | 28,600 | Three-wheelers (rickshaws) |
| Total industry | 1,974,000 | Bikes + rickshaws combined |
Did you know? Atlas Honda has been running its factories above their rated manufacturing capacity to keep up with demand, extending production hours and working closely with suppliers. A major expansion will grow annual capacity from 1.65 million units to 2 million units by end of 2026.
Why Did Sales Hit a Record?
This did not happen overnight. The recovery built gradually as several conditions improved at the same time:
| Factor | Impact on Sales |
|---|---|
| Inflation moderating from FY23 to FY24 peaks | Restored purchasing power for middle-class buyers |
| General economic recovery and improved consumer confidence | People felt comfortable making major purchases again |
| Rising petrol prices (doubled over 2 years) | Made fuel-efficient bikes more attractive vs cars |
| Growing demand for 100cc and above bikes | Riders trading up from smallest commuters |
| Government EV incentives | Boosted electric bike segment growth |
For most Pakistani buyers a motorcycle is not a luxury purchase. It is the most practical way to get to work, run a business, make deliveries or keep a family moving. When economic conditions allow, a bike is often the first major purchase people make.
The Electric Bike Factor
Running alongside the conventional market, Pakistan's electric motorcycle segment has grown significantly. With petrol prices having roughly doubled over the past two years, the running cost argument for electric bikes is now far more compelling than it used to be. Here is how the two options compare on typical running costs:
| Cost Comparison | Petrol Bike (125cc) | Electric Bike (entry level) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical purchase price | Rs 165,000 to 275,000 | Rs 195,000 to 300,000 |
| Fuel or charging cost per km | Around Rs 3 to 5 per km | Around Rs 0.5 to 1 per km |
| Servicing frequency | Every 1,000 km approx | Less frequent, fewer moving parts |
| Refuel or recharge convenience | Petrol stations everywhere | Home charging or swap stations |
| Long-term running savings | Standard | Significantly lower fuel cost |
Important note for Yamaha owners: Yamaha officially exited the Pakistani market in September 2025, ending local assembly. After-sales support and spare parts continue through authorised dealers, but no new models are being assembled locally. If you own a Yamaha, source genuine parts through authorised channels to be safe.
What Atlas Honda's Expansion Signals
A company does not invest billions to expand manufacturing capacity unless it believes demand will remain strong for years. Atlas Honda's planned growth from 1.65 million to 2 million units tells you exactly what Pakistan's largest manufacturer thinks about the future of this market.
The company also confirmed in its corporate briefing that current production has already exceeded the factory's rated capacity, meaning they are already operating beyond what the plant was designed for. That is an extraordinary position to be in and a very strong signal for the market's direction.
What Does This Mean If You Are Buying or Selling?
Record sales numbers have real implications for ordinary buyers and sellers right now:
| If you are... | What this means for you |
|---|---|
| Buying a new bike | Dealers have strong inventory and manufacturers are producing at peak. Good time for competitive pricing on commuter bikes. |
| Buying a used bike | More people buying new means more used bikes entering the market. Good selection available across all budgets. |
| Selling a used bike | Strong new-bike demand keeps used values healthy. If you want to upgrade, now is a reasonable time to sell your current bike. |
| Interested in electric | More models are arriving, government incentives are active, and running costs are significantly lower than petrol. |
You can browse current bikes from sellers across every city in Pakistan on Byke Lelo's used bikes page, check 2026 new bike prices and models, and use the free on-road price calculator to see exactly what registration, token tax and insurance will add to any bike's showroom price. If you want to sell your own bike, list it here for free and reach buyers across Pakistan.
The Bigger Picture
Nearly two million motorcycles sold in a single year tells you something important about Pakistan that no other statistic captures quite as clearly. The motorcycle is the backbone of everyday mobility here. It is how millions of people get to work every morning, how families stay connected, how deliveries happen, how small businesses function. The record sales year is a direct reflection of ordinary Pakistanis getting back on their feet after a difficult stretch, and that is genuinely worth noting.
What comes next? If early 2026 growth continues at the same pace, Pakistan could cross 2 million motorcycle sales in a single fiscal year for the first time ever. Keep following the Byke Lelo blog for updates as the numbers come in.
