Alexandru Arba
Research expert covering Japan
Motorcycle market in Japan - statistics & facts
More than one fourth of global motorcycle sales are attributable to the Japanese Big Four. Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki constitute the core of the Japanese motorcycle industry. Most motorcycles crafted by these companies are produced abroad. The domestic production of motorbikes comprises no more than a fraction of these brands’ overall production figures. This means that the industry revenue is mostly generated by exports. Motorbikes manufactured in Japan are typically shipped to Europe or North America. While many domestically produced machines have an engine displacement above 250 cubic centimeters, Japanese residents mostly ride mopeds with up to 50cc engines.
Since any of the mentioned licenses, except motorized bicycles, have automatic transmission versions, Japan differentiates between seven different motorcycle licenses, catering to various types of vehicles and drivers. In recent years the number of license holders among all of the three major motorcycle categories has decreased.
Motorcycle categories and their licenses
The law governing motor vehicle licenses in Japan is the Road Traffic Act. It distinguishes between motorized vehicles, ordinary two-wheelers, and large two-wheelers. Under this law, motorized bicycles have an engine displacement of 50cc or under. As it is the lowest motor vehicle category, almost any other driver’s license includes it. Ordinary two-wheelers are the next higher category with an engine displacement between 51cc and 400cc, including the restricted license version of small ordinary two-wheelers (51cc to 125cc). Any motorcycle above 400cc requires a large two-wheeler license. It is the only two-wheeler license where the driver needs to be 18 years old; the others are obtainable from the age of 16.Since any of the mentioned licenses, except motorized bicycles, have automatic transmission versions, Japan differentiates between seven different motorcycle licenses, catering to various types of vehicles and drivers. In recent years the number of license holders among all of the three major motorcycle categories has decreased.
