The 'boom' of motorcycles in Colombia is gradually concentrating outside of Bogotá and targeting intermediate cities
This vehicle has been gaining ground as a productivity asset rather than a means of transport. Photo: EL TIEMPO Archive
TL;DR
- Motorcycle registrations are increasing in Colombia, with a growing concentration outside of Bogotá in intermediate cities.
- Sabaneta and Envigado together have almost double the registered motorcycles of Bogotá.
- Departments like Cundinamarca, Antioquia, and Valle del Cauca account for about 46% of registrations.
- New motorcycle registrations in January 2026 increased by 30.21% compared to the previous year.
- Motorcycles are increasingly used as work tools, especially where mobility options are limited.
- Motorcycles between 101 and 125 cc represent 48.81% of the market, followed by 151-200 cc.
- Bajaj led registrations in January 2026 with 16.61%, followed by Honda and AKT.
- Hero showed significant growth with over 75% increase in registrations.
- All top ten selling motorcycle lines incorporate advanced braking systems (ABS or CBS).
- 97.1% of motorcycles lack voluntary insurance, and about 60% do not have valid SOAT (mandatory insurance).
- Growth poses challenges in infrastructure, regulation, and road safety, requiring adjustments in road networks and control schemes.
- The expansion of motorcycles outside Bogotá highlights their key role in productivity and economic activity.