Bike insurance and vehicle sales have remained high, despite other areas of UK industry being severely affected by the credit crunch.

Figures released by the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) revealed that bike sales have dropped, with motorbike sales down by 9.7% last month. However, the number of powered two-wheelers (PTW) sold has only dropped by two per cent, showing that particular market is doing much better than car sales, which were down by 7.5%.

Craig Carey-Clinch, from the MCI, remarked on the state of the bike market, saying: "Given the all-pervading gloom and daily doses of bad economic news, a drop this year of only two per cent not only shows the resilience of motorcycle manufacturers and dealers, but also reflects that people are looking to save money and time by using PTWs."

He went on to add that some aspects of the powered two-wheeler market continue to give a "strong performance".