Portugal has established itself as a true two-wheeled nation, driven by a mild climate throughout the year, narrow streets in cities like Lisbon and Porto — where traffic is constant and car parking is scarce — and the high cost of fuel. According to recent data from the ACAP association, although a slight decrease of 5% in new motorcycle sales is expected in the first months of 2025 compared to the previous year, the market remains vibrant, with tens of thousands of units registered and a strong trend towards urban models.
The Leading Brand and the Rise of New Players
Honda continues to be the dominant brand in the Portuguese market, holding around 30% of the market share. This success is due to its recognized reliability, vast service network, and the ease of finding affordable spare parts. Yamaha comes next, while BMW maintains its strength in the premium segment.
An interesting phenomenon in 2025 is the growth of Chinese brands such as CFMoto, Voge, and Zontes, which already occupy places in the top 10 sales by offering modern technology at competitive prices.
The Winning Model: Honda PCX 125
The title of most popular motorcycle in Portugal has belonged, for several years, to the Honda PCX 125. This compact scooter is considered the ideal choice for Portuguese conditions for several reasons:
Unbeatable Economy: With a 125cc engine, it has an average consumption of only 2 liters per 100 km.
Urban Practicality: It is equipped with ABS, a smart key, and an under-seat compartment with space for a helmet and shopping.
Accessibility: Prices are between 3,000 and 4,000 euros, making it a safe investment for those looking for a means of daily transport.
Legal Ease: One of the great advantages is that holders of a category B driver’s license (category for driving light vehicles) can also drive 125cc motorcycles and scooters without the need for an additional license.
For tourists, rent a HONDA PCX 125 in Lisbon is a great solution for exploring Lisbon and its surroundings.
Other Featured Segments
Although the PCX dominates cities, in the adventure and touring segment, BMW GS models remain the preferred choice for exploring mountainous areas. Simultaneously, electric motorcycles are gaining ground, with hundreds of registrations expected in 2025, driven by state subsidies, although gasoline models are still the favorites of the general public.
Conclusion If you are planning to buy a motorcycle in Portugal in 2025, the Honda PCX 125 emerges as the logical recommendation: it is reliable, economical, and perfectly adapted to the country’s urban reality. The market may be changing with pressure from Chinese brands and electrification, but for the average user, the classic Honda model remains the king of Brazilian roads.
The Honda PCX 125 works for Brazilian city traffic like a Swiss Army knife: it’s a compact, multifunctional, and extremely efficient tool, designed to solve all urban mobility problems in a single object.