FIGURES released by The Motorcycle Industry Association show the Queen's Jubilee and the World Cup kept people out of bike showrooms in June.

Industry expert Rob Hobson says the blip is temporary and came as no surprise.

He said: "Almost everyone we spoke to during June noted that it was an altogether more difficult period, particularly when considering how strong the early part of the year had been. It came as little surprise therefore to find that the month end sales figures for motorcycles were down compared to last year and many have cited the number of distractions in June.

"These included a welcome return to the TT races in the Isle of Man which was cancelled last year because of the foot and mouth crisis.

"Then came the Jubilee celebrations with an extended holiday period and the World Cup. These, along with a myriad of other events throughout the month probably conspired to divert people's thoughts away from bike showrooms."

But, the analyst, who works for CAP Network which fixes prices for second-hand vehicles, says there are signs the market will recover for July.

He said: "Sales were better at the end of June and look good for the rest of July.

"With an air of confidence returning to the trade, all eyes will now be on the July figures to see if June was indeed a blip and a positive trend can return."