In June, British distributor Oxford Products announced that it had closed its Swansea, Wales based Tri-Motive distribution subsidiary, having bought the business in 2017. Citing the impacts of COVID-19, Oxford said it would integrate distribution of some of the Tri-Motive portfolio into its own programme - at the time, the brands potentially affected one way or the other included ARMR, Dojo, Eleveit, and MT, Vemar, Simpson and Momo helmets.
Italian electric drivetrain manufacturer ASKOLL has launched a range of three electric Made-in-Italy scooters. Aimed at city use, the top of the range NGS3 is said to offer 2,700W (two removable batteries), a top speed of 66 km/h, a range of up to 96 km and charge time of about three hours; askollelectric.com
Backed by Triumph Motorcycles, The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride was a solo riding effort in September 2020, but still managed to raise over € 2m for charitable causes; over € 20m has been raised since 2012. For 2021 the date has been brought forward from its usual end of September date and will now be staged in May each year - Sunday May 23 in 2021.
British online platform Bikesportnews.com has acquired the Dirt Bike Rider magazine and online brand from newspaper publisher JPIMedia. Dirt Bike Rider is a long-established publication and the leading motocross title in the UK. The deal will see well known off-road journalist Sean Lawless return to his role as editor after eight years.
The UK motorcycle insurance market took another twist recently when the British Competition Regulator reversed the planned sale of Bennetts Insurance to Carole Nash insurance brand owner Ardonagh. The regulator decided that the deal could result in a worse deal for customers.
Galfer, Vertex, D.I.D, Twin Air and Airoh Helmets are celebrating the success of Betamotor and the Beta Boano Team in the 250 cc and Junior MX categories - Davide Soreca winning the 250 cc class and Lorenzo Macoritto the Junior category.
The FIM has announced that high-tech light panels are to be mandatory at all MotoGP and WSBK circuits - FIA Grade 1 and FIM Grade A from 2022, and EWC circuits from 2023. The light panels can be operated by race control or trackside by marshals and are used to display crucial information to competitors. Currently in F1, the championship promoter is responsible for transporting the top-level panels to each race but then removes them, meaning that other events on those circuits do not have access to this safety technology. The new requirement will mean that every championship competing on those circuits will have access to F1 levels of safety technology.
Italian parts and accessory specialist Rizoma has entered into a design and manufacturing partnership with Harley-Davidson - believed to be the American manufacturer's first known co-branded relationship with an aftermarket parts designer. The initial release of items in the billet aluminium collection is aimed at Harley's LiveWire EV, despite being largely universal fit, and includes 1.44" diameter textured rubber handgrips, blingy rider and passenger footpegs, mirrors with an "aspherical outer portion" and, specifically for the LiveWire, a "sport-inspired" charge door.
Brembo has reported Q3 margins in line with the same period of 2019 and net profit of € 51.7m (8.5% of sales) "despite the complex context". Revenues were down by -5.9% compared to Q3 of the previous year. Results for the period ended 30 September 2020 were € 1,559.9m (-20.9%).
Sources: AMD, IDN, FT, Reuters, PSB, MPN, B&B, BDN, MCN, AP, Bloomberg, MNW, electricmotorcycles.news, RideApart.com, Motor1.com
