As of June 20, the German market will see Parts Type Approval replace parts certificates. Turn signals, brake systems, exhausts, footrests, and suspension elements are affected, with the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) saying that the previous parts certificates may no longer be certified by technical services such as testing laboratories and certification bodies. Instead, manufacturers must apply for a national parts type approval from the KBA. The KBA points out that manufacturers who already had a general operating permit (ABE) (five-digit code "KBA xxxxx") can continue to use it. Parts approved with a national parts type approval can be identified by the six-digit code "KBA xxxxxx." After a transitional period of three years, parts certificates may be used exclusively for individual approvals in accordance with Section 21 of the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) starting June 20, 2028. Parts certificates for vehicle parts already installed in vehicles remain valid/B&B.
At the end of July, Zero Motorcycles announced that it had made the first dealer deliveries of its X Line models to dealers. "The delivery of the first X Line bikes is a major milestone for Zero and for the future of off-road EV performance," said CEO Sam Paschel. "It's the start of a new chapter in how adventure riding is experienced. With the XB and XE we're making electric motorcycles more accessible and approachable for riders everywhere. Over the next two years, we will introduce six new models priced under $10,000 across multiple new vehicle segments, expanding access to more riders."
Yamaha Motor and Lola Cars have agreed to continue their technical partnership beyond 2027 for the development and supply of high-performance electric powertrains for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. Following Yamaha's introduction of "GEN4" machines, Yamaha will keep enhancing its overall expertise and capabilities "through the development of cutting-edge electric technologies for the world's premier racing series for all-electric single-seater vehicles."
Legendary Japanese motorcycle helmet brand Marushin has been acquired by Traun, Austria based motorcycle clothing supplier Racer Outdoor GmbH. Meerbusch based Georg Wahlicht will head up sales at Racer-Marushin. Orders are via an online portal and shipping will be the Traun (near Linz) central warehouse. The plan is for all B2B customers to be assigned a dedicated back-office contact person. According to Bike & Business, Racer and Marushin products are to be sold exclusively through authorised specialist retailers, not through major chain stores.
The provisional 2026 WorldSBK schedule, the first to be released under the imprimatur of new Dorna Sports owner Libert Media (Colorado, USA) again features 12 rounds. The season will kick off at Australia's Phillip Island in late February and wrap up in Jerez, Spain, in mid-October. 2026 will see a debut of the WorldSPB class in Portimao, alongside earlier dates for Aragon and Balaton Park (Hungary - which is retained after its 2025 debut), while Cremona shifts to a September slot; www.worldsbk.com
