MIZU crash cages
German parts and accessory specialist MIZU manufactures a wide range of parts and accessories for many popular motorcycle makes and models - from adjustable clutch and brake levers, lowering kits and swingarm extensions to triple trees and risers, carbon fibre body parts and covers and a wide range of RST brand parts for Harley-Davidson and custom bikes of all kinds.
Seen here for KTM models, their crash protection cages deliver important protection both off and on-road. Manufactured in high quality stainless steel, they protect the engine and the most important components and accessories.
Shown here in KTM orange, they are also available polished and as model-specific configurations for the rigorous demands of R1200 GS riders.
MIZU VERTRIEBS GmbH
www.mizu.de
German motorcycle registrations +12.11 percent year-to-date
According to the latest data released by the motorcycle industry trade association in Germany (IVM, Essen) new motorcycle registrations in February were up by +14.83 (6,862 units) - the best February market performance in Germany since 2008 - leaving the German market with a healthy +12.11 percent growth for the year-to-date (9,339 units).
In total PTW terms February was up by +14.76 percent (9,118 units), and the total PTW market in Germany is +10.96 percent (at 12,609 units) for the year-to-date.
The top-selling motorcycle in Germany in February was BMW’s all conquering R 1200 GS, followed by Honda's new CRF 1000 'Africa Twin', the KTM 1050 Adventure, the BMW S 1000 XR and BMW R nineT.
Seven out of the top 20 best selling motorcycles in Germany last year were BMW models.
The strongest market sectors in Germany in February were Tourers/Luxury Tourers (29.13 percent of the market), Supersports models and Enduro style models.
BMW was German market share leader in February (19.14 percent of all new motorcycle registrations), followed by Honda, KTM, Harley-Davidson, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Ducati, Triumph and Suzuki.
BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy
BMW’s ambitious (fifth) International GS Trophy, the 2016 Southeast Asia edition, finished on March 5th after seven days of riding in Thailand, with Team South Africa taking the win after having been second twice previously.
This fifth edition brought together 19 teams (comprising 57 riders plus 19 embedded journalists), representing 25 nations, for a 1,300 kilometre trek through the forests, jungles and mountains of Northern Thailand on their R 1200 GS and GSA bikes. BMW say the riding was possibly the most technical yet.
The 2016 edition again saw the event grow, with 114 motorcycles on the tour and an entourage of close to 200 people (riders, marshals, medics, caterers, organisers and more).
Team South Africa consisted of John Harris, Charl Moolman and Byron Coetsee. Team UK and Team Germany shared second.
Three new teams took part in 2016 - Team China, Team Southeast Asia and the International Female Team - Stéphanie Bouisson (France), Morag Campbell (South Africa) and Amy Harburg (Australia).
The BMW R 1200 GS/GSA models used featured the latest engine revisions, including a new heavier crank that makes for smoother running and Shift Assist Pro that allows clutchless up- and down-shifts; the riders also had the code-plug that enables the Enduro Pro mode to modify the rider-assist systems to suit sportive off-road riding, aluminium enduro engine guard and steel crash bars and Metzeler Karoo 2 tyres.
Final results
Touratech to equip 'Hertz Ride' BMW rental fleet in Spain and Portugal; other markets to follow
German specialist Touratech has established an innovative partnership with auto rentals giant Hertz for motorcycle rentals in Spain and Portugal.
The new 'Hertz Ride' motorbike rental service for the Iberian market offers riders a programme of motorcycle hire and touring with guides certified by the BMW International Tourguide Academy (ITA). The 'Hertz Ride' motorcycle rental fleet has a maximum use of seven months and is fully equipped and accessorised by Touratech.
'Hertz Ride' is the official partner of BMW Motorrad and the largest BMW motorbike rental operator in Portugal. The service is available through the association with Touratech in Portugal and Spain. Touratech Spain stores in Madrid, Barcelona and Alicante are the main rental sites for Spain, and Touratech's new store in Portugal is now the main location of Hertz Ride motorbike rental in Lisbon. However, riders can access the exclusive 'Hertz Ride' services at all Touratech dealerships.
"The partnership between Touratech and 'Hertz Ride' translates into customised motorbike solutions for customers, combining Touratech expertise on adventure and pleasure rides with the high quality Hertz fleet. With ready to ride solutions and personalised customer service, travellers can choose from a wide selection of tours across the Iberian Peninsula, the Alps, Morocco and Italy".
Touratech say that Spain and Portugal are just the start of a roll-out that should see the programme expanded to include other markets in the near future.
www.hertzride.eu
Metzeler Off-Road Park
Described as the tyre brand's "first track for enduro and off-road discipline lovers," the 6-kilometer long Metzeler Off-Road Park is opening at Pietramurata, Trentino (north-east of Italy).
Intended for all enduro and two wheel off-road discipline lovers, it is designed as an initiative to reinforce and celebrate Metzeler's claim to be "regarded as the specialist enduro tyre brand thanks to the quality and performance of our MCE 6-Days Extreme tyres, 26 titles in the FIM Enduro World Championship since 2005, and eight consecutive titles in the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship".
Located not far from Lake Garda, guaranteeing mild temperatures throughout the year, Metzeler say they will "offer the opportunity to use off-road motorcycles even in winter without the worry of finding unfavourable weather conditions such as fog or snow.
"The route of the track has been designed to recognise different skill levels. The nearly 6-km in length were built with technical sections, logs and a wooded section to make the track as natural as possible.
"At the Metzeler Off-Road Park motorcyclists will also have the opportunity to train even at night thanks to a modern artificial lighting system. The track has been designed to accommodate in particular enduro riders, but also those who practice Trial, MiniCross, Quad and Bike Trial will be welcome in this multi-purpose facility".
The facility is designed to deliver a "360° service, starting from the 500 square metre building which houses the Metzeler Lounge, a relaxation area that is able to accommodate the journalists present during the races which will take place - among events already confirmed is the second edition of the Extreme Enduro race "The Wall" scheduled for July 23, 2016 in which the most important riders of the international enduro world will compete, and European Trial Championship on April 2-3, the Beta Trial trophy on May 29 and the final of the KTM Enduro Trophy on October 9, 2016".
Metzeler say the facility will also offer a "well-stocked clothing store, a sales point for off-road motorcycles from leading manufacturers, bike rentals, trial and enduro schools with federal technicians, storage for bikes and quality locker rooms with showers, restaurants, camping and a nearby hotel.
The facility is close to the "Circuito del Ciclamino", which is a stop for the FIM Motocross World Championship.
www.offroadpark.it
Are you hooked?
Sometimes it’s the simple things that make all the difference!
All OptiMate battery charging, diagnostic and maintenance products delivered since 2008 come standard with integrated wall mounts neatly positioned around the cables’ entry/exit points, allowing the charger to be securely mounted, even to 'stud' walls.
However, many such products seem to spend most of their time living on the floor, next to the vehicles whose batteries are receiving "the best care in the world". OptiMate battery chargers are fully sealed so it doesn't hurt them - they would continue working even if covered in dust or dirt, or at worst if liquid is spilt all over them.
However, it leaves the cables getting mixed up and the units getting kicked around and causing trip hazards. Indeed brand owner TecMate say that they have seen so many technicians who have tried to improvise a way of hanging their OptiMates up in the workshop that they have decided to re-invent that particular wheel once and for all.
Step forward the OptiMate HOOK! It easily attaches to the charger, and then the unit can be hung pretty much anywhere - including from the handlebar - so it is in full view, at a convenient height, with all the functions and features easy to see and access, including being able to monitor the charge progression and battery condition as displayed on the OptiMate LED panel.
OptiMate HOOK fits any OptiMate charger with integrated wall-mounts and attaches to one of the charger's integrated wall-mounts (typically at the AC cable entry end), with a second optional attachment to the cable itself.
Even better - slots are provided to bundle and store excess cable on the HOOK. Now why can't everything in life be so simple!
TECMATE
www.tecmate.com
SKF off-road wheel and fork protection
Italian distributor Innteck is offering a comprehensive range of motorcycle parts from Swedish manufacturer SKF, including the off-road riding upgrades seen here.
The SKF wheel seal kit for motorcycles provides protection for off-road wheel hub bearings from the intense contamination and water entry that can shorten the bearing life.
The unique design means increased sealing efficiency with reduced friction and very low power loss.
This special seal is composed of two components: one fixed non-rotating external plastic shield to protect from water, even at high pressure when the bike is cleaned, and a traditional rotating back seal made of the special SKF low-friction compound. The two-piece design allows for extreme durability because the wheel spacer is not grooved over time.
Also see here, the SKF mud scraper kit for motorcycle forks consists of a pair of ready to fit scrapers made with a new, smart design and with a low-friction plastic material.
The design results in reduced wear and increased fork seal life and performance. It effectively cleans dried mud from the stanchion and offers enhanced water protection without trapping it into the forks like other common seal protection devices. UV-resistant, it makes for reduced and consistent friction, and the user-friendly assembly means it can be installed "in-field" without fork or wheel removal.
INNTECK
www.innteck.com
