Yamaha

Yamaha Motor - 2021 income highest in history
By Ben Purvis

While Yamaha's global motorcycle sales remained lower in 2021 than in 2019, the company's fortunes are clearly on the up. Unit sales have rebounded compared to the pandemic-hit figures from 2020 and over the full year, Yamaha Motor's income was higher than ever before.
Although the end of 2021 was hampered by the appearance of new Covid variants, slowing down global economic recovery, and the semiconductor shortage, the lessons learnt from the height of the pandemic in terms of logistics and agility have helped Yamaha achieve record results. 

The 'all-new' 2022 XSR900 with new generation 'Deltabox' frame - the ultimate "Faster Son" in Yamaha's Sport Heritage range.

Net sales rose 23.2% compared to 2020 to 1,812.5bn yen, with operating income increasing 123.3% to 182.3bn yen. Ordinary income rose 116% to 189.4bn yen and net income by 193.1% to 155.6bn yen.
Back in 2019, Yamaha sold 5,056,000 bikes globally, dropping to 3,802,000 in 2020, but recovering somewhat to 4,490,000 in 2021. However, 2021 sales in Europe, North America and Japan were all higher than in 2019.
For 2022, Yamaha forecasts further growth, particularly in Europe, where sales are expected to rise from 189,000 in 2021 to 210,000 this year, and in America.
Yamaha has also revealed details of its medium-term management plan, promising a significant investment in improving its environmental performance. Targeting a 44% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2024, compared to 2010, Yamaha will introduce at least ten battery-powered electric motorcycles by 2024, as well as expanding its R&D facilities to pursue development of a variety of other green powertrains, including hybrids, hydrogen-powered combustion engines and those powered by renewable e-fuels.

Aprilia

Aprilia working on Niken rival
By Ben Purvis

Yamaha's Niken might not be a common sight on the road, but as a large-capacity, tilting three-wheeler that rides like a motorcycle rather than a scooter, it's a unique proposition. But maybe not unique for long as Piaggio is working on a similar machine that may see production under the Aprilia name.

Piaggio has been filing patents for variations of the design since 2020, initially basing the machine on the rear section of the now discontinued Aprilia Mana, complete with its 850 cc V-twin engine and CVT transmission, but it has now evolved into a different proposition that might be well suited to its new 660 cc parallel twin.
The latest iteration of the design features a much simplified front suspension layout. Originally, the Piaggio patents featured two vertical front struts, attached to a parallelogram-style tilting linkage, similar to that of the MP3 scooter at the top, but with miniaturised car-style, double-wishbone suspension for each front wheel.
The latest version is quite different, with each front wheel suspended on a single sliding strut similar to the design used on the radical Gilera CX 125 of the early 90s.
There are actually two designs in the latest patent. On the first, a scissor-style, two-part linkage connects the upper and lower parts of the strut to keep them in line and provide a connection to a fairly conventional steering stem connected to the bars.
The second version has a single link between the upper and lower sections and a ball joint at the top of each front strut, and so that the suspension compresses, there's up to three degrees of movement, effectively making the rake steeper as the suspension compresses. This is intended to be a pro-dive system, making for a more familiar feel to riders used to conventional two-wheeled bikes. The front wheels themselves are smaller than a normal motorcycle's, appearing to be around 15 inches in diameter, while the single rear wheel is a conventional 17-incher.
While the latest patent doesn't show an engine, Aprilia's 660 cc parallel twin - derived from the company's V4 superbike engine - would seem a good fit in terms of performance. With at least two years' worth of development already invested in the project and multiple design changes during that time, it appears that Piaggio is as dedicated to the three-wheeled tilting idea as it was when the MP3 was first launched more than 15 years ago. A large-capacity machine, potentially able to be ridden in Europe using a car licence rather than a motorcycle permit, could open up an untapped market for higher-performance trikes.

Honda

The Honda Dax is back

After 41 years the Dax is returning to Honda's European line-up - ST125 Dax joins the Monkey and MSX125 Grom in Honda's unique European mini-bike line-up.

The Dax got its name from the Dachshund dog, with its short legs and long body, and the 2022 comeback iteration is based on the unique T-shaped frame which extends from under the seat to the chrome handlebars, in pressed steel, has an air-cooled 124 cc SOHC two-valve EURO5 engine, centrifugal clutch and four-speed gearbox with 31 mm USD forks, twin rear shocks, 12 in blacked-out mini-bike wheels and 'balloon' tyres.
"The 23YM Dax keeps the unmistakeable iconic look of the original, with the frame (which also houses the fuel tank) providing plenty of strength for two-up riding. The balloon-like tyres allow effortless around-town agility. Lighting is full LED, and the Dax features a striking, compact negative LCD display and pillion grab rail". It is available in two colour options - Pearl Nebula Red and Pearl Cadet Grey.

Royal Enfield

Royal Enfield Scram 411 'ADV Crossover'

Royal Enfield's new Scram 411, described as the brand's first ADV Crossover, is described as "an engaging, accessible and capable street scrambler, with the heart of an adventure motorcycle".

Built on Royal Enfield's proven 411 cc single-cylinder engine platform and the Harris Performance chassis, Royal Enfield appears to be acknowledging that anything up to 80 percent of ADV miles are on-road and that some 80 percent of those are urban, suburban and peri-urban - describing it as a "sub-species that has the authentic vibes of a scrambler and adventure touring in its DNA".
The Scram 411 "combines spirited agility on urban streets, with competent rough-roading capabilities. Focused and purposeful changes in the riding geometry and ergonomics make it ideal for in-city riding, as well as unpredictable, challenging trails off the urban grid".
The new Scram 411 is already available in India, and will be available in Europe, Asia Pacific, North America and Latin America later this year. It features long-travel suspension, class-leading ground clearance and 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels - "playfully agile on city streets", the company says, "yet highly capable of tackling more rugged terrain".

Valeo

Valeo reveals bargain electric powertrain

Valeo is one of the biggest automotive parts suppliers on the planet, so its decision to create a low-cost, compact, off-the-shelf powertrain for electric bikes could turn out to be a pivotal moment in the spread of battery-powered two-wheelers.
While previously focussed on cars rather than bikes, Valeo is a giant by any standards with 187 production facilities in 33 countries, 63 R&D sites and more than 100,000 employees. What's more, its motorcycle powertrain design is based on mass-made components already being made for hybrid and electric cars, making for economies of scale that could radically slash prices, allowing small motorcycle brands around the world to grab a ready-made motor and transmission that's suitable for widely used 48-volt battery packs.

Valeo demonstrated its powertrain in a modified Super Soco TC Max, replacing the original Chinese 60-volt battery and 5 kW motor with its own 9.4 kW, air-cooled motor and a suitable 48-volt battery, upping performance to something close to a 125 cc petrol-powered bike.
Valeo already has a market share of more than 30% of the global market for 48-volt hybrids, and the air-cooled motorcycle motor is derived from a starter/generator that also provides an electric power boost for mild hybrid cars. The same unit is also in mass production as the power unit for the Citroen Ami electric city car.
For the motorcycle application, it's incorporated into a single-speed reduction transmission, in a package weighing less than 17 kg. With multiple motorcycle manufacturers converging on the idea of a 48-volt standard for swappable battery packs - such a standard has already been drawn out in Japan and a European consortium is hammering out similar specifications at the moment - the Valeo motor/transmission, with integrated control electronics, promises to be perfectly placed to capitalise on that.
While the petrol engines powering today's motorcycles are an integral part of their character, often used by brands to distinguish themselves from rivals, future electric models won't be able to use that tactic.
Riders aren't likely to notice or care about who made the whizzing electric motor driving their bikes, or to be able to distinguish one from another, opening the door to opportunities for a host of new brands, bolting off-the-shelf suspension, lighting, instruments and powertrains to their own frames and styling in a way that's likely to see the most significant shake-up in the motorcycle manufacturing status quo since the rise of the Japanese industry. Valeo might remain a name that goes under the radar, but its powertrain could be a driving force towards that revolution.

Koso Europe

Koso RX3 unlimited 10,000 rpm max TFT multifunction meter

Koso Europe says that "thanks to popular demand, the Koso RX3 unlimited TFT multifunction meter is now available with a new 10,000 rpm max. display".

"The architecture remains the same - a brightly coloured 3.5" TFT LCD display in a modern design, but with a brand-new user-friendly interface. The background can be personalised by choosing from five different colours and the brightness setting guarantees the readability of the display - day and night.
"Compact, lightweight, easy to handle and ideally suited for use on motorcycles, trikes or scooters, the ergonomics of the RX3 improve the quality of every trip - functions such as speedometer, tachometer, odometer, gear indicator, target distance or target speed provide all the important information needed during the ride".

KOSO EUROPE
www.kosoeurope.com

Hevik

'Vega' functional jacket

The Hevik 2022 collection includes the short, two-layer 'Vega' city jacket with a removable thermal layer, in a wide range of sizes. For this 2022 collection, the Hevik brand has taken a direction that favours "functional minimalism", consisting of "smart, transformable garments and accessories, with great attention to detail". 

The 'Vega' is a jacket in the Urban line named after one of the five brightest stars in the night sky. Designed for variable weather, the jacket has an outer layer in resistant 450d polyester and a thermal, removable lining. Circulation is ensured by the effective patented Hevik Air Intake System with zippered openings at the shoulders and lower back area.
Safety is ensured by certified internal protectors on shoulders and elbows and a back protector pocket. Numerous details are designed for comfort including seven pockets, waist, wrist and arm adjustments with press studs, plus a convenient front zip and button closure on the collar.
Lightweight, versatile and characterised by an aggressive and sporty look, Vega is available in two high-visibility colours: black/fluo yellow and ice/red. The garment is CE certified according to EN 17092-4:2020 Class A.

HEVIK
www.hevik.com