SMK Helmets

SMK 'Agnar' full-face 

SMK Helmets is a premium brand that was introduced by Indian conglomerate Studds Helmets and Apparel in 2015. One of, if not the largest of established helmet manufacturers, Studds traces its origins back more than 50 years ago, with the first helmets being produced by the Indian company in 1972. 

Still a founding family owned and operated business based at Faridabad in Haryana, India, SMK introduced its new 'Agnar' full-face design at EICMA last year. "Our 'Agnar' full-face model is designed to help dealers build on the success that they saw with our previous premium full-face - the 'Titan', still one of our established top sellers," said SMK's Shilpa Arora - daughter of the group's founders. 

A top-end design, the dual shell size 'Agnar' is constructed from SMK's proprietary high-tech Energy Impact Resistant Thermoplastic (EIRT). ECE (22.06) and DOT certified, features include a multi-density EPS, breathable and hypoallergenic removable and washable liner in moisture management antistatic fabric - with integrated speaker pockets.

A comprehensive suite of in-house developed and tested enhanced ventilation system gives riders channelled intake and exhaust air-flow routings for optimised year-round comfort. The Pinlock 70 ready one touch quick release, scratch resistant anti-mist visor is positioned to leverage the internal air-flow management and breath deflector. 

Additional features include a dual visor system, chin air vents, top air vent, wind protector, quick release strap, eye glass easyfit and padded chin strap.

"Designed to appeal to a broad range of customers, in just a few months since its launch 'Agnar' is already proving very popular with the naked tourer bike segment - think Yamaha MT 09 and such like - in addition to mid-touring riders.

"Defined by its strong/muscular and aerodynamic shape, its advance channelled air intakes and exhausts give it great ventilation and the extra wide, one touch replaceable visors mean added safety and convenience." 

Studds/SMK operates from a campus with up to nine million helmet annual capacity, totaling more than 50,000 sqm where the entire helmet is developed, from the inhouse mould factory through injection machines, testing lab and assembly units. It is reasonable to say that since 1972 Studds/SMK has equipped many millions of bikers by selling in more than 50 countries worldwide, including in the United States through its Bikerz subsidiary.

www.smkhelmets.com

Honda

Honda trademark points to V3R model

By Ben Purvis

When Honda showed the V3 Concept at last year's EICMA - even as just an engine and bare chassis - it immediately stole the limelight from every other machine at the show and the company was quick to promise that a production model using the same powertrain was on the way. Now that looks set to get the name 'V3R' after Honda filed trademark applications for rights to use that name on future motorcycles.

It's a clear indication that the initial bike to use the engine, which features not only an unusual V3 layout but an electric supercharger to help meet performance demands and boost low-end torque, while meeting modern emissions limits, will be a sporty model, as indicated by the 'R' in the title.

Eventually, the V3R model name is likely to be just part of the model's brand name, with additional figures and letters to define the bike's capacity and how extreme its sporting edge is. Honda has conventionally used two or three letter prefixes to define its four-stroke, V-engined models, with 'VT' and 'VTR' used for V-twins and 'VF' and 'VFR' on V-fours. The same strategy would see the V-three also, confusingly, getting 'VT' or 'VTR' initials, hence the introduction of the 'V3R' name to set it apart from Honda's twins. 

It's not Honda's first production V3, of course. The NS400R takes that honour, but that was a two-stroke, and therefore followed a completely different naming strategy - one that didn't specify the cylinder count.

The V3 Concept shown at EICMA featured the new engine bolted to a steel trellis frame, but with the forks, brakes and swingarm all from Honda's existing CB1000R roadster. Could that be a clue as to the style of bike that debuts the new engine? At the moment, there's no official word on that, or on the engine's capacity or performance level. Rumours place the V3 at around the 800 cc or 850 cc mark, so the production model to debut the engine could be called something like 'V3R800R'.

Eventually, multiple bikes are expected to emerge based on the same platform, all bearing the 'V3' or 'V3R' name with additional numbers or letters to define their style.

QJMotor

QJMotor triple under development

By Ben Purvis

Despite only being in existence for a few years, the QJMotor brand already has a vast array of bikes in its range - including electric models, singles, twins, inline fours and V4s - but, so far, there hasn't been a three-cylinder model. That looks set to change as the company has filed a patent that shows a triple engine fitted with an automated manual transmission.

QJMotor's parent company, Qianjiang, isn't completely without experience in three-cylinder bikes. It also owns Benelli, which it bought in 2004, inheriting the Italian company's existing triple in the process, and currently manufactures a version of the same engine in China for the large Benelli 1200GT tourer that's only sold in that market. 

However, the new design is a completely different three-cylinder that has more in common with the 699 cc engine seen in the Zontes 703 model range - the pictures show a similar pattern of bolts around the engine covers, and it's not uncommon for Chinese brands to copy each other when it comes to powertrains. If the engine is related to the Zontes design, it's likely to be around the 700 cc mark and to make around 75 kW.

The semi-auto transmission is similar in concept to the designs recently introduced by BMW, KTM and Yamaha, with actuators for the clutch and shifter of an otherwise conventional manual box. QJMotor already offers such a system in China on its SRV300 AMT, a V-twin cruiser. That was launched late last year, and the same system is likely to rapidly spread to more models in the QJMotor range.

There's also a possibility that the engine could be destined for a future Benelli. Most of the current Benelli models are versions of existing QJMotor machines, with new styling to suit the Italian branding, and Benelli as a long three-cylinder heritage going back to the Tornado Tre 900 that revived the brand at the turn of the millennium.

Zontes

Three-cylinder sports cruiser designs shown

By Ben Purvis

Zontes might not have the sort of international acceptance that some rivals - like CFMOTO - are rapidly gaining but the company is one of the more outward-facing Chinese brands and pushing a three-cylinder agenda to carve out a niche of its own.

Having already unveiled a quartet of three-cylinder bikes (the 703RR sports bike and 703F adventure bike that were shown in 2023, were joined by the 703R roadster and 703T tourer in late 2024), Zontes has announced plans for a fifth variant in the form of the 703V cruiser.

Unlike other Chinese cruisers, which often follow the usual route of mimicking Harley-Davidson's styling on miniaturised V-twin models, in official drawings Zontes takes inspirated from the likes of Ducati's Diavel and XDiavel by combining sports bike features with a long, low style. Unusually, the pictures were released on social media in China with an appeal for feedback from fans, allowing time for their recommendations to be incorporated into the finished bike before it's revealed in the metal later in 2025.

The quick growth of the Zontes three-cylinder range comes largely from the ability to share components between the different models, and the 703V is no exception. Its 699 cc triple is identical to the one used in the rest of the range, so should make 75 kW at 11,200 rpm and 74.5 Nm at 8,500 rpm. The main cast aluminium chassis is shared with the 703RR, 703T and 703R. Those models also donate their exhaust system - a subtle, belly-mounted design finished in black to avoid attention - as well as the same upside-down forks, radial brakes and 17-inch wheels. 

Changes to create the 703V's distinct profile include a longer swingarm that stretches the wheelbase substantially, as well as a long, sloping fuel tank that dives into a rider's seat that's much further back than on the 703R, RR and T. 

That means the footpegs, similar to the design on the 703T, are further forward in relation to the seat without actually being repositioned - giving a more cruiser-style riding pose. New bars, which remain relatively low, but are pulled back to suit the bike's stance, mean that despite the large number of shared parts the 703V should be a completely different experience compared to its sister models.

If Zontes follows the same pattern as its previous launches, the 703V is likely to be unveiled at EICMA in November 2025, with production following in 2026.

Oxford Products

Atlas luggage - additional dealer opportunities 

Exclusive to Oxford Products in the UK, the company's popular and recently expanded 'Explore Everywhere, With Everything' Atlas range of durable Hypalon fabric universal fitment luggage is growing again as its versatility and functionality continues to find new applications and offer dealers additional opportunities.

Atlas Advanced Tail Harness

The Atlas Tail Harness is a universal mounting system which enables riders to attach Atlas luggage over the seat of a motorcycle to maximise carrying capacity - CAM Locking buckles, Hypalon reinforced webbing loops, slip resistant base, fully adjustable webbing straps, and wipe clean Hypalon fabric.

Atlas Advanced Tank Harness 

The Atlas Tank Harness is a universal mounting system which enables riders to attach Atlas luggage onto a motorcycle's tank to maximise carrying capacity - Duraflex SWIVILOCK buckles, Hypalon reinforced webbing loops, slip resistant base, fully adjustable webbing straps and wipe clean Hypalon fabric.

The best luggage allows you to explore wherever, whenever. Our range-topping ATLAS luggage range can take you to the shops or around the globe. Key features include 20,000mm waterproof rated main compartment materials, adjustable, two-point fastening, roll top dry main compartment, Level 5 IP rated water-resistant outer-shell materials, highly UV resistant materials and components, Fidlock V-Buckle - magnetic, single handed, quick release, sternum strap fastening, 4-point adjustment on sternum strap (compatible with winter/summer apparel), water bladder pocket with tube routing, air channelling, padded 3D mesh, direct vent back system, ergonomically shaped shoulder straps for freedom of movement and the Atlas Strappack connection using simple and secure molle loops. 

Atlas B-10 Advanced Backpack 

A 3-litre capacity large Waist Pack - the Beltpack can be bought separately and attached using a Molle-compatible system. Also available as a combination that includes a 3-litre capacity large Waist Pack with an additional 0.8 l smaller Belt Pack that fits together using a MOLLE-compatible system.

Atlas L-2 Advanced Leg Pack

The Atlas L-2 Leg Pack has a waterproof 1.5 litre capacity main pocket and a 0.5 litre capacity water-resistant easy access front pocket - 2 litre total capacity, 420 g - 15 oz, adjustable waist and thigh straps.

Atlas Advanced Beltpack 

The Atlas Advanced Belt Pack works with the Waist Pack, providing further storage, suitable for small items - lightweight zippered pocket with adjustable inner phone pocket, 0.8 litre total capacity, 145 g - 5 oz, Duraflex Clip MOLLE connection, combine with Atlas waist pack belt.

Atlas Advanced Strappack

The Atlas Strap Pack is the perfect addition to any Atlas backpack, providing an additional storage pocket for a phone, wallet and keys - lightweight zippered pocket with adjustable inner phone pocket, 0.8 litre total capacity, 145 g - 5o z, Duraflex Clip MOLLE connection, combine with Atlas backpack

OXFORD PRODUCTS

www.oxfordproducts.com

Artein

Artein XRadical gasket kit for KTM SX 125 2023 and up

Founded in 1958, Girona, Spain based gasket and seal specialist Artein is one of the largest motorsports and industrial sector gasket manufacturers in Europe. Supplying OEM customers as well as the aftermarket, Artein is noted for its advanced technology, precision manufacturing and the research and development investments it makes into performance materials.

In motorcycle terms, Artein has been a leader in the scooter and competition markets for a long time, and in recent years has started building a high profile in the off-road market with its XRadical programme.

Recent new additions are the complete kit for KTM SX 125/150 applications from 2016 and up that is seen here. Other selections from the wide range of XRadical gasket sets include the Honda CR 125R from 1990 to 1997 and the Suzuki RM 85 (2002 and up).

Artein offers complete OEM replacement gasket sets and top end kits, plus a "Smart Kit", comprising an extended gasket kit (top end, clutch cover and gasket and friction disc and cover gasket), along with a water pump cover gasket. Spare gaskets are also available.

The primary gasket materials used in the XRadical range include Artein CS6900 Soft, easily recognisable in yellow colour (25% compression capacity, very high 64% recovery and temperature resistance), German made Victor Reinz AFM 34 (an aramid fibre-based gasket material for low compressibility in a wide range of operating temperatures and pressures), and Foamet - aluminium core with Nitrile soft foam in both sides - one of the best known of contemporary gasket materials.

ARTEIN GASKETS

www.arteingaskets.com

Fuchs Silkolene

Travel sized Chain Lube

How to stay mobile while mobile? In terms of keeping the motorcycle chain performing as required, Silkolene's new 150 ml can of Pro Chain Premium Fully Synthetic Chain Lube is a convenient travel-sized pack. 

Riders can optimise chain performance and protection 'on-the-fly' with this compact sized premium fully synthetic chain lube that has been formulated with advanced synthetic technology to provide superior lubrication and protection against wear, rust, and corrosion. 

Delivering "exceptional lubrication and protection for all types of motorcycle chains, the travel-sized pack is designed for convenience and long-lasting protection that reduces friction and wear and extends the life of the motorcycle chain, with an easy application precision nozzle that ensures accurate and mess-free application."

Fuchs Silkolene has also launched a brand-new website, one "designed to provide a seamless experience for motorcycle enthusiasts, mechanics and dealers alike", with further enhancements planned for the coming months. 

"More than just a place to find products, it is also a hub for motorcycle enthusiasts looking to stay informed and connected. With a dedicated News section, users can keep up to date with the latest advancements in lubrication technology, product innovations, and expert insights. Meanwhile, the all-new Racing Partners page provides exclusive updates on our sponsored riders and teams, offering fans a closer look at the world of competitive racing."  

FUCHS SILKOLENE

www.silkolene.com