Bonamici Racing

Bonamici Racing - SBK World Champion 

Italian parts specialist Bonamici is celebrating an historic win as a BMW Motorrad World Superbike Team technical partner, with "an extraordinary season, culminating in the Championship Title in the Superbike World Championship."

The bike that took Toprak Razgatlıoglu to the title in his first season with the team was a BMW M1000 RR equipped with high-performance components developed by Bonamici that "made crucial modifications to the motorcycle's geometry. Among the various components, the upper and lower steering plates, rear sub-frame, rearsets, and dashboard protection stand out.

"These parts have enhanced stability, precision, and ride sensitivity, creating a unique connection between rider and motorcycle, essential in high-level competitions. Thanks to Toprak's extraordinary talent and ability to adapt quickly to the bike, he dominated the championship, winning most of the rounds and sealing the world title in the final race. 

"The perfect synergy between the rider's skills and the technical innovations provided by Bonamici Racing was key to achieving this historic milestone. Bonamici Racing significantly contributed to this success through constant research and development efforts, designing cutting-edge components in close collaboration with BMW Motorrad. 

"Every product we create is designed to optimise motorcycle performance and establish a perfect balance between power and control, essential characteristics in the racing world. Our experience in the Superbike championship also lays the foundation for developing products aimed at motorcycle enthusiasts who love to hit the track, as well as for sport-racing users seeking quality racing accessories for their road bikes. 

"The technical solutions we propose guarantee all riders an experience that mirrors that of professionals, with maximum precision and performance. Toprak's victory and that of the BMW Motorrad World Superbike Team represent the pinnacle of a journey marked by commitment, innovation, and collaboration. 

"We are proud to have contributed to this triumph and to be part of a success story that combines talent, technology, and passion. Congratulations to Toprak and the entire team for an unforgettable victory! The race world is our natural habitat, it represents the roots of our history, which is why we collaborate with the best teams from the most prestigious motorcycle brands worldwide.

www.bonamiciracing.it

News Briefs

Best known in Europe for its partnership with KTM, and a possible re-finance candidate for the Austrian manufacturer, Bajaj Auto is also in a partnership with Triumph Motorcycles. The Indian conglomerate reports that it has sold around 40,000 Triumph 400s in India in 2024 and 64,886 KTMs. That is out of a total of 2,121,491 unit sales in India, and a worldwide YTD total of 3,598,829 units in 2024.  

Based at Naples, international distributor Omnia Racing in Italy ("Special parts for special people") has asked us to remind dealers throughout Europe that they have several product lines and brands that they sell Europe-wide. The company's website details all the brands they represent, and a fine, 'boutique' selection it is too -including Rizoma, Zard, LeoVince, Brembo, Marchesini, Ohlins, D.I.D, GIVI, Andreani and more; www.omniaracing.it

Yamaha Motor Europe has invested in French electric trials and off-road motorcycle manufacturer Electric Motion. Founded in 2009 near Montpellier by CEO Philippe Aresten, the 'EM' brand has sold more than 6,000 units, 80% exported to some 40 countries. "Among other events, 'EM' products has achieved spectacular results in the Trial World Championship and the FIM E-Xplorer World Cup - the world's premier electric off-road motorcycle racing series";  www.em-motorcycles.com

The Quebec based owner of CanAm and Swiss engine manufacturer Rotax - BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products) - has seen its balance sheet come under extreme pressure this past year - largely due to declines in recreational marine, snowmobile (Ski-Doo), PWC (Sea-Doo), ATV and UTV (SxS) vehicle sales in USA. Having tried to match its competitor Polaris Industries with an ambitious expansion programme to establish itself as a leader in the recreational marine sector, it has now announced a volte face, stating that it has started the sales process for its entire recreational boats division (assuming a viable buyer can be found). The brands concerned include Alumacraft, Telwater and Malibou. BRP closed down its Evinrude outboard motor manufacturing business some six years ago.

When Ducati secured the WorldSBK Manufacturer's title at Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, in October, it secured the 20th Manufacturer's WorldSBK title in its history, and the third consecutive won with the Panigale V4 R - confirming its status as the most successful manufacturer in the history of WorldSBK. In fact, since the first edition in 1988, more than half of the Superbike World Championships manufacturer's titles (20 out of 37) have been won by Ducati riders. 2025 will see the debut of another iconic Italian brand, as the newly branded BbKRT Bimota KB998 team makes its 'powered by Kawasaki' debut.

Hoya, north Germany based wholesaler Hartje welcomed dealers to its 38th AutoMoto Show on the weekend of October 26 and 27, with the number of trade visitors registering in advance almost doubling compared to 2023. A total of 100 exhibitors exhibited in 7,500 sq m of indoor space.  Jens Engelking, Head of the AutoMoto division said: "2024 will go down in the history books of Hermann Hartje KG as a milestone with synergies and efficiencies embraced as a result of the merger of our automotive and motorcycle division warehouses." European Master-Distributor Bergamaschi announced at EICMA that Hartje had added the motorcycle aftermarket products range from Magneti Marelli; www.hartje.de­

Best known in the motorcycle market for the Dguard e-emergency call system and the Tilsberk heads-up display system, Digades GmbH (Zittau, Germany) is insolvent. The management of the Saxon electronics specialist, led by Managing Director Sascha Berger (37), is now planning a restructuring, which will result in a third of the workforce being laid off. The company is one of the market leaders in radio remote controls for cars (auxiliary heating, keys) and other products and services relating to motorcycle safety; www.dguard.com

Founded by Simon Dabadie at Bayonne in France, boutique electric motorcycle brand DAB Motors gave a EICMA debut DAB 1α production model. Combining "French engineering and refined design", with exclusive features reserved for the first 400 units, the machines will be volume produced by majority shareholder (since late 2023) Peugeot Motorcycles; www.dabmotors.com

While the KTM Asia Motorcycle Manufacturing Inc. (KAMMI) factory in Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines, is to continue manufacturing Philippine made KTM models, KTM Philippines, the trading front for KTM's established in-market distributor Adventure Cycle, has been closed down. The KAMMI plant will now be producing bikes for sale by new distributor Lucky MAPI, part of the Motor Ace Philippines Group, which has more than 200 branches in the Philippines and caters to a very broad customer base (from entry-level to premium).

EICMA 2024 part 2

Bitubo Race Suspension: The Italian specialist's most recent additions to its range of front fork and rear shock absorber suspension applications includes performance and handling upgrades for models such as the BSA Gold Star, Honda CB 750, Kawasaki ZX-6R 636 and selected Triumph and Royal Enfield models; www.bitubo.com

Artein Gaskets: The Spanish specialist will move to a new, larger custom-built 5,000 sq m facility near Girona in 2025, and EICMA saw the company further consolidate its reputation for advanced technical materials with the announcement that further new materials are being added to the  Artein Parts Catalogue - such as Artein Flex and Klingersil. A highlight was the visit from the Sherco Racing Factory Team riders Adam Raga and Emma Bristow with her recent 10th World Trial Championship title, and Trial, Rally Raid and Enduro stars Lorenzo Santolini and Teodor Kabakchiev; www.arteingaskets.com

SBS Friction: The Denmark based braking technology leader continues to take the 'science of stopping' to places that we didn't realise it could go. Their latest quantum leap is 'HeRidium' brake pad backing plate technology for its top-level racing compound, DS Dual Sinter. To improve backing plate strength and stability, and significantly reduce the risk of deformation (bending) and compound taper wear, race developed 'HeRidium' backing plate technology is composed of high-tech steel with a specialised heat treatment that meets the challenges set by the increasingly more powerful engines, new tyre compounds, suspension components, and a lot of technological integrations that have taken place in the last decade - all placing ever greater demands on brake pad backing plates all the time," says SBS' internationally respected Race Manager Allan Ostli Jorgensen; www.sbs.dk

RK Chain: One of the highest profile Japanese parts brands, what ultimately became the 'RK' story has its roots in 1930s Japan with motorcycle chain production under the RK name started 72 years ago in 1953. Originally a sister company of Excel Rims, which was spun off in 2010, these days RK Takasago (whose name was originally taken from Rollenkette, the German for Roller Chain), offers not just one of the world's largest motorcycle drive chain programmes, but sprockets, scooter belts and brake pads as well; www.rk-japan.co.jp

Rainers Sports: Spanish motorcycle boot specialist Rainers celebrated another track success in 2024, with Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE) crowned as the 2024 FIM Enel MotoE World Champion at the Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini. Hector's boot-of-choice is a customised 999 Carbon. The CE approved boot (Category 2, EN 13634:2017) is made in perforated microfibre, with a hardwearing mixed fibre upper inner lining and Kevlar lining the footbed and the Rainers ErgoFlex system: www.rainers-sports.com

DP Brakes: The originators of sintered brake pad technology for motorcycles manufactures "quality sintered metal brake pads for replacements and performance upgrades for every riding application, including racing, sport, touring, and cruising". All made in-house at the company's UK headquarters facility; www.dp-brakes.com

Leatt

Leatt 2025 'head-to-toe' Moto range - 'driven by the science of thrill'

Celebrating 20 years of "innovation and excellence", Leatt is internationally recognised as a leader in protection and performance riding gear, and has unveiled a 2025 Moto range which, again, shows how comprehensively the Leatt brand has been developed into a 'go to' solution in recent years.

"With revolutionary new features and designs, the latest collection not only showcases the brand's commitment to rider safety and performance but also marks two decades of pushing the boundaries in riding protection."

At the core of the new Moto range is the 4.5- and 4.5-Women's gear, specifically designed for the female form. "The focus of the 4.5 gear is to provide unparalleled protection, comfort, and functionality. A standout feature is the introduction of the Hypolon belt - a super strong, 360º waistband. 

"Unmatched in its ability to keep pants securely in place during even the most intense races, the Hypolon belt ensures that riders can focus on their performance without distraction." The construction of the 4.5 pant incorporates Leatt's new Twisted Yarn Technology for improved flexibility, abrasion and cut and tear resistance - "that perfect blend of protection and freedom of movement in all weathers on track or trail." 

Leatt helmets feature 360 degree Turbine Technology for premium head and brain protection. The top-of-the-range 5.5 boot features FlexLock Technology designed to protect the ankle and knee joints from impact forces and twists. 

The 2025 range sees the Leatt helmets and boots "given items a vibrant refresh. The new colour schemes are bold and modern, while still maintaining the classic Leatt look.

The new 3.5 Vizion line of goggles offers riders quality eye protection and clarity. The anti-fog and anti-scratch lenses are roll-off compatible for muddy conditions and a range of lens colours ensure clear visibility in varying light. For a "bulletproof level of unbeatable protection Leatt's Velocity models don't have the softer, more flexible and lighter frame of the 3.5 Vizion line but are a durable and robust top-of-line range benefitting from the introduction of two new lens variants. 

"Premium 6.5 goggles will now be available with photochromic lenses which automatically adjust to changing light conditions, providing optimal visibility for varied weather conditions or if riding in and out of shaded areas. 

"Brand new Cryztal lens technology can be found across the Velocity 6.5 and 5.5 models. This high contrasting, color defining technology provides incredible clarity, allowing riders to experience the track or trails like never before. These two new lens designs ensure that the Velocity goggles remain at the forefront of rider safety and performance."

www.leatt.com

GPR

GPR Furore-X for Triumph Tiger 900 2024

Italian specialist GPR has launched a new Furore-X slip-on for the Triumph Tiger 900. Made as  stainless steel, titanium natural and black titanium versions, this new generation of silencer is EU approved and made according to ISO14021 to certify that its production resulted in zero pollution during the manufacturing process - and that the product is recyclable at 90% of its weight at end life. GPR says the Furore-X delivers a +2.5 hp power increase and weight saving of 2.80 kg; www.gpr.it

Newfren

New gen MX/Enduro brake discs

Newfren, the specialist high performance brake and clutch products brand owned by Endurance Overseas, has introduced a new Pro Race line of brake discs - a new generation and new concept of brake disc that combines the advantages of round with the advantages of non-round discs. 

Thanks to their special design, the braking surface area is practically the same as that of round discs, guaranteeing maximum power without penalising mouldability. The new-generation notches facilitate disc temperature management, ensure braking is always under control, and deliver improved brake pad cleaning in all conditions.

Manufactured in high quality heat treated AISI 420 steel, Newfren say they "they have been tested both on our R&D benches, on the road, and, especially, on the tracks by the best drivers of our sponsored teams during the 2024 racing season -  with all the athletes excited about the precise response and control that the new disc designs helps them to achieve".

NEWFREN

www.newfren.it

SIP Scootershop

Aluminium racing cylinder for 125-150 cc Vespa Largeframes 

German specialist SIP Scootershop has introduced a SIP performance 125 cc cylinder that allows all Vespa Largeframe scooters to be converted into a two-wheeler in the 125 cc class with updated, contemporary performance values.

Particularly suitable for Vespa riders who have a licence with a 125 cc engine capacity limit, the powerful 125 cc coated aluminium cylinder is compatible with 2- and 3-channel engines.

Co-founder and CEO Ralf Jodl told IDN: "Unfortunately, classic 125 cc scooters in their original condition are no longer up-to-date in terms of performance. With the SIP performance 125 cc racing cylinder, this can be easily changed and even 125 cc licence holders can safely keep up with the traffic.

"The cylinder is made of aluminium and has a coated raceway. The cylinder draws its power from its sophisticated transfer system. The mixture enters the combustion chamber through six transfer ports and escapes back into the exhaust through three exhaust ports. 

"The head is fitted with eight fittings and additionally sealed with an O-ring. The exhaust is made of steel and is bolted to the cylinder. The piston is coated to protect the piston skirt during the running-in phase."

The cylinder is always installed with a 4 mm thick spacer between the cylinder and the crankcase. Two different spacers are included in the kit. One is for mounting on a three-channel casing, the other allows the cylinder to be mounted on a two-channel casing. The kit includes paper gaskets of different thicknesses for both types of housing, which can be used to adjust the height of the cylinder. 

SIP SCOOTERSHOP GMBH

www.sip-scootershop.com