Thursday, 30 April 2026

Spanish motorcycle registrations

Spain - Q1 2026 motorcycle registrations +26.88%


In 2025 full year registration data terms, the one exception among the 'Big Five' motorcycle markets in Europe was Spain - the only country to have seen market growth last year. 

At the time of publication, the most recent published data from ANESDOR (the motorcycle industry association in Spain) covered the first three months of 2026 and, on a Prima facie basis at least, the PTW registration statistics for Spain so far this year are nothing short of spectacular.



For Q1 motorcycle registrations are said to be up by +26.88% YTD at 57,424 units. As the new statistical year started to lap the Euro5+ 'Pre-Reg' compromised 'year ago' data, January is said to have been +14.53 (15,260 units), February +22.70 units (17,110 units) and March up by +39.40% at 24,642 units.

In Q4, 2024 there were many fewer regulation deadline-beating Euro 5/Euro 5+ pre-registrations than was the case elsewhere and, also unlike other 'Big Five' markets, there is genuine growth in demand for new motorcycles and PTWs remains in Spain. In the past two- or three-years, Spain has proven to be the best performing of Europe's major markets in overall economic terms and we have been seen that in our industry too.

In total PTW terms the Spanish market was +25.95% (60,149 units) for the first three months of 2026. Within the overall data, motorcycles were worth 46.4% of the total PTW market (29,462 units) with scooters accounting for 44.0% (27,962 units).

Honda continues to be the market leading brand with an 18.4% share and 11,719 units registered YTD. Yamaha was second (12.8%/8,163  units) with Voge third (8.9% share/5,656 units); followed by Zontes, BMW, Kymco, Sym, Kawasaki, Riejo and Piaggio.

Jose Maria Riano, ANESDOR General Secretary described it as a "solid start" to 2026 stating that "more and more citizens are choosing motorcycles for their mobility advantages, but the increase in demand for leisure motorcycles as an active tourism option also stands out."

For the record: Full year 2025 registrations in Spain were +7.93% over 2024 at 239,729 units. In total PTW terms the Spanish market was +7.29% (252,730 units) for the full year 2025.

News Briefs



Indian conglomerate and TVS Motor Company - owner of Norton Motorcycles since 2020 - has passed Yamaha to become world's third-largest motorcycle manufacturer by annual unit volume. TVS sold approximately 5.46 million motorcycles and scooters in 2025, a 20.7% increase from 4.52 million units the previous year. Yamaha recorded roughly 5 million units, up just 0.8% year over year. The change marks one of the most notable reshuffles in the global motorcycle industry in recent years. Honda, meanwhile, retained its dominant position with 16.44 million units sold globally in 2025, while Hero MotoCorp remained second with 6.25 million units.


Spain - Electric motorcycle manufacturer Stark Future is to enter the FIM EnduroGP World Championship. The Stark OxMoto EnduroGP Team is to race the Stark VARG in E2 and E3 classes of the 2026 Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship. "EnduroGP is not just another championship. It is one of the purest tests of rider, machine, consistency, and endurance in the world of off-road motorsport," said founder Anton Vass. The news comes just weeks after Stark claimed the 2026 FIM SuperEnduro Manufacturers' World Championship title - the first time an electric motorcycle manufacturer has won the title in the series". www.starkfuture.com


Germany - The IVM (German Motorcycle Industry Trade Association) has announced Leo Schlüter as the new project manager for the development of INTERMOT (19-21 February 2027) in Cologne.


International - The 2026 annual Distinguished Gentleman's Ride is slated for Sunday May 17. Uniting classic and vintage styled motorcycle riders from all over the world to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men's mental health. Founded 15 years ago in Sydney, Australia by Mark Hawwa, the event is generously supported by Triumph Motorcycles and is said to have raised USD $7.6m in 2025 with 127,000 participants in 1,038 Cities across 108 countries. www.gentlemansride.com


Dainese - Following its 'near death experience' in the hands of successive Private Equity ownerships, the 2025 announced sale of Dainese Group to London based "distressed asset" specialists HPS Investment Partners and Arcmont Asset Management has now been given the green light by EU regulators. The deal includes AGV Helmets and TCX Boots. Lino Dainese sold the apparel business he had built to Bahrain based Investcorp for a reported 'Enterprise Value' of € 130m. in 2022. In turn, Investcorp 'flipped' it to American conglomerate Carlyle Group in 2022, for a reported € 630m. The deal with HPS/Arcmont is reported to have been a debt-for-equity swap for a nominal fee of € 1.


If you want more CAKE (the former electric motorcycle brand in Sweden that is) you may be in luck. The owner since the 2024 bankruptcy is Brages Holding AS, a Norwegian car retailer led by Espen Digernes. His ambitions for the well-regarded, robust, design-led CAKE branded premium urban utility PTW platforms has been to restart production build a strong dealer network. The first stage now appears to be in sight, having partnered with the Chinese Keeway Group (Benelli, Morbidelli etc) to "return to production" and start "a fresh push toward sustainable, purpose-built mobility." The companies will "combine CAKE's distinctive design and engineering with Keeway's established production capabilities, a move both sides describe as a "strategic reset and a foundation for long-term stability."


In a multi-year transition that will run from late 2026 through the end of 2028, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.is to formally relocate its U.S. subsidiary from Cypress, California, to Kennesaw, Georgia, selling the land, offices, and warehouse facilities at its 25.1-acre Cypress campus that have been its US Corporate HQ since 1979.

Avon Tyres

Avon Cobra Chrome Whitewalls


Avon Tyres says it has "reclaimed its whitewall heritage" and that with full there is to be a full renewal of Cobra Chrome production following completion of a "full redevelopment of its iconic Cobra Chrome range."

The revival of its "whitewall heritage" represents what will no doubt be a popular come back of one of the Avon brand's most recognisable motorcycle tires. The move comes four years after Avon was integrated into Goodyear's motorcycle brand portfolio alongside Dunlop.





"Cobra Chrome is positioned as Avon's flagship product for cruiser and custom motorcycles, and plays a central role in its renewed product strategy. The range is now offered in 77 SKUs, including 14 sizes featuring the characteristic white sidewall design that has long been associated with Avon's heritage in the custom and classic motorcycle sectors.

"The redevelopment of the Cobra Chrome range follows a wide-ranging industrial upgrade programme across Avon's entire motorcycle business. 

"As part of this, the manufacturing of Avon's premium motorcycle tires has gradually transitioned to Goodyear's state-of-the-art motorcycle centre of excellence in Montlucon, France - a site already renowned in the motorcycle industry for producing Dunlop's premium road tires and championship winning racing products."

To enable Cobra Chrome production at Montlucon, manufacturing processes had to be tailored to the new facility. Many of the Cobra Chrome sizes were new to the French site with extensive re-engineering required. 


Dmitri Talboom, Motorcycle Product Manager

"This work has resulted in improved tire uniformity, higher yields, better operator ergonomics and production quality that is fully aligned with Goodyear manufacturing processes."

Dmitri Talboom, Motorcycle Product Manager, Goodyear, explains: "To bring Avon production in line with Goodyear's quality and performance standards, the Cobra Chrome range has been extensively re-engineered. Montlucon's role in this revival has been crucial."

The return of Cobra Chrome's whitewall SKUs presented unique technical considerations for the Montlucon factory. The white rubber compound has been reformulated to improve resistance to discoloration, while the sidewall assembly process has evolved from a largely manual operation to one that is more automated. Computer-assisted quality checks have also been introduced to better ensure a premium finish.


Talboom added: "Whitewall tires are a defining element of Avon's heritage and remain a distinctive choice for riders of custom and cruiser-style motorcycles. We are proud to see this iconic design back in full production."

Avon Cobra Chrome now sits within a more streamlined Avon motorcycle range that also includes the 3D Supersport hypersport tire, Spirit ST and Roadrider MKII tires for sport-touring applications, Trailrider and Trekrider products for adventure use, and the classic Safety Mileage MKII and Speedmaster MKII products.

Cobra Chrome will be available in 77  front and rear sizes in 2026, covering 15-23-inch fitments, including 14 sizes with a white sidewall design. The majority of sizes are on sale now, with the remainder being released during 2026.

www.avontyres.com


Athena

Choice of Yamaha YFZ R/X 450 cc cylinder kits 


Athena has expanded its product range for Yamaha YFZ 450 cc models with this new stock bore cylinder kit replacements. 

Big bore cylinder kit

"When it's time to service the 450 cc YFZs, choosing the right cylinder kit makes all the difference and Big Bore cylinders are not the only way to upgrade performance and durability. Whether the aim is to restore original reliability or achieve a tangible performance upgrade, Athena offers two complete, proven solutions: the 95 mm Standard Bore 450 cc replacement, as well as the 98mm Big Bore 478 cc kit that is designed for riders seeking increased torque and stronger acceleration."

All Athena cylinder kits owe their reliability and performance to the racetrack, and the Big Bore kit was raced by Simone Mastronardi at the 72 Heures de Pont-de-Vaux – the iconic international endurance race where engines are subjected to 72 hours of continuous stress with no margin for error.


The ideal choice for restoring the original configuration, the Athena standard bore kit is a complete, ready-to-install kit engineered to ensure durability, smooth operation and maximum reliability.

The kits include an aluminum cylinder with nickel-silicon carbide plating, a piston that has been designed to further reduce friction and gaskets developed to ensure optimal sealing.

The 98 mm/478 cc Big Bore big brother kit is for those looking for a real performance upgrade. Engineered to deliver increased displacement and stronger power output while, maintaining the necessary durability, the precision matched components withstand high temperatures and pressures.


ATHENA

www.athena.eu

Motoz

Motoz - Tractionator Outback race tyre


Said to be "built for the toughest rally conditions", Australian Motoz off-road tyre brand owner Bruce Collins Enterprises (BCE) has announced the addition of its newest high-performance rally tyre - the Tractionator Outback Race.

Said to have been four years in development, it has been tested in events like the Finke Desert Race and the 2025 Dakar, where it helped Jordan Strachan finish 69th on his Kove 450.

Bruce Collins said that it is "designed to meet the extreme demands of rally raid racing," and that it is a "significant evolution in off-road tyre technology." Features include a new tread compound and a reinforced carcass "that together deliver enhanced stability, long-lasting endurance, and exceptional performance across a wide range of challenging terrains."

Based on the Euro Enduro 6 tread pattern, the tyre's new tread compound and carcass construction offer "enhanced stability in extreme terrain, improved heat dissipation, and high mileage to endure the toughest races.

"The ability to shed heat makes for consistent performance in extreme temperatures, while the stronger carcass and new compound deliver added durability and stability offering high endurance and performance across extended distances."

Street legal (DOT ECER75 approval), the tyre is available in 140/80-18 size, and is suitable for a range of rally bikes.


MOTOZ PTY LTD

www.motoz.com.au

Planet Knox

Knox - Urban Pro Move


British protective apparel specialist Knox (aka Planet Knox) has launched a new series of upgrades to one of its top-selling undergarment product lines. 

Described as "built for riders who demand more", the company's Urban Pro-Move is a high-performance, CE Class AA-certified armoured shirt designed for maximum breathability, stretch, and flexibility in warm weather.


Building on the popular Mk2/Mk3 platforms, it features lightweight Micro-Lock Level 2 armour, In-Motion mesh, and six internal pockets. It is suitable for a wide range of motorcycle disciplines.

The upgrades target endurance and movement. The brand's signature high tenacity, abrasion resistant fabric remains, and this has been paired with Knox InMotion Mesh. It maintains its CE AA rating and the Knox Micro Lock CE Level 2 armour remains in the shoulders, elbows, and back.

However, the company says that "the feel is transformed. The fit has been re-engineered to better accommodate an optional chest protector, so riders can take their protection to the max. Solid linings are gone, replaced by strong yet lightweight power mesh for next level airflow.

The Urbane Pro Move has been designed to work seamlessly with all styles in the 'Knox Seasonless' Collection. "When it's cool or wet, add a separate Knox warm or waterproof layer that we have designed to work seamlessly with any armoured shirt. One system for every season." Certified to EN17092.


PLANET KNOX

www.planet-knox.com

Monday, 27 April 2026

ACEM

Rightsizing urban mobility: "L-Category vehicles for the cities of tomorrow" 


With 2027 marking a crucial milestone for European cities, the year when many Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) are expected to be implemented, the discussion between Europe's motorcycle industry trade associations has been focussed on how these frameworks are reshaping urban transport. 

At EICMA in November ANCMA and ACEM staged "Rightsizing Urban Mobility: L-category vehicles for the cities of tomorrow" - an urban mobility conference that brought together policymakers, local administrations, and industry leaders to discuss how these vehicles can help cities cut congestion, reduce emissions, and reclaim space for people.


Headquartered in Milan (with a branch in Brussels) TRT Trasporti e Territorio has 35-years as an independent mobility, transport economics, planning, and modeling consultancy that supports public and private decision-makers in sustainable urban mobility, freight logistics, and environmental impact studies.

Sofia Pechin, an urban mobility consultant at TRT described "a clear paradigm shift from traditional, car-centric planning toward approaches centred on people, accessibility, and functionality to face growing challenges and new regulations within the cities." 

Responding to these challenges, through ACEM, the motorcycle industry highlighted how L-category vehicles can offer "immediate and measurable benefits" with Antonio Perlot, Secretary General of ACEM, sharing the preliminary findings from an Oxford Economics study on the Economic importance of motorcycles to Europe - the full report is expected to be published soon.


The report finds that across the EU and UK, powered two-wheelers (PTWs) already save commuters an estimated 25.6 million days annually, compared to car use. A modest 5% modal shift from cars to PTWs could add 28 million days saved, deliver € 3.8 billion in cost savings, and reduce GHG emissions worth € 308 million per year, while freeing urban space equivalent to the area of Paris.

Some European cities are already recognising this potential and working to harness it. Practical examples from Barcelona and Milan illustrate how L-category vehicles are becoming part of local mobility strategies. 

Barcelona's newly established Motorcycle Observatory, developed with ANESDOR, serves as a permanent public-private platform to "design and monitor measures that improve safety, coexistence, and decarbonisation". Demonstrating how collaboration can drive tangible progress. 

In Milan, "where powered two-wheelers already represent a significant share of daily mobility" the city is promoting fleet renewal and incentivising electric PTWs, "reinforcing its commitment to cleaner and more efficient urban transport".


Building on these local success stories, the closing panel at the EICMA conference featured Frank Hansen, Lead Strategist for Sustainable Mobility at BMW Group; Clément Villet, Director of Land Mobility at Yamaha Motor Europe; Vito Parisi, National Vice President for Public Transport, Urban Traffic, and Mobility at ANCI and Pedro Gomes, Clean Vehicles & Air Quality Cluster Lead at POLIS Network as well as Sofia Pechin and Antonio Perlot.

Perlot stated: "There is a clear positive attitude towards the integration of L-category vehicles in urban mobility. What we want to achieve is for policymakers and cities to fully recognise the potential of these vehicles, including them in future SUMPS.  This warrants closer cooperation between public authorities and vehicle manufacturers, providing further opportunities for improved urban mobility."

Mariano Roman, President of ANCMA added that "confindustria ANCMA will continue its dialogue in the coming months with ANCI and its members to ensure that Italian cities fully acknowledge the role and potential of L-category vehicles within their urban mobility strategies."

The panel emphasised that the path to sustainable urban mobility depends on "closer cooperation between cities, industry, and citizens". The key motorcycle industry findings from the Oxford Economics study will appear in an upcoming IDN edition.