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.

News Briefs

German scooter parts, accessories and lifestyle specialist SIP Scootershop has won a German Design Award 2026 for its annual customer magazine CURVE. Honoured as winner in the 'Communication Design Excellence' category, CURVE is a 100-page celebration of all things Vespa and Lambretta - "with a clear focus on the scene, culture, technology and people."

Former BMW VP Stephan Reiff has been added to the Supervisory Board of KTM AG as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) - responsible for Sales, Marketing, Brand Strategy, Dealer Network and Aftersales. 

The Austrian KSR Group is further expanding its international brand portfolio, taking over the official distribution of KOVE Motorcycles in Germany.

LeMans Chairman Paul Langley and legendary Bonneville streamliner racer Denis Manning have been named among the 2026 Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame Inductees. Legendary customizer Dave Perewitz receives a Lifetime Achievement award and John Andrews receives the posthumous 'Kickstands Down Award' for his lifetime as a pioneering engineer and founder of cams and gear innovator Andrews Products; www.sturgismuseum.com

BRP says its "design excellence shines globally" as it celebrates 20 International Design Awards in 2025 - including for the Pulse and Origin electric motorcycles, with the entire BRP Design Team having been awarded a Red Dot Design Team of the Year earlier in 2025. A 'bright and shiny' thing indeed!; www.brp.com

Boise, Idaho based Western Power Sports (WPS - part of the same Arrowhead Group as Bihr distribution, All Balls Racing, Vertex and RST apparel) has added distribution for another European group member - the British RFX high-performance offroad motorcycle component specialist.

OMotion, a 2013 founded lightweight, electric 3-wheeled vehicle manufacturer has announced that its new 630 m2 factory has been completed at Lund, Sweden, giving it the capacity to build 200 vehicles a year; www.omotion.se

The Panigale V4 has won a Good Design Award, completing a trio of 2025 international design awards that also includes 2025 iF Design Award and the 2025 Red Dot Award.

Harley-Davidson has confirmed agreements with Niti Racing (Indonesia), who join previously announced teams Saddlemen Race Development (USA), Cecchini Racing Garage (Italy), and Joe Rascal Racing (Australia) on the provisional entry list for their MotoGP hosted Bagger World Cup. Additionally, Joe Rascal Racing has received approval to expand its entry from two to three riders. In terms of format, it has now been announced that at the United States, Netherlands, Great Britain, Aragón (Spain), and Austria Grand Prix the weekend will follow a three-day format with two Free Practice sessions on the Friday, qualifying sessions and Race 1 on Saturday (scheduled immediately after the MotoGP Tissot Sprint) with Race 2 held either on the Sunday morning or afternoon, depending on the event. At the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello, there will be a modified format with FP1, FP 2 and qualifying all on the Friday with the Bagger World Cup Race 1 and Race 2 both on the Saturday.

First it was lay-offs, then re-hires and now it is to be lay-offs again in Austria - as Bajaj Mobility AG (formerly PIERER Mobility AG) starts to flex its muscles and weigh its next steps following effective acquisition of the KTM group of brands. "The aim is to sustainably strengthen competitiveness by reducing fixed costs, streamlining structures, focusing the product and project portfolio, and optimizing our international site and leadership network. As part of this necessary realignment, a reduction of around 500 employees - predominantly in salaried positions and middle management - is unavoidable." The headcount as of December 31, 2025, amounted to 3,794 employees. 

BP Oil has agreed to sell a 65% majority stake in its Castrol lubricants business to alterative investment firm Stonepeak - an Equity Investor by any other name. The deal that values the entire division at $8bn.

CEO & Founder Anton Wass says that his Barcelona, Spain based EV manufacturer Stark Future "opened 2026 with +200% January growth and strong operating momentum." Stark is one of the few e-PTW manufacturers who is actually making money (the Stark 'Varg' is a much admired off-roader). Wass says that the demand remains strong across key markets as delivery capacity and partner confidence improve further; www.starkfuture.com

World Ducati Week

World Ducati Week 2026

This year sees the return of the hugely popular World Ducati Week, but with a difference.

To be staged from 3-5 July, at the Misano World Circuit and the Adriatic Riviera, this edition of WDW will be part of Ducati's 2026 Centenary Celebrations.

The most eagerly awaited moment will again be the Race of Champions, which this year will follow a format featuring free practice and qualifying on Saturday, and the official race on Sunday. 

The 2026 edition World Ducati Week will be the culmination of Ducati's Centenary celebrations, already underway and slated to reach their peak at the Misano World Circuit - Saturday, 4 July will be the exact anniversary of the Borgo Panigale manufacturer: " the event will go beyond the boundaries of a gathering to become a global celebration of two wheels, capable of uniting generations of enthusiasts in one big community."

There will be new products, contests and in-depth sessions with Ducati engineers, designers and experts, alongside opportunities to meet riders from the present and past. There will be many chances to take to the track with one's own motorcycle, Ducati model Test Rides and Riding Experience sessions, culminating in the parade – "one of the unmissable rituals of WDW - a spectacular 'snake' of motorcycles that comes to life with a lap of the circuit."

All WDW ticket holders will be able to visit the Ducati factory and the Ducati Museum in Borgo Panigale at a reduced rate. For accompanied minors up to the age of 18, admission to the event will cost a symbolic € 1. Admission will be free of charge for participants coming from outside Europe (Asia, Africa, the Americas and Oceania), for people with disabilities and their accompanying people. A special discounted rate is available only to Ducati Official Club members active for the 2026 season. 

www.ducati.com

GET

GET CDI control unit - 2026 Yamaha YZ 125

GET has expanded the compatibility of its CDI control unit for the Yamaha YZ 125 cc to make it available for MY 2026.

"A solution that has already been well appreciated for the improved performance, control and reliability we developed for Yamaha's iconic motocross model is designed to enhance the responsive character of Yamaha's two-stroke engine," says GET Brand Manager Emanuele Gobbi.

Offering two pre-installed maps for racing or wet conditions set-ups, features include seamless plug & play installation, increased power and maximised reliability.

"Additionally, thanks to the [separately available] GET Maya programming software, it is possible to further modify the ignition advance curve to customize the mapping according to the rider's specific needs," says Emanuele.

"CDI is the ECU for 2-stroke carburettor engines, it is the perfect device to optimise the management of the ignition curve and to maximize the engine performances. CDI is plug & play on standard engines".

ATHENA

www.athena.eu

BS Battery

Power Box - BS Battery expands booster range

Paris based battery and charger specialist BS Battery has expanded its range of boosters with its new Power Box AIR  and Power Box MAX.

The new additions are "to meet growing market demand" and "build on the strong success of our Power Box. These two new high-value solutions allow distributors and their dealers to address a wider variety of customer needs with a clear, segmented offering."

Their original Power Box quickly became a "best seller" as a result of the two most important features any Power Boost device can have - reliability and versatility. However, as usage patterns continued to evolve, BS Battery says it has identified two new key demands from riders and professionals alike - even greater functionality for everyday mobility, and even greater starting power for larger vehicles and ever-increasing power requirements. 

"The result is a smarter, more targeted booster range. The Power Box AIR (1,200A for 12V lead-acid batteries with up to 20 jump starts per charge) integrates a built-in air compressor  delivering up to 10.3 bar / 150 PSI for tyres, sports gear, and more) combining battery boosting and tyre inflation in one compact device.

For distributors and their dealers, it represents a strong upselling opportunity in the accessories and travel equipment segment. 

The Power Box MAX, a powerful 2,000A jump starter, designed for higher engine capacities and more demanding applications, is able to deliver up to 40 jump starts on a single charge for 12V lead-acid batteries, including gas engines up to 8.0 litres and diesel engines up to 6.0 litres.

"This accessory is the ideal solution to jump start your battery when your battery is hard to reach, hidden, or when using clamps is not possible. It answers the needs of professional users and customers seeking maximum performance and reliability. We have brought ergonomics to jump stating!"

BS BATTERY

www.bs-battery.com

Galfer USA

Galfer USA Partners with MotoAmerica

The American subsidiary of the Spanish braking specialist Galfer has signed a multi-year partnership with North America's premier motorcycle road racing championship - the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship Series.

Gary Hazel as National Sales Manager

Orlando, Florida based Galfer USA has been operating in the American market for over 30 years, providing high-performance braking solutions to professional teams, OEM manufacturers, dealers, and enthusiasts across the United States. "With over 70 years of experience, Galfer is globally recognized for its technological innovation, precision-engineered rotors, and racing brake pads used at the highest levels of motorcycle competition."

Armando Riva, Country Manager of Galfer USA said: "MotoAmerica represents the highest level of road racing in the U.S., and that's exactly where Galfer belongs. We're excited to engage in a partnership that puts our products side-by-side with the best riders, showcasing how closely our brand is connected to elite-level performance."

"In recent years, Galfer has strengthened its presence in the most prestigious motorcycle racing competitions, bringing its technology to the highest levels of the MotoGP World Championship. In 2024, rider Ai Ogura of the MT Helmets - MSI team won the Moto2 World Championship using Galfer Floatech rotors and Racing G1310 brake pads, confirming the reliability and high performance of the company's solutions."

In additional news, Galfer USA has strengthened its North American team with key appointments. For the motorcycle sector, Galfer USA welcomes Gary Hazel as National Sales Manager. Hazel brings more than two decades of experience across nearly every discipline of motorcycle racing and the powersports industry, including Enduro, Motocross, Road Racing, Dirt Track, and Vintage competition. 

He represented the United States three times at the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) and has played a pivotal role in the powersports industry, including owning Thumper Racing and leading dealer development and brand growth for manufacturers such as FMF, Kawasaki Team Green, KTM, Sherco, Fantic, and Rieju.

Bajaj Mobility AG

Bajaj Mobility AG Annual Financial Report 2025

Mattighofen, Austria based Bajaj Mobility AG - the new name for Pierer Mobility AG and the KTM AG holding company - has released its first set of full year financial results since its 2023-2025 'near death experience'. Against the backdrop of what it describes as a "record motorsport season" it is reporting a "successful turnaround following an intensive year of restructuring and operational stabilisation".

CEO Gottfried Neumeister: "as of today March 26 we had already sold more than twice as many motorcycles as in the first quarter of 2025".

Citing a "clear turnaround in the second half of the year" following a restructuring-driven start to the 2025 financial year, the company says it now has now established a "solid foundation for profitable growth."

Business performance highlights include a strong recovery in H2 2025 retail sales, increasing by around 60 % compared to H1 and a previously referenced € 1,193m restructuring gain. In its provisional financial report released at the end of March 2026, the company says revenue was € 1.009bn on sales volume of 209,704 units with an EBITDA of € 874m, EBIT of 

€ 748m and net profit of € 590m - raising its equity ratio to 24.3 % (on equity of € 385m) and "significantly" reducing net debt to € 798m.

Inventory had been reduced by 101,153 units to 147,427 vehicles (from 248,580). In motorsport terms 2025 is described as "the most successful year in the company's history" with 29 championship titles bagged.

CFO Petra Preining is quoted as stating that "2025 was a year of intensive financial reorganization. Through consistent inventory reduction, a focus on a sustainable cost structure and successful refinancing measures, we have clearly strengthened our financial base. We have created the conditions for a more profitable 2026.

"The restructuring and realignment measures initiated in 2025 included strengthening of our capital structure". KTM AG secured an unsecured loan of € 550m from an international banking consortium consisting of J.P. Morgan SE, HSBC, DBS Bank Limited and MUFG Bank Ltd - "a key milestone and strong signal of confidence from the financial markets.

"The five-year unsecured financing at exceptionally favoruable terms underlines the renewed confidence of leading financial institutions in the company's business strategy and operational strength. This replaces the existing, significantly higher-interest loan from Bajaj Auto amounting to € 450m, thereby substantially improving the group's financial stability and flexibility and creating the liquidity base for the planned growth phase."

Additionally, KTM AG secured a new factoring facility of € 150m and a working capital facility of € 50m.

At the same time, "the company sharpened its strategic focus on its core motorcycle business." Non-strategic business areas were divested - MV Agusta, KTM X-Bow and the entire bicycle segment are gone.

Their motorsport dominance has already continued into Q1 of 2026 with successes including Luciano Benavides winning the 2026 Dakar Rally for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and Billy Bolt securing the 2026 SuperEnduro World Championship for Husqvarna Factory Racing.

For the 2026 financial year "the focus is on further improving profitability" including "focused management of the product and project portfolio as well as strengthening the international production and sales organization.

Adventure R

Adventure S

The Premium Manufacturer's Warranty has been expanded with a four-year warranty now applying to all street-legal KTM and Husqvarna models from model year 2025 onwards, for the first time.

Adventure EVO

CEO Gottfried Neumeister is quoted as stating that "we have made an outstanding start to 2026. It is particularly encouraging that our new models are being received very positively by our customers. As of today [March 26, 2026] we have already sold more than twice as many motorcycles as in the first quarter of the previous year. Inventory reduction is also progressing extremely well."

The company says that "management is aware of the current geopolitical uncertainties and their potential negative impact and is continuously monitoring developments. Appropriate countermeasures are being evaluated."