RK Chain

RK 520XRE - the all-rounder for world all rounders

Equipped with RK 520XRE chains and RK sprockets, two Swiss world travellers - Salome and Luca, have completed the journey of a lifetime covering over 71,000 km, across 47 countries in 16 months, on their Honda XL750 Transalps.

Riding through some of the harshest environments on Earth, "RK 520XRE chains and RK sprockets demonstrated exceptional durability and minimal stretch, delivering ultimate performance in every condition - from Eurasia to the Americas," says RK's European Sales Manager Daisuke Takagoshi.

"They began their journey from their home country of Switzerland, riding eastward through Europe to Turkey via Georgia, then crossing the Caspian Sea into Central Asia via Kazakhstan. From there, they tackled the legendary Pamir Highway before continuing into Iran, and further east through Pakistan, India, and Myanmar to Southeast Asia, reaching Malaysia, where they replaced their chains and sprockets for the first of two times."

Equipped with new RK 520XRE chains and RK sprockets, their journey resumed in South America, traveling through Chile, Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, then heading north through Colombia and Costa Rica, where the chains and sprockets were replaced for the second and final time.

Their adventure continued northward through Mexico and the United States, finally reaching Canada.

"Engineered to deliver high tensile strength, low friction, and long chain life, RK 520XRE chain makes an ideal OE replacement for mid-displacement motorcycles - in competitive and daily riding.

"The lightweight construction minimizes rotating mass, improving power transmission efficiency, throttle response and acceleration," said Daisuke.

Manufactured using advanced technology and production processes derived from on-road and off-road racing applications, "the 520XRE chain is designed to withstand high shock loads and sustained operating stress. That is what we make it for - to provide the strength, reliability and durability that an all-round, all capability chain needs."

RK's proprietary XW-Ring seal incorporates a triple-lip design that retains factory-injected lubricant while preventing contamination from dirt and debris - "significantly reducing wear and extending chain and sprocket life."

RK JAPAN

www.rk-europe.com

RK 520XRE 'XW Ring' chain - "an ideal OE replacement for mid-displacement racing and daily riding use". 

News Briefs

Italy - Michele Colaninno, Piaggio CEO described 2025 as "undoubtedly a complex year globally" when releasing its FY 2025 results in March 2026 (the year to December 31, 2025). He said the year saw "significant exogenous macroeconomic factors, such as new trade tariffs, rising raw material costs, and the performance of international currencies, all of which showed marked volatility." Consolidated net revenues of € 1,501.9m were -11.7% compared to € 1,701.3m in 2024. Geographically, there was an overall decline, primarily reflecting the contraction of the European and US markets and the contraction of the premium market in APAC. Exchanged rate variances worsened the apparent comparatives, with EMEA and the Americas recording a -10.5% decline, Asia Pacific -14%, and India -14%. In 2025, the Piaggio Group reported a net profit of € 34m, down 49.4% from € 67.2m at 31 December 2024. As of 31 December 2025, the Piaggio Group had sold a total of 445,200 vehicles worldwide (481,600 vehicles in 2024, -7.6%). In PTW terms the Group sold 329,000 two-wheeled vehicles worldwide, for a net turnover of € 1,155.4m (359,900 two-wheeled vehicles sold in 2024, for a turnover of € 1,298.3m). In Europe, the Piaggio Group achieved an overall share of 10.2%, positioning itself among the top market leaders in the scooter segment with a share of 17.5%. The Piaggio Liberty and Medley are said to have done well (high wheel models). In the motorcycle sector, in 2025 Aprilia saw growing volumes and revenues and was the leading European brand in sales of faired sport motorcycles in Europe, with a segment share of 13%. "The RS 660 was among the best-selling sport bikes in Europe and the best-selling in Italy. The RS 457 also recorded excellent sales volumes". At Moto Guzzi, growth was seen in sales of the V100 Mandello.

Italian parts manufacturer CNC Racing has recognised the contribution of Giacomo Agostini with the launch of an exclusive 'AGO' collection of accessories for MV Agusta

In the United States, a recent House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade hearing examined several vehicle policy issues with implications for the motorcycle and powersports industry, including federal right-to-repair legislation and a proposal aimed at curbing catalytic converter theft. The MIC sought to dissuade subcommittee leadership on the 'Right-to-Repair' legislation that was a central focus of the hearing - seeking to have motorcycles and off-highway vehicles explicitly excluded from the bill's scope. Conversely the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) supported the Subcommittee's second 2026 hearing decision to advance several measures, including H.R. 1566, the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act.

USA - Triumph is sponsor of the AMA's National Adventure Riding Series, with a 12 ADV-based riding events schedule planned to take place across the US. Aimed at experienced ADV riders, Triumph says the annual event "creates opportunities for ADV riders to push their limits, discover new terrain, and build connections". Running from March to November 2026, the series includes event destinations in ten different states (two each in Wisconsin and California).

India - SMK Helmets - "a world-leading motorcycle helmet manufacturer based on constant product improvement through technological innovation, expertise and the pursuit of perfection" has signed-on as sponsors the Moto4 Latin Cup. Part of the 'Road to MotoGP' programme, it is designed to provide an opportunity to all young riders from the Americas, regardless of their origins or financial resources - "more than a Road to MotoGP, it's a Road to the Dream". SMK will provide the young riders competing in the championship with their new Titan Carbon Racing helmet. www.smkhelmets.com

KTM will be marking 100 years of support for the FIM 6-days Enduro of Nations when it takes place Grândola, Portugal, on 12-17 October 2026.

BRENTA

BRENTA - Italian expertise in braking systems

Founded in 1983 by Silvano Stenech and his son Davide, Frenotecnica – now Endurance Two Wheelers S.p.A - began as a small artisan workshop and gradually evolved into a fully structured made in Italy manufacturing company, specialising in the design and production of high-performance friction materials.

The BRENTA brand was launched in 2005 and its comprehensive range of ECER90 brake pads includes organic compounds offering reduced disc wear and smooth braking modulation (scooters and mid-size motorcycles, urban riding and medium-range touring); three different sintered formulations - Road for maxi scooters and road motorcycles requiring greater resistance to stress and higher performance levels, Pro Road for more demanding and intense road use (capable of maintaining consistent braking, even in extreme temperature conditions), and Pro Off-Road - developed and tested in racing environments to deliver high friction and consistent performance in motocross and enduro applications.

Front disc rotor for BMW R 1300 GS

Front brake disc for HONDA CBR 600

Rear disc rotor for BMW R 1300 GS

At the top of the BRENTA range, Ceramic Racing pads are designed for track use and professional competition. Used by several SBK teams, they offer exceptional friction levels and mechanical resistance for maximum braking power.

Brenta also offers Brake Discs manufactured from heat-treated AISI 420 steel and engineered to optimise weight while ensuring high resistance to deformation, reduce vibrations and improve braking feel, with a braking track that enhances heat dissipation and pad cleaning.

Pro Off-Road pads

Pro Road pads

Organic pads

Today, the company operates from its full-function plant in Rovereto in northern Italy and is property of Endurance Overseas, the European holding company of the Endurance Group, which also owns other Italian premium spare parts manufacturers: Adler, Adige, Newfren and Grimeca. Certifications include IATF 16949, UNI EN ISO 9001 and KBA as well as the mandatory ECE R90 European approval for replacement braking components products.

www.brentabrakes.com

LeoVince

LV-14 Black Edition for Voge Valico 900DSX

Representing 70 years of technical and stylistic innovation, this new Black Edition LV-14 for the Voge Valico 900DSX features "unique shapes and state-of-the-art materials, combined to create a durable and elegant exhaust that enhances aesthetics and riding pleasure."

Handcrafted by skilled technicians, the LV-14 Black Edition silencer incorporates sound-absorbing materials with high thermal resistance. Features include TIG welds to ensure strength and reliability. 

"The final asymmetrically cut end cap is fabricated by hand, using a 2x2 weave carbon fibre pre-impregnated with a special high temperature resistant resin, which is then vacuum cured in an autoclave. 

"We have embellished the end cap with a matt clear coating which, in addition to giving it a racing look, protects it from UV rays, making it the perfect outlet for the deep and aggressive tones. 

"To emphasise the clean lines and asymmetrical cuts, we have equipped it with a carbon fibre bracket, bolted to the muffler sleeve. This guarantees excellent mechanical durability as well as delivering a weight reduction. 

"Also available in Stainless Steel and Titanium, the finish is embellished by the presence of the LV logo which is laser-etched on the stainless steel and titanium sleeve versions and to an aluminum plate for the carbon fibre sleeve edition". 

LEOVINCE

www.leovince.com

Shot Race Gear

Big Response to SHOT and SRG AIRBAGS

July 2024 saw French MX and dirt bike rider equipment specialist Shot Race Gear announce its new, and the first ever, airbag for motocross - the SRG-1. Developed in collaboration with French action sports airbag technology pioneer In&motion, it immediately "brought an unprecedented level of protection to the sport".

Described as offering "true rider freedom" without cables or sensors, the company unveiled its new brand 'SRG AIRBAGS' to distributors, dealers, racers and consumers at EICMA in November 2024 and the reaction was "immediate and universally positive".

Shot 'Air Guard'

In the course of the nearly two years since that initial product announcement, SRG has continued to enjoy a positive response and strong initial uptake for the 'SRG-1'. The press and rider community response probably makes it one of the best received of all the European motorcycle industry's new initiatives in a long time.

As with all In&motion technology applications, it is the response-based data capture and constant development of the algorithm that drives the "power to protect" - 'SRG-1' uses the best available response times and real-world activations data to drive the evolution of the system forward.

We met up with SRG AIRBAGS CEO Ghislain Huot at EICMA in November 2025, and he told us that in twelve months only there had been 2,130 SRG-1 units sold. With a new riding and race season now underway in 2026, by the time you are reading this that number will have likely grown substantially. Especially as the distributors in 15 countries that had been signed up by EICMA start to get into their first full 12-month selling cycle with the 'SRG-1'.

Of critical importance, SRG says that it had seen a product return rate of only 2% - which answers any doubts about product complexity, quality and reliability.

At the last count the 'SRG-1' had been featured and reviewed favourably by more than 50 different international print and online and media channels, including all of the best-known MX and Off-Road magazines and product reviewers.

Inflator

Writing in MX Acu, Lucas Deleurme is quoted as saying that the 'SRG-1'represents a "revolutionary Airbag system in our sport that combines comfort and safety". Weighing just 1.8 kg he went on to say that "the SRG system doesn't get in the way and makes you feel safe".

Pietro SALINA (Motocross.it) said that "for me, the SRG-1 is great for the protection of every rider. It protects the entire upper body even when the airbag is not activated". He added that "the important thing is that it protects you well. For me it's a great product and I hope it will soon be obligatory". MATT Adventure described it simply as "the best airbag vest" available.

The pick-up by racers has also been impressive. When we met with Ghislain he was able to name-check racers who will be using the 'SRG-1' in 2026 included MXGP World Champion Romain FEBVRE, SANDRACE World Champion Todd KELLETT but also the Honda MX2 factory team, the Triumph Enduro GP factory team and many more - too many to list here.

In consumer terms he said that it will be used by more than 100 professional racers in MXGP, Enduro GP, EMX, and National Elite Enduro, MX and SX championships.

"The numbers speak for themselves - the 'SRG-1' has already proven itself as the most versatile airbag on the market. It is designed to meet the demands of high-intensity sport use, and it was deliberately designed it to also be the most ventilated and comfortable airbag available."

Additional features include D30 chest and back protection, which has helped it achieve approval for "all motorcycle competitions - off-road and on-road. Remove the chest protector from its pouch and you've got the lightest airbag on the market - ideal for trail or road use".

Featuring optional riding modes, as well as the included main first riding mode, Ghislain reports that the use of 'SRG-1' is nearly even between market segments with some 56% of activations being in off-road use and over 43% in on-road use. The market acceptance of the In&motion technology on which SRG AIRBAGS is based is widespread - with 80% of MX activations reported by brands integrating In&Motion tech.

That unique technology provides remarkable feedback. Out of 352 triggers, only 30 are described as 'false positives' (which Ghislain says is an unmatched level of accuracy for an algorithm that is only a year old). In MX 162,611 km had been ridden by racers wearing 'SRG-1' by November 2025, with one genuine crash detected every 910 km and only one false trigger every 8,130 km. The data for Adventure and Adventure race riding show similar or even better distances and ratios.

As the world leader in autonomous airbag systems not only is In&motion the number one in market share terms, but as a true specialist in algorithm development they have some impressive data. They have collected and analysed more than 400 million KM of data, detected 18 crashes and have over 100,000 'In&Members' active on motorbikes.

Though some race sanctions have made the fitting of some airbag systems (especially for the shoulders) compulsory since as long ago as 2018 (in the case of MotoGP), The FIM, FFM (Moto Federation Francaise) and FMI in Italy all back mandatory airbag use in European and World Championships - on and off-road; though some manufacturers are trying to delay implementation until 2028, it is expected to become mandatory in a wider range of international and national race series before much longer.

At the heart of 'SRG-1' are the easy to change inflator (gas canister), an airbag cushion and vest design that are designed to withstand multiple inflations, the D30 Level 1 chest and Level 2 back protectors, and, of course, the In&motion developed 'In&box' which delivers the second part of the 'Protec and Detect' strategic system design.

This high-tech brain is about the size of a mobile phone and measures the position of the rider 1,000 times per second through its built-in accelerometers.

"Real-time data is processed by algorithms that will anticipate a crash and inflate the airbag. Inflation itself happens literally twice as fast as the blink of an eye at 30 milliseconds, or 0.030 of a second."

In July 2026 SRG AIRBAGS will unveil the SRG-1 MAX with two further new models expected to follow quickly - the SRG-1 LIGHT and the SRG-2.

www.shotracegear.com

Acerbis

Acerbis Impact Pro knee guard

Citing "comfort, freedom and protection", Bergamo, Italy based Acerbis' says of its new Impact Pro knee guard that "many riders consider orthopaedic knee braces (or the more advanced motocross braces) too bulky and restrictive, preferring to wear more ergonomic and lightweight motocross knee braces", and that "this is where the new Acerbis Impact Pro comes in.

"A motocross and enduro knee brace designed for those seeking a balance the new model is positioned in the mid-range of the collection, completing the offering between the entry-level Profile and our top-of-the-range K035 and Gorilla."

Made of high-strength polypropylene, Impact Pro knee pads provide "effective protection for the femur, knee, and tibia through three distinct and perfectly integrated parts. The structure uses a double joint in the knee area, designed to follow the natural movement of the leg and offer maximum freedom in the saddle, whether on the motocross track or in the woods with an enduro bike."

Acerbis describes the design as defined by a perforated pattern and integrated air vents on the padding, ensuring optimal ventilation in an area of the rider's body where constant air circulation is needed - close to the engine - and usually not very breathable boots.

Three adjustable elastic bands ensure a customised and stable fit for every body type. The inner area in contact with the leg is covered with soft EVA padding, which is comfortable and removable for easy washing.

"The new Acerbis Impact Pro knee pads are a unisex product, designed for all riders who want to combine reliability and practicality without sacrificing lightness and comfort. The Impact Pro also complies with EN 1621-1:2012 level 1 certification."

ACERBIS ITALIA

www.acerbis.com

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.