AFAM

AFAM adds new battery and chain line 

Backed by 45-years of proven expertise, AFAM's reputation for precision in motorcycle power transmission is well established. Riders and professionals worldwide know AFAM chains and sprockets for their reliability, performance, and engineering integrity.  

At EICMA, AFAM added a brand-new expansion to their portfolio of motorcycle battery lines.  

"This move is not a leap into the unknown," said GM Rolf Verhagen "but the result of decades of hands-on experience within DC-AFAM, the group behind two established battery brands NITRO (SLA) and SHIDO (Lithium). 

"With that expertise, AFAM now brings a complete, exclusive AFAM-branded battery program to the global market with AFAM Lithium for a new level of flexibility and performance, and AFAM SLA GEL – featuring true GEL technology."

The company's new and exclusive Lithium range combines several technical advantages which are said to make it unique in today's motorcycle battery market with features such as a quad-terminal option, reversible polarity, overcharge protection and advanced casing engineering greatly increasing the applicability of each model "while maintaining maximum safety," says Rolf. 

AFAM General Manager Rolf Verhagen: "With this expanded portfolio, we now offer a complete ecosystem of drivetrain and power solutions - a compelling opportunity for distributors seeking to offer their dealers a trusted, high-quality brand with global recognition."

"This gives distributors and workshops a compact battery line that is easy to stock and install and built for performance-focused riders." 

The AFAM SLA GEL range is built using what Rolf describes as "real GEL electrolyte, not AGM variants marketed as gel. This ensures better performance in extreme temperatures, long service life, and fully leak-proof operation." 

For large V-twin motorcycles AFAM GEL HVT adds "reinforced internal construction for high vibration resistance, higher cranking power and accessory load stability - creating a dependable upgrade for touring and cruiser riders." 

Additionally, for users needing long storage capability and controlled activation, the maintenance-free AFAM MF + Acid Pack line offers "a safe and practical solution, becoming maintenance-free once activated. 

Also launched at EICMA, a refreshed AFAM Chain Line completes the package of workshop, service department and parts counter updates.

The new chains range includes the AFAM XHR4 (Hyper Reinforced), XSR4 (Super Reinforced), and, born from AFAM's historically close ties to MXGP, the MXPRO - a professional motorcross grade chain.

"All are presented in new, dealership and retail friendly corporate packaging that leverages but updates the iconic, traditional black-yellow-white AFAM identity, unifying the new chains and batteries into one strong, instantly recognizable premium brand." 

Rolf concluded by saying that with this expanded portfolio, "AFAM now offers a complete ecosystem of drivetrain and power solutions - a compelling opportunity for distributors seeking to offer their dealers a trusted, high-quality brand with global recognition."

www.afam.com

Benda

Benda's ambitious engine projects include 1,700 cc inline six

By Ben Purvis

When Benda - then a little-known Chinese upstart - showed a pair of V4 engines at the CIMA show back in 2021 there was no shortage of scepticism about their production prospects. Today the company's range includes 500 cc and 950 cc V4 cruisers so the fact the same company has shown a trio of ambitious new engine designs at the 2025 CIMA event is now being taken rather more seriously.

The first of the new engines is also the wildest of all: a 1,685.6 cc inline six-cylinder. While there are other six-cylinder bikes on the market - the Honda Gold Wing, for example, and BMW's K1600 range - the Benda design is a first for China, even if the 2,000 cc flat-eight offered by rival Chinese brand Souo means it's not the biggest in terms of capacity or cylinder count.

Inline six-cylinder

There are clearly overtones of BMW's K1600 motor in the Benda design. Its overall layout is similar, with cylinders canted forwards at an extreme angle, positioning the transmission above, rather than behind, the crankshaft. The Benda motor's 72 mm bore and 69 mm stroke hint that the similarities continue inside the engine as well, as BMW uses the same bore and a slightly shorter stroke for its 1,649 cc K1600. 

Just a case of China copying the west again? Not quite, as the Benda design also adds the company's own dual-clutch, semi-automatic transmission, which is innovative enough to be subject of a patent application around its design and layout. Unlike Honda's dual clutch motorcycle boxes, the Benda design takes its drive from both ends of the crankshaft, with one clutch on the left and one on the right, each driving a half-length input shaft that carries four gears - even numbers on one shaft, odd numbers on the other, allowing two ratios to be selected simultaneously and gearshifts to be made seamlessly by disengaging one clutch and engaging the other. There are eight speeds in total.

Boxer twin

There's no indication of where the new engine will find a home, but a future touring model would be the most logical destination for the design.

The second new engine is a boxer twin or, more accurately, two of them, each combined with a hybrid system to add a dose of electric power. One of these engines appeared in Benda's 'P51' concept bike - a machine that's intended to become a production model in the future. Details of the bike are slim, but it mirrors design registrations for a 'BD250' model, indicating a 250 cc capacity, with the hybrid drive intended to up performance to around that of an 800 cc bike. A standalone boxer twin engine was also on display, with a similar appearance but a capacity of 698.6 cc from a 76 mm bore and 77 mm stroke. Again, it's intended to be used along with a hybrid system to add an electric motor. 

Inline four-cylinder

Finally, Benda displayed a 548.6 cc inline four-cylinder engine, similar to the design used in its existing LFC700 - and bearing some similarities to the Honda CB650 motor - but with an ultra-short stroke to allow stratospheric revs. The bore is the same 67 mm used by the 676 cc LFC700, but instead of that bike's 48mm stroke, the pistons travel just 38. 9mm. Benda claims the result is class leading specific output, with more power than other, similarly sized engines, although no exact figures have been revealed.  

Ducati

Ducati Diavel V4 RS gets Desmo power

By Ben Purvis

Ducati's 'RS' suffix debuted in 2023 with the Multistrada V4 RS - a machine that's a step above the 'S' version thanks to its more powerful Desmosedici Stradale engine. Now the same recipe has spread to the Diavel lineup with the 2026 Diavel V4 RS and thanks to the bike's long wheelbase and low centre of gravity it's become the company's fastest-accelerating production model.

Both the base Diavel V4 and the standard Multistrada V4 use Ducati's 'Granturismo' V4 engine, with an 1,158 cc capacity and conventional valve springs, but the Multistrada V4 RS and now the Diavel V4 RS get the 1,103 cc Desmosedici Stradale engine used in the Panigale and Streetfighter V4 models, with desmodromic valvetrains for more revs and power.

In the Diavel V4 RS, like the Multistrada V4 RS, the Desmosedici engine isn't quite in superbike tune, with a peak of 182 hp at 11,750 rpm, but that's still noticeably more than the 168 hp of the base Diavel V4. The desmodromic valves mean the redline is a stratospheric 13,500 rpm, and in first gear the limiter lets it rev higher still, to 14,000 rpm. 

As a result, Ducati claim that its new MotoGP champion Marc Marquez took the Diavel V4 RS from 0-100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds, faster than any other Ducati short of the company's MotoGP racer.

As well as the new engine, the Diavel V4 RS gets updated styling, with carbon bodywork, plus forged alloy Marchesini wheels and red Brembo Stylema brake calipers. A new exhaust with a redesigned titanium end cap is another weight-saving measure, helping cut the overall mass to 220 kg, 3 kg less than the stock bike.

Chassis changes to suit the more powerful engine include new, 48 mm Ohlins NIX30 forks, slightly slimmer than the standard bike's 50 mm units, and a matching Ohlins SRX46 shock, while the tyres are Pirelli Diablo Rosso IVs, the rear a vast 240/45-17 that's tailored specifically for the Diavel V4 RS.

Being a high-end Ducati, there's a vast array of electronic assistants at hand, including wheelie control, launch control, cornering traction control and ABS, and four riding modes, each tailoring those settings as well as the engine's power delivery to suit the conditions.

Galfer

Galfer chosen for new Stark Varg SM

Galfer brake discs have been chosen by fellow Barcelona area manufacturer Stark Future as OE fitment for the new Stark VARG SM and other models in the Stark range.

Exceptional heat dissipation capacity and precise modulation are said to be among the features of Galfer's hardened stainless steel and 6082 T6 aluminum alloy floating discs.

"Renowned for safety, precision, and reliability, Galfer guarantees a superior riding experience in every situation. With cutting-edge design, lightweight construction, and innovative technology, the Stark VARG SM delivers a unique riding experience both on and off the road. In this context, Galfer brake discs play a key role: every stop is precise, consistent, and safe, allowing riders to fully harness the bike's high potential."

Exceptional heat dissipation capacity and precise modulation are said to be among the features that won Galfer the business, with discs that "provide total control and immediate response under braking. These qualities inspire confidence during quick manoeuvres and demanding corners, optimising performance and stability even in the most extreme conditions."

Made of hardened stainless steel and 6082 T6 aluminum alloy, the floating, aluminium core discs chosen by Stark "reduce weight (P = 1.23 kg) and improve front-wheel handling. Features include directional braking surface with a distinctly SuperMotard aesthetic, optimised contact area and maximizing pad efficiency. Other Stark models such as the VARG EX and MX1.1, also feature Galfer brake discs.

www.galfermoto.com

Cardo Systems

Cardo BEYOND - Carbon full-face with integrated Cardo Comms

Cardo Systems has launched BEYOND GTS and BEYOND GT, the brand's first-ever DOT and ECE 22.06 certified fully integrated motorcycle helmets. 

BEYOND GT

The BEYOND line of helmets "deliver the convergence of two decades of innovation in rider connectivity and four years of R&D, focused on creating the most advanced integrated helmet on the market. More than just a helmet, Cardo BEYOND delivers a new generation riding companion engineered to protect, connect and elevate every ride."

Cardo claims that the BEYOND helmets debuts the world's first 53 mm helmet speakers, "precision tuned by Cardo Sound Labs for unmatched clarity and power".

BEYOND GTS features a lightweight carbon fibre shell paired with a multi-density EPS liner, extensive wind-tunnel-tested aerodynamics and a precision ventilation system that reduces fatigue and keeps visibility clear in any weather.

The big news though is the "powerful communications suite" built into the helmet, with "Cardo's Dynamic Mesh Communication (DMC) technology, 2 km intercom range, Bluetooth integration, and hands-free voice control and integrated Crash Detection alert function.

BEYOND GTS

Additional rider-centric enhancements include retractable sun visor, Auto On/Off functionality, replaceable battery and serviceable components, upgradeable tech package, moisture-wicking premium fabrics, motorcycle specific Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology, a 1000mA battery and Pinlock 120XLT anti-fog lens.

The BEYOND GT maintains most of the same or similar features and tech but in a lightweight fibreglass shell equipped with a rear reflector for enhanced visibility. BEYOND GT retains compatibility with comfort padding for long-lasting rideability. It's a "smart choice for riders who want the full experience of integrated safety and communication without compromise".

The BEYOND GTS and GT are slated to be available in summer 2026.

CARDO SYSTEMS

www.cardosystems.com

Dold Industries

Ventura Luggage System

Manufactured in New Zealand by Dold Industries, Ventura luggage is a versatile, inventory-friendly, system-based range of model-specific and universal mount luggage options.

The range includes hard top boxes and soft top luggage packs, panniers/side bags, tank bags and more - available for a huge range of makes and models.

With roots going back to the mid-1970s, the company now makes systems for over 2,500 models. The range is an ergonomic, modular and robust, easy-mount system that is secure and safe, versatile and durable.

The system features a rack, packs and model-specific bracket designs - it really is that simple, and it really is that good. Ventura packs are made with Kodra fabric, a heavy-duty ballistic nylon material, and lined with a laminated, waterproof PVC backed material.

They are available as single components or model specific bundled kits. Simple, robust, versatile and durable are the keywords here. The central mounting component is the company's L-bracket, and, as with all the racks, they are made in mild steel tube and satin black powder-coat finished.

In addition to the applications for the 2024 and up Kawasaki Eliminator 500 & 500 SE seen in IDN recently, the system is available for a wide range of established best sellers and late-model Kawasakis, including the Ninja ZX-4R/R, and Ninja 500 and the Z500. Other fitments added to the range recently include the BMW S1000 RR (2023 and up) and Honda GB 750 XP (2025 and up), and as seen here, the 2025 Triumph Tiger Sport 800.

Recent additions to the range of Ventura Bike-Pack systems include the EVO-25 Dry Pack and an upgraded EVO-22 Jet-Stream III pack.

DOLD INDUSTRIES

www.ventura-bike.com

Galfer

Galfer – Floatech brake discs with 'Kashima Coat'

Spanish high-performance braking system component manufacturer Galfer has added a new finish to its patented Floatech Racing system brake discs - introducing the exclusive Kashima finish, "Japan's premium-grade anodising", now applied to the hubs of its Floatech Racing range.

Described as a technical breakthrough, this is thought to be the first time the wear resistant, friction reducing coating has been used on a motorcycle brake disc.

First seen in MTB applications in the early 1980s, 'Kashima Coat' was a joint development by the Miyaki Corporation and Fujikura Electric Wire in Japan.  A lubricated anodising process, it provides a gold-coloured coating for metal surfaces that historically was initially and primarily used on bicycle suspension forks and shocks (especially by FOX) to reduce friction, increase wear resistance, and improve durability. 

The process involves embedding molybdenum disulfide, a solid lubricant, into the porous hard anodized surface and Galfer has now succeeded in applying it to the Floatech system, in which the brake track and hub operate under extreme temperature and stress conditions.

Galter validated the performance of its new 'Kashima' coated Floatech brake discs with leading teams, included the MT Helmets - MSI team - the Moto2 (MotoGP) 2024 World Champions with Ai Ogura, who use Galfer components in its racing prototypes. "Track and in-house dynamometer testing confirm the material strength, thermal efficiency, and mechanical precision of the Floatech system, ensuring consistent performance even after prolonged braking cycles and high temperatures".

Galfer launched its first Floatech brake discs in 2021. "These new Floatech Racing Kashima discs retain all the advantages of the original system while enhancing them with this pioneering finish. The improved thermal behaviour that is achieved by the coating above 200°C moderates brake track expansion, preventing locking or deformation.

"The lightweight structure of the hub design has been optimized through FEM (Finite Element Method) simulations to achieve an exceptional stiffness-to-weight ratio. A system of washers and preloaded springs results in perfect disc/pad alignment - the disc maintains its ideal position, preventing the pad knock-back that typical of other systems that allow free-play and generate noise.

Patented worldwide (EP4075008B1), the technology used in the Floatech system "is born directly from the racetrack, where every detail is developed and tested under extreme conditions to guarantee maximum efficiency, stability, and control. Track and in-house dynamometer testing have confirmed the material strength, thermal efficiency, and mechanical precision of the Floatech system, ensuring consistent performance - even after prolonged braking cycles and high temperatures."

The new Galfer Floatech Racing Kashima discs will initially be available in 310, 320 and 330 mm diameter and 5.5 to 6.3 mm thicknesses for sportbike model applications such as Honda CBR 600–1000 RR, Kawasaki ZX-10R, Yamaha R1–R6–R9, Ducati Panigale and Streetfighter, Triumph Daytona 675, and BMW S-M 1000 RR.

www.galfermoto.com