INTERMOT

INTERMOT to be annual in February from 2027

The IVM (the German motorcycle industry) and Koelmesse (The Cologne Exhibition Centre) have announced another change in timing for INTERMOT.

Having decided three years ago to move it to early December and (finally) accept that it needs to be an annual expo, they have now announced that it will remain annual, but now move to February each year - 19-21 February, 2027.

Koelnmesse say that it and the IVM are now to "position INTERMOT as the central, leading trade fair of the motorcycle industry in Germany". The change comes in the context of the pre-Christmas December timing simply not working, and subtle changes to the event calendar in Germany having altered the 'centre of gravity' of the events cycle in Germany.

Those changes include a rejuvenated MOTORRÄDER Dortmund now being staged slightly earlier (March 5-8, 2026) each year and IMOT (Munich, February 20-22, 2026) having moved to occupy two halls at Messe Munich (The Munich Exhibition Centre) where INTERMOT made its debut in 1998.

The date chosen for INTERMOT likely places it one week before IMOT - both IMOT and MOTORRÄDER Dortmund have started to gain increased traction in recent years, as INTERMOT has declined; in in both exhibitor and visitor number terms.

"More than an event for the motorcycle world", the organisers state that INTERMOT "is the leading national platform for the German and international industry to present its full assortment. 

"For precisely this reason, the trade fair is now being scheduled significantly earlier in the year in keeping with the decision of the extraordinary general assembly of the IVM of 10 February 2026. With the new dates from 19 to 21 February 2027, IVM and Koelnmesse are positioning the INTERMOT as the leading industry platform in Germany and are cooperating to advance further the strategic development that was begun in 2024." 

Mike Sommer, head of BMW Motorrad Germany and IVM President, emphasises the joint decision of the association and the industry. "Germany needs a strong, national motorcycle trade fair. Visitors ideally want to see, feel and smell all motorcycle and scooter brands as well as clothing, accessories, travel and experiences live at one event. 

"And, of course, have fun, take test rides and 'talk gas'. I am convinced that the INTERMOT can once again become the leading trade fair for the entire industry with the shift of the dates to the start of the season and the expansion from two to four halls." 

"BMW Motorrad will of course be there!" - which is an interesting remark because BMW Motorrad's 2020/2021 announcement that it would no longer directly support INTERMOT (in fact no longer directly support any shows) widened and accelerated the loss of confidence in INTERMOT that had started following the 2018 show. 

Both IVM and Koelnmesse must additionally have been watching the growing success of Le Salon du 2 Roues de Lyon at Eurexpo, Lyon (26 February to March 01, 2026, annual).

Former Motorrad Magazine Editor-in-Chief Uwe Seitz, who was unanimously chosen to replace Reiner Brendicke as the new Chief Executive Officer of the IVM in September 2025 (two months before INTERMOT in December 2025) is quoted as stating that this was a "strong vote for a major, central motorcycle fair for all those who share a passion for motorised two-wheelers - that was the shared wish of the steering committee and myself after I assumed office as Chief Executive Officer of the Industrie-Verband Motorrad. 

"We were successful in this. Now everyone can look forward to seeing everything revolving around motorcycling in one place in Cologne, right on time for the start of the 2027 season. This had not existed in this form in Germany in past years, and the great response of manufacturers, motorcycle producers and accessory providers shows me that the industry has understood how important this is for the economically important German motorcycle market. 

"The IVM has already begun creating a two-wheeler experience of a very special kind from this clear acknowledgment in February 2027."

News Briefs

British MX wheels specialist Talon Engineering has gone out of business. Based in Yoevil in England's rural southwest, Talon was founded in 1972 by George Sartin, an aircraft industry engineer. It quickly became established as a leading European MX wheels specialist with a global reputation for manufacturing, materials and quality excellence. In 2021 Talon was acquired by Sprit Motorcycles, a British GP2 championship-winning team headed up by Rod McDonagh. Investment, expansion and diversification followed, but so did financial issues. Ultimately, a perfect storm of ambition crashing into the economic realities of the current motorcycle industry appears to have been too much for the wheel maker.

The biennial World Ducati Week will be staged again this year, from July 3-5, at the Misano World Circuit and the Adriatic Riviera (the resorts on Italy's east coast); www.ducati.com

Established in 1980, German motorcycle P&A/G&A retailer Polo Motorrad und Sportswear GmbH (better known simply as POLO Motorrad) filed for self-administration proceedings November 18, 2025. 

BAJAJ Mobility AG (formerly PIERER Mobility AG) has announced estimated revenue and sales figures for 2025 that put revenue at over € 1bn (-46%), with motorcycle sales of 209,704 units (-28%), which Bajaj suggests represents a "positive trend". Inventory has been reduced by more than 100,000 units; at 64,110 sales of e-bicycles and bicycles were -40% and approximately 500 jobs have been eliminated in the Group. The Group sold 80,464 motorcycles in the second half of 2025, representing a 60% increase on the first half of the year (H1: 50,334 units). In addition, 43,956 motorcycles (H1: 34,950 units) were sold in H2 via strategic partner Bajaj Auto. 

 In the United States the Congressional Budget Office recently projected that the U.S. government will spend $1tn on interest payments for its debt in 2026. It also projected that the U.S. government will spend $1.853tn more than it brings in through revenue this year (the budget deficit) and have an even wider gap in 2027. U.S. government debt has increased from $13.7tn in 2010 to more than $38.tn as of February 2026.

Touratech has announced 5-7 June for its 2026 Touratech Travel Event at festival grounds surrounding the Touratech headquarters in Niedereschach, southern Germany.

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. announced consolidated business results for the full 2025 fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 with revenues in its Land Mobility Business (which includes motorcycles & PTWs) of 1,615.1bn yen (+ 5.6bn yen/0.3% compared with the previous year) and operating income was 108.7bn yen (+ 4.7bn yen/4.6%). In its motorcycle business in developed markets, unit sales increased in Japan, but declined slightly overall due to lower demand in Europe and the U.S. In emerging markets, unit sales decreased in Vietnam, where production and shipments were temporarily halted, but rose in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. As a result, total unit sales and revenue were on par with the previous fiscal year. Operating income fell overall due to higher procurement costs, increases to R&D spending, labour costs, and other SG&A expenses, the tariffs enacted by the U.S. and other developments.

After a successful launch in North America, Veemo is now expanding to Europe through a partnership with GEOBIKE in Poland. Assembled locally within the EU, Veemo is a semi-enclosed, three-wheeled electric vehicle.

FEMA says that "technical inspections for motorcycles are a solution looking for a problem", claiming that the EU's effort to expand mandatory Periodical Technical Inspections (PTI) to all motorcycles is not backed up by the claim that 'testing improves safety'. FEMA's Wim Taal says that "the evidence does not support that claim".

British crash protection specialist R&G has returned as an Official Sponsor to the new-look ZYN British Superbike Championship, marking the brand's 12th consecutive season supporting the highly competitive series.

ACEM

ACEM - 2025 registrations -12.9%

According to 2025 annual registrations data release by ACEM (the Brussels based international motorcycle industry trade association for Europe) new motorcycle registrations in five of the largest European markets (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK) reached 1,002,848 units during 2025. 

This represents a decline of -12.9 % compared to the same period in 2024 (1,150,852 units). 

Motorcycle registration volumes increased in Spain (242,580 units, +8,3 % year-on-year) while in other markets, results were negative with Italy -6.0% (331,634 units); France -16.4% (179,225 units); UK -19.3% (89,645 units) while Germany was massively down, losing a third of its market compared to 2024, at -35.7% (159,764 units).

Moped registrations reached a total volume of 142,060 units in the six European moped markets monitored by ACEM (i.e. Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain). This registration volume represents a reduction of -20.7 % in comparison to last year at the same period in 2024 (179,231units). 

Commenting on these registration figures, Antonio Perlot, ACEM Secretary General, said that "the 2025 figures confirm the anticipated market correction following the Euro 5+ transition, with motorcycle registrations returning to just over one million units. 

"While this represents a -12.9% decline compared to the exceptional performance of 2024, which was significantly driven by stock registrations ahead of the new emissions standard, it is important to view these results in a longer-term perspective. 

"Compared to the pre-pandemic period, motorcycle registrations remain robust, going up by +14.7% in the five years since the pre-Covid 2019 levels, demonstrating that the growth in consumer interest for powered two-wheelers has been consistent, including a continued shift from mopeds to motorcycles.

"Despite the challenging economic backdrop in Europe, the L-category continues to show resilience, remaining an attractive option for both mobility and leisure. As we look to 2026, we will need to wait for the first half of the year to better assess how the market evolves."

www.acem.eu

Learn - Ride - Enjoy - Repeat 

ACEM used EICMA to mark the closing of its 'Learn - Ride - Enjoy - Repeat' programme.

A European campaign run by ACEM and the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme), it was aimed at encouraging both novice and experienced riders to pursue high-quality, voluntary motorcycle training.

Launched in April 2025, the campaign engaged 44 organisations across 23 countries, reaching thousands of riders through digital outreach, media engagement, and partnerships. 

A central achievement of the initiative was the launch of the Instructor Guidelines for Voluntary Motorcycle Training, developed in collaboration with European Motorcycle Training Quality Label certified schools and leading academic institutions. 

Grounded in scientific accident analysis, the guidelines address the most common accident scenarios for powered two-wheelers and aim to raise the standard of post-license training across Europe. 

Galfer

Galfer makes 2026 AMA Supercross debut at Anaheim

Galfer made its debut in the prestigious 2026 AMA Supercross Championship, marking a first outing for the brand during the Anaheim 1 season-opening race held on at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California in January.

For this event, riders of the Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing Team took to the track on the Desmo450 MX equipped with Galfer Shark brake discs, both front and rear - "key components chosen by the team for their exceptional performance and reliability under the extreme conditions that are typical of Supercross."

Galfer's race pedigree means it is bringing a strong technical legacy to the premier American Supercross championship, with its braking technology already having been previously adopted and proven by several competitive Supercross teams and motorcycles. 

"In the United States, Galfer components have been part of high-level racing programs, such as the Rockstar Husqvarna Factory Racing team in 2022, which fielded top riders like Malcolm Stewart and Dean Wilson. Galfer components have also been proven by prominent AMA Championship riders such as Jason Anderson, 450SX Champion in 2018, and Ken Roczen, known for numerous wins and podiums in the premier class."

This direct experience with American tracks and riders has strengthened Galfer's technical expertise under the extreme conditions typical of U.S. Supercross and "represents an important precedent for Ducati's choice to rely on Galfer for its debut in the 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship. By entering such a demanding competitive environment, Galfer confirms its ability to provide elite braking solutions for the most prestigious events in motorcycle racing."

The debut of the Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing Team, supported by Galfer, at Anaheim immediately showcased the effectiveness of the Shark discs: Dylan Ferrandis finished ninth in the Main Event, demonstrating consistent pace and competitiveness on a challenging track, while Justin Barcia, despite a strong qualifying pace, was forced to retire following a crash in the early stages.

"The on-track performance is the result of the advanced features of Galfer Shark brake discs, chosen by the team to ensure greater braking power and modulation, high thermal stability, up to 30% reduction in operating temperatures, longer pad life, and a lightweight yet durable design - perfect for the extreme demands of Supercross."

www.galfermoto.com

GPR Tech

GPR Tech Titanium top case

For four years now, GPR (Milan, Italy) has been diversifying the exhaust programmes it has been known for since 1968.

Since 2022, the still family owned and operated company has additionally been active in the accessories market, principally with high-end luggage solutions for the ADV segment.

At EICMA in November 2025, brothers Mauro and Luigi Orlandi unveiled the latest additions to their well-received range of titanium top cases for scooters with a 35 litre capacity option that is already on the market for models such as the Honda SH 350 and new Sym ADX 300 and ADX TG 400.

The entire body of the top case and the side handles are made of titanium to maximise weight savings, and the model specific support plate is available in either satin stainless steel or titanium - and are available with a soft backrest included in the price.

The titanium top case is a GPR Tech exclusive, which also offers aluminum options and additional capacities for the same models.

GPR ITALIA S.R.L

www.gprtechparts.com

Gravity Sports

O'Neal 'Challenger'

European O'Neal importer and distributor Gravity Sports says the new O'Neal 'Challenger' dual shell ABS full-face with double EPS for increased safety and optimised fit features multiple air vents for optimal ventilation and cooling.

Additional features include Microlock closure, removable, sweat absorbing and washable padded comfort liner, Bluetooth ready with internal speaker cavities and rubber hoop at the back of the helmet (Bluetooth unit not included). It is Pinlock ready with clear visor plus secondary integrated sun visor and meets new ECE 22.06 test standards.

O’NEAL EUROPE

www.oneal-b2b.com

Supersprox

Supersprox, Dakar and the River Danube

The 2026 Dakar rally closed with Luciano Benevides KTM, taking victory by the smallest of margins, from Ricky Brabec Honda. Racing is tough, no matter how small the margin, there can only be the one winner. 

Those margins don't only live with riders and their teams. They affect sponsors too, especially the technical sponsors - they share the win or lose mentality.

Race preparation for Dakar in 2015

The Dakar Rally may have changed in recent years, but it remains one of the world's top challenges. Between 13-15 days of racing and navigation, with marathon stages, where the riders are not able to be assisted by the teams. 

Covering about 5,000 km (3,000 miles) of racing stages and, after 49 hours of full speed racing, in January 2026, the first and second position riders were separated by only 2 seconds. Dakar is THE test for the riders and the machines who enter and Supersprox has supported the top teams every year since their first Dakar experience in 1986. 

Was a successful undertaking for them? Judge for yourself. During that time, Supersprox hybrid sprockets were fitted on the winning bikes no less than 21 times. In a highly competitive sector, characterised by claim and counter claim [like most motorcycle industry segments] that is HUGE.

KTM and Supersprox have a total of 21 Dakar Rally victories from 2001 to this year. Starting in 2004, with Nani Roma, Supersprox has been on KTM, Honda, GasGas, Husqvarna, Yamaha, Hero and probably 95% of all privateer bikes at Dakar.

Dakar 2019

When it invented the Hybrid (dual material) sprocket in 1998, Supersprox subsequently spent several years refining and perfecting the concept, trying to work out the correct way to combine the two materials in production processes that guaranteed reliability and durability.

In early 2004, Supersprox CEO (DJ Maughfling) visited KTM to show the first 'ready to race' Supersprox-stealth sprockets. DJ says: "KTM production staff were cautious about the idea at first. They simply had not seen anything like that before. They told me that they wanted to make at least six months of tests on the concept before committing themselves. I left them 10-15 samples and thought nothing more about it. 

Cyril Despres, five-time Dakar winner with Supersprox

"You need to remember that KTM was much smaller back then and they had only started to have Dakar success quite recently at that stage - in 2001 when Fabrizio Meoni won the event. What happened was that when the KTM race team mechanics saw the sprocket they immediately thought it was a great idea. They decided to fit it on Nani Roma's 2004 Dakar bike and go race with it. 

"The result was almost a disaster for the team, with several of the sample sprockets breaking. I remember driving back to KTM after the race to collect the remaining sprockets in my car. I was so disappointed with the first result that I threw the sprockets into the River Danube before driving from Austria back into Germany.

Luciano Benevedes, 2026 Dakar winner

"We could have given up at that moment, and the hybrid sprocket would never have existed. I don't like to lose and being told that the product was not good enough, was a real motivation for me to prove that we were good enough. Being the underdog is sometimes an advantage and a big motivation. 

"The team must have thought that the concept had something going for it, because over the next 20 years, we have been providing them with race parts and using the results to improve the sprockets that we sell to our distributors and dealers. Their customers really are buying a genuine factory race sprocket. A lot of brands make that claim but with Supersprox' Stealth sprockets it literally is true."

Every common product that we take for granted has an origin story. Supersprox Stealth sprockets are no exception, and their existence is closely connected to KTM, Dakar, Rally and extreme races. The Supersprox motto is "Extend your journey". It is not only a catchy phrase. In the case of Supersprox Stealth, it is engineered into the product DNA. "It is the Stealth's raison d'etre," says DJ.

Dakar - 2004 - 2026 Winning With Supersprox 

2004: Nani Roma (ESP) - KTM Fitted with Supersprox

2005: Cyril Despres (FRA) - KTM Fitted with Supersprox

2006: Marc Coma (ESP) - KTM Fitted with Supersprox

2007: Cyril Despres (FRA) - KTM Fitted with Supersprox

2008: Cancelled

2009: Marc Coma (ESP) - KTM Fitted with Supersprox

2010: Cyril Despres (FRA) - KTM Fitted with Supersprox

2011: Marc Coma (ESP) - KTM Fitted with Supersprox

2012: Cyril Despres (FRA) - KTM Fitted with Supersprox

2013: Cyril Despres (FRA) - KTM Fitted with Supersprox

2014: Marc Coma (ESP) - KTM Fitted with Supersprox

2015: Marc Coma (ESP) - KTM Fitted with Supersprox

2016: Toby Price (AUS) - KTM Fitted with Supersprox

2017: Sam Sunderland (GBR) - KTM Fitted with Supersprox

2018: Matthias Walkner (AUT) - KTM Fitted with Supersprox

2019: Toby Price (AUS) - KTM Fitted with Supersprox

2020: Ricky Brabec (USA) - Honda Fitted with Supersprox

2021: Kevin Benavides (ARG) - Honda Fitted with Supersprox

2022: Sam Sunderland (GBR) - Gas Gas Fitted with Supersprox

2023: Kevin Benavides (ARG) - KTM Fitted with Supersprox

2024: Ricky Brabec (USA) - Honda

2025: Daniel Sanders (AUS) - KTM Fitted with Supersprox

2026: Luciano Benevides (ARG) - KTM Fitted with Supersprox