ACEM

2026 H1 'Big Five' market registrations +16.8% with Germany +27.6%

The latest data released by ACEM (the Brussels based International Motorcycle Industry Trade Association) show new motorcycle registrations in the 'Big Five' of Europe's largest markets reaching 636,490 units during the first six months of 2026. 

This represents an increase of approximately +16.8% compared to 2025 (545,127 units) as statistical reporting continues to unwind from the Q4 2024 statistical distortions of the Euro 5+ pre-registration impacts.

Motorcycle registration volumes increased in Germany (114,849 units, +27.6% year-on-year), in Spain (141,101 units, +23.6%), UK (54,962 units, +15.8%), in Italy (220,776 units, +13.2%) and France (104,802 units, +6.4%).

During this same period, moped registrations reached a total volume of 72,076 units in the six European moped markets monitored by ACEM. This registration volume represents an increase of +4.7% in comparison to last year (68,814 units). Mopeds volumes increased in Italy (7,819 units, +18.2%), in Germany (8,658 units, +9.3%), in Spain (6,274, 9.1%), in Belgium (14,475 units, +8.8%) and France (22,365 units +3.5%) but decreased in The Netherlands (12,485 units, -5.4%).

The data was released at the end of July 2026, and, commenting on the current situation of the sector, Antonio Perlot, ACEM Secretary General, said that "the first half of 2026 demonstrates sustained momentum in the European motorcycle market as we move through the peak riding season. 

"Registrations across our five largest markets reached 636,490 units, up +16.8% year-on-year, with consistent growth across the monitored markets. The announced recovery for the moped segment seems to be confirmed with an increase in registrations of +4.7% at the end of the first semester, reflecting increasing demand across the L-category in its different segments.

"Looking at long-term trends, what stands out is that motorcycle registrations are now +27% ahead of pre-pandemic levels in 2019. This is not simply a recovery, but evidence of sustained expansion in consumer demand for powered two-wheelers. The L-category has consistently demonstrated its relevance as both a practical transport solution and a leisure choice for European consumers.

"We must now see how the trend holds through the second half of the year before drawing conclusions about sustained market momentum."

News Briefs

Austria - BAJAJ Mobility (KTM) subsidiary WP Suspension has been hooked by the drug of brand extension with its first major product diversification - into the brake components segment. Primarily for Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) integration, the new line is ambitious - starting with pads, hydraulic hoses and callipers straight away. All products are being made in-house at WP in Austria. Initially for lower displacement lightweights, the target appears to be the niche that Brembo is trying to carve out for its ByBre brand. The first application is a 740 g WP FCR4 radial 4-piston caliper for this year's KTM 390 Duke; www.wp-suspension.com

Barcelona, Spain based electric motorcycle manufacturer Stark Future has now passed three years since its first customer revenue and has marked its strongest financial milestone yet with Q1 2026 revenue growth of 212% year-on-year, equivalent to 3.12x growth, while delivering its first EBITDA-profitable period and outperforming its own internal budget. Anton Wass, Founder and CEO of Stark Future, said "the results show that Stark's growth is not being led by unsustainable losses, but by real market demand, strong product momentum, and increasingly disciplined execution.

Honda has opened a new motorcycle production factory in Turkey. The new facility (at Aliaga, Izmir) is operated by Honda Türkiye A.S and is Honda's 38th factory worldwide and has an initial annual production capacity set at 100,000 units, with the opportunity to expand to up to 200,000. Production started in April 2026. Turkey has become one of Honda's key growth markets. In 2025 Honda took the number one position in the market for the 11th consecutive year.

Aimed at Flat Track racing, Picasso Engineering (Switzerland) is introducing the new OMT450C. "This is not just a race bike, but a continuous development platform implementing the proprietary DAST (Dynamic Adaptive Stiffness Technology) system for the first time in Flat Track: a modular carbon fibre frame designed to actively adjust structural rigidity and adapt to track grip conditions. Powered by a proven Honda CRF450RX engine, the bike is currently competing at the highest level in the 2026 FIM Flat Track World Championship, with American star Sammy Halbert.

Switzerland - The Geneva based International Motorcycle Manufacturers' Association (IMMA) has appointed Katalin Dobranszky-Bartus as its new Secretary General. A Brussels based Hungarian and Belgian citizen, Ms. Dobranszky-Bartus "brings a wealth of expertise in international transport policy and regulatory affairs." And has frequently engaged with United Nations transport entities. Having held different positions in the banking and financial sector, her multidisciplinary background includes training in law, risk management, and investment analysis, she studied for a PhD in Sustainable Finance, having studied in Budapest, Maastricht, and Cambridge. Her appointment marks a return to full-scale operations for IMMA nearly two years after the tragic passing of former Secretary General Edwin Bastiaensen. www.immamotorcycles.org

Germany - Daniel Schnell has assumed the position of Managing Director of Suzuki Deutschland GmbH, succeeding Kazuyuki Yamashita, who will be joining Suzuki GB PLC, Suzuki's British subsidiary. Schnell is the first German Managing Director in the company's 50-year history.

The Honda WN7 Electric Motorcycle and UNI-ONE Mobility Robot won 'Red Dot: Best of the Best' Awards in Red Dot Award 2026: Product Design, with the WN7 also winning a God Award at the 2026 iF Design Awards.

UK new motorcycle registrations

UK - new motorcycle registrations +16.12% January to July

The latest motorcycle industry trade association data from the MCIA in the UK reflects the improved statistical picture seen elsewhere in Europe as the data laps the late 2024 and early 2025 Euro 5/Euro 5+ 'pre reg' anomaly - though as mentioned elsewhere, some caution in evaluating current data is still advised.

Motorcycle registrations for the first seven months of 2026 were +16.12% (64,760 units) with January +17.53% (4,625), February +16.86% (3,757 units), March +15.39% (14,572 units), April +18.70% (9,597 units), May + 15.72% (10,880 units), June +12.48% (11,200 units) and July 2026 +18.51% (10,129 units). For the first time in some years, this paints a picture of a stable, growing market for dealers in the UK.

Total new PTW registrations YTD in the UK were +15.57% (67,183 units) reflecting the weakness of the UK as a small market for 'Mopeds'.

Total Scooter registrations YTD were +15.4% at 14,530 new units registered in the year to July. The market wide trend towards lower displacements continues in the UK, with 51-125 cc, 126-500 cc and 501-750 cc units +26.7%, +24.5% and +18.0% respectively. 

In motorcycle terms the ADV sector is the UK market's largest segment now, worth 15,589 units YTD and up by 26.2% over the year ago; the Naked bike and Modern Classic segments are next with 13,597 and 7,877 units sold YTD respectively.

There were 1,695 new electric PTWs registered in the UK in the year to July, down by -12.7% compared to last year.

For the record: Total new motorcycle registrations in the UK in 2025 were recorded as 89,160 units (-19.42%). As elsewhere though, this excludes the several thousand data distorting Euro 5 models that were pre-registered in late 2024 before the Euro 5+ regulation update became effective at the start of 2026. These models were nonetheless nearly all sold through dealerships in 2025, mostly in H1.

Oxford Products

Oxford Products - Men's and Women's anatomically correct RP-5 3.0 leather sports gloves  

Oxford's anatomically correct and ergonomic RP-5 3.0 sports riding gloves for men and women "bridge high-spec sports performance with everyday comfort, making it a perfect choice for sport riders who demand both protection and wearability."

Constructed from full-grain goatskin leather, the glove features Amara reinforcement overlays in high-impact areas - including the palm, outer seam, and forefinger/thumb - enhancing durability and adding extra protection where it's needed most.

A matt-finish carbon fibre knuckle protector sits atop a floating knuckle design, offering superior impact resistance while maintaining impressive flexibility. Combined with accordion stretch panels at the thumb and fingers, plus pre-curved finger construction, "the RP-5 3.0 delivers outstanding dexterity."

Additional padding on the rear of the fingers and a TPR cuff insert at the outer wrist further enhance overall protection without compromising comfort or fit.

Protection is Level 1 KP Certified (EN13594:2015), with carbon fibre knuckle protector, full aniline leather palm, backhand and finger reinforcements. The Amara suede overlays at the palm and outside seam increase seam strength, abrasion reinforcement and extend the design durability, PU finger sliders and reflective finger details.

Additional features include perforated fourchettes for ventilation, sweat wicking comfort lining, floating knuckle for maximum flexibility, hook and loop cuff adjuster, touchscreen compatible index finger and thumb and ergonomic pre-curved finger construction.

OXFORD PRODUCTS

www.oxfordproducts.com

Füsport

Füsport - XR1 GP race boot

Australian motorcycle footwear brand Füsport has released the XR1 GP, its flagship CE-approved race boot developed and proven alongside riders competing in Moto3, Moto2 and WorldSBK.

"Founded in Australia more than 25 years ago, Füsport has earned a reputation for developing high-performance motorcycle boots that combine race-proven innovation with exceptional protection, comfort and value," says brand owner Bruce Collins.

"The XR1 GP represents the brand's most advanced race boot to date, refined through years of testing alongside international race athletes."

Built on the same GP-spec platform raced by Füsport's Moto3 and Moto2 riders, the XR1 GP has been engineered to deliver "uncompromising protection, ventilation and precision fit for everyone from track day riders to world championship competitors."

Designed in Australia and refined through extensive on-track testing, the XR1 GP features full-coverage perforation for maximum airflow, while the Füsport Lacing System and GP-spec Tri-Ratchet Closure System deliver a secure, personalised fit with precise micro-adjustability. The refined F.I.A.S. (Füsport Internal Articulation System) improves ankle stability, enhances bike feel and delivers superior energy absorption without compromising movement or rider feedback.

Meeting FIM abrasion standards, the XR1 GP's outer shell is engineered for the demands of modern racing, while the Tri-Compound sole maximises grip, durability and feel. Every key wear component, including sliders, buckles and TPU protectors, is fully replaceable, extending the boot's service life season after season.

Offered in Triple White and Stealth Black, the XR1 GP combines "uncompromising race performance with contemporary styling. The distinctive Triple White colourway has already gained strong interest among riders seeking a premium race boot that is just as at home on the road as it is on the track."

The XR1 GP is a CE-approved professional race boot with advanced features including full-coverage perforation for maximum airflow; Füsport Lacing System with GP-spec Tri-Ratchet Closure System; F.I.A.S. (Füsport Internal Articulation System) for enhanced ankle stability, bike feel and impact protection; outer shell meeting FIM abrasion standards; Tri-Compound sole and fully replaceable wear components for extended service life.

www.fusportboots.com

Athena

GET - SX1 Pro relaunch for new gen KTM Group models

With an updated ECU, Athena's Alonte (VI), Italy based GET division has updated its popular SX1 PRO range, releasing the ECU with a specific map for the 2026 and 2027 versions of all 4-stroke motocross models and 300 cc 2-stroke models from the KTM Group.

Designed to improve performance while maintaining compliance with current noise standards, the engine management and data acquisition systems specialist has developed mapping that has been specifically calibrated to optimise power delivery, rideability and performance while complying with current FIM/AMA noise standards - therefore remaining below the maximum limit of 109 dB.

GET Brand Manager Emanuel Gobi told IDN that "designed to deliver top-level performance, the SX1 PRO line has been developed to optimise electronically fuel-injected 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines, ensuring optimal power and control on any terrain while improving power delivery and distribution across all RPM ranges.

"The ECU is 'Plug and Play' and can be installed quickly and easily, directly on the bike's main wiring harness, without any modification to the electrical system - making it a fully reversible install. It is supplied with two Racing maps, developed and released after extensive dyno testing and in collaboration with leading Off-Road teams."

In addition to the ECU, the kit includes the innovative SX1 Controller multifunction handlebar switch, which brings together all the features needed to manage every aspect of riding in an intuitive and immediate way - Traction Control, Launch Control, Quick Shifter and engine overheating indicator - as well as SX1 Connect, the Wi-Fi module that connects the ECU to a smartphone/tablet, allowing users to customise the key mapping parameters via the WiGET App.

www.athena.eu

RK Chain

Stark chooses RK 520MXU chain

Premium electric motorcycle manufacturer Stark Future has unveiled its new electric supermoto model, the Stark VARG SM, now available in multiple international markets. Following the motocross-focused VARG MX and the street-legal enduro-spec VARG EX, the VARG SM becomes the company's second homologated street-legal model.

Like the VARG EX, the new VARG SM is powered by an electric motor producing up to 80 hp and 914 Nm of rear-wheel torque, paired with a 7.2 kWh honeycomb magnesium battery pack. The motorcycle weighs 124.5 kg and offers an estimated riding range of approximately 120 km (74.6 miles) in urban use, 79 km (49 miles) on highways, and 81 km (50.3 miles) in mixed riding conditions.

Charging is handled via Stark Future's new 3.3 kW portable charger, enabling full recharge in around two hours using a 240V power supply or approximately 3.5 hours with a 120V outlet.

As with the MX and EX models, the battery serves as a structural component of the chassis, contributing to both increased rigidity and reduced overall weight.

Since its founding, Stark Future has equipped its electric bikes with chains from RK Chain as original equipment. The VARG SM is fitted with the lightweight sealed RK 520MXU chain, designed to provide a lighter and more responsive riding feel compared with standard O-ring chains.

The RK 520MXU utilises RK Chain's proprietary "UW-Seal" (Ultra-Thin Seal) technology, developed for selected narrow-profile chain models.

According to RK Chain, the UW-Seal technology offers several advantages:

• Narrower overall width compared with standard sealed chains

• Reduced friction due to smoother seal movement

• Improved acceleration response and extended wear life compared with non-sealed chains

The VARG SM is positioned as a high-performance electric supermoto that combines urban practicality with aggressive riding capability. Target customers include commuters, canyon and track riders, stunt enthusiasts, and performance-focused riders seeking exceptional power-to-weight performance.

With its instant electric torque delivery, lightweight chassis, and agile handling characteristics, the VARG SM is designed for both everyday urban riding and more technical applications such as stunt riding and track sessions. The model represents Stark Future's latest step in bringing electric performance bikes into the mainstream supermoto segment.

www.rk-europe.com