Motocross of Nations

Motocross of Nations, Latvia, September 27-28

 

The 68th FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocylisme) Motorcross of Nations is being held at Kegums, Latvia on September 27th and 28th.

2013 saw Belgium take the crown at Teutschenthal, Germany, where a huge home crowd had hoped to see the reigning champions retain the trophy.

However, it was not to be, and team Belgium repeated their Lierop, Netherlands triumph of 2004 - when Stephan Everts was among the Belgian team.

The United States was second last year, with Italy third, Australia fourth and France fifth, ahead of Great Britain, Germany, Russia, Switzerland with Estonia tenth.

The event is being organised by the Latvian Motorcyclist's Federation, which was founded in 1924.

The 1,540 metre circuit is some 60km from Riga (the Latvian capital) and the event surrounding the races opens at 2pm on Thursday September 25th.

First staged in 1947, teams compete for the Chamberlain Trophy, and the modern format (established in 1985) is actually an amalgamation of three separate events - the original Motocross des Nations, raced with 500cc motorcycles, the Trophée des Nations, raced with 250cc motorcycles, and the Coupe des Nations, for 125cc motorcycles.

The first Motorcross of Nations was held in 1947 in The Netherlands - when Bill Nicholson on a BSA took the British team to the first win

Prior to 1984, the three events were held in three different locations on different weekends, but the revised format, which is now in its 31st year, sees each rider in the three man National teams competing one in each class.

The advance betting has the US team installed as hot favourites including, as it does, Ryan Dungey who was a member of USA in each of the last three times the Americans won the event from 2009 to 2011 - indeed the United States posted seven consecutive wins from 2005 before Germany took its first ever win in 2012; last year's Belgian triumph was their 15th in the 67 year history of the event. This puts Belgium level with Great Britain, also with15 wins, with only the United States having won more often (22 times).

This year's FIM SuperMoto of Nations will be held on 12th October at Cremona, Italy.

For further information visit www.fim-live.com and www.lamsf.lv

Triumph Motorcycles

Special edition Bonneville launched

TRIUMPH has launched a one-off run of 50 special edition Bonneville T100s. The bespoke machines mark the 50th anniversary of the 1964 International Six Day Trials (ISDT), which saw the Triumph Factory Team compete and ride to gold medal victory.

The commemorative motorbikes have been developed to incorporate a number of features and styles to replicate the original 1964 T100s. Alongside customised bodywork depicting an image of the ISDT gold medal, the motorcycles feature an original image of the ‘64 Triumph Factory Team winners. In keeping with the nostalgic theme, the bikes use the original Triumph logo – which hasn’t been replicated in production for over 30 years, as well as original signatures from each of the four riders.

The 865cc modern T100s have also been fitted with classic adaptations, including the addition of cross-brace handlebars, engine sump guard, a stylistic number plate, centre stand and a bespoke seat with integrated tool bag. Official certification, signed by Triumph’s owner John Bloor, will be presented to the purchasers to guarantee authenticity and collectability.

TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLES LTD
Hinckley, Leicestershire, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1455 251700
www.triumph.co.uk

Polaris

Slingshot three-wheeler announced by Polaris

POLARIS, the parent company of both Victory Motorcycles and Indian Motorcycles, is celebrating its 60th anniversary by releasing details of a new vehicle. The company is describing its new Slingshot as a three-wheel roadster.

“Slingshot was designed to deliver head turning exhilaration on two dimensions”, said Mike Jonikas, VP of Slingshot. “First is the exhilaration that you can see, hear and feel while riding in Slingshot. Second is the exhilaration you feel when people turn their heads to stare at Slingshot’s unique and exotic styling”.

The Slingshot has two wheels at the front, behind which is side-by-side open air seating for two. The Slingshot is powered by a 2.4-liter, dual overhead cam engine and a five-speed manual transmission, all of which is carried in a steel spaceframe that is matched to an aluminium swingarm, with final drive being via a carbon fibre reinforced belt.
Drawing on its motorcycle heritage, Polaris has equipped the Slingshot with electronic stability and traction control, three-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, and LED taillights, while from its ATV range is has taken key safety features such as forged aluminium roll hoops and three-point seat belts.
Polaris will be offering two versions of the Slingshot; the base model features titanium metallic paint, 17in alloy wheels upfront, and an 18in wheel in the rear. The premium model called Slingshot SL features red pearl paint, larger 18in forged aluminium wheels upfront and a 20in wheel in the rear, and a blade windscreen for  wind protection. It also features a media console with a 4.3in LCD screen, backup camera, Bluetooth integration and a six-speaker audio system. 

www.polarisslingshot.com

Progressive International Motorcycle Shows

Progressive International Motorcycle Shows

Advanstar Communications has confirmed the schedule for this winter's Progressive International Motorcycle Show Series.
The program kicks off at the end of October in Northern California, before taking in Arizona, Southern California and Seattle, before heading East to New York. Then, after Christmas, being staged in Washington DC, Miami, Dallas, Cleveland, Minneapolis and finishing up in Chicago in mid February.

The series will again feature the J&P Cycles sponsored Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show Series.

The full schedule is:

October 31 - November 2
San Mateo, California

November 7 - 9
Scottsdale, Arizona

November 21 - 23
Long Beach, California

December 12 - 14
New York City

January 9 - 11 2015
Washington DC

January 16 - 18
Miami, Florida

January 23 - 25
Dallas, Texas

January 30 - February 1
Cleveland, Ohio

February 6 - 8
Minneapolis, Minnesota

February 13 - 15
Chicago, Illinois

www.motorcycleshows.com

Indian Motorcycle

Indian Motorcycle introduces two new models

INDIAN Motorcycle has launched the all-new Indian Roadmaster and Scout models as it continues to expand the line-up of motorcycles for 2015.

Originally produced from ‘47-‘53, the Indian Roadmaster has been reintroduced to the Indian range as a premium touring model.
“It is truly a privilege and an honour for our team to be a part of motorcycling history in designing and reintroducing the Roadmaster, which has such a legendary reputation as the king of luxury touring bikes”, said Steve Menneto, VP of Indian Motorcycle. “The heritage, quality, craftsmanship, performance and standard features on this bike are simply unmatched in the luxury touring segment”.

The 2015 Indian Roadmaster has been designed to be capable of two-up touring with expansive, easy-access storage for extended rides in virtually any weather condition. The integrated and weatherproof storage has a capacity of nearly 38 gallons spread across dual hard saddlebags that have a quick-release capability and a removable carpet-lined trunk.
Rider and passenger comfort is catered for by the power adjust Horizon windscreen, leather heated seats with individual controls and high/low settings, adjustable airflow lower fairings that also feature additional easy-access storage, heated grips featuring 10 temperature settings and adjustable passenger floorboards, while electronics on the Roadmaster include a tire pressure monitoring system, cruise control and LED lighting.
The integrated infotainment system offers AM/FM/WB, optional XM and features communication, navigation, media device, telephone and Pandora integration, and there is Bluetooth capability for hands-free multi-device connectivity.
Like other motorcycles in the Indian range, the Roadmaster is powered by the Thunder Stroke 111 engine, a 49-degree, air-cooled V-twin, mated to a six-speed overdrive transmission.
Joining the Roadmaster in the 2015 Indian Motorcycle line-up is the new Scout. Claimed to be the lightest machine in its class with a wet weight of 558lb the 2015 Indian Scout is powered by an all-new proprietary liquid-cooled 69"/100hp v-twin. Created from a clean sheet design, it features a chassis design that is made up of a lightweight rigid cast aluminium frame coupled with a low 25.3in seat height.

“Over the course of 30 years of countless innovations, racing wins, world records and industry firsts, the Scout earned its reputation as a versatile, multifaceted bike that appealed to just about every rider and riding style”, said Steve Menneto. “Our designers and engineers have taken that heritage and those characteristics and fused it into the 2015 Indian Scout”.

www.indianmotorcycle.com

Exhaust Pro-Guide

Arrow offerings for S1000R

BMW’S S1000R, the naked version of the German company’s S1000RR, can now benefit from the performance improvements of an Arrow exhaust. 

Arrow’s slip-on collection includes five street legal options and a race fitting, with all of them fitting the OE pipes. The range is made up of the Works titanium silencer with a carbon end cap, The Race-Tech in a choice of aluminium, black anodized aluminium, or titanium, with all three versions having carbon end caps, and the X-Kone NiChrom silencer with a stainless steel mid-pipe. The final option is the GP2 titanium silencer with a stainless steel mid-pipe.


ARROW SPECIAL PARTS
San Giustino (PG), ITALY
Tel: +39 0758 61811
info@arrow.it
www.arrow.it


----

Pipe Werx Honda NC700 exhausts

PIPE Werx, a British performance exhaust specialist, has launched a range of exhaust silencers for Honda’s NC700X and NC700S, with 30 30 combinations of shape, finish and silencer type available. 

The replacement exhausts from Pipe Werx are said to offer substantial weight savings – losing 2.1kg for a titanium silencer and 1.5kg for stainless steel.
All Pipe Werx exhausts are constructed with 304 grade stainless steel internals and sleeve options available are stainless steel, powder coated black, carbon fibre, titanium or coloured titanium. The ‘SL’ version features traditional style end caps finished in stainless steel, while ‘CarbonEdge SL’ has a carbon fibre end cap. Both variations are available in round, oval or the new tri-oval shape, and feature a removable baffle that increases noise and improves gas flow and throttle response.

PIPE WERX
Lathom, UK
Tel: 01704 895252
bikes@pipewerx.com
www.pipewerx.com

----

Hypercone slip-ons for Diavel

REMUS has now launched a selection of exhaust options for use on Ducati’s Diavel Power cruiser. The range includes Hypercone slip-on muffler choices and a selection of connecting tubes to work with the slip-ons.

Remus’ Hypercone silencer selection for the Diavel is made up of three options; stainless steel, black stainless steel, and titanium. All three options can be purchased with or without a heat shield included.
The connecting pipes are available in either a polished or matt finish and with or without a catalytic convertor included.

REMUS INNOVATION
Baernbach, AUSTRIA
Tel: +43 (0)3142 6900 0
office@remus.at
www.remus.at
----

HP Corse Hydroform exhaust of MT-09

HP CORSE is now producing a complete replacement exhaust for Yamaha’s MT-09 with its new Hydroform system. The Hydrofrom is made up of stainless steel manifolds and fittings and a silencer made from hydroformed stainless steel. Thanks to the use of hydro forming the body of the silencer can be reduced in thickness to create a low weight of just over 1kg.

HP CORSE S.R.L
Canaletti di Budrio (Bo), ITALY
Tel: +39 051 802334
commerciale@hpcorse.com
www.hpcorse.com

----
 
Exhausts for 750 Hondas

GPR Exhaust Systems has introduced a range of homologated slip-on exhaust silencers for the 2014 Honda NC750 and Integra 750.

The range of slip-ons is available with a specific link pipe and removable db killer, the exhausts require no changes made to the engine’s mapping unless a racing header pipe is also instead. Options in the exhaust line-up include Deeptone, Furore, GPE EVO, Sportcan, Fastcan and Powercross, with a weight saving of between 2.5 and 3.5kg and a power increase of 1.5hp possible depending on the slip-on chosen. 

GPR EXHAUST SYSTEMS
Riozzo di Cerro al Lambro (MI), ITALY
Tel: +39 02 98112058
info@gpr.it
www.gpr.it

Fehling

Rack and guard options for Honda NC 750

 

HONDA’S NC 750 models are the latest motorcycles to have been through the Fehling workshop allowing the German luggage specialist to create a range of luggage carriers and crash protection options. The new pieces have been designed to fit the NC 750 X and NC 750 S, including the DCT models.

Fehling’s crash protection bars, which are finished in black, fit the NC 700 X and are also suitable for use on the NC 750 S and X models. Listed as an ‘Off-road Protection Guard’, the second set of crash protectors have been designed exclusively for the NC 700 X and offer impact protection for the lower parts of the bike’s fairing. 

To allow luggage to be carried on the NC 700 X Fehling makes a small universal rack that uses the pillion grab mounting points, a top box carrier that is compatible with Givi and Kappa (Monokey) cases, and pannier racks that also work with Givi and Kappa (Monokey) luggage.

FEHLING GMBH & CO
Wickede (Ruhr), GERMANY
Tel: +49 (0)2377 2033
info@fehling.de
www.fehling.de

German Market growth slowing?

German Market growth slowing?

As news was released that German economic recovery appears to be faltering, the IVM, the German motorcycle industry trade association, released data for July that appears to show that the recovery in the German motorcycle and PTW market may also be slowing down.

German motorcycle registrations in July were up by 3.3 percent (9,762 units), but that follows 9.3 percent growth in June and greater than 10 percent monthly growth in each of the first three months of the year.

Indeed July 2013 saw nearly 23 percent growth over July 2012, and for the seven months of the year to date the German market is up by 9.5 percent (75,975 units), but that represents a sixth straight month in which the rate of growth has declined.

In total PTW terms, July was down fractionally (-0.5 percent / 15,034 units) from July 2013 (which had been up over 16 percent over July 2012), and for the year to date the market is running at 7.7 percent up (106,569 units), itself also a sixth straight month of growth slowdown.

Motorcycle sales in Germany peaked in March, in monthly terms, at 19,141 units. In all likelihood, the remaining five months of the year will still see the German market emerge from 2014 with some growth, as the final five months last year only accounted for 18,027 registrations - meaning only a further 11,500 registrations are required to exceed the 2013 full year figure.

Kawasaki

Z1000 scoops 2014 Plus X 2014 "Product of the Year" award

Kawasaki has added to the Plus X Award given to the Z1000 for "innovation, quality and design" by scooping the "Best Product of the Year 2014" in the "Best Naked Bike of the Year" category.

The Kawasaki brand has also captured what the company describes the highest honour of the Plus X Awards, the "Most Innovative Brand Award" in the motorcycle category.

Now in its 11th year, the Plus X Award programme features an international and independent panel of judges from 25 industries, 23 "competent partners" and a marketing investment of more than 25 million euro. It is claimed that this is the world’s largest innovation competition for technology, sports and lifestyle.

At the Plus X Award Night on June 5th, 2014 in the old Bundestag building in Bonn, Germany, Masatoshi Yoshioka (right), Branch Manager of Kawasaki-Branch Germany, and Michael Belz (left), Manager Administration & Finance, accepted the Plus X Award trophies.

Kawasaki say that the awards recognise their " new and innovative technology, exceptional design, intelligent, easy to use operating systems, outstanding ergonomic and ecological features, and the use of high quality materials and processes".

UK Market Growth continues

UK Market Growth continues

According to data released by the MCIA, the UK's motorcycle industry trade association, July saw a UK motorcycle registration growth of 14.6 percent (8,800 units) over July 2013, making it the fifth consecutive month of growth in a 15 month cycle that has seen negative numbers only twice.

For the year to date, the UK market is up 13.1 percent (at 57,937 units), which represents a tenth straight month in which the UK has seen growth on a year to date basis.

With some two thirds of the year's motorcycle sales already made in the UK, it now looks likely that the British market will exceed the 1.2 percent growth that it achieved in 2013 and the 1.1 percent growth seen in 2012.

In total PTW terms, July was up 13.9 percent (9,886 units) for a fifth straight month of growth. For the year to date the UK is running up by 11.4 percent in total PTW registration terms (63,880 units).
MCIA CEO Steve Kenward comments: “The Motorcycle Industry Association is pleased to report  another month of growth, and as a result of strong sales so far this year we have revised our forecasts for 2014.  They were originally estimated at around  92,0000 units for 2014, but we are looking closer to 100,000 units”.

Suzuki

Suzuki has reported mixed results for the first quarter (to June 30th 2014) of its current financial year

In its motorcycle business, net sales decreased by ¥4.9 billion (6.9%) to ¥65.6 billion year-on-year, mainly owing to a decrease in sales in Asia.

However, the operating loss of ¥2.7 billion in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year turned into the black with an operating income of ¥1.0 billion, partly owing to the sales of large-displacement models which were exported in the previous fiscal year, but  stocked and sold overseas this quarter.

The company say that although income in Japan, Europe and other areas increased, the operating income in Asia decreased by ¥4.8 billion (24.3%) to ¥15.1 billion year-on-year, mainly owing to decrease in income in Indonesia and Thailand.

The company reports total worldwide sales of 301,000 units for the first quarter, down by 36,000 units from the same period last year, European unit sales at 11,000 from 15,000 a year ago. Suzuki were also down in North America at 11,000 units, from 13,000 for the year-ago quarter.

Peugeot

Peugeot evolves scooter range

PEUGEOT is now offering its big wheeled Tweet Scooter in an updated form as the Tweet Evo. The scooter is offered with a choice of either a 50cc or 125cc four-stroke motor, both of which are combined with a short wheelbase of 1,330mm, low weight and 16in wheels. 

 
As part of the refresh carried out by Peugeot, the Tweet Evo has a restyled headlight, flush-fit indicators and badge, as well as a combined alloy luggage rack/pillion grab handle assembly. The comfortable dual seat gets sport stitching and is colour contrasted to the scooter; the Antarctica White has a black seat, light brown for the Blueberry bodywork and maroon for the Onyx Grey models. In addition the Antarctica white colour Tweet 50 and 125 get polished all-black alloy wheels.
A second new option from Peugeot is a special edition of its successful Speefight 125. The Darkside edition is finished in a distinctive matt black and orange colour scheme.

The 125cc engine used in the Darkside Speedfight has been tuned for mid-range torque, and to provide matching stopping power, the 215mm Shuricane front brake disc is gripped by a four-piston radial calliper, while at the rear there is a 196mm disc with twin-piston calliper. Responsive handling is delivered by 32mm upside down front forks and 13in alloy wheels fitted with sports profile 130/60 section tyres.

www.peugeotscooters.fr

Erik Buell Racing

EBR partners with Le Mans for OEM parts distribution

ERIK Buell Racing (EBR) has announced that it has selected Parts Unlimited of Madison, Wisconsin, and Parts Europe of Konz, nearTrier, in Germany as its distribution partners for all EBR spare parts, with the distributor handling order processing and parts fulfilment for EBR’s dealer network.

“We selected the LeMans Group as our distribution partner because of their highly automated operations, strategically located warehouses and existing relationships with so many of our dealers. They share our customer satisfaction focus and have a reputation for providing a fast and friendly service in support of the highest quality products.
"We simply want to make parts ordering and stocking as efficient as possible for our dealer network, and ensure that the rider has the industry’s best possible support team,” said Erik Buell.

“This relationship is a new chapter for our business as we are now expanding our business model to support OEMs. We are excited that EBR recognizes our market value and we look forward to our new relationship,” said Fred Fox, Chairman of LeMans.

ERIK BUELL RACING
East Troy, Wisconsin, USA
Tel: 262 642 1627
info@ebracing.com
www.erikbuellracing.com

Exhaust ProGuide

‘Racing Line’ for Vespa Primavera

AKRAPOVIC has released its latest ‘Racing Line’ exhaust system, which has been designed for the Vespa Primavera.
Introduced for the Vespa Primavera 125/150 ie 3V, the LX 125/150 ie 3V, and the Sprint 125/150 ie 3V, the Racing Line system is claimed to offer an increase in power of almost five percent, and an increase of more than five percent over standard torque figures. This is in addition to a weight saving of 1.7kg over the stock exhaust. 

The Racing Line exhaust is made from stainless steel and features a black coated outer-sleeve and a carbon fibre end cap.
No remapping of the fuel system is necessary and no other parts are needed once the Racing Line is installed. However, a catalytic converter is an optional extra to make the exhaust system EC Type-approved when fitted.

AKRAPOVIC
Ivancna Gorica, SLOVENIA
Tel: +386 (0)1787 8404
info@akrapovic.com
www.akrapovic.com

----

Full exhausts for Xciting 400i

GIANNELLI now has two full exhaust systems available  for the Kymco Xciting 400i maxi scooter. Both systems are built around the Maxi Oval silencer, with carbon end cap, street legal with removable baffle. One system uses an aluminium silencer body, the other choice is titanium. A collector kit with approved catalytic converter is available as an option. 



GIANNELLI SILENCERS
Selci di San Giustino (PG), ITALY
Tel: +39 0758 61081
info@giannelli.com
www.giannelli.com

----

Exhausts options for Z1000

MIVV has developed four different exhaust options for use on the 2014 year model Kawasaki Z1000, which follow the original twin silencer configuration, but are all lighter with weight savings ranging from 3.5kg to 6.2kg.
The Corto GP is a short sporty exhaust, designed with input gained from MIVV’s experience in MotoGP as the sponsor of the HRC team, and is available in carbon, titanium and steel black versions.

MIVV’S Suono is available in the Inox stainless steel version with carbon caps and also in a steel black version.
Stainless steel is used in the construction of the Ghibli, which is homologated for street use, and is said to offer a 4.7hp power increase.
The minimalist Double Gun, manufactured entirely in titanium, is the only exhaust not homologated, but offers a weight saving of 6.2kg compared to the stock system.

MIVV SPA
Sant' Omero (TE), ITALY
Tel: +39 0861 8120 237
info@mivv.it
www.mivv.it