Dainese

Dainese acquired by Bahrain's Investcorp

MOTORCYCLE apparel maker Dainese has been acquired by Investcorp, a "leading global provider and manager of alternative investment products".

Investcorp has acquired an 80 percent stake in the specialist Italian business at a price that values the business at €130 million, with founder Lino Dainese retaining a minority stake in the company alongside Investcorp.

Lino Dainese: the man behind the legendary brand

Founded in 1972, Dainese has been one of the most "recognised and respected brands for safety and quality in the motorcycle and other dynamic sports markets. Originally famed for its competitive motorcycling racing wear, Dainese has subsequently diversified its product range and today provides protective gear for road and racing use alike, as well as for use in winter sports, biking and horse riding.

In addition, through the AGV brand name, Dainese is also one of the leading protective helmet manufacturers for the motorcycle market.

Through its Dainese Technology Centre (D-Tec), an R&D technical centre "for the study of protective technology and the development of innovative products", the company says that it can ensure that it "remains at the forefront of innovation".
Lino Dainese is credited with inventing products such as back protectors, knee sliders and the Dainese air bag (D-Air), an "intelligent" protection system that recognises and responds to a  dangerous fall by deploying special airbags around motorcyclists’ bodies.
About the deal, Lino Dainese is quoted as saying "it was hugely important for us to find the right partner in this period of strong development for the company. I believe that Investcorp’s proven track record, global presence and network will support the company’s continued international expansion and product innovation.
"I also believe that their support will enable me to refocus on my passion, driving forward technological advances in our product line and, in particular, the D-Air system.”

Nine-times MotoGP World Champion and Dainese-supported rider Valentino Rossi

Hazem Ben-Gacem, Head of Investcorp’s European corporate investment team, said:
“We are honoured to have the trust and confidence of Mr Dainese and to be the custodian of this exceptional business. Dainese is an iconic brand with a track record of leadership in a multi-billion dollar market. It is exactly the type of company we look to invest in: a founder managed successful business looking for a partner for the next phase of growth."
Investcorp was founded in the early 1980's at the behest of the AMF (Arab Monetary Fund) and is publicly traded on the Bahrain Bourse (INVCORP). It has offices in London, New York, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi, and has three primary business areas - corporate investment in the US, Europe and the Gulf, real estate investment in the US, and global hedge funds. As at June 30, 2014, Investcorp had $11.4 billion in total assets under management. Providers of what founder Nemir Kirdar famously once described as "silent capital", Investcorp's involvements down the years have included several luxury brands such as Tiffany and Gucci, Saks Fifth Avenue, Circle K, Helly Hansen, CSK Auto, Apcoa and American Tire Distributors.

www.dainese.com

Motorcycle Trade Expo

20th annual GB Expo adds Suzuki to fast-growing exhibitor line-up

SUZUKI is on a mission to recruit a dealer network for its fresh, new small-capacity bike range, and the Japanese manufacturer will use Motorcycle Trade Expo in January as the launch pad for the campaign.

Suzuki GB's Jonathan Martin confirmed the brand's attendance at Expo, commenting: “We're delighted to exhibit at the show this year, the particular focus being on our smaller capacity models. With the introduction of commuter-friendly models like the new Address 110, Inazuma 250F and Burgman 125, there are new dealership opportunities in some major towns and cities. We welcome conversations at Expo with all dealers, but especially those who retail smaller capacity machines”.

Andy Mayo, Sales Director of Expo, Europe’s leading trade-only show, to be held at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire between 18-20 January, 2015, said: “We are delighted to welcome Suzuki on board in our 20th anniversary year. To attract a Japanese manufacturer back to Expo is a real coup and gives Expo a further dimension in attracting the Suzuki dealer network and prospective new dealers looking to complement or add to their 2015 line-ups”.

More than 20 motorcycle and scooter brands will be represented at Stoneleigh Park, as well as new models and new opportunities for dealers to add to their bottom line. Free trade tickets are already available from www.motorcycle-expo.com

Spanish motorcycle registrations

Spanish motorcycle registrations +16.1 percent for October

SPAIN remains Europe's fastest recovering motorcycle market with the latest data released by ANESDOR (National Association of Companies in the Two-Wheeler Sector), the motorcycle industry trade association in Spain, showing that registrations were +16.1 percent in October (11,198 units) following +24.7 percent in September - which means that sales have now increased in Spain for 14 consecutive months.
For the year to date the market is +18.9 percent at 96,186 units (compared to being down 8.1 percent for the first 10 months of 2013).
In total PTW terms, Spain is +15.6 percent for the year to date (108,515 units), and was +12.8 percent in October compared to October 2013, at 12,609 units.

Jose Maria Riano, Secretary General of ANESDOR, welcomed the continued recovery in October, but points to the incentive deficit in government policy that still sees recovery in PTW sales lag behind that being seen in the automotive industry.
"The 16.1 percent growth seen in October is a good thing of course, but is 10 percentage points behind the growth being seen in new cars, because PTWs are not covered by the Spanish government's PIVE (new vehicle subsidy) or PIMA (scrappage) plans", says Riano.
"We believe this is discriminatory - only e-bikes are seeing any kind of support, but even the little help they are getting in PIMA3 is being dropped from the forthcoming PIMA4.
"It is difficult to understand why. The logic behind these plans applies equally to the entire automotive and motorcycle industry - replace older vehicles with new, safer and cleaner models and thereby generate a positive impact on the environment, on businesses, on employment and on state revenues.
"Furthermore, motorcycles are the most social of motorised transportation solutions in terms of urban mobility impacts and the least expensive to buy and maintain".

UK motorcycle registrations

UK motorcycle registrations +8.8 percent in October

THE recovery in UK motorcycle registration continues, with the latest data from the MCIA (Motorcycle Industry Association), the motorcycle industry trade association in the UK, showing registrations at +8.8 percent for October (6,477 units), representing the eighth consecutive month of growth, with only two of the last 18 months seeing any kind of negative year on year figures.

 

For the year to date, UK motorcycle registrations are +11.4 percent at 81,669 units, compared to +0.3 percent (73,323 units) at the same stage of 2013.
In total PTW registration terms October was +6.5 percent (7,445 units) and is +9.9 percent for the first ten months of the year (90,928 units).
According to the MCIA, Honda was the top selling brand in the UK in October (1,231 units), followed by Yamaha (930 units), with Triumph in third (411 units).
Naked bikes continue to be the most popular motorcycles with BMWs R 1200 GS and R nine T the top selling 1,000+ cc models.
The 1,000+ cc (+26.3 percent) and 651-1000cc markets (+15.8 percent) are by far the fastest recovering sectors of the motorcycle industry in the UK.

Rev'It Sport International

Vapor all-weather jacket

THE Vapor jacket offers all-weather functionality using hydratex Z-liner construction that is said to keep riders dry, while at the same time giving the option of opening the VCS aquadefence system for cooling, and also features a detachable thermal liner.

The Vapor jacket is fitted with CE rated ProLife armor, which is upgradable with a Seesoft CE-level 2 back protector, and can be combined with Vapor trousers. Both jacket and trousers are available in sizes S-XYL.

REV'IT! SPORT INTERNATIONAL
Oss, THE NETHERLANDS
Tel. +31 (0)41 269 6757
info@revit.eu
www.revit.eu

Gilles Tooling

New parts from Gilles Tooling

GILLES Tooling has released a selection of new products, which includes a version of its handlebar system for the Yamaha MT-07. The adjustable 2D.GT handlebar risers can be used to adjust both the handlebar’s height and reach. In addition the original 22mm handlebar can be replaced by a stiffer 28.6mm handlebar, such as Gilles’ own GTO handlebar.

The adjustable 2D.GT handlebar risers for the Yamaha MT-07can be used to adjust both the handlebar’s height and reach

Included in the kit, and also available separately, is a new speedometer holder. It is available in a choice of black or gold, and is particularly suitable for users of tank bags who need a clearer view of the speedo. 

The speedo holder for the Yamaha MT-07 is included with the 2D.GT risers, as well as being sold separately

New product releases from Gilles Tooling include a selection of parts for BMW’s R 1200 GS. The RCT shift/brake lever kit features adjustable toe pieces for riders to find the optimum position, along with adjustable footrests. The levers are anodised to match the BMW HP parts footrests.

he position of the toe peg on the brake and shift levers from Gilles Tooling  for the BMW R 1200 GS is adjustable

A second new option from Gilles Tooling for the R 1200 GS is the 1D.GT handlebar riser kit. Like the shift/brake levers, the risers are anodised to match BMW HP parts, and are adjustable for two positions.

Gilles Tooling’s riser for the BMW R 1200 GS offers two handlebar positions

GILLES TOOLING GMBH
Wecker, LUXEMBOURG
Tel: +352 267 893 1
info@gillestooling.com
www.gillestooling.com

Mitas Moto

Mitas unveil new motocross tyres at INTERMOT

MITAS used INTERMOT to unveil new motocross tyres; the C-25 front and C-24 rear for use on extra soft and muddy terrains, and the C-27 front and C-26 rear tyres for use on extra hard and rocky terrains.

The C-25 and C-24 tyres are said to feature self-cleaning properties and excellent riding characteristics on sand and muddy terrains. The main advantages of the C-27 and C-26 tyres is claimed to be “good durability and optimal riding properties on rough terrain”. New profiles will be produced in the two most popular dimensions: 80/100-21 and 110/90-19.

Mitas also launched new tyres in its Motocross Competition range: the C-28 and C-29 Terracross, designed for medium to hard terrains, and the C-30 and C-31 Terracross for soft to medium terrains.
“Mitas Moto has undertaken several projects this year to bring new products to customers. Through our innovations, we aim to strengthen Mitas' position, especially in the off-road market”, said Ksenija Bitenc, Managing Director for Mitas Moto.

MITAS MOTO
Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC
Tel: +386 4 206 58 83
info-moto@mitas-tyres.com
www.mitas-moto-radial.com

Suflex

New clutch options from Surflex

SURFLEX continues to expand its line of aftermarket clutch options.
Seen here is their new Ergal clutch basket for use on Ducati motorcycles that it claims is both lighter and stronger than the stock part.

Ergal clutch baskets for Ducati models

CNC machined from extruded, heat-treated Ergal bar, the basket is hard anodised for further performance improvements. Although the density of Ergal is similar to that of the cast alloys used to make the OE part, weight is saved without reducing wall thickness, and metal is removed where it can be without damaging the integrity of the structure. Surflex supplies the basket complete with retaining ring and replacement screws.

The clutch disc kit for the Ossa Trial TR 280 is made up of three discs that are interchangeable with the original ones. The aluminium core of the discs is covered with friction material specifically designed for trials use, where resistance to high temperatures and abrasion are required. 

Clutch disc kits for the Ossa Trial TR 280

The second new clutch option from Surflex is an anti-hopping clutch kit that can be fitted to the Benelli Tornado Naked TRe R, TRE K, TRE K Amazonas, and Cafe Racer. The new patented kit from Surflex works by taking part of the load off the clutch springs to introduce temporary clutch slipping, thereby avoids lock up, vibration and rear wheel hopping. 

Patented anti-hopping clutch kit for Benelli models

The clutch kit is made up of friction discs, plain plates, springs and disc pushing. It is not necessary to change the clutch basket with gears. The friction discs are covered with material designed specifically for this application use, and is the same as that used by Surflex for clutches used by teams riding in the Superbike World Championship.

SURFLEX Srl
Tradate (VA), ITALY
Tel: +39 0331 811795
surflex@iol.it
www.surflex.it

German motorcycle registrations

German motorcycle registrations up 18 percent for October

THE latest data from German motorcycle industry trade association the IVM (Industrie-Verband Motorrad Deutschland) shows new motorcycle registrations up by 18.5 percent in October, albeit on the low volumes associated with this time of the year - 3,834 units (compared to 3,235 units in October 2013).
 

This follows the market being up by 20.7 percent in September (6,124 units) and represents the 24th month of growth in Germany since January 2012.
For the year to date, Germany is running +9.6 percent (92,470 units) compared to being +2.3 percent by the end of October 2013, and +2.3 percent by the end of October 2012.
In total PTW terms, the +16.5 percent growth seen in September (9,594 units) has been followed up by +20.1 percent growth in October (6,599 units).
For the year to date, total PTW registrations in Germany are up 7.6 percent (133,931 units) compared to being +1.1 percent after the first ten months of 2013, and +0.6 percent at the same stage in 2012.

Motorcycle Trade Expo 2015

UK Trade Show celebrates 20th anniversary - Stoneleigh Park, near Coventry, UK, January 18-20, 2015

JANUARY’S Motorcycle Trade Expo takes on a new lease of life and a fresh look with its return to the Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, exhibition centre after seven years at the NEC in Birmingham.

The decision to move the show back to Stoneleigh Park followed research among exhibitors and trade visitors, indicating an overwhelming preference for what is generally regarded as a more intimate, “trade-friendly” venue.

The popularity of the change means that a record 75 per cent of the 8,000sq.m of space provided by Stoneleigh’s two exhibition halls had been sold by mid-October, and the show is now well on target to top 150 exhibiting companies when it opens for three trade-only days on 18 January, 2015.
Companies and brands that have committed to Expo so far include Alpinestars, Bell Helmets, Bike It, Bike Tyrestore, Bradbury Bros, Fowlers, Hein Gericke, Highway Hawk, Kymco, Larsson UK, Llexeter, LS2 Helmets, Maddison, Maxxis, Midwest Marketing, Moore Large, NGK, Oxford Products, Putoline, R&G, Rock Oil, Sinnis, Staniforths, The Key Collection, Tri-motive, VE UK, WMD and Wulfsport. Insurance companies and service providers include Bike Dealer Insurance, Bikesure, Catalyst, Deep Blue, Devitt, Evopos, Lexham, McAms, Principal, Rampdale and True Track. Expo also claimed to be in negotiations with three big-name manufacturers.
The forthcoming show will be Expo’s twentieth anniversary, and to mark the occasion a new initiative offers a 20 percent discount on stand space for exhibitors signing up for 20 Club membership and agreeing to promote Expo to their dealer network. 20 Club membership effectively reduces stand space costs to £5 per metre less than the 2007 rate. Other savings include stand electrics costs, which have been slashed by 30 per cent.
In addition to these cost savings, one lucky 20 Club exhibitor will win an order from the visiting dealer who scoops the new Expo Dealer Bonus prize of £5,000.
Expo’s move to Stoneleigh Park ensures all the usual benefits are retained for exhibitors and visitors. Parking and entry to the show continue to be free, with the added bonus that all dealers who pre-register for their tickets will receive a free refreshment voucher on arrival.
To put your company in front of over 4,000 trade professionals right at the start of the season, contact Andy Mayo on +44 (0)1237 422660; andy@motorcycle-expo.com.

For free trade tickets and your chance to win a £5,000 trade order, go to
www.motorcycle-expo.com

Western Power Sports

WPS acquires Marshall Distributing

Western Power Sports, Inc. (WPS), which services the V-twin market with its HardDrive parts range, and Marshall Distributing, Inc. (MDI) have agreed terms that will see WPS immediately acquire MDI. 
CEOs Craig Shoemaker (WPS) and Roger Marshall (MDI) have agreed to the deal after two weeks of negotiations that will see Cass City, Michigan-based MDI become part of WPS Distributing by spring 2015. The two distributors have been friendly competitors for many years, selling many of the same brands, and the move will serve to further strengthen WPS’ position within the powersports industry.
“We’re excited to continue the long-term relationships the group of fellow enthusiasts at Marshall established throughout the years,” said Craig Shoemaker. “Like WPS, Marshall has a long and rich history in the powersports industry, and throughout their many years created lasting relationships with industry leading brands. Like Marshall, our dealers are not only our customers but many are like friends and family. I am excited about bringing the two together.”
“The merger of the two companies will benefit our dealer network by providing the same quality service with the added advantage of a broader product line for the dealers to choose from,” said Roger Marshall who started manufacturing snowmobile windshields 46 years ago, the same year WPS started selling aftermarket snowmobile parts.
The immediate future will be business as usual at Marshall, with its Michigan and New York distribution warehouses continuing to fill daily orders; and inside sales, customer service, and tech support staff staying in place at its Michigan headquarters. WPS will begin the process of merging Marshall’s outside sales force with the existing WPS sales group over the next few months, with a goal of completing the merger as seamless as possible.

WESTERN POWER SPORTS
Boise, Idaho, USA
Tel: 208 376 8400
dealer@wps-inc.com
www.wps-inc.com

Italian PTW registrations

Italian PTW registrations +6.9 percent in October

MORE good news from Italy, with latest data from ANCMA (Associazione Nazionale Ciclo Motociclo Accessori), the Italian motorcycle industry trade association, showing total PTW registrations there at +6.9 percent for October (11,045 units).For the year to date, the Italian market is showing modest growth at +1.9 percent (145,942) units, compared to being -26.7 percent for the first 10 months of 2013 and -18.9 percent for the same period in 2012.
In motorcycle terms the Italian market is +3.7 percent for the first ten months of the year at 51,245 units, of which Enduro bikes (17,283 units) and naked style bikes (17,224 units) are by far the most popular sectors of the market.
Of the 145,942 total PTW registrations for the year to date in Italy (Jan-Oct inclusive), some 21.1 percent (30,837 units) were of 501cc or higher.

Bosch

New stability control from Bosch

BOSCH is set to launch a new motorcycle stability control (MSC) at the end of the year. MSC Base is a new variant of its existing safety system, and is said to be the first MSC to be based on conventional ABS technology. This technology features two separate braking channels and complements the ‘MSC enhanced’ system, which is based on a composite braking system and was launched at the end of 2013. 

“With MSC base, Bosch will be in a position to offer lean angle-dependent support for nearly every type of motorcycle,” said Dr. Fevzi Yildirim, Head of the motorcycle safety product group in Japan.
The corresponding hydraulic unit and lean-angle sensor will premiere in Ducati’s new 1299 Panigale. In addition to this hardware, Bosch is also supplying the lean angle-dependent brake control function, and Ducati is using the sensor data for the bend-dependent traction control it is developing. “This package of functions offers a crucial boost to safety in critical situations,” Yildirim said.
Apart from the 1299 Panigale, Ducati’s new 1200 Multistrada will also adjust braking and acceleration according to the angle of lean. Bosch is supplying the MSC- enhanced composite braking system as well as the lean-angle sensor and brake control function for this bike, while the traction control will again come from Ducati itself.
Composite braking systems can brake both wheels, even if the rider only brakes the front or rear wheel. As the braking module for this system is considerably larger and heavier, it has so far mainly been installed in very large, powerful bikes. The great majority of motorcycles fitted with ABS use hydraulic modulators with two separate braking circuits. This means riders have to apply the front and rear brakes separately. These modulators are significantly lighter and smaller, and can thus be integrated into motorcycles more easily. The two new projects mean a further rise in MSC unit volumes. “Following KTM and BMW, Ducati is now our third MSC customer,” Yildirim said.
Motorcycle manufacturers can expand MSC Base with a number of optional features. A lean angle-dependent drag torque control counteracts the critical situations that arise when drive torque suddenly increases or drops. The system can also adjust brake pressure on inclines. Furthermore, an off-road control can be integrated for rides on unpaved roads. The composite braking function in MSC enhanced offers the additional benefit of flexibly and quickly adapting brake pressure on the front and rear wheel to the riding situation. This further improves stability, and last but not least, Bosch offers a hill hold control function.

ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
Gerlingen-Schillerhöhe, GERMANY
Tel: +49 (0)7 11 8 11 0
callbosch@de.bosch.com
www.bosch.de

Caberg

Riviera V2+
 
CABERG’S Riviera V2+ is a retro-styled, open-faced helmet designed with urban riders in mind. Unlike many open-face helmets, the Riviera V2+ has the additional benefit of integrated double anti-scratch visors (clear main and a smoked sun inner).
The new helmet from Caberg features internal air circulation, a removable liner, rain protection rims, a micrometric buckle and a quick release visor system. Additionally, the Riviera V2+ is ‘Just Speak’ wireless communication enabled, with a Bluetooth kit available as an option. 

Caberg is making the Riviera V2+ available in a choice of black and white Wave, Italia, America finishes and in sizes XXS-XXL.

CABERG Srl
Azzano S. Paolo (BG), ITALY
Tel: +39 035 4203611
info@caberg.it
www.caberg-helm.com

Oset Bikes

Oset launches MX-10 Motocross bike

OSET Bikes, a company well known for its range of trials bikes, has entered a new market with the launch of its first motocross machine – the MX-10. The MX-10 is a new groun- up design created from careful analysis of the ideal off-road geometry for children aged 4-7 and complemented with components and systems to achieve optimum performance for riders in that age range.

Ian Smith, founder and CEO of Oset Bikes, said: “We knew what we wanted when we started the project, and the team is confident that the MX-10 delivers on every aspect – we’re incredibly proud of the bike we’ve produced.”
Unlike other starter motocross machines, which are petrol 50cc engine powered, the MX-10 utilises a 48V electric drive system (complete with three-dial adjustability). On traditional petrol powered bikes young riders can struggle with power delivery due to most of the power being at the top of the rev range, where many youngsters are afraid to go. Smith explains: “The MX-10 resolves that issue. The power, throttle response and top speed can all be easily altered to suit the rider. The very youngest riders can build confidence and speed safely. The linear electric power is easy for children to master and allows for parental control.
“And we’re not finished there! Electric power means no kick start – which means no more running across a track to help get the bike restarted. It also means no hot exhaust, so no one is going to be scorched accidentally. And the weight means when they inevitably slide off, they can pick the bike up relatively easy and get started on their own,” concludes Smith.

The MX-10 also features an adjustable seat height, giving even the smallest riders more confidence as they can touch the ground. When lowering the bike, the geometry alters to provide more stability for beginners. The front forks, rear shock and brakes are all designed to suit the bike and young riders. The MX-10 features a custom upside down fork built to Oset’s specifications and an adjustable oil shock at the rear. Hydraulic disc brakes, with reach-adjustable levers for small hands, provide plenty of stopping power.

OSET BIKES
Bexhill, East Sussex, UK
Tel: +44 (0)843 289 2890
info@osetbikes.com
www.osetbikes.com

Schampa

Schampa "FaceFit"

OFF-ROAD and on-highway riding gear specialist Schampa has come up with what owner and designer Andy Myers describes as "the next generation in rider face-wear".

His Patent Pending "FaceFit" system takes the classic face-mask scarf and adds ergonomics and technology to how it fits. A flexible, lightweight, adjustable Neoprene internal reinforcer that "remembers" the fit contours of the face allows the rider simply to press the scarf to create a molded fit that massively improves the seal around the nose and mouth to protect against wind, dust, pollution, sand and all the other airborne hazards of riding.
Andy says that "when used in conjunction with eye-wear the effect it has on the breath even helps reduce fogging. I made some of these for myself, and have been doing tens of thousands of miles with them. Then I figured, well, if it works for me, it could work for everyone!"

SCHAMPA
Chandler, Arizona, USA
Tel: 480 899 6458
amyers@schampa.com
www.schampa.com

Daimler/MV Agusta

Daimler/MV Agusta deal confirmed

THE German sportscar and performance brand Mercedes-AMG, part of the Daimler Group, and motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta have signed a long-term sales and marketing cooperation agreement.
At the same time, Mercedes-AMG GmbH will acquire a 25% interest in MV Agusta Motor S.p.A. - no details have been disclosed about the price to be paid for the stake in MV Agusta Motor.
At a time when Harley-Davidson itself continues to be the subject of takeover rumors, Daimler's investment in the former Harley subsidiary will benefit from the hundreds of millions of dollars that Milwaukee spent on buying MV Agusta and then funding new production and new model investment before selling it on for a fraction of its spend in 2010.

Harley bought MV Agusta in July 2011 for a reported $109 million in a deal that included $70 million in assumed debt.
Harley announced its intention to sell MV Agusta at the same time that it decided to close its Buell subsidiary, in October 2009, with the recession taking its toll on investor sentiment Harley-Davidson ended up selling MV Agusta back to the Italian owners it had bought it from for a notional €3/$4 deal - and in fact paid the prior owners to take it off their hands by putting $26 million on escrow to provide the Italian company with access to operating capital for 12 months.
Although the creativity of the Motor Company's accounting practices are adept at camouflaging negative financial impact whilst still maximizing write-down benefits, making it difficult to be certain how much the total net cost of MV Agusta ownership has been for Harley, it is widely thought to have had an impact well north of $200 million, with some estimates putting it as high as $350 million.

Mercedes-AMG will appoint one member of MV Agusta’s Board of Directors; regulatory approval for the deal is expected to be granted in late November.
Giovanni Castiglioni, President and CEO of MV Agusta Motor S.p.A., commented: “MV Agusta and Mercedes-AMG are a perfect brand fit: two complementary companies that stand for design, high performance and excellence. Mercedes-AMG will help MV Agusta to further expand globally and to accelerate our growth. The uniqueness of MV Agusta will further enhance Mercedes-AMG’s leadership in the high-performance segment."
Wilko Stark, Vice President Daimler Strategy & Mercedes-Benz Cars Product Strategy and Planning said: “The positioning of Mercedes-AMG as the performance brand in the Mercedes-Benz product portfolio will be further strengthened through the strategic partnership with MV Agusta. Through sales and marketing cooperation and demographic synergies, we will be able to attract new target groups for both companies all over the world."

BMW Motorrad

BMW Motorrad achieves another new all-time high in the third quarter of 2014

BMW Motorrad has again announced strong retail results in September 2014, supplying a total of 9,991 vehicles, which is up 7.8 percent on September 2013. This has taken the company over the 100,000 mark for the nine months to September for the first time.
BMW Motorrad say they "recorded retail growth in almost all sales regions during the first nine months of the year". Germany remains their most important single market, where they are once again the market leader, with 17,068 vehicles sold and a market share of just under 25%. It is followed by the USA, Italy, France and the UK in the ranking list of sales figures.

BMW Motorrad say they intend to remain "on course for growth in the upcoming season with new models. At INTERMOT three new and innovative vehicles were unveiled  - the R 1200 R, the R 1200 RS and the S 1000 RR". The two water-cooled Boxer models and the new Supersport bike were said to have been "a success with show visitors", and BMW said that they would unveil two more new models at the EICMA 'Milan Show' in November.
UPDATE - Results for October show BMW Motorrad sales reaching another new all-time high of 109,052 units in the first ten months of the year. This marks an increase of 7.4% compared to the previous year (101,530). In October, 8,835 motorcycles and maxi scooters were delivered to customers - up by +5.5 percent compared to the 8,376 units sold in October 2013.

AIMExpo

AIMExpo sees year two attendance growth

MARKETPLACE Events, the company behind the American International Motorcycle Expo, at Orlando, Florida, AIMExpo have announced a total attendance or this year's second annual event of 18,145, with visitors reported to have come from 51 different countries.
Headed up by former Cycle World publisher and MIC Chairman Larry Little and ex-Advanstar Dealer Expo man Mike Webster, AIMExpo is described as "America's first combined Powersports show" and that at "over 800,000 square feet (approx 74,300 square meters) of indoor exhibit and outdoor demo space, AIMExpo is the largest show of its kind".

 

In fact, it is the only show of its kind in the United States, and as the first Powersports Industry expo to seek to attract trade and consumer visitors, its mission has been to bring the kind of combined all-sector industry thinking that has been de rigueur at the much larger INTERMOT (Cologne, Germany) and EICMA (Milan, Italy) shows in Europe for decades.
Broadly speaking, the mainstream motorcycle industry in the United States has welcomed the AIMExpo initiative as an alternative to the date, venue and attendance formula seen at Advanstar's Indianapolis Dealer Expo for many years.
AIMExpo says that its 18,000+ attendance was broken down into some 11,000 consumers, 3,000 dealers and other industry professionals and nearly 250 media representatives, with the rest being exhibitors and staff.
In total there were 501 exhibitors, mostly representing 'mainstream' vehicle manufacturers and aftermarket parts, accessory and apparel vendors.

 

So far, AIMExpo has not yet managed to secure a foothold with the custom v-twin  exhibitor community. The annual V-Twin Expo at Cincinnati each February remains the dealer show opportunity of choice for them, but Marketplace Events' appointment of industry legend Bob Kay as V-twin Director could boost the Harley-Davidson aftermarket appeal of AIMExpo.
Kay himself is keen to point out that the mission is not to try to compete with, or replicate, the strictly trade-only Easyriders event, but instead to exploit the consumer opportunity that the venue and date offer.
arketplace Events have announced next year's AIMExpo date to be 15th-18th October.

www.aimexpousa.com 

European PTW registration statistics

EU new motorcycle registrations up by +6.1 percent for first eight months of the year

THE latest new motorcycle and PTW (Powered Two-Wheeler) registration statistics released by ACEM (Association des Constructeurs Europeens de Motocycles), the motorcycle industry trade association for Europe, reveal that a total of 864,104 PTWs were registered during the first eight months of 2014 in the EU.

This represents an increase of 0.86% compared to the 856,727 units registered between January and August 2013.
The Spanish and the UK markets have performed well so far this year, with registrations increasing by 15.9% and 11.2% respectively. Registrations are slightly up for the year-to-date in Germany, with +1.2%, but went down in France and Italy
(-1.6% and -1.5% respectively).
Within the total PTW figures the motorcycle segment did much better, growing by 6.1% compared to the same period in the previous year. A total of 614,651 motorcycles were registered against 579,119 for the first eight months of 2013.
Year-on-year motorcycle registrations increased in key European markets, including Spain (+19.6%), UK (+12.8%), Germany (+6.8%), France (+3.6%) and Italy (+1.5%).
Between January and August 2014, a total of 249,453 mopeds were registered in the EU, which was -10.1 percent compared to the 277,608 that had been registered in the same period of 2013.
Moped registrations fell by -18.6% in Germany, -16.5% in Italy,-9.7% in France, -6% in Spain and -2.3% in the UK.
This ACEM data is based on information for the period from January 1st to August 31st 2014 that was available on 1st October 2014. At that time registration data for some countries (Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta and Greece) was not yet available.

www.acem.eu

Ducati

Ducati announces Variable Timing engine - new models unveiled at EICMA

Ducati Testastretta DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing)

DUCATI has announced what it says is the first ever motorcycle engine with variable timing of both the intake and exhaust camshafts.
Named the Testastretta DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing), Ducati say that this new Desmodromic engine will "lead the way for a whole new generation of such engines" and that "the innovative new design overcomes an engineering gap in current production motorcycle engines and underlines Ducati's strength in developing ground-breaking engine and motorcycle technologies".
 

The variable timing system is able to continuously adjust valve timing by acting independently on both the intake and exhaust camshafts. The system is said to optimise engine performance throughout the rev range, in any operating condition, to guarantee the highest power, smooth delivery, reduced fuel consumption and "muscular torque at low rpm".
With full Euro 4 compliance, Ducati say that DVT "sets a new standard in the combination of power, delivery and usability of motorcycle engines". With a bore of 106 mm, 67.9 mm stroke and the 1,198 cm³, the engine is said to be good for  maximum power of 160 hp at 9,500 rpm and maximum torque of 136 Nm at 7,500 rpm
With "Desmodromic distribution", Dual Spark (DS) ignition and anti-knock sensor, this new generation of Euro 4 compliant engineering "independently adjusts both the timing of the camshaft controlling the intake valves, and the timing of the camshaft controlling the exhaust valves, optimising high rpm performance for maximum power, while, at medium and low rpm, it ensures smooth operation, fluid power delivery and high torque. "This means that the vehicle's engine will adapt its characteristics according to rpm values, while always ensuring compliance with exhaust emission standards and keeping fuel consumption low".

 
Ducati go on to say that "when any new engine is designed, one of the most critical parameters to determining its 'character' is the amount of intake and exhaust valve overlap. The overlap angle is defined as the interval of crankshaft rotation (expressed in degrees) during which both the intake and exhaust valves are open at the same time.

"This overlap occurs between the end of the exhaust stroke and the start of the intake stroke, and is normally a single value that does not change. However, the Testastretta DVT is not limited by a fixed valve overlap angle.

"Instead, the Ducati Testastretta DVT’s overlap angles can change, thanks to the introduction of the DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing) system - a valve timing adjuster fitted to the end of each of the two camshafts per cylinder head.
"The DVT system consists of an external housing, rigidly connected to the cam belt pulley, and an internal mechanism, which is connected to the camshaft, and can independently rotate inside the housing. This rotation of the internal mechanism, either in advance or in delay with regard to the housing, is precisely controlled by varying the oil pressure in special chambers of the mechanism. The oil pressure is adjusted by dedicated valves and the timing of each cam is dynamically controlled by a sensor located in the cam covers".

 

Ducati say that the engine "uses the unique valve train that made the Bologna-based Italian manufacturer a world famous name. Thanks to this unique system, the intake and exhaust valves are closed mechanically and with the same level of accuracy as they are opened. The term Desmodromic derives from the Greek words “desmos = link” and “dromos = stroke, travel” - in mechanical engineering terms it refers to mechanisms designed to actuate valves both in the opening direction and in the closing direction".
This system is used in all Ducati models, and has been extremely successful in World
Superbike MotoGP motorcycles. Ducati say that "in the development of the DVT, the Desmodromic valve train represents a major advantage over a traditional spring based timing system - the actuation of the valves at low engine speed requires less force, not having to compress the valve springs, which allowed us to limit the size of each cam phaser with obvious benefits in terms of lightweight construction and compactness for a perfect engine integration".
Despite the increase in power Ducati say that the DVT system "has a positive impact on fuel efficiency, with an average 8% reduction in fuel consumption compared to the previous non-variable configuration". Ducati has repositioned the fuel injectors to target their spray directly onto the rear of the hot intake valve, instead of the colder surface of the intake port wall. The resulting enhanced fuel vaporisation is said to improve combustion efficiency and ensure a smoother delivery.

The two spark plugs per cylinder head system provide a twin flame front that ensures complete combustion across a very short period of time. Each spark plug is managed independently, to optimise efficiency throughout the rev range and in all conditions of use. An anti-knock sensor ensures safe engine operation even while using lower octane fuel, or in situations potentially detrimental to combustion efficiency, e.g. at high altitude.
In order to achieve a smoother cycle-to-cycle engine operation, Ducati say they have used a secondary air system, similar to that developed for extremely high-performance engines. This optimises combustion without increasing emissions, by completing the oxidisation of unburnt hydrocarbons to reduce HC and CO levels.
Ducati say that the DVT system does not affect the valve clearance adjustment schedule, and, in fact, only requires major services at the same 30,000 km intervals as their existing designs

www.ducati.com

Alpinestars

Stella T-GP Plus R textile jacket and S-MX 3 boot

The Stella T-GP Plus R textile jacket is constructed from a highly durable and abrasion resistant 450/600 Denier poly-fabric main shell featuring zippered air intake to provide ventilation. It has a convenient full circumference waist zipper to allow for a safe and secure attachment to Alpinestars pants.

Strategically positioned zippered air intakes on upper sleeves provide adjustable levels of ventilation along with removable interior thermal full-sleeve jacket lining with pockets. Full mesh lining boosts garment's all-round airflow capabilities and breathability.
Lightweight CE certified Bio Armor elbow and shoulder protectors give the jacket a sleek fit and all protectors are perforated and securely housed in mesh compartments to significantly increase the jacket's air flow performance.
It has a sporty fit with pre-curved sleeve construction for reduced fatigue and accordion microfibre stretch inserts on shoulders for a flex fit. Lower rear profile design offers lumbar coverage and prevents the jacket from riding up over pants.

The S-MX 3 lightweight, CE certified boot has clean and contemporary design lines, advanced anatomic profiling and excellent comfort features, according to the company.
Conceived by Alpinestars' performance footwear department to incorporate an innovative buckle closure system which makes for a lighter, ergonomic boot that securely fastens across the instep via a single pump-ratchet micro closure buckle.

Alpinestars say that their exclusive compound rubber sole promotes improved feel and grip, water dispersion and durability. Breathable textile interior lining features anti-sliding suede reinforcement on the heel area to help keep the foot in position while riding.

 
ALPINESTARS
Asolo, ITALY
Tel. +39 0423 5286
alpinestars@alpinestars.com
www.alpinestars.com