BMW Motorrad

BMW Motorrad achieves sales high for fifth consecutive month

February saw BMW Motorrad sales increase by 13.5 percent "thereby achieving the fifth all-time high for this month in succession" according to the company.
BMW say that 9,195 motorcycles and maxi scooters (previous year: 8,098 units) were supplied to customers worldwide in February, bringing their year-to-date sales to 15.458 vehicles (previous year: 13,536 units), up by 14.2 percent.
Heiner Faust, BMW Motorrad Head of Sales and Marketing, said "with 15,458 vehicles sold we have achieved a new record after the first two months of the year. This is a considerable increase compared to the equivalent period last year. The main drivers of this success are the continuing high demand for the models we launched in 2014 and the new models of the current season. This spring will again see five new motorcycle launches".


www.bmw-motorrad.com

Bultaco

Bultaco returns to production

BULTACO is returning to motorcycle production with the launch of the all new Brinco. This new version of the old model name is an electric assist pedal cycle.
The company states that the new Brinco will produce 60Nm of torque and a maximum speed of more than 60Km/h, while weighing in at just 33kg, including the 7kg battery pack. The low weight is helped by the use of an aluminium mono-beam frame to house the 3Kw motor. The motor can be used in conjunction with the pedals fitted to the bike and the nine-speed derailleur gear at the rear wheel, giving users the choice of the best motor/pedal combination for every situation at every moment with engine, independent pedal or a combination of both.

The Brinco offers three modes of use for the motor: Sport, Urban and Eco. In Sport mode the bike offers rapid acceleration and the maximum speed of 60Km/h. It is suggested that Urban mode is suitable for every day use, and Eco mode extends the useable range of the Brinco to more than 100km.
The lithium-ion battery used to power the Brinco is situated in the main frame and is removable, interchangeable and portable, and can be recharged from a domestic socket in two hours. 

Suspension on the Brinco is taken care of by an inverted fork offering 200mm of travel and a monoshock at the rear providing 220mm of travel. The 24in wheels are shod with 3in tyres and both wheels also carry 203mm floating brake rotors and there is a four-piston caliper at the front.
Bultaco has designed the Brinco to work with the rider’s smartphone with functions including check the battery’s level of charge. There is also the option of geographically locating the bike (provided a sim card has been installed in the Brinco), and it can also log information about the distance travelled.
Through direct contact, the Brinco is unlocked by a discreet wristband, which avoids the need to carry keys.


BULTACO
Barcelona, SPAIN
brincopresale@bultacomotors.com
www.bultaco.es

Hevik

Tolosa and Giada motorcycle jeans jackets

MATCHING their motorcycle jeans, Hevik has two summer jeans jackets made in denim and stretch polyester with stonewash effect and inserts in stretch fabric.

Tolosa  and Giada have an inner lining in mesh, C.E. homologated protectors on shoulders and elbows and a pocket for a homologated back protector, as well as reflective inserts on the back, central zip closure and two upper pockets with press stud.

The jackets have a Mandarin collar and are adjustable at the waist through straps and press stud.

HEVIK Srl
Brescia (BS), ITALY
Tel. +39 030 268 0374
info@hevik.com
www.hevik.com

Kochmann

Hurricane and Ranger boots; Redbike jet helmet

GERMAN boot specialist Kochmann's new 2015 line-up include their Hurricane and Ranger boots.
The Hurricane is said to be a perfect all-rounder made from matt cow's leather with a Reissa membrane, which is watertight and breathable. Two zips, inside and outside, ensure a comfortable fit and easy access. Ankle and shin reinforcements are further features of this boot, as well as charcoal grey reflective stripes. It will be available from March.

The company say that the Ranger is a classic and high quality "engineer" boot, also made from matt cow's leather, featuring an inner zipper and leather lining. It features a traditional Goodyear sole with a leather frame.

Also new in the Redbike helmet line is a classic jet helmet with ECE 22.05 in two colours, black and white, equipped with brown lining with brown fake leather at the edges. The helmet can be worn with or without a sun shade. Chromed press button covers come with the helmet. Available from March 2015.

K. KOCHMANN GmbH & Co. KG
Troisdorf, GERMANY
Tel. +49 (0)2241 3942-0
info@kochmann.de
www.kochmann.de

Öhlins Racing

Öhlins 2015 shock options

ÖHLINS is offering MotoGP developed shocks for circuit and road use and lower-cost street application options. The new TTX GP (replacing the TTX36) features a wider range of compression and rebound damping adjustments and upgraded components such as a new damping adjustment needle with improved guidance and modified flow restriction behaviour providing improved chassis feedback, and a new main piston for better traction and improved control.

The TTX GP continues to use Öhlins’ twin tube design, which allows the shock to use lower gas pressures and eliminate the risk of oil foaming, or cavitation, which can otherwise reduce damping performance. Ride height and spring preload are fully adjustable.
The TTX GP will be available for most major bikes used in national racing as well as most new street bike models, with full settings libraries available.
Öhlins also has a full range of lower cost RT (Road & Track) shocks for the hypersport segment that are designed for road and trackday riders.
Based on the TTX36 model and incorporating the TTX twin tube technology to eliminate cavitation, the new RT shock has a traditional C-spanner type pre-load adjustment, with rebound and compression adjustment easily accessed on the top of the cylinder head. 

ÖHLINS RACING AB
Upplands Vaesby, SWEDEN
Tel: +46 (0)8 590 025 00
info@ohlins.se
www.ohlins.com

ProX Racing Parts

ProX Racing Parts introduces throttle and clutch cables

A complete new programme has been added to the already wide range of ProX Racing Parts products. ProX clutch and throttle cables are said to be high quality products that meet or even exceed OEM quality. The cables are made to exact OEM specifications to offer maximum performance.

All cables are equipped with pre-lubricated nylon inner sleeves and tightly coiled inner casings, and this combined with a flexible PVC outer jacket and strong steel inner cable offers high durability and smooth control.
The cables are easy to assemble due to the appropriate length with all necessary mounting parts. ProX Racing Parts offers a wide range of control cables for an extended range of dirt bike applications.

PROX RACING PARTS
Nieuw-Vennep, NETHERLANDS
Tel. +31 (0)252 687 713
info@pmi-europe.nl
www.pmi-europe.nl

Rainers Sports

Rainers 999 boot

SPANISH boot specialist Rainers' new 2015 range includes the 999, a boot said to combine protection and flexibility, with millimetric fasteners for better adjustment, one in the instep and the other in the high rear part above the bow for torsion support.

This boot is made in two different colours, black and white, and there is also a premium version made with Kevlar lining and the lower part with perforated leather. This boot is used by professional riders in the MotoGP world championship including Jordi Torres, Hafizh Syahin and Carmelo Morales.

RAINERS SPORTS
Elche/Alicante, SPAIN
Tel. +34 96 5422774
info@rainers-sports.com
www.rainers-sports.com

S.I.P. Scootershop

Digital speedos for Lambretta and Vespa models

S.I.P. Scootershop's new digital speedo is available for the Vespa PK50-125, S, SS and Automatica, and the Lambretta LI 125, 150 and TV 175 1. The original SIP is a V2.0 updated o their 2010 original. 

Almost identical to the Italian original, it is run on 12V AC/DC and requires no battery in the electrical system of the scooter, it is also compatible with Vespatronic and Parmakit performance ignition systems.
A new feature is the choice between analogue speedometer or rev counter. There is also the option to record the total journey time and the average speeds of daily stages and whole tours.
In combination with the SIP fast flow fuel tap, with fuel reserve sensor, all Vespa models can now benefit from a fuel level warning function. In addition, it is also said to improve the voltage regulation of the complete electrical system.
The electronic speedometers are supplied with a voltage regulator, all necessary connections, a temperature sensor and full installation instructions.

SIP SCOOTERSHOP GmbH
Landsberg, GERMANY
Tel: +49 (0)8191 9699969
order@sip-scootershop.com
www.sip-scootershop.com

Piaggio

Product-mix sees Piaggio return to profit in 2014

A higher price-point product mix in the 546,500 vehicles it shipped in 2014 (down from 555,600 in 2013) has helped troubled Italian giant Piaggio show a net profit of €16.1m in 2014, from a net loss of €6.5m in 2013.
Consolidated net sales for its full January to December 2014 financial year were broadly flat (€1,213.3m from €1,212.5m in 2013 with Ebitda up at €159.3M (13.1 percent) from €146.8M in 2013 (12.1 percent).
Gross margin was up to €364.7m from €357.5m in 2013, with net sales margin up to 30.1 percent from 29.5 percent.
The company says that after paying no shareholder dividend at all in 2013 it plans to pay €0.072 this year.

Piaggio say they have maintained their "leadership of the European Two Wheeler market, with an overall share of 16.1 percent and a 24.8 percent share of the scooter segment".
In the United States the company says it took 21 percent of the scooter market in 2013, and that it has had particular success with Vespa models, seeing a 1.3 percent increase in worldwide Vespa brand revenues, with revenue from Piaggio Mp3 three-wheel scooter increasing by 29.3 percent.
Piaggio say that "performance was particularly strong in the fourth quarter of 2014 with significant growth in results (compared with the fourth quarter of 2013) in absolute terms and as a a percentage of revenues".
In the fourth quarter of 2014, the Piaggio Group reported consolidated net sales of €282.5 million (+9.7 percent on the fourth quarter of 2013) with revenue improvements in all regions where it operates.
The company reports EBITDA of €24.0 million (+84 percent on the fourth quarter of 2013) and an industrial gross margin of €77.2 million (+15 percent on the fourth quarter of 2013).

Piaggio board of directors Chairman Roberto Colaninno

Net financial debt at 31 December 2014 was €492.8 million, compared with €475.6 million at 31 December 2013. "The increase of approximately €17.2 million arose largely from the investment programme and the negative effect of working capital, chiefly due to the delayed reimbursement of value-added tax and custom duties in the fourth quarter of 2014".
Shareholders' equity at 31 December 2014 was €413.1 million, an increase of approximately €21.0 million from the figure at 31 December 2013.
Piaggio Group capital expenditure in 2014 amounted to €94.9 million (+8.3 percent on 2013), while R&D expenditure was €46.3 million, substantively in line with 2013. The Piaggio Group continues to employ some 7,500 people.

Touratech

Aventuro Carbon touring helmet

TOURATECH's new Aventuro Carbon helmet exploits the experience the company has gained with its Compañero range of motorcycle suits to create a multi-functional, adventure, riding and touring solution.
The modular design makes it a cross helmet, a universal enduro helmet and a comfortable full-face helmet all-in-one, with a design that can be completely and easily transformed without tools. 

 
The aerodynamically optimised shell is made from a high-strength carbon fibre laminate that meets both the European ECE 22.05 standard and US DOT specification.
Features include an emergency cheek pad release system, extra large opening (designed with spectacle wearers), and anatomically shaped interior. Ventilation is by five adjustable and closable inlets on the chin, forehead and top of the head, and four outlets on the cheeks and neck, with optimised air channels in the foam lining for maximum heat dissipation. 

The flove-friendly design, including the anti-fog coated visor, sweat-resistant, hypoallergenic inner lining (with Coolmax), removable and washable pads, leather trim, reflective strip, detachable wind guard, extra long chin strap, double D-ring closure and goggle strap holder on the back add up to a package of details that heavy-duty off-roaders and long-distance tourers will appreciate.
Replaceable side covers alow installation of accessories such as cameras or quick-release straps and recesses by the ears make it as easy as possible to use state-of-the-art communication systems.

TOURATECH AG
Niedereschach, GERMANT
Tel: +49 (0) 7728 92790
info@touratech.de
www.touratech.com

ZTechnik

VStream screens for water-cooled R1200RT

ZTECHNIK has announced the availability of its VStream windscreens for use on the new water-cooled BMW R1200RT. Two heights are offered; 64.8cm and 72.4cm.

The new screen, which is designed to replace the stock screen (that is manufactured by ZTechnik’s parent company National Cycle for BMW), has a patented design to provide long-distance touring comfort. The VStream gets its name from its unique shape and the dimensional contours molded into the screen.
VStream windscreens are made from Quantum hardcoated polycarbonate, which is claimed to give 30 times more scratch resistance and 20 times greater crack and impact resistance than other aftermarket windscreens on the market made from commonly used acrylic or aircraft plastic. All ZTechnik windscreens are protected with a three-year warranty against breakage.

ZTECHNIK
Maywood, Illinois, USA
Tel: +1 708 343 0400
info@ztechnik.com
www.ztechnik.com

Siebenrock

Power Kits 860cc for BMW R45 and R65

SIEBENROCK has released Power Kits for the BMW R45 and R65, and with a fabulous 860 ccm, these "small" BMW bikes become true cornering monsters.

The R65 boasts some 20% more power and a maximum torque of 75 Nm at 4,200 rpm. Even more drastic is the gain on the R45: it already reaches its maximum torque of 70 Nm at 2,500 rpm, and with 30% more power, it puts a big smile on the faces of even the toughest riders of big motorcycles.
Like all power kits from Siebenrock, the new Power Kit 860cc has the true and tested and wear resistant hard chrome liners (Nikasil) and high quality forged pistons. Available from March 2015.

SIEBENROCK
Wendlingen, GERMANY
Tel. +49 (0)7024 468840
info@siebenrock.com
www.siebenrock.com

Kappa

KVenture touring luggage

KAPPA's KVenture aluminium cases come in a 37 litre sidecase version and a 42 litre topcase.

The maximum load for the cases are 10 kg, the profiled aluminium is 1.5mm thick, featuring polymer edges and internal reinforcements. Measurements for the 42l case are 40.9 x 32.3 x 45.4cm (LxHxD) and for the 37l case it is 49.5 x 38.7 x 24.6cm. The top case has a Monokey mounting kit and security lock, and the side case can be mounted on tubular sidecase holders KL and KLR. Fitting is enabled through quarter turn screws.

In addition there is also a waterproof 15 litre cargo bag that has a Roll Top and zip in tarpaulin silver and black.

KAPPA Srl
Barbariga (BS), ITALY
info@kappamoto.com
www.kappamoto.com

HP Corse

Three Hydro by HP Corse

HP CORSE has released its Three Hydro exhaust, a system designed for use on MV Agusta’s three-cylinder models. 

Available in a choice of satin stainless steel or black finishes, the new system features a reversed pre-muffler and three hydro-formed pipes. There is also the option of a collector without a catalytic convertor for increased performance. 

HP CORSE
Canaletti di Budrio (BO), ITALY
Tel: +39 051 802334
info@hpcorse.com
www.hpcorse.com

Free Spirits

Free Spirits parts for Triumphs

ITALIAN aftermarket parts specialist Free Spirits offers an extensive range of parts for modern Triumph models, including the Scrambler
Among them is their electronic fuel controller uses third generation Dobeck Tfi technology that is programmed by means of three top-face push buttons.

Free Spirits also offers high flow air cleaner kits for the Scrambler (and Bonneville, Thruxton, America and Speedmaster models) which feature a lightweight, high strength 180-degree for optimum air-flow positioning, and a fuel controller that can be calibrated for the increased air-flow. A powder coated metal battery box is offered for when the original air box is replaced by the conical air filter.
Free Spirits has also designed a new 2-into-2 performance exhaust system made from 1mm stainless steel and an aluminium sprocket cover that can be used in conjunction with their final drive belt conversion.
Created to reduce the loss of power between transmission and the rear wheel and eliminate routine maintenance (such as cleaning and greasing a chain), the belt conversion fits Thruxton and Scrambler models and includes a 65-pawl alloy steel pulley, 29-pawl nickel plate pinion and 132-pawl belt to provide the same drive ratio as the original chain drive.

Free Spirits' belt tensioner keeps a constant but light tension on the belt throughout the swingarm’s movement, reducing stress and shock loads to improve belt life and reduce stress on the wheel and gearbox output bearings.
The Free Spirits crash pad dissipates impact energy across a large area; a 3mm thick aluminium cover for the front and bottom of the chassis and engine is also available.
For the front of the bike, Free Spirits has a fork kit that includes longer legs for improved sliding and a 63mm increased height, a new spring, and a new larger wheel axle with spacer and new wheel bearing. Red anodised aluminium preload caps are available to replace the original fork tube plugs and special 32mm anti-scratch socket is included to aid fitting. An additional central Allen head bolt is used to facilitate maintenance and oil change without the need to remove the fork tube plugs.
Free Spirits also make CNC machined billet triple trees to fit Triumph’s Scrambler Thruxton and most Bonneville models. They will accept the original risers or Free Spirits’ own fat bar risers for 28.5mm diameter handlebars.

Rear suspension options include alloy forward riser blocks, to reduce excessive shock absorber progression and lightly increase stiffness, and high performance 40mm longer Bitubo rear shock absorbers, with a micrometric metal ring for spring preload, rebound and compression adjustment.
Four-piston Brembo caliper kits includes a CNC machined aluminium mounting bracket and fully floating Newfren front brake rotor with Ergal aluminium hub and centres.
Another brake option offered by Free Spirits are adjustable and articulated levers made by Bolcato Racing with micrometric screws to adjust lever distance, and a pivoted lever that folds away upwards, to reduce chance of breakage in case of a crash.

FREE SPIRITS SRL
Carrè (VI), ITALY
Tel: +39 0445 390437
info@freespirits.it
www.freespirits.it

ABM

CUBE hydraulic reservoir

ABM now has its CUBE aftermarket reservoir in production for use with both brake and clutch levers. The CNC machined CUBE has a capacity of 30ml and can be rotated through 360 degrees and has a 90-degree outlet.

The CUBE is available in a choice of five different colours and made with a satin anodized finish.
Due to its multiple mounting options, the CUBE can be used to replace the standard rear brake master cylinder on many bike models. As with all ABM parts, the CUBE was developed and made in Germany.

ABM FAHRZEUGTECHNIK GmbH
Breisach, GERMANY
Tel: +49 (0)7667 9446 12
info@ab-m.de
www.ab-m.de

Yamaha

Yamaha unit sales +17.9 percent in Europe in 2014

Yamaha's annual results (for its January to December 2014 full financial year) show that its global net sales of motorcycle products were ¥977.6 bn (an increase of ¥49.4 billion/5.3 percent)  compared with the same period in the previous fiscal year, with a 174 percent (¥14.6 bn) increase in operating income.
However, its global net motorcycle sales in unit terms actually went down in 2014,  by -3.4 percent from 5.65 million bikes in 2013 to 5.39 million in 2014.
In developed markets such as North America and Europe unit sales were up by 13 percent overall to 414,000 (from 370,000 in 2013). The higher price and margin in the northern hemisphere compensated for a drop in the income generated by unit sales in less well developed, emerging markets.
In Europe unit sales were up from 162,000 in 2013 to 191,000 in 2014 (+17.9 percent) and up 3,000 units in the United States at 79,000 in 2014.
While sales in some emerging markets, such as India were up (+23 percent), Yamaha sales in the ASEAN region fell (-9%) due to a decrease in overall demand and a drop in product strength.

Yamaha's MT series contributed to their massive increase in sales in Europe - to 191,000 units in 2014, nearly 18 percent up on 2013

Yamaha say that major new product releases such as the MT-09 and MT-07 boosted 2014 sales in Europe. They expect to see sales start to grow again in the ASEAN markets in 2015 with new models such as the Nozza Grande, Grande Filano, and Mio125 commuters (featuring their next-generation 'Blue Core' air-cooled engine platform).
Yamaha say that income also increased as they benefitted from effect of cost reductions and yen depreciation, which outweighed the effects of currency depreciation in emerging countries and increases in research and development expenditure.

Corporately Yamaha reports net profit of ¥68.5 bn in 2014, up from ¥44.1 bn in 2013. The company is forecasting sales of 6.28m units in total worldwide in 2015, and exceeding ¥1 trillion in worldwide net sales income. Some 25 percent of this income will be generated by the approx 8 percent (500,000) of unit sales that are expected in developed markets.

EICMA

EICMA: one week later in 2015

THIS year's "Milan show" this year (EICMA) is being staged one week later than usual (November 19-22) because Milan is staging Expo 2015 from May 1st to October 31st - the latest International Exhibitions Bureau (BIE) sanctioned "Universal Exhibition" (aka World Trade Fair).  

The last such 'Expo' was held at Shanghai in 2010; after Milan in 2015 the next city to host it will be Dubai in 2020.

Expo 2015 will use the full 200 acre site of the 10 year old award-winning Massimiliano Fuskas designed Fiera Milano Rho exhibition centre, where EICMA is staged. Some 140 plus countries are set to exhibit, and over 20m visitors are expected during the 6 months the event is open to the public.

www.eicma.it

Harley-Davidson

Strong international growth boosts Harley

IN line with its lowered forecasts for the second half of last year, Harley-Davidson's full-year motorcycle sales were up, but only by a disappointing 1.3 percent in the United States in 2014 - which translates into 171,079 motorcycles sold (63.8 percent of total production), an increase of just 2,216 additional bikes.

Dealers worldwide sold 47,149 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the fourth quarter of 2014, up 2.8 percent compared to 45,875 motorcycles in the year-ago quarter. In the U.S., dealers sold 26,957 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the quarter, down 1.6 percent compared to sales of 27,387 motorcycles in the year-ago period.
Overall, Harley's worldwide motorcycle sales are up by +2.7 percent, but the good news, in motorcycles sales terms (as opposed to shipments, and as opposed to the corporation's financial performance), comes from their international sales, which dramatically improves their overall performance picture.

H-D President and COO Matt Levatich is stepping up to replace outgoing
corporate CEO and Chairman Keith Wandell

Total international sales are now a massive 96,920 motorcycles, up by 9.2 percent and accounting for 36.2 percent of total production. Harley's Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region leads the way with 45,323 motorcycles sold (+6.4 percent), 38,491 of which were sold in Europe itself (+6.7 percent). 

Outgoing Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Wandell was nonetheless upbeat in his investor community briefings, preferring to point instead to balance sheet and demographic improvements, while acknowledging the Company's international strength. "We continued to broaden our customer base and expand the reach of our brand through unrivaled products and experiences. In international markets, our dealers in Asia Pacific, EMEA and Latin America posted their highest new motorcycle sales on record for each region, delivering on our expectation for international sales to grow at a faster rate than U.S. sales. And in the U.S., for the third straight year, sales to our outreach customers grew at more than twice the rate of sales to core customers."
Full-year revenue from motorcycles was $4.39 billion compared to $4.07 billion in the year-ago period. Revenue from parts and accessories was $875.0 million compared to $873.1 million in 2013.