EU motorcycle registrations

ACEM - EU motorcycle registrations +4 % for 1st quarter

According to the latest data released by ACEM, the Brussels based international motorcycle industry trade association, a total of 250,080 powered two- and three-wheelers were registered in the EU during the first three months of 2015.
Registrations were up in Spain (27,920 units, +18.1%), the UK (25,394 units, +11.8%), and Germany (47,590 units, +0.2%), however, they were down in Italy (40,660 units, -4.6%) and France (49,260 units, -6.2%).
This represents a minor decrease (0.2%) compared to the 250,460 units registered during the same period of 2014.
Cumulative motorcycle registrations grew by 4% during the first three months of 2015 on a year-on-year basis. A total of 189,570 motorcycles were registered in January, February and March 2015, against 182,270 during the same period of 2014.

Year-on-year motorcycle registrations increased in key European markets including Spain (24,700 units, +19.1%), the UK (23,465 units, +14.3%) and Germany (40,050 units, +3.8%).  Registrations decreased in Italy (35,810 units, -1.5%) and France (33,475 units, -3.6%).
A total of 60,510 mopeds were registered in the EU during the first three months of 2015, whilst 68,180 mopeds had been registered during the same period of 2014, representing a decrease of 11.3%.
Registrations increased in Spain (3,220, + 11.4%), although they decreased in France (15,790 units, -11.1 %), UK (1,930 units, -11.9%), Germany (7,540 units, -15.5%) and Italy (4,850 units, -22.4%).

Japanese motorcycle exports

Japanese motorcycle manufacturer exports "soft"

The latest data released by the Japanese motorcycle industry trade association (JAMA) shows 'Big Four' exports of all machines over 250cc to Europe up by just under +2 percent for the first quarter of 2015 compared to the first three months last year (54,389 units).
For March exports to Europe were also around +2 percent (19,556 units) compared to March 2014.
The picture is a little better for overall PTW exports to Europe from Japan when shipments of smaller displacement machines are included (March +3.3 percent/20,205 units; YTD +3.1 percent/57,000 units), but overall the message now emerging for 2015 is a clear one.

Compared to the significant growth seen last year (+20.7 percent/157,462 250+cc units for the full year compared to 2013) the Japanese manufacturers and their dealers in Europe are not set for a repeat of last year's rebound from the 11.48 percent decline they endured in 2013, -5.63 percent decline in 2012, and -22.66 percent decline seen in 2011.
Not unless there is a large scale and rapid increase in shipments, and not unless their dealers are able to find buyers rather than see unsold inventory build up. Taken with the uncertainty surrounding overall European motorcycle market demand so far this year, and the at-best levelling out of the "Stage Three" macro economic dip seen in the past nine months, some industry observers are now saying that they are yet to be convinced that the recovery seen in the 18 months to December 2014 is "robust" or "sustainable".
The picture is worse for Japanese brand motorcycle dealers in the United States. Imports of Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki units there (250cc+) were down by -31 percent in January, -13 percent in February, and a massive agenda-shaping -35 percent in March (a mere 7,505 units for the biggest sales month of the year).
For the year-to-date in the United States imports of Japanese made motorcycles of +250cc are nearly -25 percent at 28,754 units (38,204 for the first quarter of 2013, 37,327 for Q1 2013, 38,095 for Q1 2012).
In terms of the past decade, first quarter Japanese exports to the United States peaked at 128,116 units in 2007; at 147,053 units in Europe in 2007.

Energica Motor Company

Energica Ego gets NHTSA green light

The Italian electric sportsbike manufacturer Energica Motor Company has received final official accreditation from NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and certification  from the US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).

This means that Energica Ego is a fully homologated electric sportsbike ready to be sold legally in the United States.
Energica say that the first batch of production is "almost fully booked", with deliveries planned for Q3 of 2015, with a further production run slated for Q4 delivery.

www.energicasuperbike.com

Harley-Davidson

Harley Q1 sales down -1.3 percent

Harley-Davidson has reported that their first quarter 2015 worldwide retail sales of new motorcycles decreased -1.3 percent compared to last year's first quarter. Dealers worldwide are reported to have sold 56,661 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles in  first quarter of 2015, compared to 57,415 motorcycles in the year-ago quarter; with shipments down to 79,589 motorcycles worldwide from 80,682 in the year-ago quarter.

In the U.S., dealers sold 35,488 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the quarter, down 0.7 percent compared to sales of 35,730 motorcycles in the year-ago period. The company believes increased, aggressive competitive motorcycle discounting was among the factors adversely affecting first-quarter U.S. retail Harley-Davidson sales.
As a result the company is lowering its estimated growth rate for full-year motorcycle shipments in order to "manage supply in line with demand and protect the premium nature of our brand".
The company says it now expects motorcycle shipments to grow approximately 2 percent to 4 percent in 2015 (276,000 to 281,000 motorcycles), down from the previous 4 percent to 6 percent shipment growth forecast (282,000 to 287,000).

Matt Levatich (Harley's former MV Agusta President) took over from Keith Wandell as Harley CEO last month and faces immediate challenges

In international markets, dealers sold 21,173 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles during the quarter compared to 21,685 motorcycles in the year-ago period, with unit sales down 1.1 percent in the Asia Pacific region and 5.6 percent in the EMEA region and up 0.3 percent in the Latin America region and 5.7 percent in Canada.
Revenue from sales of motorcycles to dealers and distributors was $1.26 billion, compared to revenue of $1.31 billion in the year-ago period. Revenue from motorcycle parts and accessories was $183.9 million during the quarter compared to $198.1 million in the year-ago period. Revenue from general merchandise, which includes MotorClothes apparel and accessories, was $66.4 million compared to $64.1 million in the year-ago period.

KTM

KTM reports +26.9 percent unit sales growth for first quarter

KTM have seen sales grow by a massive +26.9 percent in the first three months of 2015, to 41,858 units; that growth is compared to a first quarter of 2014 which was itself the best the Austrian manufacturer had ever recorded.
Revenue EUR 249.5 million compared to EUR 196.9 million in the first quarter of 2014, an increase of +26.7 percent. The company recorded an increase in EBIT to EUR 21.7 million, which is up by +46.4 percent over the first quarter of 2014, and represents an EBIT margin of 8.7 percent.

www.ktm.com

Polaris Industries Inc.

Polaris reports record first quarter 2015 results

Polaris Industries Inc., the parent company of both Victory and Indian Motorcycles and Slingshot trikes, has reported record first quarter sales totaling $1,033.3 million, up +16 percent from last year’s first quarter sales of $888.3 million.

“I am pleased to report record sales and earnings for our 2015 first quarter. In addition to the +16 percent growth in sales, operating income was up +19 percent and net income up nine percent, our 22nd consecutive quarter of record earnings performance,” said Scott Wine, Polaris’ Chairman and CEO.
“We out-performed the market again in most of our businesses in spite of increased competitive promotional pressures, weakening global markets and the corresponding negative effect from currencies. While we are justifiably proud of these accomplishments, we remain focused on seizing the numerous opportunities we missed to perform better.
"From factory inventory being too high to ongoing production inefficiencies, particularly in motorcycles, we did not perform to our capabilities or our expectations. However, we are making great strides towards addressing these issues, and I am confident those efforts will allow us to continue outperforming our markets."
Wine went on to say that “product innovation remains a significant growth driver. During the quarter, we added to our stable of innovative motorcycles with the introduction of the Indian Chief Dark Horse, the Victory Magnum X-1, and a limited edition Slingshot SL."
Motorcycle sales increased +74 percent in the 2015 first quarter to $137.4 million. All three brands, Victory, Indian Motorcycle and Slingshot, increased sales in the first quarter. 

Polaris CEO Scott Wine said that "we out-performed the market again in most of our businesses"

Consumer retail demand for Victory and Indian Motorcycles during the 2015 first quarter, was up nearly +40 percent over last year’s first quarter, driven primarily by strong Indian Motorcycle retail sales; first quarter North American industry heavyweight cruiser and touring motorcycle retail sales were up low-single digits percent from 2014.
Polaris says that Slingshot retail sales were ahead of expectations, and that all three brands added to their product portfolios during the quarter with Indian Motorcycle introducing the Indian Chief Dark Horse, (built on the successful Indian Chief platform), Victory showcasing the new Magnum X-1 (a new "bagger") and Slingshot adding a limited edition model.
Sales of Polaris motorcycles outside of North America decreased -12 percent in the first quarter of 2015 as compared to a year ago due to the currency impact of a strengthening U.S. dollar.

International sales to customers outside of North America totaled $153.1 million for the 2015 first quarter, down seven percent from the same period in 2014.
Gross profit increased 14 percent to $293.7 million in the 2015 first quarter compared to $258.4 million in the first quarter of 2014. As a percentage of sales, gross profit margin declined to 28.4 percent of sales for the first quarter of 2015, compared to 29.1 percent of sales for the same period last year.
Equity in loss of affiliates was $1.6 million for the first quarter 2015 compared to $0.9 million last year, which represents the Company’s portion of the start-up costs related to the Polaris/Eicher joint venture in India established in 2012.
The Company increased its quarterly dividend payment for the 20th consecutive year by ten percent to $0.53 per share and paid a total of$35.1 million in dividends to shareholders, and repurchased 571,000 shares for $86.3 million during the 2015 first quarter. The Company’s debt-to-total capital ratio was 28 percent at March 31, 2015, compared to 35 percent a year ago. Cash and cash equivalents were $111.0 million at March 31, 2015, compared to $101.8 million for the same period in 2014.
Net income was $88.6 million, or $1.30 per diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, an increase of nine percent from the 2014 first quarter net income of $80.9 million, or $1.19 per diluted share.

www.polarisindustries.com

Tecmate

Low Profile BIKE (DIN) plug for Victory sockets

No accessory manufacturer can change how motorcycle companies decide where to put their 12V sockets, but TecMate has been working on ways to guarantee that Victory, BMW and Triumph riders can use their motorcycle’s 12V power without fear of dislodging or breaking a plug located in a vulnerable position.
TecMate has designed a low profile BIKE (DIN) plug that is fully sealed during the molding process - their BIKE90°. OptiMate also offers cables with the low profile plug, such as theO-19 SAE to BIKE adapter, the O-29 SAE to BIKE plug-adapter extender, and the O-39 DC2.5mm to BIKE plug adapter-extender.
Also available, the OptiMate USB O-104 2100m - a weatherproof 'adventure-ready' charger with BIKE90° plug for on and off highway riding, that will recharge the latest power hungry smart phones and tablets.

TECMATE
Tienen, BELGIUM
Tel: +32 (0)16 805440
sales@tecmate-int.com
www.tecmate-int.com

BMW and Alpinestars

BMW and Alpinestars in apparel airbag technology deal

BMW Motorrad and Alpinestars have announced that they are starting "an exclusive cooperation in innovative motorcycle safety clothing systems".

The first product to be launched under this cooperation will be a BMW jacket jointly developed by BMW and Alpinestars, combined with an airbag waistcoat developed using Alpinestars’ apparel airbag technology. Being co-branded by both manufacturers, it will be available in both male and female versions with a public debut planned for later this year.
Based on the Tech-Air airbag system, which is described by Alpinestars as the "world’s first self-contained street airbag system that independently functions without the need for sensors to be installed on the bike", eliminating the need for the rider to link a specific motorcycle to the airbag system.
This means that the airbag waistcoat offers the freedom to ride any bike on any surface at any time - there is no requirement for setting up electronic pairing between rider and/or passenger and motorcycle. 

This BMW/Alpinestars jacket and airbag waistcoat is said to "offer comprehensive upper body protection including shoulders, back and frontal torso. By incorporating its sensors close to the rider’s body the airbag system activates without the need for a triggering wireless signal to be sent from the bike".

www.bmw-motorrad.com
www.alpinestars.com

Rukka

Chariklo and Charikla jackets with Fuel trousers

 by Rukka

Rukka's latest pair of jackets (named after an asteroid discovered in 1997) offer plenty of protection with a tear and abrasion resistant Cordura 500 outer shell, and CE certified Rukka D3O elbow and lower arm protectors.

Both jackets have detachable safety colour panels in high-vis yellow. The men's Chariklo jacket can be combined with Fuel or any other Rukka trousers for men by a long connective zip.

Tailored to the female anatomy, the women's Charikla jacket is a great match for the Fuel Lady trousers. Both jackets feature a waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex Z-liner and removable thermal lining.

The Fuel trousers, with sophisticated details and casual cut, also have CE-certified Rukka D3O protectors at the knees and hips, breathable waterproof Gore-Tex Z-liner and a removable 60g thermal lining.



RUKKA/L-FASHION GROUP

Lahti, FINLAND

Tel. +358 (0)3 822111

info@rukka.com

www.rukka.com

Arrow Special Parts

Exhausts for Monster 821/1200

ARROW has responded to Ducati’s introduction of the new 821 engine to the Monster range by adapting the options it has for the 1200 model to suit. 

The Arrow Race-Tech exhausts for the both Monster models are offered with the choice of silencers in titanium, carbon fibre, aluminium, or black anodised aluminium with all the options being street legal and having a carbon end cap. In addition, Arrow also has a stainless steel mid-pipe available to fit its silencers and OE headers, and a street legal catalytic converter kit.


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

Spain motorcycle market

Strong growth continues in Spain

The recovery in the motorcycle market in Spain continues to be impressive - the latest data released by ANESDOR, the motorcycle industry trade association in Spain, puts new motorcycle registrations at +28.4 percent in March (at 10,901 units).
 

For the year-to-date the first quarter in Spain is +19.44 percent at 24,574 units; the best first quarter since the 28,883 registrations seen in 2011.
In total PTW terms Spain saw +26.7 percent growth in March (12,092 units), and is +18.6 percent at 27,801 units for the year-to-date - also the best first quarter seen there since 2011.
Last year motorcycle registrations grew by +19.8 percent in Spain for the full-year (110,396 units); with total PTW registrations up by +16.5 percent at 124,679 percent.
Honda are the top selling manufacturer in Spain so far this year, taking 15.9 percent of the market; followed by Yamaha (14.2 percent), Kymco (13.9 percent), Piaggio (8.3 percent) and BMW (6.8 percent).

Hero MotorCorp

Hero has record year

INDIAN giant Hero MotorCorp, the largest PTW manufacturer in the world by unit volume, says its sales grew by 6.2 percent in their latest financial year (April 2014 - March 2015) compared to their 2013/2014 year.
It sold 6,631,826 two-wheeler units, finishing the 12 months with 531,750 unit sales in March’15 (up from 524,028 units in March 2014).
In other news, March saw HMC-MM Auto Ltd., the joint venture between Hero MotoCorp Ltd. and Milan (Italy)-based Magneti Marelli, inaugurate its first autonomous ‘Production and Development Centre’ near New Delhi.The new centre will serve as a production facility and innovation hub to develop new-generation fuelling systems for HMCL two-wheelers. With the commencement of operations at the Development Centre, HMCL is set to become India’s first two-wheeler manufacturer to have its own EFI Product-line", according to the company.
In fact, it has been quite a few months, indeed years, for Hero - with multiple new facility initiatives in India and international strategic partnerships, including in Turkey, high profile sponsorships (Tiger Woods no less), and an announcement at the 'Milan Show' in November last year that the company intends to set up in Europe and start selling to Mediterranean markets later this year.
However, one important strategic partnership that was theoretically designed to play a huge role in giving Hero the horsepower to create a dealer network and sales in North America and Europe, and ultimately allowing them to enter the large displacement and performance markets, has just "gone south" on them.
Their 2013 acquisition of a 49.2 percent stake in Erik Buell's East Troy, Wisconsin EBR set-up, replete with European office headed up by ex Zero and Triumph man Edwin Belonje, filed for bankruptcy protection in mid-April.
It would appear that the $25m that Hero gave Buell for their non-controlling near half ownership wasn't nearly enough to allow the company to realise the ambitions of its well received 1190cc Rotax engined project (and other plans), and that Hero haven't been minded to add to the funding to secure their existing investment.
Unless Hero has a "cunning plan" in-play, the decision to cut their losses appears strange - Erik Buell and the resources that EBR was slated to develop for Hero in North America and Europe were highly strategic, and included development of new models, right through the displacement band, and new technologies, including electric hybrid powered motorcycles.
Speaking two weeks before the closure of EBR became public, Hero MotorCorp Vice-Chairman, Managing Director and CEO Pawan Munjal said that "FY’15 was a year of milestones at Hero MotoCorp – in terms of our sales performance, expansion of our global footprint, product innovation and customer engagement. Our record sales performance during the fiscal is reflective of all these efforts.
"In FY ’15, the industry continued to remain sluggish due to the overall market sentiments and the slowing rural economy. Even in such a challenging market environment, we managed to buck the trend and registered healthy growth, further consolidating our leadership. The journey from here promises to get better and [even more] exciting".

BMW Motorrad

More sales records
broken at BMW

IN the first three months of the year, BMW Motorrad achieved its best quarterly sales figures of all time. March saw sales increased to 31,370 vehicles (previous year 28,719 units). This is an increase in sales of 9.2 % as compared to the equivalent period last year. In March BMW Motorrad delivered 15,912 motorcycles and Maxi Scooters worldwide (the previous year saw delivery of 15,183 units) amounting to a 4.8% growth in sales.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure

Heiner Faust, BMW Motorrad Head of Sales and Marketing, said: "BMW Motorrad has started into the new 2015 motorcycle season with the best first quarterly sales of all time. For the first time ever in the history of BMW Motorrad we have supplied more than 31,000 vehicles to our customers in the first three months, which corresponds to a significant plus of 9.2%. We are reaching more and more customers all over the world with our highly emotional brand and our attractive, sporty bikes. In the first three months we recorded growth in nearly all sales regions. Germany still remains our strongest single market. Selling 5,369 vehicles as per March we increased sales here by 12% as compared to the previous year”.
This is followed by the USA (3,229 units), France (3,155 units), Italy (2,936 units) and Great Britain (1,746 units). The first quarter in some of the countries in Southern Europe was especially pleasing. Portugal (+46%) and Spain (+24%) showed considerable growth compared to the previous year period. In the Asian markets too, demand developed very positively.
The BMW Motorrad sales ranking is still headed by the R 1200 GS travel enduro and its sister model, the R 1200 GS Adventure. More than 10,000 units have already been delivered to customers this year worldwide. Third place goes to the R 1200 RT, of which 2,681 were sold. After only being on sale for a few weeks the new S 1000 RR already holds fourth place. The fourth generation of the BMW supersports bike got off to an excellent start selling 2,574 units.

UK motorcycle market

UK market sees continued growth

The latest data released by the MCIA, the motorcycle industry trade association in the United Kingdom, puts new motorcycle registrations at +13.3 percent for March this year (15,373 units), with the year to date being up an impressive +14.2 percent (23,329 units).
 

The UK market has now seen new motorcycle registrations grow for 13 consecutive months, and 21 out of the past 27 months.
In total PTW registration terms, the UK was +11.8 percent in March (16,282 units) and is +11.7 percent at 25,249 units for the year to date - representing 15 consecutive months of total PTW sales growth.
The Naked-style sector continues to be the strongest in the UK at +33.6 percent for the year to date (6,334 units), followed by the adventure sport sector (+17.9 percent, 4,026 units).
The top selling motorcycle in the UK in March this year was the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer (333 units), followed by the BMW S 1000 RR (283 units).
Honda scored top spot in market share terms, selling 3,041 units, followed by Yamaha (2,175), BMW (1,630) and Triumph (1,496).
The most recent available data (2012) says that there are 1.2 million PTWs in use in the UK; that some 45,000 new riders passed their motorcycle test in the UK in 2012/13 (down from 70,000 in 2008/09, and that the total distance travelled by motorcycle in the UK was 4.6 bn KM (2.8 bn miles) in 2012 (down from 5.1 bn KM/3.2 bn miles in 2009).

Deltran

Deltran expands European operation

DELTRAN, the Florida, USA based company behind the Battery Tender line of chargers and accessories has expanded its operation in Europe with a new UK-based business office.
All orders can be placed directly with Deltran's global sales team at the UK business office by telephone, online or by fax.
All product will be distributed from the Deltran Distribution Centre in The Netherlands, with billing and product support handled by the UK-based international staff. 
www.batterytender.com

Exan

Exan exhausts for CB650F

EXAN’s latest product launch is a range of exhaust systems for Honda’s CB650F with options that include steel, titanium and carbon silencers. 

All of the Exan systems for the CB650F feature stainless steel header pipes and a removable db killer. The muffler options on the complete systems are the X-Black in a choice of satin stainless steel, black stainless steel, titanium or carbon, and the X-Black Evo in either satin stainless steel or a polished finish.

EXAN
Lissone (Mi), ITALY
Tel: +39 0392 782 799
infoexan@exan.it
www.exan.it

Twiins

Twiins FF2 hands-free kit

THE Twiins Bluetooth hands-free kit is aimed at young, urban short-trip moped and scooter riders.

Created for full-face helmets, it is a fully integrated and easy to install Bluetooth enabled mobile phone compatible device that can be upgraded with a voice answering facility. Designed as a "trendy, easy-to-use accessory at an affordable price" that allows riders to stay connected to their mobile phone or GPS, listen to music or talk to their passenger.
Twiins is a discreet, feature-rich, practical, simple access product that is "within the reach of all users and budgets". The kit includes a built-in speaker and microphone with single-button activation, and works as an intercom when linked to a Twiins D3 device.

MAT GROUP
Terrassa/Barcelona, SPAIN
Tel. +34 93 7336566
info@matgroup.com
www.matgroup.com

Tecmate

Power to your tankbag!

FOR owners of tankbags that have the round ‘cross-hair’ electrical power entry point, power-on-the-go specialist OptiMate has designed a true weatherproof power-entry specifically so riders can connect their accessories to the bike's battery from the safety and convenience of the tankbag.

The O-30 tank bag kit‘s inner connector is a DC2.5mm axial socket that easily fits through the prepared power entry.
Once the power-elbow is in position the entry point is sealed against the ingress of water with custom moulded rubber washers that are compressed with a stainless steel half nut and locking washer.
Power is fed into the bag through the external heavy duty OptiMate SAE connector that fits all other industry standard SAE connectors. 

Only the 12V external power socket adapter and cable needs to be selected to fit the make and model of bike from the extensive OptiMate range.
Gadgets can also be charged whilst riding with the weatherproof O-103 OptiMate USB 2100mA charger that fits the inner connector (DC2.5mm socket), or the SAE to DC plug adapter (included with the O-30 power elbow kit) to connect the compact O-100 USB charger.

TECMATE
Tienen, BELGIUM
Tel: +32 (0)16 805440
sales@tecmate-int.com
www.tecmate-int.com

Erik Buell Racing

Erik Buell Racing (EBR) runs out of money

ERIK Buell Racing, the East Troy, Wisconsin based motorcycle manufacturing business that Erik Buell established after Harley closed Buell Motorcycles is 2009, has itself "ceased operations" according to reports in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Those reports say that the company has more than $20 million in outstanding liabilities and that it has placed itself in receivership with a state court ultimately to decide the outcome of a filing process that will see bids made for the remaining assets of the business.

Unveiled in 2014, the 1190SX 'Superfighter' as EBR were terming it demonstrated the flexibility of the 1190 platform and the direction that EBR wanted to take.

Erik Buell Racing (EBR) closes leaving 126 employees out of work, and a big question mark over what, if anything, Erik Buell will be able to do next.
In addition to Buell's own money, EBR had received $25 million in 2013 in exchange for a 49.2 percent ownership stake from India's Hero MotoCorp, the world's largest motorcycle/PTW manufacturer in unit terms.
The news has industry observers questioning the viability of Hero MotoCorp as what was described at the time as a "strategic partner" for such an ambitious project.
Following the launch of its 1190RS race bike in 2011, Buell used the Hero investment to fund development of the 1190RX production model, unveiled in 2013, and the 1190SX streetfighter styled 'Superfighter' that was unveiled last year.
Recent reports suggest that the company was also working on another new model, believed to be an adventure tourer designated 1190AX, but production at the East Troy EBR factory was, in theory, only part of the equation.
Buell and the impressive line up of engineers that he had hired were contributing to development of new Hero models including the HX250R that is expected to be among the initial offers if Hero MotoCorp follows through on its November 2014 Milan show announcement to and start selling in selected European markets later this year.
EBR's ambitions have also included the creation of its own race team, the establishment of its own European subsidiary, based in the Netherlands, and pursuit of a number of other future-facing projects including a 400hp gas-electric motorcycle engine that Buell is reported as having patented recently.
In a statement cited by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Buell is quoted as saying "the turn we recently took, after we thought we were moving forward, was unexpected. We thought we had secured funding, but in the end, we were not able to get the funding in place.
"To say this setback is a disappointment does not begin to express what I feel right now. I am personally grateful for the support of our outstanding workers, customers and vendors. While this is a sad ending, I personally hope for a new and better beginning."

German registrations

German registrations growing again

The latest data released by the German motorcycle industry trade association (the IVM) shows that the market has recovered from the reductions in January and February registration statistics, having achieved +14.3 percent growth (21,889 units) in March - traditionally the strongest month for new model sales in Germany.

 

For the year-to-date the first quarter of 2015 is +5.6 percent compared to the first quarter of 2014 (30,219 units), which is the strongest first quarter performance in Germany since the recession started - the first quarter of 2009, for example, was worth 24,735 units.

New motorcycle registrations in Germany have now shown growth for 19 out of the last 27 months.

In total PTW terms March was +12.5 percent (28,456 units) after negative figures in January and February. For the year-to-date the first quarter was +3.8 percent at 39,820 units - also the highest since pre-recessionary levels (the first quarter of 2009, for example, saw the German market register 35,860 PTWs).

Total new PTW registrations have now shown growth in Germany for 18 out of the last 27 months.

Italian motorcycle registrations

Yamaha MT-09 is top selling motorcycle in Italy

According to the latest data released by the motorcycle industry trade association in Italy (ANCMA), March saw motorcycle registrations grow by +6.5 percent (7,795 units) with year-to-date market performance for the first quarter of 2015 a healthy +7 percent (16,366 units).

Last year the Italian market saw +3.3 percent growth for the full year, at 54,532 units.

In total PTW terms the small cc sectors are responding more slowly than motorcycles, with the Italian market down by -8.49 percent in March (16,508 units in total), but the growth seen in January and February means for the year-to-date the first quarter is down by -2.1 percent (35,638 units).

Over 42 percent of the new PTWs registered in Italy so far this year were of greater than 601 cc; and among motorcycle sales 'Naked' style bikes (5,800 units, 35 percent) and Enduro models (5,545 units, 34 percent) were the strongest sellers.

Honda had the top two best selling Scooters in the first quarter in Italy (SH 150 & 125; the Yamaha TMAX 500 was third); the top selling motorcycle was Yamaha's MT-09 Tracer, followed by BMWs R 1200 GS, who were Italy's fourth and fifth best selling PTWs overall, further pointing to the strength of higher value unit sales being seen there and in most of Europe.

Japanese exports

Japanese manufacturers see more growth in Europe

The latest data released by the Japanese motorcycle industry trade association (JAMA) shows Japanese manufacturer exports to Europe of 250cc+ motorcycles modestly up so far this year.
 

January saw growth of +2.5 percent (16,819 units) with February +1.5 percent (18,014 units). For the first two months of the current year to date, Japanese motorcycle exports to Europe are up by +2 percent at 34,833 units.
2014 saw Japanese motorcycle manufacturer exports to Europe up by +21 percent at 157,461 units, having been down by -11.5 percent in 2013.

Deltran

Deltran expands European operation

DELTRAN, the Florida, USA based company behind the Battery Tender line of chargers and accessories, has expanded its operation in Europe with a new UK-based business office.
 

All orders can be placed directly with Deltran's global sales team at the UK business office by telephone, online or by fax. All product will be distributed from the Deltran Distribution Centre in the Netherlands, with billing and product support handled by the UK-based international staff.
www.batterytender.com

Caberg

Drift full-face helmet



DRIFT is Caberg's new composite fibre full-face (carbon, Kevlar and fiberglass), "developed for the most demanding touring riders".

It is equipped with an integrated sunshade visor DVT (Double Visor Tech) - the mechanism allows visor self-adjustment to guarantee a close contact of visor and window beading. 

The Drift visor is transparent and anti-scratch, with an adjustable Pinlock lens to avoid fogging, and lateral lever operational integrated anti-scratch sunshade.

 
Ventilation is by three glove-friendly wide air vents. The lower chinguard vent drives air directly to the inner side of the visor to avoid misting; the vent on top channels fresh air inside the helmet through numerous air grooves, while the rear vent facilitates the discharge of hot and stale air.

The lining is entirely removable and washable, including the padding on the chinstrap, made with hypoallergenic and transpiring fabrics. The retention system is equipped with a double D-ring.
 


CABERG Spa

Azzano S. Paolo (BG), ITALY

Tel. +39 035 420 3611

info@caberg.it

www.caberg-helm.com

Forma boots

Cooper sneaker 


FORMA'S Cooper sneaker has all the characteristics of a technical motorcycle shoe, created for younger riders who want to wear the latest fashion trends without compromising safety and performance.



This technical and sporty shoe is said to be comfortable: the upper is in full-grain leather, has a padded collar and tongue and specific rubber compound sole, rear reflex insert and lace closure with reinforced eyelets for a comfortable fit.


The Cooper sneaker features an external ankle support system, and internal protections have been positioned in critical areas like heel and toe areas, moulded and injected TPU plastic protections in the ankle area and memory foam padding for overall comfort, as well as a waterproof and breathable tubular Drytex membrane. The ergonomic Mid Dual Flex midsole (stiff mid/back and flexible in the toe area to facilitate gear changing and easy walking) is in PP with EVA anti-shock covering to minimise vibrations and offer stable foot contact with the bike pedal.



There is also an anti-bacterial and replaceable footbed with APS (Air Pump System), and the channels at the center of the insole expel air uniformly, cushioning and absorbing body weight.

Like all the items in the 2015 Collection, Cooper is CE approved, designed and developed in Italy and made in the EU.



SDE MOTORSPORT Srl

Altivole (TV), ITALY

Tel. +39 0423 915335

info@formaboots.com

www.formaboots.com

Mivv

Mivv exhausts for MT-07

MIVV is now producing a full aftermarket exhaust system for Yamaha’s MT-07 that includes nine different configurations, made up of three silencers available in various versions and in two different positions.
The silencer options offered for the MT-07 are the Speed Edge, Oval and GP. Each of these is supplied complete with a 2-into-1 header in a choice of standard or high positions for the silencer.  

The Oval silencer, which mounts in the standard position, is available in carbon or titanium with carbon end caps. The Speed Edge is offered in four different versions; black steel in standard or high position. The stainless steel with carbon end cap has standard or high position options.

The full exhaust with GP silencer, which is only available in the high position configuration, comes in three different versions: carbon, titanium or black steel.
Dependent on the silencer choice, the Mivv exhaust for the MT-07 can reduce the exhaust’s weight by up to half compared to the stock system and provides an increase in both power and torque

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