Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials

Event Update: CANCELLED
2015 Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials cancelled

Also known as the AMA’s Land Speed Grand Championship, this year's Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials have had to be cancelled.
The following is from a press release posted to the event website by organizer Delvene Manning's Delicate Promotions team ...

"Over the past year, we have all been working towards the goal of racing motorcycles at the Bonneville Salt Flats [again at the end of August this year].

"As the event management, it is always our intent to run the premier motorcycle land speed racing event, the AMA Land Speed Grand Championship, at Bonneville. However, we are always beholden to mother nature to provide us with good conditions in the environment that we all dedicate our time and resources to.

"Last year we were able to hold an event when conditions were stacked against us. This year, the conditions have been improving, but not at the pace needed. We have assessed the conditions and we are unable to sustain the minimum standards for a premier event.

"Due to this, we are cancelling the 2015 Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials, AMA Land Speed Grand Championship, presented by N-Grained Inc.

"It’s been an extremely difficult decision to make, and one we have not taken lightly. Our dedicated team has put in countless hours to evaluate the options for course layouts, the quality of the course, pit locations, salt flats on/off accessibility, course volume sustainability, and the impact on salt flats resources.  Although we are cancelling, other events are still scheduled for this season. Our decision does not affect the ability for other events to proceed."

Read the full release, including current salt condition and weather related issue explanations at
www.bonnevillespeedtrials.com

European motorcycle registrations

European motorcycle registrations up by +8.3 percent for first six months of 2015

The latest data released by ACEM, the Brussels based motorcycle industry trade association, show motorcycle registrations up by +8.3 percent in the first six months of 2015 in 26 of the 28 member states of the European Union.
At 505,229 units (compared to 466,496 units in the first six months of 2014) this is the best first half-year market performance in Europe for many years and after a couple of years in which the sales decline of the recession slowed and in which registrations stabilized and then posted modest growth in 2014, this is the first and most important piece of major good news for the motorcycle industry in Europe since 2007.
In total PTW (Powered Two Wheeler) registration terms the first six months of the year saw 3.4 percent growth at 666,119 units from 644,527 in the first six months of last year. On small volumes Europe's moped market is still in decline though, down by -9.6 percent at 160,890 units (from 178,031 in 2014).


total PTWs +3.4 percent

France remains Europe's largest market in total PTW terms, although at 127,425 units for the first six months (compared to 131,210 units for the same period last year) the French market remains the only one of Europe's "majors" where sales are still in decline, at -2.9 percent; that said, in motorcycle terms, French market decline has slowed and at only -0.3 percent for the first six months (87,672 units, down from 87,424 in 2014) suggesting that this year will see the French market stabilize, following the same pattern that has informed recovery elsewhere in Europe.
In total PTW terms the German market is second largest behind France at 114,770 units (+1.8 percent for the first six months) with Italy third largest at 113,246 units (+2.3 percent).
However in motorcycle registration terms the Italian market is Europe's largest at 100,672 units (up by a very healthy +5.1 percent for the half year), with the German market second at 96,709 units (+5 percent) and France third.
Spain is Europe's fourth largest in new motorcycle registration terms for the first half of 2015 according to ACEM's pan-European data t 64,616 units (+20.9 percent for the year-to-date), with the United Kingdom fifth (56,950 units, +15.3 percent); Greece sixth, Austria seventh, Poland eighth, Belgium 9th and Portugal 10th. If it was an EU member Switzerland would actually be just behind the UK market (see report elsewhere in this edition of International Dealer News as it is in fact Europe's sixth largest motorcycle market overall.
France is Europe's largest moped market; followed by Germany then Italy. At the time of going tom press ACEMs data had yet to include the new tregistration data from Malta and Slovakia.

Honda Motor Co.

Consolidated Financial Summary for the Fiscal 1st Quarter ended June 30, 2015

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced its consolidated financial results for the fiscal first quarter ended June 30, 2015.
Consolidated operating profit for the fiscal first quarter (April 1, 2015 through June 30, 2015) amounted to 239.2 billion yen, an increase of 16.4% compared to the same period last year.
The company says that this was due to profit-increasing factors, including strong sales in North America, the positive effects of new (automotive) products and cost reduction efforts, and despite profit-reducing factors such as an increase in selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses that include quality-related expenses.
Consolidated profit before income taxes for the fiscal first quarter amounted to 282.3 billion yen, an increase of 15.9% compared to the same period last year. Profit for the fiscal first quarter attributable to owners of the parent amounted to 186.0 billion yen, an increase of 19.6% compared to the same period last year.
Consolidated financial forecasts for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2016 remain unchanged from the forecasts announced previously.
The quarterly dividend for the fiscal first quarter will be 22 yen per share, and total cash dividends to be paid for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2016 are expected to be 88 yen per share.
Worldwide Honda Group motorcycle, PTW, ATV/UTV and Power Product sales were 4.105 million units in the quarter to June 30th 2015, down by -0.247 percent from the 4.352 million units reported for the year-ago quarter.
Worldwide consolidated motorcycle, PTW, ATV/UTV and Power Product sales were 2.545 million units, up by +0.042 units from the 2.503 million unites reported for the year-ago quarter - that is completed products and income at Honda factories and those of its consolidated/wholly owned subsidiaries, as opposed to partnership and joint venture operations.

Italian motorcycle registrations

Italian motorcycle registrations +13.21 percent for January to July 2015

ACCORDING to the latest data released by the motorcycle trade association in Italy (ANCMA) motorcycle sales in Italy for the first seven months of 2015 were up by +13.21 percent at 48,014 new units registered, compared to 42,413 for the same period in 2014.
This is by far the best market performance seen in Italy for many years. In July new motorcycle unit registrations were 7,548 units.

In total PTW terms July was up by a massive +25.31 percent at 24,100 units from 19,233 last year, making it the best July for all PTWs in Italy since 2012, and for the year-to-date the market was +8.26 percent at 124,512 units (compared to 115, 014 units for the first seven months of 2014).
The top selling models in Italy so far this year have been Honda's SH 300 and SH 150 scooters, followed by the Piaggio Beverly 300. The top selling motorcycle was BMW’s R 1200 GS, followed by the Ducati Scrambler.
In displacement terms, those industry analysts pointing towards middleweights being an overlooked sector of the market certainly appear to be right where Italy is concerned as the fast growing sector there is in the 751 to 1,000 cc market, which is up by +36.65 percent for the year-to-date; the 500 to 600cc market is the second fastest growing at +20.84 percent.

Piaggio

Piaggio reports increased sales revenue for Moto Guzzi, Aprilia, Vespa, MP3

PIAGGIO Group has reported increased sales revenues in its PTW businesses for the first half of 2015, with Vespa +9.3 percent, Piaggio Mp3 +24 percent, Aprilia +16.4 percent and Moto Guzzi +24.7 percent.

The company puts the positive performance of its motorcycle business units down to the success of key new products such as the Aprilia RSV4 RR/RF, Tuono 1100 Factory/RR and Caponord 1200 Rally, and the Audace and Eldorado 1400 for Moto Guzzi.
Piaggio say their overall PTW unit market share leadership remains robust at 14.6 percent and 24.8 percent in the scooter sector.
The Group shipped 175,700 vehicles in the first half of 2015, compared to 181,100 in 2014, for net sales of 496.3 million euro, which is up by 8.1 percent from the first half of last year despite the small drop in unit numbers. That figure includes an 11.3 percent increase in the sales of spares and accessories to 65.1 million euro.
Piaggio say revenue grew in all the main regions where it operates in the two-wheel sector, with turnover of 394.4 million euro in the EMEA and Americas areas (+5.2 percent), 90.5 million euro in Asia Pacific (+19.4 percent) and 11.3 million euro in India (+35.9 percent). 

Group consolidated net sales for all activities (including commercial vehicles) totalled 693.9 million euro for the first six months of the year, a +10.3 percent improvement; industrial gross margin was 204.4 million euro, up by 10 million euro, with a slightly reduced return on net sales of 29.5 percent (from 30.9 percent).
Group profit before tax was 24.6 million euro (27.5 million euro in 2014). Net debt was reduced from 568.4 million euro at the end of the first quarter to 535.3 million euro after the second quarter, but that is from the 492.8 million euro reported at the end of 2014, largely said to be due to the capital costs of the major new product launches - Group capital expenditure was 43.5 million euro in the first half of the year compared to 38.2 million euro in the first half of 2014 and including 27 million euro for R&D expenditure.
www.piaggio.com

Japanese exports

Japanese exports to Europe and US decline in June

THE latest data released by the motorcycle industry trade association in Japan (JAMA) puts motorcycles (of over 250cc) manufactured in Japan and exported to Europe in June 2015 at 9,512 units, -2.45 percent over June 2014 and down from 26,800 units for the month in 2007.

For the year-to-date Japanese manufactured motorcycle exports to Europe are broadly level, at +1.21 percent, 85,331 units for the first half of the year, which compares to nearly 259,000 units for the first half of 2007.
In total PTW terms June exports to Europe were -12.73 percent at 10,650 units and are broadly level for the year-to-date at +0.95 percent, 91,118 units.
The picture is even worse in the United States, where imports of 250cc+ domestic Japanese manufactured motorcycles were -37.19 percent at a mere 3,562 units (which is barely enough for one per dealer!) with the year-to-date there -31.25 percent at 19,097 units. To put that in context, June 2007 was worth 17,787 units, and the first six months of 2007 worth 191,000 units.
A lot more Japanese brand motorcycles and small cc machines are now coming into Europe and the USA from subsidiary and affiliate factories elsewhere in the world, but the data still makes alarming reading as the historically market-defining "Big Four" look increasingly like a "Big Two plus a few other models", as European and American manufacturers take ever increasing shares of a much smaller market in Europe and North America.

Kawasaki

Kawasaki report improved first quarter

KAWASAKI have reported increased unit sales and operating income in its Motorcycle (& Engine) division for the first quarter (to June 30th) of its current 2015/2016 financial year.

Total worldwide motorcycle (and ATV) unit sales were 103,000, down from 129,000 in the April - June quarter of 2014, but in Europe unit sales were some 15,000, which is around 25 percent up over the 12,000 recorded in the same quarter of 2014.
Worldwide operating income was 58.2 billion Yen compared to 52.3 billion Yen in the year ago quarter; European operating income was 13.6 billion Yen, compared to 11.4 billion Yen in the year-ago quarter.
North American unit sales were 18,000, of which 11,000 were motorcycles, compared to 11,000/6,000 in the year ago quarter; North American operating income was 18.9 billion Yen compared 9.5 billion Yen a year earlier.
Kawasaki is forecasting full year 2015/2016 motorcycle (and ATV) unit sales in Europe of 60,000 units, worth 48.5 billion Yen - up from 57,000 units, but down from 50.1 billion Yen in 2014/2015.

LSL

Bar end weights from LSL

NOTED German bike and parts designer LSL is now making two-colour anodised handlebar end weights that ship with inserts for use on 14mm or 18mm internal diameter bars.

Owner and chief designer Jochen Schmitz-Linkweiler says that the company uses a specially formulated and designed anodising process to achieve different colours for the machined parts, and that they are available in four different colour combinations - black/red, black/gold, black/silver and black/matt black.

LSL MOTORRADTECHNIK GMBH
www.lsl.eu

MIVV

R 1200 GS exhausts

MIVV has extended its range of exhausts for BMW’s R 1200 GS, which already includes the Suono and Oval silencers, with the introduction of a stainless steel model-specific version of its Speed Edge. All three are available to fit GS models from ’04-onward.

It can be fitted to the bike even when the factory hard panniers are used, and is being offered in the choice of black or brushed finishes. Both options feature a carbon fibre end cap and are EU directives compliant when used with the removable dB-killer. Also included with the muffler is a carbon fibre mounting strap and a CNC-machined AISI 304 stainless steel bushing to match the header pipes.
For all versions of the R 1200 GS, MIVV has recently introduced the GS Titanium edition. The company describe this as "exclusive, available only to the owners of the maxi enduro". 

   
MIVV SPA
www.mivv.it

Planet Knox

Women’s armoured shirt

Planet Knox has released its first armoured shirt designed specifically for women. It can be worn under regular motorcycle jackets, including those from the recently launched Knox Studio Collection.

The new Knox shirt is constructed from lightweight Elastane and is both breathable and moisture-wicking. The seams are flat-locked for comfort and there is a full-length front zip and two zippered front pockets. Rider protection is provided by the removable Knox Lite + CE-approved armour on the shoulders and elbows and Knox Level 1 CE-approved back protector.

PLANET KNOX LTD
www.planet-knox.com

Airoh

Airoh Terminator 2.1 off-roader

TERMINATOR 2.1 is a new off-road composite fibre and carbon helmet developed in two different shell sizes and "designed for the most demanding riders", according to Italian manufacturer Locatelli.

The company says that Terminator 2.1 has a contemporary design, is lightweight (1,020g), and all-round ventilation features that make this helmet unique. The inner lining has been designed and made with the latest materials to provide comfort and breathability. It is equipped with a dust filter to prevent particles entering the helmet. The retention system has double-D rings to ensure maximum safety and an emergency system for the release of the cheek pads (Airoh Emergency Fast Remove A.E.F.R.).

LOCATELLI S.p.A.
www.airoh.com

ACEM Conference

ACEM Conference - innovation and mobility September 24th, Brussels

THE theme of ACEM's 2015 annual conference will be "Let's innovate! L-category vehicles? Today’s smart choice for the future".
The event will take place on 24 September 2015 at the Renaissance Hotel, 19, Rue du Parnasse, Brussels. The conference will run from 12:30 to 17:00 and be split into two main sessions.
This first ("The place of L-category vehicles in the European Union") will focus on the main areas of importance to the PTW, 3-wheel and quad markets and cover current European transport policy and the revision of the White Paper on Transport, recent economic developments and trends in the sector and the impact of legislation on the European L-category vehicle market. The panel debate will be followed by a Q&A session with attendees and the press.
The second session ("Unlocking the potential of innovation") will look at how European research policy can support companies to develop innovative and advanced vehicles and technologies such as electromobility. This will feature presentations from leading industry experts on ongoing research projects funded by the EU through the European Green Vehicles Initiative (2014-2020).
Speakers and panellists at the event will include Gwenole Cozigou , Director for Industrial Transformation and Advanced Value Chains in the European Commission's Directorate General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs; Wim van de Camp, MEP in the TRAN, INTA and CONT committees and Rapporteur on the European Parliament own-initiative report on the European Commission's White Paper on Transport, Stephan Schaller, ACEM President and BMW Motorrad President and ACEM Secretary General Antonio Perlot.

To register follow the links at www.acem.eu

Spanish motorcycle registrations

Motorcycle registrations +27 percent in Spain in July

ACCORDING to the latest data released by the motorcycle trade association in Spain (ANESDOR) new motorcycle registrations there were up by over 27 percent in July at 17,520 units for the month, taking the total for the year-to-date to 81,656 units, which is nearly +23 percent.

This was the best first seven month market performance since 2011 and the best July market performance in Spain since 2009.
In total PTW terms July was +24 percent (19,493 units and +21 percent for the year-to date (91,141 units; moped sales were modestly up in July (at just under + 2 percent) and running at around +11 percent up for the year-to-date (9,485 units).
Jose Maria Riano, General Secretary of ANESDOR, said that "With July we have seen 23 months of continuous growth and we will approach 150,000 units this year. This is still far  out from goal of market sustainability though, which we see as being around 250,000 units a year - which is not an over-ambitious target, given that the market in Spain saw more than 395,000 units registered in 2007".
Market leader so far this year for new motorcycle registrations is Honda with a 16.2 percent share at 13,243 units (up 11 percent over 2014). Kymco is second with 14.9 percent, with Yamaha third (14.4 percent); Piaggio fourth (9.1 percent); Suzuki fifth (6.6 percent); followed by Sym, BMW, Kawasaki, Keeway and Peugeot.

Sweden - motorcycle registrations

Sweden - motorcycle registrations up nearly 12 percent for first six months

Positive news from Sweden where the market growth seen in 2014 has continued for the fist six months of 2014.
According to the latest data released by the motorcycle industry trade association in Sweden (McRF) motorcycle sales were up by 11.8 percent at 6,174 units, with small cc PTWs (mopeds etc) up by +21.7 percent at 5,442 units.

Managing Director of the McRF in Sweden

For June motorcycle registrations were +13 percent at 1,119 units; with small cc PTWs (mopeds etc) +32.4 percent at 1,393 units.
Per Johansson, the Managing Director of NcRF puts the turnaround in Sweden down to several factors. "Low interest rates, high employment and, not least, pent-up need to trade-up. Many have waited a year to trade-up but now decided to acquire a better and more modern motorcycle".
He especially cites the safety standards of new vehicles as being a big motivator with consumers. "The technological developments in the past five years mean a lot for safety - there have been big advances in brakes and lights for example, to name just two important drivers of improved safety and improved public perception of two-wheel safety".
Motorcycle registrations in Sweden 'bottomed-out' in 2012 at some 7,000 units; they grew in 2013 (approx 7,300 units) and 2014 saw the market recover to around 8,100 new motorcycle registrations.
The total number of motorcycles registered in Sweden (the "motorcycle parc") continued to grow throughout the downturn and that maybe the delayed-spend factor that Johansson is referencing - from around 285,000 units in 2007 it had reached over 315,000 by the end of last year.
The top selling models in Sweden last year were the BMW R 1200 GS & R 1200 GS Adventure in top place, the Yamaha MT-09 second, the Kawasaki Z800 & Z800e third, Kawasaki ER6n & ER6F fourth with Yamaha's MT-07 fifth.
Street bikes took 29 percent of the market in Sweden last year; Adventure bikes second at 18 percent (the KTM 1190 Adventure and 1190 Adventure R and 690 SMC and 690 Enduro were the sixth and seventh best sellers in Sweden in 2014); custom style motorcycles (principally Harley-Davidsons) took 12 percent of the market, equal with scooters, with off-roaders accounting for 11 percent and tourers 8 percent.
Some 34 percent of the bikes sold in Sweden in 2014 were over 1,000 cc; with 19 percent 751-1,000cc and 15 percent between 601 and 750cc.
Sweden's principal motorcycle expo, MC Massan, will be staged in Gothenburg next year, January 28th-31st (it alternates between there and Stockholm).

Givi

Givi outfits the MT-07

GIVI has launched a line of accessories for Yamaha's MT-07, which includes a range of top cases, saddlebags, tank bags and windscreens.

Once fitted with Monokey/Monolock specific rear racks there are a range of top box options for use on the mid-weight naked Yamaha, ranging from the 52-litre Trekker, made in reinforced techno-polymer, to the V47 (47 litres) or smaller 27-litre B27.

Further rear luggage options include model specific pannier holders for Givi V35 Monokey side cases and a holder for Easylock side bags or soft side bags, like the 3D600 or WP405.
Tank bag options for the MT-07 are available in a variety of capacities and install using the Tanklock fixing system. Bag choices include the XS306 tank bag, expandable to 25 litres, or the four-litre 3D603 thermoformed tank bag.
Givi also offers weather protection with the A2118 black windscreen and a set of handguards made from ABS.

GIVI SRL
www.givi.it

 

Premier Helmets

Trophy retro helmet

This 70s retro style helmet is available as a moulded DCA fibre shell (carbon, Dyneema and aramidic fibre) mixed with expoxy resin, or in full carbon as seen here.

The internal shell is moulded in different EPS densities to offer the best energy absorption in case of an impact.
The homologated visor has an anti-scratch treatment and is attached to the shell with glove-friendly buttons. The inner lining is made from anti-allergenic sanitised fabric with synthetic leather finishes. The cheek pads are made with synthetic leather, and the retention system has a Double D ring fastener.
Premier say that, as with all their helmets, the Trophy is homologated to ECE 22-05; it is available in four graphics (tri-composite fibre only) and a selection of mono colour versions.

PREMIER HELMETS
www.premier.it

Barnett Clutches & Cables

Off-road billet clutch baskets

 

BARNETT’S clutch baskets are CNC machined from aluminium and feature replaceable stainless steel inserts that are said to prevent grooving of the basket where the clutch plate tabs make contact. Oil passage windows are machined into the basket to increase oil flow to the clutch plates to provide cooler operating temperatures and a longer clutch life. 

Included with each basket are grade 8 quality fasteners and where applicable a backing plate is included too. Select applications come with the center kicker gear already installed.
Barnett’s billet clutch baskets are available for popular 80cc and up off-road motorcycles and sport ATVs. 

BARNETT CLUTCHES & CABLES
www.barnettclutches.com

Gilles Tooling

GT-Shield lever guards

GILLES Tooling's new GT Shield design meets the requirement for mandatory lever guards on closed circuit tracks.

CNC-machined from billet aluminium with fibre glass reinforced plastic, the use of off-set spacers means the guards can be adapted to various lever lengths.
The downward sloped design leaves enough space to place the hand at the outside of the handlebar.

Compatible with most Supersport bikes’ original handlebars and Gilles own GP Light and Variobar handlebars, a special version is offered for stock BMW handlebars. Matching GT Shield clutch lever guards are also available.

GILLES TOOLING GMBH
www.gillestooling.com

Forcefield

Forcefield Moto Collection

FORCEFIELD has released details of its 2015 Moto Collection, which includes new upper body protection and armoured shirts. 

Their complete CE Level 2 upper body protection system, the EX-K Harness, features multiple adjustment points for optimum flexibility and comfort, made with energy-absorbing Nitrex Evo material and reinforced with Kevlar thread for added strength and durability. It has a central front zip, neck brace location point and back, chest, shoulder and elbow armour.
It is available in three modular options - Adventure (torso, shoulders and elbows), Flite+ (torso and shoulders), or Flite (torso only). 

The new Pro Shirt X-V has a highly breathable ‘BeCool’ technical base layer shell featuring fully removable CE approved armour located at the elbows, shoulders, back and chest. The large NEVO 7010 chest protector is a one-piece design for improved rib and sternum protection; the same material is used for the back protector, while Nitex Evo armour is used for the elbows and shoulders.
To ease access into the shirt, it has a side entry zip and ‘Evo Vent Zones’ for cooling air flow through the shirt. 
The Pro Shirt X-V-S is a short sleeved version of the Pro-Shirt X-V, sharing the same safety and comfort features. 

DAVIES ODELL LTD
www.forcefieldbodyarmour.com

Akrapovic

R1 slip-on

AKRAPOVIC’s slip-on features a new-shape muffler design that is said to have been inspired by the mufflers on the 2014 Yamaha YZR-M1 machines ridden by Rossi and Lorenzo in MotoGP. 

The titanium muffler comes with a carbon fibre heat shield, is lighter than stock, is a plug-and-play exhaust that needs no remapping or other parts. ECE and EC approved and United States CARB and EPA noise compliant.
An optional lightweight titanium link pipe is said to yield more power and increased torque, and turns the slip-on exhaust into a full system.

AKRAPOVIC
www.akrapovic.com

Arrow Special Parts

MT-09 Tracer exhausts

 
YAMAHA’S MT-09 Tracer is the latest motorcycle to have the option of being upgraded with an exhaust from Arrow. The company’s range of silencers for the MT-09 is street legal to European Standard 97/24/EC ch. 9. Silencer options include the X-Kone and the Thunder with a choice of material used in the construction of the bodies and end caps. A collector kit to work with the silencers is also available for the '13-’15 models and is street legal with the use of Arrow catalytic convertor. 

ARROW SPECIAL PARTS SRL
www.arrow.it