Polaris

Polaris reports record third quarter 2015 results with overall sales +12 percent, motorcycle sales +154 percent

Polaris Industries has reported record third quarter sales for the third quarter 2015, totaling $1,456.0 million, an increase of +12 percent over last year’s third quarter sales of $1,302.3 million. Net income was $155.2 million, an increase of +10 percent from the prior year’s third quarter net income of $140.8 million. 

“Our record third quarter results continue to reflect the efficacy of our long-term strategy and the resiliency of the Polaris organization, as motorcycle growth accelerated, ORV share gains continued and our developing adjacencies built momentum," stated Scott Wine, Polaris’ Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
"We accomplished this in a difficult environment, with the combination of weakening currencies and softening economies adding to the pressure we face from the sluggish oil and agriculture markets, all in the midst of the most competitive powersports landscape we have seen in nearly a decade."
Wine continued: “Successful innovation requires agility, in order to react quickly to ever-changing market conditions. This applies not only to product design but also to our internal organization, which we demonstrated in the third quarter by realigning our international business structure to become more efficient and effective in response to challenging markets outside North America.
"Throughout the third quarter we made consistent enhancements to our Spirit Lake paint system, which helped us stabilize our operations and, by improving production output each week of September, outpace shipment goals for the first time this year. "We have a clear plan to further optimize and upgrade that system over the next six months, and with the recently acquired paint facility in Spearfish, South Dakota, we will further augment paint capacity in the latter part of the fourth quarter.
“Polaris has delivered solid financial performance in the first nine months of 2015, and despite facing stiff headwinds that show little sign of abating in the near term, our financial position remains robust and our growth opportunities plentiful.”
Motorcycle sales increased +154 percent to $160.4 million for the third quarter of 2015 compared to the same period last year due to continued strong demand for Indian motorcycles and the new Slingshot roadster. 


Victory, Indian Motorcycle and Slingshot North American retail sales, combined, increased over +60 percent during the third quarter of 2015 driven by Indian Motorcycle and Slingshot, while North American industry midsize and heavyweight motorcycle retail sales were up low single digits compared to the third quarter of 2014.
Indian Motorcycles’ retail sales were up significantly in the third quarter with ongoing strong demand for all models. Product availability for Indian motorcycles improved during the 2015 third quarter as the Company continued to increase throughput at its Spirit Lake, Iowa, motorcycle factory.
Victory retail sales in the third quarter of 2015 were lower than the prior year partly due to low product availability. Retail sales for the new Slingshot three-wheeled roadster continued to outpace Company expectations during the third quarter. International motorcycle sales were up +115 percent.
Polaris North American motorcycle dealer inventories, including Slingshot, during the 2015 third quarter increased about +30 percent compared to the same period in the prior year, but remain below levels needed to meet current and backlogged retail demand.
Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) sales increased +3 percent to $822.9 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to the third quarter of 2014. The Company estimates North American industry ORV retail sales in the third quarter of 2015 increased low-single digits percent year-over-year, resulting in Polaris market share gains for both ATVs and side-by-side vehicles.
Snowmobile sales increased +14 percent to $185.5 million for the third quarter of 2015 compared to $162.7 million for the third quarter of 2014. While the snowmobile retail selling season is just beginning, Polaris’ market share performance season-to-date through the 2015 third quarter is pacing with the Company’s expectations.
Global Adjacent Markets sales increased +10 percent to $60.8 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to the same period last year. Work and Transportation group sales were up +1 percent during the third quarter of 2015. Sales for the Company’s defense business were up more than +50 percent during the 2015 third quarter. Parts, Garments and Accessories (PG&A) sales increased +3 percent to $226.3 million during the third quarter of 2015 as compared to the same period last year.
International sales to customers outside of North America totaled $153.6 million for the third quarter of 2015, +1 percent from the same period in 2014, though held back by weak currencies (up +18 percent on a constant currency basis). EMEA reported sales declined -4 percent in the 2015 third quarter and Asia Pacific reported sales were down -1 percent, while Latin American reported sales were up +50 percent. 


Polaris buys former Lehman facility
Polaris Industries has purchased Lehman Trikes' former home at Spearfish, South Dakota, as an additional paint facility to supplement its Spirit Lake, Iowa, Indian and Victory paint capacity.
Lehman left the premises when parent Champion Trikes moved production to California. Polaris plans to employ some 80 people in the 51,000 square-foot facility. A familiar sight for Sturgis Rally goers, alongside the I90, the site will no doubt also provide Polaris with a valuable base for its Rally activities.

Harley-Davidson

Harley announces four "Focus Area" investment plans as it reports Q3 unit sales of +2.4 percent in Europe, - 2.5 percent in US

In releasing its third quarter 2015 financial data Harley-Davidson has confirmed dealer new motorcycle sales are down -1.4 percent overall worldwide compared to the first nine months of 2014, with sales down -2.5 percent in the U.S. and up +0.9 percent internationally.

"We expect a heightened competitive environment to continue for the foreseeable future, and now is the time for us to dial things up with significant additional investments in marketing and product development," said Matt Levatich, President and Chief Executive Officer, Harley-Davidson, Inc.
"We have a strong plan, built on our incredible foundation, to further assert Harley-Davidson's substantial market leadership and accelerate growth. We have great confidence in our plans to drive demand and grow our reach and impact with customers globally."
The company says it intends to fund the increased demand-driving actions by reallocating existing spending - it expects to incur one-time expenses of approximately $30 million to $35 million in the fourth quarter of 2015, primarily for employee separation and reorganisation costs related to this reallocation.
"In the short term, because the third quarter did not unfold as we expected, we are lowering full-year shipment guidance. Our ongoing commitment to manage supply in line with demand and maintain the premium nature of the brand remains a top priority for Harley-Davidson," said Levatich.
The company is highlighting four "Focus Areas" for increased investment in 2016 and says it will increase its investment in customer-facing marketing by approximately 65 percent above 2015 levels. The company also plans to increase its investment in new product development by approximately 35 percent from 2015 levels. These changes represent an approximate $70 million increase in investment to drive demand compared to 2015.
These four "Focus Areas" for increased investment are listed as increasing product and brand awareness, growing new ridership in the U.S., increasing and enhancing brand access, and accelerating the "cadence and impact" of new products.
The company says it has five [ambitious] objectives - to lead in every market; to grow the sport of motorcycling in the U.S., in part by growing the number of U.S. core customers and growing the number of U.S. outreach customers at a faster rate; to grow U.S. retail sales and grow international retail sales at a faster rate - in support of this objective, the company has a target to grow its international dealer network by 150 to 200 new dealerships by 2020; to grow revenue and grow earnings faster than revenue through 2020; and to outperform the S&P 500.
Dealers worldwide sold 72,178 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the third quarter of 2015 compared to 73,217 in the third quarter of 2014. In the U.S. dealers sold 48,918 units in the quarter compared to 50,167 in 2014 Q3.
In international markets dealers sold 23,260 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles during the third quarter compared to 23,050 motorcycles in the year-ago period, with sales up +5.1 percent in the Asia Pacific region and +2.4 percent in the EMEA region, but down -11.5 percent in the Latin America region and -1.7 percent in Canada.
Operating income from motorcycles and related products was $143.1 million during the quarter, down compared to $146.3 million in the year-ago period. Third-quarter revenue from motorcycles was $812.4 million, down compared to $815.4 million in the year-ago period.
The company shipped 53,472 motorcycles to dealers and distributors worldwide during the quarter, which is up compared to shipments of 50,670 motorcycles in the year-ago period.

For the first nine months of this year net income was $710.0 million on consolidated revenue of $4.81 billion compared to nine-month 2014 net income of $770.1 million on consolidated revenue of $5.03 billion.
Year-to-date in 2015 dealers sold 217,770 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles worldwide, down compared to the 220,850 it sold in the first nine months of 2014, with retail unit sales up +6.9 percent in the Asia Pacific region and down -1.3 percent in the U.S., -5.1 percent in the EMEA region, -5.1 percent in the Latin America region and -3.9 percent in Canada compared to the year-ago period.
The company shipped 218,233 motorcycles to dealers and distributors worldwide in the first nine months of this year, down compared to the 223,569 it shipped in the first nine months of 2014. Nine-month revenue from motorcycles was down -6.2 percent to $3.38 billion, revenue from parts and accessories decreased -2.3 percent to $692.9 million and revenue from General Merchandise increased +1.5 percent to $213.0 million compared to the first nine months of 2014.

Rekluse Motor Sports

Auto clutches for KTMs

REKLUSE now has Core EXP auto clutch kits available to fit KTM 1190 and 2015 KTM 450 SX-F models.

Rekluse say that its auto clutch will not only prevent stalling, but also improve traction and low-speed maneuverability. It features easy external adjustment with an adjustable slave cylinder and retains stock lever feel for normal clutch modulation. The conversion is said to protect the clutch basket and eliminate notching, while also allowing the bike to be bump-started by making a quick adjustment

Stalling prevention and improved traction are also said to be benefits offered by the Core EXP auto clutch kit for the KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition. Like the option for the 1190, it also has easy external adjustment with an adjustable slave cylinder and retains stock lever feel for normal clutch modulation. Rekluse use proprietary steel TEC drive plates that are said to be more durable than the OEM part, have better oil flow for cooler operating temperatures and reduce drag.
Available from Rekluse distributors in Europe, including ExtraCross in Germany, Inntek in Italy, HocoParts for Benelux and EMX Ravind for Scandinavia; details on the Rekluse website.

REKLUSE MOTOR SPORTS
www.rekluse.com

Watsonian

Sidecar for R 1150/1200 GS

WATSONIAN has developed a sports-touring sidecar specifically for use with BMW R 1150 GS and R 1200 GS models. 

BMW uses its boxer twin engine as a stressed member on both the GS models, so Watsonian designed a sub-frame to attach the sidecar and modified its sidecar frame for the BMW GS, adding a roll bar, front and rear nudge bars and front-facing spotlights.
The sidecar rolls on a 15in split-rim style wheel covered by a minimalist hugger featuring a combined LED tail light/indicator unit.

The bodyshell is based on the Watsonian GT4 and the wrap-around screen section folds up for ease of access. A passenger step is integrated into the chassis, incorporating a front LED indicator; the lockable trunk measures 63 x 76 x 53cm.

WATSONIAN-SQUIRE LTD
www.watsonian-squire.com

Domino

Yamaha grip

 

ITALIAN specialist Domino has introduced a new 120mm open end grip for Yamaha models.Made of a thermoplastic material, it is the result of Domino's unmatched experience in the design and manufacture of grips, available in black only. Suitable for most Yamaha models.

DOMINO
www.domino-group.com

Skidmarx

Tiger Sport accessories

SKIDMARX new direct fit OE replacement 'double bubble' screen for the Triumph Tiger Sport is made in 3mm acrylic and is said to create an air pocket for improved high speed protection; also available as a 10mm higher version for taller riders and even better air-flow management. Also seen here, their glass fibre rear hugger is gel coat finished in black, red or white. Supplied with a fitting kit for the Tiger's single-sided swingarm; also available in carbon for a 30 percent weight saving.
Skidmarx, UK; www.skidmarx.co.uk

Fowlers of Bristol

Textile 2-piece

BUFFALO has used abrasion and tear resistant 600-Denier fabric for the outer shell of the jacket and trousers of its new Sonar suit, with CE-approved armour at the knees, shoulders and elbows and a back pocket for a separately available protector.
Additional features include a waterproof, windproof and breathable drop liner, removable quilted thermal liner, zipped vents at the shoulders, arms, back of the jacket and thighs of the trousers.

FOWLERS OF BRISTOL
www.thekeycollection.co.uk

SW-MOTECH

Versys accessories

 
SW-MOTECH is offering a wide selection of parts and accessories for the Kawasaki Versys 1000, including tank bags with fittings for their Quick-Lock Evo holder system tank bags with strap fastenings, a selection of tail bags and carriers, 'Dakar' all-terrain panniers, Quick-Lock Evo side carriers, Trax Adventure/ Evo aluminium cases, Aero ABS touring cases, GPS mounts, ergonomic footrest kits, gear levers, frame sliders, hand-guard kits and engine and radiator guards.


SW-MOTECH
www.sw-motech.com

EU motorcycle registrations

EU motorcycle registrations +10 percent for first eight months of 2015

According to the latest Europe-wide data released by ACEM (Association des Constructeurs Européens de Motocycles), the Brussels based international motorcycle industry trade association for Europe, new PTW registrations in EU markets were +4.2 percent to the end of August 2015 (901,552 units).

Registrations were up in Spain (102,358 units, +20.4%), the UK (80,639 units, +13.3%), Italy (151,374 units, +5.7%), and Germany (145,257 units, +0.8%). They decreased in France (173,711 units, -2.5%).
Cumulative motorcycle registrations grew by +10.2% during the first eight months of 2015 on a year-on-year basis. A total of 676,842 motorcycles were registered in EU markets between January and August 2015, against 613,945 during the same period of 2014.
Year-on-year motorcycle registrations increased in all key European markets, namely Spain (91,683 units, +22%), the UK (74,527 units, +15.9%), Italy (133,588 units, +9.1%), Germany (127,196 units, +7.3%), and France (114,396 units, +0.9%).
Motorcycle registrations in Europe's five largest markets (Italy, France, Germany, Spain and the UK) accounted for 88 percent of EU new motorcycle registrations for the first eight months of 2015.

A total of 224,710 mopeds were registered during the first eight months of 2015 in the EU, against 251,619 for the same period of 2014; a decrease of -10.7%.
Moped registrations increased in Spain (10,675, + 8.0%), but were down in France (59,315 units, -8.6%), the UK (6,112 units, -11.3%), Italy (17,786 units, -14.3%) and Germany (18,061 units, -29.4%).
ACEM's 2014 annual data shows total EU motorcycle registrations at 798,328 units (up by some 60,000 units over 2013) and at 842,203 units for EU and EFTA markets combined (also some 60,000 units up on 2013).
ACEM's 2014 annual data shows total EU PTW registrations at 1,099,018 units and at 1,156,569 units for EU and EFTA markets combined (down by some 11,000 units on 2013 in both cases).
ACEM's 2014 annual data shows total EU moped registrations at 340,468 units (down by some 40,000 units compared to 2013) and at 354,044 units for EU and EFTA markets combined (down by some 42,000 units compared to 2013).
ACEM data is generally published some weeks later than the new registration statistics released by the individual major market national trade associations and will differ from those numbers for reasons of timing, compilation and sources used.
ACEM gathers data for as many European markets as possible, including EFTA nations that are outside of their EU reporting (Norway and Switzerland for example), but statistics from some of Europe's smaller EU and EFTA markets (Malta, Cyprus, Bulgaria and Slovakia for example) are not always available within the timescales of their compilation requirements.
A comprehensive presentation of current and archive data and an industry newsletter sign-up tool is available at www.acem.eu

2015 American International Motorcycle Expo

2015 AIMExpo wraps final day amid applause

As doors closed on the 2015 American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) applause filled the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) where consumer attendees on the packed show floor joined the 561 exhibitors in celebrating the event’s third year in Orlando.

Jeremy Cupp wins Championship of the Americas
 
The inaugural AIMExpo Championship of the America’s featured a slew of radically designed, hand built bikes by North America's top custom builders. These bikes and builders were met with a standing ovation during the award ceremony that crowned builders in four unique classes and culminated in the choosing of a Free Style champion to represent AIMExpo at the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building in Cologne, Germany.

Among the winners was Bill Dodge from Bling Cycles who won the Retro Custom Class, Jim “Preacher” Goodrich from Preachers Hot Rod Cycles won the Performance Custom Class and Dell Battle from Dangerous Dezigns won the Street Custom Class. The Free Style winner who was selected by his peers and AIMExpo judges alike was Jeremy Cupp from LC Fabrications. A masterpiece of craftsmanship, Jeremy built a flawless chassis from raw metal to house a motor constructed with a Ducati head mated to a Buell bottom end. Congratulations to Jeremy and good luck in Cologne!

AMA Hall of Fame

Returning as a featured event at AIMExpo, the AMA hosted its 2015 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony inside the convention center on Saturday night. Kicking off the night was a VIP reception leading into the awards ceremony. Emotional acceptance speeches highlighted the night, and the evening came to a close with a particularly heart-felt speech from Legend Award Winner Wayne Rainey. The class of 2015 included Alex Jorgensen, John Kocinski, Keith McCarty, John Parham, Rodney Smith and Richard Teerlink.
Booth Winners

For the second year, AIMExpo handed out booth awards to exhibitors that went above and beyond with the design of their respective booth area. Four different awards were given – a rookie award for a large and small booth and a veteran award for a large and small booth – with exhibitors being scored on booth design, branding, creative design, interactive experience, social media, staffing and overall appearance. This year’s rookie winner for a booth under 400 sq. ft. was Standard Motorcycle Co., while the rookie winner for a booth 400 sq. ft. or larger was Bates Footwear. In the returning exhibitor class, the booth under 400 sq. ft. winner went to Forma Boots, and the 400 sq. ft. or larger booth taking the top honors was BMW Motorcycle Owners of America.

Italian motorcycle registrations

Italian motorcycle registrations +14 percent for first nine months

The latest data released by the motorcycle industry trade association in Italy (ANCMA) shows new motorcycle registrations there for September up substantially over last year's September volumes at 4,555 units (+25.83 percent).

For the first nine months of this year they are up by 14.45 percent at 55,070 units.
In total PTW terms September was +17.80 percent (14,876 units) and the Italian market is running at +9.57 for the year-to date (147,851 units).
The top selling motorcycle in Italy so far this year is the BMW R 1200 GS (2,772 units), followed by Yamaha's MY-09 Tracer (2,451), the Ducati Scrambler (2,243), Yamaha's MT-07 (1,802) and BMW’s E 1200 GS Adventure (1,762 units).
Honda take all three of the top spots in the Italian Scooter market with over 18,000 of their SH 150/125/300 sold so far this year.
Naked style bikes (+32.91 percent), Sport bike models (+19.95 percent) and Touring models (+19.36 percent) are the growth sectors in Italy, with the strongest growth in displacement terms coming in the 751-1000cc market (+38.93 percent) and 501-600cc power band (+19.73 percent).

German motorcycle registrations

German motorcycle registrations +6.18 percent for first nine months

According to the latest data released by the motorcycle industry trade association in Germany (IVM, Essen) new motorcycle registrations in September were down a little at -1.81 percent compared to September 2014 at 6,013 units, but are +6.18 percent for the year-to-date (94,110 units - the best first nine month market performance in Germany since 2008).

In total PTW terms the German market was actually up by +3.46 percent in September (9,926 units) and is running at +6.99 percent for the year-to-date (136,233 units - also the highest for the first nine months of the year since 2008).
Last year the German market saw 96,823 new motorcycles registered for the full 12 months (140, 609 total PTWs), and it is possible that these figures will be exceeded this year with a month or two to spare.

Honda

Honda releases details of new concepts

In advance of its exhibits at the Tokyo Motor Show and EICMA, Honda has unveiled three concept models that it has been working on. All three have been much speculated on in the Media, but these are the first official pictures and details to be released…
 

Light Weight Super Sports Concept

Said to be designed with the key phrase of “strong presence”, this next-generation super sport concept is described as featuring a look "possessing a sense of speed derived from its long nose and low crouching position. The combination of surfaces - creating a sense of hardness and solidity - and sharp edges, emphasize the aggressive look. Moreover, the exterior featuring matt-black-based, low-contrast graphics underlines its beauty and eye-catching form".

Neowing

Honda describes the Neowing as an "unprecedented three-wheeled vehicle that offers the cornering feel and sporty ride of a large-sized motorcycle while realising excellent stability at low speeds. It is said to be equipped with a hybrid system that combines "a horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder engine and electric motor to generate plentiful torque for powerful acceleration. With the adoption of an original Honda linkage mechanism on its front wheel, this concept model proposes new values with advanced styling that emphasizes the mechanical fascination of a two-wheeled motorcycle model".

EV-Cub Concept

Honda says this personal commuter model for short-distance commuting follows the concept of an “easy-to-handle and economical motorcycle” that they have been pursuing since the creation of the first-generation Super Cub. "Placing the battery, a heavy component, at a low position in the middle of the body allows easy mounting and dismounting. Moreover, ease-of-handling was pursued through concentration of mass and lowering of the centre of gravity. In consideration of ease-of-use in a broader range of environments, the battery itself was made detachable and rechargeable using a standard home wall socket.

Powerbronze

Versys accessories

POWERBRONZE has extended its product range with the launch of new parts for the ’10-’14 and ’15 Kawasaki Versys models.

The ABS belly pan is available in gloss or matt black, white or carbon look, with the option of gold or silver coloured mesh.
The two-seat cowl versions fit without modification and can be ordered in the choice of gloss or matt black, white or carbon look finishes.

For the ’15 Versys, Powerbronze crash posts are CNC machined from high impact plastic and aluminium.
Swingarm and fork protector kits for the ’15 Versys are made of injection moulded high impact plastic and supplied with the necessary high tensile studs (de-embrittled), washers, nuts and compression sleeves.

POWERBRONZE
www.powerbronze.co.uk

Wunderlich

Touring Screen

WUNDERLICH, the German BMW aftermarket parts specialist, is now offering a touring screen to fit the ’14-onward S 1000 R. Higher than the standard screen, it is said to have a "flowing profile for enhanced wind protection" and a "flip" at the top to help reduce turbulence and wind noise.

The company states that the new screen is made from an optically pure UV-resistant material and that the edge is laser-rounded and polished for a safe and attractive finish. Supplied with TÜV certification.

WUNDERLICH GMBH
www.wunderlich.de

Exan

X-Black V-Strom Oval

EXAN now has its handmade X-Black Oval silencer, with trapezoidal design carbon end cap, available for the Suzuki V-Strom.

It is offered (with steel fittings) in four different materials - satin stainless steel, light black satin stainless steel, carbon and titanium.
Lighter than the original silencer, it is equipped with a removable DB Killer for track riding, and is said to deliver improved horsepower, torque and throttle response.
The X-Black is also available for the BMW S1000 RR and R 1200 GS/Adventure, Kawasaki Z1000, MV Agusta F3 and Brutale 800, and Triumph's Speed Triple, amongst other current models.

Founded by Andrea Nova in 1996 (Exan will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year), the company undertakes all aspects of its exhaust manufacturing in-house, at its facility near Milan, including dyno-testing of all its designs.

EXAN
www.exan.it

Furygan

'Power' jacket

FURYGAN has added the Power jacket to its product line. The CE homologated Power jacket is made from 1.4mm full grain leather (the same material that Furygan uses for its race suits) reinforced with Furygan’s waterproof-treated ‘Skin Protect’ lining for increased tear and abrasion resistance.

The shoulders and elbows have what is described as a new generation of CE D3O protectors and a back protector pocket will take the available ‘Central Back’ type level-1 and ‘Full Back’ type level-2 D3O back protector options.

Additional features include integral racing sleeves, which are said to offer comfort and mobility, a thermal padded and removable vest lining with aluminium chest inserts to protect against the cold, two connecting zips on the elastic belt, with additional snap claws, stretch panels behind the elbows, bi-stretch panels in the back and behind the shoulders, Neoprene inserts on collar and the wrists and adjusters at the waist.

FURYGAN
www.furygan.com

BMW Motorrad

BMW sales continue at record levels

BMW Motorrad has announced that it has achieved a "new all-time high in the third quarter, with already more than 100,000 units sold so far this year as of August" and that its "repositioning of the brand moves ahead". 

With 11,088 units delivered, as of September 2015 BMW Motorrad say they have achieved record sales for the ninth time in a row - with 112,411 units sold -  some +12.2 percent up on the 100,217 units sold in the first nine months of 2014; with September 2015 up by some +11 percent on the 9,991 units sold in September 2014.

 The BMW R Series contributed about 54.0 % to sales with 60,557 units sold. Apart from the traditional high-volume models R 1200 GS, GS Adventure and RT, the BMW R nineT has "firmly established itself" in 4th place in the BMW Motorrad ranking. Sales figures for the BMW R 1200 RS, the new touring sports model, are also said to be "developing positively".

The sports-oriented BMW S Series with the S 1000 RR Supersports Bike, the S 1000 R Power Roadster and the new S 1000 XR Adventure Bike, have" developed into a further key pillar in the BMW Motorrad model range".

Heiner Faust, BMW Motorrad Head of Sales and Marketing, said that “in 2006 we exceeded the magical figure of 100,000 units for the first time. Now we were able to exceed this figure four months earlier! Customer interest in our products is increasing worldwide and the desirability of the BMW Motorrad brand is steadily on the rise. Incoming orders for the coming months are gratifyingly high".

BMW 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, with 18,825 units sold and a domestic German market share of around  25% in the relevant premium segment above 500 cc. Internationally their best market is the USA (13,362 units), followed by France (10,447 units), Italy (9,935 units) and Great Britain (7,241 units).

The company goes on to say that in the coming season they will "remain on a course of growth by presenting new models. We have already announced the strongly revised C 650 Sport and C 650 GT maxi scooters. Heiner Faust said that “we are following up in the urban mobility segment with strongly modified technology and two very attractive models. We will already be delivering our new maxi scooters within 2015, and two further models will see their world premiere this autumn".

BMW’s “Make Life A Ride” brand repositioning programme is described as "moving ahead "as the company "reorients itself".

Heiner Faust said that "without giving up our traditional strengths of innovation, safety and quality, our entire brand impact is now considerably more emotional. BMW Motorrad is turning into the desirable power brand.”

BMW is pointing to its event activity and movie sponsorships as giving expression to these "emotional" brand values.

Events such as the 15th annual BMW Motorrad Days (3-5 July 2015), at Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and  the first "Pure & Crafted Music Festival presented by BMW Motorrad" (28-29 August) in the grounds of the Postbahnhof station in Berlin; with the BMW Group being the official vehicle partner for "Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation" - in which motorcycle fanatic Tom Cruise thoroughly abuses a BMW S 1000 RR supersports bike in a "don't try this at home kids" sequence that seeks to add adrenaline and testosterone to the traditionally sedate brand values that have so far done BMW no harm at all!

UK motorcycle registrations

UK motorcycle registrations +15 percent for first nine months of 2015

The latest data released by the motorcycle industry trade association in the UK (MCIA) shows new motorcycle registrations there for September at +10.28 percent (12,372 units  - the best September figure since 2008) and +15.02 percent for the year-to-date (86,485 - the best first nine months the UK has seen for seven years).

In total PTW terms September was +7.32 percent (13,536 units) and is +12.27 percent for the year-to-date (93,725 units). Moped sales are still down in the UK, as they are in most other main European markets (-12.7 percent/8,289 units YTD).

The 'Naked' style (+28.3 percent/19,733 units YTD) and Adventure Tour sectors (+24.6 percent/11,359 units) are the strongest growth markets in the UK, with Sports/Tour and traditional Touring models the primary sectors that are losing sales so far this year (-7.0 percent and -12.7 percent respectively).

In displacement terms the fastest growing part of the market in the UK is the 'middleweight' 651 - 1000cc market - +26.5 percent YTD. Total scooter sales in the UK (24,723 units YTD) are basically 'flat' at -0.7 percent.

Honda were market share leaders in the UK in September, selling 2,457 units; followed by Yamaha, BMW, Lexmoto, Triumph, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Harley-Davidson, Piaggio and Ducati.

The UK 'bike park' is now said to stand at 1.2 million units - a figure that has remained largely static since 2011; 34,600 people passed the motorcycle rider test in the UK in 2014/15 - which is some 4,000 more than in the previous 12 months; the MCIA says that some 4.6 billion km (2.8 billion miles) were ridden on two wheels on the roads of the UK in 2014 - a figure that has remained largely static since 2011.

Swiss market

Swiss market up again - 6th largest in Europe

The latest data released by the motorcycle industry trade association in Switzerland shows new registrations there at +21.89 percent for August (1,804 units); +18.05 percent for the year-to-date (23,828 units).

Although there is no direct comparison between sources, ACEM data shows 39,847 new motorcycle registrations for the whole of 2014 - making Switzerland the 6th largest market in the whole of Europe.
In total PTW terms Switzerland was +20.84 percent in August (4,123 units); +9.37 percent YTD (40,793 units).
Yamaha is the top selling motorcycle manufacturer so far this year in Switzerland (4,518 units, +42.79 percent up YTD) with its MT 07 and MT 09 the best and second best sellers there (their MT 09 Tracer is fifth), with BMW second (3,337 units, +18.84 percent YTD) and Harley-Davidson third (2,901 units, -3.49 percent YTD) and Kawasaki fourth, Honda fifth. The BMW 1200 GS is the third best selling model, followed by the Ducati Scrambler.
The total motorcycle 'park' in Switzerland has continued to grow every year since 1998 and most years since 1990, standing at 424,495 units by the end of 2014, with an additional 274,724 scooters registered for road use.

Polish motorcycle market

The motorcycle market in Poland continues to grow

According to the latest statistics released by the motorcycle industry trade association in Poland (PZPM), the number of new motorcycles registered there was up by +73.90 percent in August (2,172 units) and is now running at +154.28 for the year-to-date (18,865 units).
In total PTW terms August was up by +8.03 percent, but is flat for the year as a whole so far at -0.30 percent. 

The statistics for Poland are difficult to compare with elsewhere in the EU. It is a small but fast growing market, one where the number of mopeds sold (or not sold!) has a big impact on the overall PTW picture: -31.60 percent at 2,970 units for August, -31.75 percent at 22,889 units for the year-to-date.  It is also a market where the high number of pre-owned motorcycles that are registered for the first time there (imported from Germany and other markets) represents good news for the parts and accessory industry.
However, at the higher value new motorcycles end of the market the growth is statistically impressive. The data collected by ACEM, the Brussels based international motorcycle industry trade association for Europe, shows that Poland was actually the 7th largest market in the EU in 2014 at 9,847 units - only a little less than The Netherlands.
In that context this year's registrations are already well ahead of last year with four more months to go. The pre-owned motorcycles seeing their first registration in Poland so far this year take the total motorcycle count to 66,896 for the year-to-date, which is up by +55.70 percent over the first eight months of 2014; including new and pre-owned mopeds that makes Poland a 99,950 (+14.44 percent) market in terms of new PTWs of all kinds that are new to the roads of Poland in the first eight months of this year.

Sprint Filters

Polyester filters

ITALIAN Sprint Filters have been chosen by the BMW Italia SBK team for Ayrton Badovini's S1000RR assault on the World Superbikes championship, and by the BMW supported MotoXracing Team in the FIM Superstock 100 Championship.

Proud "holders" of no less than five world land speed records thanks to San Diego Motorcycles' adventures with the S1000RR on the Bonneville salt flats, Sprint Filter’s race and street filters use a PO8 air filter and a P16 intake-inclusive "Factory Kit" air filter, which are said to feature polyester patented technology and a long-life warranty.

Sprint Filter use 80 micron polyester, composed of wires with a diameter of five microns, which allows a claimed doubling of the airflow and a higher filtration power compared to any other sport air filter.

The use of polyester means that no filter oil is required, and no soap or shampoo is needed for cleaning - Sprint Filter say that a 30 second treatment with compressed air removes the dust and dirt and restores the filter to maximum performance.

SPRINT FILTER
www.sprintfilter.net

Norman Hyde

Polished stainless Triumph headers

TRIUMPH aftermarket specialist Norman Hyde now has polished stainless steel header pipes available for all modern T100 Triumph Bonneville models. The new pipes allow riders to replace the headers that contain a catalytic converter, found on later models, and those with the unsightly lambda sensor boss that was fitted to EFI bikes.

The 42mm header pipes are made in England from 304 grade stainless steel and designed to fit all T100 machines, including earlier pre-injection Bonnevilles fitted with 38mm headers. Fitting the new headers to EFI models allows owners to dispense with the protruding lambda sensors, without leaving the welded bosses that spoil the Bonneville's classic styling. The bike’s ECU can be programmed to switch off the sensors, so that performance will not be affected.
Norman Hyde stainless header pipes are designed to fit the company’s HBS105 classic and HBS165 peashooter silencers, as well as the factory-fitted Triumph originals.

NORMAN HYDE
www.normanhyde.co.uk

SW-MOTECH

'Trax' aluminium cases

SW-MOTECH's Trax 'Adventure' aluminium side cases are available in 37 and 45-litre capacities and a choice of silver anodising or black powdercoat finish.

Robot-welded and manufactured from 1.5mm wall thickness aluminium, they have completely removable lids with quick-release fasteners and four large, strong tie-down points integrated into the geometry of the lid.
The large chamfer on the outer edges are for optimal lean angle and ground clearance, and the protectors are made of glass-reinforced plastics.
They are designed to work with SW-MOTECH’s own Quick-Lock Evo side carriers, but can also be used with the mounting plates of other well known carrier systems.
A full range of accessories is available for the Trax programme, including inner bags and case lid storage nets.
The company also offers dealers access to feature-rich, bike-touring friendly 'Racer' and 'Trooper' backpack product lines.

SW-MOTECH GmbH & Co KG
www.sw-motech.com

Bonamici Racing

R3 Rearsets in 7075 alloy 

ITALIAN parts specialist Bonamici Racing has designed a new rearset for the Yamaha R3.
CNC-machined from 7075 billet aluminium, Riccardo Bonamici tod IDN that "we use bearings to completely eliminate the friction on the levers and a spring for the assisted return of the rear brake lever. Our design also means it is possible to adjust the footpegs in 12 different positions".
They are available in black anodised or customised colours to match other R3 accessories or the original factory colours.

BONAMICI RACING
www.bonamiciracing.it