MotoDirect

Wolf 2016

First established in 1969 in the UK, the Wolf apparel brand is still owned and designed in the UK (by noted apparel UK specialist and distributor MotoDirect - known also for their RST brand) and was relaunched at the end of March at an industry event at Donington Hall, Derbyshire, the home of the resurrected Norton Motorcycles operation.
MotoDirect have launched an entirely new Wolf range for 2016, and with plans to exhibit at INTERMOT later this year, are investing heavily in a programme that combines brand heritage with contemporary production and features.

Jonny Towers, MotoDirect Sales & Marketing Director said "it is with great pleasure that we have relaunched Wolf; one of the oldest British motorcycle clothing brands. The Wolf brand has been synonymous with quality and style throughout the years and with this fresh collection that ethos is strengthened further"

Pitched as a premium line (though with a price-point that still represents good value for the specifications and designs on offer), it is a feature-rich leather and textile offer with the emphasis on quality materials, protection and comfort.
The flagship product is the Racing-K kangaroo leather one-piece race suit, made in 40 percent kangaroo leather and 60 percent full grain cowhide.
Wolf was one of the pioneers of using kangaroo hide in one-piece suits, introducing it into the range in 2004. Kangaroo is not only light but very supple, "giving the Racing-K an off the peg fit unlike any other standard suit", according to Wolf brand manager Stuart Millington. 

Nimbus-K:
A feature-rich, versatile two-piece kangaroo and cowhide leather combo available separately, giving dealers and buyers inventory and buying flexibility

 Racing-K:

A 40 percent kangaroo leather and 60 percent full grain cowhide one-piece with advanced ergonomics and protection, including D3O protectors and Wolf's Natural Movement System (NMS), Wolf Energy Deflection System (WEDS) with TPU external armour and Schoeller Keprotec stretch panels

For 2016 the Racing-K introduces a new feature - the Wolf Natural Movement System (NMS). The use of stretch panels placed behind the arms, the full length of the torso and the lower back is said to enable a free range of natural movement on the bike. When combined with the kangaroo panels, this suit has a feeling of a fully made to measure item. It also enables the use of a back and chest protector without compromising the comfort levels. 
Features include soft-touch removable lining, double layer leather seat, quick release racing compound knee sliders, Oxley bonded nylon thread, triple and double stitching in all the seams, D3O level 2 CE-approved armour on the shoulders, elbows and knees, full length Schoeller Keprotec stretch panels and the Wolf Energy Deflection System (WEDS) - with TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) external armour at the main impact points at the shoulders and knees. 

Tec-Tour Outlast jacket and jeans:
Teflon coated Cordura, XTR waterproof/breathable membrane, WEDS, D3O protectors, NMS, quilted, removable Outlast full-length lining

Freestyle II jacket and jeans:
D3O protectors, Teflon coated Cordura, WEDS, NMS, XTR waterproof/breathable membrane

These low coefficient friction parts enable the rider to slide on first contact with the ground, drastically lowering the risk of going into a tumble. The shoulder piece also dramatically reduces the risk of breaking the collar bone by deflecting the energy into a slide rather than high energy deceleration, which transfers too much energy to the body.
Available separately for maximum inventory versatility, the Nimbus-K is a kangaroo and cowhide jacket and jeans 2-piece that has a one length joining zip, so different sized jackets and jeans can be connected together, or the jacket can be bought on its own and worn with riding jeans or existing products, or as a staged-buy.
Both are constructed from a mixture of kangaroo and full grain cowhide for enhanced comfort and ergonomics and feature Wolf's NMS, Schoeller Keprotec stretch panels, versatile Outlast quilted lining, D3O level 2 CE-approved armour, including back protector, in addition to the WEDS with TPU external protectors on the shoulders and knees. 

Spirit leather jacket:
vintage look milled leather tanned, using high quality silicones and dyes

The Spirit jacket is made from the latest generation of high-quality milled leather that has been tanned, using high quality silicones and dyes. Features include D3O level 2 CE-approved armour along with triple and double stitched seams using Oxley bonded nylon thread "to give this vintage looking jacket 21st century features and the associated benefits these bring".
For the Euro leather jacket, Wolf say they revisited their back catalogue for a 60s and 70s Cafe Racer look with the characteristic twin zip system. Made in thick milled leather, the jacket "has the feeling of one that’s been in your collection for years". On the inside there's a removable soft-touch brushed cotton lining and D3O level 2 CE-approved armour.
Wolf say that the 2016 Tec-Tour jacket and jeans "is the highest specification textile combination we have ever made. We debuted Outlast technology in 2009 and have been using it ever since. This, however, is the first time we have incorporated the Outlast lining onto a quilted backing". 

Kangaroo leather racing glove with carbon knuckle and wrist protection, Super-Fabric palm protection, thumb joint memory Elastane protection and dual layer palm leather

The Tec-Tour has large waterproof zipped air vents and the ability to remove the XTR 8000/10000 waterproof/breathable membrane, D3O level 2 CE-approved armour and back protector, with the outer shell made from Teflon coated DuPont 300/500 Cordura.
It has a removable, full length quilted Outlast lining, external TPU shoulder WEDS, is stitched with Oxley bonded nylon thread, has a removable "throat coat", water bladder pocket and associated pipe holders, full length MAX HD 360 degree joining zip, large multiple waterproof zipped air vents and features Wolf's NMS for enhanced ergonomics and touring fit.
The GT-S textile jacket has a mid-length cut giving a flexible fit, "long enough to beat the elements, but short enough to be comfortable on a bike with a more aggressive riding position". Made in Teflon coated Cordura, it has a removable/breathable Outlast lining, D3O protectors, WEDS and NMS.
The Freestyle II textile jacket and jeans is an update aimed at the sports rider in Teflon coated 300/500 DuPont Cordura with XTR 8000/10000 waterproof/breathable ultra-high performance membrane, quilted removable thermal lining, external TPU shoulder WEDS and D3O protectors.

MOTODIRECT LTD
www.moto-direct.com

Premier helmets

Trophy MX

This new Trophy MX is said to be a faithful replica of the Premier helmet from the 60s and 70s, widely used at the time for off-road riding.

The updated version of the original shell design is made in a tri-composite fibre and embraces many contemporary helmet technology features, such as the washable, hygiene treated removable inner lining. The DD buckle reflects the design used on the original and it is available in yellow, black and white.

PMR S.r.l.
www.premier.it

Motoplastic

New generation acrylic windscreens for Naked style bikes

Noted for the huge investment they have made in aerodynamic testing in recent years, Spanish parts and accessory specialist Puig has launched a new generation of windscreens for naked style bikes - seen here for the 2015-2016 Suzuki GSX-S1000.

Made of high-impact resistant acrylic in a choice of colours and precision-designed specifically for this model, Puig design and test these screens using a virtual wind-tunnel simulator, which is said to show aerodynamics and wind protection improvements on some of the current models they have tested at their Barcelona R&D facility by up to 97% (touring) and 66% (racing) compared to the OEM designs.
Also seen here, Puig PRO frame sliders are made of durable and lightweight high-impact nylon. An interchangeable rubber-end helps riders avoid knee injuries. They are sold with model-specific precise fit hardware and do not require any modifications, so are a quick and easily reversible install.

The company also offers ABS plastic rear huggers, radiator side covers, engine spoilers and many other stylish and functional model-specific or universal fit accessories in a range of materials and finishes for most current production models and many older bikes that are now hard to source parts for.

MOTOPLASTIC S.A.
www.puig.tv

Kappa

Thermo-formed side panniers

Following the significant upgrades announcement to its range of rigid cases, Kappa has launched into the thermo-formed bags segment with a pair of 17 litre saddlebags.
Their key-locked RA314 panniers are designed to replicate the structural performance associated with rigid cases as they retain their shape with or without load, and attach to the motorcycle frame by means of a specifically designed mounting system. However, the design is also said to exploit the light weight and compact features that are typical of soft bags.

With an internal capacity of 17 litres they are made of EVA, externally coated using 1000d polyester and PU. Although designed to complement naked and sportsbikes, these side panniers are versatile and will easily work well with other motorcycle styles. As standard they are equipped with studs along the base, a rain cover, a padlock that blocks the closed zipper on the lid, a carry handle, internal elastic straps to stabilise the load and a webbed compartment separating the inside of the lid from the rest of the case. Measurements are H 28.8 x W 44.3 x D 20.5 cm.

They feature Kappa's fast EasyLock mounting system where the bags simply attach to the separately sold model-specific metallic frame.

KAPPA S.r.l.
www.kappamoto.com

Barnett

Off-road billet clutch pressure plates

Barnett clutch pressure plates are CNC precision-machined from billet aluminium and then finished with a tempered steel surface that the company says it guarantees to never wear out. The steel surface also helps dissipate heat better, lowering clutch operating temperatures and improving the durability of the other clutch assembly components. The extreme durability and precise fit of these USA made pressure plates "will give you the peace of mind to install it and forget about it"! Barnett, USA, www.barnettclutches.com

Fehling

Versys 650 accessories

Well known German accessory manufacturer Fehling offers dealers access to one of the largest handlebar, protector and luggage mount ranges in the industry.

Seen here in black finished steel for 2015 and up Kawasaki 650 'Versys' models is a three-point mounting engine guard and a rear luggage carrier.
Fehling design and make all their own products in-house at their factory near Dortmund in Germany. Founded in 1945 as a specialist metal-forming and processing firm, the company is a motorcycle parts specialist that currently employs around 25 people and is still in the ownership of the founder's family.

Fehling offer their parts and accessories designs for most popular current makes and models of naked, street, touring and sports models.

ERNST FEHLING GMBH & CO
www.fehling.de

Clover

GT-PRO-2 jacket and pants and GTS-3 WP airbag

The GTS jacket and the GT-PRO pants from Italian specialist Clover are 3-layer, 4-season, 100 percent waterproof garments in men's and ladies versions.
The first GTS jacket and complementary GT-PRO pants were introduced by Clover in 2011, with a second three years later that featured Clover's optional airbag device - which can be bought separately and integrated by means of their specific 'KIT-OUT'.
At EICMA last year Clover unveiled upgrades. The GT-PRO-2 jacket has 3-layers (the inner ones are interchangeable and zip connected). The external jacket has had water repellent treatment on the outer fabric and the layers include a removable, waterproof and breathable "Aquazone Plus" membrane with removable thermal liner. The external fabrics include Duratek-7 and Duratek-4 and anti-abrasion 'Ballistic' material at the shoulders and elbows.

The jacket comes with a CE certified external airbag (optional and sold separately), which can be externally integrated into the jacket. It is certified to CE EN 1621-4 Level-2 standard, and in a market sector that is starting to attract attention and controversy in equal measure, Clover say theirs was "the first CE certified airbag for motorcyclists".
Activation time is 0.08 seconds, "the fastest mechanically operating airbag", according to Clover, and "6.4 times more protective than a CE level-2 back protector". It is said to reduce the impact energy by about 35 times (average value of residual energy transmitted under the test 1.4 kN), remains anchored to the jacket even when the inner layers are removed and is said to be easily rechargeable by the user in case of accidental operation.
It also features 7 adjustable ventilation openings, 8 pockets, and the pockets can be converted into ventilation openings. Features include 3D mesh lining, which, in winter, when the ventilation panels are closed, creates an air gap inside the jacket that allows greater thermal insulation. In summer, when the ventilation panels are open, the 3D mesh lets the air flow circulate inside the jacket.
Additional features include accordion style stretch panels on the elbows, Velcro flaps to adjust the size of the cuffs, button closure and zip with double slider, elastic cuffs on the waterproof membrane to prevent water infiltration, straps to adjust the size of the arms, forearms, chest, waist and bottom and adjustable and removable CE protectors on shoulders and elbows. Laminated refractive inserts on the front, arms and back for night visibility add to the safety features. It is available in fluo-yellow (and other colourways) for daytime visibility. 

The GT-PRO-2 WP pants are 100% waterproof, 4-season technical touring pants with three layers connected with zip and a double layer of fabric on the bottom. The pants have elastic inserts on the crotch, inside leg and behind the knees to maintain the correct fit regardless of whether the inner layers are inserted or not, accordion-style stretch panels at the knees and back, double Velcro flaps to adjust the size of the waist, and the ankle zone is zip opened and Velcro adjustable.
The jacket/pants connection is by 360 degree zip for winter and locking clip for the slider; the four adjustable ventilation panels on the thighs and knees are lined with 3D mesh.
Two front pockets and adjustable and removable CE protectors at the hips and knees, as well as laminated refractive inserts on the sides and back, add to the list of safety features.

CLOVER IT S.R.L.
www.clover.it

Hevik

'Garage' vintage leather jacket and helmet

This is the debut of Italian apparel brand Hevik into leather garments - with an "understated" black leather jacket, cropped at the waist, with a traditional mandarin collar and made from lighter weight 0.8 mm full-grain aniline treated cow's leather - this transparent treatment technique allows the original grain to be seen clearly.

Hevik says the focus is on "style and fit" - features include a detachable nest-cut charcoal grey internal thermal layer, with removable CE-approved protectors at shoulders and elbows as standard and a pocket for a back protector.
Also seen here, the 900g, composite fibre 'Garage' jet helmet (with goggles as standard issue) continues the Retro/Cafe theme.
The unique outer shell colour is based on a pattern mimicking a rough fuel tank finish, creating a "raw brushed aluminium" effect. The non-allergenic black lining is fully detachable. At the nape is a classic leather goggle strap retainer, and peak and cheek panel metallic studs attach an optionally available visor.
Classic/retro styled gloves complete Hevik's new for 2016 'Garage' look range.

HEVIK S.r.l.
www.hevik.com

Ferodo

Ferodo adds to brake pads programme

"Innovation, high performance and a low environmental impact" - these are the main features of the Eco-Friction line, according to Ferodo, the Italian brake pads manufacturer.

Mainly for scooters and small displacement machines, Ferodo's new ECO-Friction brake pad compound has eliminated most of the 'heavy metals' used in conventional formulations for an environmentally better product

New to the Ferodo range for 2016, the newcomer to the FERODO motorcycle range, the Eco-Friction compound formulation is mainly for scooters and smaller displacement motorcycles. Low in heavy metals, the compound comes from a five year R&D fingerprinting process which analysed the raw materials contained in a wide range of standard brake pads. 
Following this analysis, which covered over 1,500 different raw materials, suitable substitutes for the heavy metals were established and validated. The result of this extensive research and testing is that Eco-Friction brake pads "guarantee the same life and performance characteristics as conventional high quality pad formulations containing high percentages of heavy metals". 

Formulated for the demands of the new generation of larger displacement Maxi scooters, Ferodo's new sintered metal brake pads range "guarantee shorter braking distances, with outstanding brake control, even in wet conditions"

Also new for this year, the Ferodo sintered metal brake pads range for Maxi scooters covers the most popular models of new generation high-performance larger displacement scooters.
Disc friendly and long lasting, they have been specifically engineered "to satisfy the Maxi scooter rider’s needs, and these pads guarantee shorter braking distances with outstanding brake control, even in wet weather conditions".

FERODO
www.ferodoracing.com

Australian motorcycle sales

Australian motorcycle sales up

The motorcycle, ATV and scooter market in Australia was up 1.6 percent at 24,994 units for the first quarter of 2016.
These numbers include strong growth in off-road (+3.7 percent), road (+2.8 percent) and ATV (+2.7 percent) segments of the market.  FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said that the figures provided a positive start to 2016 for the industry.
There were 11,576 road bikes sold in the first quarter of 2016, which represented just over 46 percent of the total market.

Honda was the leading volume manufacturer with 5,512 units sold (22.1 percent of the total market), followed by Yamaha (4,995 units, 20 percent market share), Kawasaki (2,684 units, 10.7 percent market share), Suzuki (2,395. 9.6 percent market share) and Harley-Davidson (2,286, 9.1 percent market share).
Yamaha led the volume race in the off-road motorcycle market with 29.1 percent of the total sales of 7,832. Yamaha was followed by Honda with 23.4 percent of sales, and KTM was third, selling 17 percent.
Looking at the road motorcycle market, Honda was the leading brand, selling 20.5 percent of the 11,576 road motorcycles sold between January and March 2016. Harley-Davidson was close behind in second place with 19.7 percent of the road motorcycle market. Harley-Davidson was followed by Yamaha with 15.4 percent.
In the scooter market, Piaggio led the sales race, selling 22.2 percent of the total 1,310 units. Honda and Vespa tied for second with 21.7 percent each. The popularity of scooters in Australia continues to decline, with first quarter sales down a significant 19.3 percent compared to first quarter 2015 figures.

www.fcai.com.au

NEXX Helmets

'Carbon Zero' helmets featuring X-Zero technology

Carbon Zero is a new Tech-Series line of carbon fibre helmets by Portuguese manufacturer NEXX featuring new X-Zero technology.
NEXX R&D engineers have been working on their new X-Zero technology for three years and describe it as combining the best of existing helmet manufacturing and construction techniques with new technologies and materials research used in aeronautical engineering and top level sport.

X.T1 Carbon Zero

The innovative process is said to have several advantages over traditional methods. NEXX say it gives a shell with "higher technical characteristics benefit gains in terms of reduced weight and improved impact resistance". The balance between carbon and the major technical characteristics introduced by the use of epoxy resin "provides a smoother and rounder surface so, obtaining a better surface finish, there is no need for so many coats of varnish. The result is a light and strong helmet with more efficient use of materials and greater environmental sustainability".
The X.R2 Carbon Zero and the X.T1 Carbon Zero are super light helmets with a weight of 1,300 and 1,350 grams. They are ECE/22-05, DOT and NBR-7471:2001 approved and feature X.MART Dry fabrics. The X.R2's shell is available in two different sizes, has two inlet and four outlet air vents (Air Dynamic System), a soft anti-sweat and anti-allergic fabric inner lining, as well as 3D removable and washable lining. Further features include removable neck padding, anti-noise cheek pads, a chin windstopper, a double D-ring fastening strap and a UV-resistant shell.

X.R2 Carbon Zero

The PC Lexan shield is anti-scratch, with a new and easy locking system, the visor comes with a recessed cavity for a Pinlock visor, and the flat visor is prepared for tear-off. There is a visor ventilation system, a removable breath guard, aerodynamic trim and aerodynamic rear spoiler, reflectors on the front, sides and back. The Ergo padding system allows a perfect fit for different head shapes, the Pinlock lens is included and the cheek pads have an emergency strap.
The X.T1 is also Pinlock-ready and has a micro-metric buckle, a panoramic eye port, 3D lining and cheek pads with an emergency strap system. The helmet is prepared for the X-COM - NEXX intercom system, has a removable breath guard and an 80% tint inner sun visor. The PC Lexan shield is clear with a new Block'N'Seal system (with dual resistance visor seal) and features the X-SWIFT quick release system.
Other features are a chin windstopper, night vision reflectors, chin ventilation, six air vents and an aerodynamic shell and trim. The shell is available in three different sizes, has an Ergo padding system and a visor with a recessed cavity for Pinlock. 

NEXX HELMETS
www.nexx-helmets.com

Swedish motorcycle sales

Swedish motorcycle sales +7.17 percent for first quarter

The latest data from McRF, the Swedish motorcycle industry trade association, shows new motorcycle registrations at +7.17 percent for the first quarter of 2016 at 1,854 units, with March actually down by -8.05 percent in a market with fewer selling days in March this year, and where the peak of the season comes some two months or so later than it does elsewhere in Europe.

In total PTW terms March was -9.65 percent with the first quarter +4.17 percent at 3,149 units. Moped sales were also down in Sweden in March at -11.9 percent and are running at +0.15 percent for the year-to-date (1,295 units).
For the full year 2015 motorcycle sales were up by +14.4 percent at 9,424 units, with mopeds +22.8 percent at 10,635 units and all categories of MotoCross models worth an additional 2,707, putting the Swedish market at 22,766 total PTWs.
In related powersports vehicle terms the Swedish market was worth 7,198 ATVs in 2015 (+9.9 percent), 5,840 snowmobiles (+16.7 percent) and 2,911 'Quadricycles' (+13.4 percent) for a combined total motorcycle, PTW and powersports vehicle market of 38,715 units.
Next year's MCMassan Swedish motorcycle show will be in Stockholm from 26 to 29 January 2017.

Rukka

"Orbita" women's suit

Jacket and trousers of the new Rukka Orbita suit for women are cut perfectly for the female body and made completely from elastic Gore-Tex three-layer laminate.

The elastic outer material not only optimises comfort, but also ensures a body-hugging fit and chic. On warm days, the thermal lining with temperature-regulating Outlast can be removed from the jacket and trousers, while large ventilation options on the sides of the jacket and the thighs let in additional cooling air. The Rukka D3O joint protectors are trimmed down to ladies' size, while the Rukka D3O Air protector is full-size. Armacor reinforcements on the shoulders and elbows, as well as the knees and shins, offer additional protection. The suit has six waterproof pockets and a removable neck warmer made of elastic Gore-Tex that acts as a wind and water lock, like on the cuffs and sleeves.

The Orbita trousers have climate-regulating AirCushion on the inside of the seat area and Antiglide-Keprotec on the outside. The jacket and trousers are available in various sizes and lengths, both in black, optionally with grey, neon yellow or pink piping.

L-FASHION GROUP/RUKKA
www.rukka.com

Swiss registrations

Swiss registrations down

After having been up by over +17 percent in 2015, the latest data from the motorcycle industry trade association in Switzerland (MotoSuisse) shows March down by over 1,100 units and down by -13.32 percent for the first three months of 2016 at 5,674 units.

Including motorcycles, scooters and mopeds, the total PTW market in Switzerland was down by nearly 2,000 units in March (-24.14 percent) and -13.92 percent (9,019 units) for the first quarter.
As with Poland and elsewhere, it is likely that March sales were affected by the early timing of Easter - historically both markets also peak later than some of the major markets.
BMW is motorcycle market share leader for the first quarter in Switzerland, followed by Yamaha, Honda, Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, KTM, Ducati, Triumph, Aprilia and Suzuki.

www.motosuisse.ch

Sprint Filter

Polyester MT-09 and FZ09 filters

 

Italian specialist Sprint Filter have released a new design of their award-winning PO8 mesh filter for street use - for Yamaha's MT-09 Tracer and FZ09s. Backed by a long-life warranty, Sprint Filter’s PO8 mesh uses patented 80 micron polyester technology composed of wires that have a diameter of just 5 microns for 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 20 second clean with compressed air removes the dust and dirt and restores the filter to maximum performance. Sprint Filter, Italy, www.sprintfilter.net

Zandona

"Soft Active" protector technology

Italian specialist Zandona's "Soft Active Jacket" is a 100% Made in Italy multisport safety jacket composed of CE approved back protector and arms, chest and ribs guards. The design features Zandona's neck padding (HCD - Helmet Contact Dampers) and the jacket is made with elastic honeycomb-net-textile and Lycra inserts.

The internal surface of the back protector is made in S.R.T. (Sweat Removing Textile – a transpiring 3D textile which transfers sweat to the outside) and the limited thickness of the padding, its lightweight and the jacket’s "outstanding fit" are said to provide "excellent stability and comfort".
Also seen here, Zandona's "Soft Active Kneeguards" are made from ventilation-friendly perforated neoprene with elastic inserts and velcro back closures. The internal padding is made from E.V.C. (Evoluted Viscoelastic Cells), described as an "innovative waterproof anti-shock material with a high performance/weight/thickness ratio, completely perforated to increase perspiration from the contact area to the outside. The sock is made with high-grade transpiring textiles, Lycra in the front and elastic honeycomb-net textile on the back. The limited thickness of the padding, outstanding fit and the application of silicone-grip on the inside of the elastics provide excellent stability. The shape and dimension have been designed to mimic the limb structure while avoiding stress".

ZANDONA
www.zandona.net

German motorcycle registrations

German motorcycle registrations down for first quarter

According to the latest data released by the motorcycle industry trade association in Germany (IVM, Essen), new motorcycle registrations in March were down by 11.31 percent at 19,413 units; year-to-date the German market is down by -4.85 percent so far, at 28,752 motorcycles for the first quarter.

In total PTW terms March was down by -11.18 percent (25,274 units), and the total PTW market in Germany is -4.86 percent (at 37,883 units) for the year-to-date.
The top-selling motorcycle in Germany in the first quarter of 2016 was BMW's all conquering R 1200 GS (2,367 units), followed by Honda's new CRF 1000 'Africa Twin' (969 units), Yamaha's MT-07 (780 units), the BMW S 1000 XR and BMW R nine T.
Six out of the top 10, and 10 out of the top 20 best selling motorcycles in Germany in the first quarter of 2016 were BMW models, so no surprise that they are market share leaders there at 27.17 units (7,812 units, +3.36 percent).
Honda were second at 11.14 percent market share (3,204 units), which puts them up by +10.71 percent for the first quarter, which is no doubt thanks in large part to the popularity of the new CRF 1000L 'Africa Twin'. KTM is third (10.44 percent share), Kawasaki fourth (10.18 percent share), Yamaha fifth (9.74 percent share).

BMW Motorrad

BMW Q1 sales +7.7 percent

BMW Motorrad achieved its best start into the new motorcycle season to date with a solid growth of 7.7 percent. In the first three months of 2016, 33,788 motorcycles and maxi scooters were delivered to customers (previous year 31,370 units). In March BMW Motorrad delivered 16,465 vehicles worldwide (previous year 15,912 units), amounting to a 3.5 percent growth in sales.
BMW says it has achieved its best start into a new motorcycle season, with unit sales +7.7 percent for the first three months of 2016 at 33,788 motorcycles and maxi scooters.
In March BMW delivered 16,465 vehicles worldwide, up by +3.5 % compared to March 2015.
Heiner Faust, Head of Sales and Marketing, said that "we have started the new motorcycle season with our best first quarter sales of all time. With a solid growth of +7.7%, we remain firmly on course for success following the record year in 2015".
In the first quarter BMW recorded its best growth in Europe and Asia, with Spain (2,190 units, +39.2 %), Italy (3,125 units, +6.4 %) and Great Britain (1,984 units, +9.2 %) doing particularly well for them. Germany still remains their strongest single market with 5,668 units (+5.6 %) sold in the first quarter, followed by France (3,230 units, + 2.4 %). In China BMW has increased sales by +74.4 % to 853 units sold compared to the first three months of 2015.
Their best selling model remains the R 1200 GS travel enduro and its sister model, the R 1200 GS Adventure. In the first three months more than 11,391 "flat-twin" GS motorcycles were delivered to customers worldwide. Their next best sellers are the S 1000 RR (2,385 units) and the S 1000 XR (2,206 units).
Sales of their long running F Series, the F 700 GS and F 800 GS, are also up and the company says that the new C 650 maxi scooters "are also fully on target".

www.bmw-motorrad.com

Polish registrations

Polish registrations down in March

According to the latest statistics released by the motorcycle industry trade association in Poland (PZPM), the number of new motorcycles registered there in March was down by 20.81 percent at 2,081 units, with the year-to-date -8.88 percent at 3,733 units. New mopeds were -41.56 percent in March (1,727 units) and are -41.43 percent (2,944 units) YTD, making the total of new PTWs YTD in Poland 6,677 units (-26.88 percent).
However, that is only part of the story where the Polish market is concerned. Poland is an important market for used vehicles - used motorcycles imported into Poland and first registered there were also down in March, at -18.64 percent (6,070 units) and are -13.53 percent for the YTD at 11,331 units.
Used mopeds were also down in March (-36.05 percent) and are -20.99 units for the YTD, making the total of used PTWs receiving a first registration there -55.56 percent YTD (6,815 units); putting the combined total of new and used motorcycles at -12.42 percent for the first three months of the year, with the total new and used PTWs at -20 percent YTD (19,573 percent).
Although comparisons with Europe's other major markets are not precise, as this is the only market where imported used vehicles are recorded in such numbers, they are units that are being registered in Poland for the first time (rather than domestic re-sale units), so on this basis 125,455 units registered there in 2015 made Poland Europe's 5th largest total PTW market behind France, Italy, Germany and Spain (when these Polish trade association statistics are compared to ACEM's reporting for new units in the EU).

www.pzpm.org.pl

Ducati

Ducati off-road riding academy

In a sure sign that brand development knows no bounds, Ducati is hosting a series of off-road riding courses on the Multistrada 1200 Enduro for riders to learn and improve safe off-road riding skills whatever the terrain.

Beppe Gualini and a highly qualified team of instructors will head-up the courses, with courses for riders of all levels of experience from novices to expert enduro enthusiasts.

Located at Castello di Nipozzano in Tuscany, the historical estate of the Marquis of Frescobaldi, DRE (Ducati Riding Experience) Enduro, an off-road Academy will be designed to let participants "develop the skills needed to leave the asphalt behind and deal with low-grip conditions, building up a store of experience and sensitivity that will also make road riding safer".

From June to September 2016, DRE Enduro will hold eight technical, theoretical and practical sessions over a total of 36 hours. Participants will be divided up into small groups according to experience and riding skill; they'll then ride the new Multistrada 1200 Enduro and "enjoy an extraordinary opportunity to learn and improve their riding skills thanks to the know-how and experience of their qualified instructors, headed by former Paris-Dakar rider Beppe Gualini".

Courses are designed for all riders, whatever their level of skill or experience - "everyone will be able to enjoy the outstanding versatility of the new Ducati maxi-enduro, improve their riding style on every type of terrain, and do so in complete safety".

Castello di Nipozzano is an ancient fort 30 km from Florence, and the vast grounds surrounding the Castle, with awesome views and wide open spaces make it the perfect venue for the Ducati Academy. 

Beppe Gualini has taken part in over 65 such races (having competed in no less than ten Paris-Dakar events) and he'll be offering participants the benefits of all his experience in both the theoretical and practical sessions.

The DRE Enduro package also includes the food and wine experience: during daytime and evening meals at the Castello, participants will be able to savour the traditional dishes of Tuscany with their distinctive flavours and first-class ingredients.

www.dreenduro.ducati.com
DRE Enduro 2016 dates:
3-4 June 2016
4-5 June 2016
15-16 July 2016
16-17 July 2016
2-3 September 2016
3-4 September 2016
16-17 September 2016
17-18 September 2016   

Spanish motorcycle registrations

Spanish motorcycle registrations +16 percent for first three months of 2016

According to the latest data released by the motorcycle trade association in Spain (ANESDOR), the motorcycle market there was up by +16.21 percent for the first three months of 2016, 28,499 units so far.

Because Easter meant fewer selling days, sales in March were broadly flat compared to March 2016 at -0.70 percent (10,812 units), meaning that the underlying trend remained positive.
In moped terms the Spanish market was -0.08 percent in March and is running at -2.48 percent so far in 2016 (3,147 units). In total PTW terms the market was -0.63 percent in March at 12,002 units, making it +14.36 percent for the first three months of 2016 at 31,644 units.
At the end of 2015 ANESDOR announced that it expected the strong growth seen in 2015 to continue, with total PTW registrations for 2016 reaching some 162,000 units - that would be further growth of around 9 percent from the 148,000 units sold in 2015 - 131,595 of which were motorcycles (+19.55 percent over 2014).
At the time Jose Maria Riano, the General Secretary of ANESDOR, had said that "2015 was a very positive year for the sector in Spain", and that in looking beyond the statistics "the motorcycle is clearly the choice of transport for millions of citizens in Spain, especially for their daily commute - PTWs are a major solution for mobility in Spain, reducing travel times between 50 and 70 percent, and reducing congestion and pollution".
Pointing to the greater age of the PTW fleet in Spain than is the case in neighbouring and nearby countries, he had again repeated his call for greater government support for the sector, "the average age of PTWs in Spain is 14.7 years. Despite the growth in new registrations the fleet actually aged further in 2015 - pointing to a strong growth in the total motorcycle park here. We believe that a review of the financial framework in which the PTW industry operates is needed in Spain and that simplifying driving licences would also favour fleet renewal".
After seeing the March and 2016 first quarter statistics, Riano said that "this data shows the continued recovery of the two-wheel sector in Spain, however, these three recent months have been warmer and drier than normal. There is still a long way to go - the figures are still well below the market sustainability level we wish to see - our goal is to see annual sales of 250,000 units".