Kawasaki sales up by 12% in Europe
Kawasaki's financial results for its full 2015/206 financial year (ended March 31st, 2016) show motorcycle and related powersports vehicle unit sales up in Europe for the period by over 12 percent at 64,000 units (from 57,000 for their 2014/15 financial year).
Motorcycle sales in the United States totalled 51,000 units (up from 49,000 for the year-ago period), but with unit sales in Japan flat at 15,000 units and emerging markets down heavily (340,000 units from 409,000), Kawasaki's overall worldwide motorcycle and related powersports unit sales performance is down by nearly -10 percent (524,000 units from 581,000).
However, the growth in sales to developed markets has seen Kawasaki's motorcycle industry financial performance improve, with net sales +4.3 percent at 333.5 billion Yen (329.2 billion Yen in 2014/2015), generating a +0.8 percent improvement in operating income (to 15.7 billion Yen).
Kawasaki is forecasting motorcycle orders and net sales to be down by some -8.5 percent for its 2016/2017 financial year, with the operating income generated by its motorcycle and related powersports industry sales down by -2.2 percent for the year ahead.
New motorcycle registrations + 16 percent in Spain in April
According to the latest data released by the motorcycle industry trade association in Spain (ANESDOR), the motorcycle market there was up by +16.32 percent for April 2016, at 13,101 units.
For the first four months of 2016 the motorcycle market is +16.23 percent at 41,594 units (compared to 35,787 units for the first four months of 2015).
Total PTW registrations in Spain are +14.43 percent for the year-to-date, at 46,079 units so far in 2016 (April was +14.59 percent at 14,435 new registrations).
Honda is market share leader so far this year in Spain, with 7,054 units sold in the first four months, representing a 17 percent market share and 22 percent growth over their sales for the first four months of 2015; Yamaha is second with a 14.7 percent market share (6,106 units, +22.3 percent over their sales for the same period last year).
The top selling motorcycle in Spain for the period January to April 2016 was the Kawasaki Z 800. The top selling scooter was the Peugeot Tweet 125 - indeed Peugeot as a whole are up by +54.8 percent in Spain so far this year (Kawasaki are +45.7 percent, BMW +28.7 percent, KTM +19.9 percent, Piaggio +19.5 percent).
The ANESDOR Secretary General welcomed the figures, but also points to issues that he believes still need to be resolved - not least the 40 percent tax burden carried by a new motorcycle. "The review of this and other inefficiencies in Spain's current tax system need to be addressed if we are to incentivise fleet renewal - the average age of motorcycles in Spain is 14.7 years."
Scooters represented 62 percent of new registrations in Spain in April (8,151 units), with road bikes representing 34 percent (4,462 units).
Japanese motorcycle production exports to Europe +16 percent for first quarter 2016
The latest data released by JAMA, the automotive trade association that includes representation of Japanese motorcycle manufacturers among its membership, shows exports of 250cc+ Japanese made motorcycles to Europe in March at +16.75 percent (22,831 units) and +16.11 percent (63,151 units) for the first three months of 2016.
In total PTW terms exports to Europe were +19.72 percent in March 2016 (24,190 units) and +15.92 percent (66,072 units) for the first three months of the year. Although that is the best number seen for the first quarter since 2012 (67,882 units), it still compares very badly with the 149,402 PTW units produced and exported to Europe from Japanese factories in 2008.
Motorcycle exports to the USA were +31.69 percent in March (9,883 units), but are still down at -2.64 percent (27,994 units) for the first quarter (compared to 162,066 units in the first three months of 2007).
The increasing number of units being made by the Japanese manufacturers elsewhere in Asia, the US and South/Central America goes some way to explaining the data, though the majority of higher value, larger displacement machines, especially those being exported to Europe, are still made in Japan.
Their overseas factories are primarily engaged in making and selling scooters and smaller capacity units in 'emerging' markets (where import tariffs are high) and in making ATV/UTV units - especially in the United States, where demand for such machines is strongest.
Aviator 2.2 helmet
The Aviator 2.2 helmet from Airoh is an evolution of their Aviator 2.1 helmet. Available in three different shell sizes and made with high quality 100% carbon Kevlar, the company says it is one of the lightest and "best performing" helmets in its class.
Feature updates are its reduced weight, the expanded field of vision, a new chinguard air intake, a new rear spoiler and the new maximum protection peak. Care has been taken with the inner lining - made and designed with the latest generation of materials, ensuring breathability and optimal ventilation. Aviator 2.2 is equipped with a dust filter and an emergency system for the release of the cheek pads (A.E.F.R.).
The extensive range of accessories consists of the Go-Pro kit, covers for the air intake that can be used in the event of rain and mud, an extended peak and a screw and tool kit for carrying out any adjustments. Locatelli say this helmet is identical to that used by their professional champions.
LOCATELLI S.p.A.
www.airoh.com
Universal E13 approved 'Lighthouse' fairing kit
This Italian made 'Lighthouse' universal light group kit is "an object of extreme simplicity, but of absolute beauty", according to Naples based Omnia Racing Special Parts.
Available for a wide range of applications, from custom choppers through to Naked bikes and Streetfighter style specials, it features clean lines and contemporary technology in a lightweight, strong and durable brushed aluminium design in which the black parts can be painted in any custom or OE colour to match the bike.
Fully approved (E13) with H4 bulbs, the lights are fully adjustable and the 28.5 cm high, 20 cm wide by 15 cm deep kit mounts easily to any bike with the universal-fit brushed aluminium bracket.
Founded in 1994 by Fabrizio Bertollini, this is one of thousands of parts available to dealers throughout Europe from Omnia Racing.
A leading Italian distributor of famous name parts, accessory and performance brands (such as Ohlins, AFAM, D.I.D, Bitubo, HP Corse, Ixil, BMC filters, Hevik, Kappa, Shad and Rizoma), Omnia also offers access to many hard-to-source parts from manufacturers in Italy (Robby Moto Engineering and Discacciati brakes to name just two) and leading manufacturers throughout Europe and the rest of the world.
The company is looking to expand its already impressive international network by partnering with selected additional franchised dealers and independent retail specialists throughout Europe.
OMNIA RACING SPECIAL PARTS
www.omniaracing.com
'BRIG' IFT waterproof summer gloves
German specialist Orina has developed a thin and flexible waterproof summer glove using their own custom IFT processing technique in conjunction with an AquaFit membrane.
This technique is said to "minimises the gaps between the different layers of materials, resulting in thin gloves with a perfect grip", according to the company. Anti-bacterial TEXRA lining quickly absorbs moisture and transports it away from the skin to keep the wearer cool and dry.
The outer shell of the Brig IFT is composed of strong but flexible SORATEX material; hard knuckle protection and Carbolex protector at the edge of the hand protect the areas prone to injuries. Stretch panels on the fingers and below the knuckles provide freedom of movement and comfort; the high-quality Technalin.Gold cowhide leather at the palm, paired with silicone printing, allows for a secure grip.
Conductive material on the thumb and index finger allows the operation of most modern smartphones and similar mobile devices.
ORINA BW GmbH
www.orina.de
OptiMate USB chargers, designed for power sport!
Purpose-built for motorcycle and all powersports vehicle applications, OptiMate 2.1A USB chargers are 100% true power rated, with a continuous 2.1A delivered to power hungry devices such as tablets and phones. The built-in Apple 'handshake' guarantees your iPhone or iPad is going to charge at the appropriate maximum - for example the iPhone 6 will charge to 70% in one hour.
The in-line sealed design protects the electronics against rain or snow and the charge socket's rubber boot and sealing cap removes easily to shake out accumulated dirt or water. If the charger is left hooked-up when the bike is parked, the built-in vehicle battery protection shuts off when the battery voltage drops to 12.5V.
These days a USB charger has become an essential piece of kit for riders, but the problem is that there is more to USB charging than simply the maximum charge current rating. Many shop-bought USB chargers just don't cut it where the rigors of the motorcycle electrics or the riding environment are concerned.
A smart phone or tablet has to 'qualify' the USB charger before it will hook-up to take a charge. First it checks the voltage (5 volts is the USB standard), then it verifies what the maximum current is that the USB charger claims it can deliver. If it gets the wrong signal, you might see the 'Not charging' message pop-up or the phone limits the charge current - in other words, it charges a lot slower than it should, even if the product claims it can deliver more and faster.
The OptiMate range of motorcycle compatible accessories is extensive. The O-103 comes with the DC 2.5mm plug that is commonly used in all heated apparel - the ideal companion for tankbags fitted with the OptiMate O-30 tankbag power entry; the O-104 comes with a molded BIKE (DIN) 'Hella' plug that fits all BMW, Triumph and Victory OEM sockets; and the O-107's SAE connector fits all industry standard SAE connectors.
The OptiMate O-100 SAE 'stubby' and sealed O-102 with 40" cables both deliver 1000mA and shut off before the battery voltage drops into the 'difficult to crank' level, and the O-110 USB splitter allows a rider to simultaneously charge two devices, such as the GPS and a camera.
TECMATE
www.tecmate.com
Kombat back protector and shorts
Fuelled by their continued race success, Italian off-road apparel and accessory specialist UFO Plast has further new and updated product lines for 2016.
The company's range is "diverse" to say the least, providing everything the leisure or race off-road rider could require.
Their EU Level-2 approved 'Kombat' back protector, for example, has a multi-layer internal shell made with two layers of flexible and breathable Microshock material with a layer of honeycomb material in between. The internal protection is removable and washable, the straps and belt are adjustable. Entirely made in Italy, the UFO 'Kombat' is available in two graphics, two adult sizes and three kid’s sizes.
Also seen here, their Italian made 'Kombat' shorts are provided with lateral padding to prevent blows and abrasions and removable back padding, all made of Microshock with added technical materials such as Airnet for "outstanding freedom of movement" - sold in adult and children’s sizes in graphics that match the 'Kombat' back protector.
UFO Plast has also extended its range of off-road grips with their new 'Axiom' designs. Said to give superior grip and comfort thanks to the special triple density rubber, they are offered in six colour versions to match the main off-road motorcycle brands, with black background and white insert.
UFO PLAST S.r.l.
www.ufoplast.it
First quarter new motorcycle registrations +7.8 percent in EU markets
The latest EU-wide new motorcycle registration statistics released by ACEM (Association des Constructeurs Européens de Motocycles), the Brussels based international motorcycle industry trade association, show new PTW (powered two- and three-wheeler) registrations continuing to grow during the first quarter of 2016.
A total of 267,667 powered two and three-wheelers were registered in EU markets during the first three months of 2016; this represents an increase of +6.5% compared to the 251,420 vehicles registered during the same period of 2015.
Registrations performed positively in all the key markets, including Italy (49,576 units, +21.5%), Spain (31,679 units, +13.5%), UK (27,395 units, +7.6%), Germany (49,748 units, +4.5%) and France (49,505 units, +0.5%).
Cumulative motorcycle registrations grew by +7.8% during the first three months of 2016 on a year-on-year basis. A total of 205,258 motorcycles were registered between January and March 2016, against 190,429 during the same period of 2015.
Year-on-year motorcycle registrations increased in most key European markets, including Italy (44,573 units, +23.9%), Spain (28,528 units, +15.5%), the UK (25,519 units, +8.5%) and France (33,732 units, +0.8%), but they decreased in Germany (38,115 units, -4.8%).
A total of 62,409 mopeds were registered in the EU during the first three months of 2016, whilst 60,991 had been registered during the same period of 2015. This represents an increase of +2.3%.
Moped registrations increased in Germany (11,633 units, +54.2%), the Netherlands (12,851 units, +3.3%) and Italy (5,003 units, +3.1%), but decreased in France (15,733 units, -0.1%) and Spain (3,151 units, -2.3%).
www.acem.eu
Motorcycle registrations in Italy +14 percent in April 2016
The latest data released by the motorcycle industry trade association in Italy (ANCMA, Milan) shows new motorcycle registrations up by +14.21 percent for April at 9,905 units, and +23.12 percent YTD at 30,903 units.
Total PTW registrations in Italy were +10 percent in April (23,755 units), and are +18.79 percent YTD at 68,152 units for the first four months of 2016.
Enduro model sales are growing strongly at +36.92 percent YTD (11,003 units), with naked-style models +19.93 percent YTD (11,270 units) and custom-style bikes +10.89 percent at 2,821 units YTD.
The Honda CRF 1000 'Africa Twin' is the top selling enduro bike in Italy so far this year (1,834 units), ahead of BMW’s R1200 GS (1,465 units YTD). Yamaha's MT-09 Tracer is the top selling naked-style bike (1,273 units YTD), ahead of the Ducati Scrambler 800 (893 units YTD).
In powerband terms, the 601-750cc sector (+18.69 percent, 7,265 units YTD) and 751-1,000cc markets are doing well (+34.30 percent, 10,062 units YTD), with the 1,000cc+ market up by +11.57 percent YTD (8,955 units).
Piaggio Group posts best first quarter financial performance since 2008
The Piaggio Group says it strengthened its position on the European two-wheeler market, closing the first quarter of 2016 with an overall market share of 13.6% (13.1% in the first quarter of 2015) and a 24.5% market share in scooters (approximately 11 percentage points ahead of its second European competitor).
The Group says it also maintained "particularly strong positioning" on the North American scooter market, with a share of 19.6%.
In the scooter sector, the Piaggio Group reported excellent results in the "high-wheel segment" thanks to the new Piaggio Liberty scooter and the strong performance of the Beverly bestseller, which generated an improvement of +32.8% in global revenues from the first quarter of 2015.
In the high-wheel scooter segment, beginning in the second quarter of 2016, the Group will also have the support of the new Piaggio Medley ABS launched recently in 125 and 150cc displacements.
The Vespa brand strengthened its presence on the European market, with revenues up by +7.1%.
Group revenues also improved in motorcycles, with an overall increase of +9.7%. This result was assisted by higher sales for the Moto Guzzi California line (+5.3%), while sales for the Aprilia motorcycle brand were driven by the Supersports models with V4 engines, where shipments rose sharply, with +62.5% growth in sales volumes for the RSV4 1000 range and +104.4% growth in sales volumes for the Tuono models.
In the first quarter to 31 March 2016, the Group sold 74,800 two-wheelers worldwide (74,200 in the year-earlier period), generating net sales of 208.2 million euro, an improvement of +2% from 204.1 million euro in the first quarter of 2015. The figure includes spares and accessories.
The total workforce of the Piaggio Group as at 31 March 2016 numbered 7,074 employees. The Group’s Italian employees numbered 3,620, substantially unchanged from the previous year.
UK motorcycle registrations +13.27 percent in April
The latest data released by the motorcycle industry trade association in the UK (MCIA) shows that new motorcycle registrations for April were +13.27 percent (11,500 units) and are +9.94 percent for the year-to-date (36,814 units).
Moped sales continue to be down, as elsewhere in Europe, but overall total PTW registrations in the UK are +8.88 percent YTD at 39,414 units.
The strongest growing sectors in the UK for the first four months of 2016 are custom-style bikes (+17.4 percent, 3,310 units YTD); adventure sport models (+16.8 percent, 6,679 units YTD); scooters (+16.5 percent, 7,842 units YTD); and sport/tour models (+14.3 percent, 1,362 units YTD).
The largest sector in the UK remains naked-style bikes (+6.4 percent, 10,046 units YTD); the historically strong Supersport market in the UK was -4.2 percent for the first four months of the year (4,383 units).
In powerband terms, the 651-1,000 cc market is growing strongly, as elsewhere in Europe, at +14 percent (9,852 units YTD), with Honda's CRF 1000 'Africa Twin' the bestseller in all categories in April (182 units).
The best selling 1,000cc+ model was BMW’s R 1200 GS Adventure, with the sector as a whole +4.7 percent YTD (7,239 units).
Honda were market share leaders in the UK in April (2,109 units), followed by Yamaha and Triumph.
New graphics for Caberg Stunt
There are new graphics for Caberg's popular 'Stunt' full-face for 2016, which has a polycarbonate shell noted for its "sporty and aggressive look and compact design".
The helmet is offered in two solid colours, matt black and metal white, and in two graphic versions - 'Steez' and 'Blade'. There are two new colour combinations for the 'Blade', matt black/pink for ladies in sizes XS, S and M, while the second comes in black/orange, intended for younger riders in sizes XS to XXL.
Stunt comes in two shell sizes for best fit and has a double visor system (Double Visor Tech) that thanks to the easy to use integrated sun visor allows riding with the perfect light and in safety. The sun visor is treated for anti-scratch resistance, as is the outer clear visor, which is also prepared for a Pinlock lens.
Ventilation is ensured by three glove-friendly wide air vents; the lower vent on the chin guard drives air directly to the inner side of the visor to avoid misting, and the vent on top channels fresh air inside the helmet through numerous air grooves, while a rear vent ensures the discharge of hot and stale air.
The lining, made with transpiring fabrics, is entirely removable and washable, as is the wind stop under the chin guard of the helmet and the breath guard.
CABERG SpA
www.caberg-helm.com
Aerodynamically superior VStream+ windshield designs for S1000XR
ZTechnik, the specialty brand of windscreens made in Maywood, Illinois, by National Cycle, has added 3 new VStream+ windscreen designs for the Sport/Adventure BMW S1000XR.
The company says that the new screens have "the shape and contour to help reduce annoying turbulence". The VStream is named for its unique, patented "V" shape, while the "+" indicates that a "highly engineered and perfectly manufactured" mounting bracket is included in the kit.
VStream windscreens are effective because the three-dimensional contours push turbulent wind out and away from the side of the rider's head, reducing turbulence and wind noise, and the smooth-radiused edges are precisely engineered to add to the excellent aerodynamics.
The advantage of the VStream+ is that the included mounting bracket is more robust than the OEM mount points - assuring that the screen will "stay tight, strong and secure".
Available in clear, light or dark tint, VStream windshields are made from hard-coated Lexan polycarbonate, a material that provides outstanding durability and optical clarity. The company says that their ZTechnik windscreens are 20 times stronger than windscreens made from acrylic or the "aircraft" material that is commonly used in the motorcycle industry.
"We believe we make the world's best and toughest windscreens and we back that commitment up with a 3-year warranty against breakage", says award-winning chief engineer and CEO Barry Wiley, whose father founded the company in 1937.
ZTECHNIK
www.ztechnik.com
Dual purpose Terra Force-R
Czech manufacturer Mitas has introduced the Terra Force-R, a new radial dual purpose tyre designed for maxi enduro and trail motorcycles that is meant to be used 90% on-road and 10% off-road.
Described as the ideal choice for commuters as well as adventurers who love longer rides with a passenger and luggage, the aim is to offer to both groups of riders a "safe, dynamic and user-friendly tyre".
"The new Terra Force-R is an excellent choice for riders of adventure motorcycles", said Ksenija Bitenc, Managing Director for Mitas Moto. "It is a radial dual purpose tyre with a more street oriented tread pattern. It offers excellent traction on wet or dry roads and outstanding performance on light off-road surfaces", added Bitenc.
Mitas say it ensures immediate grip, excellent traction on wet or dry roads, easy steering and manoeuvrability with good straight and corner stability - with consistent performance through its lifetime and under heavy loads.
Specially developed tread compounds use modern elastomers, and high active fillers are said to result in excellent grip in all conditions and optimal balanced wear rate.
3-D Optimum Groove Technology (OGT 3D) is featured by optimum tread groove direction, optimum groove depth and less overheating of tread compounds. Strong Carcass Technology (SCT) maintains the carcass rigidity at a high level even as the tyre wears, thereby prolonging the optimum driving performance throughout the tyre’s service life.
Using Finite Elements Analysis (FEA) and a special computer-assisted simulation, an optimum tyre construction was designed that achieves the highest possible level of grip while still being rigid enough to achieve driving stability.
MITAS
www.mitas-moto.com
Off-Road Spring System (ORSS)
British suspension specialist K-Tech has announced its new "Air2Spring" system - a new Off- Road Spring System (ORSS) for the WP (AER) and Showa (SAFF/TAC) front forks fitted to Honda, Kawasaki, KTM and Suzuki off-roaders.
The ORSS replaces the stock Air Spring set-up with a conventional spring system that can be set to the rider’s weight and riding style and eliminates the "stiction" (friction in direction change) created by the high air pressure of these air systems.
K-Tech say that conventional springs also mean less of the complexity that calculating the optimum balance of pressures on the WP and Showa AIR systems creates.
"As with all K-Tech manufactured products, our ORSS is made of our high quality designs and materials and will not only improve the handling and stability of the motorcycle, but also have that 'Factory' desired look".
K-Tech say that their ORSS conversion kit is simple and ready to install, requiring no machining of components, easy to set up and "delivers consistent feedback from the front forks".
The original fork remains fully adjustable in compression and rebound damping, "but with the ORSS it provides external spring preload adjustment for the optimum in fine-tuning from hard pack to sand conditions".
K-TECH SUSPENSION
www.ktechsuspension.com
