ACEM conference

“The safe ride to the future” – ACEM conference, September 7, Brussels

Following the postponement triggered by security concerns in Brussels, ACEM (Association des Constructeurs Européens de Motocycles), the international motorcycle industry trade association, has announced a new date for its 2016 conference.
Slated for 7 September 2016 at the Renaissance Hotel, 19, Rue du Parnasse, Brussels, from 12:30 pm, the theme for this year’s half day conference is “The safe ride to the future”.
With motorcycles playing an increasing role in urban and leisure mobility across the European Union, bringing together administrators, regulators and transport policy planners remains of increasing importance as motorcyclists remain vulnerable road users requiring dedicated attention.
Through Europe’s trade associations, the industry continuously works to ensure high safety levels for powered-two wheeler users. Yet, there is a clear case for increased cooperation between manufacturers, policy-makers and other key stakeholders.
The conference will feature two panel sessions – the first will be ‘Devising an effective motorcycling safety policy for Europe’, followed by ‘Working across boundaries for motorcycling safety’.
“The safe ride to the future” will explore how all relevant players can take up this challenge and better work together to further improve motorcycling safety in Europe. The conference will cover key aspects of motorcycling safety such as advanced vehicle technology, human behaviour, road infrastructure, as well as the interaction between these.
As part of the conference, ACEM will launch its new European Training Quality Label and will organise an exhibition on motorcycle safety technology.

www.acem.eu

German motorcycle registrations

New motorcycle registrations up again in Germany

The latest statistics released by the IVM, the motorcycle industry trade association in Germany, show new motorcycle registrations up by +11.33 percent in May 2016 at 12,650 units for the months, and up by +4.05 percent at 59,705 for the first five months of the year.

These are the best May and first five month sales figures seen in Germany since before 2009.
In total PTW terms the German market was +9.43 percent in May (18,079 units) and is +2.96 percent year-to-date (80,637 units).
The top selling model in Germany in May was BMW’s R 1200 GS (4,141 units), way ahead of Yamaha’s MT07 in second (1,777 units) with Honda’s new CRF 1000 ‘Africa Twin’ third (1,754 units).
Indeed, with five models in the top ten and nine in the top twenty there is no surprise that BMW is market share leader in Germany for the first five months of the year, taking a 17.71 percent share (14,279 year-to-date, +3.73 percent over their 2015 market share for January to May in a total PTW market that is +2.96 percent YTD).
Yamaha is second (10,149 units, 12.59 percent market share YTD), followed by Honda (9,944 units YTD, 12.33 percent market share), KTM, Kawasaki, Harley-Davidson, Piaggio, Suzuki, Ducati and Triumph.

Yamaha ‘Yard Built’

The Wrenchmonkees’ Yard Built XSR900 'Monkeebeast'

Seen here is one of the entries in this year’s Yamaha ‘Yard Built’ programme – a converted XSR900 from Yamaha’s “Sport Heritage” range by Danish specialists The Wrenchmonkees.

'Monkeebeast' is not the first ‘Yard Build’ to come out of their Copenhagen workshops, and widely regarded as one of the most influential builders on the European custom scene, Yamaha Motor Europe Marketing Coordinator Cristian Barelli said that "we have worked with them since we began the Yard Built project and have collaborated on some really ground-breaking machines. This latest build is brilliant; it shows clearly that their design is constantly moving forward and evolving, ahead of the game!
“I'm really happy that they have shown that with some clever modifications, but no cutting or welding to the frame, you can transform the XSR900 into something completely different."
Taking the XSR900 from a street machine to an all-terrain beast comes courtesy of Borrani 17" spoke wheels with black rims, 9mm stainless spokes and black hubs. The Borrani wheels get Continental TKC tyres and the rear end has been beefed-up with a K-Tech shock, Gilles Tooling chain adjusters and a TRW rear brake disc and steel braided brake lines. 

A Wrenchmonkees one-off custom seat, Gilles Tooling rearsets, modified with enduro footrests, a Magura handlebar and Biltwell Renegade grips add to the details. Braking at the front gets an upgrade with a Nissin radial front brake master and steel braided brake lines. Motogadget push buttons clean up the contact point and an MT-03 style headlight and LED rear light have been added.
AnSC Project exhaust caps, a modified MT-09 system with a Wrenchmonkees one-off powdercoated aluminium rear fender, front fender and engine guard complete the custom look.
Selected XSR900 parts designed for ‘Monkeebeast’ will soon be available directly from the Wrenchmonkees.

www.wrenchmonkees.com

Austrian motorcycle registrations

Austrian motorcycle registrations +4.62 percent for Q1

The latest data released by the motorcycle trade association in Austria (arge2Rad) shows the decline in the motorcycle market there to have been reversed for the first quarter of 2016, with new motorcycle registrations +4.62 percent at 2,748 units. In 2015 the Austrian new motorcycle market had recovered to end the year +0.24 percent at 12,551 units after a slow first nine months.
In total PTW terms, the market was up by +4.55 percent for the first quarter at 7,699 units, after being down by -4.19 percent for 2015 at a year-end total of 38,766 units.
The ACEM data for 2015 puts the Austrian market in 9th place in overall EU terms, but confirms the continuing difficulties seen in most European markets when it comes to moped sales in the Austrian market with - 7.9 percent over 2014 (13,499 mopeds registered in 2015).
Motorcycle market share leader in Austria so far this year is BMW, followed by KTM, in their home market; Honda, who are up to third place after finishing 2015 in fifth place, Yamaha, Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Ducati and Triumph.
The BMW R1200 GS was top-seller, followed by Honda’s new CRF 1000 L ‘Africa Twin’ and Yamaha’s MT-07.

www.arge2rad.at

Comment by Editor, Robin Bradley

German motorcycle industry worth 11 billion euro a year

The motorcycle industry trade association in Germany, the IVM, staged a half day conference in Cologne in May at which Chief Executive Reiner Brendicke presented the outcome of a research project that sought to establish the size and importance of the German motorcycle market in economic terms.
Described as a “cross-cutting” sector, one that involves several kinds of economic activity and has its impacts across several fields of commerce in Germany, Brendicke introduced his findings by saying that “the motorcycle industry in Germany is an extensive network which takes its value from the engineering service, individuality, design and life in general in terms of its economic importance and now, for the first time, we have been able to document just how deep the integration of the motorcycle industry goes in social and economic terms”.
The background for the research has been the cycle that the German market, like all others in Europe, has been through in the past decade. Ours is a market in which the quality and popularity of our products have always been subject to macro-economic, demographic and wider social issues over which we, as a specific market, have very little influence.


11 percent of Germans own a PTW

As has been done by ACEM, the Brussels based international motorcycle industry trade association for Europe, Brendicke sought to once and for all draw attention to and define the considerable economic impact that our modest little backwater of capitalism actually has as a part of the bigger picture in the one language that everyone can understand – money.
His conclusion is that the value of the motorcycle industry to the economy of Germany is not quite so modest after all. Okay, compared to the biggest of economic beasts such as automotive, technology, energy, construction and the like, the motorcycle industry is small, yes, but in the land of the “Mittelstand”, small really is beautiful.
As a specialty industry, the narrow definition annual turnover of 7.3 billion euro uncovered by Mr Brendicke and his team starts to look more than respectable.
Indeed, it starts to look like the kind of economic contribution that regulators, administrators and politicians would be well advised to help nurture.
That turnover figure takes account of the production, sales and repair of motorcycles and scooters in Germany, together with production and sales of parts and accessories. However, taking the collateral impacts of the motorcycle business into account – the ancillary services and products it funds – the broader definition turnover becomes 11.6 billion euro in Germany alone.
The IVM report concludes that every 400th generated euro in the German economy and every 330th job in Germany are directly or indirectly created by the motorcycle industry. Direct employment is put at 28,600 jobs, created by the sale and repair of motorcycles, with a further 22,500 or more jobs being created in the wholesale and ancillary industries.
This can then be extrapolated to a total broad definition of 130,000 jobs in total being created by the impact of motorcycle industry activity in Germany.
In the past three years total German exports have increased by 11 percent. In the same period the German motorcycle industry has seen its exports grow, in real terms, by some 46 percent; from 2005, when exports were worth some 980 million euro, it has grown a decade later to be worth 1.7 million in exports in 2015 – that is 0.15 percent of total German exports.
In addition to the economic value of the production and sale of motorcycles and the equipping of riders, the IVM also points to the economic value of their use – the savings in terms of parking provision costs, the savings in time costs, congestion reduction and the estimated savings of greenhouse gas emissions – put at the equivalent of 39,343 tons of CO2 a year.
In 2014 the population of Germany was put at 82 million people; the number of motorcycles and scooters in use in Germany is put at being over 5.9 million. With some 66 percent of the German population (men and women) being, broadly speaking, of typical riding age (15–65), that equates to a PTW ownership rate of nearly 11 percent - or more than one in ten Germans of estimated riding age owning a motorcycle, scooter or other form of PTW. On the same math (33m PTWs owned by an estimated typical riding age population of 335 million), this is slightly ahead of the EU average of just under 10 percent owning a PTW.
On a narrow basis ACEM estimate that the motorcycle industry makes a direct contribution of around 35 billion euro and 155,000 jobs to the economy of the EU – meaning that Germany’s contribution is around a quarter, and a third of the overall EU impact of the motorcycle industry on the overall EU economy.
No surprise then that the IVM should consider its findings worth profiling. Also no surprise if they are hoping that doing so will see the recent moment of epiphany that has seen the European Commission conduct a volte face and accept the motorcycle industry as a valid and valuable partner in achieving its economic, transport and environmental aims replicated in the Federal Republic.
Progress has been made in Germany recently in terms of the licensing changes that hit the market hard – as it did and continues to do in all of Europe’s big five markets – and trickle-down from the Central Commissariat in Brussels is starting to result in somewhat more enlightened thinking where the role of PTWs in public policy making in Europe is concerned.
Research such as this produced by the IVM is invaluable in framing the arguments in favour of allowing the motorcycle industry to be seen as a part of the solution, not the problem, so compliments and congratulations to the IVM on their findings!

Dutch motorcycle market

Dutch market worth 4,074 new motorcycles in Q1

According to Dutch trade association RAI Vereniging, total PTW sales in the Netherlands in the first quarter of 2016 were 12,094 units, which is +3.14 percent over the first quarter of 2015, with mopeds at 8,020 of those units and motorcycles at 4,074.
According to ACEM data, the Dutch motorcycle market was up by +9.5 percent in 2015, with Dutch trade association data putting the total number of new motorcycle registrations there at 11,345 units for the year.
An additional 756 new “speed registered” e-bikes, or “fast electric bikes with badge”, were sold in the Netherlands in the first quarter of 2016, +1.0 percent over the first quarter of 2015.
ACEM puts the total PTW and related powersports vehicle market in the Netherlands at 77,619 units in 2015, which was up by +5.5 percent over 2014.
The largest motorcycle sector in the Netherlands was the Street/Naked sector, which accounted for around 29 percent of the Dutch market, with Off-Road/Enduro models taking another 28 percent of sales.
BMW was market share leader in the Netherlands (1,808 units sold there in 2015 - 614 of them were the R1200GS), followed by Yamaha (1,690 units - the MT-09 was their top seller), Kawasaki, Suzuki, Honda, Harley-Davidson, KTM, Ducati and Triumph.

www.raivereniging.nl

Airoh

ST 701 full-face helmet

The new ST 701 full-face helmet from Airoh is made in two different shell sizes and created for combination dual-purpose use as a touring or sport helmet.

The outer shell is made up of a multi-axial system that includes high strength, lightweight carbon fibre, making the ST 701 one of the lightest helmets in its category, according to Airoh brand owner and manufacturer Locatelli. The EPS inner shell uses four different densities, which help shock absorption and comfort. The shell features highly evolved and carefully researched aerodynamics, a powerful internal ventilation system, an extra-wide visor with a wide field of vision, visor positioning that prevents internal fogging and a retractable sun visor with included Pinlock original lens.

LOCATELLI S.p.a.
www.airoh.com

 

Orina

Kevlar Pro gloves

New from German specialist Orina, these Kevlar Pro gloves wear their "Kevlar outside, not on the inside".

The concept is simple according to Orina - to "place the Kevlar where protection from impact is needed most - on the outer shell.  Instead of the standard usage of placing it inside the gloves, we have taken advantage of its protective qualities and used it on the back hand area, resulting in a glove that is lighter and thinner without compromising safety in any way".
The company says that for added security Carbolex protectors are located on the knuckles and on the edge of the hand. The kangaroo leather on the palm is reinforced with extremely abrasion-resistant SuperFabric, providing for "perfect grip and fit".
"Safety should not compromise comfort, so the back of the glove is padded with shock-absorbing EASA FOAM, with stretch inserts located on the back side." Orina say that a touring version of this glove is also available - their Kevlar Evo.

ORINA BW GmbH
www.orina.de

Andreani

Andreani for Ducati Scrambler and KTM WP AER 48

To improve the performance and comfort of the Ducati Scrambler, Italian suspension specialist Andreani offers a full range of products to tune the suspension of this popular series of models.

Manufactured in Sweden by Öhlins and available from Andreani, this conventional FG 434 front fork, equipped with 43 mm gold anodised inner tubes, is completely adjustable (compression, rebound and spring preload) and offered with Ergal CNC-machined triple clamps. Also available, the Öhlins 46 DR shock absorber has a 46mm piston with a 16mm piston rod and is adjustable in rebound and spring preload.
Also available and developed by the Andreani Group’s R&D department is an exclusive Andreani adjustable cartridge equipped with a 20 mm diameter piston. Adjustable in compression, rebound and preload, it features a sophisticated hydraulic system that is said to improves the bike’s handling and responsiveness, especially in turns and under braking.
The Andreani items for the Ducati Scrambler are available internationally at Andreani Group authorised distributors.
Also seen here, Andreani’s R&D department have responded to customer requests with a new cartridge kit developed specifically to improve the 2016 KTM WP AER 48 fork.
It is designed to eliminate the air chamber and instead uses a cartridge leg with a dedicated spring rate, precisely tuned for the bike model and rider’s weight, with a new setting provided for the hydraulic leg.

The kit, which features adjustable spring preload, is available for every KTM 2016 MX equipped with the WP AER 48 fork, except the SX250 2 stroke.
Andreani say the new kit improves the fork's sliding, ensures a greater stability under braking, reducing braking distance and increasing comfort for the rider in every condition.

ANDREANI GROUP INTERNATIONAL S.R.L.
www.andreanigroup.com

 

INTERMOT

International Night
INTERMOT 5th October
18:00 hrs, Dealer Lounge

International Dealer News is pleased to announce that it is again collaborating with INTERMOT to present the “International Night” business networking reception at 18:00 hrs on the Trade Day, Wednesday October 5th.

An established and popular opportunity for exhibitors to meet with their importer/distributors and key dealers, it will be staged, as usual, at the Dealer Lounge Business Centre of the Koelnmesse exhibition centre, in the Business District off the main boulevard between halls 4 and 5.
The show is open to the media on Tuesday October 4th, with Wednesday October 5th being the International Trade Day, and will be open to all visitors Thursday October 6th to Sunday October 9th.
Since the move to Cologne from Munich in 2006, this will be the second time that INTERMOT has promoted a specific International Trade Visitor Day, and with 2014 having been judged a success, this is now set to be a permanent feature of the INTERMOT schedule, with consumers only able to gain access on the Trade Day by exhibitor invitation.

Promoted by International Dealer News, and hosted by INTERMOT and the show’s sponsors, International Night is unique in the international motorcycle industry - the only ‘meet & greet’ business reception specifically for international industry professionals of all kinds.
The ‘Cologne’ Show has always been regarded as the world’s primary international motorcycle industry expo, and with the backing of International Dealer News and worldwide exhibitor and trade visitor footprint that is expected to reach at least 68 international markets and over 55,000 trade visitors in total (43 percent of them from outside Germany), this is a unique opportunity to meet colleagues from the industry in a relaxed environment as the show closes (at 18:00 hours) on the special Trade Visitor day.
In addition to International Dealer News, the Business District is being supported by other motorcycle industry trade magazines in Europe - such as World of Bike and Bike und Business in Germany, British Dealer News in the UK, L’Officiel in France, Moto Dealer News (Italy) and Moto Taller (Spain).

The Business District provides exclusive exhibition space for vendors who only want to meet other professionals in the international motorcycle industry, and provides facilities of all kinds for professional visitors, such as being able to make meeting appointments away from the exhibition booths.
Additional trade initiatives operated by INTERMOT include the Dealer Card, which provides show access privileges, and the online Matchmaking365 service, which is an expo visit experience optimiser – it enables trade visitors to gain an overview of the suppliers of selected product groups in the run-up to the fair, establish valuable business contacts and place targeted meeting requests.
www.intermot-cologne.com

Spanish motorcycle registrations

New motorcycle registrations +13.38 percent in Spain through May

According to the latest data released by the motorcycle trade association in Spain (ANESDOR), the motorcycle market there was up by +5.65 percent in May (13,394 units – the highest month so far in 2016), and is up by +13.38 percent for the first five months of the year (55,528 units so far – the best first five months’ performance since before 2009).

Moped sales in Spain were up in May at +19.40 percent (1,514 units) and are now +6.63 percent for the year-to-date (5,995 units). In total PTW terms May was +5.07 percent (15,448 units), and the Spanish market is +11.93 percent year-to-date (61,527 units – also the best first five months since before 2009).
The top selling motorcycle so far this year in Spain is Kawasaki’s Z 800 (1,214 units, taking 2.2 percent of sales), but overall Honda is market share leader so far this year in Spain (9,416 units, 17.0 percent market share), followed by Yamaha (8,250 units, 14.9 percent share), Kymco (6,561 units, 11.8 percent share), Piaggio (4,836 units, 8.7 percent share) and Kawasaki (3,588 units in total for a 6.5 percent market share).
ANESDOR Secretary General Jose Maria Riano said that “the market continues to grow apace, and 55,528 units registered in the first five months of the year show that the motorcycle is the means of transport chosen by more and more citizens for medium and long-distance commutes, especially in urban areas”.

Magura

Updated Magura website

 

German parts specialist Magura has a radically updated, platform-optimised new website – featuring a dynamic, contemporary fresh new look and enhanced functionality such as 3D 360 degree renderings of their products, integrated Tech Centre and more. www.magura.com

Parts Europe

Parts Europe off-road catalogue
 
Parts Europe has released its 1,200 page off-road catalogue featuring “everything the dirt bike enthusiast will need for the track”. Part of the world’s largest parts and accessory distribution group, their truly international reach is demonstrated by some of the new products it is crammed with, such as the new American made Cycra range, innovative handlebar solutions by Neken of France and stylish graphic kits from Blackbird Racing in Italy.
www.partseurope.de

Touratech

Touratech sign exclusive deal for Ortlieb waterproof luggage

Touratech has become the sole distributor of the German made Ortlieb range of waterproof luggage.

Now being marketed exclusively under the “Touratech Waterproof made by Ortlieb” name, the full range of Ortlieb rack packs, saddlebags and tankbags will be available through Touratech’s worldwide distributor network.
Established in 1982 in Bavaria, Ortlieb Sportartikel GmbH is well known for high-quality outdoor equipment. Their products are used in a wide range of markets wherever waterproofing is essential.

Touratech say they are working closely with Ortlieb to leverage their design experience, especially with adventure touring products in combination with Ortlieb’s waterproofing and manufacturing expertise to further optimise the range for motorcycle applications.
“I am delighted that we can offer this additional range of products under the Touratech brand. ‘Touratech Waterproof made by Ortlieb’ is precisely tailored to motorcyclists’ requirements”, says Touratech Sales Manager Martin Wickert. “We see obvious advantages in partnering exclusively with market leader Ortlieb in this segment, and pooling the knowledge of both firms is in the interests of our customers”.
Ortlieb employs 170 people and offers a range of more than 500 individual items. All waterproof original Ortlieb products are manufactured using a high-frequency welding process directly at the company’s headquarters in Heilbronn.  

www.touratech.com

Japanese made motorcycle exports

Japanese made motorcycle exports to Europe up over 21 percent for the first four months of 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 up by +45.19 percent in April at around 18,500 units, as the manufacturers exploit shorter manufacturing cycles to respond to market demand.

So far in 2016 (the first four months) Japanese manufacturer exports to Europe are up by +21.63 percent, at 81,651 units – the best first four months they have had since 2010.
In total PTW terms, Europe was +41.58 percent for the Japanese manufacturers in April (19,682 units) with the year-to-date +20.95 percent (85,754 units).
Japanese manufacturer exports to the United States were +10.53 percent in April (6,032 units) and are running at -0.57 percent for the year-to-date (34,036 units).
In total global export terms, Japanese made 250+cc units selling to all export markets were +24.97 percent in April (29,842 units) and are +6.21 percent year-to-date (143,261 units). In total PTW terms, April exports were +14.79 percent and are running at +5.53 percent for the year-to-date (177,333 units).
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.
While the volume of larger cc manufacturing taking place in wholly Japanese owned and affiliate/partnership operated factories outside Japan is on the rise, their overseas factories are still 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.

www.jama.org

International Motorcycle Manufacturers Association

Stephan Schaller takes over as IMMA President

The International Motorcycle Manufacturers Association (IMMA) has elected Mr Stephan Schaller, President of BMW Motorrad since 2012, as its new President.

Schaller, who has also been President of Brussels based European motorcycle industry association ACEM (Association des Constructeurs Européens de Motocycles) since 2013, succeeds Mr Paul Jones from the United States Motorcycle Manufacturers Association (USMMA), who was the IMMA President from May 2014 to May 2016.
The decision was taken by IMMA’s General Assembly hosted by the Federation of Asian Motorcycle Industries (FAMI) and the Indonesian Motorcycle Industry Association (IMIA) in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, on May 18th.
Schaller, who has been a Vice-President of IMMA for the past two years, will hold the IMMA presidency for a period of two years, from May 2016 to May 2018.
Upon accepting the appointment Mr Schaller said: “It is a privilege and an honour to take over the IMMA presidency. On behalf of all members, I thank Paul Jones for his leadership as President over the last two years. During my mandate, I will continue strengthening IMMA’s role as the trusted global voice of motorcycle manufacturers”.
IMMA represents “the combined skills and interests of the powered two- and three-wheeler manufacturing industry at the global level. IMMA members include regional and national industry associations representing the industry in Australia, Canada, Europe, India, Japan, South-East Asia and the United States”.

Polish registrations

Polish registrations down in April

According to the latest statistics released by the motorcycle industry trade association in Poland (PZPM), the number of new motorcycles registered there in April was down by -4.29 percent at 3,411 units, with the year-to-date -6.75 percent at 7,144 units.
Excepting for last year, this is still the best April and first four months YTD polish new motorcycle registrations market performance since before 2006, and further confirms the long-term trend in Poland towards more expensive, higher displacement (and new) machines.
New mopeds were -20.72 percent in March (2,865 units) and are -32.84 percent (5,809 units) YTD, making the total of new PTWs YTD in Poland 12,953 units (-20.58 percent – April was -12.57 percent at 6,276 units) – the lowest April and YTD total PTW figures in Poland since before 2011.
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 up marginally in April at +0.73 percent (8,320 units), but are down on a YTD basis at -8.02 percent for the first four months of 2016 at 19,651 units.
Used mopeds were also down YTD in Poland (-23.49 percent), making the total of used PTWs receiving a first registration there -61.90 percent YTD (9,511 units); putting the combined total of new and used motorcycles about flat at -0.79 percent for April (11,731 units) and -7.68 percent YTD (26,795 units), with the total number of new and used PTWs -14.33 percent for the first four months of the year at 35,360 units YTD.
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

Givi

Versatile custom screens from Givi

Italian manufacturer Givi recently launched two new screens (the 100AL/ALB and the A800N), which form a "bond" to the round headlights, allowing custom specialists to install them on specials or cafe racers with ad-hoc mounting kits for the available installation points.

The 100AL/ALB model (seen here) is made by deep drawing, meaning its concave shape is achieved by placing a 2 mm thick aluminium sheet into a forming die and pressing it with a punch. Compared to the traditional bending technique, this technology is said to enable different surfaces (3D effect) to be created with absolute precision (and removing the need to apply the classic and much hated rubber trim).
The screen is available in two finishes - 100AL is finely brushed and anodised to withstand weathering and embellished with a gilded plate with embossed Givi logo, fixed by two stainless steel rivets; the 100ALB is black anodised with a silver Givi logo plate.
The screen attaches to the bike using a model-specific kit. Givi say they have already prepared kits for the BMW nine T, Triumph Bonneville 865 and Yamaha XSR700; however, other kits will be released during the year. A custom bike builder wanting to install this screen could easily fabricate a kit which anchors it to the two stainless steel plates riveted to the rear.
Despite the size (20.5 cm height x 26.5 cm width) the 100AL/ALB is said to provide respectable aerodynamic protection, deflecting airflow above the head of the rider (height and riding position permitting).
The A800N model is moved by well designed fairings and has a fibreglass structure that surrounds the headlight to which it is attached and a low, angled smoked screen, which is cut horizontally along the top. Givi says it is a perfect match for classic or modern bikes - a mounting kit for the BMW nine T is already available with additional kits planned. Provided the headlight will fit the 195 mm diameter aperture, custom builders can easily adapt it to the front end of bikes, using the existing anchoring points on the inside of the fairing.

GIVI S.r.l.
www.givi.it

LeoVince

‘Factory S’ mufflers

The new Factory S line of mufflers from LeoVince is available in two different materials, with a stainless steel or carbon fibre sleeve, both featuring an “aggressive sound and style”.

The TIG-welded stainless steel AISI 304 muffler body is tapered with square lines and comes in different lengths, depending on the application.
“The effect is that of a massive but elegant exhaust system, perfect for installation on a vehicle that wants to stand out in looks and style”, says the Italian specialist.
The muffler is equipped with an aerodynamic inlet with dual spring attachments for secure attachment to the header pipes.

At the rear, the muffler has a carbon end cap with a dual asymmetric cut (outwards and down facing), which determines the right and left-hand side versions.
The exhaust pipe is fixed to the frame with a rubber isolation mount carbon fibre clamp; the stainless steel version has a laser engraved LeoVince logo with a high temperature die-cut aluminium logo on the carbon fibre version.
The header pipes and silencer have been developed specifically for each model, with the design priority placed firmly on improving the torque and generating maximum power within the legal limits.  

LEOVINCE
www.leovince.com

Hyperpro

Hyperpro take it higher

Dutch suspension specialist Hyperpro has developed a full suspension range for the Honda Africa Twin, with a rising rate spring fitting for the OEM shock, which increase the height of the bike by 2 cm.

Rising rate spring raises the CRF1000L by 20mm

Hyperpro's Jan Belder told IDN that "by doing this we managed to configure the bike to deliver better handling, with a more stable ride and use the range and capacity of the stock shock absorber to achieve an improved, optimised, correct suspension setting - one that will allow the rider to fully enjoy the potential of Honda's design".
Hyperpro also offers a lowering option by changing the spring set, which means the seat height can be lowered by 25mm.

Hyperpro 'StreetBox' package for road users

To go the next stage and fully upgrade the suspension of the Africa Twin, Hyperpro is also offering a fully adjustable type 461 shock, a type 460 emulsion shock, and for commuters and those who will use the Africa Twin on-road as much or even more than off-road a Hyperpro 'Streetbox' package, containing a front fork spring set, front fork oil and the type 460 emulsion shock.

Spring set lowers the rear height by 25mm

Hyperpro ships worldwide to its international network of distributors and develops, designs, tests, and makes their products in-house at their headquarters in The Netherlands. 

HYPERPRO
www.hyperpro.com

TFX Suspension Technology

TFX allows dealers to optimise the stock suspension compromise

TFX Suspension Technology in the Netherlands was founded in 2010 by Hans-Dieter Fischer and Alex Meijs. Hans-Dieter Fischer has his suspension roots in Dutch suspension manufacturer Technoflex which closed down in 2009.

Advanced piggyback shock

Emulsion shock

TFX is a completely new and separate business, and while it offers servicing for Technoflex products, in the five years since they have completely altered the designs and manufacturing technology, improving durability and performance and introducing a modular design and assembly principle.
This allows the company to build every shock absorber or front-end product ordered by their dealers precisely for the model concerned, and specifically for the weight, riding style and load characteristics of each individual customer's motorcycle and their riding habits - urban, touring, off-road or racing.
All TFX shock absorbers can therefore be retrofitted with the latest features and improvements, sold with a 5-year guarantee, and built to install without modifications to the bike. This also allows them to offer a custom suspension service, with shocks and springs of any length, and setting and adjustment options in any combination.
This is why, for example, they have been able to jump into the new 'Africa Twin' so quickly, indeed Hans-Dieter told IDN that "for us responding to new model launches is no problem. We had application packages developed within days of Ducati's launch of the Scrambler and the appearance in showrooms of Yamaha's new bikes. Our dealers know that they can contact us straight away if they want to upgrade the suspension on new models as soon as they are launched, and if they want to improve the handling and performance of any customer's new or pre-owned bike".
For the 'Africa Twin', TFX is able to offer a choice of replacement shock absorbers, springs, front fork springs and hydraulic pre-load adjustment.
Their "entry-level" shock absorber is the gas charged single tube TFX 140 emulsion shock, which is available with or without a separation piston (depending on the model) and features adjustable rebound damping, which stiffens compression and rebound simultaneously.

Front fork springs

Like all their range, it is made from heavy-duty materials for strength and durability in all circumstances - urban cycle or long-distance touring. Two preload adjustment rings mean it can be tuned to the riding circumstances - solo, two-up, luggage - and a low-friction seal that is supported by a Teflon back-up ring. This ensures that the seal doesn't deform, and eliminates the static friction on the shaft, which leads to better performance, durability and stability.
Hans-Dieter Fischer says: "These are some of the best quality OE replacement shocks available on the market today, and we work hard to continue developing them, so they stay that way".
The TFX 142 is an advanced piggyback shock that offers adjustable high-speed and low-speed compression damping, a remote fluid reservoir, adjustable rebound damping, superior floating piston technology and low-friction seals, "which all adds up to a highly refined shock that can be tuned with precision to meet the riding style and handling characteristics", says Hans-Dieter.

Shock absorber springs

They come in different styles depending on the kind of top mount needed for the motorcycle - 'Pisol', where the reservoir comes straight out of the back, 'Quer,' where the reservoir can be placed left or right and 'Straight' where it goes straight down, with a top mount completely CNC manufactured from 7075 aerospace grade aluminium alloy. "This shock absorber is for the rider who wants high performance, durability, control and refined tuning options. It is an ideal choice for racing, off-road riding or extended trips".
TFX offer a wide range of high quality fork and shock springs for road and motocross applications. Their progressive and linear front fork springs are manufactured from "the highest quality materials to provide a spring that will match the rider's requirements. They can be soft enough at the start of travel to absorb small road bumps and provide a more ‘comfortable’ ride, yet still offer the firmness at the end of the trip to handle the big bumps and potholes, major loading under braking and prevent bottoming out.
"For road racing, TFX springs can help you brake later, get on the gas sooner and increase your lean angle by maintaining cornering clearance and preventing excessive dive under braking. At the same time it can help maintain proper chassis geometry under acceleration, increasing confidence levels at the limits of traction.
"For the street riders, TFX springs are vital to tailor the machine to the exact weight, riding style and preferred riding conditions, delivering a stable, compliant ride, improving cornering clearance, and reducing dive, squat and bottoming. In many cases, using the proper, stiffer springs (front and rear) actually improves ride quality while it takes handling to the next level of performance".

Pre-load adjuster

"Next to the tyres, proper suspension choices are the most important decision a rider can make for safety, performance and enjoyment and, especially with dual purpose bikes such as the new 'Africa Twin', the stock suspension set-ups are a compromise - we have the technology and versatility to allow dealers to offer optimised suspension set-ups for every one of their riders".
TFX also offers one of the most advanced suspension technology programmes available in Europe for Quads and ATVs (and side cars), so working with MX models/off-roaders and adventure sports models such as the 'Africa Twin' is core competency that is driven and made possible by their modular all-purpose customised shock manufacturing concept.

TFX SUSPENSION TECHNOLOGY
www.tfxsuspension.com

Akrapovic

Titanium Slip-On Line

Akrapovic has released a version of its double-flow hexagonal titanium Slip-On Line muffler exhaust specially for the Honda CRF1000L.

Constructed from lightweight, durable titanium alloy with a robust carbon fibre clamp, this EC/ECE type-approved exhaust is said to "provide a performance increase at lower and higher revs – where an adventure bike needs it most – and deliver a smoother and improved ride".
Akrapovic say their sound engineers have created a deeper, more enriching sound for the Slip-On Line, which uses the best characteristics of the Honda’s 270° twin-cylinder engine. A simple plug-and-play easy installation, with no remapping required.

AKRAPOVIC
www.akrapovic.com

GPR Italia

Homologated slip-ons

GPR Italia is offering a wide range of slip-on options for the CRF1000L, available with different silencer shapes for modern or classic styling, in a choice of materials and colours.

The range includes their 'Albus', a white ceramic finished line, the 'Furore' line, GPR's best sellers, and their new GP EVO in Black Titanium - described as offering great looks and the best weight savings.
GPR claim that all the exhausts in their catalogue are fully homologated, road legal and covered by a 2-year warranty.
GPR also say their slip-ons will give weight savings of up to 3.5 kg compared to the original designs and power increases of up to 5hp at 4500 rpm with the homologated slip-on, and up to 10hp with the addition of their racing front header - indeed their 2-into1 header can be installed with other brands of slip-ons, including the originals.
GPR’s products are manufactured in-house at their Milan factory and sent to dealers and importers throughout Europe and worldwide.

G.P.R. ITALIA S.r.l.
www.gpr.it

Remus

Remus 'Okami' slip-on

 

Seen here in carbon finish, Austrian exhaust manufacturer REMUS has its hex-style 'Okami' slip-on muffler available for the CRF 1000L. Fully approved and road legal, it is also available with a polished or black stainless or titanium sleeve, with weight savings and power/torque gains in all cases. Furthermore, a complete de-cat header is currently being developed. REMUS, Austria, www.remus.eu

Barkbusters

Barkbusters handguard options for the Africa Twin

Leading hand and lever protection specialist Barkbusters has extended its two-point mounted bike-specific range to Honda’s new CRF1000L Africa Twin, providing what it says are "the only true adventure handguard solutions on the market".

Said to meet the increasing demand for both impact and weather protection desired by today’s riders, features include hardened aluminium backbones and specially engineered mounting hardware for "perfect and secure fitting".
This handguard can be combined with several of  Barkbusters' extensive range of handguard covers, such as the JET handguard cover, which provides moderate weather protection in a large choice of colours; their VPS handguard cover, which gives the largest choice of colours while providing excellent weather protection with its variable height wind deflector; the STORM handguard cover, which is described as providing superior protection from the elements as the large aerodynamic plastic cover is designed to channel wind and rain away from the rider’s hands; and their CARBON handguard cover, which offers functional style to complement modern bikes and bikes with existing carbon fibre features.
Barkbusters say their handguard design and engineering technology "perfect complements the Africa Twin’s true adventure spirit", and that with over 30 years of experience in "manufacturing the world’s strongest handguards, Barkbusters will give you the piece of mind and confidence that you have protection for your controls, levers and hands".

RIDEWORX
www.barkbusters.net

SHAD

High capacity top case for Africa Twin

Spanish luggage manufacturer NAD SA, a 2015 Red Dot design award winner, has its popular high-capacity SH48 top case available with a new model-specific rack fitting system for the Africa Twin.

Said to be the lightest top case in its category at 3.7kg, it is made from robust, durable, reinforced polypropylene and measures 331mm high by 456mm deep by 607mm wide - large enough to hold two helmets.
It is available in titanium or dark grey with cover options and with stop light and double backrest options, has a glove-friendly locking design and a retractable and automatic handle.

NAD SL
www.shad.es

Spark by Vecchi

Spark 'Dakar' Africa Twin slip-ons and full systems

Italian manufacturer Vecchi Srl has released updated Spark exhaust brand systems for the Africa Twin - a new version of its homologated 'Dakar' slip-on with removable db killer and a racing full system.

The full system has been developed so as to maximise performance at medium-low rpm and is said to deliver a power increase of 4.5 hp/5.000 rpm compared to the original, without any other modifications. Available with a stainless steel collector and choice of titanium or 'dark' silencer for a reduction from the 7.8 kg original weight to 4.8 kg.
Their 'Dakar' slip-on is available in stainless steel, titanium or carbon - with the 'Dark' silencer reducing the stock weight of 4.8 kg to 2.9 kg - a near 40 percent weight saving.
The homologated slip-on with dB killer is said to produce 1 hp of extra power; 2.3 hp without the dB killer.

SPARK By VECCHI
www.spark.it