German motorcycle registrations

German motorcycle registrations +3.25 percent for first seven months

The latest statistics released by the IVM, the motorcycle industry trade association in Germany, show new motorcycle registrations down by -9.53 percent in July at 10,010 units and +3.25 percent for the first seven months of the year at 83,088 units – the strongest first seven-month market performance seen in Germany since before 2009.

In total powered two-wheeler terms the market in Germany was down by 10.88 percent in July (15,443 units in total), but remains up for the year-to-date at +1.85 percent (115,490 units so far in 2016).
The top selling model in Germany so far this year is the BMW R 1200 GS (5,468 units), followed by Yamaha’s MT-07 (2,446 units), Kawasaki’s ER-6n (2,137 units), Honda’s CRF 1000 ‘Africa Twin’ (2,038 units) and the BMW R nineT as fifth strongest selling model so far this year.
With eight models in the top 20 sellers list, it is no surprise that BMW is total PTW sales market share leader for the first seven months of the year in its home market, having sold 18,897 units for a 16.36 percent market share (actually down a little from the 19,254 units they sold in the first seven months of 2015).
Yamaha is second with a 13.06 percent market share (15,079 units sold YTD), Honda third with 12.15 percent of the German market (14,020 units), KTM in fourth place with 9.83 percent (11,355 units) and Kawasaki fifth with 7.53 percent (8,691 units).
Sportsbikes have taken 30.43 percent of the new motorcycle market in Germany so far this year (25,281 units), with Enduro bikes the second largest sector at 24.17 percent of the German motorcycle market (20,079 units); so-called “classically styled” bikes (Naked style models mostly) are the third most popular style of bike in Germany so far in 2016, taking 21.63 percent of the market (17,972 units), followed by “Chopper” style bikes being the fourth most popular sector (12.79 percent, 10,624 units YTD).

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

Italian motorcycle registrations

Italian motorcycle registrations +18.57 percent for the first seven months of 2016

The latest data released by the Italian motorcycle industry trade association (ANCMA, Milan) shows new motorcycle registrations for the first seven months of 2016 up by +18.57 percent at 57,018 units for the year-to-date. In July the market was worth 7,587 new motorcycles, +1.87 percent compared to July 2015.

Total PTW registrations were -7.75 percent in July (22,368 units) and are +11.37 percent (138,883 units) for the first seven months of the year.
The scooter market in Italy was up by +6.85 percent for the first seven months of the year at 81,865 units.
The top selling motorcycles in Italy so far this year were BMW’s R 1200 GS (2,811 units), the Honda ‘Africa Twin’ (2,446 units), Yamaha’s MT-09 ‘Tracer’ (2,030), Honda’s NC 750 X (2,020 units) and Ducati’s Scrambler 800 (1,831 units).
The largest market sector in Italy in the first seven months of the year was the ‘Naked’ style bike market, which at 20,302 units was up by +20.69 percent as a share of the overall motorcycle market, followed by the Enduro market (18,688 units, +28.45 percent).

Harley-Davidson

Harley busted – Federal penalties “agreed” for “defeat device” violations

Harley-Davidson has settled a dispute with the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), which will see it pay an agreed civil fine of $12 million and stop selling illegal aftermarket devices that cause its motorcycles to emit illegal levels of pollution.
The dispute centers on sales of some 340,000 “super tuners” that enabled motorcycles since 2008 to pollute the air at levels that are outside of the parameters that Harley should be observing in the context of their EPA product certification approval – in essence, Harley has been caught selling what the EPA regards as “defeat devices”.
According to the U.S. government, the sale of such “defeat devices” violates the Federal Clean Air Act. Harley was also accused of selling more than 12,600 motorcycles that were not covered by an EPA certification governing clean air compliance.
The settlement calls for Harley to stop selling the super tuners by August 23, and buy back and destroy all such tuners in stock at its dealerships. EPA said the modified settings increase power and performance, but also increase the motorcycle’s emissions of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides.
Harley will also spend $3 million on an unrelated project to reduce air pollution, the U.S. Justice Department said.
In a statement, John Cruden, Head of the Justice Department’s environmental and natural resources division, said “Given Harley-Davidson’s prominence in the industry, this is a very significant step towards our goal of stopping the sale of illegal aftermarket defeat devices that cause harmful pollution on our roads and in our communities.”
The statement went on to say that “Anyone else who manufactures, sells or installs these types of illegal products should take heed of Harley-Davidson’s corrective actions and immediately stop violating the law.”
Since January 2008, Harley-Davidson has manufactured and sold two types of tuners, which when hooked up to Harley-Davidson motorcycles, allow users to modify certain aspects of a motorcycle’s emissions control system.
The announcement comes amid greater scrutiny on emissions and “defeat devices” by U.S. regulators after Volkswagen AG admitted to using illegal software to evade U.S. emissions standards in nearly 600,000 U.S. vehicles.
“This settlement immediately stops the sale of illegal aftermarket defeat devices used on public roads that threaten the air we breathe,” said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance.
Harley must obtain a certification from the California Air Resources Board for any tuners it sells in the United States in the future. For any super tuners that Harley-Davidson sells outside the United States in the future, it must label them as not for use in the United States.
EPA said it discovered the violations through a routine inspection and information Harley-Davidson submitted.
In its own statement, Harley-Davidson sought to play the “good corporate citizen” card, while disagreeing with EPA’s interpretation of the law.
“This settlement is not an admission of liability, but instead represents a good faith compromise with the EPA on areas of law we interpret differently, particularly EPA’s assertion that it is illegal for anyone to modify a certified vehicle even if it will be used solely for off-road/closed-course competition,” said Ed Moreland, Harley-Davidson’s Government Affairs Director. “For more than two decades, we have sold this product under an accepted regulatory approach that permitted the sale of competition-only parts. In our view, it is and was legal to use in race conditions in the U.S.”
Harley-Davidson, one of many suppliers in the aftermarket performance parts industry, has safeguards in place to educate dealers and customers on the implications of installing Harley-Davidson performance products on their Harley-Davidson motorcycles. This includes clear product labeling of competition-only products and detail on what performance enhancements are considered street legal and for competition-use only, the legal consequences of tampering with emission controls and components, and what enhancements would void the vehicle warranty.
“Concern for our U.S. customers and dealers weighed heavily in reaching this compromise with the EPA,” said Moreland. “By settling this matter, we can focus our future attention and resources on product innovation, rather than a prolonged legal battle with the EPA.”
At one stage Harley’s share price had fallen as much as 8 percent after news of the allegations had surfaced in a U.S. lawsuit filed in Washington before the settlement was announced. On Monday 22nd Harley’s shares opened trading at $53.65 – only a tad off the pre-announcement level.

Swiss motorcyle registrations

Swiss registrations down again

After having been up by over +17 percent in 2015, the latest data from the motorcycle industry trade association in Switzerland (MotoSuisse) shows new motorcycle registrations there down by 542 units in July (-18.45 percent, 2,395 units) and down by -7.57 percent for the first seven months of 2016 at 20,367 units YTD.
In total PTW terms the July market in Switzerland was down by -20.71 percent compared to July 2015 (4,513 units) and is running at -9.45 percent for the year-to-date at 33,282 units so far in 2016.
In motorcycle market share terms Yamaha has top spot, having sold 3,812 units YTD, with BMW second (2,543 units), Harley-Davidson third (2,405 units), Honda fourth (2,232 units) and Kawasaki fifth (2,020 units) year-to-date.
Yamaha’s MT-07 was top seller (806 units), followed by Honda’s CRF 1000 ‘Africa Twin’, the BMW R 1200 GS, with Yamaha’s MT-09 fourth and the Kawasaki Z 800 fifth.
www.motosuisse.ch

Andreani Group

Andreani dealer e-commerce tool; KTM Minicross and CRF 250 Showa air fork cartridges

Dealers can now buy products direct from Italian suspension specialist Andreani using the new e-commerce section of their info-packed website – more than 10,000 items are available at www.andreanigroup.com

 Andreani is offering KTM SX 50/65 Minicross cartridges that are said to considerably improve performance and handling. The kit is easy to install thanks to the compatible plugs, with the cartridges featuring preload and rebound adjustment with springs set to the rider's weight.
Also seen here, Andreani's cartridge kit for the Showa air fork on the Honda CRF 250 is said to considerably increase the fork flow for improved handling and comfort thanks to the sophisticated hydraulic system.

Easy to install due to the fully compatible plugs, the Andreani cartridge has an anodised aluminium cap with preload adjustment. The kit also includes a spring set on the rider's weight - versions for the Suzuki RMZ 450 and Kawasaki KXF 450 are coming soon.

ANDREANI GROUP INTERNATIONAL S.r.l.
www.andreanigroup.com

LighTech

XSR 700 accessories

Italian specialist LighTech has unveiled new and exclusive accessories for the Yamaha XSR 700.

The company has a range of model-specific designs as well as “classics” from their primary parts design programme for Yamaha’s entry-level “modern classic”.
Model-specific designs include a radiator guard kit, frame slider kit and front LED turn signals and supports that are 100 percent CNC machined from a solid block of high-grade, high-strength, lightweight aluminium and available black or silver anodised.

Other products available for the XSR 700 include two-colour handlebar caps, black anodised and homologated mirrors, aluminium rider and passenger footpegs, lever guards, replacement brake and clutch lever kits, front and rear wheel axle protectors, oil filler caps, clutch and brake reservoir covers and more.

Founded in 1997 by Fabrizio Furlan, LighTech make and sell over 7,000 high strength, lightweight parts and accessories in aluminium and Ergal alloy and over 400 titanium items – from bolts and protectors such as frame sliders to controls, rearsets, lights, chain adjusters and covers.

LIGHTECH S.r.l.
www.lightech.it

Airoh

ISDE 2016 Limited Edition 'Aviator 2.2'

Italian manufacturer Airoh is in its second year as a main partner of the ISDE series, and to recognise their involvement, the company has released a special edition of its iconic 'Aviator 2.2' helmet with tailormade graphics that pays tribute to this year's host nation, Spain.

The special Aviator 2.2 ISDE 2016 Limited Edition features an instantly recognisable red and yellow Spanish flag colour scheme and engrained "mud stains" as a tribute to one of the toughest events in the motorsport calendar - the vintage styling of the special edition is a reminder of the days of Jet style MX helmets with separate chinguards. Each of the limited edition helmets will carry a sequentially numbered plate, highlighting the unique nature of this product.
Aviator 2.2 is made from 100% Carbon Kevlar, "making it one of the lightest (950 g) and best performing helmets of its class", according to the company. Additional features include an expanded field of vision, an exclusive peak for maximum protection from the elements and an interior made from "revolutionary materials, ensuring optimal ventilation and breathability".

This will be the 91st staging of the ISDE, a competition that started in 1913 and changed from the ISDT (International Six Day Trials) to representing the wider world of Enduro racing (as it had become known) in 1981. It is being staged at the Circuito De Navarro in northern Spain from 11 to 16 October (www.fim-isde2016.com), when some 700 riders are expected to represent 35 countries.
Last year France claimed a controversial 4th consecutive win when it was staged in Slovakia - the Australian team believing they had a strong claim on being awarded the win! Airoh's investment in the event will see their brand message being beamed into some 300m plus households, with 89 countries expected to take the TV coverage.

AIROH HELMETS
www.airoh.com

LSL

Clubman XSR-Roadster

With the launch of the XSR 700 at the end of last year, Yamaha launched a winning Retro all-rounder, and German specialist LSL has used it as the platform for their latest ‘Clubman’ conversion special.

Changes include improved handlebar and footpeg positioning, in which the handlebar position was lowered and brought further forward, and can further be adjusted with their well known 2Slide eight position forward control, so the riding position can be individually tailored.
The front end has had a make-over with a small Six-Days headlight, CNC-machined holders and an artistically shaped instrument holder, plus an aluminium fender with model-specific holders. A small LED rear light in classic oval shape underline the retro-classical look of the XSR, at the rear further emphasized by the MT-60 Pirelli tyre profile.
Further details include adjustable levers, aluminium rear mirror and adjustable passenger pegs.

LSL MOTORRADTECHNIK GmbH
www.lsl.eu

Yamaha

Moto di Ferro's XV950 'Speed Iron'

Yamaha's latest Yard Built creation is a “true Italian beast”, a tracker style build with understated design, showing true metallurgy craftsmanship. The Moto di Ferro Yard Built XV950 'Speed Iron' is the brainchild of Italian builder Marco Lugato.

Marco is one of those builders who has had oil in the blood from a very early age, first riding off-road and then as a professional road racer, his credentials are without question. After a career in racing followed by some years honing his craftsmanship in various workshops, Moto di Ferro (Iron Motorcycle) was born in 2009 as a custom house.
The concept for 'Speed Iron' comes from Marco's passion for speed. He wanted to create a motorcycle with strong design statements combined with soft lines. Thick tyres were important, but not at the expense of rideability. Those thick tyres were wrapped around beautiful Borrani rims, with the front suspension getting swapped out for VMAX forks.
A hand-made aluminium tank and rear seat unit take the weight down and complement the hand-made aluminium side panels. The front brake discs were increased to 320mm and benefit from VMAX calipers for proper stopping power. An Acewell odometer provides just the right amount of data for the rider and an Arrow exhaust adds the soundtrack.
Other parts completing the look include Tarozzi footpegs and LSL dumbbells. A hand-made rear frame sets the clear lines tone, and an aftermarket headlight and stop lights integrated into the turn signals keep everything super clean.

www.motodiferro.com

Polaris Industries

Polaris reports worldwide motorcycle sales +23% in second quarter

Minnesota based Polaris Industries, manufacturer of the fast growing Indian Motorcycle and Victory Motorcycle brands, reported its second quarter 2016 motorcycle sales (to June 30th 2016) were up by +23 percent worldwide.

Its “Global Adjacent Markets” sales increased 14%, while Off Road vehicle (ORV) and Snowmobile sales were down -6%, which was slightly better than expected.
Second quarter total sales totalled $1,130.8 million, up one percent from last year’s second quarter sales of $1,124.3 million.


"International sales totalled $170.5 million"

The +23 percent increase in motorcycle segment sales, including its respective PG&A sales, was worth $231.3 million. All brands grew sales during the quarter. Gross profit increased 63 percent to $39.8 million or 17.2 percent of sales in the second quarter of 2016, compared to $24.5 million or 13.1 percent of sales in the second quarter of 2015.
North American consumer retail demand for the Polaris motorcycle segment, including Victory, Indian Motorcycle and Slingshot, was up mid-teens percent during the 2016 second quarter, while overall 900cc and above motorcycle industry retail sales were down mid-single digits percent in the 2016 second quarter. 

Polaris CEO Scott Wine: “I am proud of how our employees and dealers have dedicated themselves to working through the current difficult environment”

Gross profit for the total company decreased 11 percent to $284.5 million in the second quarter of 2016, compared to $319.4 million in the second quarter of 2015.
“Our team’s diligent and methodical execution drove a modest increase in second quarter sales despite a strong year-over-year sales comparison, a weaker retail sales environment and product recalls. Our all-out assault on costs continued to make progress during the quarter, generating earnings that finished in-line with our updated guidance. As we move into the second half of the year, we are redoubling our commitment to providing our consumers with the safest and most reliable vehicles in the industry while building a platform to return to profitable growth,” commented Scott Wine, Polaris’ Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
“I am proud of how our employees and dealers have dedicated themselves to working through the current difficult environment, from the recall announcements to weaker industry trends. Dealer inventories are in-line with expectations. Our new Huntsville, Alabama plant began producing RANGERS at the beginning of June and Slingshots in early July, and our growing lean capabilities are driving factory inventory reductions and increased cash flow, while our customer excellence initiatives are enhancing our capabilities to deliver world-class sales and service to our consumers”.
International sales to customers outside of North America totalled $170.5 million for the second quarter of 2016, including PG&A, an increase of five percent from the same period in 2015. International sales on a constant currency basis were up seven percent in the 2016 second quarter.

Austrian motorcycle registrations

Austrian motorcycle registrations +4.04 percent for first six months of 2016

The latest data released by the motorcycle trade association in Austria (Arge2Rad) shows registrations of new motorcycles of over 126cc up by 1.21 percent in the second quarter of 2016 at 6,126 units, and up by +2.25 percent for the first six months of the year at 8,910 units – confirming the start of market recovery in Austria first seen in the final quarter of 2015.
In total, powered two-wheeler registrations were up by 3.82 percent for the second quarter of the year in Austria at 17,260 units, and are +4.04 percent (24,959 units) for the first six months of the year.

Free Spirits

Triumph Twin brake kit

 

This new Gold Series Brembo 4-piston front brake caliper kit for Triumph Bonneville Street Twin comes complete with a CNC machined black anodised mounting bracket, fully floating front brake rotor with high-quality braking track, Ergal aluminium hub and centres. It is said to mount easily on existing fittings, is suitable for models with ABS and it uses the OEM master cylinder and brake line and includes the brake pads. Free Spirits say that their kit "allows the wheel to remain centred in the stock position, increases braking power and modulation, is fast and easy to assemble, requiring no modification".
Free Spirits, Italy, www.freespirits.it

Arrow Special Parts

New exhausts by Arrow

Proving their all-round design and manufacturing capabilities, here are three very different kinds of exhaust systems for three very different kinds of motorcycles by Arrow Special Parts from near Perugia in Italy.
First of all, going to their impressive race heritage and credentials, it is a difficult task to improve on a bike that has just won the WBK, but in the case of the impressive 2016 Kawasaki ZX10R, that is exactly what Arrow say they have done.
Arrow’s R&D department have come up with no less than 11 different new (street legal and racing) exhaust systems and four competition racing kits. All slip-on silencers can be installed on original headers, removing the OE catalytic converter, thanks to a model-specific mid-pipe design.

Arrow say the dyno tests results are excellent - the power on the rear wheel, with the original exhaust, is around 185hp, which increases to around 186hp with the Arrow slip-ons and reaches 192hp (with a "great improvement" in torque at low and medium engine range) with the "half system" made by the silencers and the link pipe, removing the OE catalytic converter.
At the other end of the motorcycle spectrum, 'Urban' is a new system for Maxi-Scooters. Offered with new materials and optional catalytic converter, Arrow say that the 'Urban' is a "giant step in innovation", incorporating a "heap of new features".

Those features include a shorter silencer with Superbike 'Race-Tech' style diamond shape, completely re-engineered interiors with a new silencing system, swingarm mounts that are welded to the silencer body, eliminating the adapting plate and improving durability, and a "Racing" style header with optional catalytic converter.
Available in stainless steel with black painted finish or in aluminium, with clear or "dark" finish (and rear end cap with matt black finish), Arrow say the street legal system with a removable dB-Killer delivers reduced weight and improved performance.
If the ZX10R is at one end of the motorcycle spectrum, and with the generation of large displacement Maxi-Scooters at the other, then Metric Cruisers are right in the mid-market.
Arrow's new 'Rebel' exhausts for Japanese cruisers is their first entry into an exhaust market that rewards style as much as performance.

The company says that "eye-catching design and breathtaking sound" are the hallmarks of their new 'Rebel' line, with stainless steel alloy headers, "black ceramic" coated silencer, removable baffle, plug(s) for the oxygen sensor and carbon fibre rear end cap.
Street legal, Arrow say the new designs deliver up to a 40 percent weight reduction and up to a 10 percent increase in power.
They are available for Kawasaki Vulcan S650 2014/2015 and Yamaha XV (Bolt) 950 / 950R 2014/2015, with new model applications to follow, and work is in progress to extend the range to other bikes.

ARROW SPECIAL PARTS S.r.l.
www.arrow.it

Bonamici

ZX-10R rear-set options

Italian parts manufacturer Bonamici offers precision CNC machined billet Ergal aluminium alloy rear-sets for most popular current production sportsbikes, and these latest designs for the 2016 Kawasaki ZX-10R 2016 are described as "robust, effective and fully adjustable".

The design uses bearings to completely eliminate the friction on the levers and a spring for the assisted return of the rear brake lever.
They are available in two kits - for conventional shift use and one that includes Bonamici's electronic quick-shifter for reverse shifting use.

BONAMICI RACING
www.bonamiciracing.it

Rev'It!

Upgraded 'Tornado-2' features 'Seeflex' protectors

Dutch apparel specialist Rev'It! has updated its popular 'Tornado' textile jacket/pants combo, and the "Three Season" second generation 'Tornado-2' now features upgraded materials, protection and colourway options.

The outer shell now incorporates rugged materials like PWR/shell 750D mesh and PWR/shell 1000D at key impact points. Rev'It! proprietary 'Seeflex' CE level 2 protectors have been installed at the shoulders, knees and elbows, and thin, flexible 'Seesmart' CE level 1 protectors come as standard at the hips. The mesh outer shell is fitted with a 2-in-1 detachable rain and thermal liner, and the jacket has been upgraded for compatibility with their 'Challenger' cooling vest, HV connector vest and 'Strapper' suspenders.
It is available in black, silver/black and sand/black for men, and black and silver/black for women riders.

REV'IT! SPORT INTERNATIONAL B.V.
www.revit.eu

Piaggio Group

Piaggio report sales and profits up for first half of 2016

Announcing its results for the first six months of 2016, the Piaggio Group says it has reconfirmed its leadership in the European two-wheeler market with a 14.8% overall share and a 26% share of the scooter market (more than 12 percentage points ahead of their nearest European competitor). 

In the first half to 30 June 2016, the Group sold 182,100 two-wheelers worldwide (up by +3.6% from 175,700 in the year-earlier period), generating net sales of 507.4 million euro, an improvement of +2.2% from 496.3 million euro in the first half of 2015. The figure includes spares and accessories and sales of the Piaggio Wi-Bike pedal-assisted bicycle, which had a positive impact on net sales.
The Group says it also maintained a particularly strong positioning on the North American scooter market, with a share of 19.1%.
The Vespa brand strengthened its presence on the European market, with revenues up by +4.7%. Performance was also strong in Group motorcycles, with an increase of more than +8% in Moto Guzzi sales, in particular thanks to the new V9 Roamer and Bobber, while for the Aprilia brand important growth was reported by the Supersport models in the Tuono V4 line, where sales rose by +55%.
 
Piaggio says it saw an improvement in all its main indicators compared with the first half of 2015. Group consolidated net sales in the first half of 2016 totalled 706.5 million euro, an improvement of +1.8% (+3.8% at constant exchange rates) from 693.9 million euro at 30 June 2015.
Turnover in the two-wheeler sector was 507.4 million euro, an increase of +2.2% from 496.3 million euro in the first half of 2015.
Operating expense in the first half of 2016 was 168.6 million euro (161.5 million euro in the year-earlier period). The increase stemmed in part from the rise in amortisation and depreciation included in operating expense (35 million euro in H1 2016, compared with 32.3 million euro in the year-earlier period).
At 30 June 2016, the Piaggio Group posted profit before tax of 30 million euro, up +21.9%, compared with 24.6 million euro in the year-earlier period. Income tax for the period was 12 million euro, with an impact on pre-tax profit of 40%.

AIMExpo

KTM becomes 17th different OEM participant for AIMExpo 2016

The American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) has announced that KTM North America is the newest addition to an expansive OEM line-up for the 2016 event. KTM will make its AIMExpo debut this October 13-16 from the North Hall of Orlando’s, Florida, Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), showcasing a brand new exhibit space in addition to its new product line-up.

KTM becomes the 17th different OEM to invest in the AIMExpo platform, leveraging the multi-faceted show experience that will allow the brand to engage with the trade, media and consumer segments of the marketplace. 

“KTM’s commitment to the enthusiast experience has spread from their early years as an off-road only brand to producing highly capable machines that resonate with both street and off road riders. The ability to showcase a comprehensive product line-up to every aspect of the marketplace, most notably dealers and consumers, provides an unparalleled stage for KTM to continue building its presence in the U.S.”, said Larry Little, Vice President and General Manager of AIMExpo. “We welcome the color orange to Orlando in October”!
"AIMExpo has been growing each year, and we are very excited to be a part of the industry event for 2016”, said John Hinz, Managing Director of KTM North America, Inc. “We will be debuting a brand new booth design that perfectly showcases our 'READY TO RACE' brand and expanding line-up of street motorcycles, along with our KTM PowerParts and KTM PowerWear. AIMExpo provides a unique venue and opportunity to connect with our dealers and our customers”.
Nearly 400 exhibitors have already committed to showcasing the latest that the powersports industry has to offer at AIMExpo. In addition to new product launches, the latest innovations being showcased on the show floor, and an expansive demo space outdoors, AIMExpo attendees will have the opportunity to connect with others throughout the industry at numerous networking events, while dealer attendees can take advantage of the unparalleled curriculum of the Powersports DEALER Seminars presented by Powersports Business during the two trade days of AIMExpo, October 13 & 14.

www.aimexpousa.com

Polish motorcycle registrations

Polish registrations still down for the year so far, but up in June

According to the latest statistics released by the motorcycle industry trade association in Poland (PZPM), the number of new motorcycles registered there in June was up by +4.23 percent at 3,077 units, but remains down by -4.25 percent for the first six months of the year so far at 13,237 units.
This is still the best June market performance in Poland since before 2006, and excepting for last year, the best first six months the Polish new motorcycle market has seen, with sales now rapidly catching up on the levels seen in 2016, further confirming the long-term trend there towards more expensive, higher displacement (and new) machines. Total PTW sales were essentially flat in June at 6,664 units (+0.77 percent) and are -13.45 units YTD (25,738 units) though, again, the rate of market decline continues to slow.
However, that is only part of the story where the Polish market is concerned. Poland is an important market for used vehicles – the number of used motorcycles imported into Poland and registered there for the first time was up by +2.35 percent (7,357 units) in June, with the rate of market decline slowing to -2.99 percent (34,745 units) for the year-to-date.
Used mopeds were also down in June and YTD in Poland (-20.67 percent YTD), making the total of used PTWs (mopeds and motorcycles) receiving a first registration there -5.84 percent YTD (40,209 units). The combined total of new and used motorcycles sold in Poland in June was 10,434 (+2.90 percent) and just -3.34 percent now for the YTD (47,982 units), with the total number of new and used PTWs recovering at -8.97 percent for the first six months of 2016 at 65,947 units.
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

Kawasaki

Martini Vulcan 70 limited edition kit

In the 1970s Kawasaki’s ‘Mach’ series were among the models that defined a decade that now, nearly 50 years on, is inspiring nostalgia, affection and the contemporary popularity of so-called ‘Retro design’, especially among custom bike builders.

A new project by Italian customiser Nicholas Martini is just such a case in point – one that mixes contemporary design values with adherence to the original concept in equal measure.
His limited edition Vulcan 70 has been inspired by those legendary Kawasaki motorcycles of the seventies, in particular the Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III, in the form of a make-over kit for the Kawasaki Vulcan S.
Martini wanted to “translate the concept of custom and cruiser to a cafe racer look without changing the technical aspects of the bike”.
“The dual seat, the long tail, the twin exhaust and round headlight were the first details that inspired me,” says Nicholas Martini. “The concept appealed to Kawasaki Italy, and they helped me with this project, making a limited number of 100 of these kits available through official Kawasaki dealers in Italy.”
Sergio Vicarelli of Kawasaki Motors Italy commented: “The hardest part in the creation of a “new edition” of an iconic product lies in the capacity to embody all the hallmarks of a distinctive design. Nicholas successfully selected just a few essential elements of design and transferred this feeling to a popular current Kawasaki model.”

Kappa

Kappa KV9 demi-jet

The Kappa KV9 is a two-version, visor-less open face helmet with a retention strap for goggles.

The KV9 'Varadero' has a metal flake shell finish and comes in gold, black and 'bordeaux', all matching a black inner lining; the 'Classic' has a modern graphic design - a black wavy swathe horizontally crossing the green, opaque yellow or shiny red shell.

Made in techno-polymer and weighing just 900 grams, it features a non-allergenic and removable lining and quick release/micro-adjustable ratchet strap. Kappa also offers a range of goggles suitable for this helmet with either "Total Black" or "Chrome" outer rims.
 
KAPPA S.r.l.
www.kappamoto.com

Sinisalo

‘Stina’ ladies textile suit and ‘Stan’ membrane jackets

The new ‘Stina’ suit from Sinisalo is said to have “everything that demanding female riders expect from functional riding apparel: chic, safety and a perfect fit”.
The outer shell of the jacket and trousers is made out of tear and abrasion resistant 450D polyester fabric, with extra 900D fabric reinforcements on the shoulders, elbows and knees. Beneath that is a waterproof and breathable Z-liner membrane with taped seams and skin-friendly lining. A removable, 60g thermal lining keeps the rider warm, while ventilation zippers on the sides of the jacket and the thighs provide cooling.

The jacket also has a soft, skin-friendly Neoprene collar as well as a crotch strap, and a long zipper for joining the trousers, which also have removable braces. Width adjusters on the upper arms, legs and cuffs and on the waist of the jacket and trousers ensure a good fit, and a total of five pockets offer plenty of storage space. Shoulders, elbows, hips and knees are equipped with CE-approved protectors; a protector pocket is provided on the back.

Sinisalo say that 2016 will see them add more top quality “Street Culture” products to their programme, but among the first are these membrane equipped ‘Stan’ “Rate” and “Racy” line jackets and “Rate” pants.
The outer material is tear and abrasion-resistant 450D polyester fabric, reinforced with 900D thread on shoulders, elbows and knees. Under that is a Z-liner membrane and a skin-friendly mesh lining. A removable 60g thermal lining gives comfortable warmth when needed, while four air vents at the shoulders and at the sides provide cooling when required.

The jacket offers a comfortable Neoprene collar, four pockets outside, one inside, a crotch strap and connecting zipper for the “Rate” pants. Additional features include adjustable upper arm snaps and hem and cuff straps, reflective details on the front, back and sleeves, which ensure visibility, proven, CE-tested RVP Air protectors at the shoulders and elbows and a protector pocket on the back

SINISALO SPORT
www.sinisalo.com

Brembo

Nickel coated calipers

Following the success of the GP4-RX radial caliper, a direct interchange with the standard radial forks of Japanese maxi sportbikes, Brembo has extended the range by offering a 100 mm fixing version for European Supersport bikes.

The two-piece caliper body is completely machined from billet and has a nickel surface finish. Brembo say that this creates an "extremely attractive look" and allows higher machining tolerances, bringing benefits in terms of performance and operating precision.
The calipers are supplied as a kit with Brembo sintered pads fitted, an instruction manual, a set of Brembo decals, special thermotapes as used in racing to monitor caliper operating temperature, and Brembo's quality control sheet and anti-counterfeiting scratch card, allowing the buyer to register for a certificate of authenticity.

BREMBO SPA
www.brembo.com

CNC Racing

'Rebel' new style brake and clutch fluid reservoirs

Italian specialist CNC Racing says it has reinterpreted the shape of the front brake and clutch reservoirs with its new 'Rebel' line - "creating a shape that did not previously exist, an exclusive new product design that is in the CNC Racing tradition of innovation". The 'Rebel' is available in 12ml (43mm wide) and 25ml (53mm wide). Both are 52mm high, feature a secure fluid level window and are CNC machined from a solid single lightweight, high strength billet aluminium. Available in five colours (black, gold, red, blue and silver), each tank kit is provided with all the assembly accessories (brackets and three spouts with different angles) and mounted with three concealed screws “to preserve the clean lines and a sleek and elegant look”. CNC Racing, Italy, www.cncracing.it

Giannelli

X-PRO slip-ons and full systems

Giannelli has added a lightweight high-performance exhaust system for Aprilia’s 2015-2016 V4 1100 Factory.

Their X-PRO, a new exhaust range from Giannelli, is available as a slip-on silencer or as a full system. Built around a round-shaped silencer in NiChrom alloy with black finish and laser-etched Giannelli logo, it is street legal when used with its db-killer and is said to be “characterised by a perfect compound of minimal design and aggressive lines”. 

Weighing just 1.3 kg, the silencer delivers very worthwhile power gains on an already impressive machine, has a mid-pipe for the original collectors and is one of a number of options Giannelli has for the Tuono V4, including ‘Ipersport’ titanium, with carbon and aluminium street legal slip-ons with carbon (or inox) end caps and mid-pipes for the original collectors.

GIANNELLI SILENCERS SPA
www.giannelli.com

Jekill & Hyde Company

Electronically adjustable exhausts for BMW GS series

The Jekill & Hyde Company, a leader in electronically adjustable exhaust systems, has expanded its product range to include the BMW Boxer models (in addition to Suzuki, Honda, Harley, Victory and Indian models).

The company says that "performance, design and sound were the focus of the development of the new system", and that there are two different designs to choose from - black or carbon look. The stainless steel slip-on mufflers are mounted on the original mounting points on the original manifold.
The rider has three different legal sound modes available, selectable using a handlebar-mounted switch - all 100% legal and EC/CH-tested.

The Travelling mode is quieter than the original, but maintains stock performance; the "dynamic" mode, with the valve open to 50%, is similar to the BMW exhaust system, but with a deeper sound and improved performance. In the Sport mode, with the valve wide open, the engine develops an increased performance and produces a deep and earthy Boxer sound.
The company says that their system is lighter than stock and that power gains of up to five percent can be gained in the Sport mode.
Fitments for the GS series are the first to be released, but a model-specific application for the R nineT will also be available soon.


THE JEKILL & HYDE COMPANY GmbH
www.jekillandhyde.de

EU motorcycle registrations

Motorcycle registrations +8.1 percent in EU markets January – June 2016

The latest data released by ACEM (Association des Constructeurs Européens de Motocycles), the Brussels based international motorcycle industry trade association, shows that motorcycle registrations in the EU were up by +8.1 percent for the first six months of this year.

A total of 544,870 motorcycles were registered between January and June 2016 (against 504,162 during the same period of 2015). Year-on-year motorcycle registrations increased in most key European markets, including Italy (116,985 units, +15.9%), Spain (73,323 units, +13.5%), the UK (61,859 units, +8.3%), Germany (100,749 units, +4.2%) and France (89,153 units, +1.7%).
A total of 679,777 powered two and three-wheelers were registered in EU markets during the first six months of 2016. This represents an increase of +5.5% compared to the 644,474 vehicles registered during the same period of 2015.
Registrations performed positively in most key markets, including Italy (129,616 units, +14.2%), Spain (80,878 units, +12.2%), UK (66,007 units, +7.4%), Germany (100,749 units, +4.2%) and in France (128,182 units, +0.6%).

A total of 134,907 mopeds were registered in EU markets during the first six months of 2016 (compared to 140,312 for the first six months of 2015). This represents a decrease of -3.9%. Moped registrations increased in the Netherlands (34,139 units, +4.2%) and Italy (12,631 units, +0.4%), but decreased in Austria (7,873 units, -1.1%), France (39,029 units, -1.8%) and Poland (12,515 units, -21.4%).

Yamaha

Yamaha Blue Core Tricity 155 to launch in September

Described as the second LMW (Leaning Multi Wheel) model in its “Growing World of Personal Mobility” strategy, Yamaha has announced a September European launch for the Tricity 155 - with a double front wheel, three-wheeled commuter equipped 155cc liquid-cooled “BLUE CORE” engine. As a global model being manufactured in Thailand, the commuter will then be released for sale in Japan, around Asia, and other countries in turn. 

Developed around the concept of a “new standard City Commuter for greater range of mobility and pride of ownership”, the 155 follows the 2014 debut of Yamaha’s LMW technology with the Tricity 125.
The new model features “a combination of the BLUE CORE engine and Yamaha Motor’s proprietary LMW design to achieve both greater running performance and fuel efficiency, a newly designed frame with improved rigidity and expanded flat footboard areas to provide a more comfortable riding position, an expanded 23.5L under seat storage space, as well as an accessories compartment fitted with a DC power socket, a newly implemented parking brake and LED headlights and position lights, which create a high-quality feel”.

UK motorcycle registrations

UK motorcycle registrations +8.37 percent for first six months

The latest data released by the motorcycle industry trade association in the UK (MCIA) shows that new motorcycle registrations for June were +7.38 percent at 13,190 units (the best June market performance since before 2009) and were +8.37 percent (61,363 units) for the first six months of 2016.

New moped registrations were essentially level with June 2015, but are down by -4.56 percent for the year-to-date (94,143 units).
Total PTW registrations were +6.92 percent in June (14,036 units) and +7.45 percent for the first six months of 2016 (at 65,506 units that is the best first half year in the UK since before 2009).
The Trail/Enduro, Scooter, Custom and Adventure Sports markets are the strongest growing sectors of the UK market so far this year, at +14.4 percent (3,253 units), +12.9 percent (12,789 units), +12.6 percent (5,503 units) and +11.8 percent (10,644 units) respectively.
The small displacement scooter market is -5.2 percent for the YTD (3,783 units). The largest market in the UK so far this year is for ‘Naked’ style bikes (18,001 units, +8.4 percent), but the traditionally strong UK Supersports market is -2.5 percent YTD at 7,364 units.
The highest selling model in the UK in June was Yamaha’s MT-10 (266 units), followed by the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure (171 units). Market share leader in June was Honda (2,061 units sold), followed by Yamaha (1,852), Triumph (1,374), BMW (1,148) and Suzuki (1,099). The BMW R 1200 RS was the best-selling Sport/Tour model (100 units).

Parts Europe & Dunlop

Win a KTM Duke 390 special with Dunlop and Parts Europe  

Parts Europe has teamed up with Dunlop to offer dealers the chance to win a special edition KTM Duke 390 in their latest promotion.
Specially designed with graphics by Blackbird Racing, all dealers that bought more than 40 Dunlop tyres in the period from June 1st 2015 till May 31st 2016, or order 10 Dunlop tyres in the period from June 1st till October 30th 2016, participate automatically. 

Dealers who already pre-qualified with the 12 month sales quantity of 40 tyres could improve their chances to win the KTM with every purchase of 10 Dunlop tyres in the same period. The bike, mounted Dunlop tyres and the shipping will be paid by Dunlop.
The winner will receive his Dunlop-Parts-Europe Duke at the EICMA fair in Milan and will be invited by Dunlop to join the fair and to stay one night in Milan. Dealers should check the news section of the Parts Europe website for further details.  
www.partseurope.eu