German motorcycle registrations +6.23 percent for first nine months
The latest statistics released by the IVM, the motorcycle industry trade association in Germany, show new motorcycle registrations up by +38.08 percent in September at 8,303 units for the month – the best September market performance in Germany since before 2008.
Cumulative new motorcycle registrations for the first nine months of the year are +6.23 percent at 99,973 units so far – also the best first nine-month market performance in Germany since before 2008.
In total powered two-wheeler terms, the market in Germany was up by +29.27 percent in September (12,831 units) and is +4.48 percent for the year-to-date at 142,338 units.
The top selling model in Germany so far this year is the BMW R 1200 GS (6,356 units), followed by Yamaha’s MT-07 (3,068 units), Kawasaki’s ER-6n (2,459 units), Honda’s CRF 1000 ‘Africa Twin’ (2,216 units) and the BMW R nineT (2,170 units) as the fifth strongest selling model in Germany so far this year.
With seven models in the top 20 sellers list it is no surprise that BMW remains motorcycle sales market share leader for the first nine months of the year in its home market, having sold 21,656 units for a 21.31 percent market share (actually down a little from the 21,309 units they sold for a 23.01 percent market share in the first nine months of 2015).
Yamaha is second with a 11.98 percent market share (11,975 units sold YTD), Honda third with 11.53 percent of the German market (10,495 units), KTM in fourth place with 10.50 percent (10,495 units) and Harley-Davidson overtaking Kawasaki for fifth spot with 10.20 percent (10,198 units).
Sportsbikes have taken 30.54 percent of the new motorcycle market in Germany so far this year (30,533 units), with Enduro bikes the second largest sector at 24.01 percent of the German motorcycle market (24,007 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 21.99 percent of the market (21,985 units), followed by “Chopper” style bikes as the fourth most popular sector (12.59 percent, 12,585 units YTD).
Yamaha Yard Built - XSR700 ‘Otokomae’ by Ad Hoc Café Racers
One of the latest builds in Yamaha’s Yard Built programme is this customised XSR700 by David Gonzalez of Ad Hoc Café Racers of Barcelona, Spain.
No stranger to customising Yamaha motorbikes, Gonzalez has already received international recognition for his work with the XJ650 and XJ750, stripping and re-working the classic machines before finishing with just the right amount of powder-coated, one-off pieces to make a mark. For the Yard Built XSR700 ‘Otokomae’, he has created a street tracker with style, a tough, mean custom with bold colours that really stands out from the crowd.
“I really like this crazy style David has created”, commented Yamaha Motor Europe Marketing Coordinator Cristian Barelli. “The tough ‘street tracker’ feel really fits well with the XSR700 and the paint job is something totally unique. He made sure to follow our golden rule of no cutting or welding to the frame of the bike, so it really does prove with this build that you can customise your XSR to really stand out from the crowd without any major fabrication work. The custom detail is very well crafted without compromising the rideability of the XSR700, keeping the fun factor”!
To get the Ad Hoc look, David started at the front, adding a number of genuine Yamaha parts from other models. These included an MT-09 stem and handlebar set, front forks, disc brakes, brake master cylinder and clutch from the YZF-R6 and front light and bracket from the MT-01.
Borrani rims and Michelin rubber keep everything the right way up and the original fuel tank remains, cleverly hidden by a custom shell built in four modular parts. The radiator was painted black to blend with the engine block and the air filter box has been removed and replaced with power filters to open up central space.
The standard XSR700 exhaust is removed in favour of a rather more aggressive sounding full SC Project system and a rear subframe is custom made to bolt on, allowing access to tools and battery. Ride height gets a lift by 15mm with a Gears Racing shock, and a custom seat is added with high quality cowhide. At the front clever fork sleeves incorporate the front turn signal and the bike is finished with Old School blue and yellow Yamaha Racing colours, giving a modern, light-hearted twist to stand out.
www.adhocaferacers.com
XJR 1300 accessories
Well known German accessory manufacturer Fehling offers dealers access to one of the largest handlebar, luggage carrier system and engine protection ranges in the industry.
Seen here are new accessories for 2015 and up Yamaha XJR 1300 models, including their 3-point mount engine guard, luggage carrier and rear rack.
Fehling design and make all their own products in-house at their factory near Dortmund in Germany. Founded in 1945 as specialist metal forming and processing engineers, the company specialises in motorcycle parts, currently employs around 25 people and is still in the founder's family ownership.
ERNST FEHLING GMBH & CO
www.fehling.de
“Unbreakable” bending brake and clutch levers
Distributed in Europe by Parts Europe, ARC are a remarkable specialist company based in Santa Ana, California.
Founded in 1999 by Bob Barnett, ARC is widely regarded as the number one ‘Go-To’ source for the best dirt bike brake and clutch levers in the world.
Their lifetime warranty, “unbreakable” bending brake and clutch levers are made from race-proven proprietary Memlon composite. ARC are widely respected for their manufacturing quality and for the intelligent design solutions they have come up with time after time.
Their Memlon composite is lightweight and flexible, which avoids breaking when a rider crashes. Perfect for dirt bikes, the levers are available for several KTM (SX/EXC/Freeride), Husqvarna (TC/FC) and other popular dirt bikes. The perches are made of anodised aluminium in blue or orange.
PARTS EUROPE
www.partseurope.eu
Companero World2 riding suit
It is already five years since Touratech presented its first in-house developed touring suit - the Companero Worldwide. It featured an All-Weather Add waterproof and breathable outer layer worn over the lightweight inner "summer suit", into which the protectors are integrated, with the outer jacket making an excellent casual as well as riding jacket.
With their new Companero World2 Touratech has built on this tried and tested principle, one which has stood up to the rigours of all imaginable climate zones, with an updated design with a new improved air-flow fabric in the ventilated zones - Cordura Air.
The inner summer suit is now even airier, yet at the same time more resilient. Cordura 500 is used as the base material, while the additional shoulder and elbow layers are made of even stronger Cordura 2000, with another new material, incorporating woven reflective threads, used for the reflective areas.
The over-jacket of the All-Weather Add has also received a textile makeover, with an even lighter, extremely rugged three-layer laminate by W.L. Gore now used. The over-jacket features two air vents on the front and has YKK Aquaseal zippers. A zip-close air outlet opening is located on the back at shoulder blade height, and several tailoring details have been modified to enhance fit.
All protectors meet the latest Level 2 standard, but Touratech say that the most significant change is in how the All-Weather Add is stored. Instead of a zip-on pocket, it now comes in a slender backpack with expanding zippers. The backpack straps ensure optimum weight distribution and can be discreetly concealed when not in use. Because the zips on the Companero World2 are identical to those on the previous model, jackets and trousers from both suits can be combined.
Available in black/grey/yellow or all-black, the new version continues Touratech’s collaboration with German manufacturer Stadler.
TOURATECH AG
www.touratech.com
Zard for R nineT
Italian exhaust specialist Zard is offering a complete 2:1:2 titanium racing exhaust with extractable dB killer for BMW’s popular R nineT. Described as “entirely hand-made by their best craftsmen”, it features aluminium end caps and weighs just 3.5kg compared to 8.8kg for the OE system. Zard say this new system delivers a “sharp increase in acceleration, a substantial increase in maximum power and an attractive sound”. ZARD S.r.l, Italy, www.zardlab.com
Protecting the MT-10
German parts and accessory specialist Team Metisse has its X-PAD crash protectors available for Yamaha MT-10 already. Described by owner Horst Edler as “a perfect combination of design and functional technics thanks to our Metisse Impact Absorber System (M.I.A.S.), fitting is very easy and done in a few minutes”. Fork and swingarm sliders (with integrated paddock stand mount) also available. TEAM METISSE, Germany, www.metisse.de
Motoz Super Mousse
Australian off-road tyre specialist Motoz “likes making products for riders who like to experiment”, according to owner Rick Atkinson, so “we’ve made our mousse in a large size range and with a durable formula that allows riders to mix and match to achieve different levels of simulated tyre pressure.
“We haven’t necessarily focussed on making mousse to fit only our tyres, but we’ve made them to appeal to users of most tyre brands”, Rick told IDN.
He says that the price is pitched below the major brands, to increase the retail attraction, and that monthly production ensures regular supply for lower distributor inventory levels while maintaining retail availability.
Rick went on to explain that “lube is critical to mousse life, and ours comes with a generous 75ml tube, where most others only come with 50ml. Our lube has been specifically formulated to be tacky and to remain distributed throughout the tyre cavity without the need for gimmicks”.
MOTOZ Pty Ltd.
www.motoz.com.au
EU motorcycle registrations +6 percent through August 2016
A total of at least 902,791 powered two and three-wheelers were registered in the 28 markets of the EU during the first eight months of 2016. This represents an increase of +3.3% compared to the 874,075 vehicles registered during the same period of 2015.
Registrations performed positively in most of the key European markets including Italy (+10.6%, 167,540 units), Spain (+8.6%, 111,204 units), UK (+5.6%, 85,409 units) and Germany (+2.5%, 130,437 units). They remained stable in France (-0.1%, 173,588 units).
Cumulative motorcycle registrations grew by +6% during the first eight months of 2016 on a year-on year basis. A total of 718,539 motorcycles were registered between January and August 2016, against 678,012 during the same period of 2015.
Year-on-year motorcycle registrations increased in all the largest European markets, including Italy (+12.2%, 150,028 units), Spain (+9.4%, 100,297 units), UK (+6.9%, 79,872 units), Germany (+2.5%, 130,437 units) and France (+1%, 115,548 units).
A total of 191,644 mopeds were registered during the first eight months of 2016, whilst 201,251 had been registered during the same period of 2015. This represents a decrease of -4.8%.
Moped registrations increased in Spain (+2.2%, 10,097 units) and the Netherlands (+0.1%, 48,046 units), but decreased in Austria (-1.5%, 11,118 units), Italy (-1.6%, 17,512 units), France (-2.1%, 58,040 units) and Poland (-16.8%, 19,046 units).
www.acem.eu
MV Agusta F4Z
Unveiled at the third international Concours d’Elegance Chantilly Arts & Elegance, the F4Z is the first “Atelier” motorbike (designer/artisan craftsman) motorcycle to be created by the legendary Italian Zagato design studio.
The only remaining Italian coachbuilding company to be independent and still in the hands of its founder’s family, Zagato shaped the F4Z based on the standard mechanics of the MV Agusta F4 as a one-off piece for a Japanese entrepreneur - a collector of Zagato cars as well as Italian motorbikes.
The F4Z’s bodywork was designed and engineered by the Zagato team and built in aluminium and carbon fibre. It consists of a limited number of relatively large panels: this is described by MV Agusta as “the characteristic that, in the motorcar world, sets apart collectibles from mass produced automobiles”.
MV say that compared to the production F4, the F4Z features an entirely different bodywork. Some parts had to be adapted and re-engineered, others fully replaced by components that were made specially, like intake manifolds, fuel tank, battery, exhaust system.
Founded by Ugo Zagato in 1919, right from its start the company specialised in light 2 door/2 seat bodies (coupe or spider). The F4Z is described as representing a “digression beyond the car universe, their traditional field of expression. Nowadays Zagato is a modern Total Design Centre and coachbuilding atelier, able to blend and balance the most advanced engineering technologies, the use of innovative materials and the traditional workshop production procedures”.
The design team of the Zagato Atelier had to tackle the challenge of creating a bike that would interpret the lifestyle of the customer, a young Japanese businessman, president of a holding company with interests in the fashion and publishing sectors.
The starting point was the notion that a motorbike expresses its owner’s lifestyle a lot more than a car. Therefore, it was essential to know and understand the character, passions and wishes of the person to whom the bike was destined.
“The collector or investor who turns to the Zagato Atelier requesting an exclusive piece is certainly someone with a strong passion. The love for bikes of the client dates back to the Eighties, when he bought his first motorcycle and started to customise it with his own hands.
“It was his visceral passion that stimulated the designers’ creativity. He didn’t want anything modern, fashionable, but something that could instead keep its value and appeal. What he wanted was a motorbike that wasn’t comparable to any other, that was classic, but always up-to-date and with a timeless design”.
www.zagato.it
mvagusta.com
‘Twister’ rain suit
Hevik has introduced two new rain suits into their 2016/17 Autumn/Winter range. Both suits meet or exceed waterproof standards. The ‘Twister’ is certified to 5,000 mm in the Column Water Resistance test; the top of the range ‘Rainstop’ to 8,000mm.
‘Twister’ features separate jacket and trousers, made using 100% Nylon, coupled with PVC and heat-taped seams to ensure complete waterproofing, even during long journeys in particularly heavy downpours. The suit has a comfortable cut with a mesh internal lining and adjustable wrists, waist and ankles. The high fitting and wind resistant collar conceals an internally stowed hood. Ventilation is ensured by an air inlet/outlet vent on the back, and the front closure of the jacket is by double flaps. ‘Twister’ comes with its own compact carrying bag.
HEVIK S.r.l.
www.hevik.com
Deflector Screens and Street Shields now made in Quantum-coated polycarbonate
National Cycle has updated its classic Deflector Screen and Street Shield, a line of universal windshields popular around the world for over 30 years.
For the first time, these windshields are made from Quantum-coated polycarbonate, offering crack and scratch resistance that is said to be unmatched on any bike and at any price point, and come with a three-year warranty against breakage.
The Deflector Screen (14” tall) and Street Shield (17” tall) have mount kits to fit on a 7/8”, 1” or 1.25” tubular handlebar, with the Street Shield also mounting to the fork tube.
The versatile mount system allows a variety of positions and angles, and is ideal for many naked bikes from cruisers to dual-sports to streetfighters. These are available in quick-release and/or tinted versions.
NATIONAL CYCLE
www.nationalcycle.com
ICON Airframe Pro helmets
Exclusively distributed in Europe by Parts Europe, the ICON Airframe Pro was first launched in 2015. The shell’s unique design for the angle of attack has attracted a lot of riders of sportsbikes like Shaun Anderson, who raced the most iconic of all road races, the Isle of Man TT.
For 2017 ICON say their designers have created another new generation of colourways and graphics “that take the ICON Airframe Pro to a new level”.
Described as a response to the higher rearsets and lower clip-ons that characterise the popular “modern riding position”, there are two shells (FRP composite and Carbon), four shell sizes and a dual-density EPS liner made from two separate ventilation channelled liners in expanded polystyrene for maximum impact absorption and force dissipation.
The nine air intakes and seven exhaust ports deliver comprehensive ventilation, and the fully adjustable 5-piece HydraDry liner is available in several sizes and three different thicknesses.
PARTS EUROPE
www.partseurope.eu
Ducati 6-speed dry clutch billet pressure plate
Manufactured in California by respected clutch and cables specialist Barnett, this pressure plate for Ducati 6-speed dry clutch models is CNC precision-machined from aerospace quality billet aluminium and then anodised in a choice of red, black or brilliant gold.
The design “is all about form and function, and being designed to protect the clutch assembly in the event of a tip-over or crash. The bearing and clutch control pin are also already installed for easy assembly. It makes an excellent complement to the Barnett clutch basket and spring kit”.
BARNETT CLUTCHES & CABLES
www.barnettclutches.com
Fine-tuning the ride with Matris suspension upgrades
Founded in 1980, Italian suspension specialist Matris is known for its advanced manufacturing techniques and use of advanced, high strength, light weight materials.
Seen here, the adjustable, hydraulic M40KC “Black Edition” twin shocks, ideal for Classic and Custom bikes as well as for touring and sport use, are fully re-buildable and re-valveable with easy adjustment, allowing the road rider to get the right set-up.
The combination of materials and precision machining are said to have produced a design that reduces friction for improved sliding and high temperature stability; precision damping adjustment is said to ensure confidence with every click, delivering a perceptible difference to the setting.
Two-way hydraulic adjustment is by separate and independent rebound and compression controls, and the design includes a separate pressurised expansion tank (Nitrogen gas N2) with fully floating 40mm piston (with 16mm hard chrome coated shaft) with flow dynamics specially designed for better control of the suspension dynamics.
Also seen here, their F15K fork cartridge kits are said to “set a new benchmark for the technical excellence and quality standards available on the market”.
The kit changes a conventional, non-adjustable standard fork “into one with sporty characteristics, fully adjustable in spring preload, compression and rebound functions, allowing greater and more precise set-up customisation and calibration for every kind of rider, making the fork more precise, more adjustable and easier to use.
“The fork kit is totally reversible; the installation requires no modification to the original fork and can be completely overhauled and maintained”.
Finally, their F25SA hydraulic cartridge sealed fork kit completely replaces all the internal components of an original equipment fork, turning it into a new set-up with fully adjustable spring preload and asymmetric compression and rebound damping functions.
It allows a high level of upgrade of the original fork, improves performance by increasing the damping coefficient, and is said to eliminate the risk of cavitation. The kit is supplied “ready to fit” and the installation requires no modification of the original fork. Matris say it is particularly suitable for use in high performance, sports and racing applications.
MATRIS S.r.l.
www.matrisdampers.com
S-Line all-seasons jacket
Sifam’s new S-Line all-seasons jacket is made from 600D Oxford polyester for security and has hard mesh inserts for comfort, with arm and waist adjustments that deliver improved riding ergonomics.
The 3D mesh at the neck and double zipped vents deliver ventilation, with the removable, thermal lining giving maximum comfort year-round.
Additional features include CE-approved soft shells for the elbows and shoulders, removable back protector (provided), twin exterior zippered pocket and an interior wallet pocket.
SIFAM
www.sifam.fr
Redesigned TTX Flow off-road shock
Celebrating their 40th anniversary, suspension specialist Öhlins has introduced what it says is a “radical new rear shock” - the TTX Flow for dirt bikes - offering “unrivalled bike stability and traction within a full redesign”, according to the Swedish manufacturer.
The shock features new patent pending pressure technology combined with an all-new ‘spool’ check-valve system, which essentially helps the shock cope with multiple forces at once and ‘forget’ them extremely quickly, retaining chassis balance. In rider feedback this is said to have equated to vastly improved handling in whoops, braking bumps (so the rear wheel doesn’t go light) and absorbing harsh hits where the bike needs to remain settled for a large jump. Bottoming resistance is also improved through the introduction of a new bump rubber cup unit.
This new TTX Flow has had every single component fully redesigned to “make it much more rider and mechanic-friendly, for both maintenance and set-up. The spring is now extremely easy to change due to a new spring clip design, and the simple spring pre-load adjustment is more robust”. Adjustments to compression and rebound are made with a new indicator to show positioning.
The system retains Öhlins’ patented TTX (Twin Tube) technology with a 46mm piston and 16mm piston rod. There are a wide range of springs to suit rider weight and riding style. Available for all main adult MX and Enduro models.
Christopher Nilsson, Öhlins’ off-road motorcycle product specialist: “We have been working on TTX Flow for several years and are really excited to be able to launch it for our 40th anniversary. The shock has been developed to solve the many challenges with set-up trade-offs that MX riders are faced with.
“With TTX Flow, there is no need for a compromised set-up, this shock can handle everything thrown at it. We’re also proud to have designed the shock to be easier for our customers to use and service”.
ÖHLINS RACING
www.ohlins.com
INTERMOT 2016 breaks records – “More premieres, more exhibitors, more visitors” say organisers
Organiser Koelnmesse say INTERMOT 2016 in Cologne broke all records to-date and reinforced its status as “the leading international business and event trade fair for motorcycles and scooters with around 40 new model premieres, an increased attendance of over 220,000 visitors from 95 countries, and a 17 percent increase in exhibitor numbers”.
That increase was largely credited to the stunning new Hall 10 ‘INTERMOT customized’ show-within-show featuring the acclaimed AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building as its lead attraction.
Altogether over 1,130 companies from 40 countries took part at INTERMOT 2016, 67 percent of which came from outside Germany. The share of trade visitors was around 26 percent of the estimated 220,000 total, with 42 percent of them from outside Germany.
The show occupied gross exhibition space of approximately 129,000 m² (70,000 sq m of which was taken up by exhibitor booths) with an additional 70,000 m² of outdoor space used for the supporting activity programme.
“INTERMOT 2016 was a mega event with outstanding results”, said a delighted Gerald Böse, President and Chief Executive Officer of Koelnmesse. “We have heralded in a new era with new concepts and especially with the integration of the customising world, underpinned by individuality, emotionality and enthusiasm”.
INTERMOT 2016 was also a total success for Reiner Brendicke, Managing Director of the IVM, the German motorcycle industry trade association that owns INTERMOT – “The excellent attendance result, which included a big increase in trade visitors from Italy, proves that the industry is innovative and future-oriented. The industry has put the trends of the era into practice with new models and concepts as the market moves towards more individuality and alternatives for young beginners. The youth are rediscovering the motorised two-wheeler, whether in the form of urban mobility or as an expression of a lifestyle”.
With the show-in-show concepts, INTERMOT customized and INTERMOT e-motion, INTERMOT claim to have “set new benchmarks for the future-oriented development of a motorcycle trade and consumer expo. Trends and themes that inspire and motivate consumers were brought to life and correspondingly addressed by the industry.
“INTERMOT customized is a leading international showcase for a rapidly growing trend towards the individualisation of one's own bike, which reflects the personal lifestyle and demands of the rider. Over 100 companies, including secondary booths by the likes of Harley-Davidson, BMW, Kawasaki, Yamaha and Triumph, presented their products at the premiere of INTERMOT customized, with the acclaimed AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building featuring many of the year’s most spectacular custom bikes. Additional features such as the presentation of the bikes that took part in the 1/8 mile Essenza Spirit of Custom and the Sultans of Sprint race series and live customising in the Garage Area all creating visitor excitement and engagement with this fast growing sector of the motorcycle industry”.
The next INTERMOT will take place at the Cologne Exhibition Centre in Germany from 3 to 7 October 2018.
9th
October, 2016, Japanese customiser Suicide Customs scored a convincing
first place in the 12th AMD World Championship at ‘INTERMOT Customized’
at Cologne, Germany, October 10th to take the coveted title of AMD World
Champion of Custom Bike Building.
Voted for by the
competitors themselves, this is the third time that a customiser from
Japan has taken the Championship ring home, and in a close field of
Freestyle class entrants, Suicide Customs was the clear choice of his
fellow competitors as their Champion for the next two years.
Suicide
Customs’ 1000cc V-twin “Rumble Racer” has quite a back story. Crated
for dry shipping to Europe several weeks before the show, Koh Niwa had
tense days and late evenings at the World Championship before managing
to get the bike fired up and completing the necessary run test (video
available) to be able to qualify for prizing – his determination in the
face of tough odds won the admiration of the “Class of 2016”.
In
a very broad international spread of top honours, second place, and
first reserve champion, went to Michael Naumann of Germany for his
Ironhead Sportster-engined “Simple Iron”; with third place, and second
reserve champion going to 2014 World Champion Fred “Krugger” Bertrand of
Krugger Motorcycles in Belgium for his S&S Cycle 103” engined
“LADD”.
Altogether
42 bikes competed in the Freestyle class, with no less than 14
different countries featuring in the Top 20, with the equally back story
rich TEAM USA’s Larry Moore of Witchita, Kansas, taking fourth overall
for his “Kontrolled Kaos”, with North Coast Custom taking fifth for
“Alcatraz 521”.
The ever-popular Modified Harley-Davidson World
Championship was won by German-Motorcycle-Authority (Christoph Madaus)
with his 1340cc (S&S heads) “Milwaukee Mile”.
In an extremely
high quality field, this year’s Retro Modified class was taken by PDF
Motociclette of Italy with “Big Kahuna”, a 1000cc engined 1927 JD
8-valve.
Flying
the flag for Eastern Europe, the Cafe Racer class was won by Kharkov,
Ukraine based Iron Custom Motorcycles (ICM) with “Beckman”, featuring a
hand-made 56bhp, 555сс 3-cylinder 2-stroke engine.
In another success
for the small but fast-growing and innovative Irish custom scene, 2013
World Champions Mick O'Shea and Don Cronin (Medaza Cycles) took the
demanding Street Performance class with “Road Fever”, a 1978 Ducati 750.
In total, 82 bikes competed at the AMD World Championship this year, entered by 67 competitors from 23 countries in total.
Staged
as the lead feature at the first ever ‘INTERMOT Customized’, the
show-within-a-show concept created to showcase custom industry
excellence, was widely praised by exhibitors and visitors alike as
delivering an inspirational and aspirational show environment that is
set to champion the professionalism of the international custom market
for years to come.
In
addition to the AMD World Championship bikes, the 200,000 plus
high-mileage riders that visit INTERMOT (some 80 percent plus of whom
visited Hall 10) saw presentations of custom excellence from a wide
range of exhibitors that included several of the leading OEMs such as
Harley-Davidson, BMW, Triumph, Yamaha and Kawasaki; Ural from Russia and
German V-8 specialist Boss Hoss.
Additional Hall 10 features
included displays from the OEM/aftermarket-backed Essenza and Sprint
race series, a Garage Area featuring customising, technical and workshop
displays, photography by legendary motorcycle industry photographer
Michael Lichter and history and memorabilia from the Ace Café, London.
The
13th AMD World Championship will be staged at INTERMOT Customized at
the Cologne Exhibition Center (Koelnmesse) in October 2018.
www.amdchampionship.com
“The safe ride to the future”
Europe’s Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) staged its 12th annual conference in Brussels in September. Delayed from earlier in the year because of the security issues in the Belgian capital, the focus this year was safety as ACEM presented its “Safe ride to the future” report on the motorcycle industry’s commitment to road safety …
Some 150 motorcycle industry professionals and media gathered in Brussels in September for a 12th annual ACEM conference that focussed on setting safety priorities for the motorcycle industry. As the European Commission moves ahead with the brief it was given by the Council of Ministers some years ago (to explore ways to reduce unacceptably high road traffic accident fatalities) there has always been a risk that motorcycles could be interpreted as being part of the problem.
The poorly researched and misunderstood role of motorcyclists in a disproportionately high number of fatal road traffic accidents could have been misinterpreted with stark implications for the industry and its customers.
In recent years, however, motorcycle manufacturers, industry and rider’s rights organisations have worked hard to create a pro-active relationship with the EU and sought to embrace the safety improvements that could be made.
The Conference audience included policy and regulatory planning representatives from the European Parliament, various of the European Commission departments with transport policy competence, and institutions and motorcycling organisations from around Europe and further afield.
ACEM has produced further data from the OECD’s IRTAD that shows that on a more recent basis (2010 - 2014) the number of fatal PTW accidents in Europe decreased from 5,276 in 2010 to 4,262 in 2014, a reduction of 19.2%.
An analysis by segments shows that fatal motorcycle accidents went down by 17.3%, whilst the number of moped fatal accidents went down by almost 36.2%. All this takes place parallel to the steady growth of the powered two-wheeler fleet across Europe (+5.9% between 2010 and 2014).
The conference heard that the motorcycle industry has played a key role in this. Continuous improvements in safety features, including advanced motorcycle design, new intelligent features and new braking, lighting and suspension systems have been instrumental to increase motorcycling safety.
Various road safety and training campaigns, often led by the motorcycle industry, have also made significant safety contributions.
ACEM says that its members are currently working to further improve road safety by deploying Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) on powered two-wheelers in Europe. As part of this process, in March 2014 ACEM members adopted a Memorandum of Understanding on ITS.
By signing this Memorandum, the motorcycle industry agreed to initiate the deployment of safety relevant cooperative ITS on powered two-wheelers in Europe and committed to have at least one of their models available for sale with a cooperative ITS, either as standard equipment or as optional equipment, by 2020.
ACEM members are currently conducting research on an embedded eCall system for motorcycles. The minimum technical requirements needed for such a system have already been defined and research activities are ongoing in order to address the unsolved technical challenges.
Furthermore, building on the Memorandum of Understanding on ITS as well as on the work of the Car2Car Communication Consortium, three ACEM manufacturers launched in October 2015 the Connected Motorcycle Consortium, a platform open to members in the motorcycle and automotive industry to carry out joint R&D activities in the field of C-ITS.
The motorcycle industry is also taking the lead in the promotion of motorcycle training. In order to help powered two-wheeler users make informed decisions about their training, ACEM and the German Road Safety Council have joined forces to start promoting high quality post-license training schemes across the EU through a European Training Quality Label.
Other similar quality labels are currently being developed in the EU. Along with the European Training Quality Label, these schemes will help to increase the visibility of the best training programmes available and pave the way towards more uniform quality standards for training in Europe.
Strengthening co-operation between key stakeholders will also make a positive difference for motorcyclists across the EU. For this reason, ACEM organised, in close cooperation with industry associations and other key stakeholders, five motorcycling safety events in Warsaw (May), Athens (June), Milan (September), Madrid (November) and Paris (December).
These exchanges are paving the way for new actions that complement European policies and long-term strategic goals and that better reflect the specific national road safety contexts.
The motorcycle industry has also taken the lead on road safety campaigns and promoted pre- and post-license training among users. This effort has been instrumental in substantially reducing the number of fatal accidents involving PTW users in the EU.
Although the decrease in the number of fatal accidents is encouraging, it should not be a reason for complacency. ACEM believes that the number of fatalities amongst powered two-wheeler users can, and must, be further reduced. The industry is also a firm supporter of the EU Commission’s policy objective of halving the overall number of road deaths in the EU by 2020, which began in 2010.
However, technology and innovation can only ever be one part of the integrated approach that is required to responsibly address the issue of road safety.
A genuine integrated approach to road safety should also incorporate human behaviour and infrastructure. Industry-led initiatives must be complemented by decisive public action. Decision makers should address strategic policy areas including enforcement of road traffic rules, riders’ behaviour on the road and infrastructure design and maintenance. These areas should be addressed through inclusive policy plans at local, regional and national levels.
The most sustainable route to safer motorcycling lies within taking a comprehensive approach to safety policy and practice, based on a ‘shared responsibility’ approach and through exploring proper linkage with ‘command’ transport policy. Instead of public authorities approaching motorcycling issues via thinking such as “what do we do about the motorcycle safety problem?”, a new approach should be pursued. This will be based around the attitude of: “Motorcycling carries many socio-economic benefits and is an opportunity to offer the public a further alternative to the car for commuting. What do we need to do to support motorcycling, decrease casualties and reduce rider vulnerability?”
In order to realise this and ensure that safety is managed with an even hand and on a level playing field, the first and most important step is to recognise motorcycling’s place within society and the overall transport system. Indeed, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) firmly stated this key point in their primary recommendations from the 2008 Lillehammer safety conference. Similar conclusions were reached at an event organised by the International Motorcycle Manufacturers’ Association during the International Transport Forum in May 2014.
The new ACEM “Safe ride to the future” report sets out five primary analytics:
• An overview of the most significant industry-led initiatives in the field of road safety (e.g. key safety technology developments, advocacy actions, “accidentology” research).
• A look into the future of motorcycling – exploring the industry’s vision of intelligent transport systems and includes the memorandum of understanding agreed upon by ACEM members, which commits industry players to equip new vehicles with ITS features.
• An explanation as to why ACEM believes there is an urgent need for tailored policy interventions at the national level and outlines upcoming industry initiatives in this area.
• The previously mentioned European Training Quality Label, an initiative that aims at promoting high quality post-license training schemes.
• Finally, the report makes concrete policy recommendations to national and European decision-makers to improve road safety outcomes for motorcyclists across Europe.
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Safety in Numbers
From 2000-2014 the number of fatal accidents involving PTWs in Europe declined by
-44 percent from 7,612 to 4,262.
From 2010-2014 the number of PTW riders killed in Europe decreased from 5,276 to 4,262 - a reduction of -19.2 percent.
Between 2010 and 2014 the “motorcycle fleet” in Europe increased by +5.9 percent.
Between 2010 and 2014 the number of fatal moped accidents in Europe went down by -36.2 percent.
March 2014 – ACEM members adopt the Memorandum of Understanding on Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS).
Manufacturers will offer at least one model with ITS as standard or optional equipment by 2020.
October 2015 – ACEM members (Honda, Yamaha and BMW) launch the Connected Motorcycle Consortium (CMC).
September 2016 – ACEM launches the European Training Quality Label.
In 2010 the EU Commission embarked on a policy to see the overall number of road deaths halved by 2020.
The motorcycle industry supports some 165,300 jobs in the EU and an aggregated turnover of € 27 billion.
Kawasaki Q1 unit sales +26% in Europe
Kawasaki Heavy Industries has released its 2016 – 2017 financial year first quarter results - the three months to June 30th 2016.
In total Kawasaki sold 118,000 units worldwide (motorcycles, ATVs, PWCs and Utility Vehicles), worth 58.5 billion yen – that compares to 103,000 units worth 58.2 billion yen in 2015.
Unit sales in Europe were up at 19,000 units (+26.67 percent, from 15,000 for Q1 15/16) with recorded revenue for that increase in unit numbers up to 15 billion yen this year, compared to 13.6 billion yen for the year-ago quarter – reflecting the currency deprecation issues that are affecting all Japanese exporters at this time.
In North America unit sales were some 22,000 in the quarter (of which some 10,000 are reported as being motorcycle sales), up from the 18,000 total units sold there in the same quarter last year, but with 11,000 of those reported as being motorcycles, Kawasaki’s Q1 16/17 motorcycle sales in North America are actually down, on increased revenue.
Domestic Japanese unit sales were also down this year (at 3,900 for the quarter against 4,200 last year); emerging market unit sales are also down at 20,800 units from 21,500 in 2015.
www.khi.co.jp
Honda motorcycle unit sales +6% for Q1
Honda has announced that its group unit motorcycle sales for the first quarter of its 2016/2017 financial year, the period ended June 30th 2016, were up by +6.02 percent at 4.352m units compared to the year ago quarter.
Despite group sales revenue being down for the quarter (by 233m yen, -6.3%) at 3,417m yen, consolidated operating profit for the fiscal first quarter amounted to 266.8 billion yen, an increase of 11.5% compared to the same period last year. This is described as being due to cost reduction efforts, an increase in profit related to changes in sales volume and model mix, and a decrease in selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses (including quality-related expenses).
This was despite unfavourable currency effects and the impact of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake. Consolidated profit before income taxes for the fiscal first quarter amounted to 288.4 billion yen, an increase of 2.2% compared to the same period last year. Due mainly to an increase in income tax expense, profit for the fiscal first quarter attributable to owners of the parent amounted to 174.6 billion yen, a decrease of 6.1% compared to the same period last year.
Consolidated financial forecasts for the current fiscal year ending March 31, 2017 remain unchanged from the forecasts announced previously.
The quarterly dividend for the fiscal first quarter will be 22 yen per share, and total cash dividends to be paid for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2017 are expected to be 88 yen per share.
'Valor' full-face
The latest AIROH brand full-face helmet from Italian specialist Locatelli, 'Valor' is aimed at riders of sports and performance bikes.
With a thermoplastic shell in two different sizes, and in a wide range of striking graphics, the internal structure has an EPS inner shell of varying densities for increased safety. The washable and removable inner lining is made from “state-of-the-art material, guaranteeing freshness and comfort under all circumstances”.
‘Valor’ has an ultra-wide visor with original Pinlock lens-ready that maximises the available field of vision and therefore offering increased passive safety.
LOCATELLI S.p.A.
www.airoh.com
BC Battery Controller 2017 range
Italian battery charger and accessories manufacturer Forelettronica unveiled new products and upgrades in its BC Battery Controller line at INTERMOT and EICMA.
A new range of motorcycle chargers with a “cutting-edge technology and a stylish design” will be unveiled, according to product engineer Andrea Capelli, “together with innovative devices and accessories belonging to the BC Lithium Booster line”.
Amongst them, the BC K3600, seen here, is a jump starter for riders and professional users with a cranking power of 1200A, suitable for starting any motorcycle in just a few seconds, as well as all gasoline or diesel vehicles equipped with a 12V battery.
“The device is provided with highly conductive and solid clamps and is ideal for use in workshops or, because it is very portable (it weighs only 1.2 kg and measures 21 x 14 x 6 cm), for road-side assistance. Thanks to the built-in lithium-iron phosphate battery, it will always stay charged and ready for use”, says Andrea.
BC K3600 has a flash lamp with SOS and stroboscopic lights, a USB port (5V, 2.5A) and a 12V output, so the data and memories stored in the vehicle can be saved during battery replacement through the available OBD adapter.
BC BATTERY CONTROLLER
www.batterycontroller.it
Caberg updates
In addition to its all new ‘Ghost’ full-face, Italian helmet manufacturer Caberg will be unveiling 2017 updates to most of its products at INTERMOT and EICMA this year, including to its popular ‘Drift’ and ‘Stunt’ designs.
Made of composite fibre (Carbon, Kevlar and fibreglass – weight approx. 1,350g), ‘Drift’ was “developed for the most demanding touring riders, equipped with an integrated sunshade visor DVT (Double Visor Tech) that permits to ride always with the best light conditions and in maximum safety”. Drift is also available in a full Carbon version with a weight reduction of around 100g.
The quick release visor mechanism allows visor self-adjustment to guarantee a close contact of visor and window beading. Thanks to the visor mechanism with a spring double movement, it will not be necessary to manually regulate it in order to avoid incoming water or air.
‘Drift’ has a transparent anti-scratch visor, an adjustable Pinlock lens Max Vision to avoid fogging, and an integrated anti-scratch sunshade visor easily manoeuvrable with a lateral lever; glove-friendly ventilation is by three wide air vents.
The lining, made with rear reflective inserts, is entirely removable and washable, including the padding on the chinstrap; made with hypoallergenic and transpiring fabrics to grant maximum freshness. ‘Drift’ is ‘comms’ ready with space for speakers and microphone; homologated to ECE 22.05.
‘Stunt’ is a sporty looking polycarbonate full-face in two shell sizes that is also equipped with the anti-scratch double visor system (Double Visor Tech) and easy to use anti-scratch treated integrated sunshade visor; prepared to fit the Pinlock lens, ventilation is by three glove-friendly wide air vents.
The lining is completely removable and washable, with hypoallergenic and transpiring fabrics and removable lower wind stop. Homologated to ECE 22.05, the two shells weigh approx. 1,450 and 1,500g respectively.
CABERG SpA
www.caberg-helm.com
Honda NC 750 parts
German parts and accessories specialist MIZU has added to its range with lowering and height adjustable kits plus brake and clutch levers for the Honda NC 750.
The kits for increasing (by 35 mm) and lowering (by 30 mm) the height come inclusive of ABE certificate and mounting instructions, are CNC-machined in Germany (to ISO 9001) from high-tensile aluminium and have a 10-year manufacturer's guarantee.
The brake and clutch levers are 7-way adjustable and offer improved safety as they can be adjusted to the hands while riding; they are said to offer perfect grip and optimal control and fold-in in case of crash or fall of the bike; stainless steel hardware included. For Choppers and Cruisers 6-way adjustable versions are available in MIZU's specialist RST brand custom parts and accessory programme.
MIZU Vertriebs GmbH
www.mizu.de
