Italian new motorcycle registrations

Italy - new motorcycle registrations
+28 percent for Jan/Feb 2018

Given that the Italian motorcycle market was the “stand-out” in 2017 market performance terms last year, the latest data released by ANCMA, the Milan based motorcycle industry trade association for Italy), makes for excellent reading.

The Italian motorcycle market is bucking the trend seen in much of Europe, with new motorcycle registrations up by +28.04 percent for 2018 so far at 13,189 units - the best performance for the January/February period in Italy since before 2013 already pointing to a very healthy year ahead for the motorcycle market in Italy.
The full year 2017 saw motorcycle registrations close out at +8.53 percent (82,475 units), up from the 75,996 units registered in 2016, and 62,506 units registered in 2015.
Allowing for mopeds and scooters over 50 cc, overall PTW registrations in Italy were +17.54 percent for the first two months of this year (2017, 204,406 units; 193,913 units in 2016). Scooters were up YTD by +8.61 percent at 13,164 units (121,931 in 2017).
Honda’s SH 150/300/125 variants are the top-sellers, followed by Yamaha’s XMAX 300, Piaggio’s Beverly 300 ABS, Liberty 125 ABS and the Kymco Agility 125 R16.
The top-selling motorcycle was the BMW R 1200 GS, followed by the R 1200 GS Adventure, Honda’s CRF 1000 Africa Twin and their NC 750 X.
In motorcycle terms, the largest sector in Italy, Enduro models have overtaken Naked style bikes as the top-selling sector, followed by Tourers.

BS Battery

‘Plug & Play’ SLA batteries

French specialist BS Battery has launched the ‘SLA’ battery range - a “comprehensive line of sealed, activated and ready to start batteries that are the right solution for dealers and their customers,” says General Manager Benjamin Sebban.

“With no more acid to handle during the initial battery activation procedure, the ‘SLA’ concept is the ultimate user-friendly motorcycle battery solution – true “Plug & Play”.
Featuring AGM technology (Absorbed Glass Material), Benjamin says that the ‘SLA’ range is “designed for higher performance and extended life, providing premium quality and improved safety.” 

They are available in standard and heavy-duty versions - for larger capacity machines that need higher cranking amps, such as BMW and Harley-Davidson models.
BS has a full line of 50 ’SLA’ battery types, covering more than 85% of the motorcycles currently on the roads in Europe. They are 100% sealed for easier and safer transportation, handling and installation.

Proud 2018 sponsor of French MotoGP rider Johann Zarco, BS Battery also sells a wide range of lead acid batteries for powersport applications - motorcycle, scooter, ATV, snowmobile, and jet ski. The company operates in 54 countries worldwide and is an OEM as well as aftermarket vendor, supplying batteries for various major motorcycle, scooter and ATV manufacturers.

BS BATTERY SAS
www.bs-battery.com

SBS

SBS - Official AFT brake pad

American Flat Track (AFT) has announced a new multi-year partnership with SBS Brakes to become the series’ Official Brake Pad for the next three seasons.

Photo Credit: Scott Hunter/American Flat Track

Already a household name in international motorsport, SBS has increasingly turned its attention to dirt track motorcycle racing of late. In addition to its newly-announced status as Official Brake Pad of American Flat Track, SBS Brakes has joined forces with Kenny Coolbeth this season as the multi-time Grand National Champion attempts to re-establish himself atop the AFT Twins presented by Vance & Hines pecking order aboard an Indian Scout FTR750.
“SBS’s achievements in braking technology and their list of partners in the road racing world are very impressive and we are delighted to welcome them as a partner,” said Michael Lock, CEO of American Flat Track. ”American Flat Track is in an exciting era of growth, and now that we feature multiple TT races – where the bikes are equipped with front brakes – the need for a premium series partner like SBS is greater than ever.”
Chris L. Jensen, Brand Manager for SBS North America, said: “For years we have helped riders and teams in the paddock solve brake-related problems. But by becoming an AFT partner, we are taking the relationship to another level. Our brake pads are used by top road racers all over the world, and we found them to be superior in flat track as well.”
www.sbs-friction.dk

BMW Motorrad

BMW Race Trophy

The fifth season of the BMW Motorrad Race Trophy kicked off in February at the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship (WSBK) and the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) at Phillip Island in Australia.

This year, BMW is distributing more than 100,000 euro in total prize money for the top participants, with a range of additional prizes. The “Season Finale Race” is also planned as a new highlight to round off the season.
In the 2018 season, points will be scored for the BMW Motorrad Race Trophy in 25 different team classes, in 20 international and domestic race series – from the WSBK to national championships on all continents. The Italian National Trophy 1000 (INT) is a new addition this year. The scoring period ends on 18th November.
As in the previous season, the 30 best riders in the final standings will be rewarded with prize money and trophies. There will also be prizes for the riders and teams that claim the title in their championship, as well as in the “Best BMW Rider in the Class”, “Race Finishers” and “Newcomer of the Year” categories.
The top participants in this year’s Race Trophy can also compete directly with one another on the racetrack. At the end of the season, the 15 best-placed participants in the Race Trophy ranking list and the “Best BMW Riders in the Class” will be invited to the “Season Finale Race”, a race weekend that will feature them competing against one another. More prize money is up for grabs there too.
Last season there were 159 registered participants from 26 nations. In the 2018 season, the BMW customer teams will once again be able to count on comprehensive support from BMW Motorrad Motorsport experts. Registration is open until 30th June 2018.
www.bmw-motorrad-motorsport.com

News Briefs

Yamaha announced that its MT-10 SP motorcycle, TMAX530 DX sports commuter and XMAX 300 scooter have all received the internationally prestigious iF Design Award 2018 in the product category – a fifth consecutive year Yamaha has featured in the awards.

Ivano Beggio, who helped Aprilia become a major player in the motorcycle industry, a motorcycle inventor creating the RSV Mille and founding the Scarabeo scooter brand, has died at the age of 73.

Dealers looking to access Parts Europe inventory at the weekend can take advantage of PE’s new “Happy Monday” delivery service. Monday delivery is available on orders placed by 16:00 hours on a Saturday afternoon (UPS Express); an English language payment and processing phone service is available between 14.00-16.00 to support PE dealers looking to use this service. The existing freight policy standards for each country will be retained.

Disc break and break pad producer Brembo SpA announced that it has broken ground on a new manufacturing plant in Curno, Italy. The new building will host Brembo's new Carbon Factory, a flagship facility for the processing of carbon fibre materials for competition use.

In the UK, motorcycle enthusiast Prince William was given the VIP treatment by Triumph Motorcycles on the occasion of a recent visit to their Hinckley, UK factory, taking the factory and Visitor Center tour and test riding one of their new Adventure Tourers.

Innovative technology, action-packed racing and international championships: more and more people around the world are discovering a passion for drone racing. BMW is collaborating with the Drone Racing League (DRL), an international, premier drone racing circuit, to further develop high-performance racing drones in the BMW Group wind tunnel and bring a professional drone race to BMW Welt.

Baas Bike Parts

Baas battery switch

South Germany based motorcycle electronics component manufacturer Baas Bike Parts was founded in 2001 to specialise in “the development and distribution of innovative and universal motorcycle accessories”.

All its products are manufactured to “our own high-quality standards, and we target to produce as much as possible here in Germany - our ‘Made in Germany’ content is currently around 50 percent.
“Our mission is to develop specialty components and kits for all aspects of the electrics on a motorcycle – replacement parts and accessories that are difficult to source or simply not available elsewhere as individual items”.

A classic example of the Baas Bike Parts programme is this BA18 battery switch - a fully insulated battery master switch for bikes, scooters and quads max. 160A – 12V for 10 sec. It allows dealers, their workshop technicians and motorcycle owners to disconnect the onboard electronics of the battery during long periods in order to reduce battery drain by onboard systems such as the ECU computer, clock, USB sockets etc.
The battery separation can also be an additional theft protection measure - the enclosed bridge cable (200 mm) means it has versatile mounting options anywhere between the battery negative (-) terminal and the vehicle electrics.

BAAS BIKE PARTS
www.baas-parts.de

Parts Europe

ICON ‘Airflite’

Founded in 2002, ICON apparel, helmets and motorcycle gear are designed and developed in Portland, USA, with the brand known for its designs and one-of-a-kind solutions.
The new ICON ‘Airflite’ is said to draw its inspiration from the bubble shields and MX helmets of the past, but with its “retro cues” taken in a new direction with “future tech” contemporary standards of materials and comfort.

The ‘FliteShield’ that covers the chin bar gives an “aggressive look - especially if a tinted shield is installed – and is equipped with a drop-down sun shield which is easy to operate and change. A large chin vent, dual intake forehead vents and dual rear exhaust vents add to the helmet’s comfort. The sculpted neckroll reduces drag and fatigue. 

Described as also being perfect for touring, there’s space for a Bluetooth device underneath the cheek pads and earplug stash pockets at the bottom of the cheek pads.

The shell is constructed of polycarbonate and comes in three shell sizes with the large weighing 1,690 g. The ‘Airflite’ meets DOT FMSVSS 218 (US) and ECE 22-05 (Europe) helmet safety standards and it is available in size XS-3XL.

PARTS EUROPE
www.partseurope.eu
www.rideicon.com

Andreani

SP5 vacuum pump

Italian suspension specialist Andreani’s new SP5 vacuum pump “is the newest, lightest and the most innovative vacuum pump that we have developed”. The company says that “we developed it to make the filling and vacuuming of shock absorbers of any kind and brand easier, more precise and more efficient”.
A fully electronic vacuum pump with new generation software that allows technicians to make “all the procedures with an easy-to-use and extremely efficient 7” touch screen display”, the process is totally automated, but can be followed step by step “thanks to the intuitive graphics we developed.
“All the standards are managed by the advanced electronic system, including the oil level in the two inner tanks that are big enough to work also with car shock absorbers”.
The SP5 can also be used in many different languages - English, French, Spanish, German and Italian. On the top of the SP5 there is a tool compartment with practical carry handles on the sides.

ANDREANI GROUP INTERNATIONAL
www.andreanigroup.com

Comment by Editor, Robin Bradley

Promising start to the sales season as industry gears up for a joint INTERMOT and EICMA year

The early season registration numbers emerging from Europe’s major national trade associations are showing a (mostly) positive start to the year. It would appear that ACEM and others were right, and that the apparent decline in registrations seen in the statistical reports last year (after three years of growth on a Europe-wide basis) were wrong.

This year’s INTERMOT Custom Special is this drag style Yamaha XV 950 R customised in Germany by Marcus Walz

It is now perfectly apparent that the anomalies caused by the Euro 3/Euro 4 transition at the end of 2016 and in early 2017 had indeed distorted the picture. In reality, while 2017 may not have seen as much growth as the prior three years, certainly not in percentage terms, it did still see some modest low single digit increases in motorcycle (if not also small cc unit) sales, and demonstrated the rise of the lightweights and middleweights that is being seen as new generations of consumers fill the void created by the years of post-Lehman darkness.
The figures released so far aren’t fully reliable as an indicator for the year in full yet, as they are mostly based on generally and traditionally low January and February sales numbers, but it is a more positive start than the one we were looking at 12 months ago.
This year is that biennial delight of a year with both INTERMOT (Cologne, October 3-7) and EICMA (Milan, November 6-11) hanging over the market and impacting industry budgets and manufacturer new model launch cycles like a cloud. In the United States, AIMExpo is sandwiched in between the two European majors, this year in Las Vegas (October 11-14); see report in the ‘American Report’ elsewhere in this edition of IDN.
It is to be hoped, however, that this is a cloud with multiple silver linings, and that if the dealer attendance seen at January’s excellent Motorcycle Trade Expo in the UK is anything to go by, there will be plenty of well-motivated and well-funded dealers, as well as enthusiastic and growing visitor numbers, to make both shows viable for the exhibitor community.
The characteristics of difference between the two shows persist – with EICMA having an impressively high theoretical visitors number but only half of them, at best, are of riding age or current riders; whereas at INTERMOT it is clear from their attire and demeanour that nearly all of the perfectly respectable 200,000 or more visitors clearly are high mileage current riders.
EICMA perfectly reflects the demographics of the Italian motorcycle market in terms of scooters, “urban mobility”, northern Italian focus, race fans and so forth, whereas INTERMOT pulls visitors from further afield than simply the central Germany, greater Cologne area and features a higher displacement of a multi-bike owning and definitely more touring oriented and older, wealthier audience that befits a northern European show.
Therefore the shows don’t need to be seen as duplicatory - not entirely so at least. Each has its own fans and its detractors, and each has something to bring to the industry table, though many still regret that ANCMA, the Italian motorcycle trade association that organises EICMA, insists on persisting with its still controversial annual frequency.
The massive change in management culture of a few years ago has altered the international perception of EICMA, and not for the better. Communications continue to be an Achilles heel - so far this year it has been radio silence from Milan where show news is concerned, whereas Koelnmesse has been releasing a steady stream of news about new initiatives and plans for INTERMOT, and has been conspicuously higher profile in its general promotion of the event and its engagement with the industry that the show is a part of. The residual effect is one of leaving a feeling that whereas EICMA exploits the dealer and vendor community, INTERMOT does as much as it can to be seen to be trying to serve it.
That stream of news from INTERMOT has included the announcement that the show is to host the first European Stunt Championship Finale - the 50 best stunt riders from 15 nations are expected to fight for the European stunt riding crown over the three-day competition on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Koelnmesse says that it has already had booth reservations from some 400 exhibitors (that’s individual exhibiting companies, not vendors and brands combined) from more than 30 countries and say they anticipate filling some 100,000 square metres of exhibition space and offering around 60,000 square metres of outdoor area for test rides, races (including Sprint races) and demonstrations, including the chance to try out E-bikes.
Both shows boast impressive international trade visitor credentials, with an estimated 59,000 trade visitors from approximately 100 countries at INTERMOT in 2016.
IDN will again be hosting the INTERMOT trade visitor ‘International Night’ networking reception (Wednesday October 3), and Hall 10 is again the venue for the fast growing and now further expanded INTERMOT ‘Customized’ “Show-within-a-Show” concept.
Centrepiece of Hall 10 will again be the IDN sister magazine AMD (American Motorcycle Dealer) 13th World Championship of Custom Bike Building - the fourth time the ‘AMD’ has been staged in Europe after being in the USA since it started in 2004 and the third time at INTERMOT.
With six months to go, there are already some 50 plus world class customs registered to compete for the custom motorcycle’s industry’s ultimate accolade, with custom motorcycle engineers from some 14 countries, including from the United States, Russia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Mexico and the first ever competitors from the fast-evolving Indian market.

German new motorcycle registrations

Germany - motorcycles at +22.15 percent for Jan/Feb 2018

The latest statistics released by the German motorcycle industry trade association (IVM) for the period to the end of February 2018 show new motorcycle registrations up by +22.15 percent for the first two months of the year at 8,762 units; though up on the Euro 3 pre-registration affected figure for the same period last year, they are down from 9,339 for the first two months of 2016. 

For the full year 2017 new registrations in Germany are said to have been -14.21 percent at 100,877 units. Total PTW registrations are said to have been -19.10 percent for 2017 in Germany at 139,831 units (compared to 172,846 in 2016 and 150,550 in 2015. The German market bottomed out at 122,519 total new PTW registrations in 2010.
Total PTW registrations for the first two months of the year are +29.29 percent at 11,763 units, but that is also down on the 12,609 registered in the first two months of 2016.
As is usual these days, BMW’s R 1200 GS remains the top selling model in Germany, with 805 units sold so far this year, with the Kawasaki Z900 in second place (233 units), the Honda CRF 1000 Africa Twin third (198 units), followed by the BMW S 1000 RR and the Yamaha MT-07 fifth.
With nine models now in the Top 20 bestselling list, it is no surprise that BMW is motorcycle (and total PTW) market share leader YTD with 2,702 units sold for a whopping 30.84 percent market share.
KTM is second with a 10.98 percent share (962 units), with Harley-Davidson third with a 9.52 percent share (834 units), followed by Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Ducati, Triumph, Husqvarna and Suzuki.

Piaggio

Vespa Color Days

Piaggio is marking the 50th anniversary of the Vespa Primavera with “Vespa Color Days” - two days of partying and events on April 21 and 22 in Pontedera, Italy.
The weekend sees the opening of the new Piaggio Museum, whose extended exhibition areas and new collections make it Italy's largest motorcycle and mobility museum, according to the company.

The factory that has been producing the Vespa since 1946 opens its doors to offer enthusiasts a unique experience, and ‘The Vespa Village’ will “enliven the town centre with street food, music from the street clerks and test rides on the new Vespa models for 2018”.
Piaggio says that “thousands of Vespa fans, families and enthusiasts are expected from all over Italy to immerse themselves in the Vespa universe, exactly 50 years after the launch of a model that would become a timeless classic, the Vespa Primavera.
“Small, agile, powered by a lively engine - since 1968 the Primavera has given wings to whole generations and become a legend, as well as one of the most stunning business successes in the history of the Vespa”.
Free visits around the Pontedera factory can be booked online on colordays.vespa.com or directly in loco. This unique opportunity will offer a 45-minute tour of the impressive Vespa assembly lines on an electric train, accompanied by the people involved on a daily basis in the production of what has become a true legend on two wheels, a world ambassador of Italian style.
The test ride options will include the special Vespa Primavera 50th Anniversary series that marks the Primavera’s half century.
www.vespa.com

Australian motorcycle and ATV/UTV (SSV) market

Australia -9.3 percent in 2017

According to the latest data released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) in Australia, the motorcycle and ATV/UTV (SSV) market fell -9.3 per cent in 2017 (104,111 units compared to 114,770 in 2016).
The 2017 market remained relatively steady in terms of its composition with road bikes remaining the most popular category and comprising 38.6 per cent of the market. Off-road bikes took a 35.9 per cent share, ATV/UTVs accounted for 21.8 per cent of total sales, and scooters just 3.7 per cent.
Among the individual brands, across the market Honda came in at number one with 24,166 sales overall (23.2% market share), Yamaha in second place with 21,387 sales (20.5% share), Kawasaki in third with 9,986 sales (9.6%), followed by Suzuki (9,012 sales and 8.7%) and Harley-Davidson (8,903 sales and 8.6%).
Road bike sales reduced by -15.9 percent on the 2016 result.  Harley-Davidson came in as leader of the pack, ahead of Honda, and with Yamaha in third.  Husqvarna, Victory, Indian and KTM all saw increased sales in 2017 compared with 2016.
In the off-road bike segment, Yamaha again came in on top, followed by Honda and KTM.  Overall the off-road bike segment suffered a -5.9 percent fall on its 2016 result, with Husqvarna and Honda as the only volume brands to record an increase in sales in 2017.
The ATV/UTV segment grew its share of the total motorcycle market (from 19.9% in 2016 to 21.8% in 2017) and was less affected by the general decline, with volumes falling across the segment by only -0.7 per cent on 2016.  Polaris was the overall 2017 leader, with Honda in second place and Yamaha third.  Both Polaris and Kawasaki posted increases in overall sales for the year.
In the shrinking scooter segment (which only accounts for 3.7% of total sales), Piaggio was the leader, followed by Honda, and Vespa in third.  The only brand to see increased sales in this segment was Suzuki (+5.8%).
www.fcai.com.au

TecMate

New battery activation
made easy – and fast!

New battery activation is important to guarantee new batteries will deliver their rated power and cranking amps for longer than the warranty offered by the manufacturer - but doing so is never a dealer’s favourite way to spend time!
One thing dealers don’t have in abundance is time. New battery activation can take a long time, and when under pressure to have a new vehicle ready for a customer within hours, it is an often overlooked but important aspect of pre-delivery preparation.
Since the 1990s TecMate has made battery activation easier for dealers and OEMs alike. Many motorcycle OEMs recommend TecMate’s OptiMate PRO-S battery charger and tester and the OptiMate PRO-4 4-bank version – both have automated battery activation and reduce the task to the level of ‘quick and easy’. 

After the acid pack has completely drained into the battery and a sealing strip has been fitted, they activate a new battery within an hour - and do so easily - all the technician has to do is select NEW and connect the battery. Done! Yes, it really is that easy!
During NEW activation OptiMate PRO’s unique Ampmatic charge method and pulsing absorption mode fully activates all six cells and brings the battery from 70% to full charge within an hour or less. The green TEST light confirms the new battery is charged and ready for fitment.
For new factory activated batteries that may have been in storage for up to a year or more, there is a 2A and 4A selection that allows more time if needed. The best practice for factory activated batteries is to recharge every three months, in order to prevent ‘killer’ sulphation build-up weakening the battery. If a battery did sulphate to the point that it does not hold charge any longer, OptiMate PRO’s two-step recovery mode can bring it back from as low as 2 volts.

Smart dealers will, of course, know that fitting an OptiMate cable O-01 weatherproof battery lead allows them to upsell the customer on an OptiMate battery saving maintainer, so they don’t ever have to experience that battery being returned ‘under warranty’. OptiMate O-01 cables are available in four packs, a jar of 20 and even a box of 100.
There’s nothing worse than watching a new customer struggle with weak starting – giving them access to that immediate surge of full power straight away brings the grin that brings them back.

TECMATE
www.tecmate.com
www.optimate1.com

Splash Design

Macna ‘Vosges’ 3-layer modular jacket with ‘Night Eye’

Dutch apparel specialist Splash Design has introduced the ‘Vosges’ jacket to its top-selling Macna line.
Described as a “true all-road jacket, ready to hit the road and probably some dirt, too”, it is said to be “packed with lots of smart innovations and offers a great deal of comfort and functionality to the adventurous touring rider”. 

It features a 3-layer system, with removable Raintex membrane and the warm thermo liner, and ventilation panels on the chest and zips on the arms for extra airflow that exits on the back of the jacket. For cold weather riding the ‘Vosges’ is prepared for Macna’s optional battery operated ‘Hot Vest’ – the battery will provide up to three hours of heat (subject to setting).

Additional features include an adjustable ‘Comfix’ collar, and ‘Vosges’ is wind collar prepared, has trouser connection zips, attachable LED light for night-time visibility, reflection panels and Macna’s exclusive and award-winning ‘Night Eye’ fabric – a coating of tiny, reflective beads that makes the rider clearly seen in traffic headlights even on the darkest nights.
There are ‘Safe Tech’ CE protectors at the shoulders and elbows and a back pocket for the optional CE back protector; arm adjustment straps; ‘Easy Cuff’ makes sure there’s no loop/snap tangle at the end of the sleeve - just a small zip to attach the membrane to the outer shell.

MACNA
www.macna.com

Kellermann

Kellermann Atto - new versions
for the season

Kellermann GmbH, the well known “experts for premium motorcycle accessories from Aachen in Germany”, presents new versions of their highly successful Atto LED mini lights family for the 2018 season: Atto WL, Atto RB Dark and Atto chrome.

The Atto WL is the first pure position light from Kellermann; the Atto RB is a rear and break light, available in a tinted glass version; and the complete Atto range is also available with clear lens and stylish chrome casing options.
Atto WL and WL Dark white position lights are European style position lights that beam parallel to the main light and substitute the original park/marker lights. They can be installed together or separately from the indicators, giving unique new styling choices.
The optimised light channelling is managed through a smart system of lenses and reflectors using EXtranz - Extreme Optical Transparency - and Kellermann’s well known HighPower LED technology.
The complete electronics of the Atto WL are in the casing and it can be plugged into the 12 volt net directly.
The Atto RB Dark, known as the “Red Dot”, is now also available with tinted glass. Possibly the smallest street legal motorcycle rear and break light in the world, the dark glass and the compact size let the high-brightness LED rear and break light disappear from view even more (until needed/activated) when installed on the bike. “The Atto RB Dark offers endless options to individually style and consequently ‘minimise’ the motorcycle.
“The brake light of the Atto RB Dark warns with an intensity that is second to none in the market. It keeps the following traffic at a distance…it may be small in size, but the TÜV certified illuminating power enhances on the road.
Features also include Long Life Protection Guard, IC operated, 330 kHz, high quality metal housing; suitable for 12 volt DC applications; with M5x0, 5x6, 5 mm fastening screw.

KELLERMANN GMBH
www.kellermann-online.com

GIVI

GIVI luggage and more

Four-element organiser set

 
This practical travel set from GIVI fits easily inside bags, cases and panniers and creates order on long journeys.
It consists of four separate elements, being a cube pack (two soft containers for clothes) in two sizes, medium and large. Made from breathable mesh fabric, each container has a two-way zip and a carrying handle for easy transportation; a laundry bag for dirty clothes, made from breathable mesh fabric with drawstring closure; and a toiletry bag container to store and carry toiletries with an external hook for hanging in the bathroom, internal mesh pocket, transparent PVC compartment with zip and pocket and a removable mesh bottle holder. All items come with GIVI branding.

‘Deco’ and ‘Ninphea’ ladies helmets
 
Tridion Deco Lady and the Ninphea White full-face helmets have been designed specifically for women.

Tridion Deco Lady

The full-face Tridion range includes three graphic versions of the Magnus helmet, all with a strong visual and modern look. The Deco version, with its not too “girly” style, “really stands out with its floral pink pattern on a black background, giving a rather gritty look”. The thermoplastic helmet is designed with flowing lines and equipped with a visor that is Pinlock-ready. It also has a breath deflector, a sun visor as standard, hypo-allergenic inner lining, both removable and washable, and a high-performance ventilation system. A Bluetooth I303S intercom is available as an optional accessory, and the weight is 1,490 g.

Ninphea

The full-face Sniper range of helmets includes three male versions; GIVI now offers the “delicate and gentle” graphics of the 50.4 Ninphea White thermoplastic helmet, weighing 1,450 g. The helmet has “modern and sporty lines, offering interesting technical touches”, such as the release mechanism of the visor, which can be enhanced with a Pinlock lens. It is equipped with a breath deflector and wind protector, sun visor and a removable lining.
The 50.4 helmet has been tested at the SHARP Institute where it was awarded 4 stars out of 5. Both helmets have ventilation at the front and chin, and closure is by strap with micro-ratchet closing system.

GIVI for Street Triple 765

First launched about 10 years ago, consisting of three different versions, the S, the R and the RS models, with varying levels of equipment and performance, GIVI’s parts and accessories can be used on all versions, improving comfort and offering increased load capacity.
For comfort there is a support to mount the GIVI rear mudguard, which is an embellishment as well as a practical spray guard. The specific handguard, in ABS, with two-point attachment; plus a screw kit for mounting the universal Smart Bar S900A accessory or the S901A version. This can also be used in conjunction with the GIVI GPS/smartphone holders.
Luggage options include a rear rack specific for either a Monokey or Monolock top case, and a side frame specific to mount a pair of ST601 Multilock semi-rigid side bags from the Sport-T range. The bags integrate into the lines of the Street Triple and are compact, streamlined and pre-formed. Each bag expands to offer a capacity of 22 litres and they fasten and detach quickly from the frame using the Multilock system incorporated as standard.
A flange specific for the use of GIVI tank bags equipped with the quick coupling/quick release Tanklock/TanklockED system is also available.

GIVI S.R.L.
www.givi.it

GS Yuasa Battery Europe Ltd

GS Yuasa - new MD and CEO for GSY Europe; new lithium-ion battery plant in Hungary

GS Yuasa Battery Europe Ltd have announced the appointment of Andrew Taylor as the company’s new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. 

Andrew has been with the company for approaching 29 years. Since 2007 he has been Managing Director of GS Yuasa Battery Sales UK Ltd. During this time, the company has achieved unprecedented growth, becoming the UK market leader for automotive, motorcycle and industrial batteries. Andrew has also been Commercial Director of GS Yuasa Battery Europe Ltd since 2015.
Commenting on his new appointment, Andrew said: “It is a great honour for me to take up the position of Managing Director and CEO of GS Yuasa Battery Europe Ltd. It is a challenge that I am very much looking forward to.
“We have a strong platform to build on and an excellent European team to support our sales growth plan throughout Europe.”
In other company news, GS Yuasa Corporation, the parent company of GS Yuasa Battery Europe, has announced that it will establish a new manufacturing subsidiary company, GS Yuasa Hungary Ltd. and construct a new manufacturing plant for lithium-ion batteries in Miskolc, Hungary.

Lithium-ion batteries will be assembled in the new plant with lithium-ion cells made in Japan. These batteries will be used for SLI (Starting, Lighting, and Ignition) applications which the company expects to see “expanded in demand terms in the European market in the coming years”.
GS Yuasa will also consider manufacturing lithium-ion cells in this plant in future. The company says it will “continue to respond to the market environment change in its extensive technologies”.
GS Yuasa Battery Europe Ltd consists of five European sales companies and, at present, one battery manufacturing company. From sales and distribution centres in Swindon (UK), Milan, Lyon, Madrid and Dusseldorf, and a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Ebbw Vale, UK, GS Yuasa supplies European markets with a “vast range of high-quality GS and Yuasa brand batteries and accessories”.
www.gs-yuasa.eu

BMW Motorrad

Markus Schramm is new director at BMW Motorrad

Dr. Markus Schramm will take over as director of BMW Motorrad. He will succeed Stephan Schaller, who left the BMW Group at the end of February 2018 to head up the management team at Voith GmbH & Co. KGaA, in Heidenheim, Germany.
In the interim, BMW Motorrad was under the provisional management of Hubert Kühner, Head of Finance, who is due to retire in April 2018. Dr. Markus Schramm has been with the BMW Group since 1991 and is currently responsible for corporate and product strategy planning.
He has previously held several management roles in Sales, Aftersales, Strategy, Planning and Controlling and has been with the company since 1991. Schramm is a passionate motorcyclist and marathon runner.
BMW says that it delivered 164,153 motorcycles to customers worldwide last year - a seventh sales record in succession, currently selling through over 1,200 dealers and importers in 90 countries.

www.bmw-motorrad.com

ACEM

Industry concern that US-EU trade dispute could impact the motorcycle market

The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM - the Brussels based international motorcycle industry trade association for Europe) has stated that it is “deeply concerned at the recent press statements delivered by the American and European authorities in relation to US imports of steel and aluminium”.
ACEM goes on to say that it “appreciates the reasons behind potential retaliation action by the EU in response to the US increases of tariffs on imported steel and aluminium. However, the motorcycle industry would be severely damaged if brought into this trade dispute”.

“We trust that American and European authorities will avoid triggering a global trade escalation. It could be extremely damaging for the motorcycle industry on both sides of the Atlantic”

In February one of ACEM’s member companies, Harley-Davidson, was mentioned by EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker as being amongst possible targets for retaliation by European authorities. Though largely interpreted at the time as a symbolic broadside in response to the Trump administration’s unilateral decision, and one clearly aimed at House of Representatives Speaker and theoretical Republican Party Trump political ally Paul Ryan’s home state (Wisconsin, where Harley is headquartered), Juncker’s remarks nonetheless rattled cages in the European motorcycle industry.
ACEM wrote to EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström stressing that while the industry understands the reasons behind the EU’s intention to retaliate firmly and swiftly, it believes that a potential increase of customs duties on American exports of motorcycles would clearly be damaging not only to the American companies concerned, but also to European economies and jobs.
“It might also, in turn, result in the US administration imposing retaliatory tariffs on European exports. Overall, this could lead to considerable negative economic impacts and job losses for the motorcycle sector in both the US and Europe, particularly in areas such as the manufacturing and distribution of vehicles, parts and components”.
This, of course, is not the first time that motorcycles have been a pawn in the worldwide game of chess. Back in the early 1980s, the Reagan administration famously threatened and indeed imposed Japanese manufacturers with draconian import tariffs as part of its efforts to help save Harley-Davidson from bankruptcy and start manufacturing in the USA, providing domestic jobs. 

Stefan Pierer, CEO of KTM AG and President of ACEM: “The US and the EU should be working together to facilitate international trade and regulatory convergence, not to restrict it by adopting unilateral and politically motivated measures”

As recently as last year the Federal Trade Commissioner revived a threat that had been made some years before to impose a ban on the import of sub 500 cc motorcycles and PTWs made in Europe in response to the ban that the EU has in place on genetically modified foodstuffs – specifically U.S. beef exports to Europe.
Stefan Pierer, CEO of KTM AG and President of ACEM, said that “motorcycle companies are global players committed to free and balanced trade agreements. The US and the EU should be working together to facilitate international trade and regulatory convergence, not to restrict it by adopting unilateral and politically motivated measures”.
Several of Europe’s major National Trade Associations have also voiced their concern. In advance of a March 22nd Heads of State and Government meeting in Brussels at which European trade policy was to be discussed, the Secretary General of ANESDOR in Spain, José María Riaño, indicated that “we urge the EU to think about the negative consequences that these measures could entail , several Spanish manufacturers of two-wheeled vehicles, such as Torrot, Vertigo and Rieju among others, and our strong components and accessory manufacturing sector would be affected. This commercial conflict does not benefit any of the parties and the only way out is the dialogue between both administrations to find a solution”.
The UK motorcycle industry warned that trade tariffs on motorcycles will result in job losses in the UK, where the industry employs an estimated 58,500 people across 5,700 businesses. Tony Campbell, CEO of the MCIA (Motorcycle Industry Associations) in the UK, said that “targeting high profile brands is headline grabbing, but won’t have any real value in resolving this situation and will seriously harm an industry which is already under pressure. I am hopeful that common sense will prevail.”
Antonio Perlot, ACEM Secretary General, said: “The EU is a key market for American motorcycle brands. But the US is also Europe’s first trading partner in the motorcycle segment. We trust that American and European authorities will avoid triggering a global trade escalation, which could be extremely damaging for the motorcycle industry on both sides of the Atlantic”.
ACEM says that some 156,000 jobs in the EU depend on the motorcycle, moped, tricycle and quadricycle industry. According to EUROSTAT figures, in 2016 the EU exports of motorcycles to the US amounted to € 483.1 million, which represented 29.1% of all European motorcycle exports, with  EU-based businesses exporting € 139.6 million in motorcycle parts and components to America (30.8% of the total). In 2016 the US was the number one destination for European exports of motorcycles as well as parts and components.

Ducati

Ducati opens Flagship Store in Madrid

Ducati has opened a new store in Madrid, the biggest in Spain, with an indoor surface area of 1,600 sqm, dedicated exclusively to the world of Bologna-built bikes.
“This latest focal point for ‘Ducatisti’ in the Spanish capital, a true Ducati flagship store, provides a spacious, high-class showcase for the sale of bikes, apparel and accessories and a service and after-sales assistance hub”.

 Ducati Madrid, located in via Pedro Villar n.8, occupies a prestigious, strategic position that can easily be reached from the city's historic centre. “Within the various areas of the new store, visitors will find the entire Ducati and Ducati Scrambler range, an extensive area for certified pre-owned Ducati bikes and a vast section dedicated to apparel and accessories.
 “After-sales service is a priority for Ducati Madrid, a fact highlighted by the store's large workshop, which features all the latest technology and equipment to ensure that bikes brought to the store by Madrid-based ‘Ducatisti’ get the best treatment possible.
Guests of honour at the opening were Jorge Lorenzo, who arrived at the store on a Panigale V4, flanked by Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali, riding a Monster 821.
"The opening of the Ducati Store in Madrid represents a big step forward in the process of expanding our network internationally. It also strengthens Ducati's presence in Spain, a key European market, which grew by 28% in 2017”, commented Claudio Domenicali.
“The motorcycling world is going through the same process of professionalisation and improvement that involved, in recent years, the automotive industry. We aim to be pioneers in that evolution", stated Javier Garoz Neira, Managing Director of Ducati Madrid, during the inaugural ceremony. "Perseverance and excellence are my guiding principles, and I try to instil them in those who work alongside me”.
 www.ducatimadrid.com

Motorcycle Trade Expo

Motorcycle Trade Expo 2018

This year’s Motorcycle Trade Expo in the UK (January 14-16) was another success for organisers Mayo Media – the publishers of leading motorcycle industry trade journal British Dealer News.

Europe's biggest motorcycle trade only show, this was the 24th year for the show, and the Stoneleigh Park, Coventry venue, in the geographic centre of England, continues to serve the event well with a strong attendance drawn from all quarters of the country.
As usual, the strong turnout of exhibitors from the UK – most of the British market’s major players were there – was added to by a burgeoning number of exhibitors and brands from elsewhere in Europe.
Backed up by a popular industry awards programme and dealer seminar sessions, the show beat expectations in a market where the growth in new registrations has stalled and done so to a greater extent than can be expected from factors such as the Euro 3/Euro 4 registration effects alone.
The nature of the once sports bike dominated UK market continues to morph, with naked style bikes and adventure tourers becoming ever more dominant, alongside a healthy custom bike scene.

Some fear that there is still oversupply in the UK market, as elsewhere, especially in the apparel and helmet markets where price-points appear to be being driven ever lower.
But Motorcycle Trade Expo showed that the “hard miles” are still being ridden in the UK with a strong contingent of service items, workshop equipment and performance vendors alongside several new and emerging motorcycle brand franchise opportunities, especially in the light and middleweight sectors, demonstrating that the industry is continuing to adjust to the riding needs and price-points of new generations of riders.

Piaggio

Piaggio opens 300th ‘Motoplex’ multi-brand store

A few days after an 800 sq m Piaggio Group ‘Motoplex’ store was opened in Bangalore, India, the company says that an “important milestone” was reached with the inauguration of the first such store in Hong Kong – its 300th ‘Motoplex’ since Piaggio embarked on the programme of “development and consolidation” of its distribution network three years ago.

The Piaggio Group’s multi-brand ‘Motoplex’ flagshop stores offer its key brands (Vespa, Piaggio, Aprilia and Moto Guzzi) simultaneously in a single location. “In line with the innovative global in-store strategy that puts the customer at the heart of the retail experience, in just three years the Group has reached the significant achievement of 300 stores operating worldwide, to improve and in part replace its traditional distribution network.
“The opening of the first store in Hong Kong, one of the Orient’s most dynamic cities and a strategic international financial hub, gives us a strategic location occupying around 300 square metres subdivided into a showroom (with a lounge and bar area) and a workshop. Here customers can find the Group’s four iconic brands in a single space and enjoy the unique experience offered by the Group’s heritage of Italian technology, design and style”.
Motoplex stores opened in recent months include the two new locations in Italy (Rome and Florence) and in Spain (Barcelona and Malaga), Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, Bucharest, the capital of Romania, and Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. Overseas, in South America, key openings include the stores in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, and Mexico City, the capital of Mexico. In Asia, Motoplex stores have been opened in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, the city-state of Singapore and the Indian city of Hyderabad. And in Australia a store has opened in the continent’s second largest city, Melbourne.
“By enabling dealers to leverage the potential of the Piaggio Group brands and products in a single location, the Motoplex store concept is a new retail frontier in the two-wheeler industry - the stores are designed to offer customers an exciting take on the two-wheeler world in a space where, in addition to vehicles and accessories, they can find dedicated merchandise, in many cases a workshop, and enjoy a break in the corner bar and lounge, where they can chat about races, motorbikes and travel with specialist personnel who share their passion.
“Thanks to the Motoplex formula, over the years the Piaggio Group has reported an improvement in the product sales mix thanks to up-selling and cross-selling, a significant increase in sales of accessories and merchandise, and an important rise in the two-wheeler sell out for “traditional” sales outlets converting to the new format.

Brembo

Brembo Off-Road and Panigale additions

Brembo has introduced new aftermarket products for 2017 - the XCS (Cross Click System) master cylinder concept and the Off-Road brake caliper, both designed for off-road vehicles, plus their new Stylema brake caliper for the new Panigale V4.

The new XCS equipped master cylinder is said to have all the features of Bembo’s previous MCS road version, allowing the rider to tune braking on the basis of road and weather conditions, and to the rider’s own riding style preferences and vehicle familiarity using 15.5, 16.5 and 17.5 mm lever offsets for “the way you want it, where you want it” modulation for an “absolutely personalised braking experience”.
With XCS regulation, the rider can select one of three configuration settings from the most adjustable, with a slightly longer brake run on 15.5 x 10 mm specification, to the most responsive, where the brake lever response is more intimately connected to the force applied 17.5 x 10 mm specification.
The patent-pending XCS concept includes two coaxial regulation knobs, one dedicated to regulating the lever distance and the other to regulating the lever ratio, which can change by up to 12 percent, in 3 percent increments. The master cylinder also allows for hand guards to be mounted without using handlebar supports.


The master cylinder is paired with a new Off-Road brake caliper suitable for use on the most widely sold Japanese motocross bikes. The body of the new Off-Road brake caliper is made of aluminium and is produced using the latest in foundry techniques. It is subjected to intense anodising treatment, is titanium coloured, and heat dissipation from the caliper has been greatly increased by means of a special opening on the bridge; ease of service has also been improved, by using a more stable pad spring.
The tube studs and drain screw have been rotated towards the tyre to guard against impact; the caliper support is billet aluminium and later anodised for the best combination of resistance and reduced weight.
The Stylema brake caliper for the Ducati Panigale V4 is a lightweight, compact, “carefully sculpted and high performing caliper that has all the technical features and design of a product destined to outshine the rest and to bring its superiority to the next generation of leading-edge bikes,” according to Brembo.
The company says that compared to previous calipers, Stylema has “less volume around the pistons and brake pads, reducing the internal space occupied by brake fluid, to offer a more immediate response. It has also lost weight, down by about -7 percent, reducing external dimensions and the height of the mounting caliper, and consequently, the length of the screws (5 mm shorter).
“The reductions do not affect stiffness, as all key sections have been redefined and the location of the external bridges have changed to allow for a more direct connection to the piston area.
“By increasing airflow around the brake pads, Stylema cools extremely quickly, thanks to an increase in the airflow spaces around the pistons and to an opening that allows air to flow out from the central bridge. The balanced shape stems from the need to eliminate mass, emptying out every unnecessary gram. The air intake, a central feature that joins the superior ribbing through two clean edges, gives the caliper a sharper, more aggressive design.

BREMBO S.P.A.
www.brembo.com

Barnett

Yamaha clutch spring conversion kits

Californian clutch specialist Barnett’s coil spring conversion kits include a CNC precision-machined billet aluminium pressure plate and six heavy duty coil springs to replace the stock diaphragm spring and pressure plate on select Yamaha models. 

These spring conversion kits “provide a more progressive, controllable clutch engagement compared to the OE diaphragm spring. Multiple spring pressure options make them ideal for stock to high performance applications. 

“Installation is ‘bolt-on’ with no modifications required…it simply replaces the stock pressure plate/spring assembly. For maximum performance, install a set of Barnett clutch plates with the spring conversion kit.”

Barnett spring conversion kits are available for the Yamaha V-Max (thru ’07), Royal Star, Road Star, XVS1100 V-Star, ‘86-‘98 XV1100 Virago, FJ1100/1200, XJR1200/1300, FJR1300, XTZ12 Super Tenere, XV19 Raider/Roadliner/Stratoliner (through ‘12), YZFR1 (through ’03), MT-01 and YXZ1000R SXS.

BARNETT CLUTCHES & CABLES
www.barnettcables.com

Valerie Thompson

Thompson earns new record, walks away from 340 mph crash - at Australia’s Lake Gairdner World Speed Trials

Valerie Thompson survived a horrific crash in the Team “7” Racing Streamliner while attempting to capture the world’s fastest motorcycle title during the 28th Annual Speed Week and World Speed Trials competition at the Lake Gairdner dry lake bed in South Australia. 

Photo credit: FIM - Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme

While falling short of the ultimate goal to become the world’s fastest motorcycle, the team collected a new speed record and proved the superiority of leading-edge streamliner design by team engineers Denis Manning and John Jans.
Hosted by the Dry Lakes Racers Australia (DLRA), the 28th Annual Speed Week competition was open to cars, motorcycles and trucks. The World Speed Trials, a first-time event for motorcycles only, was held March 17-19. Thompson set a new streamliner record of 328.467 mph (528.616 km/h) during the Speed Week competition on March 15, earning her membership in the Dry Lake Racers Australia 200 and 300 MPH Clubs. She is only the second competitor to gain membership in the DRLA 300 MPH Club and was honored with the “Fast Lady on the Lake” award.
Thompson’s attempt to break the world’s overall fastest motorcycle record of 376.36 mph* (605.69 m/h) on the last day of the World Speed Trials went horribly wrong with a horrific crash. According to Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) reports and team video, Thompson had just passed the four-mile marker on a twelve-mile course when the rear of her streamliner rose off the racing surface, sending the vehicle airborne at 343.7 mph. Parachutes slowed the vehicle as it flipped and rolled multiple times, scattering wreckage for more than a mile across the Lake Gairdner salt flats. Thompson walked away with only minor bruises and lacerations.
“We had a singular goal of running 377+ mph to capture the record during the World Speed Trials. We used Speed Week to test and tune the bike, and I’m happy we set a new record and received the ‘Fast Lady on the Lake Award’,“ said Thompson.
“The wreck during the World Speed Trials was unfortunate, but we are not giving up on our quest for the new record. Most importantly, we proved the superiority of the moncoque carbon fiber design and safety features utilized by Denis Manning and John Jans.
“Without their dedication to high speed safety engineering, I would not have walked away - nobody has ever walked away from a 340+ mph crash on a motorcycle. I’d also like to thank the DLRA and all their race course workers who helped ensure my safety,” added a grateful Thompson.
“We’ve not determined what caused the problem - we’ll know more once we analyze the onboard data collection systems and review films in more detail,” said bike designer and AMA Hall of Fame member Denis Manning. “Valerie did an incredible riding job, doing everything she was supposed to and more. All of us at Team “7” Racing are relieved Valerie did not sustain any life-threatening injuries,” added Manning. A video by team member Lou Fischer is available at https://youtu.be/Yl8NDTyeHqg.
Thompson is an eight-time land speed record holder on a variety of bikes ranging from Harley-Davidsons to BMWs and streamliners. She is a member of seven land speed racing 200 MPH Clubs, one 300 MPH Club and the first female to exceed 300 mph in Australia.

*The existing world record was set in 2010 by Rocky Robinson in the twin Hyabusa engined Ack Attack streamliner. It had previously been twice set by Flat Track race legend Chris Carr in an earlier iteration of the current “7” bespoke 3 liter 90-degree V4 engined streamliner. Both teams are engaged in a duel to put the record over the illusive 400 mph mark, with Team Ack Attack having gone to the Salar de Uyuni high altitude (12,500 ft) salt flat in Bolivia - the biggest salt flat on Earth (4,000 sq miles) in the same search for salt that took Valerie Thompson and her team to Australia. The record that Carr set in what was then called the BUB Seven Streamliner (at Bonneville Salt Flats in September 2009) was a two-way average speed of 367.382 mph to set a new FIM-sanctioned International and AMA-sanctioned National land speed record for motorcycles - Carr having piloted it to a 372.534 mph run on the way to that record. 

Yamaha

Yamaha reports all sectors up

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. has announced its results for its full year 2017 with Net sales of 1,670.1 billion yen (an increase of 167.3 billion yen or 11.1% compared with the previous fiscal year), “with each segment reaching the highest level to date”.

Operating income was 149.8 billion yen (an increase of 41.2 billion yen or 37.9% against the same period the previous fiscal year), ordinary income was 154.8 billion yen (an increase of 52.8 billion yen or 51.7% against the same period the previous fiscal year).
“Net sales increased thanks to the effects of yen depreciation and strong sales of motorcycles in the ASEAN region, outboard motors in the US and surface mounters and industrial robots. Operating income has increased thanks to increases in net sales and sales of products in the higher price range, along with improvements in profitability such as cost reductions through manufacturing methods of theoretical-value-based production, and development methods for platform and global models in the motorcycle business, which prevented rising expenses.
For its motorcycles segment, net sales were 1,045.2 billion yen (an increase of 115.1 billion yen or 12.4% compared with the previous fiscal year), and operating income was 68.8 billion yen (an increase of 32.9 billion yen or 91.4%).
“Unit sales increased in the Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan, and Vietnam, but decreased in developed markets and Indonesia. Unit sales across the entire business were approx. 5.4 million units, the highest year on year increase achieved since 2011. As a result, net sales increased, and operating income increased substantially thanks to increased sales of products in the higher price range and the effects of cost reductions in emerging markets such as Brazil and the ASEAN region.
“In the ASEAN region, we are continuing our product launches in order to demonstrate a strong presence in each market while maintaining increased profitability through platform models. In developed markets, we will create new demand by launching products that demonstrate the brand's distinctiveness and implementing marketing in the unique style of Yamaha”.