Italian motorcycle registrations

Italian motorcycle registrations +9.76 percent for half year to June 2018

According to the latest data available from the motorcycle industry trade association in Italy (ANCMA) the Italian market continues to be among the strongest of Europe’s major markets.

New motorcycle registrations were down fractionally in June (-0.70 percent at 10,752 units), having been +18.48 percent in May (13,271 units) and are running at +9.76 percent for the first six months of 2018 (58,258 units).
In total PTW terms, the Italian market is +4.30 percent at 130,297 units YTD, having been worth a total of 204,406 PTWs in 2017 (+5.41 percent). This is the strongest first six months for total PTWs in Italy since 2011.
Scooter sales in Italy were essentially flat for the first six months at +0.28 percent, 72,039 units. The top sellers remain Honda’s Italian produced SH 150/300/125 series, followed by the Piaggio Beverly 300 ABS and Yamaha X-Max.
The top selling larger displacement machines have been the BMW R 1200 GS (2,588), Honda X-ADV 750 (2,494), Honda Africa Twin (2,295), Yamaha T-Max 500 (2,194), BMW R 12 GS Adventure (1,654), Yamaha Tracer 900 (1,636) and the Honda NC 750 X (1,357).

Ducati

Ducati wins 2018 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb to reclaim crown as King of the Mountain

Legendary Ducati racer Carlin Dunne led the 2018 Spider Grips Ducati Pikes Peak team to victory and reclaimed the crown as King of the Mountain at this year’s annual running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC), completing the “Race to the Clouds” in 9:59:102. This was Dunne’s fourth victory at Pikes Peak.

“We did it. We took the podium,” said Dunne, who notably was the first motorcyclist ever to traverse the 4,720-foot Pikes Peak race course in less than 10 minutes in 2012. “The Multistrada 1260 Pikes Peak proved as amazing as we all hoped. It performed flawlessly, giving me everything I needed to get up the mountain. Pikes Peak is never an easy race, but the weather cooperated, and we clinched the victory for Ducati.”
This is Ducati’s seventh victory on the mountain since the company’s debut in 2008. Ducati and Dunne held the all-time course record from 2012 until 2017, a year in which Ducati was not part of the official race competition. Dunne’s previous victory in 2012 was achieved on the game-changing Multistrada 1200 S.

This year, Dunne secured the win on the new Multistrada 1260 Pikes Peak model. The new Multistrada 1260 Pikes Peak showcases the versatility of a new, larger displacement 1262 cc Ducati Testastretta DVT engine delivering 18% more torque in the mid-range. The bike is also paired with a redesigned chassis for increased stability.
Rounding out the Ducati team this year was new member Codie Vahsholtz, who finished in third with a time of 10:12:703. Vahsholtz is a Colorado native who comes from a family of Pikes Peak champions and has established a series of victories of his own.
This year, for the 96th running of the “Race to the Clouds,” Ducati partnered with Shell Advance, Brembo, Pirelli, Termignoni, Spider Grips, Ducati by Rizoma, Race Tech, Revl and Racing Cowboys.

Powersports Insiders

Fast Bike Industries of Hendersonville, North Carolina, U.S. importer for Italian suspension specialist Andreani Group, has also take on the British made Nitron range of shock absorbers and front suspension cartridge kits. The company says it currently sells to over 170 powersports industry dealers nationally.

Motonation has announced it is now the exclusive North American distributor of Trilobite Premium Aramid Fashion in North America. Trilobite apparel is designed and developed by Biker’s Crown/Rusty Piston in the Czech Republic and has never before been distributed in the U.S. With the Heritage, Urban and Travel collections, advanced protective materials used include Dyneema, Cordura Denim and patented Trilobitex.

BRP announced the creation of a Powersports Group and a new senior management member with the appointment of Bertrand Thiébaut as Powersports President. The new group brings together the Ski-Doo, Lynx, Sea-Doo, Can-Am and Rotax product lines into a single operating unit. The Spyder and Evinrude lines will continue to be operated independently.

KTM is offering some $56,300 in contingency prize money for riders using 450 SX-F models in this year’s AFT Singles (American Flat Track) in the USA.

TCX Boots USA has posted contingency support to AFT Singles competitors for the 2018 season. The Italian-based company produces a wide range of motorcycle boots and has been a long-time supporter of AFT racers, including Harley-Davidson factory rider Sammy Halbert and Indian-mounted privateer Kenny Coolbeth. TCX’s contingency offering totals $10,000.

In November last year, Yamaha WaterCraft Group built its millionth ‘WaveRunner’ PWC (a VX Deluxe) at the Georgia facility where it has been manufacturing them for 29 years.

Organised by Delicate Promotions, the FIM sanctioned AMA Land Speed Grand Championship returns to the Bonneville Speedway near Wendover, Utah, on Aug. 25-30. Also known as the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials, the event features both American and international amateur land speed racing competitors vying for AMA and FIM records.

Travis Pastrana

Travis Pastrana abuses a perfectly good FTR750 to pay tribute to Evel Knievel

In Las Vegas on July 8 action sports superstar Travis Pastrana sought to channel Evel Knievel in front of an estimated 25,000 fans watching in person and many more tuning in live on television across North America.

Produced in partnership with Nitro Circus, “Evel Live” saw Pastrana pay homage to Knievel’s legacy as he set out to recreate three of the American legend’s most iconic jumps. Pastrana pushed the limits even further though, breaking Knievel’s famous car and Greyhound bus jump records before completing the epic Caesars Palace fountain jump that left Knievel grasping for his life 50 years ago.
“I’m thrilled to have had this opportunity to honour Evel Knievel, whose guts and showmanship created the foundation for action sports,” Travis Pastrana said afterwards. “Evel pushed himself and flew further on a motorcycle than anyone thought possible. So, with this modern-day tribute we wanted to bridge generations – from my parents’ generation who was inspired by Evel to the generation after me who may not know much about the original stuntmen who paved the way. To be able do that in Las Vegas and at Caesars Palace, where Evel’s legend was born, is so awesome.”
In just three hours and under the pressure of a live TV broadcast, Pastrana first topped Knievel’s 1973 jump over 50 crushed cars by soaring more than 143 feet in the air over 52 vehicles. 

Then he surpassed Knievel’s 1975 jump over 14 buses, flying nearly four stories high and covering a jaw-dropping 192 feet to clear 16 modern-day Greyhound buses. In order to make room for the massive set-up, these jumps required the production teams to take over the space behind Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Paris Las Vegas and Bally’s Las Vegas.
Afterwards, Pastrana took to the streets with a police escort to ride to the Caesars Palace jump site. Fans quickly lined Las Vegas Boulevard, exchanging high-fives with Pastrana from taxis and the side of the road as anticipation for the finale built. The motorcade quickly closed The Strip.
Then Pastrana faced the Caesars Palace fountain jump that nearly took Knievel’s life half a century ago after his infamous crash. As if that wasn’t daunting enough, given the expansion of Caesars Palace since Knievel’s ill-fated attempt, Pastrana had only a 200 foot run-in to accelerate to the 70 mph speed necessary to clear the fountain.
Pastrana also had to contend with stifling heat reaching 102 degrees and, just before the event, potential thunderstorms. Even in ideal conditions and if he hit his speed marks perfectly, Pastrana would land with just a few feet to spare. But, after arcing over the fountains, Pastrana touched safely down on the landing ramp to the roaring crowd and a flash of pyrotechnics.
This electrifying event paid tribute to Evel Knievel in every possible detail. From Pastrana riding an Indian Scout FTR750, a modern-day evolution of the flat track motorcycles of the past - and very different from the modern-day dirt bikes Pastrana usually rides – to the white leather suit and helmet decked out in American stars and stripes just like Knievel’s classic livery, these specifics illuminate how much Knievel achieved and the impact he has had on generations of fans.

Sidi

Sidi hosts race stars

Picture - LorenzoFerraro/ATCommunication

At its annual motorcycle sector brand meeting at its Maser (Treviso), Italy headquarters in June, Sidi played host to its international distributors and a stellar line-up of its race stars, including, left to right, Ivan Cervantes, Bradley Smith, SIDI owners Rosella and Dino Signori, Alvaro Bautista and Xavier Simeon;  www.sidisport.com

Leatt

Entry-level MX gloves

The inventors of the Leatt-Brace have launched a comprehensive line of motorcycle gloves as part of their 2018 line. Their ‘Barely There’ GPX 1.5 glove is “engineered to provide an effective barrier of palm protection without compromising feel”, according to the Capetown, South Africa based company.
Purpose-built with an all-new Micron Grip palm, Leatt says that “the 1.5 sets a new standard for gloves in its class. It offers super strength and enhanced comfort without the high price tag”. 
The upper hand stretch material is lightweight and “offers superior airflow, whilst the pre-curved, seamless palm makes this a truly stealth glove - understated and slick, yet fully capable of providing protection against scrapes, the 1.5 glove is streamlined and structurally so light, it is easy to forget that it is being worn”.

LEATT CORPORATION
www.leatt.com

Ilmberger Carbonparts

Ducati Carbon for racetrack and road

Ilmberger Carbonparts has a selection of parts for the Ducati Supersport 939 that have been created to “complement its curved shape” and a fairing that “highlights just the right parts”, according to Germany’s Carbon Guru Julius Ilmberger.

The idea was to come up with parts for a motorcycle that is fit for daily riding and touring with a racing look. “We especially liked the bike's versatility, which really inspired us,” said Julius. “For example, we created a rear bellypan, which flawlessly tops off the Supersport's appearance. The exhaust end cap and the number plate holder show a sportive design, and people like it!”
The following carbon parts will be available for the Ducati Supersport 939 starting spring 2018: front fender, rear fender, swingarm cover, exhaust end cap, lower exhaust end cap, rear bellypan, seat cover, number plate holder, airtube cover, cam belt cover, front sprocket cover and ignition switch cover. The parts are offered in gloss and matt.

ILMBERGER CARBONPARTS
www.ilmberger-carbon.de

Yoshimura

Yoshimura for new Ninjas, G310R, R3 and KLX250

Performance exhaust manufacturer and race legend Yoshimura has several new applications for 2018, not least for the already popular 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 400.

Alpha T full system for Ninja 400

Using its race-proven Alpha T muffler to “shape the power characteristics of the new green machine, our engineers found great torque and hp that pulls throughout the range. Power is up with the Alpha T full system by +4.8% at maximum hp and +4.2% maximum torque.
“Our exclusive Works Finish gives this race system a golden titanium look after a heat cycle, and the sound is purely Yoshimura. Also available is our black powder-coated aluminium muffler bracket - a necessity if the rider wants to remove the rear footpegs to go racing”.

Alpha T slip-on for Ninja 400

The system features the race-bred and available separately Alpha T slip-on – “perfect for the new Kawasaki 399 cc twin engine, providing an impressive +3.3% at maximum hp and +2.2% maximum torque”. The Alpha T slip-on saves 3.3 pounds “and looks amazing with our exclusive Works Finish”.
Also available for the Ninja 300 with the full system delivering an impressive +17 percent increase in peak hp while reducing weight by 6 lbs. (2.7 kg), with the slip-on saving “over half the weight and adding +3.3% more hp”.

Race Series System for G310R

For BMW’s entry level G310R, Yoshimura’s race-bred R-77 Race Series System profile tuned for the BMW’s 310 cc creates +4.9% maximum hp and +5.6% maximum torque “while dropping over half the weight of the stock system - all with our durable Works Finish that maintains beauty for years to come”.
 For the 320 cc parallel twin Yamaha R3, the Alpha T Race Series full system with Works Finish provides a +9% maximum hp gain and a +4% torque gain, saving over half the weight of the OEM full system.

RS-2 slip-on for KLX250

Finally, for the return of the popular Kawasaki KLX250 (coverage for 2008-2018 models), the Yoshimura RS-2 slip-on has been updated to incorporate an O2 sensor that accommodates the new fuel technology on the KLX. The RS-2 has a weight saving of almost 3 lbs. (1.3 kg) over the stock unit – “with added power, torque and that distinct Yoshimura exhaust note”, according to the company. A fender eliminator kit is also available.

YOSHIMURAwww.yoshimura-rd.com

German motorcycle registrations

German motorcycle registrations +6.87 percent to June

The latest data released by the motorcycle industry trade association in Germany (IVM) shows motorcycle registrations up by +5.79 percent for June (12,838 units), by +7.82 percent for May (13,851 units) and running at +6.87 percent for the first six months of the year (71,539 units).

The moped market in Germany is performing better than in many other parts of Europe, resulting in total PTW registrations of 97,072 units in the year to June (+10.45 percent), having been up by +7.78 and +11.09 percent in June and May respectively (18,406 and 19,388 units). This is probably the best first half year seen in Germany since before 2008.
The top-selling motorcycle in Germany YTD is the R 1200 GS (5,168 units sold), followed by Kawasaki’s Z 900 (2,118), the Yamaha MT-07 (2,056), Kawasaki Z 650 (1,892) and Honda Africa Twin (1,606).
With five models among the top 20 sellers, it is no surprise that BMW remains market share leader in its home market with a 21.82 percent share (15,612 units YTD – actually down from 17,314 units in the first half of 2017), with Kawasaki second (8,927 units sold), Honda third (8,495 units), KTM fourth (7,392) and Harley-Davidson fifth (7,198 units).

Ducati

Record attendance at 10th edition Ducati World Week

Ducati is saying that it welcomed a record 91,596 three-day attendance to its 10th biennial World Ducati Week at the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” on July 20-22 – at least 10,000 more ‘Ducatisti’ than ever before.

The participants travelled to Italy’s Adriatic Riviera from five continents, representing 73 countries. While 60% of the riders were Italian, the remaining 40% are evidence of the power and appeal of the Ducati brand around the world – including two Chinese riders who rode their Multistrada 1200 Enduros 7,575 km through 10 countries from Xinjiang (China) to Bologna in just seven days.
Features included an exclusive "preview room" for a first chance to see one of Ducati's new motorcycles for 2019, meetings and autograph sessions with Ducati riders, riding courses and test rides, taxi drives on the track with high-performance Audi Group Lamborghini, Audi and Seat cars, technical courses at Ducati University, performances by stuntmen, track laps, the colourful "Land of Joy" of the Ducati Scrambler world, the Monster Village (celebrating the iconic bike's 25th anniversary), an area dedicated to the Panigale and the Multistrada Experience, featuring Carlin Dunne's Multistrada 1260 ‘Pikes Peak’, winner of this year’s iconic ‘Race To The Clouds’ in Colorado four weeks earlier.
Ducati took over a total of about 90,000 square metres inside the Circuit, 75,000 in the paddock and more than 15,000 dedicated to the off-road area and Ducati Scrambler Flat Race & School and DRE Safety.
The "Race of Champions" on July 21st was preceded by a spectacular flyover of the Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team. The race featured 12 Ducati MotoGP and SBK Champions competing on the Misano circuit, riding specially prepared with race configuration Panigale V4 Specials. The race was won by Michele Pirro, followed by Rabat, Forés, Miller, Melandri, Rinaldi, then Dovizioso, Siméon, Petrucci, Lorenzo, Abraham and Bayliss to complete the exceptional line-up of “Champions".
Ducati also decided to give fans all over the world the chance to buy the 13 "Race Of  Champions" Panigales through a public auction on eBay. 
All Ducati employees were actively involved in planning the event and the weekend saw more than 250 people from the company (managers, engineers, technicians and employees) on duty as organisational staff.
For the “Ducatisti Statisti” out there, more than 10,250 laps were completed on the track by cars and motorcycles; 43,000 photos were taken by staff photographers (900 GB of photos); 72 hours of video were shot; 147 Ducati Owners Clubs were represented from 33 countries, and over 1,200 test rides were taken on 40 available bikes. The 45 page dedicated event website generated a total of 612,000 page views since going online, 17 million Instagram impressions were recorded with a 13 million reach, the “Race of Champions” live stream reached 631,477 people, 1,124,053 people were reached by the Ducati Scrambler digital channels with 103,450 people interacting, the official followers count exceeded 800,000 with 22,898,694 Facebook impressions, a 14,949,151 reach, and 13,105 App downloads - oh, and Sky Television gave the event two hours of live broadcast too.

MotoFuture Briefs

It will be hoped that Harley’s investment in Bay Area E-bike specialist Alta Motors has a happier ending than their prior involvement with San Francisco E-sportsbike manufacturer Mission Motorcycles*. Harley’s Project Livewire was, in large part, based on a bike built for them by Mission Motorcycles, who went broke not long after their work for Harley.

Taiwan has announced that it is to phase out gasoline powered motorcycles by 2035 – five years earlier than gasoline powered cars. With a population of just 23 million people, Taiwan is reported to have some 14 million motorcycles.

As part of its Electro Mobility Strategy, BMW is investing € 200 m in a new “battery cell competence center” that will open in 2019 near its Munich headquarters in Germany. Among other objectives, the center will harness the group’s research so far into battery-cell development and production, the fifth generation electric drivetrains (integrated electric motor, transmission and power electronics in a single component) that are slated for automotive debut in 2021, and Rare-earth-free electric motors and components.

Californian lithium-ion battery manufacturer Antigravity has had a huge reaction to the launch of its “game changing” Re-Start battery technology (built-in jump-starting feature thanks to what company president Scott Schafer describes as “intelligent on-board voltage monitoring that puts the battery to sleep before it is drained dead – retaining enough reserve energy allowing the rider to re-start and drive away.”

As Royal Enfield continues to spread its sales networks and product lines for European and North American expansion, it is reported that the company is also making “considerable” investments to explore “a number of” electric motorcycle and related concepts.

British three-wheel sports tourer manufacturer Morgan Motor Company, which uses U.S. made S&S X-Wedge 60-degree V-twin engines in its core models, is thought to be close to production of an all-electric Roadster in partnership with Frazer-Nash Energy Systems, owner of the legendary British Bristol Cars marque.

National Cycle

VStream Windscreens for the 2018 GL1800

Maywood, Illinois based manufacturer National Cycle has unveiled a new VStream windscreen design for the redesigned 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing.

Made in three different heights to fit riders of any size, VStream gets its name from its unique patented shape. The advanced “V” profile and dimensional contours push the wind vortex out and away from the rider's helmet, resulting in a improved riding environment.
These windscreens are made from tough 4.5mm Quantum hardcoated polycarbonate. “This high-quality material, along with state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques, provides outstanding clarity, impact strength and scratch resistance unmatched by any windscreen maker worldwide.
“Quantum hardcoated polycarbonate is the material of choice for serious motorcycle riders. It is 10 times more abrasion resistant than FMR hardcoated polycarbonate, and 30 times more than windscreens made from commonly used acrylic or ‘aircraft plastic’.”
All polycarbonate windscreens from National Cycle are protected by a 3-year warranty against breakage.

NATIONAL CYCLE INC.
www.nationalcycle.com

LighTech

Vibration-reducing handlebar caps

Seen here for the Yamaha R6, Italian parts manufacturer LighTech’s dynamic bar end caps are more than just protectors, but weight-calibrated bar end balancers that increase the anti-vibration function as well as protect the ends of those expensive clip-ons.

Their weight is up to 100 percent heavier than the less sturdy aluminium equivalents used as standard by the motorcycle manufacturers, and with reduced vibrations comes improved handling, especially in corners, improved suspension response and reduced fatigue, as well as improved riding enjoyment.
Available in six colours -  black, red, gold, silver, cobalt blue and green – to colour-match the looks of most of the popular sports bike models from Yamaha, BMW, Aprilia, Ducati, Honda, MV Agusta, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Triumph.

They are also a perfect colour and protection system match for other LighTech parts and accessories, including their axle sliders and crash pads. LighTech CNC precision-machine each of its products from a single solid block of high-grade, high-strength, lightweight aluminium alloy.
Founded in 1997, LighTech manufactures and distributes over 7,000 Ergal/aluminium alloy products that are manufactured in six different colours, plus over 400 titanium products and a host of other accessories. LighTech has more than 2,500 authorised dealers all over the world.
Additionally available from LighTech are chain adjusters, swingarm spools, brake and clutch levers that deliver reduced weight and lever effort with improved feel (soft touch inserts and folding options offered), clip-on handlebars, licence plate supports, protection systems, including clutch/brake lever protection and guards, gas caps, oil filler caps, brake/clutch reservoir caps, a selection of carbon parts (front and rear fenders and covers) and high strength, reduced weight hardware options.

LIGHTECH S.R.L.
www.lightech.it

PBR

RSS front sprockets

PBR in Italy says it has developed a “new and original steel front sprocket line”. Called RSS sprockets (Rubber Sprocket System), the company says that the design delivers a combination of an “extremely high strength for power handling and durability, with extraordinary fluidity and quietness thanks to the rubber that is injected in the holes drilled on the front sprocket”.

This technique is said to mean the rubber lasts longer, preventing the problems that can occur with glue - preserving reliability during extended sprocket life. They are available for all street racing and higher displacement, more powerful off-road models.

PBR SPROCKETS
www.pbr.it

Surflex

Surflex kits - keeping the old bikes alive

To celebrate its sixty years and historic racing legacy, Surflex has introduced some rare model- specific clutch disc kits for many older bikes – classics for which it can be tough to find up-to-date direct replacement clutch components.

“Surflex clutches have an outstanding sporting legacy, due to the legendary victories of many Italian motorbike firms – bikes that have written the story of Speed World Championship classes.
“Surflex has a range of discs for these old bikes, few of which are produced anymore, but the surviving examples can now live again. We wanted to pay attention to the riders who take part in the classic and vintage races and gatherings all over the world, speed competitions and other kinds of events.
“These bikes need very specific friction materials, and the experience and high technology that Surflex has, makes us uniquely placed to cater to the demands of famous old makes and models”.
The picture seen here shows a clutch disc kit for the original Ducati Scrambler (left), and on the right a complete clutch unit for Aermacchi.
Surflex says that every single clutch and clutch disc are faithful to the originals, something the company is able to do as the original leading OE supplier for these bikes of yesteryear.
www.surflexclutches.com

MIVV

Delta Race and GP-PRO tailpipes

Unveiled at EICMA last year, these two new slip-on mufflers by MIVV (Italy) are now available for the first of a planned sequence of applications for the Kawasaki Z900 and the Ninja ZX-10R.

Said to deliver “extra performance and style”, both are Euro 4 compliant, featuring “a strong look, weight savings, top-of-the-range construction materials and fittings and a marked performance gain over the standard factory exhaust”.
In total there are five set-ups, all tested on both Kawasaki models: Delta Race is available in Inox and Inox black, GP-PRO in black, titanium and carbon; for the Z900 a guard to cover the catalyser is available as an optional extra.
With the Delta Race, design and technology emphasize the gradual transformation of its shape from conical to hexagonal, “an ideal choice for naked and sportsbikes featuring carbon end caps, the retaining band with double riveted perimeter bracket, the solidly machined inlet bush to ensure maximum coupling precision and the aerodynamic properties of the main body”.
Delta Race is available in the Inox version (the main body is in brushed stainless steel with a “pearl” effect obtained through a special finishing process) and black (with the main body in black steel, featuring the “black moon” effect obtained by using a ceramic based paint that gives a particularly aggressive look).
The GP-PRO is inspired by the racing world and features semi-artisanal precision TIG welding; a removable protective grill conceals the dB killer.

MIVV S.p.A.
www.mivv.com

Andreani Group

IDN dealer special pricing on Andreani Suspension tool boxes

With thirty years of experience in the suspension industry, over the years the Andreani Group has developed a series of tools and machinery to let suspension workshops work in an effective and professional way on every kind of suspension. 

Innovatively designed and produced using the best available materials, these keys are available singularly or as a complete kit. For practicality, the Andreani Group has collected the keys into three different tool box kits: the Universal Tool Box (with universal keys), the Street Package (with keys dedicated to road bike suspension) and the Off-Road Package (with keys dedicated to off-road bike suspensions).
Exclusively for IDN readers, Andreani is offering a 10 percent discount from August 1st to September 30th, 2018. 

To take advantage of the promo, just make an order via email at info@andreanigroup.com with the subject "PROMO IDN" by September 30th.
The regular net full price of the Universal Tool Box is 3,200 euro, 745 euro for the Street Tool Box, and 780 euro for the Off-Road Tool Box.


ANDREANI GROUP INTERNATIONAL
www.andreanigroup.com

Barnett

Barnett hydraulic brake and clutch lines

All new genuine Barnett hydraulic brake and clutch lines are now available in Classic Stainless braid, Platinum Series bright silver, black with chrome fittings and Stealth ‘black on black’, in stock and custom lengths for a wide range of popular ABS and non-ABS makes and models, with custom orders on request and, as with genuine Barnett cables, a rush service is also available on their brake and clutch line kits. Made in the USA.
Barnett Clutches & Cables, USA; www.barnettclutches.com

Suzuki

Suzuki: increased net sales and income

Suzuki has announced that it closed out its 2017-2018 financial year (31-03-18) with increased net sales and income and “positive” forecasts for its operating results for the next fiscal year.

The consolidated net sales of the recently completed fiscal year (April 2017 to March 2018) increased by 587.7 billion yen (+18.5%) to 3,757.2 billion yen compared to the previous fiscal year.
Their Japanese domestic net sales increased by 79.2 billion yen (+7.6%) to 1,116.7 billion yen year-on-year, mainly owing to an increase in automobile sales. The overseas net sales increased by 508.5 billion yen (23.8%) to 2,640.5 billion yen year-on-year, mainly owing to an increase in automobile and motorcycle sales in markets including India and Europe.
In their motorcycle business, the net sales increased by 40.1 billion yen (+19.4%) to 246.4 billion yen year-on-year, mainly owing to sales contribution of scooters in India and large displacement models in developed countries. The operating loss of 0.9 billion yen in the previous fiscal year improved to an operating income of 4.6 billion yen.
With regard to the operating results by geographic region, Asia, Japan, Europe and other areas all saw increases in sales and income.
Motorcycle unit sales to Europe were up by +43.6 percent at 10,000 units for the fourth quarter (January, February and March) of 2018, but remained down compared to the previous full year (by -10.9 percent at 40,000 units).
North American sales for the year were up by 3,000 units to 35,000/+10.6 percent; domestic Japanese sales were -4 percent (60,000 units); Asian sales were +21.3 percent (1.261 m units); total worldwide sales, including ATVs, were +15.5 percent at 1.580 m units. Total global production was +19 percent (1.630 m units).

Yamaha

Yamaha wins Red Dot Award

Yamaha’s sports commuter TMAX530 DX and its XMAX 300 scooter have both received the globally renowned Red Dot Award for Product Design 2018 - the company’s seventh consecutive award each year since the inaugural awards in 2012.

This is the third design award received by the TMAX530 DX and the XMAX 300, following on from the Good Design Award 2017 and the iF Design Award 2018.
“The XMAX 300 is the successor to the XMAX 250, which has enjoyed great reviews and popularity in Europe for many years thanks to its fun ride and sporty styling, along with its combination of comfort and practical functionality for city travel and commuting”. The XMAX 300 is positioned in the middle of the sports commuter MAX series and being rolled out globally.

News Briefs

ODI Grips of Riverside, CA, has announced a new product distribution agreement with Technical Touch BvbA (Belgium) to serve as the exclusive ODI Powersports distribution warehouse for Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxemburg and as an ODI European fulfilment center for the ODI range for all its European distributors and resellers, and to implement new B2B & B2C E-Commerce platforms to support these trans-European sales to premium dealers throughout the EU. 

BDN reports that Norton has started taking orders in India for its Commando 961. It will be the first Norton product to enter the market there since the manufacturer entered into a joint venture last year with the Kinetic Group, a project development and business advisory firm based in New York. The machines will be distributed by Kinetic Group-owned Motoroyale, which already retails MV.

The German government has extended its “Moped at 15” trial project in five East German federal states by an additional two years (to 2010) as it researches the impacts of reducing the age limit for such licenses from 16 to 15 years of age. The trial has been running since 2013.

Although the number of overall road deaths in Germany fell in 2017 (-0.9 percent, 3,206), motorcyclist deaths rose by +8.6 percent over 2016 (689).

Brake manufacturer Brembo saw revenues grow by +8.1 percent in 2017 to € 2,463.6m, with EBITDA up by +8.2% and net profit by +9.5%.

B&B reports that the German Institute for Service Quality has examined 1,145 brands and companies from 53 industries for consumer satisfaction levels, and Harley-Davidson was the winner in the Mobility category – ahead of the likes of BMW and Yamaha.

Motus Motorcycles

Motus Motorcycles’ dealer network expansion

Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle are not the only motorcycle manufacturers in the United States.
In addition to the burgeoning line-up of E-Bike manufacturers (Zero and Alta for two), respected Birmingham, Alabama based American V-4-powered sport tourer manufacturer Motus continues to chart a steady course to growth.
The company is now up to some 30 dealers nationwide for its two-model line-up, with the recent addition of Thousand Oaks, California based O’Gara Coach (d/b/a Motus Westlake), a top-end car dealership (Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, McClaren, Bugatti, Maserati, Alfa Romeo and Ducati Motorcycles) with three Greater Los Angeles locations, including Beverley Hills.

On the East coast Motus has chosen Connecticut based Remington Family Cycles (d/b/a Brookfield Motus), an established Indian Motorcycle authorised dealer.
The Motus network is a “carefully selected, high-calibre network of dealerships that are committed to providing an excellent customer experience with every sale.”
Founded in 2008 by diehard motorcycle enthusiasts Lee Conn (company president) and business partner and designer Brian Case, Motus finished testing the prototypes MST-01 and MSTR-01 in 2012 and applied what they learned from the prototypes towards building production machines and revealed full production versions of the MST and MSTR in July 2013 at the MotoGP race in Monterey, California.
Motus manufactures “sport bikes with accommodations for touring that are designed to excel in performance, comfort and range. All Motus motorcycles - the MST and premium MSTR - are powered by mighty V4 Baby Block engines, combining high performance with low maintenance and a unique character that expresses the evolving heritage of the American motoring experience,” according to Lee Conn. 

“We partner with existing, high quality dealerships known for superior service and a premium product mix. Each dealership has factory trained and certified technicians to service the full range of Motus motorcycles and American V4 Baby Block engines.
 “When we began our pursuit of building the ultimate American sport-touring motorcycle, we quickly realised the ideal engine didn’t exist, so we built it. The mighty American V4 “Baby Block” is a pushrod powered V4 that delivers massive torque across a wide, smooth power band. It speaks with an exhaust note unlike anything before it.
“Equally important, the Motus V4 uses known technology proven to be durable and easy to maintain. It’s the same small block architecture found in the most reliable and competitive engines on the planet from popular American passenger cars and trucks to high performance racing vehicles.
www.motusmotorcycles.com

National Cycle

VStream Windscreens for the G310GS, Z1000SX Ninja

Maywood, Illinois based manufacturer National Cycle/ZTechnik now has VStream Windscreens in three different sizes and tints for the new 2017-18 BMW G310GS.
This means there is a perfectly sized windscreen for almost every rider, short to tall. All will offer improved wind protection and riding comfort compared to OEM or other aftermarket windscreens. “Though the smallest member of the GS family, riders will appreciate the big bike wind protection and performance these windscreens offer”. 

ZTechnik makes these new VStream Windscreens from tough polycarbonate and applies their proprietary Quantum hardcoating for superior scratch resistance.  “This material will outperform any other motorcycle windshield material on the market”.
VStream Windscreens are easy to install and protected against breakage by a three-year warranty; available for the G310GS in 14.25”, dark tint; 16.88” mid-size in light tint and 19.38” (tall) in clear.
Also seen here for the Z1000SX Ninja, VStream gets its name from its unique patented shape. The advanced “V” profile and dimensional contours “push the wind vortex out and away from the rider's helmet, resulting in a peaceful, quiet riding environment”.
The high quality, tough Quantum hardcoated polycarbonate and state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques “provide outstanding clarity and strength characteristics that are unmatched by any windscreen maker worldwide”. 

Described as “the material of choice for serious motorcycle riders”, Quantum hardcoated polycarbonate is said to have “impact resistance 20 times greater than windscreens on the market made from commonly used acrylic or "aircraft plastic”, with the best scratch resistance in the world”.
Designed around the original mounts of the Z1000SX, full OEM adjustability and lock-to-lock handlebar clearance is retained at all points. Easy to install, they are protected against breakage by a three-year warranty. Available in three heights and tint/clear options.
National Cycle products are distributed worldwide, including throughout Europe and Asia.

NATIONAL CYCLE INC.
www.nationalcycle.com

Newfren

Newfren clutch disc options

Based near Turin, Italy, in addition to being one of the market’s leading brake pad manufacturers, Newfren is also able to claim “the most complete catalogue of clutch disc applications in Europe”.

High performance Pro Race clutch disc

KTM QC disc

Newfren’s range of wet clutch disc series consists of three different materials - the standard replacement OW series, upgrade Performance line and top-of-the-range Pro Race lines.
The application catalogue covers all models from the 1970s to the latest motorcycles and includes special and often hard to find disc applications such as sintered discs for KTM models of the 1970s – in fact these days Newfren is the only remaining producer of applications such as this.
Newfren also offers the market a series of special organic and sintered Ducati discs - developed thanks to the cooperation with its own racing department. Newfren says that “these discs can be considered as being right at the top end of the clutch spare parts available on the aftermarket today”.

Ducati organic clutch discs

Equally, the broad-based Newfren range of high performance clutches for Piaggio moped applications has been on the market for more than 60 years. “We also have a catalogue section dedicated to the BMW and Moto Guzzi dry single-disc applications and have added to the original spare discs that have been sold in the market for years with a new KW version - produced with ultra-advanced materials that mean it can also work in the presence of oil”.
Newfren also offers clutch shoes and “bells” for scooter applications to complete the wide range of its clutch selection.

Dry clutch disc for BMW

Founded in the 1950s by Alessandro Barbero, Newfren were innovators and early adopters of a number of new brake technologies, such as bonded friction material, gravity and high pressure die casting, and brake shoes without rivets.
The company is still in family ownership with Valter Barbero at the helm, and in recent years has been investing heavily in new manufacturing technology at its 65,000 sq ft facilty/100,000 sq ft site.
Ahead of industry requirements where environmental manufacturing and compound formula requirements are concerned, Newfren has been granted UNI EN ISO 9001 certification for its quality control systems and ABE certification from the German KBA for many of its products. As part of a continuing process, they are on the way to obtaining environmental certification ISO 14000.

NEWFREN S.R.L
www.newfren.it