ACEM

ACEM - motorcycle registrations in the EU up by 8.2% during the first nine months of 2018

The latest quarterly EU new registrations data released by the Association des Constructeurs Européens de Motocycles (ACEM), the Brussels based international motorcycle industry trade association, put EU new motorcycle registrations at 830,694 units for the first 9 months of the year, a +8.2 percent increase.
With 186,487 units (a +5.1% increase on a year-on-year basis) Italy remains the largest European motorcycle market, followed by France (146,276 motorcycles, +10%), Germany (140,628 motorcycles, +11.1%), Spain (113,650 motorcycles, +8.0%) and the UK (83,155 motorcycles, +3.7%).
Motorcycle registrations increased in all EU countries, with the exception of Poland, where they went down by -2.3%.
The European moped market reached 209,562 units during the first 9 months of 2018. This represents a decrease of around -26.1% compared to the registration levels of the first nine months of 2017 (283,399 units). The largest markets for mopeds in Europe were: France (51,498 units), Netherlands (47,260 units), Germany (20,133 units), Italy (16,118 units) and Belgium (15,992 units).
 
‘Italy is largest market’

The moped market saw transition from Euro 3 to Euro 4 engine emissions compliance take effect on January 1st, 2018 - 12 months later than for motorcycles.
Combined registrations of electric mopeds, motorcycles and quadricycles reached 36,270 units during the first nine months of 2018. This represents a substantial increase of +52.8% compared to the registration levels of the same period of 2017 (23,722 units).
Most of the electric L-category vehicles registered in 2018 are mopeds (26,210 units), followed by motorcycles (7,652 units) and a much smaller number of quadricycles (about 2,408 units).
Commenting on the latest figures, Antonio Perlot, Secretary General of ACEM, said: “During the first nine months of 2018, motorcycle registrations increased in 27 out of the 28 EU Member States, with double digit growth figures for the three largest European markets: Italy, France and Germany.
“Although current sales volumes in Europe are still below 2007 levels (when 1.5. million units were sold), the motorcycle sector has accumulated four consecutive years of growth since 2013. If current trends persist, 2018 may become a fifth consecutive year of market growth.
However, there is growing industry thinking that, in fact, the apparently robust growth in new motorcycle registrations is in fact flattening out when the 2016 Euro 3 pre-registered inventory is taken into account.
That inventory was ultimately sold in 2017, but the numbers were mostly recorded in the registration statistics for the final quarter of 2016 - meaning that 2017 registrations were in fact higher than formerly recorded and distorting the year-on-year comparison.

SBS

New clutch kit options from SBS

Danish brakes specialist SBS Friction has leveraged its expertise in friction management to develop a series of new and updated clutch kits for a wide range of models from the 1970s and up - the programme covers all kinds of bikes from sport, street and touring to off-road and MX. 

SBS Product Manager Claus Rønnemoss says: “It has been extremely important for us to make a simple programme, where it is easy to choose the right clutches. Therefore, we have made an easy item structure, an easy to use catalogue, and from January 2019 it will be easy to find the right clutches for almost any bike online at sbs.dk.”
CSO Christel Munk Pedersen went on to say: “SBS is well known for its high-quality brake pad programme and, of course, the clutch kits have been developed with the same care and expertise to ensure high performance, long lifetime and quality operation. From being a brake pad manufacturer, we now see ourselves as a complete brake system supplier as we not only offer brake pads, but brake discs, brake shoes, brake pins and now also clutches.”

The programme consists of standard and upgrade clutch friction plates, steel plates and standard and upgrade single plates for dry clutches. The standard version is always an OE replacement, whereas the upgrade version is made from materials that offer improved performance.
The standard clutch friction plates are made of organic friction materials and are resistant to stress and overheating, whereas the upgraded version is made from carbon/paper materials, making them very reliable on race tracks and street performance applications. 

The standard single plates for dry clutches are made from organic friction materials and the upgrade version from para-aramid synthetic fibres, thereby ensuring a higher friction coefficient and no damage from overheating or if covered in oil.
All steel plates are made from special wear and deformation resistant steel and have the same dimensions and thickness as the OE product.
www.sbs.dk

Italian motorcycle registrations

Italy: motorcycles +10.39% to October

The latest data released by ANCMA, the motorcycle industry trade association in Italy, shows the Italian market continuing to grow. Having been broadly ‘flat’ in June (-0.70 percent, 10,752 units), new motorcycle registrations were +12.45 percent in July (10,196 units), +5.15 percent in August (4,510 units), +8.44 percent in September (6,383 units) and +19.73 percent (6,225 units) in October.

At +10.39 percent for the YTD (85,572 units), this has been the strongest market performance in Italy for the first 10 months of the year since before 2013.
In total PTW terms, the Italian market was +17.93 percent in October (16,459 units) and is running at +6.03 percent (202,784 units) YTD - the best first 10 months in Italy since 2011. Scooter registrations were +3.06 percent for the YTD at 117,212 units; the top sellers being Honda’s SH 150/300/125 range selling 26,902 units between them YTD, followed by Piaggio’s Beverly 300 ABS (7,812 units).
The top selling motorcycle YTD in Italy continues to be the BMW R 1200 GS (3,549 units sold), followed by Honda’s ‘Africa Twin’ (3,223 YTD), the Yamaha ‘Tracer’ 900 (2,544 units), the R 1200 GS Adventure (2,174 units) and the Benelli TRK 502/X (2,101 units).
As in some other markets around Europe and further afield, the biggest motorcycle growth sector by volume in Italy has been the 251-500 cc market where unit sales were +12.70 percent (50,839 units); motorcycles of over 750 cc are also up by over 5 percent (42,472 units YTD).

EICMA 2018 - part 3

SBS Friction: The Danish brake pad and discs manufacturer’s race credentials are the stuff of legends with some 40 World Championships won by riders and teams using its products over the last 20 years. This year saw the company sign an agreement to sponsor eight rounds of the WSBK series. Its most recent product news is that the SBS line is to go “100 percent NRS Safe” by embracing mechanical bonding for all ceramic and sintered brake pads. Last year SBS succeeded in launching a sinter material for street brake pads using the NUCAP Retention System (NRS) technology for its SP programme. Now a new range of world leading road racing brake pads with NRS technology has been tested for a year and was launched with a new Dynamic Racing Concept at EICMA. SBS says it has committed to going towards being “100% NRS Safe” throughout its brake product line. The NRS technology is said to be the most advanced mechanical pad to backing plate attachment technology in the industry with a zero-failure rate in over a billion units used worldwide in all applications. SBS also introduced a range of clutch kits at the show;  www.sbs.dk

 

Rapid Bike: The latest news from the Italian fuelling technology specialist is of a new App and Bluetooth adapter for iOS and Android that will allow riders to monitor engine performance indicators such as revs, throttle position and lean angle while recording all relevant data from the riding session. The new interface will be accessible at any time and includes a set of information grids to evaluate and refine the riding style, whether on the track or the road;  www.rapidbike.com

 

BMC Filters: A 2018 sponsor of the Pata Yamaha WorldSBK Team, BMC’s Italian made air filters are made from metallic mesh containing an oiled multi-layer cotton filtration material which is said to “guarantee a high level of filtering efficiency with a limited loss of air pressure. The oil used gives the material its “sticky” adhesive characteristic which aids in the retention of impurities without compromising or blocking air flow penetration, creating a continuous filtering process”; www.bmcairfilters.com

 

LeoVince: The bearable lightness of LeoVince? Developed in collaboration with its Racing Department, the new LV-10 Titanium by Italian exhaust specialist LeoVince has a muffler and collector made using very pure, very light and very strong grade 1 titanium. Hand TIG-welded in a control chamber, the ‘Titanium’ is said to achieve a 30 percent weight reduction compared to stainless steel and delivers “high ductility, strength and corrosion resistance”. Applying experience gained in the Moto 2 and Moto 3 championships, the company says the LV-10 Titanium “expresses the maximum in racing technology applied to a tailpipe designed for standard bikes” and is available as an approved fitment for street bike applications; www.leovince.com

 

Polisport: Recent new products from the Portuguese off-road and MX plastics specialist include the dual compound Armadillo pipe guard in high-temperature elastomer and stainless steel, with a universal fit for two-stroke machines, the ‘Fortress’ skid plate for full coverage of the engine, available with linkage protection, MX style (single point mount) ‘Hammer’ hand and master cylinder protector that uses a new universal mounting system for quick and easy installation and precision fit. Also new is the company’s range of frame protectors; www.polisport.com

 

BS Battery: French designer and manufacturer of OEM and aftermarket powersports industry lead acid batteries and charging, diagnostic and testing units for all battery formats, Paris based BS Battery is owned and operated by Alain and Benjamin Sebban, with operations in north and south America, Japan, Asia and more than 54 countries worldwide. The company’s ‘Plug & Play’ AGM (Advanced Glass Material) factory-activated ‘SLA’ Max battery range has three terminal-specific, heavy duty, higher cranking amp applications than OE battery upgrades for most current H-D models. “With no more acid to handle during the initial battery activation procedure, the ‘SLA’ concept is the ultimate user-friendly “Plug & Play” motorcycle battery solution”; www.bs-battery.com

 

MIPS: Developed by Swedish neurosurgeon Hans von Holst and Peter Halldin of the Swedish Royal Institute of Technology, MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) is an “ingredient brand” and technology that is becoming widely adopted by leading motorcycle helmet brands (MSR, Answer, Kabuto, Thor, Bell, KYT, Fly Racing, Scott, Alpinestars, Troy Lee Designs and more) that protects the brain from rotational motion. A low friction layer allows a sliding movement of 10-15 mm in all directions, reducing the rotational motion (kinematics) to the brain during angled impacts to the head. Rotational motion is a combination of rotational energy (angular velocity) and rotational forces from angular acceleration that both affect the brain and increases the risk for minor and severe brain injuries. MIPS says that its added protection system has been “proven to reduce the rotational motion when implemented in a helmet by absorbing and redirecting energies and forces otherwise transmitted to the brain”; www.mipsprotection.com

Andreani Group International: The noted Italian suspension expert continues to have success with its popular suspension training courses and add to its popular Misano front fork cartridge programme with over 250 applications in total, including 2018 models such as the Honda X-ADV, KYMCO AK 550 and Kawasaki Versys 1000. This year has also seen a surge in demand for its speciality suspension technician tool kits and market leading suspension tuning and set-up tools such as its SP5 vacuum pump - “the newest, lightest and most innovative vacuum pump” on the market. Fully electronic and developed to make the filling and vacuuming of shock absorbers of any kind and brand easier, more precise and fully automated, new generation software allows technicians to make “all suspension service and tuning procedures with an easy-to-use and extremely efficient 7” touch screen display”; www.andreanigroup.com

Supersprox

Supersprox Steel-EDGE

Supersprox is well known for the dual material sprockets that it pioneered back in the 1990s. Now an industry standard for long life motorcycle sprockets, the Supersprox team has continued to innovate throughout the past 20 years.

Recent market trends have led the company to focus on street motorcycles below 400 cc. A vibrant and growing sector, and vital as transitional models to a lifetime of riding and brand affinity, Supersprox General Director DJ Maughfling says that “this is something new for Supersprox. It is a market sector where we don’t sell our ‘Stealth’ brand sprockets, and like everyone, we have seen that there is a strong trend towards the development of smaller and more affordable motorcycles.
“With the Indian and Chinese motorcycle manufacturers offering more capable and higher quality vehicles, in the chain sector we have identified an absence of affordable quality upgrade parts for these bikes.
“While it is not easy to offer something that is both affordable and innovative, with a real performance improvement for the rider, our ability to work economically with relatively small volumes per item in a wide range means we can leverage our flexible production systems and achieve the right balance between innovation and price-point.
“Contrary to the perception that many in the industry have had so far, in our opinion some of the riders in this category are looking to tune their bikes. Although the percentage sell-through will be significantly smaller than our traditional market, we are able to make the sector economically viable for dealers and the distributors they buy from.”

Supersprox Steel-EDGE sprockets consist of two parts, with the Supersprox steel rear sprocket as the base. The steel sprocket is modified to reduce weight and a larger 1.5 mm recess was added in the centre. The removed steel is replaced with aluminium and the sprocket retains its original technical specification. This is important for fixing on the motorcycle, so the screws tighten up correctly. Compared to the original steel sprockets, the Supersprox version can reduce sprocket weight up to 30%.
“Lower rotational mass is the reason to buy the sprocket and the upsell is the great visual enhancement for the bike. The most difficult part of the production process has been the precise fitment of the two parts. Although the sprocket retails for about 50% of the Supersprox Stealth price, the expectation for quality and precision remains.
“These sprockets will not be offered for larger engine motorcycles of off-road motorcycles, because they have different dynamics - this is exclusively for the smaller bikes.”
www.supersprox.com

INTERMOT 2018 - Part 1

INTERMOT Visitors are High Mileage, High Spending, Highly Motivated

 
This year’s INTERMOT Expo at Cologne, Germany, drew a record equalling 220,000 visitors from nearly 100 countries worldwide to see what 1,041 suppliers from 40 countries had to offer. With a significant increase in “younger” visitors and international attendance, the organisers say that the event has again reinforced its status as one of the motorcycle industry’s most important trade fairs. An estimated 70 percent of visitors (around 150,000 people) visited Hall 10 - home to INTERMOT Customized - the ‘show-within-show’ concept where IDN sister magazine AMD again staged its World Championship of Custom Bike Building …

 

Avon Tyres: The big news this year has been the launch of the Cobra Chrome tyre for customs, cruisers and touring - an endeavour proudly supported by the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building, with the Freestyle Class and World Champion sponsored by the British manufacturer; www.avonmotorcycle.com

 

Detlev Louis: For the first time this year, the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building featured a ‘Public Choice’ prize for Hall 10 visitors, and our partner for the vote was the leading Hamburg, Germany headquartered motorcycle parts, accessory and gear retailer Detlev Louis. Tracing its roots back more than 80 years, and these days under the ownership of Warren Buffett’s Omaha, Nebraska based Berkshire Hathaway, Louis has over 80 retail stores in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and a thriving online mail order business, having been one of the originators of the mail order catalogue concept in the motorcycle industry in Europe in the 1960s; www.louis.de

 

Kellermann: The German custom lights specialist continues to get bigger as it gets smaller - in the shape of its recently released ‘ATTO’ LEDs, probably the smallest custom lights ever designed and manufactured. Fully compliant, they feature ‘uber-bright’ 3-in-1 combination turn signal, brake light and running light functionality and the latest advanced circuitry for safe, reliable low-draw installation in an almost infinite range of possibilities and configurations. Additional recent new designs also include the Micro S DF Dark and updated bullet light BL 1000; www.kellermann-online.de

 

National Cycle: Recent new windshield designs from the market-leading Maywood, Illinois based manufacturer include a choice of VStream windshield upgrades for popular late models, including the MT-10. Taking its name from its unique patented shape, the advanced “V” profile and dimensional contours of VStream windshields that push the wind vortex out and away from the rider’s helmet result in a quieter and less turbulent riding environment. Made from tough, high quality 4.5 mm Quantum hardcoated polycarbonate, using National Cycle’s state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques, the company says that they “provide 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”; www.nationalcycle.com

 

VOZZ: The revolutionary rear opening helmet is described as “the most advanced motorcycle helmet in the marketplace”. Unlike regular pull-on/pull-off helmets, the VOZZ is a full-face rear access, dual-locking helmet incorporating the Voztec system. The glove-friendly helmet is the only commercially available full-faced helmet without a chin strap - instead having a fully adjustable chin cup. It comes in three shell sizes with six fractional fittings from XS to XXL and in eight solid colours. A primary feature is the Safety Release System (SRS), developed to help medical staff in emergencies. The RS 1.0 also offers increased peripheral vision, is fitted with an anti-fog visor and equipped with a dual locking security system. The design is said to give riders a “superior range of head movement” compared to conventional helmet designs, with buffeting dramatically reduced and directional visor stability; www.vozzhelmets.com

 

HS-Motorradteile: Awarded a Best Brand award by German trade journal Bike & Business in 2017, the Mannheim based vendor’s inventory includes service items such as brake pads, oils, filters, batteries and chargers, chain and care products, and parts and accessories such as exhausts, mirrors, sprockets, grips, digital instruments and a huge selection of lights options;  www.hs-motoparts.com

 

Magura: One of the oldest parts and accessory manufacturers in the industry in Europe (tracing its roots back as far as 1893), in motorcycle terms, its best known products are its radial master cylinders and ergonomic HYMEC hydraulic clutch systems; www.magura.com

 

Keis Heated Apparel: The fast growing Motohaus owned British apparel brand has been “advancing the evolution of heated motorcycle clothing for over 10 years”. Now it is starting to make its range of designs available to distributors and their dealers in continental Europe - last year saw a test introduction in France, Italy, Germany, the Czech Republic and Denmark. Designed in the UK, specifically for European riding conditions, the Keis apparel programme includes a range of heated jackets, vests, ladies’ bodywarmers, CE-approved gloves (armoured and inner gloves), heated trousers and boot insoles. Keis uses “micro carbon fibre technology” and the very latest heat generating technology to deliver Far Infra-Red Radiation - the kind that bright sunlight transmits, even on cold days; www.keisapparel.co.uk

Tecmate

OptiMate 7 Select - the technician’s friend

Batteries used to have a simple job - provide cranking amps to the starter motor and power to the ignition, and at the press of a button the rider could fire up that engine. Worst case scenario, if the battery was flat, the rider could bump-start the vehicle and then the charging system took over.  

No more! With powersport engine and electrical system management increasingly controlled by a powerful central processor, which in turn utilises a two-wire communication system ( e.g. CAN-bus) to link up with the fuel and ignition system, wireless throttle and even all the lights, the battery’s job has been upgraded to an essential component that has to deliver power before the engine runs and provide stable power at idle or low speed running.
The problem is batteries keep on getting downsized in capacity, so when it comes to engine diagnostics and ECU software updates, the battery cannot keep up. It needs help so that the motorcycle service technician can troubleshoot or confirm if a new software update is working right. 
That is where the OptiMate 7 Select comes in, a diagnostic battery saving charger and power supply. 

As a power supply it provides a 13.6V 8 Amp power supply mode that is ideal for service and custom bike shops; the power supply mode guarantees the battery voltage remains in range during updating of software or adjustment of fuel/ignition map settings, and there’s plenty of time to troubleshoot electrical problems without killing the battery.
Then there is the new breed of vehicle show room, where music and lights attract attention and there is always that showroom rider who wants to turn everything on and blast the stereo system at full volume. The OptiMate 7 is the showroom as well as workshop friend, ready to support and quickly recharge that battery.
When it comes to charging, there’s no need to worry what type or size of 12V lead-acid battery is in the vehicle. OptiMate's unique AmpMatic processor delivers temperature compensated charge voltage and adjusts charge current to match the connected battery’s size and condition.
Simply connect the charger and let it do its job. If the powersport vehicle is fitted with an after-market high performance AGM battery (e.g. Odyssey’s PC range or Yuasa’s GYZ range), a higher 14.7V charge voltage can be selected. 
If the battery is dead flat, OptiMate’s proven desulphation programme saves ‘dead’ batteries from as low as 0.5 volts, then tests the battery to indicate how well it recovered.

TECMATE
www.tecmate.com
www.optimate1.com

Pinasco

Vespa carb kits and “Racing Bull” clutch

Our thanks to Venice area scooter parts specialist Bettella for information about its new Pinasco programme stock replacement upgrades for Vespa applications.
Seen here for Vespa 5%, 2-port wide frame models (most Vespas from 1954-’58), Pinasco’s 24/22 carburettor kit is available for models with or without intake manifold and only needs main jet adjustment.

The package includes everything needed for assembly, including a specific air filter which “perfectly fits into the carburettor space in the frame without modifying any original component.
The kit uses model-specific Dell’Orto carburettors, which have readily available service parts and replacement components.
Courtesy of ScooterLab.uk, Roger Green of British vintage Vespa specialist Wessex Scooters reports that “the carb fits onto the 24 mm inlet manifold used with the Pinasco 160 cylinder kit and can also be used with other wide frame tuning kits which use the 24 mm inlet manifold. 

“The carb includes a specially designed throttle arm which allows full slide travel with the original wide frame handlebar throttle configuration and a slim high-performance air filter which keeps the required gap between the carb compartment door. The mixture can be adjusted easily with the carb mounted due to the location of the mixture screw.”
Also seen here is the Pinasco carburettor for large frame Vespa models, with a Venturi, a 5 mm higher gasoline bowl than the classic - to avoid fast emptying of fuel and bigger gasoline channels and allow the maximum flow of mixture (not available in MIX version).
The Pinasco Racing Bull clutch (also for large frame Vespas) is made up of a 12 spring, high-strength steel bell and full grafting system. This clutch unit has been designed to increase the power transmitted by the crankshaft to the gear set and has been tested up to 38CV of transmitted power.

“The swallowtail bushing/bell system avoids dragging discs even under toughest working conditions. The Pinasco Racing Bull clutch comes with two different types of springs with different hardness, to set the product according to requirements, and a bushing and a brass spacer.”

PINASCO/BETTELLA
www.pinasco.com

German motorcycle registrations

Germany: motorcycle registrations +7.67% to October

The latest data from the IVM, the motorcycle industry trade association in Germany, shows motorcycle registrations in October at +16.33 percent (4,752 units), having been +2.14 percent (6,576 units) in September. Registrations for the year to October were +7.67 percent (103,730 units).

In total PTW terms, October was +22.17 percent (7,809 units), having been +3.12 percent (10,338 units) in September. For the year to date, new PTW registrations were +11.54 percent (147,607 units) - the second best first 10-month performance for the German market since 2008.
The top-selling model has continued to be the BMW R 1200 GS (7,187 units YTD), followed by the Yamaha MT-07 (3,105), Kawasaki Z900 (3,026), Z 650 (2,787) and Honda CRF 1000 ‘Africa Twin’ (2,306).
With five models in the top 20, BMW remains motorcycle market leader, though with a reduced share (-7.20%) of 21.22 percent (22,007 units). Kawasaki is second with a +25.15 percent increase in share to 12.16 percent (12,615 units YTD); Honda third (11.79%/12,227 units), KTM is fourth with a 26.74 percent increase in market share (11.02%/11,429 units) and Yamaha fifth (10.36%/10,745 units).
In percentage terms, the biggest market sector in Germany is the sportsbike market (28.85 percent of all sales/29,929 units YTD) and the fastest growing sectors, in percentage growth terms, are the Supersports (+18.60 percent at 4.49 percent of all sales/4,662 units) and the custom market (“chopper”), which is up by +17.99 percent YTD (10.57 of all sales/10,960 units).
All sectors of the German market are up except for the small Tourer and Luxury Tourer market; sportsbikes are top with 29.06% of the market (26,852 units YTD), followed by Naked Style bikes with 28.12% of the market (25,986 units).

News Briefs

The Tax Foundation, a non-partisan US policy group that supports simple tax regimes, says the latest round of tariffs imposed on China could lose more than 94,000 jobs in the USA. However, the organisation warns that the risk is higher if all of President Trump’s existing and still threatened tariffs against China and other countries are enacted, and it could result in the loss of almost 460,000 jobs and cost the US about 0.6% in economic growth.

Omnia Racing (Naples) durable ‘Magma’ Cordura high-abrasion and tear resistant tyre warmers feature a large lateral extension for quick and efficient heating of the shoulder of the tyre and rim, with fire-retardant Nomex and Kevlar on the interior. The high-strength, precision made 2.5 mm thick chrome-nickel heating element is silicone coated for durability.

Australian off-road tyre specialist MOTOZ has the new Tractionator RALLZ, based on the popular Tractionator Adventure tyre. Offering 80/20 off-road dirt and street performance, it offers a more aggressive self-cleaning off-road tread pattern for excellent predictability, power delivery and performance in all weather conditions without the need to alter the tyre pressure.

Parts Europe is now distributing the Milan based Italian OJ luggage and accessory brand. Founded in 2001, OJ started with leg covers and other weather protection products for scooter riders; the range now includes bike covers, tank bags and saddlebags for most popular makes and models of scooters.

Ferodo has a new range of Goetze cylinder and piston kits for 125 and 150 cc applications for Honda, Yamaha, Piaggio and other models.

Some 100 plus custom bikes from more than 65 ‘builders’ from over 30 countries are slated to have taken part at the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building at INTERMOT Customized in Hall 10, Koelnmesse, October 3 - 7. The average value of the custom bikes on show is said to be more than 100,000 euro, with some valued at between 250,000 and 500,000 euro, most of them making their global public debut at INTERMOT.

Updates in noted South African neck brace manufacturer LEATT’s 2019 product line-up include a comprehensive ‘Junior Collection’ and updated carbon and composite helmet designs that have a redesigned mouthpiece and visor and incorporate their 360 degree ‘Turbine Technology’ - a concept that is said to reduce the rotational acceleration to the head and brain during impact by up to 40 percent.

Sources: AMD, IDN, FT, Reuters, PSB, MPN, B&B, BDN, MCN, AP, Bloomberg, MNW

EICMA 2018 - Part 2

Stylmartin: The Italian footwear specialist has carved itself a prominent position in the casual riding and retro boot sectors, but the recent top-of-the-range Stealth EVO racing boot was an addition to the top-selling sports-oriented range that made the company’s name. It blends technical features aimed at optimal foot protection with a level of comfort that makes the Stealth EVO wearable on as well as off the bike. Designed in Italy, manufactured in Europe and CE certified, the company says it is the exact same boot as the ones worn by the company’s sponsored professional racers; www.stylmartin.it

 

Thor: Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2018, the Thor apparel brand was one of the original specialty MX programmes and was the brainchild of well-known Swedish MX pioneer Torsten Hallman (Torsten Hallman Original Racewear) as a way of supplementing his income from racing in the late 1960s and early 1970s. These days the Thor range is distributed in Europe by Wasserliesch, Germany based Parts Europe and features innovative individual product items and designs; www.thormx.com

 

Pinasco/Bettella: Founder Piergiorgio Bettella has been celebrating the 50th anniversary of his Venice region based scooter parts business. Recent new products include Vespa carburettor kits, additions to its ‘Racing Bull’ clutch programme, replacement shock absorbers and crankshaft assembly kits; www.pinasco.com

 

Galfer: Endorsed by HRC in 2016 and winners of the Moto3 World Championship in 2017 and 2018, Spanish manufacturer Galfer says its Racing CW1 brake discs have become “benchmarks for the sector”. Laser-cut and made of high-carbon stainless steel, they undergo thermal stabilisation treatments before the machining and grinding processes. They have steel centres and have been fully CNC- machined and finished with normal or hard anodised surfaces. Each CW1 disc is unique and identified with a serial number to offer 100% traceability - said to be the only discs in the world with an individual registration number. They deliver a claimed 15% weight reduction compared to round brake discs, “better heat dissipation thanks to Galfer’s Disc Wave design, improved braking power and better aesthetics”;  www.galfermoto.com

 

Bitubo: The Italian suspension manufacturer is launching a new generation of Bluetooth enabled, app-tunable suspension upgrades with dynamically calibrated front and rear suspensions for Honda’s Africa Twin. Bitubo DS allows riders to set their suspension up with a map based on riding data capture via Android and iOS devices; www.bitubo.com

 

SC-Project: One of the fastest growing and most successful performance exhaust brands on the market, the track prowess of SC Project’s Italian made exhaust technology informs a wide range of system options for most popular makes of recent sports and street bike models, including Euro 4 homologated slip-ons for Kawasaki’s popular Z900RS. Introduced earlier this year, the all-new S1-GP, together with the Conic 70's, Twin Conic 70's and GP PureBlack, are said to “perfectly combine the vintage lines of '70s/'80s bikes with the contemporary materials and performance values of modern sports bikes”; www.sc-project.com

 

Ferodo and Champion:  With more than 100 of the 2018 models already covered by September this year, Ferodo added further brake pad applications in the weeks before EICMA, including for Kymco, Malaguti, Aeon, Benelli and Generic scooter fronts, Suzuki, Polaris, Piaggio, Kymco and Arctic Cat ATVs, Suzuki GSX-R&S 125/150 ABS front, and Tokiko caliper front pads for Honda VFR/CB models, including the CB 1000 R/plus. The Ferodo MXR disc range has also been extended to cover some of the latest off-road applications such as the Honda CRF250/400, Kawasaki KXF250/450 and Yamaha YZ125/YZ-F 450. The MXR line incorporates an innovative dirt expulsion system that helps to maintain braking efficiency even in the muddiest conditions. Champion has extended its range of air and oil filters and introduced new spark plugs for Honda and Ducati models. Federal-Mogul also launched new GOETZE cylinder and piston kits for Honda SH125, SH150 and Yamaha X-MAX 125; www.ferodoracing.com; www.fm-motorcycle.com

 

STM Italy: Founded in 1981 and best known for its Ducati and race Slipper clutches, the Turin area based specialist also offers a wide range of precision CNC-machined clutch products for Japanese, European and American made street and off-road motorcycles in high strength, light weight, durable materials such as Ergal, Anticorodal, stainless steel and titanium; www.stmitaly.com

Parts Europe

A customised YZ250F, compliments of Parts Europe and Michelin

International distributor Parts Europe again staged a promotion with Michelin this year, with one lucky dealer winning a one-of-a-kind Yamaha YZ250F prepared by Lutz Motorsport of Konz, Germany.

Left to right: winner Julien Mazurel; Thomas Ochsenreiter, Michelin; Xavier Williart, Sales Manager Europe; Olivier Albert, Sales Agent

The promotion ran from April to October, and all dealers had to do was to order four Michelin off-road or enduro tyres to have an automatic entry in the draw, with each additional purchase of four tyres also earning an entry. Dealers who had bought 30 or more of the listed tyres in 2017 were also automatically entered in the draw.
This year’s winner was Julien Mazuel, owner of MX-FACTORY Team at Firminy near Lyon in France. Julien also received a flight and accommodation inclusive VIP trip to be Parts Europe’s guest at the EICMA/’Milan’ Show in November, where he received the keys to his prize at the company’s booth.
The bike was fitted with a lot of parts and accessories from a number of Parts Europe’s partners such as the Michelin Starcross 5 medium tyres, of course, fitted on Kite Elite wheels with Moto Master brake rotors. It is also equipped with a Neken triple clamp and handlebar and well as a GET ECU, an FMF exhaust and many more parts from Moose Racing, DT1-Filters, UFO Plast, Hurly, Selle dalla Valle, Boyesen, KSX, Progrip, Cycra, Blackbird Racing, Vertex, ProX, Athena, Woessner, Polisport and Regina Chain – which is just a selection of products from the 600 plus brands that PE has in inventory at its German headquarters warehouse.
www.partseurope.eu

Honda and Panasonic

Honda and Panasonic in Indonesian battery sharing research joint venture 

Honda and Panasonic are to conduct a research experiment in Indonesia on battery sharing, using the Honda Mobile Power Pack detachable mobile battery with electric mobility products, including electric motorcycles.

The two companies are planning to begin the research experiment in December 2018. As the third largest motorcycle market in the world, Indonesia is facing an issue with air pollution associated with the increase in traffic volume. To address this issue, the Indonesian government has announced a policy to facilitate the widespread use of electric mobility products.

Honda says that “while being environmentally responsible, electric mobility products still have some issues that need to be addressed, including range and charging time. The Mobile Power Pack and mobility products powered by it are expected to solve such issues and provide a boost to the widespread use of electric mobility products”.
The two companies will install charging stations at several dozen locations, which will charge multiple units of the Mobile Power Pack simultaneously and supply fully charged Mobile Power Packs to users at any time. Users of electric mobility products who experience a low battery level can stop at the nearest charging station and exchange their Mobile Power Pack for a fully charged one and get back on the road.

Touratech

Desierto5 - a true adventure look for the GS

With the Desierto5, Touratech says it has developed a front fairing for the latest generation of the BMW R 1200 GS and the R 1200 GS Adventure - a “high-class conversion kit that features an individual look and enhanced weather protection”.
Touratech has a 20-year pedigree with the Desierto concept. In 1999, Touratech gave the BMW R 1100 GS the pioneering adventure look with a frame-fixed fairing, twin headlights and a high rally screen.
Initially designed for a demo bike, the touring Enduro bike scene welcomed this conversion so enthusiastically that a small series was produced.
Since then, Touratech developed this fairing further and offered a Desierto fairing kit for each GS generation, and the new Desierto5 fairing means the latest GS Boxer bikes also benefit from this unique individualisation concept.
The conversion kit consists of two main component parts - a black lacquered lower made of fibre-reinforced polyurethane and a slightly tinted windscreen made in acrylic, with the original BMW adjustment mechanism retained.
The fairing has carefully designed aerodynamics, being refined in a complex process starting from 3D simulation shaping and concluding with an intense test ride programme – the result is improved aerodynamics for reduced buffeting and “considerably enhanced weather protection. The upper body not only creates less wind pressure, with turbulence-free air current reducing neck muscle fatigue, but the ambient noise is also highly reduced”.
Quickly and easily mounted, Touratech says this conversion doesn’t have to be shown to the TÜV (German Association for Technical Inspection) since it comes with a general operating permit (ABE).
Available for the BMW R 1200 GS as of 2013, R 1200 GS Adventure as of 2014 and the R 1200 GS “Rallye” and “Exclusive” special editions.

TOURATECH GMBH
www.touratech.com

Bonamici Racing

Panigale V4 accessories

Italian specialist Bonamici Racing has precision-machined billet aluminium rear sets for the new Ducati Panigale V4.

Designed to work in normal and reverse shifting and adjustable in nine positions, lever bearings are said to completely eliminate friction and a lever spring assists the return of the rear brake lever. Available in standard black and a range of colour options, racing footpegs, fold-up footpegs and front pegs, laser engraving and other accessories also available.

Made from high strength, lightweight Ergal alloy, engine cover protectors also seen here are said to be a “robust and effective” way to protect the cover in a crash or bike drop. Other available accessories include top fork plate, handlebars, brake and clutch levers and tank cap.

BONAMICI RACING
www.bonamiciracing.it

Clover

Cambridge-3 jacket

This is the third evolution of a jacket that Italian specialist Clover launched 14 years ago. At the time, the Cambridge was a major step forward in riding jacket design and technology, introducing innovative technical and styling features aimed specifically at the demands of urban riding.
This 2018 version uses the “2-in-1” concept – an inner thermal jacket, which can be worn separately, waterproof outer and “cotton feel” effect of the fabric used.
The Cambridge-3 is part of their medium length jacket range, making it perfect on big scooters or bikes. The garment is fully waterproof with the main component a soft yet sturdy Duratek 7 synthetic “cotton feel” fabric – soft enough to pass for cotton.
Further features include a soft touch, double face internal thermal quilted layer - when removed from the outer shell and reversed it becomes a stand-alone soft and warm quilted jacket with a deep blue colour and two large pockets.

CLOVER S.R.L.
www.clover.it