According to the attendance (figure-free) post show press release issued by the EICMA/ANCMA organisation, it would appear that visitor numbers at this year’s ‘Milan’ Show must have been down on 2017. With the real, actual number of exhibiting businesses with booths (as opposed to catalogue brand cross-references) looking to be less than in recent years, and with less than half the international reach of its primary expo competitor (in terms of quoted visitor country count), it looks like the show may be losing some lustre, just as the Italian market continues to post (theoretical) growth, and just as that primary expo competitor posted a record equalling attendance, with independently audited visitor numbers actually quoted. The ‘Milan’ visitor numbers have long been assumed to be overstated, and largely populated by non-riders, or low-mileage, low-value riders at best, but regardless of the debate that is raging internationally about the perceived merits and shortcomings of the market’s two primary shows (see our INTERMOT 2018 review elsewhere in this edition of IDN), there appeared to be enough people at ‘Milan’ to keep the aisles and booths busy, whatever the truth is about the real balance sheet cash value that their parts and accessory buying volume has for the industry…
Biltwell: Among the new generation brands to emerge in the past decade, none has executed on the opportunities of the market’s new design and styling opportunities better than California’s Biltwell. The brainchild of Bill Bryant and Harold McGruther, the hard parts to helmets brand has carved itself a market leading position among “New Gen” riders and now has EU approval on its ergonomically advanced, feature-rich, retro styled top-selling half shell and full face helmets. The Biltwell range is available from distributors in Europe, including Parts Europe; www.biltwellinc.com
PBR: Recent new products from the Italian sprocket specialist include updates to its popular C-Light rear sprockets for all new 2019 Enduro and 2 and 4-stroke motorcycles - Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha and KTM models. Made with C45 steel and precision CNC-machined to improve quality and reliability, they are additionally available in a tempered version for further improvements in durability; www.pbr.it
Showa: The well known Japanese suspension manufacturer continues to develop its aftermarket product line with new electronically controlled steering damper and vehicle adjustment technologies. Shown for the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R SE, the Showa EERA electronically controlled hydraulic valve variable steering damper with Balance Free Damping Force features stepless control to adapt the damping force generating mechanism for quick responsiveness and a wide range of variable damping characteristics. Introduced on Honda’s Africa Twin, Showa EERA ‘HeightFlex’ is an electronically controlled height adjustment technology that will be available for a wide range of models; www.showa1.eu
Maxima Racing Oils: Now with inventory in the EU, the Californian oil producer is best known as a market leader in MX oils and lubricants, but also offers formulations for street, sports, touring and cruiser applications. Founded in 1979, Maxima is a “race-inspired, product driven company. We formulate, develop, manufacture and distribute high performance oils, lubes and ancillary products. The essence of our brand is communicated through hundreds of championships with world class racers, tuners and teams who rely on Maxima for unsurpassed performance in high-stress conditions without fail”; www.maximausa.com
LighTech: As show seasons go, this was a big year for the leading Italian parts and accessory manufacturer based near Venice. In addition to its regular EICMA booth the company invested in INTERMOT as it seeks to capitalise on the growth in demand it has been seeing in recent years for its stylish, high quality replacement and upgrade parts for the most popular current models. Adjustable rearsets are machined from billet aluminium 7075-T6, described by Export Sales Manager Michele Balboni as “the most suitable for modern applications - many competitors use cheaper aluminium such as 6082 or lower, but we believe that the strength of our superior materials is as important as its light weight. The main support of our rearsets is a one-piece engineered from 7075 billet aluminium to guarantee exceptional rigidity, safety and performance for all riding conditions. Machining from a monoblock piece produces a part that is more resistant, stronger, looks better, and has a better feeling for all riders”; www.lightech.it
Parmakit: The noted Italian scooter cylinders and performance component manufacturer has an international reputation for the quality of its designs and manufacturing with a range that covers over 50 brands on the market, with an assortment of over 5,000 items. From big bore kits for 125 cc to 200 cc conversions and its popular “Ready to Race” complete performance upgrade packages, to tools, plugs, piston rings, air filters, carburettors and more, the company offers one of the widest ranges of high quality replacement and race scooter parts in the world; www.parmakit.com
Airoh: Best known for its off-road helmets, the Italian manufacturer also offers a huge range of sports, touring and modular styles with the same emphasis on safety and comfort. The new in 2018 ST 501 is a full-face helmet for touring and sports use "with a strong racing soul". Two sizes of high- performance composite (HPC) outer shell are offered with four different densities of inner EPS shell to "ensure a high level of safety while keeping the weight down". Weighing in at around 1,400 g, the ventilation system consists of top, chin guard and rear vents for all-condition airflow optimisation, with features that include a wind stopper and a wide inner sun visor paired with a Pinlock lens; www.airoh.com
