Italian motorcycle registrations

Italy: motorcycles and scooters +12.73% in 2018*

The latest data released by ANCMA, the motorcycle industry trade association in Italy, shows the Italian motorcycle and scooter market continuing to grow. New motorcycle registrations are reported as being +95.40 percent in December (!) at 3,613 units, having been +21.99 percent in November (3,806 units).

At +12.73 percent for the full year 2018 (92,991 units), this has been the strongest annual market performance in Italy for a decade.
In total PTW terms, the Italian market is reported as having been +52.91 percent in December (7,289 units) and +10.88 percent (9,344 units) in November. On an annual basis the Italian market is reported to be running at +7.35 percent in total PTW registration terms for 2018 (219,465 units) - the strongest annual market performance in Italy since 2011.
Scooter registrations were +7.35 percent for 2018 (126,465 units), with the top sellers being Honda’s SH 150/300/125 range selling 29,034 units between them YTD, followed by Piaggio’s Beverly 300 ABS (8,291 units) and Liberty 125 ABS (5,966 units).
The top selling motorcycle in Italy continues to be the BMW R 1200 GS, followed by Honda’s ‘Africa Twin’ (3,223 YTD), the Yamaha ‘Tracer’ 900, the R 1200 GS Adventure and the Benelli TRK 502/X (2,101 units).
*As with other of Europe’s markets, while the unit numbers make good reading, some caution needs to be used when judging the apparent year-on-year percentage market growth because of the several thousands of pre-registered Euro 3 models registered in late 2016 that were actually sold ‘as new’ by dealers in early 2017 – meaning that the real numbers for 2017 were higher than officially recorded.

Husqvarna

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing extend FMF partnership

Husqvarna has confirmed extension of their highly successful partnership with exhaust specialist FMF Racing - the new agreement will see the majority of the global Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team benefit from the American manufacturer’s high-performance systems through to the end of the 2021 season. 

Established in 1973, FMF Racing has been synonymous with dirt bike racing success. Enjoying a long- term, resilient working relationship with the global Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team, the California based manufacturer uses top-level competition to test and further develop high-quality aftermarket exhaust systems that help dirt bike enthusiasts get the most out of every riding experience.
Husqvarna says that “the extension of this technical partnership with FMF ensures that Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing in the US and global motocross, supercross, off-road and Enduro racing teams will continue to make use of the US manufacturer’s latest 2-stroke and 4-stroke high-performance exhaust systems.
Don Emler Jr., Marketing Director for FMF Racing, said: “Following a significant year in our timeline, we are proud to continue working with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna squad through to the end of the 2021 season. Together with our 45th year anniversary, 2018 has marked another championship-winning year with Jason Anderson and Zach Osborne, both securing SX championships. We have built such an outstanding relationship with Husqvarna, their riders, team managers and personnel that it really feels like the FMF brand is part of the global Husqvarna family.”
FMF Racing exhausts are distributed to dealers throughout Europe by Parts Europe in Germany.

Cross-Center International

Steel OEM style MX brake discs

In addition to the “strongest stainless steel motocross, street, off-road and vintage spokes”, model- specific rims and hubs Swedish specialist Cross-Center International also makes one of the largest ranges of MX brake discs on the market.

“We are a true one-stop shop for MX wheels and components for most models for nearly all years,” says owner Torbjoern Bergh. “We also manufacture our brake discs in-house from genuine high-grade Swedish steel. Customers who have tried to source MX brake discs elsewhere, especially for the older bikes, tell us ours is the largest available range in the world”.

Tobbe is a bit of a purist when it comes to brake discs, believing that a lot of the current design tweaks on the market “sell well because they may look good, but are often a step backwards when it comes to braking power, reliability and disc and pad wear.
“There are many claims out there, especially when it comes to heat management, that just aren’t justifiable. Which is why we mostly make OEM style discs, and they sell and perform best in our experience. Sometimes we are able to add certain improvements and refinements, but we think that a round brake disc with a lot of material and large, straight arms, an inner ring and no floating rivets is by far the best performing, most reliable, durable and economic brake disc.”

The Cross-Center range is comprehensive, with new discs being tooled each time the manufacturer design changes. This means that for Honda models, for example, the company offers four different designs with M6 bolts for fronts from 1997 and up (and two M8 bolt fitments) that all have the same measurements all the way up to 2018 (2008 being a one-off exception).
“The same applies to many other brands and models, though other manufacturers have been more consistent with their designs in the last 20 years, generally with one design for ‘97-‘01 and one for ‘02-‘19”.

CROSS-CENTER INTERNATIONAL
www.cross-center.com

Rick’s Motorsport Electrics

Hot Shot rotors for older Honda models

New from Hampstead, New Hampshire based electrical system components specialist Rick’s Motorsport Electrics, these new rotors for older Honda models work with Rick’s Hot Shot stator kit and the stock stator when the rectifier/regulator is upgraded to a Rick’s stock upgrade design.

This new rotor will put out 70% more power than the OE design, allowing for upgraded electronics and improved performance. It includes the stock timing marks and accepts the stock clutch for easy installation, allowing restorers to bring 21st century electrics to vintage Honda CB350/360 and CL350/360 models.

RICK’S MOTORSPORT ELECTRICS
www.ricksmotorsportelectrics.com

Rapid Bike

Rapid Bike at full throttle

New to Italian fuelling technology specialist Dimsport’s Rapid Bike range of engine fuelling calibration solutions is a new Android and iOS App and Bluetooth adapter.
Riders will be able to display, monitor and engage with engine performance parameters such as engine revolutions, throttle opening, lean angle and more, while recording all the relevant data from the riding session on their smartphone.
This new interface is accessible at any time and includes “extremely useful information sets to evaluate and refine the riding style, whether on the track or on the road”.
The new Rapid Bike App will require a new version of the Bluetooth adapter ‘BlueBike’ to be able to communicate with iOS operating system smartphones.

RAPID BIKE/DIMSPORT
www.rapidbike.it

PBR

PBR 2019 sprockets

Italian sprocket specialist PBR has extended its successful C45T rear sprockets range for new 2019 models. With an excellent price to quality ratio and chosen by many sports, road, naked and touring motorcycles riders, they are made from precision CNC-machined tempered steel. An induction temper on the teeth area (the chain contact path) produces less friction, so sprocket and chain durability and reliability are improved with less wear and reduced noise. 

C45T street sprocket

The steel RSS (Rubber Sprocket System) front sprockets seen here are PBR’s top-end, cutting edge product – “an innovative combination of extremely high strength and extraordinary fluidity and quietness. These qualities are obtained thanks to the rubber injected in the holes drilled in the front sprocket. Durability is improved as the rubber lasts longer, eliminating the problems sometimes associated with glue, preserving reliability”. 

C-Light rear sprocket

RSS front sprockets are available for all sport, street and medium/heavy Enduro/off-road motorcycles, updated to include 2019 models.
For off-road applications, PBR’s C-Light rear sprockets are precision CNC-machined from black, zinc coated C45 carbon steel to improve quality and reliability. They are described as having an attractive lightening hole design and are additionally available in tempered steel for greater durability and “operational excellence” in extreme conditions.

RSS front sprocket

The C-Light line can be combined with PBR’s off-road front sprocket range and is available in different sizes for two/four-stroke engine MX and Enduro models from Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha and KTM.

EK chain

For small to mid-size displacement road and off-road use, PBR is also now offering an enlarged EK Chains range. Said to be manufactured to the same quality as EK racing chain despite their “convenient price to quality ratio”, PBR says they offer “complete reliability, excellent duration, quality and lightness” for on-road and off-road bikes up to and including 2019 and coloured versions in Heavy Duty, O-Ring, QX-Ring, SRX2, QX-MVXZ2 Series, and top of the range ZVX3 version.

PBR SPROCKETS
www.pbr.it

SC-Project

KTM 790 slip-ons - “power you can hear”

Italian performance exhaust specialist SC-Project has a new model-specific line for the KTM 790 Duke that is said to make the most of the bike’s “incredible mix between the lightness of its frame and the hard-hitting punch of the LC8c parallel twin motor - a real weapon in the corners”.

Developed in-house by the race-proven SC-Project R&D Department, it is a complete line of slip-ons that runs from Euro 4 approved street mufflers to racing cans, replacing the stainless steel original muffler.
Designed for “real riders who demand lightness, performance and the full-bodied sound and racing look that every rider desires”, the easy to install high-tech, high-quality materials slip-on line is said to deliver “more power, more torque and less weight - with no remapping required”.
The “innovative” TIG welded SC1-R, a “benchmark for the Superbike World Championship”, is available in titanium or carbon fibre body versions. “The asymmetric and clean shape, together with the matt carbon fibre end cap, recalls the sporting spirit of the SC1-R, confirming it as the ideal muffler for the latest sports bikes. Sound-absorbing material withstands the very high temperatures and racing exhaust gas pressures, and the titanium insert bushings are CNC-machined from solid to guarantee the seals”.
A weight saving of approximately 1.1 kg means increased power and torque; the muffler is Euro 4 approved.
For race use only, the TIG welded S1 and S1-GP mufflers are available in titanium with a matt carbon fibre end cap (S1). “They fuse a racing style with top-end technical solutions such as TIG welded bracket and fitting and one-piece CNC-machined titanium insert bushings”.
The tapered body, “together with the diameter of the output and the top-grade internal soundproofing gives the bike a dark and unmistakable sound; a weight reduction of 1.9 kg (S1) and 2.2 kg (S1-GP) means increased performance, making the KTM a real ‘Ready to Race’ weapon”.

SC-PROJECT
www.sc-project.com

UFO Plast

UFO Plast ‘Slim Egon’ MX gear

Recent news from Italian off-road specialist UFO Plast has included their ‘Saichen’ cooling vest and body suit, ‘Avoir’ boots, ‘Mystic’ goggles, ‘Sierra’ Enduro jacket, X-Concept chest protectors and the ‘Akan’ Enduro/Adv and ‘Quiver’ entry level helmets that followed up on the success of their 2017 launch of the ‘Diamond’ -  their full featured top-end MX helmet with Rotation Impact Absorbing System (RIAS).
At EICMA the company gave a debut to the ‘Slim Egon’, an advanced clothing range that “rides the latest trends in MX and off-road fashion due to its sharp lines”.
Made in 100% elastic polyester with airnet material inserts for excellent breathable action, the jersey is available in white, black and neon blue, in sizes from S to XXXL.

The matching ‘Slim Egon’ pants are mainly made of elastic polyester for exceptional fit and comfort, with multiple airnet inserts and laser-cut ventilation holes at strategic points to ensure excellent breathable action and optimum airflow.
The company says that “particular attention has been paid to the knee area, which is made of Spandex to allow restriction-free use of knee guards, and internal knee panels made of high tenacity material for greater resistance to abrasion and heat.

UFO PLAST S.R.L.
www.ufoplast.it

German motorcycle registrations

Germany: motorcycles +7.35% in 2018*

The latest data from the IVM, the motorcycle industry trade association in Germany, shows motorcycle registrations essentially flat on low volumes in December 2018 at -0.30 percent (2,000 units), having been +1.54 percent (2,566 units) in November. Registrations for the full year 2018 were said to be +7.35 percent (108,296 units).
In total PTW terms, December was -8.90 percent (3,133 units), having been +9.49 percent in November (4,444 units) and +22.17 percent (7,809 units) in October. Total PTW registrations for the full year 2018 in Germany were 155,184 units, which is put at +10.98 percent. 

If true, that would be the second best annual figure for the German market since before 2008 (2016 saw a claimed 172,846 units registered), precisely because of the Euro 3 inventory pre-registrations processed by manufacturers and their dealers.
The top selling model in 2018 was the BMW R 1200 GS (7,304 units), followed by the Yamaha MT-07 (3,199), the Kawasaki Z900 (3,091) and Z 650 (2,787), with the Honda CRF 1000 ‘Africa Twin’ (2,392 units) fifth.
With five models in the Top 20 best sellers, BMW remains motorcycle market leader, though with a reduced share (-7.00%) of 21.25 percent (23,017 units). Kawasaki was fifth with a 11.96 percent market share (12,995 units, +25.11%); Honda third with a 11.82 percent share (12,802 units, +1.18%); KTM fourth with a 11.07 percent share (11,993 units, +24.82%) and Yamaha fifth with a 10.22 percent share (11,063 units, +1.74%).
In percentage terms, the biggest market sector in Germany is the sportsbike market (28.38 percent of all sales/30,732 units), and the fastest growing sectors, in percentage growth terms, are the Supersports (+18.16 percent at 4.46 percent of all sales/4,834 units) and the custom market (“chopper”), which is up by +17.24 percent (10.49 percent of all sales/11,355 units). The second largest sector in overall terms are what are termed “classical” models (naked bikes etc), which account for 27.82 percent of sales (30, 124 units/+13.49%).
All sectors of the German market are up except for the Tourer and Luxury Tourer market (4.67 percent share, 5,053 units, -10.38%). The Enduro market was worth 25,209 units in 2018, making it Germany’s third largest sector with a 23.28 percent share (+6.07%).
*As with other of Europe’s markets, while the unit numbers make good reading, some caution needs to be used when judging the apparent year-on-year percentage market growth because of the several thousands of pre-registered Euro 3 models registered in late 2016 that were actually sold ‘as new’ by dealers in early 2017, meaning that the real numbers for 2017 were higher than officially recorded.

News Briefs

Piaggio sold 312,200 two-wheelers worldwide through September 2018, an improvement of +4.3%, generating net sales of €772.3 m. Worldwide Vespa shipments were +14%, claiming a market leading 25.4% share of the European scooter market.  Aprilia shipments were +13.2%. Sales volumes were +27.1% in India, +7.5% in Asia Pacific.

The MIC owned AIMExpo (October, Las Vegas) is said to have been visited by “a record number of trade attendees” - more than 7,000 dealers, media members, industry personnel and exhibitor attendees, resulting in an impressive 12% increase over the 2017 Columbus, Ohio event. More than 2,500 dealers made the trip to Las Vegas, with representation from all 50 states and more than 50 different countries; the organisers say the show had 505 exhibiting companies. The show returns to Columbus in 2019 (September 26-29).

Yamaha is to exhibit five new models, including four new concepts (among them the Tritown Leaning Multi Wheeler/LMW) at CES 2019 at Las Vegas in January, the world’s largest consumer electronics show. The Niken LMW will also been seen, along with their Public Personal Mobility (PPM) concept – a people service system based on low-speed autonomous driving.

Hertz Ride, expert in motorcycle rentals and tours, has announced an exclusive partnership with Cardo Systems, the “global market leader in wireless communication systems” for motorcyclists, making Cardo its official communication system. The partnership will debut at select Hertz Ride locations throughout Europe and presents two-wheel renters “with an incredible opportunity for a greater connection to their riding group, mobile device, GPS and music”.

Company President Ruggeromassimo Jannuzzelli’s holding company Autjann Srl has sold 100% of the share capital in Italian motorcycle brand Moto Morini to the Zhongneng Vehicle Group. The Jannuzzelli family took over ownership in 2015 and moved Moto Morini from Bologna Trivolzio, south of Milan, to a 3,500 sq m facility. Each Morini is assembled by hand, starting with its engine - each model is built on request. Zhongneng is based in South West China and produces some 500,000 small cc scooters annually and makes engines for other manufacturers and its own Zhen Motor brand. Founder and President Chen Huanneng says he has “great plans” for the brand and that “it will remain on Italian soil”.

The new Michelin ‘Anakee Adventure’ has been type-approved for the R 1250 GS and will be on sale in January as an addition to Michelin’s ‘Trail’ range. Said to have exceptional grip on wet roads, which is due to a new generation silica-enhanced compound, it is also claimed to combine “outstanding performance in dry weather with stability and resistance to wear” as a result of Michelin’s Dual Compound 2CT/2CT+ technologies.

Kymco has announced its official entry into India with its “game-changing” Ionex electric scooter total solution. In partnership with Twenty Two Motors, an Indian company that focuses on developing advanced connected electric vehicles, Kymco says it is “set to revolutionise the two-wheeler sector in India by bringing the new era of electric scooters and building the open energy platforms long awaited by Indian customers”. India is the largest two-wheeler market in the world. The Indian government is actively promoting the use of electric vehicles and the establishment of EV infrastructure.

Australian motorcycle/ATV/SSV market

Australia: Q3 road bikes -7.5 percent

Australia’s motorcycle and All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)/Side-By-Side Vehicle (SSV) market declined by -6.2 percent in Q3.

National sales data released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) showed YTD registrations down at 68,494 units compared to 73,058 for the first nine months of 2017.
The 2018 market remained relatively steady in terms of its composition, with road bikes remaining the most popular category at 40 per cent of the market. Off-road bikes took a 34 per cent share, ATV/SSVs accounted for 21.5 per cent of total sales, and scooters recorded a slight increase to 4.5 percent of the overall market.
Among the individual brands, across the market Honda came in at number one with 16,051 sales (23.4 percent market share), Yamaha is in second place with 14,393 sales (21 percent share), Kawasaki in third with 6,857 sales (10 percent share), followed by KTM with 5,792 sales (8.5 percent share) and Suzuki with 5,278 sales (7.7 percent share).
Road bike sales nationally reduced by -7.5 per cent on the 2017 result.  Honda came in as segment leader, ahead of Harley-Davidson and Yamaha third.  Yamaha, Suzuki, Husqvarna and Indian all saw increased sales to the end of the 3rd quarter in 2018 compared with 2017.
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 -3.3 percent fall on its 2017 result, with KTM and Honda as the only volume brands to record an increase in sales to the end of the third quarter.
The ATV/SSV segment has suffered the biggest reduction in sales (compared to 2017), with overall numbers being down by -11.2 percent.  Polaris was the overall leader, with Honda in second place and Yamaha third.  Disappointingly, all brands have suffered a reduction in sales for the year so far.
In the smallest segment (Scooters,) which only accounts for 4.5 percent of total sales, Honda was the leader, followed by Piaggio and Vespa in third, with most brands seeing an increase in sales in this segment (a +11.8 percent increase in overall scooter sales compared to Q3 2017) last year.

POD Active

POD K8 forged carbon knee brace

The new POD K8 knee protector features a patented hinge that uses shock-absorbing synthetic ligaments. These ligaments (tested to 100,000 cycles without failure) are engineered from Vectran fibres that are five times stronger than steel, providing progressive, multidirectional motion control.
The inspiration for the design “comes from the human body itself,” says Brett Nicholas, CEO of Australian Manufacturer POD Active.
“The POD K8 has taken hinge design to another level with a breakthrough technology that delivers new levels of comfort, performance and reliability, making traditional mechanical hinges technically obsolete.

“A culmination of everything that we’ve learnt in the lab and from the demands of our world champion athletes over the past decade, this patented and medically certified knee protection system is clinically proven to reduce the prevalence and severity of common knee injuries – there’s no question that this brace sets new standards for knee safety in action sports.”
The high strength Vectran fibre ligaments form part of the patented knee protection system. The hinge housing controls the range of motions while providing a smooth contact surface against the knee and motocross pants – avoiding abrasion and damage. Load dampening hinge inserts can be integrated to limit full extension and reduce the time the knee is in the ‘at risk’ position.
Formable knee grippers, plus interchangeable hinge shims and pads, capture and control the knee for a precise and secure fit.
Low profile forged carbon frames allow for optimal load transfer away from the knee joint, without compromising feel for the bike. This advanced composite technology and construction process, adopted in aerospace and Formula 1, is exclusively used by POD.

“We’re so confident about the strength and protection of the unbreakable K8 frames that we back it up with an industry leading five-year warranty”, says Nicholas.
Additional features include adaptive cuffs to accommodate muscle motion and disperse load; antimicrobial frame liners enhance comfort and reduce odour, plus capture the interior straps and clips to anchor the brace to the rider’s leg and stop brace migration during the ride. CE impact-tested and certified, full coverage guards protect against impacts and handlebar strikes and enhance comfort when kneeling.
The result of what is, in effect, an entire design system is a completely interchangeable modular knee brace system that allows the rider to replace parts of the brace at home or at the track.
POD Active is an innovative Australian product development company “specialising in joint protection for elite athletes and active people”. Its patented products “integrate seamlessly with modern sports equipment, effortlessly enable natural motion and actively minimise the risk of injury”. This technology is known as Protection On Demand. The POD knee braces are distributed in over 50 countries - “making POD the #1 brand in motocross and actions sports worldwide. POD knee braces combine extreme function and performance with the confidence derived from a medically certified device”.

POD ACTIVE
www.podactive.com

Termignoni

Termignoni - the evolution continues

Last year, after almost 50 years of success on the racetrack, with 16 titles won alongside Ducati, Italian exhaust specialist Termignoni renewed its commitment to Supersport models with new systems for Ducati Supersport, Ducati Multistrada 950, Honda CBR 500 and a range of other models.
This year strengthened thanks to significant experience in Superbike and under the guidance of engineer Ernesto Marinelli, the Termignoni team has driven development of its highly-anticipated system for the new Supersport par excellence, the Ducati Panigale V4.

The new project, known as 4USCITE, incorporates “all the essence and tradition of Termignoni design and represents a real revolution in the world of exhaust systems. Important chassis parts have been integrated to make up a one-of-a-kind kit.
“The exhaust system has been split into two parts. The front cylinders feed the two lower exits, positioned on the right side and assimilated with the carbon half fairing thanks to a titanium flange. The rear cylinders flow into the two undertail exits, which blend with the Panigale tailpiece thanks to two lateral appendages in carbon.
“This new layout makes for a first-rate result in terms of performance and, also thanks to the many carbon parts, marries perfectly, design-wise, with the Panigale V4. Performance and design thus come together in one exhaust system, characterised by the most exclusive materials and most advanced techniques and equipped with top of the range accessories that are indispensable when it comes to getting the most out of the V4”.

4USCITE
The 4USCITE exhaust system has been designed as a racing system with the aim of providing maximum performance across the entire torque and power curve.

The chassis parts have been conceived so that design is integrated with riding comfort. The use of carbon fibre extends across all these components, starting with the two lateral half fairings, the two appendages - right and left – of the undertail tip, the lateral right-hand heat shield, the undertank protection and the mudguard/chain cover.
The exhaust system is split into two parts, the precision-cast head connections designed to offer the best fluid-dynamic performance and blend with the soft and harmonious curves of the pipe layout. As well as the base version with stainless steel pipes and titanium tips, a full titanium version will also be available.
The right and left half fairings, strictly carbon, are equipped with extraction and intake vents and blend with the bike’s unique lines. The right-hand part integrates the two lower exits, which stand out as a result of the muscular titanium flange that assimilates them. The left-hand part mirrors the lines of the fairing and includes the opening for the standard lateral stand.
All the heat shields have been created in carbon fibre integrated with a heat reflective material for greater protection at high temperatures.
The undertail silencer is attached to the rear frame with a billet Ergal support and is characterised by its titanium sleeve and carbon end cap, “created so as to blend perfectly with the design of the V4 tail”.
To further improve performance, the package also includes a Sprint Filter Racing air filter, “a long-time leading accessory in the sector”.
Lastly, the kit will also include the exclusive ‘UpMap’ device, containing the available mappings with which to best calibrate the Panigale V4 control unit in combination with the D182 system.
As well as the racing kit, a road kit integration will also be available, including a carbon fibre support for the licence plate, light and indicators (the support supplied makes use of the standard wiring, indicators, light and licence plate).
In terms of performance, the complete system is said to offer “significant improvement across the entire torque and power curve. Specifically, the power increase recorded is in the region of +6.5 %.

‘UpMap’
Termignoni continues the evolution of its ‘UpMap’ project – a tuning tool conceived specifically to allow riders to get the best from their Termignoni exhaust system.
“The continuous development of electronics makes it increasingly difficult with regard to the performance gains offered by contemporary systems with the exclusive use of the exhaust alone - the way it integrates with the bike’s engine and on-board software is as important these days as the design and engineering of the exhaust system itself”.

Termignoni has invested heavily in its ‘UpMap’ project with an entire division of the company dedicated to the effort - involving 18 people, 15 months of research, 5 months of product development, 3,000 km of track testing and 1,000 sq m of its Predosa, Italy facility (between Milan and Genoa).
‘UpMap’ connects to the diagnosis cable of the bike, and through an iOS and Android App allows the rider (or tuner) real time Smartphone access “to a universe of mappings developed and tested by our experts. It allows autonomous reprogramming of the ECU in total security, from your garage, without having to contact an expert or spend time dyno-testing.
“In addition to maps it offers other services, such as the possibility of having a digital dashboard, an onboard computer that tells you the health state of your vehicle, showing you any defects while driving, or evaluate fuel consumption. The camera option (with the front and back smartphone cameras) allows video recording of the riding performance. The data acquired from the control unit will be graphically displayed on the screen”.

TERMIGNONI
www.termignoni.it

Watsonian Squire

Bobber sidecar mounting kit

Triumph's Bonneville has been a firm favourite with sidecar enthusiasts since its launch in 2001, and British sidecar specialist Watsonian Squire has a new kit available allowing any of their sidecar designs to be mounted on the popular Triumph Bobber.

Designed and made in Watsonian's UK factory, the Bobber kit consists of four attachment arms, tailored to ensure optimum load paths and triangulation for the sidecar – essential for a stable and secure outfit.
The kit is suitable for all models in the current Watsonian range, from the lightweight Meteor on a platform chassis to the wide-body GP700, sitting in a perimeter frame. The Bobber is pictured fitted to a Watsonian Grand Prix, which has been in production since the 1960s and can trace its design back to the Watsonian Sports sidecar of 1930.

WATSONIAN-SQUIRE LTD
www.watsonian-squire.com

Motogadget

The first glassless rear-view mirror for motorcycles?

Berlin, Germany based company Motogadget has released what it says is the world’s first glassless mirror series for motorcycles.

Called ‘m.view’, the patented mirror surface is milled directly into the metal of the body. The aluminium itself is the mirror surface, meaning a frame or edge is no longer necessary and 100 percent of the mirror surface is used for a “minimum size with maximum mirror area”.

“Without glass and frame, an elegant and weightless design is achieved. The mirror body itself is very thin and light.  Shattered or fallen out glasses are simply impossible with this mirror”.
The convex mirror surface is produced in a complex fly-cutting process using diamond tools on ultra-precision machines directly on the aluminium body. It is then made resistant to oxidation, corrosion and scratches by a high-tech plasma coating in a vacuum.
The mirrors and mirror arms are made of billet aluminium, CNC-machined and anodised in black. All parts such as screws or ball heads are made of stainless steel.
Motogadget offers four different mirror designs with conventional mirror stem as well as three handlebar end mirrors, all with ECE marking. The range also includes two tiny handlebar end mirrors without ECE marking.
www.motogadget.com

Caberg

Caberg ‘Levo’ flip-up

Founded in 1974, Caberg helmets will celebrate their 45th anniversary next year with updates across its range and an all new flip-up design in full carbon or composite fibre – the ‘Levo’.

Developed “for most touring riders” with “innovative design and advanced technical solutions”, it is offered in two shell sizes with P (full-face) and J (Jet) dual ECE homologation – allowing the ‘Levo’ to be ridden with the chin guard open.
The ventilation system offers “optimal comfort, even during the most extreme conditions, thanks to two air front vents, two rear air extractors and built-in channels in the inner shell”.

‘Levo’ is comms ready, equipped with a panoramic ultra-wide visor “that allows the best field of vision for improved visibility of up to 82 degrees” and has the Pinlock Max Vision lens to avoid misting and a glove-friendly, integrated sunshade visor (DVT Double Visor Tech).

The entirely removable and washable lining is in high quality hypoallergenic and breathable fabrics and the cheek pads have been designed for wearing glasses.
Caberg was founded in Bergamo, northern Italy, with Ca-Berg an acronym for Caschi di Bergamo (Helmets from Bergamo). The 1974 offer featured two full-face designs, and highlights during its 45 years are said to include being the first Italian company to develop a then revolutionary flip-up helmet in 1992.

CABERG SPA
www.caberg.it

UK full year motorcycle registrations

UK full year motorcycle registrations +2.90

The latest data from the MCIA (the Motorcycle Industry Association) shows motorcycle registrations for 2018 in the UK at -3.88 percent (4,736 units) for December, having been -1.00 percent in November (5,668 units) and finishing 2018 at +2.90 percent at 99,751 units. This is an increase compared to 96,943 units in 2017, but a decrease from the recent market high of 118,976 units in 2016. Although the 2016 high was artificially inflated by registration of pre-Euro 4 inventory, the market is yet to return to the more realistic total of 104,815 in 2015 and is still -4.83 percent down from this level.

The MCIA has reflected on 2018, saying “in a year that has seen turbulence across several retail sectors, the Powered Two-Wheeler (PTW) market bucked the trend by finishing 2018 slightly ahead of 2017, as more people took advantage of motorcycles and scooters to beat congestion on their daily commute, improve air quality and enjoy their journeys”. The organisation is hopeful that growth will continue in 2019, saying it believes that “increased consideration of PTWs and other Powered Light Vehicles within Government transport and road planning would tempt many drivers away from their single-occupancy cars, especially where walking, cycling and public transport are not viable alternatives”.
The small UK moped market declined by -29.75 percent in 2018 (5,418 units), with total PTW registrations slightly up for the year at +0.49 (105,169 units).

FEMA

European Council: ‘Motorcycle safety must be part of road safety procedures’

At the most recent meeting of European ministers for transport in Brussels it was agreed that the EU should reform and strengthen road infrastructure management rules.
The Council of the European Union agreed its position on a proposal from the third Mobility package by the European Commission to strengthen road infrastructure management to reduce road fatalities and serious injuries.

The reform of the Road Infrastructure Safety Management Directive will extend the scope of the current rules to motorways and other primary roads beyond the trans-European transport network (TEN-T). This will contribute significantly to the improvement of road infrastructure safety across the European Union. The directive would also cover roads outside urban areas that are built using EU funding - which is something that FEMA (The Federation of European Motorcyclist Associations) has been lobbying for. “It will become mandatory to take account of vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists in road safety management procedures.”

FEMA General Secretary Dolf Willigers: “From now on road authorities will have to take vulnerable road users, including motorcyclists, into account with all decisions regarding the main roads in Europe”

The proposal introduces a network-wide road safety assessment, which is a snapshot of the entire road network covered by the directive used to evaluate accident risk. Authorities will use the findings to carry out more targeted road safety inspections or take direct remedial action. It will become mandatory to take systematic account of pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists and other users of powered two-wheelers in road safety management procedures. These road users accounted for almost half of road fatalities in the EU in 2017.

FEMA General Secretary Dolf Willigers said: “This is a pleasant surprise. The decision of the Council is exactly what we have asked for. This is great news for motorcyclists. From now on road authorities will have to take vulnerable road users, including motorcyclists, into account with all decisions regarding the main roads in Europe. This will lead to better road safety for motorcyclists.”

News Briefs

Metisse Motorcycles owner Gerry Lisi is to build a new 1,850 sq m factory and museum at his present Oxfordshire headquarters in the UK. Industry icons Don and Derek Rickman broke ground on the new facility at a ceremony in November. The plan is for the licensed McQueen replicas to be handbuilt alongside the recently announced MK5 framed 1000 cc parallel twin.

Motorcycle Live in the UK in November saw Norton unveil two prototypes of its planned Norton Atlas - the Nomad and the Ranger naked style Roadsters. The 84 hp twins are using the 1200 cc from the long-planned Norton V4, cut in half, and is targeting production of 2000 Atlas units a year from 2019.

U.S. distribution giant Tucker Powersports has announced the hiring of industry veteran Greg Blackwell to the new position of Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Blackwell’s 30-year industry Tour of Duty includes KTM North America, Lemans Corporation (Parts Unlimited), Metzeler Motorcycle Tire North America, and, most recently, as president of MTA Distributing. Tucker Powersports is a division of the Motorsports Aftermarket Group (MAG).

Motorex has again been honoured by KTM as an A+ supplier in their prestigious “KTM Supplier Quality Excellence Award”. The Swiss oil brand (blended by Bucher AG) is ‘First Fill’ oil for new KTM models and a major player in KTM’s factory race team endeavours.
 
Windscreen specialist National Cycle (Maywood, Illinois) has received ECE R43 L-Class Certification for Quantum Hardcoated Polycarbonate with UV protective coating for use on powersports vehicles with windscreen wipers. Thermoformed or injection moulded, Quantum Hardcoated Polycarbonate is said to be 56% lighter than glass and is widely acknowledged as the most impact resistant material currently in use for motorcycle windscreens. The test involved wiper testing the material to over one million cycles!

The MV Agusta Brutale 1000 Serie Oro was chosen by some 35% of 16,000 plus EICMA voters as “The most beautiful motorcycle of the show". The competition, organised by the largest Italian monthly motorcycle magazine, Motociclismo, saw the Ducati Hypermotard SP come second, followed by the Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory.

Brembo will be the exclusive ‘Official Brake Supplier’ for all the Energica bikes in the inaugural MotoE Championship. The fully electric single brand competition will be staged at five European circuits for the 2019 World Championship, together with MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3.

The FIM has added its support to the European Training Quality Label - a voluntary certification scheme launched in 2015 by ACEM and the DVR - a leading German road safety NGO, to help motorcyclists clearly and easily identify high-quality post-license training programmes in Europe.

Italian boot brand TCX has a new CEO - Andrea Nalesso joins from the Equipment and Footwear division of Oberalp Group, where he was GM, prior to which he spent five years at Dainese as Director of Sales and Marketing. Based near Treviso, TCX was founded in 1999 and acquired by London based equity investor Keyhaven Capital Partners in May 2017.

Suzuki is nearing completion of its new combination engineering, development, engine production and vehicle assembly facility at Hamamatsu, Japan, where parent company Suzuki Motor Corp. (SMC) is headquartered. Announced in 2014, the 70,000 sq m facility (on a 16 Ha. Site) will consolidate operations, including engine production from Takatsuka and final assembly from its Toyokawa factory.

Galfer

Winning with Galfer Racing CW1 brake discs

Endorsed by HRC in 2016 and winners of the Moto3 World Championship in 2017, Spanish manufacturer Galfer says its Racing CW1 brake discs have become “benchmarks for the sector”.
“From the smallest Moto4 class to Pre-Moto3, Moto3, SSP300, Moto2, SSP600, and even the Superbikes World Championship, the Galfer Racing CW1 brake discs are being used in many national and world championships”, the company says.
Indeed in 2017 it won the Moto3 World Cup with Joan Mir, the Supersport 300 World Cup with Marc García and the Junior Moto3 World Cup with Dennis Foggia, achieving 25 victories and 44 podia. The brake discs also won the Supersport World Championship with Randy Krummenacher, and the Superbikes European Championship with Carmelo Morales. Many teams, including Estrella Galicia 0.0, Reale-Avintia, Gresini Racing, Leopard Racing, GoEleven or VR46 Junior, as well as Moto2 chassis manufacturers Suter and NTS, “trust their competition motorcycles to brake with the Galfer Racing CW1 brake discs”. Since 2017 the discs are also being used in the Red Bull Rookies Cup, along with Galfer sintered brake pads.

Laser-cut and made of high-carbon stainless steel, they undergo thermal stabilisation treatments before 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 15% weight reduction compared to round brake discs, “better heat dissipation thanks to Galfer’s Disc Wave design, improved braking power and better aesthetics”.

INDUSTRIAS GALFER S.A.
www.galfer.eu

Hevik

HV30 ‘Montauk’ integral helmet

Unveiled at EICMA by Hevik, the HV30 is the company’s first integral helmet. With its front panel and contoured look, it is designed for touring and crossover riders.

The company says that “the excellent quality to price ratio and the two original colour options make the HV30 an extremely attractive helmet”. Based on the success of the jet models, Hevik broadens its range with this full-face, top-of-the-range “enduro” style helmet, which is characterised by a sharp look combined with efficient aerodynamics.
Features include a wide, transparent anti-scratch visor, designed for a Pinlock lens, a sun visor and a standard nose/chin guard. It has a completely removable and washable comfortable interior, which is well ventilated and can hold an intercom. Closure is by quick-release strap and the weight is 1,550 g. The external shell is made of thermoplastic material, and it is available in two colour combinations - titanium/yellow and white/black.

HEVIK
www.hevik.com

LeoVince

LV-10 Titanium

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 achieves a 30 percent weight reduction compared to stainless steel and delivers “high ductility, strength and corrosion resistance”.

LV-10 Titanium

Applying experience gained in the Moto2 and Moto3 championships, the company says that 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.
The LV-10 Titanium exhaust has a sanded finish with a laser-etched LeoVince logo and was unveiled for selected models and variants at EICMA, including Kawasaki ZX10/Z900/Z1000, Yamaha R1/6, MT-10, Honda CBR 1000, BMW S1000 RR and Suzuki GSX-S 1000. 

Universal Muffler Kit

Also seen here, this new LeoVince universal muffler kit has been developed to meet the needs of professional customisers and riders who want to customise their own exhaust system in the home garage.
Available in different lines, finishes and diameters, it is supplied without manifold, but including bracket and mounting hardware.

LEOVINCE
www.leovince.com

Puig (Motoplastic)

Puig mirrors, lights, protectors and mounts

Barcelona based parts and accessory specialist Puig (Motoplastic) introduced a number of new products for 2019 at EICMA, with the focus on a new series of homologated mirrors.
Replicating the emphasis that the company places on aerodynamics with the virtual wind tunnel testing of its award-winning windscreens, the rounded, front-facing ‘rear’ shape on some the designs, including the ‘Retro’ model is a 3D machined aerodynamically tuned mirror body that improves mirror stability and reduces drag.

The ‘GTI’ is a sophisticated, multi-adjustable design with a turn signal integrated into the structure of the mirror; the ‘Grand Tracker’ is said to bring “form and function” together - a housing designed for maximum simplicity and mirror dimensions is mated to a robust, stable, adjustable, hi-tech, regulation-compliant arm.

Additional new lines include the R19 motor protector; updated R12 crash pads with a more aggressive design and angled shapes with inserts available in a range of colours; new front and rear axle sliders with a proven energy management structure and colour anodised aluminium ring.

Another area to get the Puig aerodynamic treatment is the rider’s legs, where a set of deflectors have been designed (for example for the Kymco AK550) consisting of two pieces of 3 mm thick high impact acrylic, with simple lines that follow the design of the body. The aerodynamic design helps to divert the air, allowing for improved rider comfort.
Puig’s new ‘Downforce’ spoilers for 1000 cc bikes are said to have been inspired by MotoGP and tested at several circuits in collaboration with the Team Kawasaki Racing team. Their aerodynamic effectiveness is seen in the downforce, creating improved front wheel grip under braking, greater stability in straights and cornering and an anti-wheelie effect under strong acceleration.
Lightweight, with an aggressive aesthetic, each model is supplied with two colour "winglets" to adapt them to the rider’s style and taste. Currently available for 2016-2019 ZX10R, 2017-2018 CBR 1000RR, 2015-2018 R1, 2017-2018 GSX-R1000 and the 2015-2018 BMW S 1000RR.

Puig’s 1 mm aluminium front plate serves as a small windshield with a neo-retro style; universal or model-specific clamp-mount auxiliary LED spotlights fit 21-30 mm tubular engine guards between 21-30 mm in diameter are available in 20w and 12v with low consumption 2000 lumen output and sold with wiring, water resistant connections and a handlebar switch with warning light. The robust aluminium housing is in black, with rear spoilers for excellent heat dissipation and high resistance polycarbonate lenses.

MOTOPLASTIC
www.puig.tv

Barnett

Barnett billet clutch covers

Specifically for Ducati 6-speed dry clutch models, these three clutch cover options from leading Californian manufacturer Barnett Tool & Engineering are designed to show off and protect the clutch at the same time.

The three designs are the “Half”, “Propeller” and the “Open Face” cover. These covers are precision CNC-machined from aerospace quality billet aluminium, then polished and anodised in a choice of clear (natural), black or hard anodised, and the ideal finishing touch to any Barnett Ducati clutch package of basket, pressure plate and spring kit.
Noted for their durability and improved performance, Barnett clutches are among the strongest and most reliable, made with decades of experience going into each and every component. Finished off with the ‘Half’, the ‘Propeller’ or the ‘Open Face’ cover, these Barnett upgrades for Ducati 6-speed and many other leading late models and best-selling manufacturer clutches, they deliver “the ultimate in looks and performance”.

BARNETT CLUTCHES & CABLES
www.barnettcables.com

MC Massan

Stockholm Motorcycle Expo moves to Swedish National Arena

The modest if welcome growth in most of the mainstream sectors of the PTW and wider powersports market in Sweden has raised hopes for the prospects of MC Massan in January.

The annual expo alternates between Stockholm and Gothenburg, with January 25 – 27 slated for the 2019 show, but at a new venue – the Friends Arena at Solna in the northern Stockholm suburbs – Sweden’s National Arena, adjacent to the giant Mall of Scandinavia.
"Friends Arena gives us new opportunities to develop the fair as an overall experience for the visitors," says Niklas Kristoffersson, CEO of the Motorcycle Industry Trade Association in Sweden, McRF.
"We believe the move will both give a boost to the traditional audience while attracting new enthusiasts. With its central location in northern Stockholm, with excellent connections to and from the whole region, we believe that the Friends Arena opens the show up for even more visitors from all of Sweden’s most populated regions. The neighbouring Mall of Scandinavia is a tourist attraction in itself and suitable for an excursion for the whole family.
www.mcmassan.se

Andreani

Andreani DB4 suspension ‘Dyno’ – a special offer for IDN readers
   
Well known for its advanced suspension tuning tools, track success and technician training courses, Italian specialist Andreani Group have a special offer available for dealers in January.      

The company’s DB4 is the most advanced test bench that Andreani has yet produced to test all types of motorcycle, MTB and car suspensions “in a fully automated way” thanks to the powerful 4kW engine that allows testing of shock absorbers and forks in a wide range of speeds and loads, choosing between several stroke settings.
“Already available in the 2019 version with updated ergonomics and software, the DB4 is offered at the special price of €12,000 plus VAT, complete with all the necessary adapters and kit that will allow technicians to work on every kind of suspension. This offer is dedicated only to IDN readers and only for the month of January 2019”.
From 1st of February 2019, the DB4 price will be €12,500 plus VAT.
“The DB4 is equipped with dedicated software with special versions that include among the various advanced features hysteresis analysis, calculation of dissipated energy of damping coefficients and has a sophisticated dedicated controller board that ensures stable and reliable automation of all functions and extremely precise data acquisition.
“It also features real-time displays of the suspension’s strength-speed graph, compares the different shock absorber settings or the different configurations, measures dynamic suspension parameters and detects any operating malfunctions”.
To use the offer, email info@andreanigroup.com with the subject ‘IDN DB4 promo’.

ANDREANI GROUP INTERNATIONAL
www.andreanigroup.com

European Transport Safety Council (ETSC)

ETSC joins Training Quality Label consortium

The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), the most important NGO in the field of road safety in Europe, has joined the European Motorcycle Training Quality Label consortium as a supporting member. The Label is a voluntary certification scheme for post-licence motorcycle training programmes. It aims to help motorcyclists easily identify the best safety training programmes in Europe.

The motorcycle training school of the Swedish Association of Motorcyclists (SMC) has also recently been awarded the European Motorcycle Training Quality Label for their “Advice and guidelines version 3 - The Basics” programme. The SMC motorcycle training school is the largest training provider in Sweden and offers safety training courses for different levels. More than 10,000 motorcyclists attended 300 SMC courses last year.
This brings the number of certified programmes to 28 - in Sweden, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Austria and Germany.

According to Antonio Perlot, Secretary General of the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers: “The European Motorcycle Training Quality Label is one of the main elements of the motorcycle industry’s safety strategy and we are confident that this action contributes to the overall aim of making Europe’s roads better and safer for all motorcyclists. We are delighted that the ETSC recognises the importance of this initiative and has decided to endorse the European Training Quality Label. We also congratulate SMC for joining the group of the best training providers in Europe”.

“We are delighted that the ETSC recognises the importance of this initiative and has decided to endorse the European Training Quality Label. We also congratulate SMC for joining the group of the best training providers in Europe”

Jesper Christensen, Secretary General of the SMC, said: “Our members ride 80% of all motorcycle kilometres in Sweden, so their safety is a top priority for us. Our five hundred instructors of the SMC School strive to reach out to more riders and provide safety-orientated and fun motorcycle training. We are really happy that our educational platform has received this important recognition at the European level.”
www.motorcycle-training-label.eu