Honda

Honda - fiscal 1st quarter ended June 30, 2019

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. says that its consolidated sales revenue for the fiscal first quarter (April 1, 2019 through June 30, 2019) amounted to 3,996.2bn yen, a decrease of -0.7% compared to the same period last year, due primarily to a decrease in sales revenue in its automobile and motorcycle businesses as well as unfavourable foreign currency effects.
Consolidated worldwide motorcycle sales were 3.264m units for the quarter, which was -0.351% on the year ago quarter (4.921m units on a group-wide unit basis, -0.431%).

Consolidated operating profit for the fiscal first quarter amounted to 252.4bn yen, a decrease of -15.7% compared to the same period last year, due primarily to an increase in selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses. A decrease in profit related to changes in sales volume and model mix resulting from a decrease in automobile unit sales in U.S. and a decrease in motorcycle and automobile unit sales due to the slowdown of the Indian market, as well as unfavourable foreign currency effects. This was despite cost reduction efforts.
Consolidated profit before income tax for the fiscal first quarter amounted to 289.8bn yen, a decrease of -19.1% compared to the same period last year.
The previously announced forecast for consolidated sales revenue for the current fiscal year (April 1, 2019 through March 31, 2020) was revised downward by 50.0bn yen to 15,650.0bn yen, mainly to reflect the downward revision of the forecast for automobile unit sales in India.

Despite the downward revision of the forecast for automobile unit sales in light of uncertainties in emerging markets, the forecast for operating profit remains the same, 770.0bn yen, due to an increase in the forecast of motorcycle unit sales in some countries such as Vietnam and the further improvement in the business structure.
June this year saw Honda celebrating the 60th anniversary of its racing heritage at this year's Isle of Man TT. In 1954 company founder Soichiro Honda declared his intention that the company should enter the legendary Isle of Man TT in the FIM 1 Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix (WGP), the premier class at the time.
For the next five years Honda developed their first racing machines, and on June 3, 1959 became the first Japanese motorcycle manufacturer to enter the Isle of Man TT with Junzo Suzuki, Naomi Taniguchi, Giichi Suzuki and Teisuke Tanaka riding their RC142 racing bikes in the 125 cc class.
The rest, as they say, is history!

Polaris

Polaris reports Q2 adjusted sales +18% at $1,779 million; Indian gains market share on down sales

Polaris' motorcycles segment sales, including PG&A, totalled $197 million, up +15 percent compared to the second quarter of 2018, driven by strength in Indian sales, particularly the new FTR1200 motorcycle, which began shipping globally in the second quarter, offset by declines in Slingshot sales. Gross profit for the second quarter of 2019 was $27m compared to $25m in the second quarter of 2018. The increase in gross profit was primarily the result of higher volume mostly offset by increased tariff costs.

North American consumer retail sales for the Polaris Indian motorcycles decreased high-single digits percent during the second quarter of 2019 in a weak mid to heavyweight two-wheel motorcycle industry that was down low double digits percent. Indian outperformed the market with modest market share gains in North America during the quarter, driven by retail sales of its new mid-size bike, the race-inspired FTR1200, which has experienced strong initial demand both in North America and internationally.
North American consumer retail sales for Polaris' motorcycles segment, including both Indian Motorcycles and Slingshot, decreased mid-teens percent during the second quarter of 2019, while the North American motorcycle industry retail sales for mid to heavyweight motorcycles, including three-wheel vehicles, was down mid-single digits percent in the second quarter of 2019.
"Our second quarter results reflect the deft leadership and disciplined execution of our Polaris team. We worked diligently to overcome the impacts of tariffs, a very wet spring and an aggressive promotional environment, delivering financial results slightly favourable to expectations, but trailing our long-term performance goals," said Scott Wine, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Industries Inc.
"The strength of our industry-leading brands and vehicles enabled us to gain share in Indian Motorcycles and drive growth in Side-by-Sides with RANGER and RZR, although our decision to assume price leadership did impact volume, specifically in our lower margin youth and value segments.
"We are encouraged by our market share gains and year-to-date growth in Boats, as well as the continued improvement at TAP, where retail store sales growth was up nicely. Our operational and dealer fundamentals are in good shape as we head into the critically important model year 2020 product introductions, and we anticipate improved retail performance during the second half of the year."

Scott Wine, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Industries Inc.

North American Side-by-Side retail sales increased low-single digits percent for the quarter compared to last year; Indian retail sales were down high-single digits percent, outperforming the industry and gaining share in an extremely challenging market.
Polaris has reported second quarter 2019 net income of $88m, or $1.42 per diluted share, compared with net income of $93m, or $1.43 per diluted share, for the 2018 second quarter. Adjusted net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2019 was $107m, or $1.73 per diluted share compared to $115m, or $1.77 per diluted share, in the 2018 second quarter.
Gross profit increased +13% to $436m for the second quarter of 2019 from $385m in the second quarter of 2018. Reported gross profit margin was 24.5% of sales for the second quarter of 2019 compared to 25.6% of sales for the second quarter of 2018. Gross profit for the second quarter of 2019 includes the negative impact of $7m of restructuring and realignment costs. Excluding these costs, second quarter 2019 adjusted gross profit was $443m, or 24.9% of adjusted sales.
ORV wholegood sales for the second quarter of 2019 increased four percent primarily driven by increased average selling prices. Polaris North American ORV retail sales decreased low-single digits percent for the quarter, with Side-by-Side vehicles up low-single digits percent and ATV vehicles down high-single digits percent. Shipment unit volume was down during the quarter, in-line with retail sales declines as the Company's retail flow management process (RFM) performed as designed. The North American ORV industry was up high-single digits percent compared to the second quarter last year, partly driven by new competitive product not in the market a year ago.
For the full year 2019, the Company is narrowing its earnings guidance range by increasing the lower end to $6.10 per diluted share and maintaining the upper end at $6.30 per diluted share, including the impact of the China 301 list 3 tariff rate increasing from 10% to 25% effective May 2019, and the benefit of the Company's tariff mitigation actions. The Company is also narrowing its full year 2019 sales guidance range and now expects sales to grow in the range of 12% to 13% compared to the prior year.

Swedish motorcycle registrations

Sweden: motorcycle registrations +12.12% Jan-July

The latest data available from the motorcycle industry trade association in Sweden (McRF) shows new motorcycle registrations up by +33.76 percent in July (1,355 units), having been -8.17 percent in June (1,427 units), -2.65 percent in May (1,981 units) and +4.40 percent in April (2,181 units).

The January to July YTD motorcycle registrations are +12.12 percent at 9,001 units - the best first seven months for new motorcycle registrations in Sweden since before 2014.
The Swedish moped market was -7.03 percent for the first seven months of the year at 8,977 units, meaning that total new PTW registrations are up, but only by +1.66 percent YTD at 17,978 units in total (road and off-road motorcycles, mopeds and scooters) - also the best market performance in Sweden for the first seven months since before 2014.
In 2018 new motorcycle registrations were down for the full year at -10.83% (10,279 units), with Mopeds up by +22.71% (16,155 units,) putting total new PTW registrations at +7.06% (26,444 units) for the year – the highest such figure for several years.

Deltran

Battery Tender Li-ion with BMS and activation switch

Florida based Deltran's new Battery Tender brand next generation Lithium batteries are said to be "safer, smarter, lighter weight and deliver longer battery life," according to Clinton Green, VP Sales for North America.

"The advantages of Lithium-ion batteries are immense," says Clinton. "Increased fuel economy, a constant current compared to the variable current you can get from AGM batteries, up to four times longer battery life and a 99% more efficient charge and up to two times lighter than the equivalent conventional battery are just some of the most obvious advantages."

Features of the Battery Tender Lithium include quad terminals providing for accessory hook-up options; Smart Battery Management System (BMS) that monitors, optimises and protects the battery; a battery activation wire that connects the battery activation switch to the BMS; a fireproof coating for thermal protection - an engineered mechanism that supports high current flow during voltage discharge - and an IP67 water and dust resistant bottom case with high melting point.
The BMS detects possible overcharge or discharge and will shut off the battery to prevent permanent battery damage; the user can reactivate the Lithium battery by pressing the battery activation switch on the quick disconnect cable to allow the battery to be charged again with a Battery Tender Lithium-specific charger. The quick disconnect cable has three terminals - one to positive, one to negative and the third to the battery activation switch.

DELTRAN USA, LLC
www.batterytender.com

HP Corse

Tiger 800 4-Track

Italian exhaust specialist HP Corse says it thinks that designing a system that improves on the already excellent performance of the Triumph Tiger 800 family - "probably the most daring ADV model yet built" - is quite a challenge, but not one to pass up.

"The Tiger has Triumph's new generation three-cylinder engine, extremely responsive power delivery and optimised ergonomics delivering excellent performance both on and off-road, with surprising acceleration on any type of terrain.
"However, we have been able to develop a solution that takes the Tiger 800 to another level with a model-specific development of our strongest and most powerful exhaust - the 4-Track.

"Available in three different materials, design-wise it is unlike any other single redesign for the rear of the Tiger 800, enhancing its aesthetic characteristics, agility and sound".
Designed as an exhaust for sport touring, ADV, maxi Enduro and crossover applications, the new 4-Track "was created to do many kilometers and withstand the most demanding situations. Tested for a long time on the bench and on the road, the 4-Track guarantees solidity and reliability, a reduced weight compared to the original Triumph exhaust system, and improvements to the performance of the three-cylinder engine, especially at medium and high speeds".
Euro 4 approved, the 4-Track is 400 mm long, has an octagonal shaped body with a weld-free, hydroformed end piece and a carbon heat shield and silencer body. It is available in titanium, satin steel or black steel.

HP CORSE
www.hpcorse.com

ODI Grips

ODI grips available at Technical Touch

The new limited edition Emig Pro lock-on grips from Californian specialist ODI Grips are now available in Europe from Technical Touch Racing in Belgium, the Master Distributor for ODI in Europe.

Emig Pro Lock-On grips with soft Pro compound

Features include a raised, ergonomic centre JE logo pattern that conforms to the shape of the palm to improve padding and reduce vibration, extra soft, undercut independent ribs deliver lateral and rotational traction, alloy reinforced end caps provide extra durability against grip blowout.

Controlled Flex Technology (CFT) 28.6 mm 'Podium' KTM OE replacement bars in 2014-T6 alloy

ODI's exclusive locking clutch-side collar attaches the grip, providing 360° of security with simple installation and removal without waiting for glue to dry - throttle tube included with snap-on cam to match more models. No safety wire is required, which means longer grip life, even in the event of a crash. The kit provides cams for both 2 and 4-stroke applications.
The Emig V2 lock-on grip for off-road riding features a "soft Pro compound, slim tapered profile, raised traction ribs and 'Pro Level' control".

Emig V2 Lock-on grip with alloy reinforced end caps and exclusive
clutch-side collar for 360 degree security

Always popular with racers, ODI is represented in the top MXGP classification by Jeremy Van Horebeek, who rides with an ODI half waffle lock-on Pro grip set. The Belgian rides for the French Honda SR Team, and at the time of publication was in 8th place in the World Championship. Other teams riding with ODI include the Dutch Huttenmetaal Yamaha Racing Team.
Also seen here from ODI, this new CFT 'Podium' handlebar is a KTM OE replacement that is said to deliver the "perfect balance between strength and comfort". Constructed from 2014-T6 alloy for added strength, it is 28.6 mm in diameter and comes with the bar pad included.
Technical Touch is offering the complete ODI range of grips for MX, Street and ATV applications, along with handlebars, apparel and accessories.

TECHNICAL TOUCH RACING
www.technical-touch.com

Hornig

Hornig for BMW F 850 GS

German BMW parts and accessory specialist Hornig has turned its attention to the popular BMW F 850 GS with a series of conversion parts, many of which are also compatible with the F 750 GS variant or are model-specific versions of parts available for models such as the R 1250 GS/R/ADV/RT, R 1200S, G series and the other displacements and variants.

"To protect the rider, the light tinted Touring windshield is especially suitable for long-distance trips and significantly reduces wind pressure. The windshield is framed by the extended mirrors, and for behind the windscreen we have a GPS mount that optimises the device position and, underneath, we have protective foils for the connectivity display.
"Our one-piece seat alteration achieves a more relaxed sitting position; the 25-litre tank bag leaves no storage option unused and the upgraded handlebar risers significantly improve riding ergonomics and comfort.

"The full range of options includes fork crash protectors, engine crash bars, fairing crash bars, ABS resin mud guard, shift lever extension, brake pedal enlargement, side stand foot enlargement, and a replacement black oil filler plug that can only be opened with a Torx key. As a Remus distributor we top it off with a Remus HexaCone Black Hawk exhaust".

MOTORCYCLE PARTS HORNIG
www.motorcycleparts-hornig.com

Bonamici

Racing remote adjuster and dash cover

Italian sportsbike and race parts specialist Bonamici's new racing remote adjuster in CNC-machined billet aluminium was developed through the company's racing experience and is used by WSBK teams.

Said to be the ideal product to adjust the brake lever during race sessions, the Twin Bearing System (TBS) eliminates cable torsion with a click on the adjuster, not on the levers that now have a micrometric adjustment.
The slim bracket allows it to be mounted on all handlebars, even those with additional switches. Available in black for Bonamici Racing, Brembo 19 x 20 and Brembo RCS/RCS Corsa Corta brake levers.

Also seen here, this robust Bonamici dash cover protects the original dash, effectively protecting the instruments in the event of an accident with an anti-fog system plexiglas screen on models such as the Ducati Panigale V4, '17-'19 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 and '15-'19 Yamaha YZF R1.

BONAMICI RACING
www.bonamiciracing.it

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Piaggio

Piaggio PTW shipments +5.9% worldwide in first six months of 2019

In the first half of 2019, the Piaggio Group reported a significant improvement in performance from the year-earlier period, growth in all the main earnings indicators, an increase in net profit, higher capital expenditure and a reduction in debt.

The Piaggio Group sold 321,500 vehicles worldwide, an increase of +5.7% (304,000 shipments in the year-earlier period), and reported consolidated net sales of 817m euro. During the period, the Group reported growth in sales volumes in all regions, with a particularly strong increase in Asia Pacific of two-wheelers (+20.2%), followed by the EMEA and Americas area (+6.7%) and India (+0.5%).
Piaggio Group has reported sales of 215,900 two-wheelers worldwide in the first six months of 2019, an improvement of +5.9% (203,900 in the first half of 2018), generating net sales of 583.4m euro (+12.1% from 520.5m euro in the year-earlier period).
The figure includes spares and accessories, on which turnover totalled 67.5m euro, an increase of 5%.

In the first half of 2019, the Piaggio Group reported "excellent performance in the Asia Pacific region (+20.2% volume, +28.8% turnover) and the EMEA and Americas area (+4.6% volumes, +9.4% turnover). In India two-wheeler turnover rose by 2.3%, partly thanks to an improved sales mix, and confirmed our leadership of the scooter segment with a share of 24.4%; on the North American scooter market it maintained a strong position, with a share of 21.3%.
"The scooter segment had a very positive first half, with double-digit turnover growth, driven primarily by the Vespa brand (which reported a 16% increase in turnover from the first half of 2018) and by the excellent performance of the Piaggio Mp3 three-wheel scooter, which boosted turnover by more than 20 percentage points, and of Aprilia scooters.
"The Group motorcycle segment also saw boosted first-half revenue by 14%, largely thanks to the performance of the Moto Guzzi brand, which achieved a significant sales increase, generated in particular by the excellent results of the new Moto Guzzi V85TT, the all-terrain model that has enjoyed great success since it began shipping in February.
Its commercial vehicles division reports sales volumes of 105,700 vehicles, up +5.5% from 100,100 vehicles in the first half of 2018, and net sales of 233.5m euro, up +11.7% from 209.1m euro in the year-earlier period. 
The strongest growth was reported in the EMEA and Americas area (+45.5% volumes; +18.6% turnover). In India, the Piaggio Group sold 95,800 commercial vehicles (+2.6% volume; +9.8% turnover); the PVPL subsidiary had an overall three-wheeler market share of 24.8% and confirmed its leadership of the cargo segment with a share of 44.3%.
Piaggio Fast Forward (PFF), the Piaggio Group company headquartered in Boston and active in robotics and future mobility, is continuing development work on 'Gita', a two-wheeled cargo-carrying device.

UK new motorcycle registrations

UK: motorcycle registrations +2.33% Jan-July

The latest data available from the MCIA, the motorcycle industry association in the UK, shows new motorcycle registration growth slowing during the summer months from the good start to 2019.

In July the UK market was +2.85 percent (9,223 units), having been -11.76 percent (11,038 units) in June. For the first seven months of 2019 new motorcycle registrations in the UK were +2.33 percent at 65,442 units YTD - still the best seen in the UK since 2016.
Moped market volumes remain low in the UK, but there is growth of +19.38 percent YTD (3,486 units) to put total new PTW registrations at +3.08 percent YTD (68,928 units).
The largest single market sector in the UK remains 'Naked' style bikes, which accounted for 22,742 units for a growth rate of +5.6 percent. The Adventure Sport sector is the second largest, growing at +9.5 percent YTD (12,820 units). In percentage terms, the biggest losers were the relatively small Sport/Tour (-23.6%) and Touring (-16.2%) sectors; Trail/Enduro bikes are +5.2 percent YTD in the UK. Scooters were +7.2 percent YTD at 15,198 units.
Honda was market share leader in July (1,903 units), followed by Yamaha, Kawasaki, Triumph and BMW - the R 1250 GS Adventure was the top selling Adventure Sport model in the UK in July (116 units), with the R 1250 RT leading the Touring sector and the Kawasaki Z1000 SX the best selling Sport/Tour model.

Avon Tyres

Avon's Cobra Chrome OE on Rocket 3 roadster line-up

Triumph Motorcycles' eagerly anticipated high performance Rocket 3 muscle roadster features the Avon Cobra Chrome as the manufacturer's spec tyre.

Available in two models, the R and GT, the Rocket 3 boasts the world's largest production motorcycle engine capacity of 2,500 cc, which is said to deliver unparalleled acceleration and the highest torque of any production motorcycle.

Avon Tyres, the OE supplier to Triumph Motorcycles, "contributed to the end result by developing a new Cobra Chrome tyre especially for the Rocket 3 line-up. Imposing tyre sizes of 150/80 ZR17 at the front and 240/50 ZR16 at the rear add to the roadster's distinctive muscular presence".
The Cobra Chrome tyre features snakeskin style edge tread and raised Cobra head logo, with a front and rear tread pattern developed for "exceptional grip and incredible mileage," says Dominic Clifford, Avon's recently appointed Global Motorcycle Manager.
"We are proud to be the tyre of choice for such an iconic brand as Triumph Motorcycles. The Rocket 3 roadster is the pinnacle of motorcycles. To see our Avon Cobra Chrome tyre fitted on both models really is a testimony to the tyre's performance."
Founded in 1904 and still based at Melksham in the UK, Avon Tyres is owned by the American Cooper Tire & Rubber Company.
www.avontyres.com

Australian Powersports market sales

Australia: Powersports market sales -11.4% first six months of 2019

The latest data from the trade association in Australia that includes motorcycle representation (the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries/FCAI) revealed 42,457 motorcycles, ATVs and scooters were sold during the first six months of 2019, a -11.4 percent decline compared with 47,909 for the same period in 2018.

Tony Weber, chief executive of the FCAI, said the softer motorcycle sales reflected the current tough market environment. “The first six months of 2019 have seen several events which have contributed to the sensitivity of the market, including environmental factors such as drought and flood, a tightening of financial lending and the recent Federal election."
Honda was the overall leader with a 24.2 percent share of the national market, followed by Yamaha with 21.1 percent and Kawasaki with 10.7 percent.
Across the industry segments, Scooters defied the market trend with a +18.8 percent increase in sales during the first half. Honda held a 39 percent share, followed by Vespa with 15.25 percent and Piaggio and Suzuki equal on 15.1 percent each in the segment.
The ATV/SSV category showed a decline of -13.9 percent. Within this category, Polaris maintained market leadership with a 27.9 percent share, followed by Honda with 24.7 percent and Yamaha with 18.8 percent.
Off-road category sales fell -5.9 percent compared with the first half of 2018. Honda now leads this segment with a 28.5 percent share, followed by Yamaha with 28.2 percent and KTM with 16.7 percent.
The Road segment fell by -17.7 percent. Harley-Davidson was the market leader with an 18.7 percent share, followed by Yamaha with a 17.5 percent share and Honda with a share of 17.47 percent.
Overall the ATV/SSV sector took 22.7% of sales (up from 17.5% in Q1 2019); Off-Road took a 34.5% share of available sales (up from 32.9% Q1); On-Road bikes were the largest single sector of the Australian market, taking 36.9% of sales (down from 42.2% in Q1), and though the only sector to grow compared to 2018, Scooters took just 5.9% of sales, which was down by -7.4% compared to Q1 2019.

Rainers Sports

SPV-6 glove and 'Riverside' jacket

Recent new products from Spanish apparel specialist Rainers Sports include the SPV-6 glove and 'Riverside' summer jacket.
The SPV-6 glove is made from cow's leather with an inner lining of Coolmax and Kevlar upper and polyester lower part. The TPU knuckle protector is designed in two pieces for increased flexibility, and there are TPU protectors on the finger joints and in the metacarpal area. There are further protection panels in hard-wearing 'Superfabric' and flexible soft carbon laminate on the top knuckles. The TPU cuffs have some Kevlar thread stitching.
The glove closes with a double Velcro fastening and is available in black/neon/white and black/white colour combinations in sizes XS-3XL.
The 'Riverside' summer jacket has mesh panels at the front and back combined with polyester fabric and reflective details. There are adjustment buttons in the upper area of the sleeves and on the lower part of the waist, an elastic adjustment band at the waist and the sleeves are adjustable with Velcro.
There are CE protectors at the shoulders and elbows and neoprene at the neck for better adjustment and comfort. Further features include a removable, waterproof membrane with a zipper and polyester lining and one inner pocket.

RAINERS SPORTS
www.rainers-sports.com

SC-Project

SC1-M for Ducati Hypermotard 950

Developed from the popular SC1-R muffler, this new SC1-M is specifically calibrated for use with mid-range, medium displacement motorcycles ('middleweights') and is seen here for the Ducati Hypermotard 950.

The body of the muffler is made in high-grade, high-strength, lightweight titanium in natural titanium finish, with a carbon endcap equipped with DB-killer and mounting system in lightweight, high-strength titanium. SC1-M mufflers are also available in a full carbon version.

The mufflers are Euro 4 homologated for this bike model. Additional "middleweight" applications will be added to the range in the coming months, with titanium and carbon versions available, subject to model.

SC-PROJECT
www.sc-project.com

UFO-Plast

UFO-Plast adds ‘Akan’ helmet and ‘Sierra’ jacket

Recent news from Italian off-road specialist UFO Plast has included their ‘Saichen’ cooling vest and body suit, ‘Avoir’ boots, ‘Mystic’ goggles, X-Concept chest protector and the ‘Quiver’, a new entry level helmet 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).

EICMA saw the company add another new helmet, the E1 approved all conditions ‘Akan’ Enduro/ADV. The external shell is in high resistance thermoplastic resin and features include a classic anti-scratch, transparent polycarbonate visor that offers wide visibility and a second, integrated sun visor with up-down mechanism and two front air scoops with practical closing system.

In their extensive apparel range, the new ‘Sierra’ Enduro jacket for off-road racers is camel-back ready and designed with removable sleeves. Features include two scoops to increase the air flow, four front pockets, a wide back pocket and a forearm document pocket.

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

Ilmberger

Ilmberger 'Black Diamond Carbon'

Founded in Germany in 1990 by Julius Ilmberger, the company is one of the best known and most highly respected carbon parts manufacturers in Europe - indeed worldwide.
His latest creation - 'Black Diamond Carbon' (BDC) - is a forged carbon material with a "striking appearance, away from the usual carbon texture".

Like all parts offered by Ilmberger Carbon, the new BDC collection offers the usual Ilmberger maximum strength, dimensional stability, accuracy of fit and longevity. Julius says that his company can undertake execution of even the most complicated shapes, so every part in their programme is now additionally available in the new BDC finish.
Production of Black Diamond Carbon parts is done exclusively for each customer, on order, so every customer can choose between a matt or glossy surface finish. "As of now, there is nothing more exclusive available on the market than our Black Diamond Carbon and demand is massive," says Julius.

The company offers one of the widest ranges of carbon parts on the international market. The product range currently includes approximately 1,500 motorcycle accessories for manufacturers such as BMW, Ducati, Aprilia, Buell, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, MV Agusta, Suzuki, Triumph, Beta and Gas Gas.
Manufactured in 100% carbon, Ilmberger parts are manufactured exclusively in an autoclave and carry a TÜV-certified clear plastic coating that protects the carbon parts permanently.

ILMBERGER CARBONPARTS
www.ilmberger-carbon.de

Italian motorcycle registrations

Italy: motorcycles +8.78% YTD

The latest data released by ANCMA, the motorcycle industry trade association in Italy, shows the Italian motorcycle and scooter market continuing to grow after a dip in May.
New motorcycle registrations were reported as being +12.27% in July (11,516 units) after being broadly flat at +0.93% in June (10,859 units). For the YTD (January to July) new motorcycle registrations were +8.78% at 74,577 units - the strongest first seven months Italy has seen since before 2014.

In total PTW terms, the Italian market is reported as having been +11.73% percent in July (29,497 total units) and +3.16 percent in June (28,429 total units), making total PTW sales for the first seven months of 2019 +5.45% at 165,353 units - the strongest comparable Italian market performance since 2011.
Scooter registrations were +6.26% for the first seven months of 2019 at 93,776 units registered, with the top three best sellers being Honda's Italian made SH 150/300/125 range selling 19,445 units between them YTD, with Piaggio's Beverly 300 ABS in fourth spot (6,116 units) and its Liberty 125 ABS fifth (4,258 units), ahead of Kymco's Agility 125 R16 (3,622) and Yamaha's XMAX 300 (3,455 units registered so far in 2019).
The top selling motorcycle in Italy YTD was the BMW R 1250 GS (3,326 units), followed by Honda's 'Africa Twin' (2,595), the Benelli TRK 502/X (2,364 units sold) and the Yamaha 'Tracer' 900 (2,187 units).
For the full year of 2018 the Italian motorcycle market was reported at +12.73 (92,991 units) and +7.35 percent in total PTW registration terms (219,465 units).

News Briefs

MPN reports MIC data that puts the number of dual-sport motorcycles sold in Q2 2019 in USA (ADV/Adventure Touring models) at about 11% of the market for two-wheelers. Overall in 2018, the MIC said that of the 12.2 million motorcycles in use, 5% were dual-sport bikes and that of the nearly 30 million people reported as riding a motorcycle in 2018, nearly 10m of them ride both on-road and off-road.

Annual SxS retail sales in the US were higher than motorcycles for the first time in 2018. Cited MIC data puts US SxS sales at 458,000 new units in 2018, against 457,000 new motorcycles.

Triumph's UK and Ireland Sales Manager Bruno Tagliaferri retired at the end of August after 29 years with the company and after 44 years in the motorcycle industry, including time with Honda. Tagliaferri was one of the first to join the reborn Triumph in 1990.
 

As part of the celebrations for the 25th anniversary of the Ducati 916's production launch, the Ducati Museum is now featuring design guru Massimo Tamburini's 916. The 916 on display is one of the three prototypes from which he developed the bike until its industrialisation in 1994. Tamburini, who had already developed the Paso 750 for Ducati, unleashed what Ducati are describing as "a real revolution" with the 916 with aerodynamics and chassis developed on the roads of Rimini and at the Misano and Mugello circuits for six years without ever using the wind tunnel! The example in the museum features details that are more similar to those of the 916 SP series, the highest performing model of the 916 series.

The Piaggio Museum in Pontedera (Pisa), the largest motorcycle museum in Italy and one of the biggest in Europe, has been recorded in the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame, obtaining a Certificate of Excellence for the fifth consecutive year. The 5,000 sq m museum first opened in 2000 and underwent a major refurbishment in 2018. It has attracted 700,000 visitors since it opened and features more than 250 historic vehicles.

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

Swiss motorcycle registrations

Switzerland: motorcycle registrations -3.22% Jan-June

The latest new registrations data released by Swiss industry association MotoSuisse shows total new motorcycle registrations down for the six months to June 2019 at -3.22% (16,270 units), having been down by -19.46 percent in June (2,744 units).

In total PTW terms, the Swiss market was running at -4.94 percent YTD at 25,923 units.
In total PTW market share terms (motorcycles, scooters and mopeds), Yamaha continues as market leader so far this year, with 4,608 units sold, followed by Honda (3,918), BMW (2,697), Vespa (2,025) and Kawasaki (1,768).

Newfren

Newfren - "certified quality and continuous evolution"

Newfren produces its own line of brake shoes, brake pads, brake discs and clutch discs near Turin and at its own factory in Tunisia.

Newfren has invested heavily in new manufacturing technology at its 10,000 sq m site near Turin.

Founded in the 1950s by Alessandro Barbero, the company is still in family ownership with Valter Barbero at the helm, and in recent years has invested heavily in new manufacturing technology at its 10,000 sq m site near Turin and 3,000 sq m facility in Tunisia.
Ahead of industry requirements where environmental manufacturing and compound formula requirements are concerned, Newfren has been granted UNI EN ISO 9001-2000 certification for their quality control systems and ABE certification from the German KBA for many of their products. 

Newfren's 3,000 sq m facility in Tunisia.

Speaking with Valter Barbero on the Newfren booth at EICMA last year, it was clear that he sees his company's ability to achieve advanced recognition status for its processes and product quality as central to success in an always competitive and ever-changing market.
"As an aftermarket as well as OEM supplier we have to ensure that our procedures meet the very highest standards at all times", Valter said. "So, in the early 2000s we started to certify our own ISO 9001 processes and have subsequently also met the updated ISO 9001:2015 standard.
"It is interesting though, because while manufacturers are familiar with what an ISO standard means, it is surprising how many industry customers, and especially consumers, still do not fully realise just how high the quality bar is set for a manufacturer to reach the standards - it is the ultimate assurance of product quality, and nothing could be more important where brake components are concerned, but there is still uncertainty about exactly what these standards mean.

Recently launched PRO RACE brake shoes.

"ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies, a non-governmental organisation that comprises standards bodies from more than 160 countries, with one standards body representing each member country.
"The ISO rules determine the requirements of a management system to certify the quality for an organisation. The monitored requirements are of a general nature and can be implemented by any type of organisation. The ISO 9001 is the reference standard for those who want to submit their production process to quality control.
"The start-point for defining the requirements are the needs that the customer has of a product, and the monitoring and standards of the entire production process flow upwards from that - the consumer's needs for a safe and reliable product are at the focus of ISO 9001 in terms of how they apply to a brake component manufacturer. Every activity, application and monitoring of activities and processes is aimed at determining the maximum satisfaction of the end user.

Valter Barbero, seen here in the middle at Newfren's 2018 EICMA booth.

"Next to the evolution of the processes to achieve that there is then the development of the products themselves. Here at Newfren we continue to adapt our product lines to the demands of the market and the performance of new vehicles."
During 2019 Newfren demonstrated its ongoing development of new products that are tuned to the needs of the market with the launch of what has been described as a revolutionary line of PRO RACE brake shoes, and as of September 2019 Newfren will be introducing a new line of Turin made off-road brake discs.
"People sometimes think that ISO is a single, settled and static concept, but it isn't. In the motorcycle industry we all live and work in a dynamic business environment, and ISO is as much about preparing for the manufacturing challenges of the future as it is about proving the quality of the way things have been done. ISO is a platform that allows a manufacturer to move forward with R&D and to meet new business opportunities and customer requirements with confidence."
www.newfren.com

Matris

Matris tools for rear shocks

Italian suspension specialist Matris has developed two "professional and easy to use" tools, PG19 and T08. 

PG19

The PG19 is a precision nitrogen charger tool consisting of two units for adjusting the gas pressure inside shock or fork cartridges. PG19.1 is a valve unit, supplied with a flexible hose, with connection for shock absorbers equipped with a gas valve. PG19.2 is a needle holder unit supplied with two interchangeable needles for shock absorbers with a silicone valve. 

T08

The T08 length gauge enables quick and easy adjustment of the length of a rear shock.

MATRIS S.R.L.
www.matrisdampers.com

Rick's Motorsport Electrics

New CBX stators from Rick's

Internationally acknowledged as a world-leading OE replacement and upgrade electrical components manufacturer, Hampstead, New Hampshire based Rick's Motorsport Electrics offers dealers an alternative to waiting for an OE stator to be rebuilt with brand new stator replacements.

The new stators come with OE style connector and grommet for easy installation - customers just have to reuse the OE brush plate base and they are 'good to go'.
"With the rise of interest in vintage bikes, whether it's restoration projects or custom cafe racers, there was a need for a replacement with little or no downtime for the builder," says company President Rick Shaw. "Honda doesn't make this stator anymore, so we knew we needed to step in to keep them on the road!" 

RICK’S MOTORSPORT ELECTRICS
www.ricksmotorsportelectrics.com

SIXS

SIXS 10th anniversary limited edition base layer shirt

This year sees SIXS celebrate its 10th anniversary and to mark the occasion the company has produced a special limited edition short sleeve commemorative base layer - the TS1 Anniversary - limited to 1,000 pieces.

TS1, celebrates SIXS' 10th anniversary

Designed for athletic performance at high temperatures, the celebratory short-sleeved base layer shirt is said to have been made with the lightest fabric ever used in a SIXS product (90% Polypropylene, 7% Elastane, 3% Carbon), making it 33% lighter than the already incredibly low weight TS1L, resulting in the "best breathability ever".
The company has also unveiled a new logo as it looks forward to its next decade, with a new strapline - Innovative Solutions For Sport - that highlights the brand's high tech materials and advanced manufacturing technologies.

TS6 long, in WindShell Carbon Underwear material

The two TS6 (long, in WindShell Carbon underwear material) and TS7 (short, in Carbon Underwear material) multisport garments launched earlier this year "guarantee perfect breathability and a constant body temperature during all seasons and in all weather conditions".
They combine an Antistatic System and seamless construction with Air Shield technology by SIXS. A thin layer of breathable windproof fibre creates a micro-cushion of air to defend the body without causing the classic "greenhouse effect" that increases sweating.
Launched earlier this year, the TS1 short-sleeved multisport crewneck jersey for motorcycle and scooter riders is said to "guarantee maximum comfort in all conditions for city, touring and track". 

TS1 short-sleeved multisport crewneck jersey

Manufactured in a mesh made of SIXS' own patented Carbon Underwear material, it features a "careful mix of technical fibres and a specially developed weave" said to "guarantee perfect breathability and a constant body temperature during all seasons and in all weather conditions".
"Unlike the sleeveless version (SMX), the sleeve wraps the upper portion of the arm and the armpit, keeping the epidermis fresh and dry. Polypropylene fibre, the lightest and most breathable fibre on the market today, is woven with carbon yarns that have thermoregulating and antistatic properties using seamless technology, protecting the body from the electrical load caused by rubbing multiple synthetic fabrics together.
www.six2.biz