D.I.D Chain: Recent new products from Bologna, Italy based D.I.D Europe include upgrades with the emphasis on extended chain life and durability - its current 525VX and 530VX are updated with the 525VX3 and 530VX3 that are said to feature +8% higher tensile strength due to increased hardness of the inner plate and +5% improvement in durability thanks to increased X-ring retention, durability and greatly improved sealing. The upgraded chains will also fit a wider range of motorcycles; www.dideu.it
PBR: Recent new products from the Italian specialist include zinc-coated C45 medium carbon steel 'C-Light' and anodised alloy aluminium Ergal sprockets for 2019/2020 MX models, along with a a diversification into the handlebar market with Ergal handlebars and clip-ons for off-road and street applications; www.pbr.it
DP Brakes: The British manufacturer is the originator of sintered brake pad technology and still the only brake pad maker focussed exclusively on developing and producing sintered metal brake pads - making them unique in the motorcycle industry. Both as replacements and performance upgrades for O.E sintered metal brake pads, DP Brakes' complete product line offers fitments for every riding application, including racing, sport, touring and cruising, with recent expansions into the off-road and ATV markets. "Superior to anything else available, DP Brakes ATV pads deliver the kind of high mileage and exceptional braking in mud, wet sand and worse that leaves other brake pads far behind"; www.dp-brakes.com
BS Battery: One of the fastest growing battery brands and manufacturing operations in the motorcycle and wider powersports industry, Paris based BS Battery followed up the launch of its Premium Grade Lithium battery programme earlier this year with its new BA10 dual charger. Described as "the most practical battery charger for motorcycle batteries, the BA10 is small, safe and easy to use - you cannot get it wrong", says CEO Benjamin Sebban. "This charger will always deliver a good charge whether in maintenance of full recharge mode. It offers a 6V/12V switch and is a 3-stage, 100% automatic charger delivering 1 amp, able to recover tired, deeply discharged or sulphated batteries"; www.bs-battery.com
ICON: Distributed exclusively in Europe by Parts Europe (Wasserliesch/Trier, Germany), recent new products in what is one of the world's leading apparel and helmet ranges include a new VARIANT PRO helmet designed, the company says, "in response to dealer demand". Designed at the ICON HQ at Portland, Oregon, it "is truly one of a kind with a wind tunnel tested modern shape, handcrafted composite shell, intermediate oval head form and refined anti-lift visor, low profile vents, quick-change, fog-free shield, five-piece modular liner with moisture wicking Hydradry, integrated chin EPS air channels to reduce shield fogging and removable chin curtain". They also have a newly designed Airframe Pro called LUCKYLID 3, four new designs for the Airflite to freshen up one of its best selling helmet programmes and two new graphics for the Airmada line.
Rapid Bike: Recent new tuning applications from the Italian performance specialist (part of the Dimsport Group) include a model-specific version of its fuel injection and ignition remapping technology for the 2019 Moto Guzzi V85 TT 2019 - either its EVO or RACING add-on fuel injection tuning modules. Also available for the 2017-19 Benelli TRK 502 and Leoncino, Kawasaki 2019 Versys 1000 four-cylinder engines, and for the 2017-19 BMW GS 310, for which the company says it can deliver an additional 600 rpm using its EVO fuelling kit; www.rapidbike.com
Remus: Recent new exhaust applications from the noted Austrian manufacturer include race and street version 'Black Hawk' slip-ons for the KTM 690 SMC-R and 790 ADV, Moto Guzzi V85TT slip-ons and a black stainless steel slip-on for the BMW R1250 R/RS; www.remus.eu
Thor Motorcross: Distributed exclusively in Europe by Parts Europe (Wasserliesch/Trier, Germany), Thor is one of the most storied and longest established MX/off-road apparel brands in the industry having celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018; www.thormx.com
Matris: Recent new products from the Italian suspension specialist have included Triumph Speed Twin 1200, KTM 790 Duke, MG V85TT, along with the most popular Classic and Scrambler style shock absorbers, SDK/SDR steering damper design updates and scooter twin shock options, including for the demanding T-Max and Honda X-Adv; www.matrisdampers.com
Supersprox: Recent new products include a new generation of sprockets for KTM and Husqvarna applications. With some modern engine performances moving beyond the tolerances of conventional technologies for the production of engine drive sprockets, Supersprox has developed a new technique - closed die, hot forging. The process is said to increase the sprocket tooth and core strength by more than 20%. Compared to billet machined parts, the process offers significant advantages. In a part made from billet, flow lines develop in the microstructure.
The properties become anisotropic - that is to say that the physical properties of the material have a different value when loaded equally in different directions, meaning parts can fail under dynamic stress. However, as General Manager DJ Maughfling explained "during forging, impurities align themselves along these flow lines.
The microstructure flow lines in a forged part will be much finer than a billet microstructure and therefore stronger and more durable. Special details are being added into the forging to provide the highest strength at the teeth and spline area - something that can't be done with CNC-machining a billet". DJ says that a unique, ultra-low carbon steel (purchased in Japan) has been used for the sprockets, helping to provide a very stable condition in the base metal; www.supersprox.com
