Thursday 28 February 2019

Comment by Editor, Robin Bradley

Has the market peaked again?

As discussed in this month’s cover story, the ACEM statistics that put 2018 combined internal combustion engine and electric motorcycle registrations at 1,004,063 units for a +9.89% growth over 2017 only tell part of the story.
The cross-over from Euro 3 to Euro 4 regulations at the end of 2016, and the impact of the rush to pre-register ‘old’ inventory before the new regulations took effect, continues to cast a long shadow in statistical reporting terms.
That is not to say that 2018 was a ‘bad’ year for the industry. In fact, at an adjusted growth rate of around +3%, following an adjusted 2017 growth rate of +2.53% (as opposed to the ‘officially’ reported decline of -9.50%), makes for good reading.
Back in 2013, when the market bottomed out at 748,529 registrations, everyone in the industry would have taken a forecast of steady, sustainable growth in the years to come in the low single digits quite happily.
In fact, in the five years since then (2014-2018), the market has grown by a total of 255,534 new motorcycle and e-bike registrations per year for a total growth of 34.14%.
It is ‘all good’. However, anybody basing business decisions on an apparent 2017 decline of -9.50% or an apparent 2018 increase of +9.89% will be misinterpreting the reality of what is going on in the market. A reality that still requires caution.
With the annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate among the 19-nation euro currency block falling to 1.2% in 2018 (in fact to 0.2% in the final quarter), the slowest growth rate for four years, the cycle of wider economic recovery that has underpinned the low single digits motorcycle market growth rate could be about to come under pressure.
Sure, the orthodoxy is that when times are hard, consumer confidence soft, the future looking uncertain, then motorcycles should do better. But that did not happen in the downturn a decade ago, and if the other twin pillar of wisdom, that if new bikes aren’t selling, pre-owned machines will (with commensurate positive impact for the service, workshop, parts and accessory sectors), then nobody told the world.
Pre-owned and new motorcycle sales failed to follow the traditional cycle, and with the industry still struggling to square the circle of demographic change and the impact of new forms of technology and entertainment on the social lives and spending habits of “New Gen” consumers, it might well be that such traditional assumptions just don’t apply anymore, and never will again.
The speed with which manufacturers are moving to embrace the future was always going to be an important factor in the market’s ability to sustain itself in the future. The three primary worries about dependency on new tech are that it remains to be seen just how successfully PTW use can be incorporated into future transport policy, especially if some of the more ‘advanced’ (extreme?) plans and ideas materialise (such as shared transport units or subscription transport services). Even if there is still an ‘open’ transport environment solution in the future in which PTWs can be ‘assimilated’, will consumers go for it?
At this stage we just don’t know. All we can say, however, is that the industry’s investment in R&D and ever better, more reliable, more economical and more user-friendly product is not wasted and may well already be part of the range of reasons why there has been some growth, some recovery from the seemingly never ending death spiral that was seen between 2017 and 2013.
Either way, the current economic picture is a major worry. Italy is already in recession (defined as two consecutive quarters of ‘negative growth’), the UK and Germany are, in all likelihood, already headed that way, and with the social upheaval and increased public spending being seen in France, anybody who buries their head in the sand and ignores the reality of what is going on economically, and the reality of what is going on with growth in motorcycle registrations, is likely to be in for a shock of some kind, one way or another, at some stage or another.
The third big concern is this. If future consumers (and existing riders) are going to be open to being influenced by technological advancements and environmental factors, how come we aren’t seeing much sign of that already?
There are those who will say the growth rate in the uptake of “New Energy” PTWs (e-bikes to you and me) points to there already being dramatically positive evidence that they will and already are headed that way.
Since 2013, as our graph on page six clearly shows, there have been considerable percentage increases in the uptake of e-bikes - from +42.28%, +15.69% and +29.51% in 2014, 2015 and 2016, to +110% in 2017 and +47% in 2018. By any measure, it is an impressive and impressively compelling graph.
However, we are still only talking small numbers. From some 7,000 machines in 2013, the market is said to have been worth just over 47,000 machines in 2018. With much of that uptake coming in what you could call the ‘non-core’ low value, low parts and accessory moped market (39,701 out of the 47,179 recorded registrations in 2018), any hope that we are going to see the kind of spend levels the ‘aftermarket’ needs, simply transition to alternative platforms is for sure deluded.
That simply is not happening and is not going to happen. Future generations of high-tech alternate energy machines will not sustain the kind of parts, accessory and apparel industry we currently see at Europe’s major shows.
Indeed, such spend as there will be will mostly be online and at points of sale that bear no relationship to the existing motorcycle dealer network, places such as your local Aldi, Lidl and premises that used to be called “gas stations” (enjoy them while they still exist!). In fact, much of what does exist of an emerging ‘e-bike’ market is centered on subscription and downtown urban rentals.


“three primary concerns”

Honda

Honda: unit sales +8 percent YTD in Europe

Honda Motor Co. has reported total sales revenues for its worldwide motorcycle business as up by +3.5% (516.5bn yen) for its third quarter (ended December 31st 2018) and +6.1% (1,610.7bn yen) for the first nine months of its ’18-’19 financial year ending March 31st 2019.



For Q3, sales revenues for its motorcycle business were +9.8% in Europe at 516.5bn yen.
Its biggest gain came in its home market with revenues +17.5% for Q3 and +12.2% for the nine months, with motorcycle sales revenues +14.2% (25.9bn yen) for Q3 in Europe and +16.3% (139.1bn yen) for the nine months to date.
North American sales revenues were +4.8% for Q3 (41.2bn yen) and +1.6% YTD (139.1bn yen) for North America. Asian markets produced the majority of Honda’s motorcycle business sales revenues at 351.4bn yen (+3.0%) for Q3 and 1,071bn yen (+6.9%) YTD.
Total Honda Group unit sales were +5.9% worldwide at 15.7m units with Europe +8% YTD (181,000 units). Total unit sales (wholesale) in Asia were +6.6 % YTD at 11.36m units YTD - India is their largest market in Asia (4.4m units), followed by Indonesia (3.7m), Vietnam (2.1m) and Thailand (1.1m).
For Q3 total worldwide Honda Group unit sales (motorcycles, ATV, SxS etc) were +2.9% at 5m units, selling 40,000 in Europe, 66,000 in North America and 53,000 units in Japan.

News Briefs




Ducati has again been certified in Italy as a “Top Employer”, gaining recognition for its “excellent working conditions” and for offering “training and skills development at all levels of the company”. The accolade is awarded by the Top Employers Institute in Italy, based on an audit of responses to an HR best practices survey.

The new Ducati E-MTB has started to arrive in dealerships. The exclusive pedal-assist mountain bike can be ordered from the Ducati website or at Ducati dealerships throughout Europe. Co-developed by Ducati and Thok E-Bikes, with design and graphics by Aldo Drudi's D-Perf and support from the Ducati Style Center, it was unveiled at EICMA 2018 and described as a “cutting-edge E-MTB able to meet the needs of even the most expert riders”.

The UK consumer show Motorcycle Live (Birmingham, November 2018) attracted 103,702 visitors. The total was 3,370 down on 2017 and failed to meet the growth target of the organiser, the UK motorcycle industry trade association MCIA. The MCIA is also saying that new UK motorcycle registrations in the UK in 2019 are likely to be +2.5% on the 105,467 recorded in 2018, which will be substantially below the 115,000 forecast made by MCIA CEO Tony Campbell.

Zero Motorcycles has partnered with Swiss based Quadro Vehicles to produce the e-Qooder, an electric four-wheeled maxi scooter, by the end of 2019. Quadro is already producing the Qooder, a four-wheeled tilting scooter with a built-in hydraulic tilt system that allows it to bank upwards of 45 degrees while maintaining traction.
The eurozone economy stuck to its lowest pace of growth in four years in the final three months of 2018. Gross domestic product (GDP) in the 19 countries sharing the single currency rose by +0.2% in the quarter and by +1.2% year-on-year, according to Eurostat.

Italy's economy contracted for the second consecutive quarter at the end of 2018 - the criteria which defines an economy’s entry into recession. Gross domestic product fell a quarterly -0.2% between October and December, following a -0.1% decline in the third quarter, and was up +0.1% on an annual basis, national statistics bureau Istat reported. Italy has a long-standing problem of weak economic growth. The economy is still 5% smaller than it was at the peak before the global recession a decade ago.

Spanish Pedelec and eMTB start-up Bultaco Motors has filed for bankruptcy protection. Founded in 2015, the Madrid based business with assembly capacity in Barcelona, is owned by MMI Investments and owes 11m euro. The company was trading under a brand license granted by the family of Francesc “Paco” Bultó - the founder of the original Bultaco business. A director of the 1944 founded Montesa motorcycle company, he left to create the original Bultaco brand with other former Montesa employees is 1958. After considerable race success and popularity of its 2-stroke machines with consumers it folded in 1983. In 2017 Bultaco Motors sold 1,250 units and posted turnover of over 4m euro.

EICMA 2018 Part 2


According to the attendance (figure-free) post show press release issued by the EICMA/ANCMA organisation, it would appear that visitor numbers at this year’s ‘Milan’ Show must have been down on 2017. With the real, actual number of exhibiting businesses with booths (as opposed to catalogue brand cross-references) looking to be less than in recent years,  and with less than half the international reach of its primary expo competitor (in terms of quoted visitor country count), it looks like the show may be losing some lustre, just as the Italian market continues to post (theoretical) growth, and just as that primary expo competitor posted a record equalling attendance, with independently audited visitor numbers actually quoted. The ‘Milan’ visitor numbers have long been assumed to be overstated, and largely populated by non-riders, or low-mileage, low-value riders at best, but regardless of the debate that is raging internationally about the perceived merits and shortcomings of the market’s two primary shows (see our INTERMOT 2018 review elsewhere in this edition of IDN), there appeared to be enough people at ‘Milan’ to keep the aisles and booths busy, whatever the truth is about the real balance sheet cash value that their parts and accessory buying volume has for the industry…

 

Newfren: This is a big year for the near Turin based specialist. The originator of the modern motorcycle and scooter brake shoe, the company was founded in the 1950s and were innovators and early adopters of a number of new brake technologies such as bonded friction material, gravity and high-pressure die casting and brake shoes without rivets, and remains Europe’s PTW brake show market leader. For 2019 the company has also extended its production and sale of race-derived clutch sets for motorcycles and mopeds. CEO Valter Barbero told us that “the range of Newfren clutches has grown both technically and in terms of the spread of applications we offer – we have grown in parallel with the development of the OEM model ranges and are always one of the first to have updated applications available for the new models of motorcycles and scooters each year. Our involvement with leading race teams at the highest levels of motorsport has been the driver for our ability to constantly be devloping ever more reliable, durable and better performing clutch plates”; www.newfren.com

 


Artein Gaskets: Celebrating its 60th Anniversary, the Spanish gasket manufacturer expands its range to off-road motorcycles with a new catalogue covering the most popular brands, including KTM, Husqvarna, Honda, Yamaha, Husaberg & Kawasaki. These days Artein Gaskets is one of the main manufacturers of motorcycle gaskets in Europe with a wide range of gaskets but also rubber parts, polymers, technical foams and technical protectors for industrial purposes, OEM, aftermarket and competition; www.arteingaskets.com

 


TechnoResearch: Available in Europe through distributors, including Parts Europe, the Royal Oak, Michigan based fuel-injection management and performance tuning specialist is a high-technology company broadly engaged in state-of-the-art electronic hardware and software development, consulting and Research & Development. Founded in 1992 by Sandro Scaccia and fellow Magneti Marelli escapees, TechnoResearch is best known in the Harley aftermarket for the design and development of its award-winning electronic diagnostic tools programme. The company’s ‘VCM-TR4 Performance Dealer Pack’, for example, is designed for all Harley-Davidson Delphi EFI systems. Ideal for any sized workshop or dealer, it provides the user with tools to modify the fuel-injection pulse width, spark timing and other calibration values and then store them in ECU/ECM flash memory and adjust additional parameters by editing look-up tables. Features include tuning and modification of ECU tables, fast data acquisitions and display, back-up and restoration of the original map. The software also enables data monitoring and logging, auto-tuning with an optional wideband O2 controller, and with its Direct Link flash-tuner, maximising the performance of any fuel-injected race or street bike; www.technoresearch.com

 


Shark Helmets: Last year saw the French helmet manufacturer come under new ownership. Prior owner, Naxicap Partners, a Paris based equity investor, sold its majority stake in French motorcycle aftermarket group 2R Holding (2RH), owner of Shark Helmets and the Bering, Bagster and Segura apparel and luggage brands. The new majority owner is another Paris based private equity group – Eurazeo PME. The new owners are on the record stating that their aim is to double sales of the group in five years. At the time of the sale, current group sales were reported to be in the region of € 90m a year. Since 2016 the group has also included the Cairn brand of ski and cycling products;
www.shark-helmets.com


 


Brixton Motorcycles: Owned by the Austrian based KSR Group (formerly known as Generic and owned by Christian and Michael Kirschenhofer), KSR are owners or distributors of several once famous comeback brands (such as Lambretta and Malaguti) and a range of increasingly well-known new and E-bike brands, including Brixton - a contemporary/retro range of (currently) five 125 and two 250 cc motorcycles powered by 4-stroke air-cooled singles. Described as offering “throwback style” with “streetwise edge” and sitting right in the sweet spot of lightweight value and convincing, youth rider styling and price-points, features include CBS and EFi on the 125 range with EFi and ABS on the 250s; www.brixton-motorcycles.com

 


TCX: Recent new products from the Italian specialist have included the SP-Master, a TCX Racing line entry-price boot “designed for motorcyclists searching for a boot with a sporty and trendy look, offering protection in the most vulnerable areas of the foot and leg, yet suitable for non-competitive use”. The boot features the TCX PU ankle retention system on the external side along with the main safety protection pads. The heel counter guard and the shin plate are in polyurethane and detailed with wire netting air intakes. In the SP-Master AIR variant the upper is micro-perforated for enhanced ventilation and the lining is in AIR TECH fabric for warm weather riding comfort. The waterproof version features a waterproof lining, and the Gore-Tex version has the “Performance Comfort Footwear” membrane. The boot is CE certified to EN13634:2015 regulations; www.tcxboots.com

 


Siebenrock: The Wendlingen, Germany based specialist is celebrating its 30th anniversary. The business got its start with architecture student and BMW fan Jochen Siebenrock selling used spare parts for BMW motorcycles from a small garage in Stuttgart. Recent new products have included length-adjustable VarioShock suspension struts, developed in conjunction with chassis specialist Hubert Hofmann from HH Race-Tech, and 860 cc Nikasil cylinder forged piston ‘Power Kits’ for the BMW R 45 and R 65. 2018 also saw a Boxer brake disc collaboration with Magura; www.siebenrock.com

 


Moto One Europe: The Italian specialist’s Vert 360 is a 4-season “smart, all-in-one” jacket for men and women. Made in 520 D Cordura nylon with polyester 600D ACT D6 inserts, it has a detachable 3M Thermolite inner and separately wearable, detachable and 100 percent waterproof membrane. Protection is with removable CE approved armour at the shoulders and elbows, with anti-shock protector at the back; www.moto-one.com

BS Battery

Premium grade lithium batteries by BS

BS Battery has announced the introduction of a “brand new and innovative lithium-ion motorcycle and powersport battery range - designed for the most demanding riders, those looking for higher and safer performance and faster acceleration”.


Said to feature massively reduced weight and to deliver much longer battery life, General Manager Benjamin Sebban says that “the very low and slow self-discharge means engines can still start even after a very long period of storage, even in very cold temperature conditions”.
The BS lithium-ion battery range covers most of the existing motorcycle, scooter and wider powersports market applications and has a unique design with a brass terminal and lightweight, waterproof fibre material case that can resist up to 230 degrees centigrade.

BS BATTERY SAS
www.bs-battery.com

Barkbusters

AERO-GP handguards now MotoGP approved

Barkbusters, the leading motorcycle handguard specialist, has announced that its AERO-GP lever guards are now tested and approved for all categories of MotoGP racing, and expecting WSBK approval soon.


“For the 2019 racing season we expect to have the AERO-GP lever guard in a number of domestic and international racing categories as the choice of lever protection for racers from the Australian Superbike (ASBK) series through to World Supersport 300 (WSS300) - we also hope to see the product involved in MotoGP soon too,” said Rob Veljanoski, the Operations Manager for Berkeley, New South Wales based Barkbusters’ manufacturer Rideworx.



Though originally best known for their award-winning, highly regarded ‘Storm’ off-road/on-road adventure touring and street bike handguard designs, Barkbusters entered the pure sports/race bike style products market last year and now have a product design series with the same “value, style and functionality” for street riders that will soon be “competing at the highest levels of international street racing”.
The AERO-GP line are aerodynamically designed lever guards “conceived with safety in mind but created to be beautiful when fitted to your machine,” says Robert.
“The innovative design will complement the look of today’s street bike aesthetics while providing the essential protection needed to prevent accidental activation of the brake or clutch lever during close quarters racing on the track.
“For street riders the same safety elements are evident as for those riding in large groups, tight spaces and during lane filtering (splitting) on congested urban roads. The AERO-GP is compatible with most makes and models, including fully-faired sports bikes, tourers and scooters. Each pack contains the aerodynamic GP styled lever protector, which features innovative design with hi-tech nylon composite construction for rigidity and strength.”



They mount to a single point on the handlebar end. The included fitment will suit 6 mm or 8 mm internal thread handlebars and they feature a unique locking system for hollow handlebars.
The adjustable reach means a perfect fit and they are sold with an additional aerofoil included - “the sleek functional aerofoil can be fitted for increased wind protection or removed in seconds for a compact, sporty style”.
“Since we launched our STORM handguard ranges for street bikes back in 2008, we’ve seen demand explode. With so many riders now enjoying the thrill of racing and track days, we have found a unique way to offer a stylish and functional solution to their safety requirements for lever protection.
“With the added design features and adaption for further aerofoil protection, we have now brought this solution to the style-conscious street rider with our AERO-GP design.”

RIDEWORX
www.barkbusters.net

Hevik

‘Nettuno’ leather gloves

‘Nettuno’ long leather gloves are part of the high-end sector of the 2019 Hevik collection. Made of fine goatskin with a matt finish and matching softshell fabric, they “fit perfectly on the hand, allowing for optimal grip” and have elasticated anti-slip softshell straps and hook and loop fastening. 


The polyurethane structure on the knuckles, the rigid EVA inserts on the fingers and exterior of the wrists and the anti-slip reinforcement on the palm areas “ensure excellent protection”. For improved visibility, reflective inserts have been included on the wrists. They are 100% waterproof, with impermeability provided by the Hipora (three-layer microporous silicon coating structure) lining.
Additional features include the “Hevik Visortech”, a silicone-based accessory inserted on the index finger of the left-hand glove, which allows for quick cleaning of the helmet visor while in motion, and functions on the mobile phone screen can be accessed using the practical “touch” system positioned on the index finger and thumb. They are approved to European standard EN 13594:2015, level 1 2015.



HEVIK
www.hevik.com

LeoVince

LV-10 Titanium for Kawasaki

Italian exhaust brand LeoVince has developed a new line of exhaust systems for the Kawasaki Z 900 and Kawasaki Z 1000 - Z 1000 SX, the LV-10 Titanium.


Developed in collaboration with the LeoVince Racing Department and applying the experience gained in the Moto2 and Moto3 Championships, the LV-10 Titanium “expresses the maximum in racing technology applied to a muffler designed for standard bikes”.
The muffler and the link pipe are made using grade 1 titanium, a pure material that, in addition to guaranteeing a weight reduction of -30% compared to stainless steel, has high levels of ductility, strength and corrosion resistance.


TIG welding is done entirely by hand and “underlines the craftsmanship of the product while retaining its racing DNA”. It has a sandblasted finish, laser-cut bracket and laser-etched LeoVince logo.

LEOVINCE
www.leovince.com

Thursday 21 February 2019

ACEM

ACEM registration statistics put 2018 EU motorcycles at 1,004,063 units for +9.89 growth over 2017 - in theory!

The Brussels based international motorcycle industry trade association ACEM (Association des Constructeurs Européens de Motocycles) has released new Powered Two-Wheeler and Quadricycle registration data for European Union markets in 2018 that puts total internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycle sales at 1,004,063 units - an increase of 9.89% / 90,340 units over 2017.


Italy is reported as the largest market in 2018, with 219,694 new motorcycle registrations (+7.39%/15,115 units), with France second at 177,460 new motorcycles (+9.00%/14,652 units), and the largest growth in volume terms being seen in Spain, where new motorcycle registrations were +17.45% (+23,766 units) at 159,946 new motorcycles for the year.
Germany, the fourth largest EU market, reported 156,108 new registrations (+10.98%/15,441 units) and the UK fifth at 100,439 new registrations (+2.79%/2,726 units). Europe’s ‘Big Five’ markets represented 81% of the European total at 813,647 new motorcycle registrations for the year.
Because the period covers the years where official registration statistics were distorted by the crossover pre-registration and subsequent sale of Euro 3 inventory, before the Euro 4 regulations took effect at the start of 2017, the five years since the market bottomed out at 748,529 units in 2013 show a reliable +34.14% growth measure (255,534 new registrations).


‘or was it +3.12%?’

However, the effects of the Euro 3/Euro 4 crossover mean that the registration statistics for the final quarter of 2016 were artificially high and artificially low for the first half of 2017 as pre-registered inventory continued to be sold by dealers as “Pre-Owned” units that don’t appear in the Q1 and Q2 2017 registration figures when the retail sale was actually made.

Adjusted for those quarters, the trend data for 2018 over 2017 looks very different. IDN has estimated that between 50,000 and 65,000 of the sales made in 2017 really appeared in the 2016 registration statistics, making a true picture for 2017 look very different.
In all probability, the 13.27% growth rate recorded for 2016 was overstated by between 50,000 and 65,000 machines and that a better 2016 market estimate would be in the region of 949,678 units sold (rather than the 1m or more seen in the 2016 statistics) for a ‘real’ growth rate of around +6.5%.
The knock-on effect means that the 2017 figure on which last year’s apparent growth of nearly 10% is based was understated with an additional 50,000 to 65,000 new motorcycles not appearing. A more realistic market performance for 2017 would be in the region of +2.53% growth at around 973,723 new units ‘sold’ (as opposed to registered) instead of the 913,723 that ACEM’s statistics had to report.


Similarly, a safer ‘guesstimate’ would be that, in fact, 2018 ‘only’ saw growth over 2017 of some 30,340 genuinely additional ‘new’ unit sales [IDN # 141] for around +3.12% growth.
This means that rather than +13.27% growth in 2016 being followed by a -9.50% decline in 2017 and +9.89% growth in 2018, a more reliable picture shows that since the market bottomed out in 2013, growth of +7.29% in 2014 and +10.99% in 2015 has slowed to +6.54% growth in 2016, followed by +2.53% in 2017 and +3.12% for 2018.
The question being put by many market observers and analysts is whether or not the market is, in fact, stalling? The growth curve is certainly flattening out.
The 2018 ACEM registration statistics also reflect the ongoing softening of Europe’s moped market and have shown the consequences of the one year later Euro 3 to Euro 4 crossover that took place at the end of 2017 and first months of 2018.
Total moped registrations for EU markets in 2018 are recorded as 273,645 units, down by -31.49% (-125,775 units). France is the largest market for mopeds, with 72,940 new machines registered (-32.04%/-34.382 units), followed by the Netherlands at 58,969 units (-32.08%/-27,857 units) and Germany a distant third at 25,634 (-22.91%/-7,620 units).
Belgium is the fourth largest new moped market (21,391 units), followed by Italy (21,326 units), Poland (16,410 units), Spain (16,073 units) and Austria (11,866 units); all were down (-44.62% in the case of Poland, at 13,223 units).
Total PTW registrations in EU markets are put at 1,277,708 units (-2.70%) for 2018, meaning the overall two-wheeler market has grown by +13.23% percent in the five years since the 2013 low of 1,128,396 total units.
In NEV (New Energy Vehicle) PTW terms (E-Bikes etc), Europe was worth 47,179 new registrations in 2018, up by +16,029 units (+51.46%) after seeing growth of 16,312 units in 2017 (+109.93%) from the 14,838 registrations recorded in 2016. The market for NEVs has grown from just 6,960 units in 2013.

GPR

GPR Euro 4 Titanium ‘Sonic Revolution’

One of the market’s oldest exhaust manufacturers, Italian specialist GPR Italia has introduced what it says is one of its most important new products of recent years - the homologated ‘Sonic Revolution’ - first shown at Moto Bike Expo, Verona in January.



Well known for the race success that informs GPR’s product R&D, the ‘Sonic Revolution’ is a race- bred, track tested design intended primarily for Enduro, Naked and Sport scooter road use. GPR’s Mauro Orlandi told International Dealer News that it is “an extremely innovative design with high quality materials such as Ergal for the magnificent end cap, producing an exhaust that is a lot lighter than the OEM fitment it replaces.




“The external body is in ceramic black treated titanium with a titanium internal canister and mounting support band. The result is an extremely light exhaust with a personality all of its own – the ‘Sonic Revolution looks as great as it sounds and performs.”
The product will be on the market from the beginning of April in the Euro 4 approved version, with anti-tampering sports grille to meet current regulations. Applications already planned include for the BMW R 1250 GS, R 1200 GS, F 850 GS, F 750 GS, F 800 R and Yamaha T-Max, with more to be added regularly throughout 2019.

GPR EXHAUST SYSTEMS BY G.P.R. ITALIA S.R.L.

www.gpr.it

Tecmate

OptiMate 1 DUO

Lithium starter batteries are said to be the coolest, lightest batteries available and able to deliver way more cranking power than lead-acid batteries, which is all true. But one thing they both have in common is the need for maintenance when the engine is not running – when the motorcycle is parked or stored, short or longer term.
In fact, what a lot of people don’t realise is that a lithium battery, for all its advantages, needs charge maintenance more than a lead-acid one, and there are two main reasons why.
First, the amp-hour capacity of the lithium battery is typically a third of the equivalent lead-acid battery; it runs down faster due to parasitic drain from the vehicle electrics.
Second, once it has run down low, it needs special charging to bring it back to life, so it is best to avoid it discharging in the first place! 


The cells in a dead-flat lithium battery are in a weak and sensitive state and in need of a slow, controlled charge to recover to a level (typically 9V-10V) before the battery can once again receive high charge current.
Receiving a burst of high current via jump starting or bump starting can cause the weakest cell in that flat lithium battery to overcharge and fail – and overcharging is fatal for lithium batteries.

Even though motorcycles and lithium batteries are rather hi-tech pieces of equipment, when it comes to charging, riders usually just want the easiest solution. Martin Human, the CEO and CTO of TecMate, says “most riders do not know and, unfortunately, many do not care, what type of battery is in their motorcycle.
“All they care about is that the engine starts when they want to ride. Most (fortunately) know they should maintain the battery to achieve that, but then it must be easy for them, and these days the smart money is spent on a fully automatic, multi-purpose charger that can charge both 12V lead-acid and 12V/12.8V/13.2V lithium (LiFePO4) starter batteries.
“That is what we designed the new OptiMate 1 DUO to do – make it easy! All the rider has to do is simply connect the charger to the battery. The OptiMate 1 DUO automatically determines what the battery needs and adapts its charge programme accordingly.
“Best of all, the maintenance programme is 24-7-365, meaning riders can safely store their motorcycle for days, weeks or even months. The OptiMate 1 DUO will keep guard over the battery, protecting against excessive drain from the vehicle, which is especially important for those small lithium batteries.”

TECMATE
www.optimate1.com

Andreani

Andreani DB4 ‘Suspension Dyno’   

Well known for its advanced suspension tuning tools, track success and technician training courses, Italian specialist Andreani Group’s DB4 ‘Suspension Dyno’ is the most advanced test bench that Andreani has yet produced.



Fully automated to test all types of motorcycle, MTB and car suspensions, the powerful 4kW engine allows testing of shock absorbers and forks in a wide range of speeds and loads, choosing between several stroke settings.
“The 2019 version features updated ergonomics and software and ships to dealers complete with all the necessary adapters and a kit that will allow technicians to work on every kind of suspension.
“The DB4 is equipped with dedicated software that allows a wide range of diagnosis and tuning procedures, including hysteresis analysis and calculation of dissipated energy and of damping coefficients. It 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”.

ANDREANI GROUP INTERNATIONAL
www.andreanigroup.com

LighTech

Italian design and quality for the KTM 790 Duke

Italian specialist LighTech has unveiled a new and exclusive accessories line for the popular 2018 KTM 790 Duke.



In line with its usual ultra-high quality standards, these products have been designed to both complement and extend the performance and the aesthetic of the new naked 790 cc by KTM.



Aesthetically these new accessories are “of the highest design and most parts are available in multiple choice of colours, including the anodised orange colourway”.


The range consists of adjustable rearsets with LighTech’s patented Track-System technology that enables quick replacement of damaged footpegs without removing the entire assembly, crash pads, aluminium mirrors, “a beautiful tail tidy kit, swingarm spools, brake and clutch levers in magnesium, lever guards, fuel gas cap, handlebar stabilisers and more”.
To match the 790 Duke, the lever kit and crash pad kit are also available with orange colour inserts as an option.

LIGHTECH S.R.L.
www.lightech.it


“Our patented Track-System technology means the footpegs of our adjustable rearsets can easily be replaced without having to remove the entire assembly”

Matris

Matris scooter twin shock options

Italian suspension specialist Matris has two new scooter suspension options - the new standard twin shock model (M40S) and Race model (M40SR).
Excepting for established maxi-scooter applications (such as the TMAX, XADV and AK550 that have already been in production for some time), this is the first entry into the mainstream of the scooter market for Matris, and the company says it is a direct response to dealer requests.



The programme sees the company introducing a specific line of twin shocks designed to fit Honda SH 125/150/300, Yamaha XMax 300/400 and Piaggio Beverly 300/350.



“All the new products are made and assembled using the usual high level and quality materials and components that we are known for,“ says company Co-Owner Alberto Turcato. “These are not just a replacement for the factory shock absorbers but offer a serious improvement over the OEM set-up with improved response and handling.”
The shocks are 40 mm diameter fitments with 40 mm hydraulic unit-piston diameter, 14 mm chromed piston shaft diameter, adjustable rebound and preload on the standard replacement with compression, rebound and preload adjustment on the performance model.

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

Puig

TX windshield for scooters

Puig, the Barcelona based performance plastics specialist, has channelled its long experience in the design of aerodynamic accessories into the new TX windshield, developed specifically for scooters. It provides “screen-printed transparent protection, characterised by a stylised design with lateral flap air deflectors and a curvature in the upper part that improves protection”.


The screen is made from high-strength plastic material with a thickness of 4 mm, which is said to offer optimal weather and debris protection for the rider. The windshield is supplied with all the necessary hardware for installation. Nylon washers and self-locking nuts allow rotation of the mirror without loss of grip so that when the rear-view mirror receives an impact, it rotates the whole assembly so that the rider can return it to the initial position without tools and without losing the original turning tension.

PUIG/MOTOPLASTIC S.A.
www.puig.tv

GIVI

Sport-T bag range additions

Italian accessory specialist GIVI has added to its Sport-T bags range, which currently consists of three tank bag models (4, 5 and 15 litres) and a pair of 22-litre side bags, with the ST607 expandable saddlebag and the ST608 leg bag.


Both bags are equipped with reflective prints for increased visibility and feature the same highly robust polyester 1200D/PVC, thermoformed EVA coated with anti-scratch PU and fabrics which provide protection from damage caused by sunlight. Rain covers are provided as standard.
In order to adapt to different requirements, the ST607 is expandable with its capacity ranging from 22 to 26 litres, separated into convenient compartments, with a mesh pocket inside the cover, side pockets, ergonomic handles with rubber inserts and shoulder strap with padding. 

The ST608 leg bag has a 3-litre capacity and its elasticated straps enable the bag to be attached to a waist belt or trouser loops, and off the motorcycle it can be worn around the waist. It also has a number of useful pockets and internal flaps for the stability of contents stored inside.

GIVI S.P.A.
www.givimoto.com

Friday 15 February 2019

BMW Motorrad

BMW Motorrad - 2018 sees eighth all-time sales high in succession

BMW Motorrad says it sold more motorcycles and maxi scooters in 2018 than ever before. Compared to 2017 deliveries increased by a further +0.9%. As of December 2018, a total of 165,566 vehicles were delivered to customers (164,153 units in 2017).



Dr. Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad, said that “2018 was another very successful year. We achieved a sales record for the eighth time in succession. I would like to thank our customers most sincerely for the great trust they placed in us again in 2018”.
The company says this marks another step “towards reaching the planned sales target of 200,000 units in the year 2020. Schramm went on to say that “the 2018 sales figure shows that our motorcycle growth strategy is taking effect. This success was achieved due to the market launch of six new models as well as the powerful BMW Motorrad product portfolio, and we still have a great deal planned for the coming years.
“Our ongoing model initiative in the premium segment continues - we will further expand our product range with emotional and innovative new products in 2019, too. We will also be increasing our involvement in motorsport significantly”. In the 2019 season, the new BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team will be lining up from the start with the BMW S 1000 RR.
With 23,824 units, Germany was the largest single market for BMW Motorrad again, but “the good performances in the other big European markets and in the US were also a major cornerstone for these successful sales figures”. BMW’s most important markets in 2018 were France (16,615 units), Italy (14,110 units), Spain (11,124 units) and the UK/IE (9,224 units), as well as the USA (13,842 units - another record high).
BMW says it is continuing to expand in China and Brazil, too. With 7,561 BMW motorcycles and scooters sold and a growth rate of over 35%, China together with Brazil (7,361 units/+11%) are among the markets with the strongest growth. In India, with 2,187 units sold in 2018, the BMW Group’s own sales subsidiary has successfully established itself following the start of business there in 2017.



For the first time more than 51,000 units of the R1200/1250 GS and GS Adventure travel enduros were sold. With a total of around 84,500 units, “the traditionally strong R Series once again confirmed its leading position in the overall range”, with the R nineT model variants also playing a significant role in 2018.
Some 18,773 units of the sports-oriented BMW S Series were sold worldwide, with the S 1000 RR Supersports, the S 1000 R Power Roadster and the S 1000 XR Adventure “showing that they continue to be an important pillar in the BMW Motorrad range”.
Below 500 cc, 24,363 units of the G 310 R and G 310 GS models that were introduced in 2017 were sold in 2018 - both being among their “Top Five” sellers.
“Sales of the 6-cylinder models are also developing very positively. In its second year of sales, the K 1600 Bagger, which is tailored specifically to the US market, is proof of the unbroken trend towards large-capacity, emotional touring bikes,” said Timo Resch, BMW Motorrad Head of Sales and Marketing. “With 8,306 units sold and a 25% increase in sales, our 6-cylinder models were among our big winners in 2018.
“The USA especially is an important market for these models. We will continue to increase our involvement in the US in order to strengthen BMW Motorrad’s position there. We will respond to the special market requirements in the USA with a further highly emotional and very authentic BMW Motorrad product.”
BMW says it is offering its “most powerful product portfolio of all time in 2019” and that it is in “excellent shape all round. We expect to see further growth in sales for our vehicles in 2019 and we expect our new products from the R 1250 Boxer family, the much anticipated new S 1000 R as well as the F 850 GS Adventure, all to be received positively. We are also expanding our urban mobility product range with the market launch of the C 400 X and C 400 GT scooters”.

Arai

Arai migrates its Variable Axis System technology to a new SZ open-face

 

Show season saw Arai unveil three updates or new helmets to its 2019 range - Urban-V, Profile-V and a new SZ open-face - the SZ-R VAS (Variable Axis System).
Arai launched its first generation SZ open-face helmet in 1988 - aimed at the busy urban riding environment of downtown Tokyo. It has constantly evolved over the last 30 years, with each generation of SZ model “majoring on comfort, convenience and, of course, protection” and since its debut it has “become a favourite in Europe for professional riders, tourers and commuters alike”.


SZ-R VAS

 
Based on its experience with the SZ Ram-X, especially in Paris, the ‘VAS’ designation refers to Arai’s Variable Axis System’, as already seen in four full-face models - a technology that is designed to improve the impact protection and “glancing-off ability in a critical area”.
The completely redesigned compact PB-CLC2 shell (the same as used in QV-Pro) is reinforced by a SF (Super Fibre) belt in the front and at the back to make it even stronger. 



The VAS shield is 14 mm lower than the previous design, to keep the shell round and smooth for better glancing-off properties in this area. Compared to the previous visor, the VAS design has an extended shape to offer better visibility and improve wind protection.
Thanks to the dual system, the visor can be opened and closed much more easily and there is the possibility to add a Pinlock (as an option). There is also the option to use the PRO Shade sun visor, which up until now has only been available on the Arai’s full-face helmets - the brow vents have been redesigned and the new shape is said to be easier to operate and features a more efficient air intake.
The Diffusers (DF # 12) are the same type as used on the range-topping RX-7V. The angle of the fixed aero wing has been revised to be more in line with the shape of the diffuser in order to improve stability and reduce rider fatigue.
With the new speaker-ready interior and cheek pads, the contact points on the rider’s head have been distributed more evenly for a new feeling that is said to gently wrap the entire head and prove to be a better fit for long, oval heads. The cheek pad shape has also been modified to firmly hold each cheek (Facial Contour System/FCS). They feature the 5 mm peel-away layer to customise the helmet for a perfect fit. There is also a slit in the foam to make it easier to put on glasses.
An extra water-resistant layer has been added to the cheek pad foam to protect from the rain. There is also a foam piece added to the cheek pad to keep the ear pocket in place and remove pressure, further improving comfort. There is also a recess padded ready to receive a speaker; to hear it better and to reduce wind noise, foam has been added around the chinstrap.
The SZ-R VAS uses Arai’s original Super Fibre belt, which prevents the shell from cracking-in when a strong impact hits at the eye-opening area - it was originally developed for F1 helmets. PB-CLC2 is the same construction as used on the QV-Pro, the company’s top touring model. The SZ-R VAS also uses a new resin, which is said to be “extremely rigid”, but still finishes up lighter than before; the SZ-R VAS is also designed with a low centre of gravity.
Arai says the “smooth form” they favour makes it easier to glance-off and keep sliding. Internal air flow management has been improved - riding induces air to the forehead area and cools it dramatically. The new visor shape is said to give a clearer view that is more comfortable for the eyes and offers even less distortion compared with the previous visor shape. The new interior is constructed from antimicrobial material with deodorant and anti-fouling function. The cheek pads and interior are fully replaceable and adjustable.

Urban-V

 
The new Arai Urban-V open-face helmet “blends classic style with cutting-edge Arai protection, comfort and ventilation technology - it is old school and new school all at once, a classic retro-style open-face helmet, rich in period details like traditional stitched faux leather edge trim and interior accents.
“It’s packed with modern technical features that enhance comfort and protection, like (hidden) interior ventilation and a rounded outer shell silhouette. The Urban-V is constructed from Peripherally Belted Complex Laminate Construction2 (PB-cLc2) with F1 technology, hiding a high-tech, one-piece multi-density EPS inner liner.
 “The classic, rounder shape features timeless good looks and is also close to our philosophy that a stronger, smoother and rounder shape improves glancing-off performance while absorbing and spreading impact forces.
“Our proprietary (super fibre belt) Peripheral Belt, borrowed from the technology we put into our F1 helmets, helps increase shell strength and flexibility while maintaining low weight and a lower centre of gravity, aiding comfort on longer rides. Positioned across the top of the eye port, this band contributes to the use of a thinner EPS liner, which helps enhance the upward field of vision.
“A specially designed organic felt, sandwiched between the inner and outer layers of our proprietary Super Fibre Laminates, is used to reinforce and bond these two Super Fibre layers without adding significant weight”.
“Key to our philosophy of helmet construction is the use of a stronger outer shell allied to a softer interior liner that helps absorb and dissipate energy, acting much like the crumple zones built into a car. The Urban-V has both, and uses a high-tech, one-piece multi-density EPS liner with multi-stage venting channel in support of its PB-cLc2 shell”.

Profile-V

 
The Profile-V is a brand-new helmet from Arai. It has been designed for easier access on and off by widening the bottom opening at the front and sides, still offering the snug fit and the proven round shape unique to Arai, using the round and strong PB-e-cLc outer shell for impact “glance-off” and to spread impact forces while maintaining integrity - working with a softer, one-piece multi-density EPS inner liner to absorb and dissipate energy.
Incorporating the Arai Variable Axis System (VAS), a Hyper Ridge band reinforces the lower shell and a 5 mm flare around the base makes the Profile-V easier to get on and off. The VAS-V MAX Vision visor is Pinlock ready, and the optional Pro Shade System (PSS) can be fitted.
Additional features include full ventilation front and rear and a semi-removable interior featuring the Facial Contour System (FCS) of Arai’s range-topping helmets for a “super comfortable fit and ear pockets for speakers”.

ARAI HELMET (EUROPE)
www.araihelmet-europe.com

SW-MOTECH

Z900RS accessories

German accessory vendor SW-MOTECH has turned its attention to the Kawasaki Z900RS as the so-called ‘Retro Trend’ continues.



The naked styling of the stock Z900RS is an ideal canvas for the bolt-on model-specific and universal fit part designs for a company such as SW-MOTECH.
Accessories used here include its Legend Gear tank bag and side bag set installed with their SLC ABS hard bag capable side carriers (Urban ABS side case and Blaze saddlebag set also available), patented EVO tank ring, fender kit and windscreen.



Also added to inventory recently, the SW- MOTECH PRO side carrier is now available for GS, Africa Twin, Triumph Tiger and KTM models. Made in 2.5 mm steel, it mounts close to the bike and will fit luggage options from the likes of Givi/Kappa, Hepco & Becker, Krauser and Shad, as well as the company’s own SysBags.

SW-MOTECH
www.sw-motech.com