Turin, Italy based Tacita Motorcycles is the latest E-bike manufacturer to cast covetous eyes on the domestic US market, having established Tacita USA Corp. in Miami, Florida, headed up by CEO Axel Heilenkotter. Tacita says it has been building electric motorcycles since 2011 and plans to offer two model ranges - the T-Race off-road and Enduro E-bikes, and three power/price point cruiser style models (T-Cruise) that are clearly aimed at Harley's LiveWire. Whereas most electric motorcycles have a 'Twist & Go' throttle, the T-Cruise will apparently have a more conventional gear shift transmission.
British "luxury" helmet manufacturer Hedon is to supply BMW with classic and custom-inspired helmets. The London-based company is known for its eclectic mix of retro-styled open and full-face lids. Despite that retro aesthetic, Hedon says its helmets are made with modern materials and features, including fibreglass/carbon fibre shells, anti-bacterial fabrics and multi-channel ventilation systems.
Known as the largest annual spring motorcycle show in Germany, Motorräder Dortmund is being staged at its usual Congress Centre Westfalenhallen venue, from March 5th to 8th, 2020. The show regularly features over 500 exhibitors and is known to attract up to 100,000 visitors in one of the primary riding markets in Germany.
Spanish accessory manufacturer Puig is celebrating a remarkable end to the WSBK season with five time WSBK champion Jonathan Rea taking both race wins on the final day of the 2020 season at the Losail International Circuit, Qatar, ending a remarkable season with 17 victories in all and a points total well into the 600s. Puig is a Kawasaki Racing Team Technical Partner supplying their aerodynamic race windshields.
Hoco Parts, DC AFAM and CMS owner Powersports Distribution Group (NL) has made two strategic acquisitions in the UK - adding distributors Bradbury Bros and Rob Hunter. The move follows news three months ago that PDG had also added Belgian distributor Rino Trading to its Hoco operation. The combined UK businesses will be re-branded as 'Bradbury Hunter'.
Kudos to Thomas Timmen, Dealer Management Team Leader at German Kymco and Hyosung MSA (Wieden, Bavaria). He has been running an online petition to force the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMVI) to consider the issue of bringing German car licensing rules in line with several other EU markets. In France, Italy, Austria and some other markets, car driving licences (Category B) permit appropriately experienced drivers over 25yo to ride A1 category PTWs. German trade association IVM and industry magazine Bike & Business are also lobbying for regulatory change.
Sources: AMD, IDN, FT, Reuters, PSB, MPN, B&B, BDN, MCN, AP, Bloomberg, MNW
