BMW

BMW to abandon INTERMOT and EICMA permanently

Described as a realignment of its strategy for product launches, BMW Motorrad has announced that it will no longer exhibit at the two major international European trade fairs that it has historically supported from its head office corporate communications budgets - INTERMOT and EICMA.

"New live and digital formats will increasingly take the place of traditional trade fair appearances at BMW Motorrad in the future. In particular, this means that the traditional commitments at the two leading motor shows EICMA in Milan and INTERMOT in Cologne, which were previously organised centrally by BMW Motorrad, will no longer apply.
"This realignment of the communication strategy for new BMW Motorrad products and offers includes in-house BMW Motorrad and BMW Group formats as well as external formats - both live and digital - taking into account the respective defined requirements of the different target groups and media genres."

Dr. Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad, is quoted as stating: “Our strategic communication realignment in which we make use of increased live and digital formats will enable us to inspire even more people worldwide for BMW Motorrad products and offers in the future and to approach them in an optimally targeted manner.
"By using our own trade fair-independent live and digital formats, we cannot only time world premieres and product launches more flexibly, but it also enables more intensive interaction with all target groups as well as an increased information reach."
The company says that it will "continue to present its product range to visitors at selected regional motorcycle shows and will be open to new formats", but not ones where it would actually mean meeting, you know, people!
Ever since the tightening of the coronavirus lockdown in Germany was announced in January, there has been increasing industry speculation that many of the planned motorcycle events in the first half of 2021 could yet end up going the same way as most did in 2020, and that even an event slated for November, such as EICMA, was already looking vulnerable - and that was before this news threw a Molotov cocktail into the hen house.
Indeed, in announcing that it was severing its long-standing relationship with Garmisch-Partenkirchen for its annual BMW Motorrad Days celebration of all things "blue and white" - in favour of Berlin - the lack of a confirmed date (aside from a vague statement about the summer of 2020) appeared to presage uncertainty about that investment too.
As this INTERMOT/EICMA news started to circulate towards the end of January, there were two mutually opposing and competing perspectives doing the rounds - namely that this move either suggested that BMW would also abandon the planned Berlin event, or that it will step-up its Berlin plans for a mono-brand-fest at Berlin that gave it the opportunity to tightly regulate its messaging and brand presentation without competitive pressures to distract its disciples.

2021 FIM MotoGP World Championship

2021 FIM MotoGP provisional calendar updated

The FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports have released an updated calendar for the 2021 FIM MotoGP World Championship - two races in Qatar and one in Portimão will now open the season, with the Argentina and Americas GPs postponed.

The season opening Grand Prix in Qatar remains confirmed for the 26th to the 28th of March and it will now be followed by a second event, the Grand Prix of Doha, at the same Losail International Circuit the following weekend, from the 2nd to the 4th of April.
The Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal will then host the third round of the Championship from the 16th to the 18th of April before the paddock heads to the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto as previously planned.
Dorna stated: "The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns and complications sadly oblige the postponement of both the Argentina GP and the Americas GP until the last quarter of 2021. Any further updates or changes will be provided as soon as available".

 

BMW records second best annual sales figures; announces 2020 GS Trophy for Albania

BMW Motorrad has posted the second-best annual sales figures in its history, despite the challenges of a year in which COVID-19 turned the world inside out. The company delivered 169,272 motorcycles and scooters to customers worldwide (+3.4%); 39,673 of them in Q4 (+3.8%). 

Albania, "one of the last still largely untouched off-road paradises in Europe".

In other news, the company has announced that its 2022 International GS Trophy will return to Europe - being staged under the "Explore the unexpected" motto in Albania in late summer 2022; the 8th edition of the GS Trophy.
Described as "one of the last still largely untouched off-road paradises in Europe", 22 international teams and six international women's teams will be selected in the coming months, with qualification events having already been confirmed for Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Latin America, Mexico, Netherlands, Russia, South Africa, South East Asia, South Korea, United Kingdom and USA - the Chinese team 2020 has received a wildcard because it could not participate in New Zealand in 2020 due to the COVID-19 restrictions in force at the time.

Following the Roland Sands dragster special and the R 18 conversion by 'Blechmann' (Bernhard Naumann), this latest BMW custom R 18 in its "SoulFuel" series is "Spirit of Passion", by Dirk Oehlerking of Kingston Custom, Gelsenkirchen.

In addition to 'Oceania' in 2020, previous editions have been staged in 2016 in South East Asia (Thailand), 2014 in North America (Canada), 2012 in South America (Chile, Argentina), 2010 in South Africa (South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique) and 2008 in North Africa (Tunisia). In the current edition, 22 teams compete with 60 riders from all over the world. The field of riders is accompanied by the GS Trophy Marshals, media representatives, doctors, sponsors as well as a photo and film crew.
The GS Trophy is not a race but a team competition in which an international line-up of off-road enthusiasts compete together in various special stages. Right after the event, BMW Motorrad will once again be offering "Follow the Trails" tours, where customers can follow in the footsteps of the competition on original GS Trophy motorbikes.

UK motorcycle registrations

UK: 2020 motorcycle registrations -3.91% (theoretically)

As seen elsewhere in Europe, 2020 motorcycle registrations in the UK ended with a rush to pre-register unsold Euro 4 units that do not meet the strict timescale criteria set by the EU for the end of series derogation approved in advance of Euro 5 final implementation. This has no doubt distorted the statistics in the UK, Germany, Italy and most of Europe's markets - majors and otherwise.

According to the latest available data from the MCIA, the motorcycle industry trade association in the UK, motorcycle registrations were +53.99% in December, at 7,042 units, and were also likely distorted by pre-registrations in October and November too - maybe even as far back as July 2020. For the whole of 2020, registrations are said to have been down by only -3.91% at 96,539 units for the year.
In total PTW terms, December was reported to be +57.17% (7,808 units), with registrations running at -2.83% (103,656 units) for the full year.
In further evidence of the rush to pre-register unsold Euro 4 units in the UK, Honda dropped to the number 3 spot in market share terms in December (having been the market share leader all year), behind Lexmoto and Suzuki.
By way of context - motorcycle registrations in the UK grew slightly in 2019, +0.72%, with 100,472 units sold. Along with Italy, France, Germany and Spain, the UK remains one of Europe's 'Big Five' markets (actually, the fifth largest) and between them they account for just over 80% of annual new registrations in Europe.

MCN

MCN London Motorcycle Show cancelled

UK motorcycle newspaper MCN (Motorcycle News) has confirmed that it is having to cancel its 2021 London Motorcycle Show.

It had been slated to be held at London's Excel Exhibition Complex from 12 to 14 February. The pandemic has dealt show plans a double hit as not only do present UK restrictions make all such events an impossibility, but the Excel Exhibition Centre, alongside the River Thames in London's Docklands on the east side of central London, is presently hosting the largest of the UK's 'Nightingale' emergency COVID-19 hospitals.
"It is with great sadness that we have to confirm the cancellation of the 2021 MCN London Motorcycle Show," the organisers have stated. "We must all follow the Government guidelines, and the latest lockdown measures mean we are unable to run the event this year."
In 2020 the event was one of the last motorcycle shows in Europe to be staged before the widespread lockdown started in March and usually attracts some 40,000 visitors.

LeoVince

LeoVince LV-12 for Honda ADV models

Italian exhaust specialist LeoVince has developed a new application in its LV-12 line of exhaust systems for the Honda CRF 1100 L Africa Twin/Adventure Sport/DCT.
Specifically developed and tuned for ADV models, it is said to "combine cutting-edge materials with Made-in-Italy design".

Available in three different finishes - stainless steel, Black Edition and titanium - the LV-12 is made entirely of TIG welded AISI 304 stainless steel. The Black Edition "has been developed for those who love dark tones and has a high temperature resistant black ceramic-based paint".
The LV-12 Titanium outer sleeve and the bracket are made of TIG welded grade 1 titanium. Additional features include stylish dual-flow carbon fibre end cap, enriched with a matt, clear coating for maximum UV resistance.

"The oversize design makes the LV-12 the perfect fit for adventure motorcycles, and the laser-etched LeoVince logo gives the exhaust a premium finish. With its dynamic and aggressive look, the LV-12 is unmistakable in the urban jungle and ready for any adventure," the company says.

LEOVINCE
www.leovince.com

Keis Apparel

Keis heated gloves with hydrophobic fabric

Keis Apparel says its all-new G701 heated gloves with hydrophobic fabric "are the most advanced heated motorcycle gloves we have ever made".
Features include touch screen capacitive pads on index finger and thumb, a semi-bonded Hipora waterproof and breathable membrane and a distinctive hydrophobic ballistic spandex outer shell that is said to "resist water penetration even when fully submerged for over two minutes during testing. This further assists in keeping the wearer warmer, preventing the water-logged outer material from drawing heat away from the hand". 

Manufactured to CE standard EN 13594 for protective motorcycle gloves, there is flexible soft armour across the knuckles and scaphoid sliders on each palm.
Inside there's a generous layer of 3M Thinsulate insulation, which retains warmth without adding bulk. The gloves are designed to fit either over or under a jacket cuff. "When the temperature really drops, micro carbon fibre heating panels - with Far InfraRed Radiation heat-generating technology - provide reliable, controllable warmth, whilst still allowing plenty of dexterity and feel for precise handling of the controls.
"More effective than heated grips, the heat is where you need it most. The exposed areas on the top of the hands and around the fingers are the most vulnerable to the cold, and this technology provides radiating warmth in the same way the sun's rays warm the body on a cold winter's day".
Keis claims that the heating elements are so reliable they are backing them with a lifetime warranty and the gloves as a whole are covered for two years. The easy-to-use integral controller - positioned on the back of the wrist for easy operation when riding - enables the wearer to turn the power on and off and change temperature on the move. The controller also features an inbuilt voltage regulator to prevent overheating.
Like all Keis garments, the G701 gloves come with everything needed to connect to a 12V vehicle battery, as well as the option to connect to a portable 2600mAh glove battery pack, which fits in a pocket in the glove cuff. There is a visor wipe built in and extra optional battery packs are available.

MOTOHAUS POWERSPORTS
www.keisapparel.com

Mitas

Mitas extends TERRA FORCE-MX comp range to junior sizes

Mitas has extended its TERRA FORCE-MX motocross competition tyre range, introduced at the beginning of 2019, to include junior sizes designed for motorcycles from 50 cc to 85 cc engine displacement.
Gustavo Pinto Teixeira, VP Two Wheels and Specialty Tyres, said: "It is really exciting to extend our MX competition range to include all-new junior MX sizes for young riders. With the addition of junior sizes, we are creating a solid foundation for further development of young motocross talents. 

"We are honoured that 85 cc FIM Junior World Champion 2019, Valerio Lata, won the title on Mitas tyres and we are keen to help young riders on their way to higher MX classes." The range is available in three versions, each of them for different types of terrain.
TERRA FORCE-MX MH tyres seen here are for medium to hard terrain. "The shape and arrangement of knobs provide maximum traction and control, with front tyre knobs delivering straight-line stability, while the rear tyre knobs ensure greater contact with the ground".
TERRA FORCE-MX SM tyres are for soft to medium terrain. "Tapered knobs bite deeply into the soft terrain and provide improved acceleration, cornering and braking without losing traction. The tyre has a superb self-cleaning ability thanks to the widely spaced knobs".

TERRA FORCE-MX SAND tyres are for sandy conditions. "The tread design features a semi-paddle construction with spaced knobs to ensure maximum self-cleaning. The large centre rib and aggressive side knobs provide traction. The tread compound is characterised by high hardness and does not soften during the race". Available only as a rear, it can be combined with the SM front.
www.mitas-moto.com

News Briefs

In June, British distributor Oxford Products announced that it had closed its Swansea, Wales based Tri-Motive distribution subsidiary, having bought the business in 2017. Citing the impacts of COVID-19, Oxford said it would integrate distribution of some of the Tri-Motive portfolio into its own programme - at the time, the brands potentially affected one way or the other included ARMR, Dojo, Eleveit, and MT, Vemar, Simpson and Momo helmets.

Italian electric drivetrain manufacturer ASKOLL has launched a range of three electric Made-in-Italy scooters. Aimed at city use, the top of the range NGS3 is said to offer 2,700W (two removable batteries), a top speed of 66 km/h, a range of up to 96 km and charge time of about three hours; askollelectric.com

Backed by Triumph Motorcycles, The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride was a solo riding effort in September 2020, but still managed to raise over € 2m for charitable causes; over € 20m has been raised since 2012. For 2021 the date has been brought forward from its usual end of September date and will now be staged in May each year - Sunday May 23 in 2021.

British online platform Bikesportnews.com has acquired the Dirt Bike Rider magazine and online brand from newspaper publisher JPIMedia. Dirt Bike Rider is a long-established publication and the leading motocross title in the UK. The deal will see well known off-road journalist Sean Lawless return to his role as editor after eight years.

The UK motorcycle insurance market took another twist recently when the British Competition Regulator reversed the planned sale of Bennetts Insurance to Carole Nash insurance brand owner Ardonagh. The regulator decided that the deal could result in a worse deal for customers.

Galfer, Vertex, D.I.D, Twin Air and Airoh Helmets are celebrating the success of Betamotor and the Beta Boano Team in the 250 cc and Junior MX categories - Davide Soreca winning the 250 cc class and Lorenzo Macoritto the Junior category.

The FIM has announced that high-tech light panels are to be mandatory at all MotoGP and WSBK circuits - FIA Grade 1 and FIM Grade A from 2022, and EWC circuits from 2023. The light panels can be operated by race control or trackside by marshals and are used to display crucial information to competitors. Currently in F1, the championship promoter is responsible for transporting the top-level panels to each race but then removes them, meaning that other events on those circuits do not have access to this safety technology. The new requirement will mean that every championship competing on those circuits will have access to F1 levels of safety technology.

Italian parts and accessory specialist Rizoma has entered into a design and manufacturing partnership with Harley-Davidson - believed to be the American manufacturer's first known co-branded relationship with an aftermarket parts designer. The initial release of items in the billet aluminium collection is aimed at Harley's LiveWire EV, despite being largely universal fit, and includes 1.44" diameter textured rubber handgrips, blingy rider and passenger footpegs, mirrors with an "aspherical outer portion" and, specifically for the LiveWire, a "sport-inspired" charge door.

Brembo has reported Q3 margins in line with the same period of 2019 and net profit of € 51.7m  (8.5% of sales) "despite the complex context". Revenues were down by -5.9% compared to Q3 of the previous year. Results for the period ended 30 September 2020 were € 1,559.9m (-20.9%).

Sources: AMD, IDN, FT, Reuters, PSB, MPN, B&B, BDN, MCN, AP, Bloomberg, MNW, electricmotorcycles.news, RideApart.com,  Motor1.com

Italian motorcycle registrations

Italy - 2020 motorcycle registrations -4.86% (theoretically)

According to the latest data from ANCMA (the motorcycle industry trade association in Italy and the owner of EICMA), the Italian motorcycle and scooter market ended a tumultuous year, having recovered a lot more of the lost sales that, at one stage, looked like they were going to set the Italian market back years.

Having been +1.94% (6,502 units) in October and massively up in November at +41.14% (5,012 units), new motorcycle registrations in Italy in December were up by +46.36% at 4,038 units to finish the year at -4.86% (94,108 units, compared to 98,917 in 2019).
However, as with the scooter and moped figures from ANCMA, and as seen elsewhere in Europe as the year ended (looking at you Germany and United Kingdom), pre-registration of unsold Euro 4 units that do not meet the strict timescale criteria set by the EU for the end of series derogation approved in advance of Euro 5 final implementation have no doubt distorted the statistics in Italy and most of Europe's major markets.
Total PTW registrations are put at +23.98% for December (7,630 units) and +20.05% (11,012 units) for November to close out the year at -5.76% (218,626 units, compared to 231,985 in 2019). Scooter sales are put at -6.43% for 2020 (124,518 units).
The top selling motorcycles in Italy in 2020 have again been the Benelli TRK 502/502X (3,569 units), followed by the BMW R 1250 GS (3,188 units) and the Honda Africa Twin (2,926 units). The top selling scooters remain the Honda SH 150, 300 and 125 range (in 1st, 2nd and 4th spots respectively), with the Piaggio Beverly 300 ABS, Liberty 125 ABS and Medley 125 in 3rd, 5th and 8th.
The Kymco Agility 125 R16 was 6th, with Yamaha's big TMAX scooter in 7th place, and the company's XMAX 300 in 10th behind the Honda Forza 300 (9th).

KOSO

Heated grips with integrated switch

These HG-13 heated grips by KOSO "are a prime example of our ability to innovate," according to the company.

Featuring a rider-friendly integrated switch "the days of cluttering your handlebars with control boxes and switches are over." KOSO's exclusive integrated thumb switch provides the rider with the ability to power the grips on and off and rotate between the five levels of temperature settings without removing the hands from the handlebars - "a much safer solution".

 

In addition, the various temperature levels always give the driver optimal warmth, and the internal memory allows the grips to power on at the previously set heat level. The LED display has five differently coloured LEDs to round off the modern appearance of the handles and enable the driver to quickly determine which temperature level is set.
The HG-13 heated grips also feature low-voltage battery protection that will automatically detect if the battery voltage is too low and shut down the heated grips in order to make sure the rider has enough power to start the engine or use the motorcycle.

The plug & play cables make installation easy and the removable handlebar end caps allow the additional installation of handlebar end weights or handlebar end indicators. These heated grips are compatible with most motorcycles on the market, fit 22 mm handlebars for twist throttle applications and you can choose between 120 mm and 130 mm in length.

KOSO EUROPE
www.kosoeurope.com

Venhill

Venhill - "increased demand for cables and hoses"

With many restorers and bike builders finding themselves with time to focus on their projects, British brake component specialist Venhill Engineering says it has seen "significantly increased demand for cables and hoses this year".

 

Martin Bradfield, Operations Manager: "We've been able to keep up with demand by introducing a split shift system, so everyone can continue to work while social distancing."

Operations Manager Martin Bradfield told IDN: "We initially thought we'd have to close the factory in the spring due to the British Government's mandated lockdown - there wouldn't have been space for all the staff to socially distance.
"After an open discussion the team decided to introduce a split shift system, allowing everyone to continue to work while allowing the required workplace distancing. Before long we could see that this offered the opportunity to bring on a few new team members to the quieter of the two shifts, which we did once lockdown restrictions were eased."
Five new members of staff have joined the team at Venhill's factory, located south of London, increasing production capacity in the hose and cable workshops and shipping.
Venhill has also launched a completely new website with an enhanced 'My Garage' Part Finder tool with an option for dealers to store details of vehicles they have ordered products for.
www.venhill.co.uk

Zard

Z900 full titanium 4-into-1 race exhaust kit

Everybody knows the old design and engineering saying - that if something looks right, then it is right? Or, in the case of motorcycle exhausts, if it looks good and sounds good - then it must be good?

Well, this stunning new racing full titanium 4 into 1 full kit, with awesome carbon, is indeed a thing of beauty and weighing in at just 3.9 kg for a +6 hp power gain (the original exhaust is 11.3 kg), it is destined for glory!

Initially it will be available as a 'race fitment' for all Kawasaki Z900 versions from 2019 to 2021 and comes as a fully 'plug & play' kit with no requirement to remap. The design is finished off by a stylish high-tech laser-etched Zard logo for bragging rights.

ZARD S.R.L.
www.zardlab.com

Premier Helmets

Premier 'Hyper'

New from Premier Helmets, the 'Hyper' is its top-of-the-range full racing grade helmet with 'comfort' interior and advanced ventilation to make it ideal for road use and long journeys.
"Comfort, light weight, quiet aerodynamics and innovative shapes are the key aspects of this helmet," says the Italian manufacturer. "Hyper shapes are completely new and aim at maximum aerodynamics: wind tunnel studies have brought numerous innovations to traditional lines, including a rear spoiler that hides the air extractor".

Features include an 11% wider, high-resistance, scratch-resistant, coated clear Pinlock-ready visor, and the 'Hyper' ships with a Pinlock lens included in the price. A dark visor is also included.
The interior is breathable and completely removable and washable. The inner shell is pressure-plated in EPS with differentiated density for energy absorption. The outer shell is a two-size tricomposite fibre construction - a mix between aramid fibre and epoxy resin that makes the helmet elastic but extremely resistant in case of an impact.
It is also available in an entirely polished carbon version, is Bluetooth communication system ready and has an ECE 22/05 certificate.

PREMIER HELMETS
www.premier.it

Polisport

LOOKOS EVO - new generation battery powered headlight

New from the Portuguese manufacturer of "Performance Plastics" Polisport, this new and improved version of the LOOKOS headlight - the LOOKOS EVO - comes with a new generation of lithium battery that will last longer and charge faster.

Available in standard and solar versions, the LOOKOS EVO was developed "for those who want to easily adapt their motocross or cross-country motorbike to enduro. The headlight is battery powered (battery is included) and you don't need to make any wiring additions or changes to the bike to use it - just install the headlight and you are ready to go".
Polisport says that the battery will last six hours on low beam, three hours on high beam and will get a full charge in only 90 minutes.

 

"LOOKOS EVO is the most cost-effective and fastest way to turn your motocross bike into an enduro. You can quickly assemble the headlight and go riding in the woods and easily disassemble it to mount your number plate and go to the motocross track.
"LOOKOS EVO is also a great way of changing the stock look of the bike. The battery also comes with additional wiring for install options. The standard version will be available in six colours - black, white, blue, red and orange, and the solar version in black and white.

POLISPORT
www.polisport.com

THOR

THOR MX Collection 2021 - Carbon 'Reflex' helmet

Developed and tested in cooperation with THOR elite riders such as Cooper Webb, Marvin Musquin, Justin Cooper, Ty Masterpool, Aaron Plessinger and Adam Enticknap, the 2021 THOR MX range includes kits, boots, gloves, goggles, guards and the other gear that every off-roader and motocrosser needs.

The big news is the high-tech 'Reflex' carbon helmet, developed to offer the best possible protection at the lowest weight and to ensure excellent visibility. The carbon 'Polar' helmet has already been tested by the professional THOR riders of the H.E.P SUZUKI TEAM, and now they rated the new 'Reflex' helmet "lightweight, ventilated, comfortable and having excellent peripheral view".
Features include the Koroyd EPS to provide excellent ventilation and lightness, which is necessary for a concentrated ride. The Polar is the carbon version and the fiberglass versions are Apex, Accel and Blackout.

Koroyd’s welded tubes crumple instantly and consistently on impact, absorbing maximum possible force in a controlled manner, minimising the energy transfer to the head. Advanced breathability and cooling are ensured by air following consistently through the open cells.
Direct and angled impact protection is guaranteed by the MIPS BPS (Brain Protection System), which allows the head to move inside the helmet to reduce the harmful rotational motion energy that is otherwise transferred to the brain.
The 'Reflex' offers extensive intake venting with strategic channels, enhanced by the benefit of Koroyd material, carrying stale air to multiple exhaust vents designed to accelerate the airflow in a precise and effective manner. The Koroyd technology and dual density EPS provide advanced breathability, ultralight feel and improved protection.
The whole 'Reflex' helmet line meets ECE 22.05 Helmet Safety Standard.
www.partseurope.eu

Advanced X-Legend by Eleveit

First shown as a prototype at EICMA in 2019, Ivo Zanatta, owner of Italian specialist Eleveit, says a further six months of testing and development has gone into his company's new X-Legend off-road boot "in collaboration with some of the best professional riders".
Now available in six colour variants, the X-Legend, and off-road boots in general, "are the historical core business of our company. It is defined by a system that is able to protect the foot from lateral hyper-extensions and an additional rear system that acts on forward hyper-extensions. 

"A complete and innovative solution that guarantees absolute protection of the limb without compromising mobility and guaranteeing maximum freedom of performance in off-road riding.
"The most important priorities for the Eleveit brand have always been quality of materials and workmanship, attention to detail, ergonomics and features," Ivo says. 

 

Ivo Zanatta, Eleveit owner

The X-Legend boot has adjustable micrometric closure levers, positioned at four strategic points, to ensure greater precision, comfort and security. The design also incorporates what Ivo calls Controlled Forward Flexion - "an innovative system that controls and protects the back and forth movement of the ankle to prevent it moving beyond its natural limit."
The system consists of a PU heel that extends in height until it is anchored under the arch connecting the inside and outside of the boot. When the X-Legend and the limb flex forward, the heel becomes increasingly tensioned until it stops the ankle movement. "Our patented system guarantees optimal forward/backward oscillation of the joint, preserves its integrity in risky situations and does not compromise the rider's comfort".
Controlled Lateral Flexion, another patented system, consists of a PU frame that guides the lateral movement of the ankle. The system is applied externally to the sides of the leg and to the ankle height and is equipped with a central joint that adjusts the inclination of the limb. The upper plate of the skeleton is welded to the lower one by means of a metal stud that moves inside a housing with two programmed stop points. 

The lateral movement of the joint is thus mechanically controlled within the natural bending arch, preventing over-extension and, above all, damaging torsion.
A new hooking system features levers with "an innovative steel sleeper". During the connection phase, the micrometrically adjustable strap that ends with a hook is inserted into the lever and hooked firmly to the sleeper, guaranteeing a secure closure of the boot.
Additionally, there is a 3D lining for maximum breathability of the foot - the inner lining has a non-deformable 3D structure that makes it easier for the foot to breathe. The air captured inside the cavities of the three-dimensional filaments forms a cushion that envelops the leg and foot in high elasticity material for "an extremely light, fresh and comfortable fit".
Each Eleveit product is CE certified "for compliance with strict European safety regulations. This certification is issued by accredited bodies following the passing of strict tests, which guarantee the absolute suitability of each product in terms of high standards of protection".

ELEVEIT SRL
www.eleveit.it

Honda

Honda takes second consecutive Dakar win

For the second successive year, Honda has taken the overall victory in the Dakar Rally’s motorcycle category with Argentinian Kevin Benavides finishing ahead of 2019 winner and Monster Energy Honda teammate Ricky Brabec second - the first ever American winner.
It was a first Dakar Rally win for the 32-year-old Benavides, who rode his first Dakar Rally in 2016, and the first time in 34 years that Honda took the top two spots - Dakar legends Cyril Neveu (a five- time winner) and Edi Orioli (a four-time winner) were first and second on NXR750Vs in 1987.

The 43rd edition Dakar Rally (the second in Saudi Arabia) comprised a prologue and twelve stages and covered nearly 5,000 miles in a counter-clockwise loop around Saudi Arabia, starting and finishing in the Red Sea port city of Jeddah. Approximately 3,000 miles of the route were in timed (or “special”) stages, and Benavides had a winning tally of 47 hours, 18 minutes, 14 seconds, less than five minutes better than Brabec.

 

It was a dominant performance by Honda Racing Corporation’s factory rally effort, whose CRF450 Rally-mounted riders won nine of 12 stages plus the prologue - two stages by Benavides, three stages and the prologue by Brabec, three stages by Joan Barreda and one stage by Jose Cornejo. Barreda and Cornejo were forced to drop out of the race - the former after missing a fuel stop and running out of fuel, and the latter following a hard crash.

German motorcycle registrations

Germany - motorcycle registrations +116.75% in November 2020

According to the latest data released by IVM, the motorcycle industry trade association in Germany, new motorcycle registrations were up by a staggering +116.75% in November (5,850 units). They were +50.71% in September at 10,429 units and +33.45% (6,630 units) in October.
For the year to November, the German motorcycle market was +11.45% at 123,829 units and despite the problems 2020 has seen, the market there is already ahead of the 2019 full year figure.

In the context of 2020, the motorcycle registration statistics in Germany for 2020 have been remarkable. The market demonstrated the same promising start to 2020 that was seen elsewhere in Europe, but after the decline in March and April it started to recover strongly in May - suggesting that demand hadn't gone away, with consumers buying when they judged the moment right to do so.
Indeed, in total PTW terms, it looks very much like the theory that the urban mobility and social distancing messages that PTWs have in their favour are being accepted by consumers - by commuters especially. For the YTD through November 2020 total PTW registrations in Germany were +26.38% at 205,240 units
In market share terms, BMW remains 'Top Dog' in its home market with a modestly reduced motorcycle market share (20.76%), despite somewhat higher units sales YTD at 25,707 units and has six models in the top twenty best sellers. KTM is in second spot (15,196 units YTD), followed by Honda (14,837), Kawasaki (14,419) and Yamaha (12,110).
The top selling model was BMW's R 1250 GS (8,771 units YTD), followed by the Kawasaki Z900 (Z650 in fourth), Yamaha MT-07 third (Ténéré 700 in 7th), KTM 690 SMC, 790 Duke and 390 Duke in 5th, 6th and 8th spots, Honda CMX 500 Rebel in 9th and CRF 1100 Africa Twin in 10th spot.
Last year saw the German motorcycle market grow by +4.38% to 113,039 units, with PTW sales growing by +6.53% to 165,311 units.

News Briefs

Italian international distributor Omnia Racing has added to its inventory with new product lines from DNA Filters, of Greece; protectors and accessories from British specialist GB Racing, and lightweight, high performance Stylema brake calipers by Brembo. The Stylema design sees around 7% less weight and reduced external dimensions for "a more direct connection to the piston area, increased airflow to the pads and the spaces around the pistons for better cooling".

Dell'Orto is to continue as exclusive Moto3 ECU supplier until 2025. Headquartered in Lombardy, Dell'Orto has been the sole ECU supplier for the lightweight class of Grand Prix racing since 2012 and is a long-term partner of MotoGP. The company is also the official ECU for the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup.

At the end of October, Max Biaggi set a new record in the 'Partially Streamlined electric motorcycle over 300 kilos' class when he rode the Voxan Wattman electric Superbike at the Chateauroux Airfield in France to set a two runs in two hours average of 366.94 km/h (228.05 mph) - beating Ryuji Tsuruta's Mobitec EV-02A record of 329 km/h (204 mph).

Having already added manufacturing capacity in Argentina in 2020, Indian manufacturer Royal Enfield (Eicher Motors) is said to be planning to open an additional 'overseas' plant in 2021, this time in Thailand. Based in Chachoengsao it will be a Southeast Asia production hub. It will benefit from the better tariff status that Thailand would offer as one of the signatories to the recently concluded 15 nation Asia-Pacific free trade deal - a deal that covers some one third of the world's population, including China, but currently excluding India.

John Russell, the interim CEO for TVS at Norton Motorcycle in the UK, has said that he hopes to move the company into a new manufacturing facility near Birmingham, England by the end of 2020, with production underway there at some point in January 2021. For the next year or so, he says the company will mostly be working on the current V4s and getting into Euro 5 compliance for future models. The company will be retiring the present iteration of the Commando after the current production run ends.


Hero MotorCorp is said to be developing a premium pitched, high performance electric motorcycle range in Europe. An artwork of an avant-garde, hubless, adjustable configuration chassis design has been in circulation on the internet. It shows a machine called the e.US (Electric Ultra Sport) which is being developed at Hero's Munich based technical center, in collaboration with the R&D Center in Jaipur, Rajasthan. In order to keep costs down it will be manufactured in India, where Hero is already a player in the EV market, but largely from European components.

In addition to producing an updated Metropolis three wheel scooter at Peugeot's historic Mandeure factory in France, Mahindra's 'Classic Legends' retro brand division says it sold over 50,000 Jawa branded motorcycles in India in the 12 months to October 2020. In a separate announcement it has let it be known that it is plotting an Indian comeback for the Jawa 'Yezdi' sub brand. Add to that, Brexit permitting, the company is believed to be developing BSA badged ICE and electric bike models at its Banbury, Oxfordshire, UK Technical Center, for 2021 assembly from mostly UK made components at a factory in Coventry - the spiritual home of the motorcycle industry in the UK, if not the world.

It is five years since Honda teased a possible electric Super Cub concept, but according to rideapart.com, a patent filed in the U.S. in 2016 (for the battery case/cradle structure) that just got published this July may suggest that 'Big Red' is finally about to 'Go E'. As part of its mission to "democratise electrics", Shanghai Customs (sh-customs.com) started offering Cub ICT/E non-battery and full conversion kits some two or three years ago.

The 48th Tokyo Motorcycle Show, originally planned for Spring 2021, has been cancelled already, with the organisers hoping to be able to host the show in 2022.

For the 2021 Supersport World Championship campaign, the ParkinGO team will return to Yamaha to form the ParkinGO Yamaha team, fielding promising young talent Manuel Gonzalez.


Sources: AMD, IDN, FT, Reuters, PSB, MPN, B&B, BDN, MCN, AP, Bloomberg, MNW, electricmotorcycles.news, RideApart.com,  Motor1.com

Honda

 

Left to right - SH Mode, SH350i, PCX125, X-ADV, NC750X, CB1000R, CB125R

 

For its motorcycle business Honda announced Q2 (period ended September 30) sales revenue of 493.0bn yen - a year-on-year decrease of 29.4bn yen. The company says that "although sales are recovering in many countries, sales revenue experienced a year-on-year decrease due primarily to unfavourable currency effects".
Operating profit was 68.4bn yen (a year-on-year decrease of 9.3bn yen) and says that the improvement was made "due primarily to control of SG&A expenses and cost reduction efforts. This was despite a decrease in profit related to changes in sales revenue and model mix".

Honda’s premium sports/GT Forza scooter family expands for 2021 with the arrival of Forza 750 and Forza 350. The all-new Forza 750 "offers the classic ingredients of Grand Touring (GT) road presence and comfort together with sporty, agile handling, lusty engine performance, premium design and feature-rich specifications".

For the six months to September 30 motorcycle sales revenue is down by
-23% at 767.3m yen. Motorcycle business operating profit was down to 79.6bn yen from 147.6bn for the year-ago period on an operating margin of 10.4% (down from 14.0%).
Total global Group motorcycle unit sales for the quarter are reported at 4,467,000 units (5,098,000 for the year-ago quarter), with European unit sales at 63,000, which is up from 57,000 for its 2019 second quarter. Asia was down from 4,575,000 in 2019/Q2 at 3,930,000; Japan down by 2,000 units at 59,000; while North America was up by 5,000 units.
Altogether for the YTD (April through September 2020), global unit sales are down by 3,697,000 (6,322,000 sold in total), with Europe down by -17,000 units from the 141,000 sold in the year-ago period (at 124,000 units sold in six months).
In common with all the Japanese manufacturers, Honda is using the unique circumstances that 2020 has presented to either conclude, accelerate or develop plans to refine its business structure. 

The CBR1000R 'Black Edition'

In the United States, for example, the Honda companies responsible for motorcycle, ATV and side-by-side products began restructuring earlier this year - to unite the sales, manufacturing, product development and purchasing functions.  This follows a similar reorganisation in Japan in 2019, when the motorcycle operations of Honda Motor and the Motorcycle Centre of Honda R&D were merged into one organisation.
Meanwhile, in other Honda news, the company has reached a significant milestone at its Vietnam subsidiary, producing its 30 millionth unit - a Winner X, a liquid-cooled, fuel injected 150 cc SOHC, four-stroke, two-valve single.
In racing news, 24-year old Slovenian Tim Gajser has won back-to-back FIM Motocross World Championships on the CRF450RW, and both he and 21-year old Australian Mitchell Evans have had their contracts renewed "for multiple years" - both are currently competing for Team HRC in the FIM Motocross World Championship Premier MXGP Class.
On the track Honda achieved an unprecedented 800th FIM World Championship Grand Prix victory in October when Honda Moto3 rider Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing NSF250RW) claimed victory in the Moto3 class in Round 12 of the 2020 FIM1 World Championship Grand Prix held at MotorLand Aragón in Spain. 

In Trials, Toni Bou has won a 14th consecutive FIM Trial World Championship title, riding with the Repsol Honda Team, taking the final round, the Italian Grand Prix, in October. This was his 14th consecutive title, his first was in 2007, on the Montesa COTA 4RT factory bike.
In new model terms, Honda announced its 2021 off-road model year line-up back in June, with the updates highlight being a new frame for the CRF 450R/RX.

 

Toni Bou wins 14th consecutive FIM Trial World Championship title

 

Tim Gajser on the CRF450RW

In September Honda unveiled a considerable step forward in terms of its Honda Forza scooter offer, with the new 350 and 750 added to the established 125, and November saw the company unveil seven further new updates for 2021, including one new model name.

Suzuki

For its second quarter in 2020 (the three months to September 30) Suzuki announced that net sales in its motorcycle division decreased by 37.4bn yen (-29.6%) to 89.1bn yen year-on-year, with an operating loss of 3.6bn yen due to the decrease in sales during the April-June large motorcycle sales season, and the impact of a decrease in sales of small motorcycles in markets such as India and the ASEAN zone.
Motorcycle unit sales in Europe were up by +17.4% at 13,000 units for the quarter, but down by 12.1% for the six months from April to September inclusive at 23,000 units. North American unit sales were +36.5% for the quarter at 12,000 units and +49.6% for the six months YTD at 31,000 units.

Among model range updates for 2021, Suzuki has added a new V-Strom 1050XT Tour Edition with increased luggage capacity. A comprehensive suite of electronics includes two modes of lean-angle sensitive ABS, a three-mode traction control system (that can be switched off), three engine power modes, cruise control, hill hold assist and slope and load dependent linked brakes that optimise brake pressure to maintain control when braking downhill, or when equipped with luggage or a pillion.

Total global motorcycle and ATV unit sales were -5.3% for the quarter at 401,000 units and -23.2% for the six months YTD at 675,000 units. Asian unit sales were -9.6% for the quarter (314,000 units) and -28.5% for the six-month period (514,000 units).
Meanwhile, better news for Suzuki on the racetrack. When 23-year old Spaniard Joan Mir won the MotoGP title for the first time by finishing seventh in the penultimate race of the season in Valencia, he became the first Suzuki rider to win the championship since American Kenny Roberts Jr. in 2000.

Joan Mir - the first Suzuki rider to win Motorcycle Racing's premier class since Kenny Roberts Jr in 2000.

In the United States Suzuki has announced a restructuring of its operations and the end of a Race Team partnership. Suzuki Motor of America is to reorganise its Motorcycle/ATV and Marine divisions into two separate companies, with the Motorcycle/ATV business co-located at Brea, California with the parent company head office.
Meanwhile, Suzuki has concluded its partnership with Joe Gibbs Racing. "The combined efforts of Suzuki and JGRMX were able to deliver solid results and raise the level of performance of each of the team's riders.
"Together, Suzuki and JGRMX demonstrated the potential of the Suzuki RM-Z250 and RM-Z450 motocross machines over several successful racing seasons".

Sifam

Swap's S818

Based near Nice in southern France, the Sifam Group (founded in 1994 by Pierre Manuel) has a fast-growing own brand apparel range, for which they are the exclusive distributor.
Sifam is one of the largest France based motorcycle parts, accessory, gear and apparel distributors, with a wide range of famous name and own brand products available from a total of 15,000 sq m warehouse capacity.

Seen here, the Swap's Industry S818 helmet is made in a polycarbonate outer shell with upper and lower front air vents and a removable and washable inner liner from "ventilated and ergonomic double density foam".
It features a large field of vision (in height and width), so can take all types of masks, has multiple ventilation channels - five front inlets, three rear extractors - double-D chin strap closure, a fully removable, antibacterial interior (washable in lukewarm water) and height-adjustable visor.
Weighing around 1,300 g, it comes with a helmet cover, is ECE R22-05 approved and has been inspired by U.S. motocross and supercross culture - "combining performance, style and safety", according to Sifam.
The S818 is a "price point" product that is currently available to dealers "at a very attractive price". Sifam is particularly looking for new dealers in England, Germany and Benelux - enquiries can be sent to Sales Manager Joao Ramos.

SIFAM
www.sifam.fr

Kappa

K'Vector versatile case

The new Kappa Monokey case K'Vector has a capacity of 35 litres, can be mounted as a top case or a side case and has a rigid structure that contrasts with its soft shapes. It can be purchased individually or in pairs and "combines an entry level price with long-range touring technical features".

The case has a "pleasant, rounded shape on all four corners" and is made from robust fibreglass reinforced technopolymer. The cover is available in aluminium coloured plastic material or in black powder-coated finish for a "total black" effect. The use of the K'Vector cases can be expanded to a classic trio, which would lead to a total capacity of more than 100 litres. Each case has a weight capacity of 10 kg, and soft inner polyester bag TK756 is optionally available.
If the cases are purchased in pairs, a third cylinder is supplied as standard with keys identical to those of the cases. Dimensions are 43.4 x 24.8 x 53.8 cm.

KAPPA
www.kappamoto.com

Bike Alert

JT Sprockets 'RaceLite' MX and road race sprockets

Described by JT Sprockets as "the ultimate motocross and road race sprockets", its new 'RaceLite' range is 7075-T6 aluminium competition sprockets.

"Designed and engineered to withstand extreme pro-race conditions, they provide maximum strength and durability at minimum weight. Precision-machined to our uncompromising standards, they are made from certified 7075-T6 Ergal aviation aluminium alloy for durability and available in a hard wearing anodised black, orange, red, blue or gold finish to complement the colour scheme on all the major manufacturers' motocross and enduro bikes.  
"The new range has been further extended to provide a range of 7075-T6 rear sprockets in rich black or gold hard anodised for the most popular Supersport and Superbike road race machines with a full selection of gearing options in 520 chain size conversion.
"Competitively priced, each RaceLite 7075-T6 rear sprocket is produced to the highest possible specifications and individually packaged in a printed, high-end glossy carton presentation envelope".

BIKE ALERT
www.bikealert.com
www.jtsprockets.com