TVS / Norton Motorcycles

TVS appoints new Norton senior management team

Following its acquisition of Norton Motorcycles from bankruptcy in April 2020, Indian conglomerate TVS has finalised senior management appointments for "the next phase of its transformation of the historic British company" following completion of its move to a new 8,000 unit annual capacity facility at Birmingham, England, earlier this year.

Chief Executive Officer Robert Hentschel

Sudarshan Venu, Joint Managing Director of TVS Motor Company (TVS), announced that Norton Motorcycles will be led by Robert Hentschel as Chief Executive Officer and Vittorio Urciuoli in the newly created Chief Technology Officer position.
One of the top five two-wheeler manufacturers in the world, TVS says Norton is "undergoing a comprehensive transformation" and is "being positioned for future growth".
"The new leadership team brings exceptional global automotive leadership and engineering experience, including senior roles at Ricardo, Ferrari and Lotus." After playing a key role in stabilising the company, ex-Harley Europe Managing Director John Russell will end his tenure as Interim CEO at Norton.

Chief Technology Officer Vittorio Urciuoli

Hentschel joins Norton from Valmet Automotive Holding GmbH & Co KG, where he has served as Managing Director since 2017. Before that, he headed Ricardo Deutschland and Hentschel System and was also Director of Lotus Engineering. Vittorio Urciuoli's former key roles within the global automotive industry include Director of URVI Ltd, Head of Powertrain at Lotus Cars and Project Leader at Ferrari and Aprilia Racing.

Sudarshan Venu stated: "TVS has created a plan for Norton to transform into the future. The brand will retain its core values which will be interpreted in a modern way for the customers of today and tomorrow. Both Hentschel and Urciuoli are experienced engineers with pedigree on the world stage. Over the last 12 months, we have ensured that our clear strategy for the transformation of Norton has been delivered with significant improvements to the product and the creation of a world class manufacturing facility in record time."
Norton was originally founded in Birmingham, England, in 1898, by James Lansdowne Norton as a manufacturer of "fittings and parts for the two-wheel trade". A Norton won the Twin Cylinder class at the first ever Isle of Man TT in 1907, and there followed nearly 50 years of growth and track success. The 1960s and since have not been as kind to the Norton brand, but long-suffering customers and fans of the brand have high hopes for stability, a return to growth and some exciting new models under TVS' ownership.

News Briefs

 

Provec Racing has announced Carla Grau Pi as the only female team manager in the WorldSBK paddock. With Ana Carrasco now ready for her assault on the 2021 WSSP300 title, this represents another first for women in the world of motorcycle racing. Her female colleagues inside the Provec organisation include KRT superbike team coordinator Silvia Sanchez and Communications Coordinator Eva Blanquez, plus tyre technician for Jonathan Rea, Mara Soto and in the design/creative team Txell Baró. Former WorldSBK rider Joan Lascorz has joined the Provec WSSP300 team as rider performance advisor to 2018 World SSP300 Champion Ana Carrasco.

The Motorcycle Industry Association in the UK has confirmed 4-12 December 2021 for the UK's biggest motorcycle show, Motorcycle Live in association with Bikesure Insurance, at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) Birmingham. www.motorcyclelive.co.uk

PIERER Mobility AG (KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas etc.) has announced guidance for 2021 after seeing market share gains in key motorcycle markets (USA, Australia and Europe). For the financial year 2021, sales of between € 1,800m to € 1,900m, an EBIT margin between 8 - 9 % and an EBITDA margin exceeding 15% are expected. It says it expects demand in the motorised two-wheeler sector to remain high, with a further increase in sales and operating profit compared to 2020. The operating margin in its motorcycle sector is expected to return to pre-crisis levels.

Hungary is set to join the MotoGP calendar from 2023, with construction of a new circuit slated to get underway this year at Debrecen, Hungary's second largest city. The centre piece of a planned motorsport hub, the venue is near the Romanian border, Slovakia and Ukraine.

The first results are emerging from Polaris' 2020 partnership deal with Zero Motorcycles in the form of an all-new 2022 electric RANGER utility side-by-side slated to debut in late December 2021, advancing the company's strategic rEV'd up electrification strategy. This full-size RANGER is the first EV Polaris has developed since that deal was announced in September last year, with models of the new electric RANGER due to start arriving in dealerships in early 2022.


After ADV events in Norway (2017) and South Africa (2019), Honda Motor Europe has postponed the 2021 edition of the Honda Adventure Roads experience that was slated for 30 CRF1100L Africa Twin riders for Iceland this year - new dates for 2022 are June 24 to July 4. With BMW hoping to take GS Adventure riders to Albania this summer, and KTM planning to tear up Western Greece, it will be interesting to see if Harley plays the "us too" game for such an undertaking in the future now that it hopes to be a player in the ADV space.

Daytona was Green this year as the Monster Energy Kawasaki team took a third consecutive sweep in round 9 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship. Staged at the Daytona International Speedway, Kawasaki riders took the sweep in both classes - with Eli Tomac capturing a record-tying fifth victory at Daytona Supercross.

Last year saw Airoh helmet equipped riders win eight world titles, taking the Italian brand past the century of World Titles mark to 103 championships in just 23 years - its first coming in 2005 when the then emerging talent of Antonio Cairoli won the MX2 title. Airohx still makes it a company policy to seek out and back younger, promising talent as well as established champions.

The advantages of hydrogen as an alternate fuel have been well understood for decades. The prohibitive issues have remained the expensive, energy intensive production at anything short of huge scale and its subsequent storage under very, very high pressure. Now a German research team at the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM) in Dresden has come up with a product it is calling 'PowerPaste' that acts as a hydrogen storage medium - it sounds like a paste, it looks like a paste, it is a paste! The researchers claim that it would be an excellent emissions elimination solution for motorcycles and scooters.

Valencia, Spain headquartered Spanish parts, accessory, gear and apparel chain store operator Máximo-Moto is to open its first outlet in the United Kingdom.


Sources: AMD, IDN, FT, Reuters, PSB, MPN, BDN, MCN, AP, Bloomberg, MSNW, Electrek, electricmotorcycles.news, RideApart.com, Motor1.com, Cycle World, motorbikewriter.com

MV Agusta

MV Agusta secures strategic growth plan

MV Agusta has secured a € 30m share capital increase to support its 5-year business plan - aiming at the continuation of the worldwide growth of the company. The investment brings MV Agusta's net equity to a total of € 70m.
The initiative is also said to mark the positive, final and early settlement of all its obligations under the 'Composition with Creditors' on a going concern basis ("concordato preventivo in continuità aziendale" in Italian law) - described by MV as "an uncommonly positive achievement which was made possible thanks to the relevant support of MV Agusta's shareholders."

Since 2019, when the Sardarov family became the sole shareholder of the company, more than € 150m have been injected into the business to support operations and the investments of the new industrial plan.
"MV Agusta is now in a very strong position to step up the execution of its strategic plan, focusing on the development of the new engines and models, the brand's expansion into new segments, such as adventure, electric recreational and urban mobility, as well as on strengthening its global sales network. The relaunch of such a historic Italian company is also having positive effects on the local community, helping to maintain employment levels, and contributing to the Italian economy in general during this difficult 2020 - 2021 period."

Massimo Bordi, Vice Chairman of MV Agusta Motor S.p.A.: "We have finally created the conditions to allow MV Agusta write a new successful chapter in the history of motorcycling."

Timur Sardarov, CEO of MV Agusta Motor S.p.A., is quoted as saying: "One of my first objectives was to put an end to the financial stress the company had been experiencing and lay the industrial and commercial structures for growth. Today all these objectives have been reached in full and now we can look at the future with renewed confidence while we continue to move from one successful product to another.
"This capital injection will literally boost our business on all fronts, from the design, development and production of stunning new bikes to providing world-class service to all our customers and expanding our 3.0 worldwide dealer network. In 2021 we expect to exceed € 100m revenues for the first time in our history and to triple our performance within the next three years."

Massimo Bordi, Vice Chairman of MV Agusta Motor S.p.A., added: "MV Agusta is a great brand with a prestigious heritage. It's always had very attractive products that everybody appreciates for their unique design, high performance and advanced technology. That's why today I see a great potential in the company, which I hadn't seen in the past years. We have finally created the conditions to allow MV Agusta write a new successful chapter in the history of motorcycling."
www.mvagusta.com

Ferodo

All Ferodo street pads now R90 accredited

Ferodo has announced that all its road use motorcycle brake pads have now received ECE R90 certification.
This regulation is a legal requirement for brake pads that are fitted to L1-L2-L3-L4-L5 vehicles (two and three wheels). The R90 requirement applies to all such vehicles that were homologated since the Euro 4 specification (October 2016) that are used on European Union public highways. 

For Ferodo this is the final stage in a journey that began with R90 certification for its 'EF' scooter brake pad compound. R90 is a state-of-the-art regulatory assurance of quality and safety for dealers and riders. It requires brake pads to be tested in a dynamometer that is instrumented for continuous recording of rotative speed, brake torque, brake line pressure, braking time and brake rotor temperature.

The brake pads are divided into three categories - A, B and C - depending on the area of the friction material, and all compounds are tested individually. All vehicles recommended for the specific brake pad compound must be calculated according to the kinetic energy to find the most severe vehicle for testing. 

This way all compounds and vehicles are checked, and the most severe combinations tested on track for the consumer to get a very safe and secure product.
The tests required by R90 include bedding, performance check, brake tests, cold performance equivalence and speed sensitivity tests. Under R90, replacement brake pads and brake shoes are permitted to deviate from the frictional characteristics of their original equipment counterparts by not more than 15%. ECE R90 requires correct marking of the products and sealed, tamper-evident packaging.
Factory and test equipment approval are also part of the R90 homologation. It involves engineers accrediting the factory.
Seen here, the new Ferodo/Champion Moto Racing catalogue details all the current Ferodo and Champion products available for circuit, Motard, Off-Road and Trials applications.
www.ferodoracing.com

TecMate

Expanding the Duo concept

In the past, solar chargers have been a reluctant purchase for many - not only are they more expensive than a comparative AC powered battery charger, but many also find that the lack of information and feedback during charging is discouraging.
The typical solar charger does not indicate charge progress, how fast it is charging, if at all, and then (literally) at the end of the day, how much charge the battery received.  
TecMate's solar chargers have changed that - the smart controller answers all those questions.

When the sun is up, you can follow charge progress on the LED control panel; when the sun is down, even in the dark of night, the same LED panel displays how much charge the battery is holding.
And now its solar chargers have made it even easier - there is no need to think what battery you want to charge. The latest OptiMate combination charger and battery monitor automatically saves, charges and maintains both 12V lead-acid (Pb) and 12.8V/13.2V Lithium Ferrous Phosphate (LFP) batteries. 

When charging, the controller optimises power output according to incoming sun power. So, on a cloudy day it collects that slow incoming power and delivers pulses of charge that are more effective than a very slow trickle of current; in full sun it delivers continuous power, i.e. the fastest charge.  
TecMate offers different sizes of OptiMate SOLAR DUO chargers - 10W is the entry level and ideal for smaller batteries, delivering 0.6A on average. The OptiMate SOLAR DUO 20W model is ideal for larger battery maintenance, even that of a car or pickup truck - delivering 1.2A on average. 

The OptiMate SOLAR DUO 40W models deliver 2.4A (average) to 3.3A (max.), great for faster charging next to the track or out in the middle of nowhere on a riding adventure.
Martin Human, CEO/CTO of TecMate, says: "We can all agree that no one really cares about their battery until it's dead. Then they might wonder what battery is in the vehicle and how it needs to be charged - but only then!
"We've made that part extremely easy - all you have to do is connect an OptiMate SOLAR DUO charger to your battery, point the panel to the sun, and the 'no brainer' solar maintainer does the rest! Plus, at night the monitor mode will tell you how far it got. Smart solar charging has arrived!"
www.tecmate.com

WRP (Works Racing Parts)

WRP tapered handlebars

Italian specialist WRP (Works Racing Parts) was founded in 1999 with the clear objective "to develop quality parts and accessories for professional riders and demanding motorcyclists who are constantly looking for greater performance".
To accomplish this mission, WRP invests in technology, marketing and sponsorships - WRP riders and teams compete in the FIM MotoGP/Moto2, Superbike/Supersport, Motocross/MXGP, Supermoto world championships and in the USA in the AMA Supercross and Motocross championships. 

Seen here is what the company says is "one of the strongest and lightest handlebars available on the market. WRP tapered handlebars are used by top Motocross teams competing in the MX World Championship such as Team SM Action Yamaha, Team Assomotor Honda and others"
"The 2020 WRP racing season has seen an amazing third place in MX2 World Championship standing, conquered by SM Action Yamaha's French rider Maxime Renaux".
Made from 7075-T6 alloy, these WRP tapered handlebars feature 28.6 mm oversized tubing in the clamping area. "The tapered design ensures they will withstand the hardest crashes, while still offering a perfect flex ratio. Every WRP handlebar is shot-peened and finished with anodising for increased surface hardness - the left grip area is knurled to prevent slipping".
They come complete with an injected polyurethane pad covered by a shiny sub-surface printed vinyl clear sheet and are available in several different bends and colours.

WIND TRADING SRL
www.wrpracing.com

Rainers Sports

'Texas' motorcycle jeans
 

New from Spanish manufacturer Rainers Sports are these slim fit motorcycle jeans made from "very comfortable elastic cotton fabric with CE memory foam protectors in the knee and hip area".
They have zippers in the lateral of the knee area to insert and remove the protectors, and there are Kevlar fabric reinforcements at the knees and hips. They are also available in a slim fit women's version called 'Alexa'.

RAINERS SPORTS
www.rainers-sports.com

Gaerne

G.VOYAGER - all-round riding sneakers

Italian boot manufacturer Gaerne has updated its fashion market footwear collection with new features and colourways for its G.VOYAGER riding grade sneakers.
"Designed to combine the comfort of a casual shoe with the technical features of motorcycle footwear, G.VOYAGER is suitable for those who use their bikes every day - especially in cities - and who require a product that is able to combine style and safety."

G.VOYAGER CDG GORE-TEX has a nubuck and suede leather upper in the front toe area. The internal lining is the GORE-TEX Extended Comfort; reinforcements are PU for the malleolus and in the heel and toe counter. Inside there is an anatomic and replaceable inner sole, the outer sole has a "specific grip - designed to offer a superior stability on and off the bike".

G.VOYAGER CDG is available in black and grey, and Gaerne also offers an Air Brown version with a perforated upper part for even more breathability. The black version is also available for women riders from EU size 36.
To complete the collection, the G.VOYAGER oiled Aquatech Brown has a full grain oiled leather upper and features Drytech membrane inside; additional features are the same as for the CDG.

GAERNE SPA
www.gaerne.com

SC-Project

SC-Project - Forza 750 partnership with Honda France

Italian exhaust specialist SC-Project has announced a partnership with Honda France for French market distribution of a model-specific exhaust design for the new Honda Forza 750.
The new 'SC1-S' silencer by SC-Project "is the result of many years of development, experience and tests in several and different conditions," according to International Sales Manager Michele Balboni. "This exhaust system has been specifically engineered and calibrated to combine design, performance, lightness and durability in an elegant and sporty shape which can comply with Euro 5 regulations.

"The body of the muffler is made in high-grade, high-strength, lightweight titanium with a special 'micro shot peening' surface finish and attractive, application-specific carbon end cap."
Made in Italy and developed by SC-Project in partnership with Honda France, the 'SC1-S' is making its worldwide debut on the new Honda Forza 750 (in France, the 'SC1-S' will only be available through Honda official dealers). "The use of the best materials and top-level finishes match perfectly with the top-class level of this new bike. All the details have been carefully developed, including the specific carbon fibre heat-protection that is supplied with the exhaust kit.

"Our R&D department has worked hard to ensure that the new 'SC1-S' has a sound that suits the Forza 750 and meets the expectations of its riders. The sound was carefully evolved and managed through all the stages of development of the 'SC1-S'. The exhaust can be installed with or without the original side cases."
Compared to the original, the 'SC1-S' delivers a -1,2 kg (-35%) weight saving, a +1.2 hp and +1.3 Nm maximum gain at 6,500 rpm with a constant and smooth improvement throughout the 4,500 to 7,250 mid-range.

SC-PROJECT
www.sc-project.com

K-Tech Suspension

25 mm independent damping system cartridges

British suspension specialist K-Tech's 25 mm independent damping system (25IDS) front fork cartridges (seen here for the Kawasaki Z H2) are described as a "complete replacement damping system designed to fit into original equipment front forks that do not allow for external compression adjustment. 

"Our 25IDS cartridges are designed and manufactured in-house to the same standard as all our performance products, using the highest grade aluminium - this is then hard anodised to improve performance and service internals. They have independent compression and rebound damping adjustment and spring preload."
There are 30 clicks of independent compression and rebound adjustment, 18 mm of preload adjustment and increased stroke compared to OE suspensions; a wide range of spring rates are available.

K-TECH SUSPENSION
www.ktechsuspension.com

Triumph

Triumph launches 'All Riders' SOS Accident Alert System

Triumph Motorcycles has launched a subscription-based iOS and Android Smartphone Emergency Accident Detection and Emergency Alerting System - Triumph SOS - that is available to all riders, regardless of what bike they own.
Triumph owners get a 3-month free trial; the subscription is a rolling monthly charge, with no cancellation fees or long-term contract commitment. It works by monitoring key smartphone sensors to detect and validate an accident.

Initially launched for the UK, Ireland, North America, Australia and New Zealand (with other markets to follow), the system automatically connects the rider to the nearest emergency services in their time of need.
This Google-Cloud hosted emergency alerting platform will automatically deliver the rider’s time-critical and potentially life-saving details directly to the emergency services within seconds of the accident being detected, following a unique validation process.
Precise GPS location, direction of travel, bike details and medical information allow emergency responders to reach the rider quickly and provide assistance accordingly. Advanced features include sophisticated Auto-pause technology to prevent accidental triggering, so you can fully focus on your ride. Triumph SOS does not record or send any speed or telematics data to the emergency services.

Piaggio

Piaggio Group first quarter 2021

Commenting on its first quarter 2021 financial results, Piaggio Group Chairman and CEO Roberto Colaninno said: "The Piaggio Group closed the first quarter of 2021 with very positive results at global level. Appreciation for the design, style and technology of our Italian brands continues to grow; sales of two-wheelers rose by 35% from the first quarter of 2020 and by 22% from the first quarter of 2019. Consolidated net sales were the highest since 2007, and both EBITDA and net profit were our best-ever first quarter results.
"At the same time, the high level of cash generated in part through careful working capital management permitted a significant debt reduction of more than € 100m compared with the first quarter of 2020.

"Nevertheless, we have to consider that the Covid pandemic is still a risk and so we continue to monitor each individual market closely. Clearly, the Indian continent is suffering and as always we shall keep a close eye on social responsibility; the market will recover and be better than before."
The Piaggio Group sold a total of 135,000 vehicles of all kinds worldwide in Q1 (+15.3% from 117,100 in the year-earlier period) and reported consolidated net sales of € 384.7m. The growth in volumes arose in all geographical regions.

 

Roberto Colaninno, Group Chairman: "Sales of two-wheelers rose by 35% from the first quarter of 2020 and by 22% from the first quarter of 2019. Consolidated net sales were the highest since 2007, and both EBITDA and net profit were our best-ever first quarter results."

In two-wheeler terms, the Group sold 103,200 two-wheelers worldwide (+35% from 76,400 at 31 March 2020), generating net sales of € 296.9m, an increase of 42.2% from € 208.8 in the year-earlier first quarter. The figure includes spares and accessories, on which turnover totalled € 29.6m, an increase of 13.2% from € 26.2m in the year-earlier period.
The company says that 2021 first-quarter two-wheeler sales were particularly significant in India and America (rising by more than 90%), in Asia Pacific (+47.2%) and on the European market, notably in Italy, with a volume increase of almost 70%.
In Europe, the Piaggio Group boosted its market share in both scooters and motorcycles and retained a strong positioning on the North American scooter market with a 32.9% share, up from its previous share of 23.7%. In North America, the Group is also working hard on consolidating its presence on the motorbike market with the Aprilia and Moto Guzzi brands.
In the scooter market, global sales rose by almost 37%, led by the Vespa brand, the three-wheel scooters, the Liberty high-wheel scooter and the rise in sales of the new version of the Piaggio Beverly.

Moto Guzzi will celebrate its 100th anniversary at its historic Mandello del Lario factory on September 9-12.

In motorcycles, Moto Guzzi reported an outstanding first quarter, with its highest-ever sales volumes and net sales, notably for the Moto Guzzi V7 and V85TT. The first quarter of 2021 was also extremely positive for the Aprilia brand, whose net sales were the highest since 2007 (almost double the figure of the year-earlier period and up by almost 50% from the first quarter of 2019), assisted by the Aprilia RSV4 Supersports model, with an increase of 40%, and the new Aprilia RS and Aprilia Tuono with 660 cc engines, which generated strong market interest.
Q1 Group consolidated net sales totalled € 384.7m, the best first-quarter result since 2007, with an increase of 23.5% (+28.1% at constant exchange rates) against € 311.4m in the first quarter of 2020.

 

The much-anticipated Aprilia RS 660

The industrial gross margin was € 111.2m, up 26.1% (+26.4% at constant exchange rates) compared to € 88.1m at 31 March 2020. The return on net sales was 28.9% (28.3% at 31 March 2020).
Group operating expense in the first quarter to 31 March 2021 was € 87.6m, an increase of € 9.5m. The rise in operating expense was closely linked to the improvement in net sales and shipments.
EBITDA was € 56m, the best first quarter result to date, with a strong increase of 40.8% (+38.4% at constant exchange rates) from € 39.8m in the first quarter to 31 March 2020. The EBITDA margin was 14.6% (12.8% at 31 March 2020).
EBIT amounted to € 23.5m, more than double (+135.1%) the result of € 10m at 31 March 2020. The EBIT margin was 6.1% (3.2% at 31 March 2020). Pre-tax profit in the first quarter was € 18.5m, a sharp increase (+254.2%) from € 5.2m at 31 March 2020. Income tax for the period was € 7.4m, with an impact on pre-tax profit of 40%.
The Piaggio Group's net profit was € 11.1m, its best-ever first quarter result, with a more than three-fold increase against € 3.1m in the first quarter of 2020. Net financial debt at 31 March 2021 stood at € 448.6m, an improvement of € 100.1m from € 548.6m at 31 March 2020. Compared with the financial position at the end of the first quarter of 2020, which was severely affected by the block on sales as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the reduction in debt was achieved through careful management of working capital and the operating cash flows generated by the Group's positive business performance, which also enabled it to absorb a higher capital expenditure requirement.
The net financial position at 31 December 2020 was € 423.6m, giving cash absorption of € 25m in the first quarter of 2021. The two-wheeler business is subject to seasonal trends, absorbing resources in the first half of the year and generating resources in the second half.
In the first quarter, Piaggio Group capital expenditure amounted to € 35.6m, an increase of 24.8% from expenditure of € 28.5m in the first quarter of 2020.

Cardo Systems

Founder sells Cardo Systems

Co-owned by founder and chairman Dr. Abraham Glezerman and specialist Israeli tech investor Fortissimo Capital, Tel Aviv headquartered Cardo Systems is now under new ownership, having been acquired by London, UK based EMK Capital.
Widely regarded as a pioneer and global market leader in wireless communication systems, the terms of the transaction have not been disclosed, but this was no 'Firesale' - in less than 20 years Cardo has become a hugely successful business, both in financial and product terms.

As Cardo CEO Alon Lumbroso stated: "Over the past few years, Cardo has evolved into a successful, high-growth, profitable company serving the wider wireless communications market for groups and individuals in motion. Today Cardo is the clear technology leader in its field, with a global presence."

Cardo founder Dr Abraham Glezerman: "Leading Cardo's evolution from an idea to a leading global brand was a unique experience."

Cardo designs and markets wireless mesh communication systems for motorcycle riders, skiers, site workers and other groups and individuals. "The company's innovative products backed by proprietary, cutting-edge technology allows groups to communicate wirelessly with one another and connect safely to hands-free services," explains Glezerman.
"Cardo is a premium brand that addresses a global enthusiast market, and its products are sold in over 80 countries. We are headquartered in Israel, but have operations in the Americas, Europe and Asia and employ over 100 people worldwide."

Glezerman founded Cardo in 2003. A year later, the newly formed company was the first to introduce personal Bluetooth-based communicators to the motorcycle industry, adding a completely new product category to the accessory market. To date, the company sold over six million communication devices worldwide.
"Leading Cardo's evolution from an idea to a leading global brand was a unique experience," said Glezerman. "Its success could only have come about thanks to the ever-inspiring dialogue with millions of customers worldwide and due to the creativity, dedication and professionalism of the immensely talented people who work at Cardo and who have contributed to the company's growth throughout the years.
"Once these core company assets met and merged with the entrepreneurial whirlwind of Fortissimo Capital, there was no stopping us, and this is further demonstrated by Cardo now becoming a proud member of the EMK Capital family of companies."
In other news, Cardo's PackTalk was recently named as the Official Communications device of the American Flat Track Racing series for 2021.

News Briefs

 

Ohio based Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, the parent company of 130-year-old British tyre manufacturer Avon, has been acquired by Akron, Ohio based Goodyear Tire & Rubber in a shares and cash deal that prices Cooper at an enterprise value of around $2.5bn. Based at Melksham, England, Avon was acquired by Cooper (founded in 1914) in 1997. Some 300 Avon staff were 'let go' by Cooper in 2018; around 400 still work at what is a relatively small and by far the oldest motorcycle tyre manufacturing facility in the world. The combined Goodyear/Cooper business will have around $17.5bn in sales worldwide.

Piaggio has been in Nepal with Vespa since 2015, but has now broadened its range of high-end products in the country by launching the Aprilia brand. The first model to go on sale is the SXR 160, with ABS and 12-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheel rims in 125 and 160 cc configurations with Bharat Stage VI emissions standard compliant 3V Tech FI engine technology.

Polaris Inc. and Optimus Ride, a Boston, USA based leading autonomous mobility service provider, are partnering to bring fully autonomous GEM vehicles to market. Under this joint development agreement, an exclusive line of Polaris GEM electric low-speed vehicles (LSVs) will be manufactured to fully integrate Optimus Ride's autonomous software and hardware suite direct from the factory for deployment nationwide on streets in residential communities, corporate and academic campuses, and other localised environments. The partnership builds upon an investment Polaris made in Optimus Ride last year.

The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride celebrates 10 years of "riding dapper for men's health" this year and is calling on riders worldwide to join in its fundraising efforts on Sunday, 23rd of May, 2021. This is its first year running on the new annual date in May. Since 2012, the event has connected hundreds of thousands of classic and vintage style motorcyclists from over 100 countries around the world and to-date has raised US$27.45m for men's health. It plans to organise COVID-safe events where possible, and those who can't engage physically can do so virtually at www.gentlemansride.com.


Dutch Transport Industry Association (RAI) commission consumer research found that motorcycles "appear to be the ideal means of transport to completely empty your head and relax". Almost half of respondents (46%) indicated that they "have a greater need to drive a motorbike since the corona crisis than before." To inspire (future) motorcyclists to "throw a leg", the RAI Association badged March as 'MotorMonth'.

The Moody's credit ratings agency Investors Service has raised its assessment of the outlook for the Piaggio Group (PIA.MI) to stable from negative. Its analysts said, "the stabilisation of the outlook reflects Moody's expectation that sales and earnings recovery during 2021 will support a sequential improvement in the company's profitability and gross leverage to a level commensurate with its [improved] Ba3 credit rating." Moody's also noted that Piaggio has seen a "lower than anticipated of the coronavirus pandemic on Piaggio's financial performance in 2020, as evidenced by the progressive rebound in sales and EBITDA in the second half of the year."

Computer giant Lenovo has signed a multi-year deal to be Title Partner of the Ducati MotoGP Team. As an official technology partner since 2018, "Lenovo has enabled Ducati engineers' and designers' rapid adoption of algorithms and racing bike technology for both race and road bikes. Lenovo and Ducati are committed to enabling ever smarter remote collaboration and performance workspaces focused on speed, flexibility and mobility".

According to a recent patent filing, Honda is developing a bike-mounted drone - a drone with four rotors that sits in a housing in the extended tail of a motorcycle. The idea is that it's a completely autonomous flying machine that can be released on command and return automatically to the bike when needing a recharge.

BMW has announced that the BMW Group Classic and its Grand Hotel Villa D'Este collaborator have decided to postpone the 2021 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este (again!) from the initially planned end of May 2021 date to the weekend of 1 to 3 October 2021.

Sources: AMD, IDN, FT, Reuters, PSB, MPN, BDN, MCN, AP, Bloomberg, MSNW, Electrek, electricmotorcycles.news, RideApart.com, Motor1.com, Cycle World, motorbikewriter.com

Motor Bike Expo

Motor Bike Expo returns June 18-20, 2021

In pandemic terms, events have been moving quickly in Italy - with the third wave and lockdown now starting to give way to a return of the freedoms we all take for granted. Specifically, the Italian authorities have given the 'green light' to the reopening of the national exhibition network in June.

Motor Bike Expo, Verona, grabbed the holeshot and became the first motorcycle industry event to grab the opportunity and confirm Friday 18th to Sunday 20th June as dates for the much delayed 2021 show at its usual Veronafiere venue.
Not only will it be one of the first events of any kind to open for business in Verona, but is thought likely to be the first international trade fair to reopen in Italy as a "safe exhibition with in-person attendance." In April this year, the Italian government decreed June 15 as the reopen date for exhibitions in Italy.

This will be the 13th MBE to be staged at Verona since the event moved from Padua, and with the better weather, the plan is for an event that will capitalize on the opportunities to add outdoor activities, including demo rides and a riding safety school. For the first time, visitors will be able to bring their own motorcycles into the expo complex with a new, fully equipped parking area.
The capacity of the Verona exhibition center complex is large enough to guarantee social distancing, with an algorithm driven surveillance system to help avoid overcrowding; ticketing will be electronic only.
www.motorbikeexpo.it

GasGas

Getting dirty with GasGas

The transition of the GasGas brand from strictly limited niche to being a player on many stages continues to be an evolution that is setting standards as a case study of its kind.
So far avoiding the temptation to go down the 'all and everything' chocolate at the check-out route, owner PIERER Mobility (of fellow travellers KTM and Husqvarna fame) nonetheless is leaving no stone unturned or muddy track untravelled as it chases adjacent markets.

"This summer we're hitting the road and taking a ground-breaking 'United in Dirt' GasGas tour around Europe. Our goal is simple - we want you to join us, get to know us, and try out our awesome range of bikes. The vibe for each event will be super-relaxed, one where you can take any of our motocross, enduro or trial models for a ride - no stress, no pressure. Plus, we'll also have our exciting all-new line-up of pedal-assist MTBs available to try."
The launch release didn't mention the extent to which the GasGas dealer network is being integrated into the road trip, and interested consumers need to use the GasGas social media channels and website to compete for a place at their tour stop of choice.

 

"Open to riders of all ages and abilities, the 'United in Dirt' GasGas tour is for everyone with a passion for two wheels and good times. You don't even need to own a GasGas or be a serious competitor to join in with the fun. We're running these events to bring people together who share the same love for dirt bikes that we do, and to give you the opportunity to experience the GasGas brand and our bikes.
"A number of spaces for these epic days will be available through contests, held on our social media channels. To make sure you secure a spot at one of the events, you need to follow our Instagram and Facebook pages and follow the instructions on GASGAS.com to participate!
"It's super easy, register, participate in the social media challenge, and give it your all! We will announce the winners on our official social media channels. For those lucky enough to secure a spot, all you need to do is bring your riding gear and everything else will be taken care of by GASGAS.
"We've scoured Europe to find the coolest riding spots for each stop of the tour, selecting venues with tracks and terrain suited to each bike in our line-up.
"Our team of GasGas product experts, brand ambassadors and GasGas riders will be on hand throughout the day and available to answer questions, help out with anything that you might need from us, or simply to just give you product advice." WP Suspension staff will also be in attendance with a number of GasGas bikes kitted out with the latest suspension components.

• Spain - May 7-8, Polea Camp (Near Barcelona)
• United Kingdom - June 18-19, The Compound, Butley, Rendlesham Forest (Suffolk)
• France - June 25-27, St. Chamond (Loire)
• Germany - September 9-11, Reisersberg
• Netherlands & Belgium - September 18-19, Arnhem/Genk
• Italy - October 1-2, Venue TBA

MIVV

MIVV - unique exhaust design for Brutale 800

Celebrating 50 years in business does not mean it is time to stand still! Italian manufacturer MIVV has added this stylish new exhaust for the three-cylinder MV Agusta Brutale 800 - the word "unique" is often over-used, but not this time!

In what can only be described as a major understatement, MIVV says its design is an "ad hoc" solution that is a "highly seductive alternative to the stock exhaust design".
Added to the MIVV 'Speed Edge' line for systems with horizontal muffler configurations, button-style locking screws couple the lateral silencer to the three "salami slice" style outlet tubes with race-style mesh grills.

Initially released in Euro 4 configuration, at the time of publication, Euro 5 production is also already underway. Both are manufactured in AISI 304 stainless steel; two finishes are available - "Black Moon" (the dark one) and "Pearled" (the light one).
The system retains the original MV catalyst, and although the three-outlet style is not entirely new thinking - the stock exhaust uses a similar design - as far as we here at IDN are aware, securing each outlet individually to the horizontally mounted muffler body rather than routing them from a single common connector pipe is new. Either way, on the Brutale it certainly looks "dramatic"!
In addition to looking great, the design has produced a considerable weight saving (-3.5 kg compared to the OEM exhaust) and a significant increase in performance - the bench test data show +4 hp at 11,200 rpm and + 2.2 Nm at 8,800 rpm.
This and other MIVV exhausts are available from distributors, including Moto GB Distribution in the UK, Andreani Group in Italy, Bihr in France and Belgium, MDI in the Netherlands, MIVV Espana and others.

MIVV S.P.A.
www.mivv.com

Kappa

KMLW leather bags

Among the new lines for 2021 from Kappa are three models of KMLW buffalo leather bags from its "Garage Attitude" family. 

KMLW (Kappamoto Leather Works) includes a pair of side bags, a fork bag and a leg bag, all in black. They all combine "a skilful combination of vintage aesthetics, minimal technical details that make them easy to use on a daily basis, made from buffalo leather with a matt treatment".
KMLW01 is a pair of 28-litre side bags, each capable of holding a full-face helmet. The retro look hides practical technical solutions: the two bags are joined together by a central band to be positioned under the saddle, adjustable in width with a strap closure and are fixed to the body of the bag by three rows of double buttons and a zip. Closure is by two straps with an aluminium buckle, quick to open with two side buttons, and the size is 44 x 30 x 21.5 cm (L x W x H).

KMLW02 is designed as a tool carrier. This 3-litre capacity bag attaches to the motorbike fork with two leather straps fitted with a metal buckle. The closing flap is held in place by two further straps with aluminium buckles and its size is 23 x 14 x 8.5 cm.
KMLW03 is a leg bag for storing small items that need to be kept close at hand. With a capacity of 1 litre and dimensions of 13 x 20 x 4 cm, the bag is equipped with an adjustable waist and thigh strap and has an aluminium buckle closure.

KAPPA
www.kappamoto.com

Gianni Falco

Falco style for men and women

Italian specialist Gianni Falco's 'Misty' boots for women riders are made from selected full grain, oil- treated leather upper and have a "High-Tex" waterproof membrane as an inside liner. Protection comes in strong, reinforced toe, heel and ABS ankle cups. 

'Misty'

"The double closure makes it super easy to wear the boots, besides adding a stylish touch to the design. Femininity and endurance are enhanced by the high-heeled rubber sole. The look of the 'Misty' boot can be more aggressive or feminine according to the colour chosen. This model is available in three tones - Brown, Black, Army".

'Gordon'

Also seen here, for men, the 'Gordon' boot, also in full grain, oil-treated leather with "High-Tex" membrane, has ABS ankle cups and a "Goodyear" welted, high-grip rubber sole. The design of the boot is completed by the double closure with laces and zipper. "The 'Gordon' boot is a unique and refined everyday boot with a vintage look".

GIANNI FALCO SRL
www.giannifalco.com

Landport

Landport battery options

New European regulations on sulphuric acid that were effective from February 1st ((EU) 2019/1148 prohibit the sale of sulphuric acid to end users - posing challenges for dealers selling conventional lead-acid vehicle batteries. 

Commenting on the impacts that the new regulations are having, Dutch battery specialist Landport says that "on the one hand, we see customers increasingly switching to closed SLA or GEL batteries. The advantage of these is that they are factory-activated (filled and charged). The batteries are immediately ready for use and the dealer no longer has any additional battery acid handling overhead.
"On the other hand, we see retailers keeping their range as it is. These customers find ways to fill up conventional and AGM batteries with acid on site. These customers service the end users and are still able to sell batteries with acid packs.

 

"Whichever option a dealer chooses, we here at Landport Batteries will continue to serve our customers as they are used to from us. We have a full range of powersports batteries, and due to our wide and deep inventory we can respond to everyone’s battery needs.
"Our powersports batteries range from the more conventional DRY and AGM batteries with acid packs to factory-activated SLA and GEL batteries, which are 100% maintenance-free, spill-proof, leak-proof and ready to use.

"We also offer HVT batteries for heavy V-twin motorcycles and ultra-light lithium batteries, which are ideal for racing purposes. We offer reliable starting power and maximum performance for motorcycles, scooters, all-terrain vehicles, jet skis and snowmobiles."

LANDPORT
www.landportbv.com

International Dealer News

IDN - FAQ

Thank you to those who have contacted us this year to say how much they have enjoyed our recent editions. We are a small but dedicated team, and we work hard to serve the industry with the most professional, comprehensive and independently sourced news service possible - it is great to know that our efforts are appreciated.

One question we have had a lot recently, from those who have had company or product news published in an IDN edition, is if they can use the content on their own website and for their own social media channels.

The answer is of course yes.

We are always happy to see vendors leveraging the content we publish about them, and if anyone would like to do that on their own channels then we are happy to help - using their own content or any of the other news we publish.

Just tell us what you would like to use and how, and to make it easier for you we will be happy to help by providing a PDF (or another file format) with an IDN logo.

Another question we get is if it is okay for industry professionals to share the 'Online Now' advisory we send out with their own industry contact and customer lists and again, the answer is yes.

 

Finally, another recent question - what is the difference between our Print and Digital editions? Well, the only difference is distribution. We mail around 8,000 print copies to our PREMIUM readers in Europe; the digital edition is then additionally available to everyone and is potentially seen by many tens of thousands more industry professionals and high mileage riders - in Europe and worldwide.

The content is the same for both formats. Advertisements appear both in the Print edition and the Digital edition. In the Digital edition, editorial content and adverts are hyperlinked to the vendor's URL.

The current and all available back issues (going back more than 10 years) are permanently available 24/7/365 at www.idnmag.com.


Robin Bradley
Editor-in-Chief

International Dealer News
MotoWEEK
The Bradley Report

PIERER Mobility

PIERER Mobility AG: Record growth in Q1 2021 (106,453 units sold)

PIERER Mobility - the KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas parent company - announced record Q1 2021 revenues at € 509m, driven by "high global demand for powered two-wheelers (PTWs)". This represented a +82% increase over the € 278.9m recorded for the year-ago quarter.

"Despite ongoing supply chain challenges, a total of 106,453 vehicles (Q1 2020: 59,168) were sold worldwide, including 87,197 motorcycles (Q1 2020: 49,869 units) of the KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas brands and 19,256 R RAYMON and Husqvarna brand e-bikes (Q1 2020: 9,299 units) - an increase of +80% over the same period of the previous year. This is associated with a significant increase in global market shares.

The new KTM 1290 Super Adventure S will represent a third standard/base entry level 1290 cc Super Adventure model when it is unveiled later in 2021.

"In Europe, 53,971 motorcycles and e-bikes were sold during the period (+79% over the same period of the previous year). Growth was particularly strong in North America, where 12,637 motorcycles were sold, up by +145% over the same period of the previous year. A similar trend was seen in Australia, with an increase of +109% and a total of 4,357 units sold.
In India, despite the ongoing difficult conditions related to the COVID-19 crisis, sales increased by +24% to 20,712 motorcycles.
Since the beginning of 2021, the PIERER Mobility Group has increased its headcount by 130 people to 4,730 and is still looking for employees in all areas. As part of its apprenticeship offensive, 65 more apprentices will start their training in this year. In total, the group is training 190 apprentices.
"Despite the ongoing COVID-19 related supply chain challenges, the outlook remains positive, and the Executive Board raises the revenue guidance for the 2021 financial year to between € 1,850m and € 1,950m (previous revenue guidance 2021: € 1,800m to € 1,900m).

Ducati

Ducati Q1 unit sales +33%

Ducati reports a Q1 2021 continuation of the upward trend in results that was seen with the second half of 2020.
It delivered 12,803 bikes from January to March, recording an increase in sales of +33% compared to the same period in 2020; sales are also up 2% compared to the first quarter of 2019.

Claudio Domenicali, Ducati CEO: "The performance in the first months of 2021 is certainly very positive. Motorcycles delivered to customers in the first quarter of the year grew not only compared to 2020, already impacted by Covid, but also compared to 2019.
"Even more remarkable is the size of the order portfolio (motorcycles to be delivered) at the end of the quarter, which is the best-ever, with an extraordinary 93% growth compared to 2020 and +135% compared to 2019. 

 

Claudio Domenicali, Ducati CEO: "The performance in the first months of 2021 is certainly very positive."

"Enthusiasts are appreciating the 2021 range and the family of Ducatisti is expanding. The global market situation is positive in the world of two wheels, while the supply and transport sectors are much more complex, with delivery delays and a shortage of various raw materials.
"This makes it difficult to satisfy all the demand from our passionate customers, but at Ducati we are strongly motivated to do everything we can to reduce the inconvenience caused by this situation. I want to thank all the women and men who, in Borgo Panigale and in our subsidiaries around the world, are working with great commitment in this period of high seasonality."
In the first quarter of 2021, Italy confirmed its position as the main market for Ducati with 2,354 motorcycles delivered, followed by the USA with 1,723 and Germany with 1,275 units. The Ducati Scrambler 800 range is the best performing in the quarter, while the Multistrada V4 is the model most delivered to customers, followed by the Streetfighter V4.