Kawasaki

Rea goes Retro for his first ever road bike

Six-time WorldSBK Champion Jonathan Rea has just taken delivery of his first ever road motorcycle, a 2021 Kawasaki Z900RS.
Having recently undertaken the necessary UK Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), then taken and passed his motorcycle test, 34-year old Rea had the entire landscape of motorcycling to choose from, but was focused on the Retro Sport Z900RS from very early on.

Image credit: Stephen Davison – Pacemaker Photography

"I am lucky enough to get all my high-speed thrills on the KRT Ninja ZX-10RR," commented Rea. "I felt that the Z900RS would really match my lifestyle at home away from racing. It's got a reputation for having a really flexible engine and being easy to handle around town and is street smart and super cool.
"Having the pillion seat means my wife Tarsh and myself can go into town on sunny Sundays and get a coffee, and I know she is looking forward to finally joining me on a motorcycle.
"I've had loads of off-road bikes, but this is my first ever road bike and I knew straight away what colour combination I wanted, black with green and silver pinstripes. They are super popular but my local dealer, Coleraine Kawasaki, tracked one down for me and it looks even better in the flesh than in pictures.
"I started my Superbike journey with Kawasaki in 2015. Now I have my motorcycle licence, a brand new Z900RS and I'm a member of Club Kawasaki along with thousands of others who buy a new bike each year.
"In terms of the life goals I set myself, this is another box ticked, and already I am really enjoying the difference and freedom having a road motorcycle makes compared to a car. As they say at Kawasaki, Let the Good Times Roll."
 
 

White Motorcycle Concepts

British challenger targets electric land speed record
By Ben Purvis

New British company White Motorcycle Concepts is aiming to prove its radical aerodynamic idea by taking the land speed record for electric bikes.
Founded by Robert White, an engineer with a quarter of a century's experience in race vehicle development (on both two and four wheels), White Motorcycle Concepts has developed a machine with a huge reduction in both frontal area and drag coefficient.
The company hopes to use it to establish a British land speed record for semi-streamlined electric bikes later this year, hitting around 200 mph on a tarmac runway, before heading for Bolivia in 2022 (Salar de Uyuni - the world's largest salt flat) to target the world record, aiming for more than 250 mph on the salt flats.

Dubbed WMC250EV, clearly shows the aerodynamic concept - there's a huge duct running all the way from the nose to the tail. This duct reduces the bike's frontal area, but just as importantly it means that air hitting any part of the front of the bike doesn't have to be moved far, either laterally or vertically, to either slip past the bike or through the duct.
That gives an edge over traditional speed record bike designs, where the rider lies almost prone over a long, low chassis to reduce frontal area.
In its most extreme form on the WMC250EV, computer simulations and real-world wind tunnel tests have both shown the bike to have 70% less drag than a Suzuki Hayabusa, often cited as the most aerodynamic road bike on the market.
As well as the duct, the WMC250 uses two-wheel drive, with four electric motors in total - two driving the rear wheel and another two inside the front hub. In its initial form, the bike has a total of 100kW (134 hp), but that figure will rise considerably before the attempt at the world record. With minimal drag and both wheels driving the bike, the WMC250EV should have an edge over conventional designs.

Testing has shown that the duct (and front drive) massively reduces front end lift at speed, meaning there's as much as five times more load on the front wheel than on a normal motorcycle at the same speed.
White Motorcycle Concepts is preparing to reveal a second machine using the aerodynamic duct idea. Called the WMC300FR, it is a three-wheeled scooter, based on Yamaha's Tricity 300, to show that the aerodynamic gains are worthwhile even at city speeds.
The 300 cc engine will be assisted by a hybrid system, and along with the duct, reducing drag by 25%. The intention is to achieve performance near that of a 500 cc bike while slashing CO2 emissions by 50%.

Barnett Clutches and Cables

Barnett cables for Cruisers

Founded in 1948 and still family owned and operated, Ventura, California based Barnett Clutches and Cables offers a full line of stock replacement and custom length cables for popular metric cruiser models.
Featuring a stainless steel inner wire and a High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) inner casing liner for smooth cable action, they all come as standard with Barnett's nylon coated 'High Efficiency' inner wire, which is additionally coated with a silicone lube to provide super smooth cable action and reduced lever effort. 

"Additionally, our clutch cable housing is made with a longitudinally wound high carbon wire to eliminate flex. All cable assemblies, fittings and hardware are made by us in-house here in the United States for strict quality control. All hardware is chrome plated where applicable."
Barnett cables are available in traditional black vinyl casing, stainless steel braid with clear coat, or Platinum Series casing which features a bright silver plated braid with clear coat. Barnett braided cables with clear coat are guaranteed not to discolour from sunlight exposure.
Available from selected distributors in Europe, including through the Parts Europe and Motorcycle Storehouse networks, Bihr in France and P.D.Q. in the UK.

BARNETT CLUTCHES & CABLES
www.barnettcables.com

S&S Cycle

S&S 'Qualifier' 2:1 for the Royal Enfield 650 Twin

S&S Cycle has unveiled its first complete exhaust system for the Royal Enfield 650 Twin - the 'Qualifier' 2-into-1 in stainless steel.
S&S' David Zemla says that "shortly after the Royal Enfield 650 Twin was launched, the crew at S&S Cycle began pounding out performance parts, and they do not seem to be letting off the gas! Their latest is the 'Qualifier', an all-stainless 2:1 exhaust that looks and sounds the part.

 
"Hand-fabricated in the US, each system is a brushed stainless piece of performance art. S&S has revolutionised the American V-twin market with high performance exhausts designed to make real power (instead of noise!) and looks to have applied that same strategy to the RE 650 Twin. 

 

"Each throttle blip is now greeted with a throaty growl, making the mild mannered twin sound more like its larger cc brethren and adding a noticeable bump in power. Pair the 'Qualifier' exhaust with the S&S high flow air cleaner and you’ve woken up the sleeping beauty trapped inside the 650 Twin."
The 'Qualifier' is 50-state legal in the United States and designed to bolt on without the need for a tuner.

S&S CYCLE INC.
www.sscycle.com

BAAS Bike Parts

Twin USB A & C socket

Catering to the increasing needs that riders have for device connectivity, this USB twin socket (2 x max. 3.6A) from German specialist BAAS Bike Parts sets the input voltage from 12V to the 5V USB standard. 

The big specialty about this design is the incorporation of USB-A and a contemporary USB-C port - essential for the latest generations of mobile phones and other 'creature comforts'.
The USB11 board socket with 1.5 m cable allows flexible mounting on handlebars (22-28 mm) or tubing string with cable ties. An optional accessory, ZAH bracket is available for socket mounting without cable ties with a slim screw holder for tubing string on 22-28 mm handlebars. Fuse and fuse holder included.

BAAS BIKE PARTS
www.baas-parts.de

DNA Filters

DNA - massive increase in airflow for the Hayabusa

When a manufacturer like Suzuki brings back such a famous model as the Hayabusa, especially in times of strictest ever regulatory control of what the aftermarket can and cannot sell, the prospect of being able to increase the stock airflow by a massive +38.93% would be the stuff of fantasy.

However, step forward DNA Filters and its 4-layer cotton filter media and FCd (Full Contour design) technology, and this simple install can achieve exactly that.
With an extremely high 98 to 99% filtering efficiency, the 215.20 CFM (cubic feet per minute) at 1.5" H20 corrected at 25 degrees C (72 degrees F) compares to 154.90 CFM for the factory-fitted air filter.
What is more, in case there is any doubt, DNA says that this filter is for road and race use.

DNA FILTERS
www.dnafilters.com

Pinasco

Forged Power Clutch 2.0 for Vespa PX 6 springs

Italian scooter parts specialist Pinasco says that the continuous increase in the performance of Vespa Classic engines has required the development of new components - including this new 6-spring Pinasco Power Clutch 2.0 with forged CNC-machined bell.

The forging process increases mechanical strength and elasticity. The forged bell is fully CNC precision-machined which removes the excess material and gives shape to the piece - an innovation by Pinasco specifically for Vespa Classic clutches.
"In the new Pinasco forged clutch, the discs stopper edge has been thickened for greater wear resistance and the forged reinforcement ring isn't welded - it comes from a single piece, meaning greater strength, durability and reliability.
"This new forged 6-spring Pinasco Power Clutch 2.0 is another innovative Pinasco product that combines tradition and modernity". It is available as Power Clutch and Light Clutch for selected Vespa models, as appropriate.

PINASCO/BETTELLA S.R.L.
www.pinasco.com

Scorpion

Updated Scorpion EXO-1400 Carbon Air

Scorpion Exo has updated its top of the range Gran Turismo (GT) helmet - the EXO-1400 Carbon Air. Also available in new OBSCURA and DRIK graphics, the Carbon Air "embraces the best features in terms of safety, comfort and luxury with a unique versatility and a decidedly racing look, for a truly superlative character".

The shell is in Ultra-TCT CARBON, in three different sizes, and is made by mixing the carbon fibre with a mix of fibres called Ultra-TCT (Thermodynamic Composite Technology) to bring the weight down to just 1,250 g and still guarantee "great resistance and better shock absorption".
The air intakes are profiled; the removable and washable interior features the Scorpion AirFit system, and in addition to the clear visor, the EXO-1400 Carbon Air is sold with a "dark smoke" visor included.

The new Ellip-Tec mechanism means the visor can be replaced easily, without the use of tools, and very powerful springs "guarantee a totally hermetic and more silent visor gasket seal. In the event of a fall, Ellip-Tec is resistant and able to keep the visor in place".
The Speedview retractable sun visor has anti-fog treatment on both sides and Pinlock 100% Max Vision ensures 100% anti-fog action - the anti-fog lens is positioned on the visor to ensure maximum visibility.

The removable and washable liner is in new antibacterial KwikWick III fabric, and the AirFit inflatable pad system ensures comfort and fit. There is a double-D closure ring, and it features eyewear- friendly internal KwikFit pads. The visor locking system is positioned in the centre of the locking/unlocking of the visor to further ensure a perfectly hermetic closure - the three-position visor can be closed, fully open or slightly open.
The profiled air intakes are quiet, while the new ventilation system guarantees great Venturi effect air recycling. Additional features include nasal deflector, quick cheek pads removal and a 5-year warranty.

SCORPION SPORTS EUROPE
www.scorpionsports.eu

Zandonà

Zandonà - NetCube Back Pro

Italian protection and riding undergarment specialist Zandona's new 'NetCube Back Pro' is a CE Level 2 certified back protector (EN 1621-2) equipped with its "exclusive Net3 Technology".
An innovative structure made of nitrile anti-shock rubber with patented 3D net technology, it is "the result of detailed precision R&D that allowed us to obtain a winning combination of design, shape and high performing material composition that guarantees substantial impact energy absorption power.

"It offers great comfort because it perfectly follows the natural movements of the body and is completely foldable," says Sales and Marketing Manager Luca Baldissera. "The innovation at the heart of our Net3 Technology is its structure - made of nitrile anti-shock rubber with patented 3D netting technology.
"Approved to EN 1621-2 Level 2, it delivers low weight and thickness with internal padding in E.V.C. (Evoluted Viscoelastic Cells) - an innovative waterproof, anti-shock 'smart material' with a high performance-to-weight-to-thickness ratio."
Additional features include S.R.T. Technology (Sweat Removing Textile), a breathable 3D textile that transfers sweat to the outside and Renew Memory Technology (RNW), a built-in technology that slowly allows the material to come back to its original shape and size after any compression.
It is available in black, has adjustable and removable suspenders and is 100% Made in Italy.

ZANDONÀ
www.zandona.net

Vertex Pistons

Kiara Fontanesi and Vertex win the 2021 Italian MX Championship

Italian specialist Vertex Pistons continues to power many of the world's most successful riders to race wins and championships, and after five rounds, ten races, seven first and three second places, Kiara Fontanesi and Vertex Pistons won the 2021 Italian MX Championship.
This is yet another prestigious achievement for the ground-breaking six-time motocross world champion - the first woman to win the world championship four times in a row. Riding the GasGas MC 250 for 2021, her team, Fonta Racing, and Vertex Pistons, who have always supported her over the years "with the quality of their pistons, again guaranteed her the maximum performance and reliability needed for consistent elite level success".

Kiara Fontanesi said: "I'm so happy to have reached one of our 2021 goals. This title is really important for me, for the team and for the Fiamme Oro sports group. During this championship we met different terrains and weather conditions, so it has been great training for the WMX.
"I really want to thank my team for always preparing me the perfect bike. The feeling, feedback and precision control I get from the bike just gets better and better, and I want to thank all my sponsors and supporters."
At the circuit of Fara Vicentino (Veneto, Italy) on the weekend of 18-19th of September, Fontanesi achieved her first holeshot and dominated every lap to win Race 1 and Race 2, securing the Italian Championship after just the first heat - "an achievement that can only be accomplished with a perfect synergy between bike-rider-team and sponsors".
Vertex Pistons also took home the silver medal with the Dutchman Nancy Van de Ven, "demonstrating yet again the high level of technological excellence that has led our pistons to be adopted by the most renowned motocross teams in the world year after year".
www.vertexpistons.com

Italian motorcycle registrations

Italy - motorcycle registrations +35.78% YTD to August 2021

According to the latest data from ANCMA (the motorcycle industry trade association in Italy, and the owner of EICMA), the Italian motorcycle market was down by -8.44% in August at 6,096 new units registered. That compares to 14,209 units in July, before the peak of the holiday season (-5.95%) and 16,610 units in June (-1.63%).

For the year to date, the Italian motorcycle market is still well ahead of the same period in 2020, at +35.78% for the first eight months (94,872 units YTD).
In total PTW terms, the Italian market was +33.35% for the first eight months with 214,104 new units registered (compared to 160,563 YTD in 2020, and 180,184 YTD in 2019). That is the best first eight months for total PTW registrations in Italy since before 2011.
It is worth noting that all the motorcycles and scooters registered in Italy (and elsewhere in EU member states) since January 1, 2021, will have needed to be Euro 5 compliant models. Of the 214,104 total new units registered, 119,232 were scooters, 94,872 were motorcycles.
The best-selling motorcycle in Italy YTD remains the Benelli TRK 502/X with 5,199 units registered in the period January to August, followed by the BMW R 1250 GS (3,391 units), the Yamaha Tracer 9 (2,533 units YTD) and the Honda Africa Twin (2,392).
Electric unit registration numbers show that August was worth 806 units (-27%), while July saw 1,214 units (+57.0%) sold. The first eight months of 2021 were worth 7,146 units (+22.8% compared to 2020, and +135.2% over the same period for 2019).
For the record - though the final stage of the Euro 4/5 transition distorted the figures, new motorcycle registrations were 94,108 units for the full year in 2020, having been 98,917 units in 2019 (+6.26% compared to 2018).

Andreani

Andreani to represent Öhlins in Eastern Europe

Almost 15 years after its first agreement was signed with Öhlins, Italian suspension specialist Andreani Group has announced a significant extension to the footprint of its representation for the Swedish manufacturer of the "original gold" suspensions.

Andreani Group has now additionally become the exclusive Öhlins distributor in several of the fast growing East European markets - Albania, Bosnia Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey and Ukraine.
Owner, founder and former racer Giuseppe Andreani told IDN that "this represents a new opportunity to further develop Öhlins' access to important markets and for our company to strengthen our network of service centres.

 

"By sharing all the know-how we have acquired in over 30 years of experience in the suspension sector, and by organising training courses to teach how to tune suspensions with the best equipment, dealers and riders in these developing markets will now be able to offer and enjoy the same highly professional level of service that Andreani dealers have been used to here in Italy and elsewhere in Europe.
"Öhlins is a premium suspension brand, noted for its precision manufacturing and handling performance, and Andreani is known for its unrivalled suspension expertise and service. This is an excellent plan for everyone involved."
sales3@andreanigroup.com
www.andreanigroup.com

Rick's Motorsport Electrics

Hot Shot stator rotor for Kawasaki

Engineered as a replacement and upgrade for '73-'75 Kawasaki Z1, '76-'77 KZ900, '77-'78 KZ1000 and '78-'80 Z1R, this new rotor by Rick's Motorsport Electrics will put out 55% more power than the OE original and will work with the OEM stator or Rick’s own high quality 21-208 replacement stator.

 

Backed by a one-year warranty, this allows for upgraded electronics and improved performance while also accepting the stock starter clutch. "Updating older and vintage Kawasaki fours with 21st century electronics is perfect for your restoration or daily rider," says the Hampstead, New Hampshire based specialist.

RICK’S MOTORSPORT ELECTRICS
www.ricksmotorsportelectrics.com

Virus Power

Virus Power suits - Italian track-bred safety innovation headed for the street

Tuscany based Virus Power manufactures race suits with what it describes as a "revolutionary eco-friendly material" that is made from high-tech textile fibres.
Internationally known and respected designer Manual Franzan told IDN: "The results are designs that guarantee safety and comfort - the two important factors that are not always easy to in the same design, but Virus Power has done that.

Simone Schiocchetto,
Virus Power Product Manager

"The innovative, eco-friendly material is composed of high-tech textile fibres and is a patent that belongs to Manifattura Pri.ma.tex Srl, a company founded by Rudi Priami and based near Florence. It is a leader in the safety sector and very experienced in the highly specialised research and development of technical textiles for safety workwear and footwear.
"Virus Power was born from that pedigree by a specialised business that was able to use over 20 years of experience in the field of safety and apply it to the specific requirements of the motorcycling sector."
Although it is a much used and generally exaggerated claim, Manuel says that Virus Power suits do represent a true, genuine technological innovation, and that they are certified in triple A according to the EN 17092:2020 regulation - "reaching levels of safety never touched before by similar garments".

 

Riccardo Morelli, Virus Rider, Mugello 2021

Rudi Priami (left), Primatex founder and Christian Priami, Virus Power founder/President

The 'secret sauce' is that the high-tech 'Multiprotective' textile fibres guarantee breathability and lightness - the suits are water repellent, machine washable and fully printable, and are therefore customisable. 

"The project is completely based on the maximum respect for the environment," says Manuel. "The suits and any other Virus Power garments are manufactured with recyclable materials and with a total absence of components of animal origin."
"Virus Power suits allow us to respect life without giving up safety," says Virus Power founder and President Christian Priami. It is an ambitious and important project founded on technology and research, with the aim to guarantee safety and high performance for those who wear Virus Power products, but which, at the same time, does not ignore its environmental impact.

"Excellence can only be achieved by keeping faith with what you believe in," continues Christian. "After our extraordinary debut of last year, and thanks to the renewed confidence shown in us by the Italian Motorcycling Federation, we are heading into the new championship season looking to reconfirm our presence on the circuits and use what we learned last year.
"We have set ourselves another ambitious goal for 2021 - entering the market with a very urban oriented programme of daily riding apparel. We expect to be able to announce the jackets and gloves that will be available under the Virus Power brand name very soon."

VIRUS POWER BY MANIFATTURA PRI.MA.TEX
www.viruspower.it

HP Corse

HP Corse GP-07 for Z900RS

Inspired by the legendary Z1 of the 1970s, the new 4-cylinder in-line 948 cc Kawasaki Z900RS has attracted the attention of the HP Corse R&D engineers and Steelform in Italy, and the result is the new GP-07 "sporty style" exhaust seen here.

The GP-07 exhaust is the most compact of the HP Corse exhausts and, built in lightweight satin finish stainless steel, Steelform's internationally recognised expertise has produced a product whose sinuous and soft lines complement the lines of the Z900RS perfectly. All the handmade TIG welds are left exposed to enhance the sporty look and clearly highlight the craftsmanship and skill of those who made it.
Available for the Kawasaki Z900RS in a racing version only, it has a light satin steel silencer body and a round, completely open outlet. Equipped with a removable dB killer, it has the slip-on fitting for the original collectors and lightweight stainless steel end caps with laser-engraved logo.

HP CORSE
www.hpcorse.com

iXS

iXS fibreglass flip-up

Swiss apparel brand iXS, owned and operated by Hostettler AG, has introduced a new flip-up helmet design - the iXS460 FG 2.0 - saying that its new design is proof that "flip-up helmets designed for touring can easily offer a sporty look and maximum safety while simultaneously delivering practical operating components and comfort.

"The multi-functional usability makes it a welcome all-rounder. The sporty-slim helmet shape is emphasised by modern graphics with a dynamic alignment. The chin section can be simply flipped upwards, without having to take the helmet off. It’s also much more convenient for people who wear glasses thanks to the design of the flip-up and built-in glasses channel in the cheek padding."
The two-size outer shell is in fibreglass for "excellent impact-absorbing properties" and reduced weight, making it lighter than many 'integral' helmets despite the additional functionality. The chin bar is in polycarbonate and the helmet is said to exceed the current ECE 22.05 standard.
There is an integrated sunshade, efficient forehead ventilation, a clear, scratch-resistant fast-change visor, including a double layer of Pinlock, a breath and wind deflector and fully removable and washable inner lining and cheek pads.

HOSTETTLER AG
www.ixs.com

Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde

Make every Beat count

Dutch performance exhaust sound management specialist Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde (J&H) has added to its range of electronically adjustable street legal exhaust systems for BMW models (such as the GS and R nineT) with a new design for the 1800 cc R18.

Two options are offered - The Beat (as the electronically adjustable exhaust is called) SHORT, and The Beat LONG. Both give riders the opportunity to adjust the sound to their riding circumstances while staying close to the characteristic punch of the Boxer engine.
All J&H exhausts for BMW models are equipped with three sound modes, operated from a simple handlebar-mounted push button. The system operates a valve inside the muffler - the quiet closed mode, the deep rumble of the half open mode or the fully open Dynamic mode.
The Beat is a completely street legal exhaust. It has a European type approval and thus complies with all European laws and regulations, as well as being TÜV approved. By committing the system to the parameters set by legislation, it will seamlessly and subtly change the position of the valve when those parameters are met. Riders don't have to worry about breaking the law in any situation - the system is always legal, no matter what sound mode is selected.
It is available in black or chrome with a selection of end cap options.

THE JEKILL AND HYDE COMPANY
www.jekillandhyde.com

MUPO

IMOLA - street legal through-rod mono shock

Italian suspension specialist MUPO has introduced a new and "innovative" shock absorber that is designed to "upgrade any superbike to levels of absolute performance".
"IMOLA is the first street legal through-shaft mono suspension ever produced and put on the market. This technology guarantees an extremely precise and frictionless operation. It operates at a minimum working pressure thanks to a new hydraulic system.

"Manufactured with materials used only in the racing world so far, the new IMOLA racing suspension is conceived for riders who hit the track with the aim of beating the clock."
Construction of the body is in Ergal 7075 (hard and lightweight zinc-aluminium alloy) with a hard anodised and lapped internal cylinder, nitrile seals (NBR) and a powerful 35 mm main piston.
The 14 mm through-shaft rod is made from diamond-like coated (DLC) Hyperlox treatment with a surface roughness below Ra 0.06 and hardness greater than HV 9000. The internal system is low-pressure oil expansion compensation with minimum weight-optimised chrome silicon steel springs.
MUPO uses an SAE 2.5W synthetic oil, and as with all the products in the MUPO catalogue, the IMOLA is completely rebuildable and backed by a two-year warranty, that can be extended up to six years by servicing the suspension periodically per the operation and maintenance booklet.

MUPO SRL
www.mupo.it

Pursang

Pursang starts deliveries
By Ben Purvis

It was back in 2018 that reborn Spanish company Pursang first revealed an electric concept bike at EICMA, and after more than two years, deliveries of the resulting production model have now started.

Pursang's first model is the E-Track, which slots into the learner-legal 'A1' licence category with a rated power of 11 kW from a Bosch motor and a trio of 2.4 kW, 48V lithium-ion batteries. Together they add up to a top speed of 110 km/h (68 mph) and a maximum range of 140 km (87 miles), although the latter will only be reached in the bike's energy-saving 'Go' mode. Switch to the 'Cruise' setting for a bit more performance and range drops to 115 km (71 miles), while if you want to get the most out of the motor, 'Boost' mode adds power at the cost of an 80 km (50 mile) range. The bike also offers a 'Crawl' mode, allowing it to travel at walking speed either forwards or backwards to help manoeuvre into garages or parking spots.
The bike's weight, at 147 kg, matches its lightweight looks, but the price will also leave your wallet feeling significantly slimmer; the base cost is € 13,700, which puts the Pursang E-Track into the same market as some pretty serious competition, not least the newly-launched Zero FXE, which promises more range and speed at a lower price. Versions like the limited edition Pursang Dome (seen here) will cost more still.

Stylmartin

Legend Evo touring boots

Italian specialist brand Stylmartin has two waterproof touring options with a "vintage flavour", the Legend Evo full length boot (seen here) and the Legend Mid ankle boot.

They share the same technical features, including black hydro grain leather, a waterproof and breathable lining, malleolus PU internal protection on both sides, with fastening by concealed side zip and straps with metal buckles.
There is an anatomic, changeable and breathable microperforated footbed and a Vibram rubber, grip rock, anti-slip black sole. The boots are crafted entirely from full grain black leather, enhanced by an oiled effect "giving it that aged look".

STYLMARTIN
www.stylmartin.it

UK: motorcycle registrations

UK: motorcycle registrations +17.66% YTD

According to the latest available data from the MCIA, the motorcycle industry trade association in the UK, motorcycle registrations were +17.66% for the year to the end of August, the best eight-month total since 2016. This compares with 62,850 units in 2020 and 71,777 in 2019.
Sales were down slightly at -4.39% in August 2021 at 7,987 units, compared with 8,354 in August 2020, but ahead of the 6,335 in 2019. Indeed, leaving aside the 2,000 higher registrations number seen in August last year - as postponed spring buying started to catch up - it was the best August performance for the UK market since before the 2007/9 financial crisis.
In total PTW terms for the YTD, the UK market was +17.46% at 78,484 units, also the best YTD since 2016.

In motorcycle segment terms, Naked style bikes remain the most popular among UK riders, followed by ADV models. Scooters are the most popular overall. Honda was market share leader in August (followed by Yamaha, Triumph, Lexmoto, BMW and KTM), with the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 the best-selling single model in the <125 cc motorcycle segment.
The Yamaha NMAX 125 was the best-selling Scooter, the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 was the best-selling 'Modern Classic' in the UK, with the Honda CBF 125 M topping the Naked style sector and Royal Enfield's Himalayan topping the ADV sales list.
For the record - motorcycle registrations in the UK grew slightly in 2019, with 100,472 units sold (+0.72%), with 2020 put at a Covid and Euro 4/5 transition impacted 96,539 units.

Suzuki

Suzuki - global motorcycle shipments and profits up

Good news and bad news for Suzuki in the results announced for the first quarter of its 2021/2022 financial year (April, May and June of 2021) with good management boosting profits but unit sales in developed markets still soft.
Motorcycle shipments to its distributors and dealers in Europe were flat compared to the same period in 2020 at just 10,000 units and remain down on the 15,000 units shipped in the equivalent 2019 period.

North American shipments are -47.6% down on the 2020 period, also at 10,000 units, having been 12,000 in the 2019 financial year first quarter. At 16,000 units, its domestic Japanese shipments were +28.3% compared to the 2020 quarter and up on the 14,000 in 2019.
Led by the Philippines (+79.4%), India (+74.9%) and China (+23.2%), shipments in Asia were +41.6% overall at 283,000 units (up on 2020 but still down on 2019), with total global unit shipments at 363,000 (including 4,000 ATVs), which was +32.3% compared to the same quarter in 2020 - behind the 456,000 units shipped in the same period in 2019.

The popularity of the high value Hayabusa has helped drive profit margin improvements for Suzuki.

At 57.5bn yen, revenue from motorcycle sales for the period was +64.5%, up on the same period in 2020 (a 7.7% margin) and modestly below the 65.6bn yen seen in the 2019 period (which had produced a 3.4% operating profit margin), giving Suzuki a +7.4% improvement in operating profit over the same quarter in 2020 and a 2.1bn yen improvement over the 2.3bn yen profit made from motorcycle activities in the first quarter of its 2019/2020 financial year.

Tucker Powersports

Tucker Postpones Road Show Tour

Fort Worth, Texas based Tucker Powersports has informed its dealers that it has now postponed its proposed Tucker Road Show tour programme indefinitely.
The initial series of four regional events in selected markets (Las Vegas, Fort Worth, Charlotte and Kentucky) had originally been announced for the spring of 2021, before Covid caution triggered a delay to the autumn. 

In announcing an indefinite postponement for the Tucker Roadshow tour, Tucker VP Sales Brad Turner told dealers: "We understand the time and staffing challenges that you are having in this year of amazing growth."

Since that time, AIMExpo has announced for January 2022 at Las Vegas, and Tucker appears to have preferred to return to its original plan of co-staging its dealer appreciation event with the MIC at their rebooted trade only, three-day AIMExpo industry expo concept.
Tucker Sales VP Brad Turner is quoted as telling dealers that "recent input from dealers indicates that you would prefer to focus your time on maximising sales to the numerous customers who are visiting your dealership, rather than travel to events such as the Road Show this autumn.

"While we love the Road Show programme as a way for the Tucker team and our suppliers to celebrate and thank our dealers, we understand the time and staffing challenges that you are having in this year of amazing growth. We hope to launch the Road Show programme in the future.
"In the meantime, AIMExpo is coming in January, and we hope all of our dealers will join us in Las Vegas. Tucker will have a great presence for our house brands and our suppliers in the expo. Our sponsorship of the show will allow us to host a hospitality area for Tucker dealers right on the show floor."
AIMExpo is slated for the Las Vegas Convention Center for January 19 through 21, 2022.

Yamaha

Yamaha - European unit sales +17.2% for first half year

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. announced its consolidated business results for the first half of fiscal 2021 with total all-divisions net sales for the first half of the year (January to June) of 920.1bn yen (an increase of 234.6bn yen or 34.2% compared with the same period of the previous fiscal year), with operating income 109.2bn yen (an increase of 90.1bn yen or 471.9%).
In its motorcycle and related vehicle division (its Land Mobility Business), total global unit volume was 2.312 million units for the first half of 2021, compared to 1.709 million for H1 2020 and 2.516 million for H1 2019. European unit sales were 116,000 for the first half year (+17.2%) compared to 99,999 for the year ago; and, more interestingly, +6,4% compared to the 109,000 units sold in Europe for the first half of 2019.

North American unit sales for H1 were 34,000; domestic Japanese sales were 51,000 units; 1.845 million were to Asian markets and 265,000 elsewhere. In all cases, unit sales were higher than the first half of 2020 and in all except Asia up on the first half of 2019 also.
Land Mobility Business segment net sales were 595.9bn yen (an increase of 166.9bn yen or 38.9% compared with the same period of the previous fiscal year) with operating income generated of 44.8bn yen (compared to an operating loss of 6.7bn yen in the same period of the previous fiscal year).
Yamaha said that motorcycle sales in developed markets were affected by supply issues due to a shortage of shipping containers, but that unit sales increased thanks to a recovery in demand in Europe and the effects of launching new products.
In North America, the boom in outdoor and family recreation demand has continued from last year and strong sales of off-road models brought higher unit sales. As a result, both sales and profits increased overall.
Unit sales of motorcycles in emerging markets exceeded figures from last year in all regions, resulting in higher sales and profits. In addition, higher sales of premium segment models helped improve the model mix and sales and profits surpassed its 2019 figures, despite the Indonesian market still not being fully recovered yet.
Strong demand continued for recreational vehicles (all-terrain vehicles, recreational off-highway vehicles and snowmobiles). While production delays remain due to parts shortages and other issues, sales and profits increased thanks to higher unit sales.
As for electrically power-assisted bicycles, the trend to avoid using public transportation led to greater recognition of the merits of bicycles, resulting in continued healthy sales of complete Yamaha brand bicycles in Japan and E-kits for Europe, resulting in higher sales and income.

WRS

WRS - DBHolders OEM race replacements

Based between Brno and Ostrava, Czech sports and race bike parts manufacturer DBHolders specialises in lightweight, high strength OEM replica and upgrade parts in aerospace grade aluminium alloy, fibreglass, Kevlar and carbon composites.

Available through distributors, including WRS in Italy, the fairing bracket and airduct seen here for the BMW S1000RR (2019-2020) is said to be both lighter (33% lighter) and stronger than the OEM cast fairing bracket it replaces - saving money and weight.
It is made from top grade aluminium alloy and finished in a superb black powder-coat and includes a fibreglass airduct with Kevlar/carbon reinforcements for improved airflow, durability and less weight.

Also seen here, this handcrafted OEM replacement racing subframe for the Yamaha R1 (2015-2020) is usable for all race classes requiring the stock subframe.

Also made in high grade aluminium alloy and black powder-coat, it is precision manufactured to the stock dimensions to allow the stock battery and fuse box to be kept and the ABS hydraulic unit to stay in its original position.
It is some 24% lighter than the factory piece it replaces and, being race only, does not have the mounting points for passenger footrests or other road bike accessories.

www.wrs.it
www.dbholders.com

Hevik

Multilayer back protector

The HPB04 central back armour is a new multilayer back protector by Hevik, made from 90% NBR and 10% EVA200.
It is compatible with jackets in Hevik's 2021 range (including the Light collection) and features a multilayer memory foam structure. Each layer can slide individually in all directions, distributing the shock and limiting the impact energy transmitted to the spine and back. 

It features "breathability, lightness and flexibility" while maintaining optimum shock absorption. "A compact design, combined with the choice of materials, makes the HPB04 particularly discreet once inserted in the jacket's back pocket, without compromising comfort and freedom of movement when riding". Ventilation is by the holes distributed over the entire surface, allowing air to circulate.

HPB04 has Level 2 CE CB certification according to EN 1621-2:2014 (central back protection), the highest level according to European standards. It is available in three sizes (S/M for ladies), with a length of between 44 and 52 cm and in black with bright fluorescent orange details.

HEVIK
www.hevik.com

SIXS

SIXS 'Light' BT - "the lightest and most advanced technical underwear ever"

Claimed by SIXS of Italy to be "the lightest and most advanced technical underwear ever", its new 'Light' line 'BreezyTouch' (BT) features a "revolutionary fabric in terms of lightness, thermoregulation capacity and breathability that has resulted in a versatile new line for motorcyclists, cyclists and sportsmen and women in general.

"Designed for the hottest seasons and conditions and capable of guaranteeing maximum comfort when the effort is at the maximum, this new material is also effective and comfortable when the expenditure of energy is less intense".
SIXS says that 'BreezyTouch' is named for the "touch of freshness" feeling that you get when wearing any garment in the new line and that this is the lightest fabric ever used to date in a SIXS product. 

"The new BT fabric, in fact, is 40% lighter than our original carbon underwear 4-seasons fabric and 27% lighter than the one from which our previous 'Light' line was made - which it replaces - and offers 20% higher breathability.
"To make the fabric even more breathable, its composition has been optimised, eliminating the polyamide and increasing the percentage of polypropylene with the use of a 50% thinner thread."
The new SIXS underwear 'Light BT' line is suitable for all sports practiced in high temperature conditions and can be worn directly in contact with the skin, alone, or under normal sportswear.

SIXS S.R.L.
www.six2.com

Merlin

Merlin 'Expedition' wax cotton jacket

Creating "the perfect blend between heritage and adventure", Merlin's 'Expedition' jacket is constructed from 12 oz Halley Stevensons Scottish 'Silkwax' waxed cotton, backed by a removable Reissa Active waterproof membrane, bonded to a warm 125 g thermal lining.
"Ventilation points on the biceps, chest and rear expel hot air quickly and make the 'Expedition' a truly versatile jacket that can tackle warm weather rides too". 

A five-piece suite of D3O armour sits at the elbows, shoulders and back (D3O LP1 - CE compliance to EN1621), while the jacket as a whole receives CE Level 'A' certification. It also includes the D3O Viper back protector as standard.
"On the 'Expedition' jacket, it's the little details that make the biggest differences. Cowhide leather patches to the elbows not only provide enhanced abrasion-resistance in a key impact area but add to the heritage styling - they are finished off with traditional quilting. There are leather trim features across the top of each pocket and YKK zips have been used to ensure the highest quality.
"Fitment adjustment points on the biceps and cuffs help achieve a more personalised fit, while a two-point adjustment belt on the neck is finished in a contrasting colour to complete the retro style".
There are multiple front and internal storage pockets, Merlin branded snap studs and a 'Euro Hoop' jacket to jeans connector strap.

MERLIN MOTORCYCLE CLOTHING
www.merlinbikegear.com

Ognibene

Brake cleaner removes oil residues

The Ognibene company (Italy) has been in the brake spare parts sector for years with its Trofeo brake pads. For 2021 it has added a specialty brake system maintenance product - a specific brakes cleaner.

"It’s an ideal, quick and practical product for the removal of oily, greasy residues of brake pad compounds - including the dust produced by the friction and the different types of road dirt that the brakes can be affected by and that can adhere to the oil and dirt that is produced in all weathers.
"It’s not only for the maintenance of the disc and the brake pads, but can also be used for the clutch, the gearbox, the bearings and for cleaning engine components - anywhere that removal of oily residues is needed. It leaves surfaces perfectly clean and dry."

OGNIBENE SPA
www.ognibenechaintech.it

Moto-Master

Moto-Master MX sprockets and chains

Dutch motocross parts and accessory specialist Moto-Master is more than just a brakes company. Founder Gaston Veron made his first brake rotor in 1996 and founded his company a year later.

Sadly, Gaston died in an off-road riding accident in 2011, but his spirit lives on, and 2012 saw the company taken over by its two largest suppliers - Nolde BV and Reny Laser Techniek. They formed the present day company Moto-Master Europe BV to take the company's product line forward, and next year the business will celebrate a decade of continuous success and expansion. 

70/75 - "the ultimate racing sprocket"

The Moto-Master 'offer' also now includes high-performance sprockets and chains for the MX/off-road market. Through the years, Moto-Master has secured many national, European and World Championship titles in almost all disciplines of motorcycle sport and proudly says it is the "winningest brand" in today's MX Grand Prix racing, indeed 2021 Supercross Champion Cooper Webb is a Moto-Master rider.

Steel - "durable choice"

All its research and development, manufacturing and warehousing are located in the Netherlands, backed by the knowledge that its distributors and their dealers are buying from an ISO 9001:2015 and TÜV-KBA certified organisation.

Fusion - "the best of both worlds"

The Moto-Master "hard parts" division is growing fast, gaining popularity with dealers for the 'one-stop-shop' opportunity it represents for MX and off-road replacement and performance parts. With availability having become an industry-wide problem, Moto-Master General Manager Rolf Verhagen told IDN that "our efficient manufacturing processes and robust supply chain mean that we are still able to supply customers on a timely basis.
"Our MX sprocket line consists of over 950 individual articles in ALU 7075, FUSION (dual ring) and Steel Ultra-light and front sprockets.
"Complementary to our sprockets we offer dual range MX chains, our Velocity and GP Series. To our GP Series chains we have recently added an X-ring versions for motorcycles and ATV, plus GP-X and GP-X ATV chains. By completing our GP chain series, we now offer one of the most comprehensive drive line product assortments in the off-road/MX market."
www.moto-master.com