Ducati

Ducati replacement of Energica for the MotoE World Cup from 2023 onwards starts "Electric Era"

Having only recently agreed a one-year extension to its existing contract (for the 2022 season), Modena, Italy based electric sports bike manufacturer Energica has been replaced by Ducati as provider of the race series platform from 2023 and onwards.
"Ducati has always been a future-facing business and every time we enter a new market, we do so to create the best performing product possible," said Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali.
"We are working to make high-performance, lightweight electric motorcycles available to all FIM Enel MotoE World Cup participants and are very proud to announce Ducati as the new single manufacturer for the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup from the 2023 season onwards."
For rights holder Dorna Sports, CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta said: "With their incredible racing history, it is an honour to welcome this commitment from one of the best-known manufacturers in the paddock and to take on this new challenge together."
Describing it as the "beginning" of its "electric era", the signals about electrification from Ducati have been mixed until now. 

Walking back prior (2019) remarks by Domenicali, Ducati's VP of Global Sales and Board Member Francesca Milicia had appeared to suggest that its membership of the Volkswagen Audi Group (VAG) might give Ducati an opportunity to prioritise exploring synthetic gasoline rather than electric power as its initial pathway to reduced emissions, when interviewed on the subject earlier this year.
He had stated: "Will we produce an electric Ducati soon? No. We are also looking carefully at other solutions for zero or minimal emissions, such as synthetic fuel."
However, it would appear that Ducati parent company AUDI, who (along with Bosch) is known to have been investing heavily in prototype synthetic pump gas scale production research since 2017, has now largely abandoned that research and is instead to follow, and is encouraging its motorcycle subsidiary to follow orthodoxy and embrace an electric future.
It is unknown if the influence over Energica by New York based, NASDAQ listed 'FinTech' Ideanomics (most recently as majority shareholder) was behind the decision to only seek a one-year contract extension four months ago, or if this has been a coordinated move with Dorna to give Ducati the chance to accelerate R&D to have a platform ready for the 2023 season.
Either way, it is likely that powerful backing for the move from VAG and Ducati's considerable influence over Dorna had a part to play in the decision. The agreement lasts until 2026 and will therefore, initially, give Ducati four seasons to leverage what is going to have to be a substantial investment if they are to be ready to race in just 18 months' time.
Ducati's news release went on to say that its goal is to "develop expertise and technologies in a constantly evolving world such as the electric one, through an experience familiar to the company like that of racing competition. This has been a consolidated tradition for the company starting from the Ducati 851, which inaugurated the trend of Ducati road sports bikes.

Claudio Domenicali (left), CEO Ducati, and Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO Dorna Sports

"Since then, this endless transfer of expertise has always taken place from the Superbike World Championships, in which Ducati has participated since the first edition in 1988, and from MotoGP, in which Ducati is the only non-Japanese motorcycle manufacturer to have won a World Championship.
"The fact that Ducati is part of the Volkswagen Group, which has made electric mobility an essential element of its 2030 'New Auto' strategy, represents the best prerequisite for an extraordinary exchange of expertise in the field of electric powertrains.
"This first step for Ducati in the world of electric bikes will also have an influence on the evolution of the product range. Now, the most important challenges in this field remain those of the size, weight, autonomy of the batteries and the availability of charging networks. Ducati's experience in the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup will be a fundamental support for product R&D, together with the physiological evolution of technology and chemistry. The goal is to study how to produce, as soon as the technology allows, a Ducati electric vehicle that is sporty, light, thrilling and able to satisfy all enthusiasts".

News Briefs

 

MV Agusta Roma is the brand's new official flag store dealership in the Italian capital. A collaboration between Timur Sardarov, CEO of MV Agusta Motor S.p.A., and entrepreneur brothers Maurizio and Stefano Celon, it is "based on a dynamic and refined concept, part of a larger, trending complex" and hosts the new MV Agusta Roma Café.

Energica has opened a fourth Monobrand store in Taiwan. The move follows the establishment of dedicated Energica showrooms in USA, Italy and Germany. Energica motorcycles are now available in the new 80 sqm showroom in Taiwan, opened by local importer Russ Tiger.

Italy won the 2021 Motocross of Nations, at Mantova, Italy, in September, ahead of the Netherlands in second and Great Britain in third. Started in 1947 and now in its 74th year (last held in 2019), a combative nine-time MX World Champion Antonio Cairoli led the Italian team to top honours, with Mattia Guadagnini (MX2) and Alessandro Lupino (Open class). There have been six different MXoN team champions between 2003 and 2021, with the USA being the most successful winning team taking seven victories.

Following his impressive performances as a rookie in the 2021 FIM WSBK Championship series, 24-year-old Italian Andrea Locatelli has extended his contract with Yamaha Motor Europe until the end of 2023.

Energica has signed Lenovo as an industrial partner and will use Lenovo's "smarter technologies to design components, simulations and FEM calculations". In association with Lenovo, Energica says it will explore the "possibilities of launching the Academy for training and developing skills and technologies and assist young talents to acquire and consolidate technical skills to equip them for the future development of an Italian Electric Motor Valley".

Mitas has been selected as an original equipment supplier for the new 2021 Piaggio Beverly 400 range with its TOURING FORCE-SC tyres. "We are very pleased to be selected as an original equipment supplier for the new Piaggio Beverly 400. The partnership represents a further strengthening of our relationship with Piaggio and our efforts to provide products for efficient urban mobility," says Gustavo Pinto Teixeira, Vice President Two Wheels and
Specialty Tyres.

The Malaysian MotoGP (Sepang) has been cancelled and replaced by a second GP for 2021 at The Misano World Circuit in Italy on October 24.  At present, the 2021 Championship is slated to finish 14 November at Valencia, Spain, but the organiser is still retaining the option of adding in another race after that. The U.S. MotoGP will now be the only remaining 2021 race to be staged outside Europe, at Austin, Tx., October 3rd.


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

Benda

Benda reveals two new V4s
By Ben Purvis

A year ago, the Benda name was largely unknown and even in China the firm's range encompassed only a handful of quite ordinary small-capacity cruisers. Now the firm is starting to look like one of China's most interesting companies and it's building on that by revealing not one but two new V4 motorcycle engines.

Benda already got into the four-cylinder market for the first time earlier this year, launching the LFC700 power cruiser and the LFS700 roadster, both with their own 680 cc inline four-cylinder engine - but the new V4s come as a surprise.
The larger version, dubbed BD476 (four-cylinder, 76mm bore), measures 1,198 cc in capacity, combining the 76 mm bore with a 66 mm stroke - figures that match Yamaha's old 1,200 cc V-Max. The engine isn't simply a V-Max copy though, despite sharing similar dimensions and 70-degree V-angle; the castings all appear to be newly developed specifically for Benda.
Performance-wise, Benda says it's good for 152 bhp at 9,500 rpm and 89 lb/ft at 7,500 rpm. These numbers don't put it in the superbike league yet, but still promise to make this China's most powerful homegrown motorcycle engine yet.
A smaller 'BD453' version of the motor, looking identical externally but with a much smaller 53.5 mm bore and 55.2 mm stroke (for unusually under-square dimensions and a mere 496 cc capacity), has also been revealed, with performance claims of 56 hp at 10,000 rpm and 33 lb/ft at 8,000 rpm.
Interestingly, although Benda hasn't shown such a motor, if it was to combine the smaller version's shorter stroke with the larger engine's bore, it would have a higher revving 1,000 cc engine on its books, too.
With capacity already overloaded with getting the LFC700 and LFS700 production lines up to speed, Benda says the V4 won't go into mass production until 2022 - when the company will unveil the first motorcycles to use the engines.

Newfren

by Elisabetta Quadrini

Letter from Italy -
See you at EICMA!

"The recovery after the summer break does not reveal any great news regarding a stabilisation of raw material costs.
"Prices are still rising, and the supply chain is still unable to cope with the growing demands for raw materials. Shortages and delays continue to hold us back and add to costs.
"Our job, in the components and accessory sector, is to find ways of translating all the consumer enthusiasm and spending we see in most markets, including our own, into growing GDP indices for each country in order to reinforce consumer confidence and repair the contraction of the past months, months in which COVID has blocked industries and people.
"What is certain is that our work continues to be stressful, forcing us to charge around between the requests from consumers and the difficulties created by uncertain delivery schedules.

 

"Here at Newfren we always have a positive spirit and look forward to tomorrow with enthusiasm. We have always been a 'happy' company with supportive management and excellent relationships with our distributors and partners, so we are a great deal luckier than some.

 

"It is with this positivity and enthusiasm that we have decided to confirm our presence at the EICMA International Motor Exhibition (the 78th edition of the world's oldest motorcycle trade fair), which will be staged in Milan from 23rd to 28th November.
"Despite the negativity and some absences, it will still be a major event with plenty of exhibitors and visitors and it will be a fantastic opportunity to reboot commercial activities, leave the past behind us and look to a positive future.
"The speed with which countries are vaccinating populations convinces us that it will be easy for many people to reach Italy and finally enjoy a face-to-face meeting. Newfren is therefore preparing to build a stand that can welcome visitors in absolute safety.
"Like many, we will be in a different hall to the usual, and Newfren can be found in Hall 24 at Booth E55. Following its success last year, it is very likely that we will be staging a new edition of our IDEA international Digital Event on the same days as EICMA, which will give dealers who cannot make it to the show an opportunity to still arrange meetings with us."

Vertex

2-stroke 'Race Evolution' off-road pistons

Italian performance pistons specialist Vertex has developed a special line of racing pistons for 2-stroke off-road motorcycles called 'Race Evolution'.

Born out of its collaboration with many of Europe's leading motocross and enduro teams in the various championships - including the world championships - Vertex says that these pistons "stand out from those of the other product lines due to their reduced top land, a dedicated 0.8 mm ring, a special MoS2 coating (Molybdenum disulphide) and feature specific pockets to facilitate cylinder/piston smoothness and a new, dedicated racing profile.
"These features make these high-performance Vertex pistons very successful and, at the same time, reliable in race use". They are available for all KTM and Husqvarna models up to the latest updates and, new for 2021, also for all the new GasGas and Yamaha YZ 85 models, which have been added to the 125 cc market.

VERTEX PISTONS/VP ITALY S.R.L.
www.vertexpistons.com

Matris

The Matris high-end fork concept

Italian suspension specialist Matris is internationally recognised as a "high-end" manufacturer and designer of quality suspension components, and sitting tight at the "high end" of the Matris product range, the popular F43SP fork is its most innovative and advanced product.
With damping by the company's top-of-the-line “Speed Sensitive System” F25SP nitrogen pressurised cartridge with its internal volumetric compensation tank and fully floating valve, the F43SP is housed within Matris' own designed and in-house manufactured premium fork body "to set a new market standard". 

"Not having an external volumetric compensation tank means the dimensions and weights of the front axle are reduced," says Matris co-owner Alberto Turcato.
"This improves performance, handling, feeling and response in sporting use - especially in the corners and under braking.
"Simply designed and ergonomic in its use, the damping asymmetrical adjuster tunes the units of compression and rebound, and together with preload are integrated in the upper fork cap for simple and practical operation." 

The outer tube is made from high quality Alu alloy and available in 50/54 mm, 50/55 mm, 51/56 mm diameters and with a 43 mm diameter chromed steel inner tube as standard.
To provide optimal performance and durability, an optional TIN (Titanium-Nitride) Gold and anti-friction lapping surface treatment is also available. Dealers can choose between 100 and 108 mm radial caliper mount options.
The foot is machined from solid Alu alloy with a simple design to optimise maximum strength and lightness at the same time. Linear springs in Si-Cr alloy steel are available in different rates, based on the bike model and rider weight provided.
The cartridge cylinder is also made from Alu alloy, with a lapped finish for, effectively, “zero” friction and assembled with 25 mm diameter compression and rebound valves with flow dynamics specially designed for total hydraulic damping control.

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

BMW

BMW CE 02 and AMBY
By Ben Purvis

A decade on from showing the C-Evolution electric scooter, BMW is ramping up its battery-powered two wheeled activity - showing two new concepts, both of which have a strong chance of reaching production.
Having launched the CE 04 scooter earlier this year, BMW has shown the Concept CE 02 - a smaller, lower performance electric offering that sits somewhere between a scooter and a minibike, aiming to appeal to young urban riders. 

CE 02

Mechanically, the bike is powered by an 11kW (15 hp) electric motor, making it a learner-legal machine, with BMW claiming a top speed of 56 mph (90 km/h) and a matching range of 56 miles (90 km). It's clearly targeting low-speed use as a city commuter, and in that role its light 120 kg weight and small dimensions should make it a viable proposition.
The photos show that it's very much a handmade one-off at the moment. Not least because it's currently powered by a bank of off-the-shelf lead-acid batteries, which would have to be replaced with a lithium-ion pack to meet BMW's performance and range claims.
BMW's second urban electric bike concept is the Vision AMBY, a bike that straddles the space between electrically assisted bicycle and a moped. Shown in two forms - one with pedals and looking more like a bicycle, the other as a pure electric vehicle - the AMBY's trick is that it can be altered to suit various licence categories or uses.

AMBY

In full-power form, the AMBY is good for a top speed of 60 km/h (37 mph), but it can also be restricted to 45 km/h (28 mph) or 25 km/h (15.5 mph) to suit the licence status of the rider. What's more, the company suggests it can use geolocation to work out where it's being ridden, automatically restricting the speed to suit. For instance, in its lowest-speed form, the AMBY would be classed as a pedelec in many European countries, and in some of Europe's less heavily regulated markets it could probably be ridden without a licence, insurance or registration.
The bike includes a rear-facing display that shows its rated top speed at any time, allowing police to judge whether the rider is complying with rules regarding licence and clothing for the category it's operating in. BMW has also revealed a pedal-assisted version of the bike using similar technology but in a more conventional bicycle package.

GIVI

'Canyon-Base' universal saddle base for modular bags

The GRT721 Canyon-Base from GIVI is a universal saddle base for modular bags, which can accommodate several bags from the Canyon line at the same time and allows a rider to customise the configuration of the bike's luggage up to 60 litres when fully loaded.

Designed for the modular fixing of bags of different types and sizes, "this light, robust and discreet base allows for the safe and stable attachment of various side and top loads. This system allows you to customise the configuration of your luggage according to your needs and the duration of the trip".

Made of high tenacity and resistant materials, including polyester 1680D/PU, TPU and Hypalon, the GRT721 base is structurally shaped as an arched band. The central part for the upper load is equipped with resistant adjustable straps with a cam buckle closure to ensure tension tightness and consequently the stability of the bags. The side load is carried by the two Hypalon side flaps, which are also equipped with adjustable straps to securely fasten the luggage.
The base is compatible with some of the models from the extensive and versatile Canyon line, which include the 20-litre GRT714B roller bag, the compact 8-litre GRT722 cargo bag, the 18-litre T520 Dry Bag and the 5-litre GRT717B tool bag.

GIVI S.P.A.
www.givimoto.it

BS Battery

Versatile new battery multi-charging station for dealers

BS Battery has responded to the increasing demand for SLA (Sealed Lead Acid) and lithium battery technologies in the motorcycle, scooter and wider powersports markets by developing a new 'pro-grade' battery charging station for its dealers.
The all-new BK 20 charger and its accessories is "an essential tool for BS dealers as they can fix one to two BK 20 chargers onto a BS display, meaning that professionals will be able to store, activate, charge, maintain and recharge all batteries before installing, shipping or selling".

Dedicated for both SLA and lithium batteries and designed with an advanced microprocessor, the all-new BK 20 is a 6V and 12V automatic smart battery charger and maintainer rated at 2A with battery capacity up to 40Ah - enabling it to charge and maintain three batteries with different voltages and technologies simultaneously. It includes an exhaustive charging programme with two selectable modes and nine charging steps. 

The reconditioning function is also a valuable and versatile additional feature for shop use as "dead" lead-acid batteries or low voltage lithium batteries can be reactivated or restored. Described as "effective and powerful", the BK 20 is designed to "ensure optimal charging performances for all powersport battery technologies, with a 6V/12V switch mode," according to founder and CEO Benjamin Sebban.
"The all-new BK 20 is also one of the most powerful and highest-performing BS chargers - enabling dealers to charge and maintain all battery sizes. The BK 20 and its component parts make life easier for our dealers as it saves loading time of batteries and charges different battery types. This big improvement is ideal for our network and offers a new, modern and efficient way to charge and maintain batteries safely."

BS BATTERY SAS
www.bs-battery.com

Parts Europe

Parts Europe 2022 helmet and apparel catalogue

Germany based distributor Parts Europe has added a 2022 helmet and apparel catalogue to its already huge range of dealer and rider catalogues.
The European end of the massive Wisconsin, USA based LeMans Corporation (Parts Unlimited, Thor, ICON, Moose, Drag Specialties etc.), this was one catalogue that was missing from its European portfolio of "desk benders" and this new edition was published in September.
Described as "the ideal rider resource for quality riding gear for all powersports segments", the company says that "enthusiasts will find a huge selection of the latest helmets, eyewear, riding gear, accessories, apparel and rider protection from the top brands in the powersports industry".
The catalogue has over 750 pages of rider equipment for all segments - from street to off-road, scooter to touring and urban to ADV riding.
www.partseurope.eu

Comment by Editor, Robin Bradley

When everything changes, nothing changes

When the pandemic first collapsed motorcycle sales in March, April and May 2020, there was much talk about nothing ever being the same again.
The BMW and KTM decisions to no longer exhibit at the major shows (in corporate terms) sent shockwaves through the international exhibitor community. Once it was clear that EICMA and other shows would not be staged in 2020, the widespread assumption was that the industry was witnessing a moment of seismic strategic change.
There were those who said that the end for 'conventional' trade fairs had already been approaching for all markets and that the pandemic was only going to hasten a trend that was already embedded. Then there were also those who drew the same parallel to the viability of the motorcycle market itself.
Then something else happened instead. Motorcycles (PTWs) suddenly became part of the solution rather than the problem, and guess what - 18 months on and the factories can't make or ship enough inventory fast enough (for a range of well-rehearsed reasons). Suddenly new model registrations were on the rise, vaccinations were starting to edge society towards being able to co-exist with Covid, and here we are now, planning to head to Milan in six weeks' time for the 78th iteration of a show that was first staged in 1914. 

As discussed on page one of this edition of IDN, yes, the expo will have a smaller exhibitor footprint than years prior, and yes, the international 'industry' attendance (in particular) and support for the show will be 'softer' than in prior times, but don't conflate the fact that international travel remains a potentially hazardous undertaking at this time with meaning there is fundamentally something wrong with EICMA or other industry shows.
The Trade Fair concept is no more flawed now than it was 20 years ago. The visceral appeal of "feeling the metal" is no more flawed now than it was before it was suggested that clicks would entirely replace "door swings".
All progress can inform and then live in perfect harmony with tradition. Yes, change is constant, change is all around us (and we need it to be), but nobody ever managed to make all their appointments in two or three days at EICMA anyway, and there will still be way too many business opportunities than any sane person can embrace - even if the show is "just" five halls rather than eight (with enough open spaces to have always allowed it to be at least one hall smaller than it was anyway).
We underestimate the motorcycle and wider powersports industry at our peril, and we certainly are not about to read it and the institutions that it has spawned (such as EICMA) the last rights.
I was taken recently by the sharp focus thrown onto the strength of our industry by a new report from Oxford Economics that ACEM is pointing to on its website (www.acem.eu). It is a research project that updates our understanding of the scale of the industry we are a part of.
The research highlights the economic and mobility benefits of two-wheelers in Europe and shows that the motorcycle sector in the EU and the UK supports about 389,000 jobs - through different activities, including the manufacturing of vehicles, P&A, G&A, PPE and other motorcycle-related activities.
Based on a market analysis in 2019, the study also found that the motorcycle sector contributed about € 21.4bn of GDP across Europe and that every € 1 of GDP created directly by motorcycle businesses supported a further € 1.80 of GDP in other industries.
In terms of tax revenue, the motorcycle sector and related activities generated about € 16.6bn, making motorcycling an important contributor to public finances, particularly in large markets like Germany, France, Italy, UK and Spain.
Europe-based motorcycle companies export goods worth about € 2.1bn per year with key export markets including the US, Switzerland, Australia and Japan.
Furthermore, and get ready for this factoid, the study also examined the "additional benefits" offered by motorcycles to their users, and to the environment. A scenario analysis suggests that if 5% of those who commute by car across Europe (5.3 million commuters) switched to motorcycles, the aggregate time savings would be 21.2 million days per annum - worth € 3.3bn to these users.
Motorcycles were also found to offer substantial cost savings due to lower fuel use and operating costs. On average, the cost of commuting by motorcycle (€ 545) was nearly one-third of what it would cost to use a car (€ 1,435) across a year.
Much of the findings came as no surprise and were simply updates on what have become "received wisdoms" over the past decade or more - but it is worth thinking about those "received wisdoms" again in the context of a 21st century which will change habits, assumptions and preconceptions.
For example, the research confirmed that motorcycles have a smaller environmental footprint than four-wheelers, fair enough. But did you realise that the average powered two-wheeler in the European vehicle fleet emits about 99 g CO2/km - less than half of the 210 g CO2/km emitted by the average car (petrol and diesel)? Interestingly, motorcycles up to 250 cc were found to emit on average 62 g CO2/km. About 62% of Europe’s two-wheelers fall into this category.
The study also examined the economic importance of motorcycle-related events, i.e. motorcycle sports, motorcycle trade fairs and events organised by OEMs.
In total, these activities contributed about € 2.1bn to Europe’s GDP and supported about 38,400 jobs and € 1.2bn in tax payments. A large part of that impact happened in local communities that greatly benefitted from international tourists attending motorcycle-related events.
The study found that about five million spectators attended major motorcycle sporting events in 2019, with MotoGP attracting about 1.8 million spectators to its 12 European races in that season. Furthermore, about 2.5 million people attended motorcycle trade fairs and manufacturers' promotional events the same year.
Hello BMW and KTM - are you entirely comfortable that your 2020 decision to leave the aisles of EICMA, INTERMOT and other shows to your rivals was as smart as you thought?

News Briefs

 

BMW appears set to build on the success of its September 2021 Pure&Crafted event in Berlin by adding its BMW Motorrad Days formula to a hybrid three-day combo BMW fest in Berlin in 2022. July 1st will be a one-day Pure&Crafted event, followed by two days of 'Motorrad Tage' on July 2nd & 3rd, 2022.

Organisers of the UK Motorcycle Trade Expo (British Dealer News) have confirmed the decision to postpone the show that was due to be held near Coventry in the English Midlands in October 2021. Expo director Andy Mayo said: "The risk involved still outweighs the investment required to stage Expo in the successful format exhibitors and visitors have come to expect. It's the second year in a row we have had to postpone, but with so much interest being shown by exhibitors, Expo 2022 is set to be a bumper show."

Young people all over Germany can now get their class AM moped driving licence at the age of 15 following a national driving licence regulation by the Federal Government in Germany. Many states had already adopted the protocol (only Berlin, Hamburg and Bremen had been hold-outs). The better theoretical and practical training of young riders in this age group has proven to benefit road safety according to Dekra. For eastern German states, the nationwide regulation now means a return to the legal situation that existed before reunification.


Royal Enfield (RE) has opened a CKD (Complete Knock Down kit) assembly plant in Colombia - the third biggest motorcycle market in Latin America - in partnership with its local distributor, Colombiana de Comercio (Corbeta Group). The facility in Envigado, Antioquia, marks RE's second plant outside of India. RE set up retail operations in Colombia in July 2014, with a first store in Bogotá. It now has 15 exclusive stores in Colombia and 57 exclusive stores with 40 other retail touchpoints in Latin America overall. Initially the plant will assemble the Royal Enfield Himalayan.

Brembo reported H1 2021 revenues at € 1,360.8m, up 43.1% compared to 2020 and up 2.8% compared to the first six months of 2019. EBITDA was € 270.2m (margin: 19.9%), EBIT was € 165.8m (margin: 12.2%). Net investments in a quarter in which Brembo marked its 60th anniversary and announced the acquisition of Spanish brakes manufacturer J.Juan (having bought Danish brakes component manufacturer SBS in Q1) amounted to € 99.9m. Net financial debt of € 496.9m was down € 100.6m compared to the period to 30 June, 2020.

Data released by the MIC in USA shows that motorcycle thefts surged by 30 percent in 2020 (13,000 more thefts than in 2019), reaching 53,111, the highest level in five years. The largest number were stolen in California (9,483), Texas (4,448) and Florida (4,223), with most in August (6,214) and July (5,855); February saw the least (2,701). The top 10 brands account for 80% of all thefts with Honda the most stolen (11,030), followed by Yamaha (8,261) and Kawasaki (6,340). Of all thefts, less than half (42%/22,403) were recovered.

The MIC reports Q2 new-model motorcycle sales among leading brands were +15.2% in USA. Compared to the year-ago period, YTD sales of on-highway models were +25.2%; dual sport models +16.7%; scooters +8.3%. Only off-highway sales dipped slightly through Q2, by -3.2%.


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

Freedom Performance

You can now enjoy 'Freedom' in Europe!

Headquartered near Los Angeles, Freedom Performance is one of the fastest growing aftermarket exhaust manufacturers in the United States, where it is best known for its range of designs and applications for cruisers such as those made by Harley-Davidson.
However, what is less well known, in the USA and here in Europe, is that the company also offers a wide range of stylish, high quality, durable designs and applications for metric motorcycles, especially Touring and cruiser style models.

BMW R 18 - available for the 'Classic' and new 'Transcontinental'.

Freedom offers full systems with heat shields and slip-on silencers with a selection of precision CNC- machined end caps (check out the new-for-2021 solid or contrast style end caps in gold ceramic finish) in a range of classic and contemporary styles - everything from its quintessentially American fishtails and 'Patriots' to true duals and 'swoopy' sharp-curve radius style fitments.

Kawasaki Vulcan

BMW K 1600 slip-ons - available in black or chrome with matching or contrast colour precision CNC-machined end caps.

The company's metric range includes three-step headers and covers for selected Moto Guzzi, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki (Vulcan), Triumph, Honda (including Gold Wing) models, plus, as seen here, for BMW - including for the new R 18.
And why are we telling you all this? Because the good news is that Freedom Performance is now looking for importers, distributors and dealers here in Europe. 

Freedom Performance founder and CEO Martin Artega told IDN: "Our road legal performance exhausts for Harley-Davidson applications have already been selling successfully in Europe for years. The Freedom Performance brand is one of the fastest growing aftermarket exhaust brands for cruisers in the USA and it made sense to start offering European 'metric' sector importers the opportunity to offer our great American styles and quality to their dealers too."
The company's exhausts are readily tuned for sound and emissions certification requirements here in Europe according to Martin: "Just add a cat and they are good-to-go!"
www.freedomperform.com

UK motorcycle registrations

UK: motorcycle registrations +13.38%

According to the latest available data from the MCIA, the motorcycle industry trade association in the UK, motorcycle registrations were -6.73% in September 2021 (12,483 units), having been -4.39% in August (7,987 units) and -11.74% in July (11,556 units).
However, thanks to a strong summer new motorcycle registrations are still up for the first nine months of 2021 in the UK at +13.38% (86,431 units YTD) - that is up on 2020 (76,234 units) and 2019 (83,906 units) and is the highest in the UK for the January to September period since 2016.

In total PTW terms, the UK market was +13.03% at 91,793 units YTD - also the best 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 PTWs overall. Honda was market share leader in the UK in September (followed by BMW, Triumph, Yamaha, Lexmoto, Suzuki and Kawasaki), with the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure the best-selling single model in the <125 cc motorcycle segment.
The Honda PCX 125 was the best-selling Scooter, the Keeway Superlight was the best-selling Custom style model, with the Triumph Speed Twin topping the Modern Classics sales list and the Honda CB 125 R sitting on top of the Naked Style bikes sector.
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.

Kawasaki

Kawasaki unit sales up

For the three months ended June 30, 2021 (the first quarter of its 2021/2022 financial year), Kawasaki reported wholesale unit sales for its Motorcycle & Engine business division as being up by +31.25% in Europe at 21,000 units (compared to 16,000 for the Covid impacted 2020 period).

Unit sales to all 'developed markets' were +89.66% for the period at 55,000 units in total, compared to 29,000 units for the same period in 2020. All of Kawasaki's developed markets were up for the quarter. Sales in the United States were up by over 230% at 20,000 units, compared to just 6,000 for the same period in 2020.
Emerging market unit sales were up by +144% at 61,000 units, with the Philippines its largest such market (+121% at 31,000 units for the period). Developed market net sales revenue was 46.6bn yen compared to 24.7bn yen for the year-ago period (a +88.66% improvement).
Unit sales translated to net sales revenue of 113.5bn yen for the quarter (+54.5% over the 58.9bn yen recorded for the corresponding period in 2020, for an operating profit of 14.8bn yen (a substantial improvement over the -5.9bn yen loss incurred for the year-ago period).

New company and major investments
Kawasaki parent company KHI has announced a new company within the KHI Group, investment in products and upscaled global manufacturing abilities.
Hiroshi Ito, President of the Motorcycle & Engine Company at Kawasaki Heavy Industries, says the headline news is of a US$265m (€ 224m) investment to increase production capacity for the USA and rest of world markets over the next five years.

 

"This will include expansion of the existing factory in Nebraska and the creation of a new manufacturing facility in Mexico, which will create thousands of more jobs in the US and Mexico.
"Kawasaki is also increasing investments in new product development, especially in the growing MULE, ATV and JetSki markets, as well as innovative new street motorcycles, our new electric, hybrid and hydrogen power source projects and off-road motorcycles".
Kawasaki had already announced that it will change its organisation significantly "in order to enable agile action in the rapidly changing world". At the beginning of October 2021, Kawasaki's worldwide powersports - covering motorcycles, JetSki personal watercraft and recreational vehicles and its general purpose engine businesses - will become an independent company to be known as 'Kawasaki Motors, Ltd' with Mr. Ito as its first President and CEO.

Piaggio

Piaggio Vs Peugeot

Piaggio has won the first round in a legal dispute with Mahindra Two Wheelers owned Peugeot Motorcycles. The Paris and Milan courts have found in Piaggio's favour in a European patent infringement case.
In a parallel to Piaggio's successful attempts in the past to have the unique nature of the Vespa design IP protected, this action against Peugeot concerns alleged infringement of its MP3 Scooter design rights. 

Piaggio has won patent protection actions for the control system of its sideways leaning tech on the MP3 against Peugeot's use of a claimed counterfeit system on its Metropolis.

Specifically, the courts have upheld Piaggio's claim that the Peugeot Metropolis counterfeited a European patent relating to the technology of the Piaggio MP3 three-wheeled scooter - the control of the system that allows a three-wheeled vehicle to lean sideways like a traditional motorcycle.
In France, Peugeot has been ordered to pay compensation for damages quantified at € 1,500,000, plus further fines for violation and legal costs and banned from the production, promotion, marketing, import, export, use and/or possession of any three-wheeled scooter that uses the control system patented by the Piaggio Group on French territory (including the Peugeot Metropolis), under penalty of a fine for each vehicle said to be subject to counterfeiting.
The Court of Milan prohibited Peugeot Motorcycles from importing, exporting, marketing and advertising (also via the internet) the Peugeot Metropolis in Italy, establishing a penalty of € 6,000 for each vehicle sold. Peugeot Motorcycles must withdraw all counterfeit vehicles from the market in Italy within 90 days, under penalty of an additional € 10,000 for each day of delay in carrying out the order.

TecMate

Lithium batteries - prevention is better than cure

Lithium (LiFePO4/LFP) batteries deliver great starting power and are a fraction of the weight of lead-acid batteries. Best of all, they do not need continuous battery maintenance like lead-acid batteries … but wait … that needs a little more explanation.
Martin Human, CTO/CEO of TecMate, says: "Once a lithium battery has been fully charged after delivery, and then stored in a shop or warehouse, it won't need recharging possibly for a year or more. However, when in the motorcycle, a lithium battery will discharge faster than the lead-acid battery it replaced - simply because it has less Amp-hour (Ah) capacity to support the parasitic draw of always-on circuitry. 

"Furthermore, if it is allowed to deep discharge, then that lithium battery also has a higher possibility of suffering permanent damage. The best solution? Maintain it like a lead-acid, or at minimum recharge, frequently.
"When to charge is the question, but one that is easily answered on the vehicle with the OptiMate O-127 smart battery lead that comes with a built-in battery monitor. The three state of charge LEDs will warn when it is time to recharge - a blinking red means 'now'!
"The SAE charge port accepts charge from any OptiMate battery charger appropriate for lithium batteries. It also has an overcharge warning light to alert the rider that the charging system may be delivering a voltage that's too high for lithium. Overcharging above 14.6V is the kryptonite of lithium batteries. 

"And for the rider out on their adventure, it's always better to charge than jumpstart, especially if that battery's voltage is so low that the ignition/dash lights barely turn on. Lithium batteries don't like high current when they are vulnerable, but it won't take long to get the smaller battery (typical true Ah rating ranges from 3 to 6Ah) up to start level as another advantage of lithium is that it can deliver almost its max cranking amps from as low as 10% charge.
"OptiMate DC to DC (TM500) is the perfect 2 amp 'jump charger' that draws power from another vehicle's 12V battery. It will wake up the BMS if necessary or deliver the right charge to that flat lithium battery. 

"For the service technician or technically minded rider an easy service option is the OptiMate TEST cranking power and alternator that checks the battery's performance on the vehicle. This easy-to-use hand tester records the lowest cranking voltage (ideally 8V or higher) when starting up, and then the charging voltage when the engine is running. The safe charging voltage range is 14V to 14.5V, higher than that spells real trouble for lithium LFP."
OptiMate has different smart charging options for lithium LFP batteries, from the easy-to-use OptiMate 1 DUO battery maintainer, to the more powerful OptiMate 2 DUO and the advanced OptiMate lithium range of chargers that are recommended by multiple motorcycle OEMs.
DUO means charge and maintenance of both 12V lead-acid (STD or AGM) or 12.8V LFP lithium batteries. The DUO programme adjusts according to battery type, but all the rider has to do is connect it to the battery. The OptiMate 1 DUO is ideal for long-term storage maintenance, with the OptiMate 2 DUO the more powerful option, delivering 2A of charge current. 

There are also multi-station options available, the OptiMate 2 DUO x 2 and the OptiMate 2 DUO x 4, great for battery preparation in-store and for riders with multiple vehicles.
"When it comes to advanced care that includes saving a battery from 0.5V, or resetting the battery management system (BMS), and then performing a diagnostic health test on the battery to make sure it has been recovered safely, an OptiMate Lithium 4s battery charger is the best choice. The rider's charger is the OptiMate Lithium 4s 0.8A, with the 'pro' choice the OptiMate 4s 5A, or the ultimate choice is the OptiMate 4s 10A with TUNE mode - a stable battery support for diagnostic troubleshooting or service.
"We have the knowledge and the tools that will guarantee a lithium LFP battery will perform as expected, but more importantly, to not have that battery's life cut short prematurely due to poor or long-term storage or vehicle usage practices."

TECMATE
www.tecmate.com
www.optimate1.com

Lightech

High-tech by Lightech

Italian parts and accessory specialist Lightech has designed a new line of accessories for the popular Kawasaki ZX-10R Supersport.
As ever, Lightech's flagship rearset is a major upgrade for rider ergonomics, with its track system allowing a range of adjustments and thereby contributing to improving the rider's performance.

Track system for reverse shifting

 

Chain adjuster

Levers

It is offered in two models, one for standard shifting (FTRKA011) and one for the reverse shifting (FTRKA012) application - both versions can be customised "with a wide range of dedicated spare parts and accessories, all made with high quality materials".

Pick up cover

"Always with the aim of improving the rider’s performance, our chain adjuster (TEKA002) with its graduated metric scale for very precise adjustment is available in black, red and green and is equipped with model-specific forks (FTEKA007SIL) in silver."

Alternator cover

Other classic Lightech designs are also available for the ZX-10R, such as levers (KLEV108), handlebar balancers (KTM407), frame protections (STEKA210), covers (ECPKA001 for pick up cover and ECPKA002 for alternator cover) and more.
The Lightech licence plate holder (KTARKA127) for the ZX-10R is made in a highly resistant and very light composite material - it can be customised with the latest generation patented Lightech direction indicators.

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

Sifam

'Myra' phone support

Based near Nice in southern France, the Sifam Group (founded in 1994 by Pierre Manuel) has a number of fast-growing own and independent brand apparel programmes for which it is the exclusive distributor.

Seen here, the versatile 'Myra' phone mount gives riders the flexibility to mount mobile phones in a convenient and visible location on the motorcycle.
Simple to use and install with the provided adhesive universal interface attached directly onto a phone case, by a simple twist to lock it on the mechanism. With the phone securely mounted, riders can use their navigation apps to guide them to their location with ease while always staying connected.
Sifam is one of the best known France based motorcycle parts, accessory, gear and apparel distributors, with a wide range of famous name and own brand products available from its 3,900 sq m headquarters warehouse.
Sales Manager Joao Ramos says the company is looking for new dealers in England, Germany and Benelux - enquiries can be sent to him by email (see below).

SIFAM
www.sifam.fr

Pyramid Plastics

Colour-matched S 1000 XR and F 900 XR screens

UK bodywork specialist v is best known for its huge range of plastic parts for a wide range of models, including its internationally recognised 'Extenda Fenda' programme.
However, the company is also a distributor of selected high quality product lines from other manufacturers in Europe and has just added new Puig screens to its range - this time for the BMW S 1000 XR and F 900 XR. 

Pyramid colour-match the new Puig screens and now offers a whole host of OEM spec equivalent colour-matched parts ready to fit straight away, totally transforming the bike.
Pyramid's BMW Sports Screens are now available in HP sports colours and Racing Red for the S 1000 XR, while the F 900 XR gets Galvanic Gold and Racing Red. These specific screens are designed and manufactured near Barcelona by Puig and ship with a comprehensive fitting kit and additional literature.
As a Puig distributor, Pyramid also offers its dealers the full CustomAcces range, also made in Spain by Puig manufacturer Motoplastic, and is the UK distributor for the French made Ermax screens range and GB Racing range of motorcycle protectors, seat cowls, huggers, levers, belly pans, mirrors, crash protection, infill panels and more.

PYRAMID PLASTICS
www.pyramid-plastics.co.uk

Athena

Athena - "#PartsOfSuccess"

Internationally recognised Italian component specialist Athena is launching a new digital marketing campaign. From 27 October, the brand invites the public and motorcycle fans to share their adventures in their favourite places by entering the "#PartsOfSuccess" competition.

 

Headquartered at Alonte (Vicenza), Athena specialises in parts for off-road motorcycles, and "#PartsOfSuccess" is a new branding campaign to promote its core products - gaskets, cylinders and pistons - and drive demand through its dealers and distributors.
The company says that "#PartsOfSuccess" is much more than a new communication campaign. It is a new way of talking about products with the focus on the motorcycle as an emotion - through breathtaking sceneries, exciting riding adventures, famous riders and a world of content that gets the adrenaline flowing.
"The idea of 'parts' goes beyond the mechanical components of motorcycles, linking the bike and the two-wheel passion to everything that makes the riding experience unique. At every stage of this experiential itinerary, Athena is right there beside the rider with its motorcycle parts, and, thanks to its expertise, it guides professionals and amateurs alike towards their most adventurous victories, backing their success."
To strengthen the campaign message, on 27th October Athena will also be launching a dedicated digital competition, backed by racers such as Antonio Cairoli, Kiara Fontanesi, Alessandro Lupino and other members of the Red Bull KTM De Carli Racing Team.
Each of the stars involved will be featured in a specially made video, shot in their favourite location, where Athena parts prove to be essential for the rider's success.
In addition, they will be sending out a call to action on their social media channels inviting their followers and all motorcycle fans to make a video in their favourite locations with their own bike.
The best content will be reposted on the AthenaMotorSport social channels and a "best entries" video will be made at the end of the competition.
"Performance, quality and safety are the strong points that the company has decided to communicate with this digital initiative - emphasising the central role played by the 'parts'."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
www.athena.eu

EICMA

EICMA set for success with Italian market +32.07% YTD

 
As the international motorcycle industry continues to deal with the logistics, cost inflation and supply chain issues that are holding it back, 'Now More Than Ever' it is vital that every opportunity to 'Build Back Better' is exploited.
With EICMA now confirmed as the first of Europe's 'major' trade fairs to emerge from the impacts of the pandemic, it will be seen as an important metric with which the health of the industry will be calibrated - a lens through which the international market will view the months and years ahead.
As the show approaches, the good news is that with a small number of exceptions, most of the major motorcycle manufacturers will be represented on the show floor when EICMA opens to the Italian public on November 25th.

As this edition of International Dealer News went to press in early October, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Piaggio (Vespa, Moto Guzzi, Aprilia etc.), Triumph, MV Agusta, Fantic Motor, Benelli and a slew of manufacturers and brands from outside Europe have been confirmed as exhibitors.
Those include Royal Enfield, Kymco and SYM, but confidentially IDN has learned that agreed contracts with at least five other important OEM exhibitors are simply awaiting signature and that anything up to 15 other notable internal combustion and electric vehicle brands are expected to confirm their attendance.
The caution among the OEM community is understandable and is mirrored among the parts and accessory, gear and apparel aftermarket exhibitor community in Italy, but especially those international exhibitors who would normally use EICMA as their annual sales and marketing 'loadstone'.
As a result of that caution the show will undoubtedly be smaller in footprint than the last time it was staged in November 2019.
However, with five halls still in use and some six weeks to go at the time of writing, it does look like there will be a 'critical mass' of industry participation - in domestic Italian and international terms.
With demand for two-wheel urban mobility and leisure machines at its strongest since the 2007/2009 financial crisis, and the Italian motorcycle market in particular seeing demand explode, as one international vendor who is still exhibiting put it to IDN "there will still be plenty enough business opportunities to keep any visitor busy".
When the pandemic first collapsed motorcycle sales in March, April and May 2020, there was much talk about nothing ever being the same again. The BMW and KTM decisions that they would no longer be exhibiting at the corporate level sent shockwaves through the international exhibitor community at the time, but in the Italian context especially, those decisions now look flawed.