ImpacTec: "Our premium protectors are the result of many years of R&D, exploring various types of material to perfect our protector production and safety rating. We believe in protecting the environment, ensuring your safety, managing our productivity, and of course, in continuous research to improve the quality of our products. Our mission is to be the market leader in the world of personal protection"; www.impactec.eu
Marolotest: One of Europe's premier workshop equipment and system manufacturers, the French specialist's extra flat 1200 W is one of the most advanced, highly rated and ergonomic workshop platforms in the world. Recent additions include its LEV50 - a new lift designed to specifically handle e-bikes weighing up to 50 kg; www.marolotest.com
Polini: Founded in 1945, Polini produces one of the largest ranges of replacement and upgrade components and accessories for scooters and other low displacement machines in the world. From race parts to street bikes, Polini is all about performance, reliability and durability. But it also likes to have some fun along the way - 2021 saw it collaborate in the setting of a new Guinness endorsed world record (with veteran Italian motorcycle journalist Valerio) for the distance ridden on a minibike in a 24-hour period - they smashed the prior world record with a distance of 751.488 km (approx. 467 miles) on a Polini 910 Carena RS 6.2 minibike - 1,236 laps of the Castelletto di Branduzzo track in Pavia, Lombardy, south of Milan; www.polini.com
Tucano Urbano: Now back in motorcycle industry ownership following acquisition by Mandelli, 36 months on and Tucano Urbano is basking in the success of the launch of its 2019 T.Ur touring accessories and G&A brand at EICMA in 2018. "Designed for the most demanding riders", the flagship J-ONE is a CE certified riding jacket made in high-quality materials with advanced ergonomics and thermal comfort, featuring a three-layer modular system made up of a detachable, thermal inner jacket, the main outer jacket, plus a 100% waterproof layer; www.tucanourbano.com, www.t-ur.com
Showa: Along with Keihin and Nissin, Honda's former suspension subsidiary is now part of Hitachi Astemo (Advanced Sustainable Technologies for Mobility), a multi-billion euro, three-brand joint venture with Hitachi Automotive Systems in which the two Japanese majors have combined their interests in order to build forward for a changing automotive supply chain landscape in which President & CEO Brice Koch says "CASE technologies that include connectivity, autonomous driving and electrification will determine who wins and who loses." With 90,000 employees spread over 27 countries, Koch says that "Hitachi Astemo has the scale and technical expertise to pursue rapidly changing technologies while providing comprehensive coverage to our OEM customers and partners across the globe. Building on the strengths of our four founding companies, our diverse human resources are committed to providing mobility solutions that reduce environmental impact, increase traffic safety and improve comfort. As a core member of the Hitachi Group, we are committed to achieving a sustainable society by providing environmental, social and economic value that sustainably improves our quality of life and makes our world a better place." The European headquarters is based in Munich; www.hitachiastemo.com
STM Trading: Big changes are underway at the noted Turin, Italy based slipper clutch specialist with core R&D and high-tech precision manufacturing competencies being leveraged for new business segments - first away from the start-line will be a whole new, first ever range of motorcycle accessories. From 'ArtedaCorsa' to Art for All; www.stmitaly.com
Ride Vision: The high-tech Israeli specialist has developed a system of Rider Assists that react to critical threats in real time. Ride Vision's 360° wide angle cameras and LED alerts help riders prevent accidents. The exclusive Ride Vision system works by using two small wide angle cameras mounted on the rear and front of the vehicle; these cameras transmit video to Ride Vision's integrated processing unit, where a patented algorithm is used to detect and notify motorcyclists of collision hazards in real time; www.ride.vision
TracTive: Known for its suspension products for Adventure motorbike applications and electronic suspension systems like ESA, during the past years TracTive has grown into supplying electronic damping technology to OE manufacturers like BMW. The company's active damping valve technology (DDA) is nowadays the benchmark for applications like the BMW S1000RR. Based on this technology, TracTive is the only suspension company worldwide to supply full plug & play electronic aftermarket systems for many BMW motorbike models. But also for other brands TracTive provides suspension solutions for the demanding customer, like for the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports; www.tractivesuspension.com
QD Exhaust: Magnum, Ex-Box, MaxCone and Power Gun exhausts have taken QD to being one of the most talked about exhaust brands in Europe. Based near Milan and backed by an advanced extended warranty option programme, QDs are noted for their performance gains, advanced features, heat and sound management and manufacturing quality and durability - and you have quite a package. Wrap all that into one of the finest styling programmes in the European exhaust industry, and its quite the winning proposition; www.qdexhaust.it
