Yamaha

Yamaha - Q1 2022 Results

Yamaha has announced Q1 (January - March 2022) net sales of 315.4bn yen in its 'Land Mobility Business' division, which includes motorcycles (+25.0bn yen/+ 8.6% compared with Q1, 2021) with operating income of 12.2bn yen (-7.7bn yen/-38.9%).
"For the motorcycle business, demand is trending towards recovery thanks to measures to stem COVID-19 infections and the easing of restrictions seen in each country. Higher unit sales in Indonesia, Brazil, Europe, and other markets led to higher net sales for the business.
"However, profits declined not only due to soaring raw material prices but also from procurement delays for semiconductors and other parts, which led to an insufficient supply of our premium segment models that adversely affected the model mix.

The TY-E 2.0 trials bike was among a slew of electrification announcements from Yamaha already this year, as the company finally starts to gear itself up for an "alternate power platform" future.

"With recreational vehicles (all-terrain vehicles, ROVs, and snowmobiles), unit sales of the Wolverine RMAX model series were strong but rising raw material prices and spiking labour expenses impacted figures and resulted in higher net sales but lower profits.
"In the electrically power-assisted bicycles business, tightening supplies of semiconductors and electronic components led to insufficient supply of e-Kit parts for Europe, and after recording provisions for product warranties triggered by a battery recall, the business posted lower sales and profits overall".
At the corporate level net sales were 481.7bn yen (+37.6bn yen/+ 8.5%) with operating income of 40.1bn yen (-8.2bn yen/-16.9%). Ordinary income was 45.7bn yen (- 7.1bn yen/-13.5%).
"Recoveries from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic led to strong sales of outboard motors in developed markets and healthy sales of motorcycles in emerging markets such as Indonesia, and this resulted in higher consolidated net sales. However, operating income declined due to the soaring prices for aluminum, iron, and other raw materials and the impact of rising logistics costs caused by a shortage of shipping containers bound for the United States, among other factors."
Net sales in Yamaha's Marine Products Business were 108.7bn yen (+ 11.2bn yen/11.4%) with operating income of 20.4bn yen (+1.0bn yen/+5.4%), while Robotics net sales were 26.2bn yen (-0.9bn yen/-3.2%) with operating income of 3.7bn yen (+0.6bn yen/+19.7%).

News Briefs

 

Steve Harris, the founder of Harris Performance in the UK, died in June aged 73. His early work as a welder included F1 Lotus chassis building. He started his own business in 1972 and with brother Lester and fellow director Steve Bayford set up Harris Performance selling approximately 2,000 Harris Magnum frame kits in five versions, plus making numerous frames to order. Paying customers included world champion Barry Sheene. Harris was involved at world championship Grand Prix level, WSB and with a MotoGP project for Sauber Petronas. Recent work included chassis design for Royal Enfield singles and twins. In 2015 Harris Performance was bought by Royal Enfield.

The fifth edition of the European KTM Rally will be staged in the south of France with the city of Quillan in the French Pyrenees as the base from 14-17 of September. For 2022, the flagship KTM community event is limited to 150 riders. Entry is open to any KTM Adventure or Enduro R model owner.

Yamaha announced that it is accelerating its carbon neutrality goal for its factories - including those overseas - to 2035. This represents a 15-year jump as the original target year to achieve carbon neutrality in the revised Yamaha Motor Group Environmental Plan 2050 announced in July 2021 was 2050. To achieve the new goal, it will push initiatives centred on minimising energy use as well as relying on cleaner energy. The projected result of these moves by 2035 is a 92% reduction in CO2 emissions (compared to 2010). Remaining CO2 emissions will be offset by internationally recognised methods to achieve the plan by 2035.


Together with Siemens Energy, Porsche and a line-up of international companies are implementing a pilot project in Chile that is expected to yield the world's first integrated, commercial, industrial-scale plant for making synthetic climate-neutral fuels (e-fuels). In the pilot phase, around 130,000 litres of e-fuels will be produced as early as this year. In two further phases, capacity is then to be increased to about 55 million litres of e-fuels a year by 2024, and around 550 million litres by 2026. Porsche will be the primary customer for the green fuel and will use it in beacon projects. Those include using the e-fuel in vehicles for Porsche motorsports, at the Porsche Experience Centres and possibly also in serial production sports cars. The project takes advantage of the availability of wind energy in southern Chile and the fuel will allow vehicles with combustion engines, including motorcycles, to be operated almost climate-neutrally. Porsche has recently increased its stake in e-fuels group HIF Global, which is planning a potential A$1bn production plant in Australia to make e-fuels, modelled on the plant in southern Chile. Ducati is said to be eyeing e-fuels too - both Porsche and Ducati are subsidiaries of the Volkswagen Audi Group (VAG).

Piaggio Group Americas has opened its first complete all-brand retail concept in Canada - Motos Illimitees in Montreal. The flagship is an exclusive Piaggio Group retail location featuring Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio and Vespa motorcycles and scooters - showcasing their "global vision of an elevated two-wheeled dealership experience. Together under one roof, the MotoPlex retail concept provides service, accessories, merchandising and entertainment to give customers a unique global two-wheeled experience".

Hero MotoCorp, which has an R&D presence in Munich and styles itself as "the world's largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters", has strengthened its operations in Turkey with the introduction of Euro 5 compliant variants of its three globally popular products - the Xpulse 200 4V motorcycle and Dash 110 and Dash 125 scooters. Hero's distributor in Turkey since 2014 is The Soysal Group.


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

EMX Powertrain

EMX Powertrain launches the XF30

EMX Powertrain (Helmond, Netherlands) has announced the much-anticipated new electric motocross bike - the XF30 - with 100 hundred XF30s, part of the first limited series, available to be pre-ordered immediately.
"After two years of development, EMX Powertrain is ready to unleash the ultimate electric motocross experience," says EMX Powertrain Founder and CEO Elmar Dohms.
"The XF30 has been designed for the purest riding experience. It combines the look and feel of proven motocross engineering with the thrill of electric power. It's the perfect combination of riding and clean power.

"Combining the best qualities of a motocross bike (X) with the freedom (F) of clean technology, the XF30 will offer a unique balance between the thrill of riding and easy handling. The platform in which the 30 kW electric powertrain is fitted has a proven pedigree. The aluminium double beam frame has been fitted with KYB suspension, making sure the feel of the bike will be familiar to an experienced motocross rider.
"Due to advanced and innovative cooling design, the electric motor and battery are built to deliver on a demand for high power at all times, while it requires limited maintenance, making sure you can keep on riding as much as possible. Truthfully, the XF30 offers a beautifully composed combination of balance and performance."
Delivering 40 bhp, 720 Nm (at the rear wheel), and coming with a 4500 Wh battery, "the XF30 is up to any challenge. Whether it's an enduro trail you want to explore, a motocross track you want to race on, or if you just want to ride around, this bike can do it all." The XF30 is equipped with a mapping switch to make sure you have the perfect characteristics for your ride.
"We're extremely proud to finally show the XF30. I want to thank everyone within EMX Powertrain who worked extremely hard to get where we are. We started drawing up the bike from a blank canvas, developed an electric powertrain, and built a motocross bike showcasing incredible balance and performance.
"We believe this first limited series will appeal to many early adopters and marks our first step in contributing to the future of the sport. I also would like to point out that the XF30 is the first commercial application of our EMX high-performance powertrain, to be followed by many more, starting with our street-legal bike in 2024."
EMX will kick off production of the XF30 with the limited series, due to be delivered from Q1 2023 on, "before ramping up production in the near future. Pre-ordered limited edition bikes come with a special tag on the frame."

Ducati

Ducati V21 L MotoE prototype

From 2023 Ducati replaces Energica as the sole provider of bikes for the FIM MotoE World Cup, that supports MotoGP, and this is the machine that will race in the series - the V21 L. Ducati has previously released images of the V21 L undergoing tests, but the company has now given the bike a full reveal.
The specs include a 150 hp electric motor and a total weight of 225 kg, 12 kg less than the original specification demanded by Dorna and the FIM. Torque peaks at 140 Nm, which is more than a Panigale V4. During Ducati's tests, the V21 L hit a top speed of 275 km/h.
Like the 'Arrow' platform adopted by Harley-Davidson's LiveWire electric bike spin-off for its new S2 Del Mar, the Ducati V21 L uses its 18 kWh battery pack as a structural component, but where the Arrow platform wraps the battery in an alloy monocoque, the Ducati uses a carbon fibre shell to provide its strength. A cast alloy subframe is bolted to the front to hold the steering head. 

Like the Triumph TE-1 electric prototype, the battery is made of '21700' cells (21 mm in diameter, 70 mm long) - the same type used in Teslas and laptop batteries. A total of 1,152 of the cells are packaged into the battery pack, which weighs 110 kg - around half the bike's total.
Where Triumph has adopted a 50 kW charging system, enabling 20-minute refills, the Ducati V21 L has a 20 kW charge socket and takes 45 minutes to take the battery from 0% to 80% capacity.
The electrical system on the bike runs at 800V, going from the battery to an inverter under the seat and then to the AC drive motor, which spins at up to 18,000 rpm. The motor and battery each have their own cooling systems, as each works best at a different temperature range.

Vincenzo De Silvio, Ducati R&D Director, said: "For Ducati, having the opportunity to become suppliers of the FIM MotoE World Cup is not only a technologically exciting venture, but also the best way to interpret the challenges of the new millennium. Racing competition represents the ideal terrain on which to develop innovative technologies that will then transfer to production motorcycles. At this moment, the most important challenges in this field remain those related to the size, weight and autonomy of the batteries, and the availability of the charging networks.
"Ducati's experience in the FIM MotoE World Cup will be a fundamental support for product R&D, together with the physiological evolution of technology and chemistry. Helping the company's internal expertise to grow is essential to be ready when the time comes to put the first street electric Ducati into production."
Aside from the frame and the electrical system, the V21 L's components are largely conventional racing kit. The forks are Öhlins NPX 25/30 units, allied to a TTX36 rear shock, and there's a steering damper from the same company. It's all off-the-shelf kit, as used on Ducati's Superleggera V4 superbike. Brembo supplies the brakes, with 338.5 mm front discs that are thicker than usual and internally finned to help improve cooling.
As on Ducati's other race bikes, traction control, slide control, wheelie control and selectable throttle and braking maps are used. Ducati says that it will be years before it makes a production electric bike for road use, but by the time it goes 'Go Street', the R&D it will get from the MotoE series, with 18 identical bikes competing at each event, means it will have thousands of miles of testing under its belt in the toughest of conditions.

Norton

Battery-powered Norton under development

A couple of years ago it looked like Norton might once again be disappearing from the motorcycle scene, but now - with the financial clout of Indian brand TVS backing the reborn British company - it has embarked on the development of an electric bike platform to see it into the future even once the internal combustion engine becomes a relic.
Norton is starting with a 30-month development programme that will be completed at the end of 2024, aiming to hit targets of performance, weight and range that will make the resulting electric bike at least match the abilities of existing gas-powered machines.

The project is backed by a government grant via the UK's Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), which matches up to 50% of the money invested by Norton into the project, and while the company hasn't revealed details of its investment, the grants were only available for projects costing between £5m and £25m, so at least £5m is being spent.

Chief Executive Officer Robert Hentschel: "This significant funding investment is a momentous milestone for the brand as it marks the beginning of our electrification journey and fulfilling our ten-year product plan."

Six other companies are involved in the Norton project. Delta Cosworth, the electric arm of the legendary Cosworth engineering concern, is creating the batteries. HiSpeed Ltd. is developing the engine and Formaplex Technologies is working on the bike's composite chassis structure. M&I Materials is tasked with making the bike's cooling system, using its MIVOLT dielectric cooling fluids, which can immerse electrical components without damaging them or causing short circuits. Finally, INDRA is working on the charging system and the Warwick Manufacturing Group at the University of Warwick is helping with the R&D.
Norton CEO Robert Hentschel said: "This significant funding investment is a momentous milestone for the brand as it marks the beginning of our electrification journey and fulfilling our ten-year product plan. Norton is an exemplar of modern luxury and unafraid to challenge the status quo, innovating for the future of mobility while staying true to our British heritage. It also brings into focus our desire to support the UK in its mission for a net-zero automotive future.
"Working alongside our world class partners, we're confident that project Zero Emission Norton will eliminate the current dispute between a conventional and electric motorcycle to create EV products that riders desire - motorcycles that blend Norton's uncompromising design DNA with racing performance, touring range and lightweight handling."

DC AFAM,

SHIDO HP LiFePO4 - 'light and powerful'

Owned by Belgium based DC AFAM, SHIDO brand batteries have been popular and powerful for many years, but now, with its new High Performance battery series, SHIDO "wants to offer the motorcycle market the most powerful lithium starting batteries on the market.
"The black lithium motorcycle High Performance (HP) battery has much higher capacity and cranking power for the same dimensions as the standard lithium-ion range. This starting power delivers a powerful, quick and reliable year-round start of the engine," says SHIDO's Davy Dousselaere.

 'Lithium-iron phosphate technology'

"While lead-acid batteries in the course of the years have become smaller and more powerful, the principles they use to generate electricity has not changed. With SHIDO lithium-ion batteries, power is generated via LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) cells based on lithium and carbon, so they do not contain lead or acid."

SHIDO lithium batteries have four cells LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) of 3.2 volt connected in series in order to reach an OCV of 12.8 volt - "a perfect voltage to use as a starter battery for motorcycles".
The electronic Battery Management System (BMS) spreads the charge and discharge evenly over the four cells. Thanks to its small internal resistance, a SHIDO lithium battery can generate a very high starting current with little Ah. This starting power delivers a powerful and quick start of the vehicle.

 '166% higher start capacity'

"In fact, tests have shown that SHIDO HPs deliver up to 166% higher start capacity, 2,000+ charging cycles, are 65% lighter than lead-acid batteries and have a six-minute charging capability - which is great for everyone, but especially for dealers".
SHIDO HP are described as ideal for riders who are looking for "the lightest battery, with the capacity of a lead-acid battery and cranking power that exceeds OE lithium battery specifications. 

 'six-minute charge, ideal for dealers'

"For example, motorcycles that come standard with a lithium battery often get drained too easily because the motorcycle has extra drains on battery resources - such as an alarm and accessories - so more power is definitely needed. SHIDO HP is also ideal for weight-conscious sports bike riders who are looking for the lightest possible battery, but still with loads of cranking power for instants starts".

DC-AFAM
www.afam.com

Polisport

Polisport 'Pivot' "unbreakable levers"

New from Polisport - the Portugal based makers of 'Performance Plastics' - is an innovative new range of levers with a pivot system and made with APT - Aero Parts Technology.
APT is a Polisport proprietary compound that "emulates the feel and touch of aluminium levers that riders love, and are used to, while making the lever unbreakable and with any flex during use".   

Polisport says these levers have been in development for years, "in partnership with pro riders and weekend warriors - to match their needs and to reach the feel they look for in a lever. The goal was to develop an unbreakable lever while maintaining the feel of the OEM aluminium original, without any kind of flex during use - even in extreme conditions".   
They are designed to mount into the stock perch and master cylinder. The lever adapter is ultraprecise CNC-machined out of high-grade aluminium for a super light design. They have a three- finger design for the clutch and brake side - the pivot system allows the lever to fold outward to prevent breakage in the event of a crash. Available in brand match colours.
Also available are Polisport handguards with new lever mounting systems for the latest CRF and KX models for its new 'Next Gen' MX Flow and Bullit handguards; new Trail Blazer FWA (full wrap-around) handguards for extreme conditions; and MX Flow and MX Air handguards.

POLISPORT
www.polisport.com

Kappa

Evo Join Lady helmet

Among the new for 2022 helmets from Kappa is the KV28 Evo Join Lady demi-jet, certified according to the new ECE 22-06 standard and recommended for urban use.
Manufactured with a thermoplastic shell, it is said to be comfortable even during the hottest months with an effective ventilation system consisting of two front air vents, positioned on the upper part of the shell, and a rear extractor.

KV28 Evo Join Lady stands out "by an explosion of bright and saturated colours in shades of purple, pink and white bold graphics that extend over the entire shell" and features its "name with a pop twist". The design is enhanced by a glossy and shiny finish.
It has a removable and washable soft padded lining in hypoallergenic fabric, an anti-scratch visor, a micrometric fastening strap and weighs 950 to 1,050 g +/- 50 g.

KAPPA
www.kappamoto.com

QD Exhaust

Modular De-KAT system for Ducati Multistrada V4

Earlier this year, Italian exhaust manufacturer QD released the new Mid Pipe No Kat for the Ducati Multistrada V4.
"It improves performance and sound," says owner Manuel de Liso," and helps the awesome V4 to reach its full potential. The results are impressive - the power gain is +16 hp and the weight is reduced by -5.4 kg compared to the stock exhaust with catalytic converter."

The pipework and pre-silencer are made in AISI 304 stainless steel and TIG-welded. The first section of the Mid Pipe No Kat is 52 mm diameter, with a final 60 mm link pipe. The Mid Pipe No Kat is modular, and it is possible to fit it either with a QD muffler or with the stock muffler.
It comes also with a model-specific map to perfectly retune the air-fuel ratio; an ECU tuning module is also available.

QD EXHAUST
www.qdexhaust.it

Barkbusters

Barkbusters for CRF300 Rally

Widely regarded as one of the world leaders in hand lever protection, Australian manufacturer Barkbusters has added to its ever-growing range of model-specific handguard kits.
Its kits allow riders to switch out "inferior OEM offerings with the best quality hand protection on the market". The new kit is for the 2021 and up Honda CRF300 Rally.

The full wrap-around aluminium hardware is compatible with several of Barkbusters' most popular guards - including the JET, VPS, award-winning STORM and high strength CARBON.
All Barkbusters handguards are tried, tested and proven to be ergonomically efficient, robust, durable and, above all, safety-first designs that sell well for dealers worldwide. Its hardware kits feature model-specific two-point mounting for optimum impact protection.

Founded in 1984, additional new kits added recently include for the 2022 Kawasaki KLR 650, and the highly anticipated release of the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250. Barkbusters handguards are available from distributors throughout Europe.
Accessories include colour-match bar end plugs, external bar end weights, bar-mounted skid plate and LED lights - amber turn signal and white driving light.

BARKBUSTERS
www.barkbusters.net

Comment by Editor, Robin Bradley

No surprise at all

It was always obvious that the revised forecasts for global growth and major market financial performances for 2022 and 2023 that were issued in April would, themselves, need to be revised further down, and that is indeed what has happened.

The January forecasts were revised down in April, the April forecasts were revised further down in July. In all probability those forecasts will also be missed, but for now we have to assume that can at least see some kind of picture emerging.
Last month I discussed whether "relative net growth" was the best that we in the motorcycle industry could hope for this year and into 2023. That is to say that new PTW registration data flat or even softening by low single digits may actually be a relatively good 'result' for a market that is just as vulnerable to declining incomes and collapsing consumer confidence as any other 'discretionary' spend-dependent sector.
This despite the ever-growing acceptance of the increasingly compelling arguments (gas mileage, environmental concerns, urban mobility etc) that appear to make for PTW market stability and even growth when times get hard.
Should any decline in new PTW registrations prove shallow and short lived (as I believe could yet prove to be the case) then that would, in fact, in a time of declining incomes and inventory represent net growth as our products fare better relative to other spend options.
What triggered my comments last month was an apparent direction of travel that could be detected in the first quarter data that was emerging at around the time IDN went to press.
Two months on, and we now have Q2 and first half year/six months data (see pages 6 and 7) and, regrettably, we were right - those first hints of a downward trend have now crystallised and are here for all to see.
There are massive ironies surrounding what is going on. Many of the orthodox totems of a downward economic cycle are simply not there (yet!). Employment is still high, and unemployment is still low. Indeed, labour supply shortages are proving to be as much of a foot on the hosepipe of motorcycle industry growth as it is for other sectors, and as much of an issue as component shortages and supply chain inflation, including logistics.
That said, there are reports that the global response to the panic induced by the semiconductor shortages may be about to resolve itself far sooner than expected with feast replacing famine - within a few more months we may well be seeing a glut of computer components on the international market.
The current crop of data is showing that Europe's major markets are seeing new unit registrations soften through the summer, no question about it, but another irony is that the data is still at or near record levels.
All things are relative, of course, and narrative without context is a dangerous basis on which to form opinions or to start making or revising plans.
 

'world economic outlook update'

In terms of what we are seeing currently, the context is that while global output did contract in the second quarter of this year, and while US consumer spending undershot expectations - the US did in fact enter technical recession in Q2 - the IMF is still forecasting growth for 2022 and 2023, even if it is lower relative to their prior estimates.
Global growth is projected to slow from an estimated 6.1% in 2021 to 3.6% in 2022 and 2023. This is 0.8 and 0.2 percentage points lower for 2022 and 2023 than projected in January. Beyond 2023, global growth is forecast to decline to about 3.3% over the medium term.
Hence the broadly held view that any downturn (or even recession) will be of short duration and be relatively shallow - as it will be playing out in a still growing global economy.
From what we have read in the IMF's latest 'World Economic Outlook Update', they and the central banks whose data largely drives their estimates, are underestimating the scale of inflation and, from the ECB to the 'Fed' in the United States, central bankers are still trying to get "only a little bit pregnant" by not yielding the big stick of interest rises as quickly and as aggressively as they should.
This isn't because they can't see the issues, but because, frankly, they are paid not to acknowledge them in that central bank independence isn't what it used to be. Decades of economic probity have been reversed and they are back to being political footballs. The needs of the ballot box still drive governance - global and otherwise.
With the honourable exception of Poland, where growth forecasts are actually being revised upwards as the year unfolds, growth is already marginal in most economies and, in reality, not at all likely to reach the dizzy heights of the IMF's misplaced optimism.
Whether or not the presently reported downward trend sustains far enough and deep enough into the second half of the year remains to be seen, but if we assume it does, then regardless of how wildly optimistic the IMF is still being, it would take a big turn of events in the motorcycle market to see 2022 close out at much worse than negative in the low single digits in Europe's 'Big Five' markets - Italy, France, Germany, Spain and UK - where, combined, some 80 plus percent of annual new motorcycle registrations take place.
What happens in 2023, however, is another matter altogether. By the end of the year the trend data will be consistently down, even if the decline is still shallow at that stage. Under those circumstances it will need the symphonic cacophony of high inflation, rising interest rates, labour and component supply and inflation, energy pricing and supply, consumer confidence and that (not so) little matter of the fact that Europe remains, effectively, at war with Russia, to find some kind of sustainable harmony, and quickly, if the noise isn't to infect employment levels.
Once unemployment starts to rise, which, in a time of labour shortages becomes a question of the much harder to fix issues of skills and productivity rather than simply just numbers, then a year from now, we could well be looking at much of the improvement in motorcycle sales seen in the past 24 months starting to disappear in the rear view mirror.

Reload Land

Reload Land - the first European Electric Motorcycle Festival
Berlin, Germany, June 24-26, 2022

Described as "a first curated powered two-wheel festival dedicated to the electric motorcycle community in Europe", 'Reload Land' in Berlin, Germany, in June saw some 5,000 "enthusiasts, futurists and the just plain curious" make their way to craftwerk.berlin - Europe’s largest DIY motorcycle community garage - to enjoy a weekend long programme of exhibits, activities, test rides and fun".

 

 
Staged inside and on the outside grounds of a 3,000 sq m (30,000 sq ft) two-floor former bakery, visitors were greeted by "an authentic two-wheeler paradise" that showcased some 20 exhibitors and their electric motorcycles, e-scooters and e-bicycles.

Designed as a 'Creative Hub' and network platform "for the movers and shakers of the fast-growing electric motorcycle industry" in one of Europe's leading cutting-edge, future shaping metropolitan markets, co-founders Stephan Lindenfeld and Max Funk described Berlin as "the starting point for the festival's European journey."

'quiet can be cool'

"Reload Land brought visibility for new brands that came together for the first time as the stars of an exciting new movement, as they start their own journeys from the online world into the real world of a visceral riding experience and culture".

Proving that quiet can be cool, weekend highlights included a curated selection of custom electric motorcycles (endorsed by the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building programme) and the debut of the "Silent Riders" as up to 50 state-of-the-art electric motorcycles paraded down the historic Unter den Linden street in central Berlin, ending at Reload partner location Deus Fountain Berlin to glide into a party of fusion and fun with electronic music on a perfect summer evening. 

 

"The vibe was epic," stated Lindenfeld. "The festival offered the right mix of exhibitions, presentations and test rides in a vibrant location that created a nexus not only for open-minded motorcycle enthusiasts and new generations of riders, but also for a future-facing urban mobility audience that will be doing much to shape a new mainstream for our industry in the decades to come."
www.reload.land

REV'IT!

REV'IT! announces purchase of bespoke Italian brand Vircos

Oss, Netherlands based REV'IT! has announced the acquisition of specialist Italian custom-tailored road racing leather suit manufacturer Vircos.
Vircos has been manufacturing custom-made race leathers in Italy since 1982 and a REV'IT! collaborator since 2007. REV'IT! and Vircos are solidifying this partnership by merging into a single company. With the acquisition of Vircos, REV'IT! says it is gaining key expertise and knowledge to realise its ambitions to perform a leading role in motorsports.

"We are naturally attracted to people who share our values, a common vision of business and of life," said Aldo De Agnoi, founder of Vircos. "We see REV'IT! as the perfect partner. That is why a merger between the two companies has been signed. We are sure this decision will be proven to be the right choice."
For REV'IT!, Managing Director Ivan Vos said: "Vircos has been a loyal and trusted partner over the years. Securing a bright future for the company for many years to come is important for both of us. 

"In this new configuration, the strength of the REV'IT! brand and the skills and expertise of the Vircos team will amplify one another, taking us to new places."
Ivan went to explain that "in acquiring Vircos, REV'IT! benefits from the decades of technical expertise that Vircos brings to the REV'IT! development team. This will significantly advance both the design and the manufacturing of custom-made, professional road-racing suits, as well as opening up a path for personalisation - a growing trend in the sports market."
Vircos made its debut as a racing leathers designer and manufacturer in the 1990s and has grown steadily ever since, additionally selling to road race enthusiasts and sport bike riders.
Widely and highly regarded as a 'top end' motorcycle apparel market designer and manufacturer themselves, REV'IT! Sport International is headquartered in Oss, the Netherlands, with additional offices in Denver, Colorado.
www.revitsport.com
www.vircos.it

SIP Scootershop

Vespas - "on the road again"

After a two-year Covid driven pause, SIP Scootershop's popular 'Vespa Joyride' came back with a bang in July with around 200 scooter fans from as far afield as Sweden making the pilgrimage to help 'Keep the Flame Alive'.
The day started at SIP's award-winning architectural marvel of an HQ building in the medieval town of Landsberg on the River Lech in southwestern Germany, with Italian coffee and pastries served by the dedicated 'Siperia' team.

The event included all types of Vespa, from the 50s tubular handlebar models to classic wide frames and small frames right up to modern and late-model Vespas - stock bikes, customs and specials - and just to show what a diverse and all-encompassing vibe Vespa aficionados have, even some Lams were allowed to 'sneak in' to share the fun.

After SIP boss Ralf Jodl set the run on its way, the long convoy of rattling machines headed for the picturesque old town, then out onto the small rural roads of Upper Bavaria around the Ammersee. The sun was shining, the wind was blowing around the helmets of the riders and many a shout of delight could be heard - "finally, on the road together again"!

Spanish motorcycle registrations

Spain - motorcycles +11.54% for first six months

Marking an improvement is the sales action seen in Spain in March and April this year, the latest data from ANESDOR - the motorcycle industry trade association in Spain - shows that growth for 2022 is firmly established.
New motorcycle registrations in May were +21.87% (19,184 units) and +4.86% in June (19,527 units), with the YTD at +11.54%, 91,453 new units registered. That is the best first six months market performance in Spain in more than a decade.

Moped registrations in Spain were -8.89% YTD at 7,875 units, but total PTWs were running at +9.59% YTD at 99,328 units registered so far.
For the first half of the year, demand for electric powered PTWs was 73.1% up on the first half of 2021, but at 5,251 units, they still only account for 5.7% of new registrations, conventional Internal Combustion Engine machines are still taking 94.3% of available sales.
Honda is market share leader in Spain YTD with a 22.9% share (20,971 units), followed by Yamaha (12.1%), Piaggio (6.7%), Sym (6.6%), with BMW and KYMCO both taking around 6.3% of the market; they are followed by KTM, Kawasaki, Zontes and Benelli. Remarkably, the Sym Symphony 125 is the top seller, ahead of Honda's traditionally all-conquering SH and PCX 125 scooters.
For the record - motorcycle registrations in Spain were +6.26% for the full year in 2021 at 165,115 units. The Spanish market had not yet caught up with 2019 registrations though (175,585 units), but 2021 was the second-best motorcycle and scooter market performance in Spain since before 2009. In total PTW terms, 2021 was +3.26 (182,922 units) - also the second best since before the 2007/2009 financial crisis.

ACEM

ACEM management team

The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) has announced new senior leadership appointments, with Michele Colaninno, Chief Executive of Global Strategy, Product, Marketing and Innovation of the Piaggio Group (PIA.MI) as the new President.

ACEM new leadership, left to right: Eric de Seynes - President of Yamaha Motor Europe, Stefan Pierer - CEO of KTM, Michele Colaninno - Piaggio, Markus Schramm - Head of BMW Motorrad.

The association also appointed three Vice-Presidents to support the President in his mission to lead the organisation during his two-year mandate - Stefan Pierer, CEO of KTM AG, and outgoing ACEM President; Dr Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad, and Eric de Seynes, President of Yamaha Motor Europe N.V.
Colaninno is quoted as saying: "I would like to congratulate Stefan Pierer, who has brilliantly been acting in this role for five years. I am very thankful to my colleagues for trusting Piaggio in this prestigious and challenging role.
"I look forward to promote our priorities as outlined in the Vision 2030+. The European motorcycle industry will keep working to bring innovative and low-carbon vehicles to the market, for commuting, leisure and urban mobility."

Andreani Group

Andreani Suspension Courses

In addition to its advanced suspension tools and workshop equipment, and bolt-in Misano front fork cartridges, Italian suspension Andreani Group International also well known for the suspension courses it runs.

Starting in September, Andreani has announced that it is finally able to resume the programme at its 'Suspension World Academy' at its Pesaro headquarters on Italy's Adriatic coast - not a bad place for a week in school!
Unique and exclusive, Andreani courses are targeted to motorcycle and bicycle technicians "who want to discover every suspension secret.  
"Set up principles, work on forks and shock absorbers, adjustments, customization, news. These are just some of the areas in which the technician will improve his skills.
"With this course, the technician will be able to increase his knowledge, and, with the purchase of the popular specialist Andreani Suspension Tool Kit, he will have the opportunity to officially become an Andreani Authorised Center - able to use the Andreani name and support resources - such as the reference database - and leverage Andreani's paddock derived technical experience".

The first dates announced are:

• 19th | 20th September - MTB Course
• 26th | 27th September - Motorbike Road & Off-Road Course
• 14th | 15th November - MTB Course
• 21st | 22nd November - Motorbike Road & Off-Road Course

To reserve a place and know the prices, contact Andreani Group by email at
sales2@andreanigroup.com
www.andreanigroup.com

BMW

BMW Motorrad Days, Berlin

BMW says that around 17,000 people visited its 20th edition of the BMW Motorrad Days in Berlin at the beginning of July 2022. Billed as "the world's largest BMW Motorrad meet-up", it was immediately preceded by the Pure&Crafted Festival (1 July). 

"Fans both with and without motorbikes came not only from Germany and neighbouring countries, but from over 40 nations in total. While visitors from Italy and the United Kingdom were well represented as is traditionally the case, the first ever BMW Motorrad Days to be held in Berlin also attracted a number of guests from the Berlin-Brandenburg region, Poland, Argentina and a few fans even from South Korea, Columbia and South Africa, among others.
"The Pure&Crafted Festival kicked off a great motorbike weekend on Friday (1 July). Initiated by BMW Motorrad, the festival took place for the second time in the Sommergarten at Messe Berlin, delivering the usual mix of hand-crafted music, motorbike culture and new-heritage lifestyle. Acoustic highlights were provided by the band Nothing But Thieves, the rockers of Altin Gün and London's The Vaccines.
"The extensive BMW Motorrad Days programme of events saw street bike stunt shows along with trial and FMX shows, the wall-of-death riders at the original Motodrom, the world's longest-standing wall of death show, with customising fans well catered for with converted motorbikes in the Wheels Area.
"Motor racing enthusiasts were thrilled to see the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK riders as well as members of the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team. In addition, the entire product range was available for tours of the charming surroundings of Berlin and Brandenburg. First-time attempts at motorcycling without a licence were on offer, as were Enduro taster training sessions. Tours of the BMW Motorrad production plant were a unique highlight for many visitors. Over 100 exhibitors set up at the extensive trade fair and exhibition area.
"The BMW Motorrad Days have long been considered a core event for BMW Motorrad and occupy a permanent place in the calendar. The event took place for the very first time in Seefeld, Austria, in 2001, after which it was held 18 times in succession in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. It was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the global pandemic".

Ducati

World Ducati Week XI

Ducati appears to be drunk on its own Kool-Aid after what, by all reports, was a very successful return to in-person customer Meet & Greet at its 2022 World Ducati Week festival of all things red at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli near Rimini in July.
"The most beautiful World Ducati Week (WDW) of all time" was the official verdict, as an estimated 80,000 attendees ("Ducatista") came to worship at the shrine from some 84 countries in total. Apparently, the event was even bigger on the internet with over six million impressions on social media, and counting.

"The record-breaking parade of motorbikes coloured the Misano circuit, and the entire Riviera Romagnola," said Ducati's official event wrap, with Pecco Bagnaia triumphing in the Lenovo Race of Champions on the Panigale V4 S - after having also set the fastest lap in 1m35.886s.
Claudio Domenicali, Ducati CEO: "World Ducati Week celebrates the deepest soul of Ducati: we don't sell motorcycles, but we design experiences and emotions for our fans."
This was an 11th edition for the biennial WDW, making its return after a four-year absence, and it "brought together Ducatisti and fans of the world of two wheels for three days of passion, fun and unforgettable experiences. The main protagonists of the three days were the 235 Ducati Official Clubs present at the event, which animated the area of ​​the International Village dedicated to them, together with all the Ducati subsidiaries".
Claudio Domenicali, Ducati CEO, is quoted as saying: "At World Ducati Week, we can experience the celebration of Ducati's deepest soul: we do not merely sell motorcycles, but we design experiences and emotions with bikes at the centre for our fans.
"We all wanted to go back to being together with the Ducatisti, and they arrived in massive numbers, as usual, from all over the world, even though we are still in the presence of travel restrictions and therefore we were not able to welcome anyone from China, for example. Once again, we were able to touch the great passion for Ducati and the desire to meet again.
"Thanks also to all of Ducati Corse, and in particular to the riders - the heroes of the WDW - who, as usual, were available and close to all the fans, and who gave us a unique show in the world like the Lenovo Race of Champions."

The Lenovo Race of Champions starred 21 Ducati riders who compete in the MotoGP, Superbike and Supersport championships, fighting it out on standard Panigale V4 S and Panigale V2 bikes, equipped only with slick tyres and racing exhausts. A unique show that only Ducati can offer its fans. Bagnaia's fastest lap was only two and a half seconds more than the time from this year's Superbike pole position at Misano. Federico Caricasulo took the victory in the Panigale V2 category.
 

'we don't sell motorcycles, we design experiences'

The Lenovo Race of Champions was live streamed on the Ducati website and up to nine international television stations and online streaming services broadcast the race live. In Italy it was broadcast on the Sky Sport MotoGP channel with the commentary of Guido Meda and Mauro Sanchini, with the contribution of Sandro Donato Grosso from the starting grid.
The autographed motorcycles from the Lenovo Race of Champions will be on sale online for a selection of Ducati's best and most enthusiastic customers globally, via a timed online sale.
"The parade of Ducatisti on Friday evening will remain as one of the most memorable moments of this eleventh edition of the WDW. The biggest parade ever saw a massive number of bikes that first filled the circuit and then paraded along the coast before arriving in Riccione, where the Scrambler Beach Party was held. At the head of the 'Big Red Snake' was Claudio Domenicali with MotoGP and Superbike riders".

The numbers behind WDW XI are impressive - 5,805 laps of the track covered in total; 51,000 photos and 60 hours of video footage taken by staff photographers; 84 nations represented by the participants; 235 Ducati Official Clubs present; 30 world titles won between the past and current riders who took part; 1,244 experiences lived by Ducatisti in three days on the track, off-road and on the road; 600 simulator tests on the Panigale V4 R and Panigale V2 Bayliss; 4,320 leathers tested with virtual try-on; 45 Ducati Talks spread out over five stages; 102 "mechanics graduates" participants; one wedding celebrated by Paolo Ciabatti and one wedding vow made at WDW 2022; 22 hours of music between DJ sets and live shows in the paddock and at evening events and 548 Ducati workers actively participated in the event.

Piaggio

Piaggio - results for 2022 half year

Commenting on its 2022 Q2 and first half year results, Piaggio Group Chairman and CEO Roberto Colaninno stated that "the Piaggio Group closed the first half of 2022 with very positive results at global level.
"Consolidated net sales, EBITDA and net profit were among our best-ever results for the first half. Through careful cost management, we continue to monitor the effects of the Covid pandemic, the serious crisis between Russia and Ukraine (which has no impact on our financial statements) and the current difficulties in procuring electronic components.
"Thanks to its unique brand portfolio, Piaggio will nonetheless continue along its growth path in the second half of 2022, confirming the investments planned in new products and new facilities, and also strengthening its commitment to ESG issues."

Piaggio Group CEO Roberto Colaninno: "The Piaggio Group closed the first half of 2022 with very positive results at global level."

Across all segments, Piaggio sold 320,600 total vehicles worldwide in the first half to 30 June 2022 (+11.7% from 287,100 in the year-earlier period) and reported consolidated net sales of € 1,053.1m. The growth in volumes arose in all geographical regions.
In its two-wheeler activities, the Group had sold 271,600 two-wheelers worldwide (+11.8% from 242,800 in the first half of 2021), as of June 30, 2022, generating net sales of € 875.8m, an increase of +15.1% from € 761m in the year-earlier period. The figure includes € 73.9m in spares and accessories turnover (+6.3%).
Two-wheeler sales in the first half of 2022 were particularly strong in Asia Pacific (+27%), followed by the Americas (+26.3%) and EMEA (+7%). On the Indian market, sales volumes fell by -7.4% while net sales were up 11.2%.
In Europe, the Piaggio Group says it confirmed its leadership in the scooter segment with a share of 22.5% and maintained a strong positioning on the North American scooter market, with a share of 31%. "In North America, the Group is also working to consolidate its presence on the motorcycle market with the Aprilia and Moto Guzzi brands".
The scooter sector saw double-digit growth in global sales volumes, driven in particular by the Vespa brand, which reported strong performance in Asia Pacific (mainly in Indonesia, Vietnam and China), India, the Americas and Italy, and by Aprilia scooters.
In motorcycles, where overall sales volumes rose by around +30%, Moto Guzzi reported a very strong first half, with volumes and net sales showing double-digit growth, thanks especially to sales of the Moto Guzzi V7 and V85TT. 

Moto Guzzi V85TT

The first six months were also extremely positive for Aprilia motorcycles, chiefly as a result of sales of the new Aprilia Tuareg and Aprilia RS 660 cc, which benefited from Aprilia Racing's excellent performance in the MotoGP championship.
In commercial vehicles, the Piaggio Group reported sales volumes of 49,000 vehicles (+10.8% compared to the figure of 44,200 in the first half of 2021), with net sales of € 177.3m (+26%).
The EMEA and Americas markets reported turnover growth of +10%; on the Italian market in particular, sales of the new Porter NP6 were a key factor. The Indian market regained strength to report a rise of almost +40% in turnover for commercial vehicles, with sales volumes increasing by more than +20%.
Piaggio Fast Forward (PFF), the Piaggio Group's robotics and future mobility company based in Boston, expanded its offer with the presentation in September of 'gitamini', a new robot that condenses the technology and functions of 'gita', its revolutionary "big brother", in a lighter, more compact design.
PFF kicked off a series of pilot programmes, together with partners active in various business sectors, to test further applications for 'gita' in the travel, residential and retail sectors and in last-mile delivery. In March, PFF announced an agreement with Trimble, a Nasdaq-listed company, to develop robots and machines to follow humans and other devices in industrial applications.

Aprilia Tuareg 660

PFF has also designed and developed an innovative sensor technology, which made its debut on the new Piaggio MP3 three-wheel scooter, "to deliver unparalleled safety. Thanks to the integration of advanced rider assistance systems (ARAS), the new sensors play a vital role in accident prevention and rider protection".
Group consolidated net sales for the first half of 2022 were € 1,053.1m, an increase of +16.8%, the best-ever first-half result. Industrial gross margin of € 277.1m was up +5.8%, a 26.3% return on net sales.
EBITDA was € 152.2m, the strongest result achieved in the first half (+ 5.3%); EBITDA margin was 14.5%. EBIT was € 85.8m, up +6.7%; EBIT margin was 8.1%. Profit before tax was € 72.9m, up +3.9%; net profit was € 45.2m, the best first-half result since 2008.