D.I.D

Rossi extends D.I.D partnership through 2024

D.I.D and race legend Valentino Rossi have been in a brand relationship, one way or another, for two decades - from racing with D.I.D chain ever since he switched to Yamaha in the early days of his career, right through to his position as a D.I.D Brand Ambassador since he retired.
With a year still to go on their present three-year agreement, D.I.D and Rossi have now extended that agreement, signing a new three-year deal that will see Rossi continue as a Global Brand Ambassador for D.I.D, with D.I.D continuing its support as an official Technical Partner for the VR46 Riders Academy and VR46 Ranch, and for the Mooney/VR46 race team in Moto2 and MotoGP.

Hirofumi Araya, left, President of D.I.D chain manufacturer Daido Kogyo Co. Ltd. concludes the extension of the partnership with Valentino Rossi.

Hirofumi Araya, President of Daido Kogyo Co., Ltd. said: "We are extremely pleased to be able to continue our relationship with Valentino Rossi. He is a fine ambassador for D.I.D and for the sport.
"D.I.D and Valentino share a common, mutual desire to improve riders' performance and contribute to foster the future talents in two-wheel motorsports. It is a pleasure to work with Valentino as our Global Brand Ambassador and we are excited to continue backing his investment in the future of motorcycle racing.

The relationship between Valentino Rossi and D.I.D goes right back to Rossi's switch to Yamaha (from HRC) in 2004.

"On the racetrack, D.I.D will continue to use the most innovative materials and technologies to develop chains that can contribute to the performance of a globally recognised and respected sports person like Rossi. At the same time, DAIDO will incorporate latest materials and technologies to co-develop with him the ultimate chains that can be safely used and enjoyed by riders all over the world, so to increase the joy of motorcycle riding."
Last year saw D.I.D launch its first co-branded chain product with Rossi - the D.I.D X VR46. The company also released "The Doctor" - a newly designed 460-piece limited edition chain, test-approved by Rossi, that was directly derived from the D.I.D chain supplied in MotoGP. That sold out immediately, and the good news is that a second limited edition special chain in the series is currently at the design phase in Japan.

Tested by Valentino Rossi, D.I.D launched its first co-branded chain last year - the D.I.D X VR46 520 and 525 series.

Araya went on to say: "At the same time, DAIDO will incorporate latest materials and technologies to co-develop with him the ultimate chains that can be safely used and enjoyed by riders all over the world, so to increase the joy of motorcycle riding."
Commenting on the extension of the relationship, Valentino Rossi said: "I have been using D.I.D on the track with Yamaha for many years, and now I am very glad to extend this partnership as their expertise and great technology can support me and our VR46 Riders Academy racers on the track and during our training activities."
Araya concluded by saying: "Fun is a strong driving force in D.I.D, fun is the essential element, and combined with Valentino's dedication to excellence and the search for adrenaline, this is a 360- degree partnership between winners, for winners."
www.didchain.com

DID's new X-rings have greater retention and durability, for higher wear resistance.

MotoFUTURE

Gamechanger is an overused word, but Chinese auto manufacturer Leapmotor's first mass production model with CTC Technology may well be a genuine case - and one with profound implications for how electric motorcycles and scooters are built. CTC stands for 'Cell to Chassis' - a technology where the chassis acts as the storage venue for the electric power. The battery module is integrated into the vehicle body. Very different to using the battery cluster or its case as a stressed member and a concept with major implications for design options and charge cycles.

Honda has announced an agreement with LG Energy Solution to establish a joint venture company to produce lithium-ion batteries in the U.S. to power Honda electric cars for the North American market. Honda is investing US$1.7bn.

Aviation may only contribute 2.5% of anthropogenic greenhouse-gas emissions, but it is a high- profile contributor to global warming. Green moves are happening, including work towards using batteries or hydrogen for short-haul flights. Sustainable fuel made from biomass and waste products is already being used by some airlines. However, what would solve the matter quickly is an all-new fuel, high in both environmental credentials and in energy density, based on modified bacterial fungicides. Scientists at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California have worked out how to create cyclopropane (cp) rings, one of the energy-richest chemical structures found in hydrocarbons, using genetically engineered bacteria. Aeronautical engineers already know the value of cp rings. In the 1960s, Soviet scientists used them in their design of Syntin, a rocket fuel that propelled the upper stages of Soyuz and Proton launchers. But making Syntin and other synthetic polycyclopropanated (pop) compounds remains hard and expensive- and usually involves a fossil-fuel feedstock. However, an anti-fungal molecule produced by Streptomyces roseoverticillatus, a common soil bacterium, one of only two known natural pop compounds, is full of cp rings and powerful enough to fuel aircraft with energy densities of up to and greater than 40 megajoules per litre, more potent than most widely used rocket and aviation fuels.

Harley-Davidson's much anticipated flotation of its LiveWire electric motorcycle brand finally happened at the end of September. Harley used a SPAC merger with equity investor partners to list a LiveWire IPO on the NYSE (ticker LVWR) at around $8 per share. As at the time of writing, the share price had dropped by some 4% after three days of trading. The new company is a joint venture that sees Harley in business with Korean manufacturer KYMCO, who have a minority stake. On floatation, the listing raised less capital than had been hoped for.


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

Italian motorcycle registrations

Italy: motorcycles +4.56% to August

The new year started strongly in Italy, with motorcycle registrations +23.31%, +27.81% and +16.18% for January, February and March respectively. However, despite an uptick in August, the overall market uncertainty that IDN reported seeing from April onwards has continued.
According to the latest available data from ANCMA - the motorcycle industry trade association in Italy - motorcycle registrations were up in August at 6,870 units (+13.50%). Despite that being the best August since before 2014, it is historically the first of the five months that define the slower "second half" of the market in Italy - some 75% of annual new registrations happen in the first seven months. 

Although the YTD market performance to August is up slightly following several months of decline, at +4.56% (99,226 units), it looks like the phenomenal growth that defined the first quarter in Italy will likely play out as a "broadly flat" annual market come the year end.
Indeed, the total PTW registrations data for Italy for the period to end of August shows an overall market that is already in negative territory at -3.69% (206,247 units). However, though down on 2021 so far, it is still the second-best first eight months for the Italian PTW market since 2011.
Of the units registered YTD, ANCMA is classifying 107,021 as scooters, which is -10.26% compared to the first eight months of 2021.
The Benelli TRK 502/X was again the top-selling motorcycle YTD at 5,712 units, which also makes it the third best seller overall behind the Honda SH 125 in first spot and KYMCO Agility 125 R16 in second. The BMW R 1250 GS is the second bestselling motorcycle (3,132 units YTD), followed by the Ténéré 700, Multistrada V4/S and the Keeway RKF 125 (recorded as the top-selling 'naked' style motorcycle YTD with 1,982 units registered).
For the record - Italy was again the largest market in Europe in 2021, with motorcycle registrations +26.49% (119,079 units) compared to 2020 - the best for more than a decade. Total PTWs were +23.58% for the 2021 full year with a massive 270,232 total units sold - also the best for a decade (218,677 units in 2020, 231,985 in 2019). The bestselling motorcycle in Italy in 2021 was the Benelli TRK 502/X (6,543 units).

DC AFAM

SHIDO dual charger with DC 1.0 and DC 4.0 options

Among its internationally recognised product lines, Belgium headquartered DC AFAM is owner and master distributor of the SHIDO line of batteries and chargers.
"SHIDO lithium batteries offer an excellent level of performance, but to gain the best from them, they need to be charged correctly". 

DC AFAM has developed its own SHIDO chargers for motorcycle and powersport applications and SHIDO dual battery chargers come with a unique and optimised algorithm, which allows for a safe charge of both lithium LiFePO4 and lead-acid batteries.
"One of the key things to know," says DC AFAM's Davy Dousselaere, "is that charging a deeply discharged lithium battery (<10V) should be done very carefully, starting with applying very low current. Applying high current from the start on discharged lithium batteries will cause premature failure. 

"Also, chargers where the voltage goes above 15 volt for a certain period of time will severely damage your lithium battery. Our SHIDO dual chargers will also be maintaining the charge on the battery after the charging is completed.
"Every four hours the charger will check the voltage. When battery voltage drops below 1.,8 volt, the charger will start applying charge again. We can now recommend SHIDO chargers for lithium and lead-acid batteries in all confidence."
They are designed with a clear split between lithium and lead-acid charging modes and battery recovery for deeply discharged batteries, battery health check after charging, maintaining mode and protection against reverse polarity, overcharging, overcurrent, overheating and short-circuits. There is user-friendly detection for reverse polarity, low-voltage or damaged batteries.
SHIDO chargers are IP 65 rated (waterproof) and adjust for varying A/C line voltage to deliver consistent charging current. On the SHIDO DC 4.0 charger, there is a specific AGM mode for sealed batteries, a high quality and clear digital screen with live voltage reading and a hook attachment.
They are suitable for 6V and 12V batteries - choose between 1A and 4A.

DC AFAM
www.afam.com

Ermax

Ermax screen for Can-Am Spyder

French windshield and accessory specialist Ermax offers screens for most popular makes, models and styles of motorcycles and scooters, but here is something a little different - something that demonstrates the versatility of its production technology.

For the Can-Am Spyder F3 (2015 and up), this high protection OE replacement windshield provides optimal protection for the head against bad weather. It is equipped with large air intakes and is available in seven colours - clear, grey, light brown, light black, dark black, satin black and satin grey.

It measures 37 cm high (plus frontal air intake|) compared to just 32 cm for the stock windshield it replaces.

ERMAX S.A.S.
www.ermax.com

Hevik

Hevik 'Orion' gloves

Part of the Hevik 2022 gloves range, 'Orion' is a CE-certified technical glove, made of 40% microfibre, 45% nylon and 15% softshell. This model is rich in details that guarantee a high level of comfort. The wide gusset cross-elastic band on the back and thumb not only gives a sporty twist to the overall look, but also ensures freedom of movement for the fingers.

'Orion' is equipped with a waterproof membrane and an adjustable strap fastening at the wrist, with integrated elastic wristband, rigid protectors on the knuckles, EVA reinforcement on the outside of the palm and touchscreen compatibility on the index finger and thumb.
Insulation from rain and weather is provided by the waterproof inner membrane, the ultra-soft polyester fleece touch lining and the adjustable strap fastening at the wrist, completed by the "airtight" knitted polyester cuff. Safety features consist of rigid protection on the phalanges, reinforcement on the outside of the palm in EVA and Clarino reinforcement on the palm, and dark reflex inserts.
'Orion' is available in a wide range of sizes from S to 3XL in the Men's version and from XS to XL in the Ladies version, as well as in three colours, (black, black/ice/red for males; black, black/fuchsia for females).
The glove is certified according to EN 13594:2015 European Standard, Level 1.

HEVIK
www.hevik.com

Vance & Hines

Vance & Hines - BMW GS 1250 slip-on muffler

This Hi-Output Adventure 500 slip-on muffler is the largest capacity exhaust ever made by Vance & Hines.

Manufactured with a stepped 5-inch diameter in high-grade 304 stainless steel tube, the system features a brushed works-style finish, a CNC-machined billet aluminium end cap, black heat shield, stainless mid-pipe and spring clip assembly.
With less weight than the stock exhaust, it "delivers increased horsepower and torque - smooth tractable torque throughout the powerband. The glass-wrapped, perforated baffle core design delivers a rich, smooth rumble while still meeting SAE J2825 sound level standards".
It has been designed specifically for the BMW 1250 Boxer motor, is compatible with the BMW factory panniers and centre stand and fits '19-'22 BMW GS 1250 models.

MOTORCYCLE STOREHOUSE BV
www.motorcyclestorehouse.com

SIP Scootershop

PHBH carbs - good 'price-to-performance' ratio
 
German scooter parts and accessory specialist SIP Scootershop has added to its SIP Performance brand line-up with these new mid-range tuning sector PHBH carburettors "for all those who want to get more power out of their scooters on a tight budget," says CEO and joint founder Ralf Jodl.
"The classic PHBH carburettors from Dell'Orto may be a bit outdated, but they are still very popular. Their technology is simple, proven and reliable. Unfortunately, the production of 'vintage' technology is not Dell'Orto's focus. The ability to deliver is deteriorating from year to year. 

"The remedy for this is our two PHBH carburettors, which we have launched under the SIP Performance label. We designed them to give a good 'price-to-performance' ratio and are designs that have proven technology for reliable, durable tuning."
Equipped with pull choke and large float valve, these black PHBH carburettors have a pull choke instead of a flap choke. "We use a 350 float needle valve in conjunction with a 50 throttle slide. The intake funnel with a 62 mm connection width is perfect for large air filters as well as the connection of the original intake hose".
Described as "providing a basic tuning that provides a solid starting point for finding the right set up so that fine-tuning to match the exact engine set up has a platform on which to build for engine-specific calibrations".

SIP SCOOTERSHOP GMBH
www.sip-scootershop.com

TracTive

TracTive X-TREME PRO shocks and cartridges

Dutch suspension specialist TracTive is no stranger to developing extreme condition suspension solutions for the ADV market - indeed it could be said that it wrote the book on how to engineer shock absorbers and front fork cartridges for this most demanding of applications. These products are distributed and serviced worldwide by TracTive technical partners, including the renowned Rally-Raid Products Ltd. in the UK, Touratech GmbH in Germany and Boano Moto Srl in Italy. 

"Our X-TREME products are recognised as the ultimate choice for big adventure bikes and for riders who travel the world with heavy luggage or explore off-road trails," says TracTive co-founder and General Manager Tom Glazemakers.
"However, more riders are now making the switch from heavyweight, highway and urban jungle bred large displacement ADVs to the easier to handle, more responsive and versatile medium sized adventure bikes. As they spend more time and do more miles riding harder and more aggressively off-road, then a lot of changes happen to the demands being placed on ADV models, not least for the suspension - probably the most important component system for hard off-road riding."

'the first twin-cylinder to make 17 stages points in the allotted time'

The ultimate proving grounds in the off-road and Enduro racing world are the Dakar, the ultimate long distance test, and the big bad Erzbergrodeo Hare Scramble, the notorious Iron Giant, where suspensions are pushed to the edge and beyond.
Riding the Yamaha Ténéré 700 Rally Raid, Pol Tarrés became the first man (or woman) to reach the 17th of the 27 stages of the punishing multi-surface, multi-obstacle course on a twin-cylinder machine. 

"While every rider, from amateur to professional, benefits from upgraded suspension, Pol Tarrés' Erzbergrodeo Ténéré 700 featured a new generation of TracTive X-TREME products - the all-new and substantially enhanced X-TREME PRO shock."
Tarrés used a Rally Raid by TracTive shock with longer length and stroke than anyone could yet 'buy off the shelf'. "The new X-TREME PRO shock is a further improvement over the proven qualities of the existing X-TREME line for riders who mainly ride hard off-road or compete in rallies and require more damping and bottoming resistance."
The X-TREME PRO shock has an improved bumpstop, protector sleeve, bearing seals, a new damping set-up, including a revised Position Dependent Damping System, improving bottoming safety.

'the PRO set-up is almost bullet-proof'

Also available in the range, the X-TREME PRO cartridge kit has a new main piston, offering increased oil flow, a new damping set-up and improved hydraulic stop function.
A review from a test rider, who switched from the X-TREME to an X-TREME PRO set-up, stated that "the new (PRO) shock outperformed the old shock in every way. Softer initial movement, smoother free-flowing stroke and more bottoming resistance.
"The new (PRO) cartridges are the perfect complement to the new shock. This set-up for me is bullet-proof - I can't fault it and I can't break it. The new (PRO) is exactly what I was trying to achieve when modifying the existing X-TREME. I feel like the new (PRO) suspension will suit everyone from the faster riders looking for more bottoming resistance. The range from soft to hard settings is much larger". Where the X-TREME products excel in stability, control and comfort in all road conditions, the X-TREME PRO is the product for the hardcore, faster rider.
The 2022 Erzbergrodeo is already being talked of as being the most gruelling in the competition's 26-year history. The third of the eight stops on the 2022 Hard Enduro World Championship circuit, it was 35.2 km of harsh terrain that included fields of massive boulders, near vertical hill climbs, plunging descents and single tracks that zig-zagged through thick, muddy forests. Riders also had to survive dust and mud and extreme high temperatures.

TRACTIVE SUSPENSION
www.tractivesuspension.com

WRP

WRP disc brake pads

The Italian WRP performance parts programme is a strong brand in the brakes market - its brake pad options have been especially developed for street, track day or off-road use.
"They are 100% European-made from first-class materials," says Wind Trading's International Sales Manager Francesco Fabbri (Wind Trading is the brand owner and worldwide distributor for WRP). "These high-performance brake pads offer twelve friction different compounds, each one specifically developed for the kind of riding they will be used for.

"There are eight types of compounds for street applications, and four for off-road applications. The performance they achieve will appeal to the rider using standard brake systems on high- performance bikes - either as a track day riding event fitment or if an OEM upgrade is needed for more sporty style street riding.
"Using WRP specific sintered brake pads, the rider will experience increased friction and improved brake feel and control due to higher heat resistance - excellent for sporty riding or under the extreme conditions seen in racing.
"Most of the WRP brake pads have been approved according to ECE R90, which is required for all replacement street brake pads throughout the European Union and in non-European countries that have adopted ECE regulations."

WIND TRADING SRL
www.wrpracing.com

Comment by Editor, Robin Bradley

War, prices, labour shortages, lockdowns, energy, logistics, materials - pick your crisis!


We are surrounded by multiple international crises. From the potential death of democracy as we know it to a global financial system that doesn't know whether to go backwards, sideways, up or down in its efforts to bring inflation under control and head off pending global recession, we are surrounded by doubt and uncertainty.
Even though the well documented supply chain meltdown we have been enduring is showing signs of abating, the talk remains of recession.
Generally speaking, some combination of five things happens in a recession. First and most fundamentally of all, people stop being able to buy our products. Then the factories, vendors and service providers we depend on to get materials, components and finished products to where they are needed can't supply. This happens because they have had to lay off their people due to softening demand, or worse still, they have had to close down completely.
Either way, the collapse in the trade cycle creates a swollen labour pool as people are laid off. Without work, they can't then afford to buy our products. Which is why our vendors have to lay more people off or close down and which is why people can't afford to buy our products. Which is why businesses close and lay more people off, etc. etc. Round we go, down we go.
This self-perpetuating decline cycle results in price reductions because of reduced disposable income. Recession becomes weaponised as a primary tool with which to fight inflation. In the United States, the 'Fed' has openly talked about it needing to see (albeit short and shallow) recession in order to break that cycle that interest rates alone are no longer able to do.

round we go, down we go 

Next, because businesses are not making enough (or any) money, they are not generating the investment capital they need. So, as debts mount, cutbacks to the two things that are closest to survival magic bullets that they have - new product R&D and brand building - get switched off. The problem with that is that an almost infinite amount of research (going back to the 'Long Depression' of the 1880s in the United States) shows conclusively that of all business spending cutbacks, and that along with lack of capital, they are the two cutbacks that are the most closely linked to business failures.
Here's the irony. While some businesses in some markets are for sure having a hard time already, closing down even, our problem isn't declining output, triggered by declining demand, but declining output despite the high level of demand. We can't make enough of our products - motorcycles and scooters - to meet the robust demand that exists.
And ours isn't the only market where this is happening. Certainly not the only specialty leisure market. Okay, we are a 'cross-over' in that some of our product lines are aimed at urban mobility - and that is less of a "discretionary" than pure leisure riding. But nonetheless, demand in the motorcycle industry is pretty strong, pretty consistent, robust and growing even - in most if not all segments of the broader PTW market.
There is demand out there. Regardless of what the registration statistics suggest, there is potential growth to be had, but the feet on our hosepipes, such as supply chain issues, are way above our pay grade. Although there are signs of those particularly complex issues abating, there are plenty of others ready, willing and able to take their place.
While war, pricing, labour shortages, pandemic lockdowns, energy, logistics, materials, capital availability and the other issues we are faced with are demand-side problems for vendors, demand for our finished goods is not yet diminished.
We appear (almost certainly) to be headed for a recession in 2023 (the UK and some other markets are already, effectively speaking, in worsening recessions), yet employment remains high (record highs in some countries), levels of available unemployed labour are low (record lows in some markets and for some skills), prices are still rising across the board and factories are pretty much selling everything they can ship.
Typically, high levels of employment and low levels of unemployment would be the hallmarks of robust, well performing markets and we'd all be enjoying 'the good times'. Instead, this time round, these appear to be the hallmarks of a fragile market that is eyeing uncertainty.
So, is this a crisis, yes or no? If it is, then what kind of crisis is it, when will it play out and how?
Nobody can answer these questions at this stage - all any of us can do is hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. Which of itself is a kind of crisis - a crisis of confidence. We all understand that if something can go wrong, it likely will, but there's a danger that preparing for it to happen can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
The latest survey of new motorcycle and wider PTW (Powered Two-Wheeler) market registration statistics that we have been able to put together for this edition does not help to draw any conclusions. The reports present a mixed picture.
There definitely is somewhat of a downward trend, but it is growth that is softening as the year plays out. The reported sales levels in at least three of the "Big Five" markets are still close to record levels for the time of year (the first eight months).
The latest ACEM data (January to June 2022) puts the 'majors' (which account for over 80 percent of new model registrations) doing okay at mid-year, essentially flat at just -0.5% year-on-year.
In aftermarket terms, there continues to be market consolidation, with Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) activity (on both sides of the Atlantic) running at record levels in the past 24 to 36 months.
Finally, and sad to report, there is continued atrophy on the industry expo landscape. As I write, the market is just a few days away from witnessing the dramatic contraction of the once all-conquering INTERMOT Expo at Cologne, Germany. Not something that augers well as the high mileage, large displacement riders of northern Europe are the true ringers of the market's cash registers.

Spanish motorcycle registrations

Spain: motorcycles +7.55% to August

Marking an improvement in the sales action seen in Spain in March, April and July this year, the latest data from ANESDOR - the motorcycle industry trade association in Spain - shows that motorcycle registrations in August were +1.66% (11,518) units and that growth for 2022 is firmly established at +7.55% YTD (119,210 units).

In motorcycle terms, this has been the second-best market performance for the first eight months in Spain since before 2009 and is only some 1,500 behind the 2019 record.
Moped registrations in Spain were -8.49% YTD at 10,623 units, but total PTWs were running at +6.03% YTD at 129,833 units registered so far.
Demand for electric powered PTWs was +30.9% in August at 1,068 units.
Honda remains market share leader in Spain with a 22.1% share (26,299 units), followed by Yamaha (11.4%, 13,647 units), KYMCO (6.9%, 8,218 units), Piaggio (6.7%, 7,940 units), Sym (6.6%, 7,921 units) and BMW (6.3%, 7,481 units).
Honda's PCX 125 and SH 125I are the top-sellers, followed by the Sym Symphony 125, KYMCO Agility City 125 and Honda Forza 125.
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.

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 news from the Isle of Man TT this summer was mostly of tragedy with five racer deaths recorded - the worst since 1989 - but in among the tragedy a reminder of why we are all drawn to racing like moths to light bulbs! MCN reported that Dean Harrison (DAO Racing Kawasaki) is reported to have recorded a lap speed of 131.767 mph (with a lap time of 17:10.817) in the third qualifying session for the TT on the iconic 37.3-mile public roads course.

Steve McQueen's 1971 Husky 400 has sold at auction for $186,500. Aka 'Harvey Mushman' (his sometime racing nom de guerre), this is the fourth time this particular McQueen-owned Husqvarna has gone to auction, last selling at a Bonhams auction in 2011 for $144,000. McQueen and his close friend and sometimes stunt double, Bud Ekins, autographed the bike at some point.

In case you were wondering about the lack of news from Bonneville this year - that's because the 2022 AMA Land Speed Grand Championship was cancelled. The AMA announcement came on August 14, just ten days after SEMA had praised the conservation and restoration efforts at the Salt Flats. It was flooding that caused the abandonment of FIM Land Speed World Record chasing for 2022. The event's assessment team, led by Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials (BMST) promoter Delvene Reber, reviewed current conditions of the Bonneville Salt Flats both by air and on the ground on August 12 and 13, and determined that all track locations and alternatives were still flooded. With between 4 and 10 inches of water in many places, the team determined that there was no possibility the salt would be sufficiently dry in time for track preparations and operations to begin.

Following the news in the United States that Arai is to end its distribution agreement with Tucker Powersports of Fort Worth, Texas, comes news that Yoshimura R&D of America (headquartered at Chino, California) is to "dissolve its distribution partnership with Tucker Powersports. After a 20-year relationship we find ourselves at a difficult crossroads and have made the decision to part ways with Tucker Powersports as a distribution partner". While an announcement is still awaited from Arai as to what alternate arrangements it plans to put in place, Yoshimura has acted quickly, announcing on the same day that Western Power Sports (WPS) will be its exclusive U.S. distributor. After being in private hands since it was founded as a snowmobile distributor in the 1960s, at Boise, Idaho, at the start of this year WPS announced that it had been purchased by Arrowhead Engineered Products (AEP), the owner of component brands such as All Balls Racing, Hot Cams and others, and the owner of multiple businesses in Europe such as Vertex and, since this summer, Bihr. Neither decision affects the brands' existing European distribution plans (as far as we know at this stage), but it is yet more evidence of "churn" in the distribution sector.


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

Newfren

Letter from Italy
Elisabetta Quadrini, Newfren, Turin

Innovating our way out of the uncertainty

September was yet another month of instability, with rising prices and the uncertainty about the future making it impossible to look for strategies that can prove durable for more than just a few weeks at a time.
The metal market is still showing a very strong upward trend, due to the high energy costs, which are having a strong impact on the metal industry.
Cast furnaces, in particular, had already invested heavily in converting to the use of electricity instead of coal over the past few years by implementing decarbonisation requirements - but until reliance on coal or gas to generate electricity is firmly in the rear view mirror, pricing will continue to be unstable.

 

As with metals, we here at Newfren, and everyone in the brakes components industry, are still also facing price increases on all the other materials we need. In some cases, these can change on a weekly basis.
In order to cope with the ever-changing impact of energy, many of our suppliers are now showing their energy costs as a separate variable and sometimes having to update invoices with added supplemental costs monthly.
While the need of the factories to add supplemental charges is understandable, we have to comment that on the distribution side of the finished product, and therefore as our customers are concerned, this policy is simply not practical.
Therefore, manufacturers are being squeezed in the middle of this perfect storm with our sales price lists also suffering a significant reduction in 'shelf life' and needing to be updated frequently.

"uncertainty is the only thing that is certain"

However, this cycle means that at least in part, manufacturers such as us are faced with having to absorb the price increases seen throughout the supply chain until new price lists can be updated.
In the middle of this uncertainty, manufacturers' day-to-day business also has to be about adjusting production and activities to incorporate the many regulation changes that are enacted to guarantee product quality and respect for the environment.
Of course, we all support such initiatives in principle, but these activities impact both on the internal organisation in terms of skills and time to be dedicated, as well as on the financial aspect - doing this under the present circumstances means that for medium-sized companies like Newfren, every day is a challenge.

In response to such a difficult situation, Newfren has therefore had to react to these challenges by taking many internal and external actions.
In particular, we have implemented new specialised internal resources to optimise productivity. We have a new R&D department that has acquired the skills of additional, experienced engineers who can ensure that new projects underway can proceed without suffering delays, so we can offer customers something of ever higher performance continuously - production engineering and manufacturing optimisation are at a premium these days.
New emphasis has been invested in starting up additional collaboration activities with companies that are already partners, so we can add to the knowledge base critical mass and production capacity that we have access to.
The first results of these upgrades will be seen at EICMA (Hall 22/Stand I48) with the launch of a new range of products resulting from the development work we have carried out over the last two years.
The new line will offer a unique feature that we invite you to come and discover in Milan or on our digital communication channels from 8th November.
www.newfren.com

BS Battery

BS Battery - "the power you need" now available in USA

French battery specialist BS Battery has taken its business relationship with LeMans Corporation to another level.
Having distributed through Parts Europe (Wasserliesch/Trier, Germany) for the past five years, the Paris based manufacturer has announced that it is now to be distributed by Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited in the United States. 

Present in both OEM and aftermarket sales, founder and General Manager Benjamin Sebban told IDN: "We offer an exhaustive range of battery solutions with all the technologies available - lithium batteries, AGM sealed lead acid batteries, AGM maintenance-free batteries for all powersports applications - motorcycle, V-twin, SSV, ATV, UTV, snowmobile and watercraft."

 

Founder and General Manager Benjamin Sebban told IDN: "We offer an exhaustive range of battery solutions with all the technologies available."

The company has even designed a dedicated line for big engines - called "SLA MAX" - with reinforced cases and grid framework to reduce vibrations and provide riding comfort, specific terminals to facilitate mounting without using spacer rings and an advanced construction design to increase the capacity and enhance starting power.
Focused on innovation, the manufacturer also offers lithium batteries with robust terminals, lighter weight (up to 70% lighter than lead acid batteries) and equipped with a voltage indicator to check the state of charge at any time. 

"Thanks to our strong technical racing partnerships with leading racers and teams such as Fabio Quartararo (MotoGP World Champion), Yamaha GMT94 (World SuperBike), Kawasaki Bud Racing (MXGP), Sherco Racing (Enduro GP, Hard Trial) and others, BS Battery tests its products under extreme racing conditions to innovate more in lithium technology."
www.bs-battery.com

BRP

Can-Am 'Pulse' and 'Origin'

The idea that the Can-Am name could return to motorcycles has been circulating ever since the brand was revived for ATVs and three-wheelers in 2006. The return has now been confirmed, but the production bikes won't be ready until 2024, to coincide with the company's 50th anniversary.
The Canadian brand first appeared as Bombardier's entry to the motorcycle scene in 1973, hitting immediate success in motocross competition, but Bombardier lost interest. Canadian Cam-Am production ended in 1982, with CCM in the UK keeping the brand alive from 1983 to 1987, when the Can-Am name disappeared completely. The 2006 comeback saw the Spyder three-wheeler and a range of quad bikes, but the current interest in electric motorcycles means it's being used for BRP's entry into that market.

The first new bikes are the 'Pulse' roadster and 'Origin' ADV, built around a modular platform that's designed to be adaptable to suit all sorts of bikes, from off-roaders to custom cruisers. The central battery case doubles as the main frame structure, with swappable front and rear subframes to change the bike's character and geometry.
Rotax, the Austrian manufacturer that made the original Can-Am engines, is developing the electric motors.
In all the upcoming Can-Am models, the motor is mounted inside the front of the single-sided swingarm, where it drives through helical-cut reduction gears to a front sprocket, and then via a chain to the rear sprocket to provide another layer of gearing reduction.
Unusually, the chain runs inside the swingarm rather than outside, sealing it from the elements and allowing it to run through an oil bath, with a built-in chain tensioner. That means chain adjustment and oiling should be unnecessary and the chain noise reduced. As with most electric bikes, there's just a single speed and no clutch, but Can-Am is sticking to the familiar foot-operated rear brake rather than moving to a scooter-style, bar-mounted version.

KTM

KTM to distribute MV Agusta in North America

MV Agusta and KTM AG have signed a commercial agreement for the distribution of the MV Agusta range of motorcycles in the U.S., Canada and Mexico by KTM AG's North American subsidiary. MV says the agreement is part of its strategic plan, one which envisions significant growth in the coming years. 

KTM AG Group will create a dedicated US-based legal entity, which will be in charge of all MV Agusta operations in North America. Going forward, MV Agusta motorcycles will be distributed through both select KTM AG dealers as well as existing and new MV Agusta stores.
Timur Sardarov, CEO at MV Agusta Motor S.p.A., commented: "This agreement is between two historic European motorcycle manufacturers. I am confident that KTM's extensive and professional sales organisation, paired with the strong appeal of our brand in the region, will bring great benefits to both companies. Thanks to our cooperation, we will create synergies that will enable us to accelerate our growth strategy in North America."
Hubert Trunkenpolz, a member of the Executive Board at KTM AG, said: "We are extremely excited to start a new partnership with such a historic motorcycle brand. Our brands are going from strength to strength everywhere in the world, particularly in North America, where we will exceed 100,000-unit sales in 2022 with the KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas motorcycle brands.
"Taking on the distribution of the MV Agusta brand will complement our extensive premium motorcycle range. With the addition of the most iconic Italian luxury motorcycle brand to our KTM North America operations, we are able to ensure support to all North American motorcycle enthusiasts, as well as bringing exciting new business opportunities to existing and new dealers."

Energica

Electric dreams and memories

After four years of racing, and two more years of development before getting to the grid - and that fire, don't forget the fire - Italian electric sports bike pioneer Energica has now bowed out as the 'spec' bike manufacturer for the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup.
"The Ego Corsa showed the world how exciting and compelling electric motorcycle racing can be, and it defied any preconceptions that may have crossed the minds of the talented riders partaking in the series. 

The Energica family line-up on the Misano grid "with the three riders who brought our Energica Ego Corsa to the top of the world".
Picture by Jesús Robledo

"Since day one, they realised that it was indeed a fully-fledged, state-of-the-art performance motorcycle and that it was ready to take some of the best racetracks in the world by storm. Through the years, MotoE racing has more often than not been the scene-stealer, delivering thrilling battles from the start to the chequered flag".
Elbowed out of the MotoE series by VAG backed Ducati, and now under the ownership of New York based, NASDAQ listed Ideanomics, behind the scenes - at the tracks and at its Modena, Italy headquarters - Energica worked hard in conjunction with the series organisers and its other technical partners to maintain and improve the level of technology and competition, "while developing synergies that went far beyond the racetracks as well".
Looking to its future, one enhanced by the recent launch of its 'Experia' zero-emissions electric Tourer, Energica states that "vision, courage, commitment, planning and effort are all key ingredients in writing a new chapter.
"No matter the level of involvement of each person in this project, no matter what we were asked to do, not only did we do it, but we excelled and even exceeded expectations. We will all make wonderful use of what we have learned throughout this exciting journey and be ready for what is to come".
www.energicamotor.com

GIVI

Accessories for CFMOTO 800 MT

GIVI regards Chinese manufacturer CFMOTO's 2022 Tourer as " one of the most interesting new bike models at the last EICMA", and now offers a range of dedicated accessories to add to its "European style". Both the 800 MT Sport and Touring versions can be fitted with these GIVI components.
Luggage options include the SR9225 rack for a top case. If a Monokey model is being used, this has to be combined with plates M5, M7, M8A, M8B, M9A or M9B; if a Monolock top case is preferred, the combination must be made with the M5M or M6M plate. An alternative to the top case is the EX2M bag holder, an anodised aluminium bag holder suitable for carrying large bags up to 50 litre capacity and 6 kg of weight.

The PL9225 is the side mount, which allows the use of a pair of Monokey side cases, and attaches directly to the pannier holder fitted as standard on the motorcycle. The BF72 is a flange for fitting the GIVI tank bags equipped with TANKLOCK or TanklockED quick release coupling.
There is a choice of GIVI panniers available, but the trio chosen to equip this bike is part of the Trekker line (Monokey fitting). It is made up of the two side cases TRK33N and the top case TRK52N, equipped with a nylon rack and a padded backrest. The EA123 tank bag is part of the GIVI Easy-T range, which has recently been replaced by the brand new EA144, identical in shape, but with new graphics.

The D9225ST windscreen is transparent, measures 64 x 51 cm (H x W) and can be mounted directly, using the attachments of the original screen. Its additional 17 cm height offers increased air protection.
Other dedicated accessories include the TL9225KIT specific fitting kit for attaching the S250 toolbox to the PL9225 side pannier rack. The kit is mounted on the left side of the 800 MT. A pair of hand protectors (HP9225B), made in ABS, feature an aerodynamic design and are specific for this bike for a "perfect integration with the handlebars". A metal crossbar (FB9225), to be mounted behind the windshield, is capable of accommodating one of the many smartphone or GPS holders available in the GIVI catalogue.

GIVI S.P.A.
www.givimoto.com

GPR Exhaust Systems

EICMA - GPR Tech division

Founded in Milan in 1968, GPR Exhaust Systems is unveiling a new division at EICMA.
GPR Tech leverages its ISO 9001 certified manufacturing heritage and precision machining skills to present a new range of motorcycle parts and accessories that, initially, focuses on Trail and Naked models with products such as sump guards, roll bars, rear luggage racks, top box carriers and rear brake master cylinder and oil filler protection guards.

The new range includes items for BMW, KTM, Royal Enfield, Honda and Benelli models and all of the bestselling models from the market's leading trail bike manufacturers.
Owners Mauro and Luigi Orlandi have invested heavily in their new factory and upgraded all their R&D and manufacturing processes in the past two decades and these days export some 89% of production and have a growing line-up of OEM contracts.

GPR specialises in processing titanium and steel, and with a selected network of specialty collaborators to meet the highest standards, Mauro told IDN: "We decided that now is the right time for our company to show what it can achieve in additional manufacturing segments, and this first selection of GPR Tech product designs shows one of the directions we will be taking.

"Our outstanding international distributor network and reputation for quality and service are the perfect platform from which to expand what the GPR brand means for our dealers and their customers.
"GPR exhaust systems have been present for years in the main world competitions such as MotoGP and the Moto3 category, the MXGP World Championship category and the World Supersport Championship since 2021, and our design and manufacturing processes mean we can offer the best combination between innovation, quality and cost."

GPR ITALIA SRL
www.gpr.it

German motorcycle registrations

Germany: motorcycles -7.11% to August

While most of Europe's 'Big Five' major markets (Italy, France, UK and Spain) showed motorcycle and PTW registration growth in 2021, Germany was the primary exception at -11.90% for motorcycles and
-9.71% for total PTWs.
The current year started strongly in Germany, with some good results, but, as predicted by IDN in the last two editions, a downward trend has set in with registrations at -27.39% (11,198 units) in June, -21.95% (10,394 units) in July and, according to the latest data available from the IVM (the motorcycle trade association in Germany) a somewhat less dramatic -7.96% decline (9,817 units) for August.

For the first eight months of 2022 motorcycle registrations were -7.11% at 88,581 units - the worst since 2017.
In total PTW terms the German market is essentially flat with new registrations for the first eight months of 2022 running at -0.03% (159,756 units) - though that is still the second best for the first eight months of the year in Germany since before 2009 and only some 4,250 units lower than the 2020 record.
The top selling motorcycle in Germany YTD was the BMW R 1250 GS with 7,084 units sold for an 8.00% share of the total market - remarkable for a single model - and way ahead of the Kawasaki Z900 in second (3,107 units). Followed by the Yamaha MT-07 and Tenere 700, Honda CRF 100 Africa Twin and CB 650 R Neo Sports Café, Kawasaki Z650, Suzuki SV 650, Honda CMX 500 Rebel and KTM 890 Duke in 10th spot.
With seven models in the top 30 bestsellers, it is no surprise that BMW is (again) the runaway market share leader in its home market with a 21.56% share (19,098 total units sold YTD). Honda is a distant second with a 11.26% share (9,970 units), followed by Kawasaki (11.10%/9,833 units), Yamaha (8.29%/7,347 units) and KTM fifth (8.23%/7,289 units). The top ten sees Harley-Davidson in sixth followed by Ducati, Triumph, Suzuki and Royal Enfield 10th (3.25% share/2,883 units sold YTD).
For the record - motorcycle registrations for the 2021 full year in Germany were -11.90% (116,407 units) with total PTWs at -9.71% (197,540 units) against 218,778 units in 2020 and 165,311 units in 2019. In 2020 the German motorcycle market grew by +16.89% (132,126 compared to a Euro 4/5 transition distorted 113,039 in 2019).

Honda

Honda accelerates Zero Carbon plan: ten electric models by 2025

With deadlines for the demise of the internal combustion engine starting to appear around the world, motorcycle makers are under pressure to switch to electric power. Honda is the latest to come forward with bold plans that start with an onslaught of at least ten new electric models by 2025.
Honda plans to reach annual electric motorcycle sales of one million per year within five years and 3.5 million per year by 2030. That would be 15% of Honda's present global motorcycle sales.
Honda will unveil two 'commuter' electric motorcycles between 2024 and 2025 for markets in Asia, Europe and Japan, plus five lower-performance electric mopeds - with top speeds between 25 and 50 km/h - and lower-performance 'electric bicycles' with top speeds under 25km/h. 

Honda also plans for 'FUN EV' models, launching in Europe, Japan and the US between 2024 and 2025. These higher-performance models are represented in silhouette form in images that accompanied the announcement. The three bikes include a maxi-scooter, a retro-inspired roadster taking cues from the 'Neo Sports Café' look adopted by the CB650R, CB125R and CB1000R, and a lower-slung, cruiser style bike. In stance, the bikes are reminiscent of the Honda Integra, NC700 and CTX700 models of a few years ago - all based on the same platform, but targeting very different customers. Honda also plans an eleventh model, the Kids Fun EV, which will be an off-road minibike aimed at children in Europe, Japan and America.
The technology will see the battery, PCU and motor combined into a bike's body for improved efficiency and reduced costs. Solid-state battery technology is due to appear in prototype form by 2024 and reach production in the second half of the decade. They use a solid rather than liquid electrolyte and promise to be safer, faster charging, lighter and more power-dense than current technologies.
Honda has also reiterated its support of battery-sharing tech, based on a standardised, swappable battery pack - as seen with Honda's Mobile Power Pack (MPP), used in the PCX electric scooter, Gyro-e and Benly-e in Japan. Along with Kawasaki, Yamaha and Suzuki, Honda has established a standard for swappable batteries in Japan and is working with European manufacturers to create a similar standard in Europe, with the aim of creating an ecosystem of battery-swap stations to allow instant refills.
Despite all this, the internal combustion engine isn't being forgotten. As the basis of Honda's success, the company is working to develop low-CO2 and carbon-neutral ICE models, introducing flex-fuel bikes in India, with E20 (20% ethanol) compatible machines in 2023 and E100 (100% ethanol) models in 2025. Honda already has 100% ethanol bikes on sale in Brazil.

News Briefs

Like many global corporations at this time, Honda continues to invest its cash in share buybacks. The company bought back 3,827,000 shares of its common stock for around € 100m (US$98m) in the period August 12 through August 31, 2022. This is happening under a board authorisation to buy back up to 32 million shares (1.9% of its issued shares) in the period to March 31, 2023, at a total cost of up to 100bn yen (€ 717m/US$695m).

Norton has announced that it will not now be putting either of the previously announced, affordable and much anticipated Norton Atlas middleweights into production any time soon (if ever - the Nomad and the Ranger). First unveiled in April 2019 towards the end of the now infamous Stuart Garner era, the Atlas was set to be an all-new, entry-level, retro-styled naked 650 cc, liquid-cooled, parallel twin co-developed with China's Zongshen. Now though, under the ownership of India's TVS conglomerate, the plan has been cancelled - which will likely leave Zongshen and their domestic Chinese engine customers with a clear run at the platform, if not the brand names. Those who had paid deposits prior to the January 2020 closure of "Garner Norton" will have to seek redress from the bankruptcy liquidators. After the sale of Norton to TVS, interim CEO John Russell had originally told customers, in writing, that "Norton will build the Atlas", with production commencing in the second half of 2021, but present CEO Robert Hentschel has now confirmed that those plans have been abandoned.

BMW Motorrad USA has added shorter 3.8" Akrapovic rear silencers to its accessory programme for the BMW R18. Shorter than the two standard silencers, the Akrapovic units are made of durable stainless steel, coated in matt black with a silver end cap, which can be rotated in 90-degree steps. A screwed-in heat protection cover on each of the manifold sections of the slip-on rear silencers protects the rider's feet. With a combined weight of 19.2 lbs, the two Akrapovic rear silencers are 2.2 lbs lighter than the standard fishtail exhaust sections.

SX Global, the Australian company spearheading the FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX), has announced that it is to partner with Dream Traxx to oversee the design, development, management and maintenance of tracks for FIM World Supercross Championship rounds - "unique enhancements and adjustments to conventional Supercross track layouts will emphasize safety for riders, while increasing competition and intensifying racing action".

MV Agusta has appointed MV Agusta Malaysia Sdn Bhd as the sole and exclusive distributor of MV Agusta motorcycles, parts, merchandise and special parts in Malaysia - a newly formed subsidiary of AFY Mobility Sdn Bhd (AMI). To support the brand's competitiveness in Malaysia, all MV Agusta motorcycles distributed in the country will be completely assembled at the AMI assembly and training facility in Glenmarie, Shah Alam.


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

Kawasaki

Kawasaki: production-ready electrics and hybrids By Ben Purvis

Kawasaki has been among the most vocal of Japan's bike makers in terms of its plans to launch multiple battery-electric, hybrid and hydrogen-powered motorcycles in the near future, and it surprised crowds at the Suzuka 8-Hour race by demonstrating two near-production ready machines on track ahead of the race.
Kawasaki previously revealed an electric prototype in 2019 and showed an early version of its hybrid bike last year, but these new machines differ significantly from those development models.
The HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) is the higher-performance and more sophisticated machine. Based around a parallel twin engine - it appears to be from the Z400 - with a large electric motor mounted above its transmission and a relatively small battery pack under the seat. 

Hybrid prototype

In town, it's able to run on pure electric power, although with a relatively short range thanks to the small, light battery. On longer, constant-speed runs, it uses the twin-cylinder petrol engine, operating at an efficient speed to drive the bike and simultaneously recharge the battery pack.
When you need all the performance at once, both powertrains run simultaneously, offering more performance than either could achieve alone. The result should be economy and emissions equivalent to a small bike, maybe a 250 cc machine, and performance similar to a Ninja 650, with none of the range or recharging problems associated with pure
electric bikes.
It uses a conventional combustion engine and transmission, but with the foot-operated gear shift replaced by an electrically operated version, controlled by switches on the left-hand bar, with an automatically controlled clutch. The move to semi-auto shifting means the transition between electric and petrol power can be achieved relatively seamlessly.
The frame is purpose-made for the bike, but isn't unnecessarily exotic - it's a tubular steel design, with a box-section swingarm at the rear and off-the-shelf suspension and modest brakes. 

 

Electric prototype

The second bike shown at Suzuka, the pure electric, was completely different to the prototype revealed in 2019. Where that was a sports-style bike with a permanent battery and a conventional manual transmission, the bike seen at Suzuka was a smaller, 125 cc-equivalent offering with a direct drive, single-speed transmission and no clutch.
It also appears to have swappable batteries in a case that's accessed by removing the top of the 'fuel tank' section in front of the rider. Power is expected to be limited to 11 kW to ensure it fits into learner bike legislation, but the final machine's styling is likely to be substantially different to the bodywork seen here, which is largely borrowed from the existing Z125 model.
Both models are likely to get an official debut later in 2022 and to reach showrooms at some stage in the next 12 months.