EICMA 2022 review Part2

Puig Design Team – Creators of the “Diablo” bike

Puig Hi-Tech Parts: 2022 saw the Barcelona based manufacturer showcase its materials research, product design and precision manufacturing capabilities with a special Yamaha MT-09 project - 'Diablo' - to showcase its "EverFlowing Design" concept. Described by Carles Puig as a design philosophy that can be translated into a design language that ticks all the most important boxes, the aim is to produce accessories that are functional - "without purpose, there is no design"; adaptable - "versatile designs that can be purposed to different uses and needs" and aerodynamic - "the basis of everything"; ergonomic - "designs for every kind of rider"; minimalistic - "designs with nothing unnecessary getting in the way"; smart-electronic - "technological and useful" and interactive - "a bike that responds with an improved riding experience"; www.puig.tv

BS Battery: Known in Europe as an OEM and aftermarket vendor, BS Battery offers a wide range of battery solutions and options for all powersports industry applications: from motorcycle, scooter and large displacement V-twin touring and cruiser models to SSV, ATV, UTV, snowmobiles and watercraft. However, with an eye to the future, General Manager Benjamin Sebban told IDN that their focus at this time is on race-bred innovation in the Lithium-ion space. "We have designed a unique, ultra-resistant casing that can resist up to 230°C, including ultra-robust terminals, to make sure our batteries can be used in extreme conditions." The inventory-friendly BS Battery Lithium range covers most of the existing powersports model fitments in the market - with just 12 models of battery, from 12.8 voltage up to 560 CCA (A), small, lighter weight (up to 70% lighter than lead acid batteries) and maintenance-free, long lifetime solutions to high discharge rate and waterproof designs and features like integral voltage indicators to check the state of charge. "Approved and used by many top race teams, the BSLi02 battery is the right answer to the most demanding riders looking for higher performance, high resistance and high longevity," says Benjamin; www.bs-battery.com

RMS: Based near Monza, Italy, and established in 1985, RMS specialises in the distribution of spare parts and accessories for the motorcycle and scooter industry in Europe. The company sells a range of over 40,000 product references to dealers throughout Italy and worldwide. In addition to parts and accessories for the latest mainstream model motorcycles and scooters from many of the leading manufacturers worldwide, RMS has a strong 'Classic' programme, focusing mainly on older Vespa and Lambretta scooter models, as well as other PTWs such as APE and mopeds. The company's latest 2023 'Classic' catalogue features more than 800 pages of new and updated product lines from the leading brand names as well as its in-house designed 'RMS Classic' line; www.rms.it

QD Exhaust (Arcas Industrie): EICMA saw Manuel de Liso's QD Exhaust business release a slip-on for the new Ducati DesertX. Based on QD's award-winning Tri-Cone series, this muffler has a titanium can with a carbon fibre end cap. The outlet port has a grid with a QD logo that enhances the aggressive look and racing style. "The grid keeps the dB killer in position," says Manuel, "but removing it is a simple procedure - just undo the screws that hold the carbon end cap and remove the grid, pull out the dB killer and replace the grid and the end cap." The kit is comprised of a link pipe that fits on the stock catalyst, the titanium muffler, a carbon fibre heat shield and all the fixing hardware for a quick and easy install. "As with all QD production, this kit meets the Euro 5 standards. A service card provided with the kit allows the customer to achieve the 30 months warranty programme and access all the special services reserved for QD exhaust owners"; www.qdexhaust.it

Andreani Group: International Sales Manager Diego Arduini told IDN: "This has been another good year for the Group, and our message to the market is 'watch this space'. We hope to have a major announcement to make soon about a massive expansion to our capabilities and market reach." Meanwhile, the Pesaro based company has continued to develop its specialty suspension tools and workshop equipment offer with additions to its SP Vacuum Pump series, Misano front fork suspension cartridge programme and professional suspension technician course series; www.andreanigroup.com

POD Active: Reinforcing its status as a global motorcycle industry hub, EICMA saw Italian distributor Innteck play host to Australian knee brace specialist POD Active. Founded in 2005 by polymer and composite materials specialist and motorbike fanatic Geoff Maloney, International Marketing Manager Byron Marsh told IDN: "We have more than 44 globally in at least 52 different countries, and have seen sales growth again this year." Developed in association with American MX Pro Adam Cianciarulo, the company's new K4 AC9 limited edition knee brace boasts "vibrant pops of colour and dynamic graphical treatment while still featuring the unprecedented strength and performance of the original K4 2.0 brace"; www.podactive.com

Arrowhead Engineered Product: Arrowhead CEO John Mosunic has wasted little time investing in growing Arrowhead's footprint in the global powersports business. Arrowhead is owner of Vertex Pistons in Italy and All Balls Racing Group whose brands portfolio including Hot Cams, Hot Rods, All Balls Racing and Pivot Works. The company's first significant acquisition announcement in 2022 came in January with news that long-time owner Craig Shoemaker had sold his Boise, Idaho-based business, Western Power Sports, to Arrowhead. Just eight months later came the news that Arrowhead, one of the big three distributors in the United States, had snapped up Bihr from Kontich, Beldium-based former owner Alcopa. At a stroke (well, two strokes) and in the space of less than a year, Arrowhead had reshaped the European and American motorcycle industry parts, accessories, gear and apparel landscape in dramatic fashion; www.arrowheadepinc.com

Powersports Distribution Group (PDG): Recently appointed as CEO, Denis Brouwer's strong commercial experience makes him ideally suited to plot a growth course for the Breda based owner of Hoco Parts, AFAM Group, Motorcycle Storehouse, CMS and other select acquisitions. "Our strategy is to help dealers to build on the bond between their stores, their customers and the distributors they buy from with world-class brands and products. PDG builds on the relationship between dealers and their local riding community by acquiring or partnering with accomplished local wholesalers, using their expertise to better serve their country's market. Quite simply put, our long-term goal is to become Europe's leading parts distributor. This is ambitious, yes, but the growth realised in a little over four years proves that we aren't just talk"; powersportsdistributiongroup.com

Landport Batteries: Recent news from the Dutch battery specialist includes expansion of its range of SLA batteries. "We offer an extensive range of batteries and battery chargers for various powersports, automotive and industrial applications," says Landport's Bart van Abeelen. "During the last season, we saw the demand for sealed batteries continue to increase - in response to 2021 introduced regulations that ban the sale of sulphuric acid to end-users. As a result, most of our customers are switching their business from batteries with acid packs (conventional and AGM) to completely sealed alternatives (SLA and GEL). The main advantage is that they are factory-activated (filled and charged) and therefore ready to use. No acid handling is needed." The LP brand is available in six series with a total of 200 battery models suitable for motorcycles, scooters, all-terrain vehicles, jet skis, snowmobiles and even lawn mowers; www.landportbv.com

Bihr: The Bartenheim, France based distributor became a second acquisition in 2022 for the Minnesota based Arrowhead Engineered Products (AEP) Group. Best known until recently, in powersports terms, as owner of Vertex Pistons in Italy, All Balls Racing and other component brands such as Hot Cams and Pivot Works, the year started with news that AEP had acquired the Boise, Idaho based domestic U.S. distributor Western Power Sports (WPS). The year ended by coming to terms with AEP's August announced addition of Bihr to give them a substantial position as a leading player in both the United States and European markets. Bihr CEO Christophe Piron told IDN that he had always wanted to find a way into the domestic American parts and accessories market for its own brands, and many of its global exclusives, saying: "I always thought we had the critical mass and brand strength to compete there. The combination of Bihr and WPS with AEP's capital and manufacturing resources gives us an immediate platform for expansion in USA and here in Europe"; www.mybihr.com