BMW

Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!

From sea level to over 6,000 m on an R 1300 GS in less than 24 hours, and on an active volcano! When it comes to publicity stunts, this one was pretty far out there - or should that be 'up there'.

In collaboration with Metzeler, less than three months after its world premiere, the new BMW R 1300 GS "proves its outstanding off-road expertise and unique robustness in South America. From 6th to 7th December 2023, starting from sea level on the Nevado Ojos del Salado - at 6,893 m the highest active volcano in the world - a fleet of fully equipped BMW R 1300 GS models managed to reach an altitude of more than 6,000 m in less than 24 hours.

"The climb culminates in the notorious 'Rock Channel' on the northern flank of the volcano , where the expedition climbed to 6,006 m in just 19 hours and 22 minutes to reach a maximum altitude of 6,027 metres."

The backdrop for the expedition was the Circuito de los Seis Miles in the Atacama Desert in Chile, the highest active volcano chain in the world, to which the Nevado Ojos del Salado belongs. Four standard BMW R 1300 GS models set off on 6 December at 3.00 pm local time from Bahia Inglesa, a town near the port of Caldera, to climb the Nevado Ojos Del Salado.

The destination was finally reached on 7th December at 10.22 a.m. local time. Equipped with Metzeler Karoo 4 tyres, the BMW R 1300 GS models started from sea level on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, followed by the ascent through the Atacama Desert to the Circuito de los Seis Miles and finally to the slopes of Nevado Ojos del Salado on the border between Argentina and Chile. 

Riding the BMW R 1300 GS were Christof Lischka, BMW Motorrad Development Manager, Salvatore Pennisi, Metzeler Test and Technical Director, Michele Pradelli, Italian Extreme Enduro Champion and tester for Italian magazine InMoto, and Karsten Schwers, tester and journalist for German magazine Motorrad.

The expedition was undertaken with standard production motorcycles and standard tyres - a 19" front and 17" rear.

Christof Lischka is quoted as saying: "With this extreme ride up to more than 6,000 m, the new BMW R 1300 GS has shown what it can do and what it is made for. It masters off-road and adventure riding as well as a sporty pace on tarmac and long tours, even in standard trim with off-road tyres. It was important for us to emphasize these core competencies of the new GS once again with this expedition."

The environment above 5,000 m isn't exactly "human friendly". The oxygen content of the air is low and the temperatures are around -10 °C during the day and as low as -20 °C at night.

Long-term preparation and prior acclimatisation to the region saw several base camps set up at different altitudes and a simulation carried out on Mount Etna in Sicily, the highest active volcano in Europe. Specific medical tests and checks at the University of Enna, in cooperation with the health authorities of the province of Enna, were also part of the preparation of the expedition participants.

"At over 5,000 m above sea level, the cold and low air pressure place particularly high demands on the electronic control of the air-fuel mixture of the Boxer engine, but also on all the other vehicle components of the new BMW R 1300 GS." The chassis and tyres are also put to the test by the varied terrain with stony tracks, unpaved roads, endless sandy areas and sometimes even ice and snow.

"I am delighted that we were able to take on this challenge with the new R 1300 GS and mastered it with flying colours. On such adventurous rides, the new GS has already demonstrated its great off-road expertise in standard trim and shown what it can do in extreme situations," concluded Christof Lischka.

www.bmwgroup.com

News Briefs

BDN reports that Yuasa has just delivered the biggest energy storage plant in the world, in northern Hokkaido, Japan. The installation, which stores power from a wind energy transmission network, has no less than 3.3 million cells, a power output of 240MW and a capacity of 720 megawatt-hours. 

Vmoto headed into EICMA with a new Guinness World Record in the bag - for the "greatest distance on an electric scooter in 24 hours by a team in relay". Team Vmoto achieved the distance of 1,931 km, improving the previous record by 151 km, on the Circuito Tazio Nuvolari in Cervesina near Pavia. The scooter used was a standard Vmoto CPx PRO, driven by a crew of five pro riders and journalists. 

Boise, Idaho based Rekluse has launched what is describes as "Next-Generation Auto Clutch Tech" with its EXP 4.0. Said to offer riders "more direct power delivery to the rear wheel, unmatched durability even under high temperatures, and an enhanced lever feel for more connected and precise control", highly responsive engagement is due to an improved base and wedge design with pins and bearings that enable rolling instead of sliding to expand the disc - reducing resistance in engagement.

Following the launch of the Open Bluetooth Intercom (OBI) protocol, a new software update for cross-industry Bluetooth connectivity allows Cardo wireless communication systems to connect seamlessly with a non-Cardo Bluetooth unit "as seamlessly and fluidly as connecting via Bluetooth to another Cardo communicator".

Triumph has introduced seat-lowering tech for its Tiger 1200. A new enhancement to its advanced Showa semi-active suspension, the new Active Preload Reduction feature reduces the rear suspension preload as the Tiger slows, allowing seat height settings to be reduced.

The residents of Strasskirchen near Munich, Germany, have voted overwhelmingly to welcome the building of a new BMW Group facility for high-voltage battery assembly. BMW has a 105-hectare site awaiting development there, with rights to a further 29 hectares of adjacent land.  

Motorcycle thefts in USA rose 7% last year, according to a new NICB report. Motorcycle thefts increased 7% from 2021 to 2022, marking a third year of rising thefts according to the NICB's 2022 Vehicle Type Theft Report. An average of 4,561 motorcycles were reported stolen each month in 2022. Thefts climbed steadily from a low of 2,879 in February, peaking in July at 6,394. Californians again led the pack in reporting the most motorcycle thefts with 9,838 stolen bikes in 2022 (30% of all motorcycle thefts in USA), followed by Florida (4,563) and Texas (4,145). The top 10 states for motorcycle thefts made up 60% of the 54,736 motorcycle theft reports in the U.S. in 2022. More than 40% are recovered.

Peugeot Motocycles Deutschland (PMD - which includes the BSA brand in Germany) has appointed Éric Apode as new CEO, with former Triumph Germany dealer network director Boris Grimm as the new Country Manager Germany, and long-time marketing executive Priscilla Sellier as press director for Germany and Europe. Indian conglomerate Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M) sold a 50% equity share and a controlling 80% stake in its Peugeot Motocycles subsidiary to private equity investor Mutares SE & Co. KGaA - a Germany based holding company. The decision to effectively offload the financial heavy lifting that Peugeot Motocyles required is thought to have been prompted by the long-term potential that M&M sees in focusing its capital resources primarily on the BSA brand. 

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

ShowZONE 2024

Latest dates for 2024

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Suzuki

Suzuki shows hydrogen-fuelled scooter By Ben Purvis

Suzuki has been flirting with hydrogen-fuelled bikes for nearly two decades, but its latest attempt at the idea is very different - using a hydrogen-burning combustion engine as part the HySE collaboration alongside Honda, Yamaha and Kawasaki.

All Suzuki's previous hydrogen projects have used the gas to provide electricity, via hydrogen fuel cell technology, for electric bikes. The company started down that path in 2007 with the Crosscage concept, tying in with British brand Intelligent Energy to pursue the idea. It went on to make fuel-cell-powered Burgman scooters in 2010 and even trialled them with the Metropolitan Police in London in 2017 and 2018.

However, under the HySE project, Japan's 'Big Four' are joining forces with other companies including Toyota to work on hydrogen-fuelled combustion engines specifically for motorcycles and other small vehicles, and that's where the latest Burgman comes in. Revealed at the Japan Mobility Show, which is the new name for the Tokyo Motor Show, it's a modified Burgman 400, using essentially the same engine that powers the conventional gasoline version, but with changes to suit hydrogen power. Suzuki hasn't revealed details of the alterations to the engine, but they're believed to include direct fuel injection to allow the hydrogen adaptation to work.

'Hydrogen combustion engine is part of HySE industry collaboration in Japan'

The hydrogen itself sits in a tank between the rider's feet, pressurised at a remarkable 700 bar (about 10,000 psi) to get enough of the gas in there to allow a respectable range. A filler below the rider's seat allows the bike to use a hydrogen filling system when the tank needs to be replenished.

To make space for the tank, the whole engine and swingarm unit is moved backwards by around 200 mm, extending the wheelbase by the same amount but ensuring the under-seat storage isn't sacrificed, as it was on Suzuki's fuel-cell Burgman designs.

Other HySE projects include a four-wheeled off-road vehicle that's due to compete in January's Dakar Rally, using a supercharged 998 cc four-cylinder engine developed by Kawasaki to burn hydrogen instead of gasoline. The same engine, based on the company's H2 superbike motor, is eventually intended to appear in Kawasaki's proposed hydrogen-powered sports-touring bike, drawings of which were revealed in 2022.

EICMA 2023 review Part 3

Gaerne: Founded in 1962, the legendary Italian boot manufacturer's decades of experience "carries through each step and infuses the entire production process with an artisan touch. A sure hand and the shrewdness that comes from knowing the secrets of the craft come together with precision and ingenuity to set Gaerne products apart"; www.gaerne.com

Pyramid Motorcycle Accessories: Founded in 1986 and historically best known for its 'Extenda Fenda' programme, recent new products from the British manufacturer include fly screens and seat cowls for the Yamaha MT-09 SP and the 1200 cc Triumph Speed Twin. Pyramid is also UK importer of a number of well-known brands, including Ermax (France) and Puig (Spain). Seen here are Managing Director Adam Bowser and Export Director Karen Wilkes www.pyramidmoto.com

QD Exhaust (Arcas Industrie): Recent new products from Manuel de Liso's Milan based exhaust manufacturing business include its classic look 'MaXcone' series mufflers - "designed for those who want a classic look". Polished AISI 304 stainless steel gives "an aggressive and elegant character" - the die-cast magnesium end cap with the logo in relief simulates the classic "counter-cone" used in racing motorbikes of the 70s. The end caps are designed to guarantee maximum performance and 'phonometric' yield using a perforated barrel with a 5 mm diameter hole with an 8 mm pitch. The layering of the sound-absorbing material has been designed to give a sound characterised by low frequencies below 800 Hz. They are equipped with the QD GAS-EXTRACTOR system to promote the flow of exhaust gases by increasing the extraction from the exhaust system - the GAS-EXTRACTOR creates a so-called "pulsation" area which absorbs the pressure waves generated by the engine, lowering the decibel level. All QD Exhaust products are sold with a service card that allows the owner to extend to a 30-month warranty programme and to download the European certification; www.qdexhaust.it

Arai: New from the Japanese helmet manufacturer are its TOUR-X5 ADV, off and on-roader with new VAS-A visor system designed to maximise glancing-off performance, enhanced 5 mm wider on each side chin bar for easy on/off comfort, new forehead logo duct for excellent ventilation and flat spot-on side of the shell for easy communication device installation. Also new at EICMA was the Arai RX-7V EVO, FIM Racing #2 is described as the world's first helmet homologated to the FIM FRHPhe-02 standard, and the "go-to helmet when racing in FIM sanctioned events"; www.araihelmet-europe.com

Rainers Sports: The Elche, Spain based gear and apparel manufacturer is best known for its boots. Recent new products include the CE approved T-400 urban style boot in full grain leather (cat. 2, EN 13634:2017) with foam-covered TPU protectors for the ankle area and a leather protector for gear shift; www.rainers-sports.com

Gilles Tooling: "Driven by Function", recent new products from the Luxembourg based manufacturer include Tech-X.GT enduro footpegs and its M03/04.GT mirror. The Ducati Multistrada V4, Yamaha Ténéré 700 and BMW R1250 GS are among the latest models to "get the Gilles treatment". Expect Gilles to be among the first parts engineers to bring product for the new 1300 GS to market; www.gillestooling.com

HEPCO&BECKER: The German luggage manufacturer is a prominent player in the ADV model space. Accessories include its Lock-it tank ring system, stainless steel heat shield, steel handlebar guards, side stand enlarger, crash bars, skid plate, four rear luggage racks to choose from, and the Xplorer cutout side carrier System. This cutout side carrier follows the contours of the exhaust, hence the name. Included in the kit is the side carrier and two aluminium cases reinforced with plastic all around for a combined luggage capacity of 77 litres; 40 litres for the left case and 37 litres for the cutout case on the right of the bike. A matching 45 litre Xplorer top case in silver or black is also available; www.hepco-becker.de

HP Corse

SP-1 EVO by HP Corse - "The adventure exhaust evolves"

An exhaust that was born from the success of the SP-1, and that is a triumph of minimalist form as well as function, has undergone a reinterpretation that further emphasises the aesthetic elegance it brings to ADV platforms.

SP-1 EVO is the new exhaust made by HP Corse at the heart of the Motor Valley. It has an oval shape and is dedicated to modern Touring and Off-Road models. It is made of high strength, lightweight titanium, available with a natural finish or ceramic black treatment.

Euro 5 approved, the new SP-1 EVO exhaust "draws inspiration from the minimalist forms of the past to look towards and reinterpret aesthetic expectations for the future. The outlet cap is moulded, conical in shape and has ribs that give further strength and character to the exhaust.

"The outlet spout is round and has no welds in the bend angle so as to guarantee a perfect flow of exhaust gases, as well as being aesthetically unique. The fitting can be a quick release slip-on with springs, which is coupled using CNC-turned steel bushings, or can be manually TIG welded. 

"Furthermore, the brackets - which guarantee robust and durable anchoring to the frame - are reinforced with titanium and manually TIG welded to guarantee maximum reliability, even in the most extreme conditions. The HP Corse logo is discreetly and very elegantly laser-engraved on the titanium jacket of the silencer".

HP CORSE by STEELFORM SRL

www.hpcorse.com

Moto Morini

Moto Morini expands at EICMA By Ben Purvis

Moto Morini's bikes might be made in China rather than Italy these days, but the company still identifies as Italian and the success of its 650 cc parallel twin models means it's expanding - launching a new range of 750 cc V-twins and bringing back the 87-degree, 1,187 cc 'Bialbero CorsaCorta' twin, seen in newly Euro 5-approved form at its EICMA launch.

Starting with the biggest engine, the 1,200 cc V-twin is claimed to make 125 hp in emissions-compliant state, and packs new electronics including a six-axis IMU to enable the latest generation of rider-assist technology. Two models will initially use it, with the headliner being the new X-Cape 1200 adventure bike.

X-Cape 1200

Styled with a family resemblance to the 650 cc parallel twin version that's already available, the X-Cape 1200 is a much more serious machine. Tech includes traction control, cruise control, a quickshifter and even a blind spot radar at the back, all controlled via a huge 7-inch TFT dashboard. 

Despite the adventure bike style, the bike leans more towards on-road use, with a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel, while the frame is a combination of aluminium and steel elements, and the brakes are Brembo.

'750 cc and returning 1,200 cc V-twin'

The second model to get the returning 1,187 cc V-twin is the Milano, a name that's been used in the past but is now attached to a completely different bike. The new Milano, like the X-Cape 1200, gets a part alloy, part steel tube frame and a retro-inspired, unfaired look that's similar to its predecessor without actually sharing any parts.

More intriguing still are Morini's two new 750 cc V-twin models, both bearing the Corsaro name - another one that's been used in the company's recent past. The standard Corsaro 750 is a naked roadster that proudly displays the new 90-degree, 750 cc V-twin, making a claimed 96 hp. Again, the frame is made partially of an aluminium casting, bolted to a steel tube trellis section at the back, with an alloy swingarm and modern-looking styling instead of the Milano's retro look. 

Corsaro Sport

The same components get wrapped in a full fairing to create the Corsaro Sport, an attractive race-rep with low, clip-on bars and higher pegs. It's not just a case of adding front bodywork, either - the tank and tail of the Corsaro Sport are unique, too, and it gets a different exhaust system to add more ground clearance.

Details of the new 750s are thin at the moment, suggesting there's likely to be a wait before they're ready to reach showrooms, but by 2025, Morini's range could be looking more tempting than it's been for decades.

KTM

New KTM Duke singles for 2024 By Ben Purvis

The single-cylinder 390 Duke, 200 Duke and 125 Duke marked a notable change for KTM when the lineup was first announced back in 2011 - creating a set of entry-level steps into the brand's street bike range and later spawning sportier RC390, RC200 and RC125 derivatives as well as a matching set of Adventure models.

Now, a dozen years on, KTM has finally got around to giving the range a complete overhaul with new engines, a new chassis and improved rider safety technology that sets a standard not seen on any current rivals in the small, single-cylinder class.

390 Duke

In the 2024 range - now made up of the 390 Duke, 250 Duke and 125 Duke as the '200' model bites the dust - all three versions are visually near identical. The top 390 version gets detail differences to set it aside, including slightly extended side panels and glitzy LED running lights around the headlight, but the latter is available as an option on the smaller versions as well, so you'll be hard pushed to tell them apart at a distance. The styling is typical KTM, all sharp creases and angles, but the bikes debut the latest generation of the brand's 'face' with those running lights, which sit in boomerang-shaped panels either side of the headlight.

The chassis, shared across all three versions, is completely new but identical to the design seen on the electric Husqvarna E-Pilen prototype that was shown a couple of years ago - a strong hint that the much-rumoured E-Duke and the E-Pilen itself are set to reach production in this model cycle.

Although still a steel trellis frame, the layout is redesigned and the bikes get a new cast alloy seat subframe that eliminates the need for rear bodywork. KTM says the design is tailored for the ideal torsional rigidity, and the steering geometry is revised with new triple clamps to tweak the offset. At the back, a new banana-style swingarm clears the under-belly exhaust and provides a mount for a direct-action monoshock that's offset to the right-hand side.

The front suspension is made up of 43 mm WP Apex forks on all three models, although the 390 Duke gets adjustable versions as well as an uprated rear shock. Similarly, the ByBre brakes are shared across the range, including advanced cornering ABS that works even when the bike is leaning - a first on bikes as small as the 125 Duke. It has KTM's 'Supermoto' ABS, too, which means the rear wheel's antilock can be switched off if you prefer to be able to lock it. Traction control is also standard, lean sensitive on the 390 Duke, which also gains three riding modes for Street, Rain and Track.

125 Duke

There's a new 5-inch TFT display to control those electronics, including phone connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation, as well as illuminated bar controls.

When it comes to performance, the 390 is the most powerful, getting a new 399 cc single in place of the old 373 cc version, with 4 mm longer stroke (64 mm) allied to the same 89 mm bore. Power peaks at 33 kW and 8,500 rpm, with 39 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. That power output is carefully chosen - the 390 Duke weighs 165 kg including fuel, giving a power-to-weight ratio of 0.2 kW per kg, which is precisely on the upper limit for A2-class bikes.

The 125 and 250 Dukes are both lighter at 154 kg including fuel and feature a completely new engine. Unlike their predecessors and the 390 Duke, the new smaller engine is a single overhead cam design, more compact and lighter than the previous DOHC setup. They also gain ride-by-wire throttles. The 125 cc version peaks at 11 kW - the limit for learners - and 10,000 rpm, backed up by 11.5 Nm of torque at 7,750 rpm. The larger 250 cc version, unhindered by attempts to fit within specific European licence categories, achieves 23 kW at 9,500 rpm and 25 Nm at 7,500 rpm.

Artein Gaskets

Artein adds to AFTERMARKET and XRADICAL gasket ranges

Having been making gaskets and seals for 65 years now, Girona, Spain, specialist Artein's successful EICMA included introducing two updated catalogues for 2024 - for its Artein AFTERMARKET application range and for its fast growing XRADICAL off-road gasket programme.

Its XRADICAL 'Super Gaskets' were first seen in 2019 and quickly found favour in the market as a European made gasket solution for off-road models due to their advanced materials and technology.

XRADICAL gaskets feature advanced materials such as Artein CS6900 Soft, German made aramid fibre-based Victor Reinz AFM 34, which is more than 1,000 times more leak-proof than the TA Luft and VDI Guideline 2440 requirements, and Foamet - one of the best known of contemporary gasket materials.

The primary materials used in the range include Artein CS6900 Soft (in yellow); German made Victor Reinz AFM 34 (in soft green), an aramid fibre-based gasket material that is the perfect sealing solution for a wide range of media and temperatures (peaks of 400°C) and operating pressures - a top-grade material with compressibility of between 5 and 8% and 55% recovery, AFM 34, which is more than 1,000 times more leak-proof than the TA Luft and VDI Guideline 2440 requirements, and Foamet is one of the best known of contemporary gasket materials.

Updated Artein AFTERMARKET catalogue with new applications for models such as KTM Duke 125 cc, the KTM Duke 200 cc and the Yamaha X-MAX 125 cc.

Recent new model applications included in this updated catalogue are for 2024 (and prior) KTM 125/150 models, with availability for KTM 50, KTM 65 and KTM 250/300 in the next few months.

Another new catalogue seen here is its updated Artein AFTERMARKET range, with new applications including the KTM Duke 125 cc, the KTM Duke 200 cc and the Yamaha X-MAX 125 cc, for example.

ARTEIN GASKETS

www.arteingaskets.com

Yoshimura

Yoshimura - 'Going Big' on the R7

When Yoshimura gets a bike in its crosshairs, it has the habit of really 'going to town' on its possibilities - really wanting to 'own it'.

Late last year, Yoshimura R&D America confessed to its latest addiction with a slew of parts for the Yamaha R7. From suspension linkage and swingarm pivot kits to a 4 lbs lighter-than-stock aluminium sub-frame kit, airbox kit and R7 camshafts, 'Yoshi' decided to 'go big'.

Earlier this year it released details of an AT2 titanium race series exhaust, and this summer it followed that up with an AT2 stainless race series system.

"When it came to crafting a special race exhaust for the Yamaha R7, we pulled out all the stops. Modelled after the titanium version, this Works Finish stainless system is the perfect balance between performance and value. 

"Created with premium alloy material, then prototype after prototype until we reached the final test system. On a stock engine with no mods and 91 octane pump fuel, this new system creates +5.7% max. hp and +2.7% max. torque. This system is designed to create even more performance with motor work and our airbox, so the gains we publish are just the start of a powerful package.

"Losing 9.6 lbs from the stock system, our AT2 is ready to make any R7 'really move'. The design of the AT2 tucks nicely under the lower cowling to keep it away from harm as much as possible".

2023 Kawasaki ZX-4RR slip-on 

Obviously for "closed course competition use only", it features a full stainless steel construction and includes an M18 lambda sensor bung at the tailpipe. This system works with a stock bike, but is designed for highly modified race-tuned engines and was developed by Yoshimura while building #ProjectR7 piloted by Ari Henning and tested by 2022 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion Blake Davis. An optional sound insert kit is available for -4 dB if required.

Additional new exhausts from Yoshimura R&D so far this year include slip-ons for the Kawasaki ZX-4RR (+3.0% hp, +4.3% torque) and for the Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE (+1.7 hp and +1.6% torque).

YOSHIMURA R&D 

www.yoshimura-rd.com

JAWA

JAWA importer opportunities in Europe and Asia

The 95-year-old Czech JAWA brand is back 'in-play' here in Europe in terms of looking to push ahead with building additional importer and distributor relationships for its network here in Europe and in Asia.

Based in the Czech Republic, JAWA Moto is seeking partners for its eight-model EU homologated, Euro 5 model range.

Jawa 300 CL

At EICMA, Regional Sales Manager Vladimir Kapitonov told IDN: "The JAWA brand is a major opportunity. Our motorcycles successfully combine the look and feel of our 95-year legacy with contemporary design values.

"The traditional shapes that are the historical JAWA design language from the 1940s and 1950s remain our canvas, they are the canvas on which they can meet the design and riding experience expectations of 21st century riders - contemporary curves meeting design authenticity in a modern package."

According to JAWA motorcycle sales statistics, the models that carry forward the design values of the historically successful JAWA models remain the most popular and have been exported to more than 120 countries around the world.

Jawa 350 CL Pérák

The JAWA 300 CL and JAWA 350 CL Pérák are among the best-selling models and are manufactured in cooperation with the Indian automobile giant Mahindra. "The styling clearly carries forward the mid-20th century authenticity that riders appreciate," says Kapitonov. 

The JAWA 350 OHC, JAWA 350 OHC Sport, and their larger siblings, the 650 OHC and 650 OHC Sport, draw from a later stage in the JAWA design - reflecting the brand's evolution into the 1970s.

"Of course, while the styling is deliberately intended to sit comfortably within the JAWA heritage, all the current models are fully contemporary in terms of modern technological solutions and Euro 5 compliance."

As a traditional Czech manufacturer, recent years have seen JAWA Moto focused on domestic Czech sales, but it believes the time is now right for it to expand again into additional European and global markets, so now seeks the partners who can help it grow the brand again.

www.jawa.eu

SBS Brakes

SBS - new rear LS brake compound

Danish brakes specialist SBS has taken another step along its 'Better Brakes' series pathway with a new improved braking performance LS rear compound (and equivalent H.LS V-Twin compound).

The LS now gives SBS dealers the option of offering their customers SBS 'Better Brakes' options at both front and rear - "achieving improved brake performance throughout their system, while also reducing their environmental footprint when riding motorcycles," says Marketing & Product Manager Thomas Midtgaard-Jørgensen.

"When it comes to stopping distance, the new LS compound has a significantly improved performance of +8.5% compared to the old LS. Using our 'Better Brakes' front and read pads together gives riders get even better manoevrability in brake situations - while also getting the same brake effect with the use of less force.

"We have also seen more grip in the initial bite, better lever feel throughout the braking sequence, improved heat stability and fade resistance and overall improved comfort when braking."

The product transition into SBS 'Better Brakes' includes transition of more than 95% of brake pad products produced by the company and the removal of hazardous materials from production at the manufacturing plant in Denmark. 

"The reengineering also delivers an improved working environment for mechanics and in workshops worldwide". SBS 'Better Brakes' sinter compounds are produced without copper, nickel and ceramic compounds without antimony.

"Racers using the LS rear will see an improvement as the compound has a more stable heat friction curve and improved brake feel. LS is recommended for riders using the rear brake occasionally or only slightly when entering turns".

All SBS brake pad products will be equipped with integrated NRS Technology, which locks the compound material to the backing plate and all compounds for public road will be approved according to ECE R90.

SBS FRICTION 

www.sbs.dk

News Briefs

Unlikely though it may seem, Italian electric sports bike manufacturer Energica has joined forces with the Malaysian oil giant Petronas Lubricants International. Petronas has become Energica's Industrial Partner and was Energica Racing's main sponsor for 2023. Supporting Tytlers Cycle Racing in the Roland Sands Design's Super Hooligan National Championship, part of the MotoAmerica series, Energica was the only electric manufacturer to compete alongside ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) motorcycles for the full season.

BMW may finally have found a way of making the kind of 'winglets' increasingly seen on sport bikes actually useful. A patent filing shows BMW integrating LED lights into the 'winglets' on a S 1000 RR-style superbike. The design gives the manufacturer the option of eliminating protruding, stand-alone indicator lamps.  

Reports suggest that Royal Enfield has targeted 2025 for the launch of its first new electric motorcycle. Having acquired a 10% stake in internationally respected Barcelona based Stark Future (of Stark Varg eMX vehicle), it is thought that Royal Enfield will be leveraging Stark's expertise to launch a global EV - based on RE's Harris Performance developed chassis capabilities.

With the cold, hard realities of life cast adrift from the European Union that legendary Brit Conservative Prime Minister Winston Churchill first called for some 75 years ago starting to become apparent, the United Kingdom has abandoned the new, post-Brexit UKCA (United Kingdom Conformity Assessed) mark. The scheme was intended to reduce complexity and cost for vendors selling on the UK market, allowing their products to diverge from EU standards - namely become poorer quality. But it turns out the scheme was actually increasing complexity and cost and was starting to reduce consumer choice as nobody wanted poorer quality goods than riders elsewhere could buy. With brands starting to decide that the extra overhead on building down to the new UK standards for a diminishing market would not likely result in an acceptable ROI, the British Conservative government, the same one, in essence, that thought commercial isolation was a "good thing" in the first place, has now surrendered to the Johnny Foreigners' nasty rules and abandoned the UKCA scheme. Who'd-a-thunk it!

Finland based electric sport bike manufacturer Verge has been reshaping its senior leadership team as it chases international growth and stakes a claim to a place in the U.S. electric two-wheel space. It has hired Haydn Baker as its new Chief Programme Officer. Baker's career has included senior roles at McLaren Automotive in the UK and at U.S. EV manufacturer Rivian. Former CFO at the British Aston Martin Lagonda set-up, Mark Wilson has been tasked with looking after the money at Verge.

BDN has reported that intercom maker Cardo has acquired the Austria based Pierer Mobility (KTM etc.) linked Riser bike navigation app - giving Cardo access to navigation functions with expanded social media utilities. Cardo CEO Alon Lumbroso: "Riser has created an innovative motorcycle app that enhances the riding experience. This acquisition will enable us to provide our customers with an even wider range of solutions, including navigation, community and safety." Stefan Pierer added: "I am delighted to see Riser find a new home with Cardo, and we have every confidence that together they will achieve great success." 

Leatt has introduced a Helmet Replacement Programme, offering discounts on new helmets if a less than three-year old, damaged helmet no longer offers the expected safety levels. The Leatt Crash Replacement Programme will see Leatt helmet partners worldwide offering up to a 40% discount on a new replacement helmet within three years from purchase.

Yamaha Motor has changed its Chinese joint venture partner. Effective November 2023, Yamaha added itself to the already crowded stable of CFMoto collaborators, after agreement was reached for Chongqing Jianshe Mechanical and Electric Co., Ltd., the previous partner in Yamaha's motorcycle manufacturing joint venture in China (Zhuzhou Jianshe Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd./ ZJYM), to transfer ZJYM’s equity interest to Zhejiang CFMoto Power Co., Ltd. (CFMOTO). The name of the new business is Zhuzhou CF Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (ZCYM). Yamaha Motor has positioned China as one of its important production and sales bases and will continue to discuss the direction of the joint venture with CFMoto going forward, with the aim of further raising competitiveness.

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

BMW

BMW R12 and R12 nineT revealed By Ben Purvis

BMW previewed the replacement for the R nineT retro roadster - the new R12 nineT - earlier this year and has now officially revealed the bike in full, alongside a cruiser derivative simply called R12.

The R12 nineT is a straightforward replacement for the decade old R nineT, with an evolved version of that bike's retro styling intended to evoke the R90 of the 1970s, with a new tubular steel frame that's simpler and lighter than the R nineT's three-part chassis. 

It carries over the existing 1,170 cc air and oil-cooled boxer twin, with 80 kW (107 hp) at 7,000 rpm and 115 Nm (85 lb-ft) at 6,500 rpm. Minor tweaks include a new airbox and exhaust system.

R12

While updating the styling of an intentionally retro bike is always hard, BMW has taken the route of simplifying the design, eliminating some of the R nineT's more exotic elements - the side-mounted air intake, for instance, and the bold, billet aluminium seat bracket - in favour of a more classically proportioned look. 

The suspension includes fully adjustable 45 mm forks and an adjustable slanted rear shock, in place of the vertical version used on the old R nineT.

'New heritage models include first 1,200 cc cruiser since the R1200C'

BMW's new R12 cruiser uses the same main mechanical components but takes on a different stance and style thanks to lower suspension - with 90 mm travel front and rear instead of 120 mm of the R12 nineT - and a combination of 19-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels instead of 17-inch rims at each end. The cruiser's tyres are narrower, too, a 100/90-19 front and 150/80-16 rear compared to 120/70-17 and 180/55-17 on the R12 nineT.

Engine-wise, the 1,170 cc twin is retuned for the R12 cruiser, dropping 10 kW to 70 kW (94 hp) and 5 Nm to 110 Nm (81 lb-ft), each figure arriving 500 rpm lower in the rev range than the R12 nineT's higher numbers. Notably, that reduced power means the R12 is legally allowed to be further restricted to 35 kW/47 hp for A2 licence holders.

R12 nineT

The R12 also gets a steel, teardrop-shaped 14-litre fuel tank instead of the R12 nineT's 16-litre aluminium version, plus a longer front fender and a bobber-style rear mudguard. Taller, pulled back bars, and footpegs that are lower and further forward, give the R12 a genuine cruiser style, although as with the larger R18, the boxer engine format means there's no scope for forward control highway pegs.

The added bodywork and steel tank pushes the R12 cruiser's weight up from the 220 kg of the R12 nineT to 227 kg, but that's still competitive against rivals like Harley-Davidson's Nightster.

Both the R12 and R12 nineT get electronics including cornering ABS and traction control, plus multiple riding modes. The R12 nineT has three self-explanatory modes - Rain, Road and Dynamic - while the R12 cruiser mirrors the R18 in having just two modes with more ambiguous 'Rock' and 'Roll' names. 'Rock' is the more dynamic setting, while 'Roll' is for relaxed cruising.

Both bikes are hitting the market along with a wide range of options including windscreens and wire wheels, plus BMW's '719' option packs, including a variety of billet parts and special paintwork.

EICMA 2023 review Part 2

AFAM Group: Owned by the fast-expanding Breda, Netherlands based Parts Distribution Group (PDG - expect some major fresh acquisition news soon!), Nazareth, Belgium based AFAM Group sells AFAM branded chains, sprockets and kits, ISON oil filters, Shido lithium-ion batteries, NITRO lead-acid batteries and is master distributor in Europe for the Japanese made MIW oil and air filter ranges; www.afam.com

Bergamaschi: Big news from the Milan based distributor - it is extending its long-standing domestic Italian market partnership with Magneti Marelli as pan-European distributor for the legendary Italian performance engineer's motorcycle spare parts, electronics and components product ranges; www.bergamaschi.com

Koso Europe: Recent new products from the Germany based European office of the internationally respected Taiwanese manufacturer have included the KOSO lightweight, multifunction DB EX-03 - a compact, lightweight and multifunctional meter with speedometer, odometer, (operating) hour meter, clock, stopwatch, voltmeter, and shows the trip and maintenance mileage and records values such as maximum speed, maximum voltage and average speed; www.kosoeurope.com

SHOEI: An updated Neotec flip-up helmet, the P/J approved Neotec 3, features an innovative flip-up mechanism, ECE 22/06 homologation, a sleek helmet shape, internal sun visor, three outer shells, newly designed cheek, integrated SENA SRL3 (Shoei Rider Link3) intercom system and a new 3D-moulded visor (CNS-3C) with new centre lock mechanism for extra wide vision and unique shape for optimum sealing. Also new at EICMA, the ECE R22/06 GT-Air3 is a SENA SRL3 ready full-face (Shoei Rider Link3) with all-new visor, micro-ratchet chin strap, and moisture-absorbing quick-drying fabric. There are three outer shell sizes and newly developed ventilation system with increased inflow (including a removable filter on the lower intake) and improved exhaust efficiency; www.shoei-europe.com

Meteor Pistons: The Milan based manufacturer specialises in the production of aluminium alloyed pistons for internal combustion engines, compressors - forged and cast 2 and 4-stroke pistons; www.meteorpiston.com

Brenta: Based at Rovereto near Lake Garda in Italy, Brenta brake pads are made in Italy by Frenotecnica. Brenta brake pads are manufactured in organic, on and off-road sintered and ceramic formula compounds. Its products are KBA ABE and ECE R 90 certified - its production and management systems are ISO 9001:2015 certified by TÜV Germany. Brenta is chosen by leading race teams in SBK, MotoGP, MX GP. Seen here are founder Silvano Stenech and Anna Pedrolli (Head of Customer Care); www.brentabrakes.com

Plastic Bike: The Italian performance bike conversion specialist's advanced design, high-performance, strong, yet lightweight material race kits are favoured by leading independent and OEM race teams as they strive to shave tenths and even hundredths of seconds off lap times; www.plastic-bike.com

TracTive Suspension: With a pedigree that makes designing KTM suspension upgrades a natural fit for the Dutch specialist, TracTive says that its suspension kit for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R has been a "natural fit" for its product range. For the front forks, it developed a closed cartridge kit - a pressurised system using a large 35 mm piston for optimal damping performance and a wide adjustment range. To prevent diving of the fork, the kit comes as standard with firmer springs. For the rear, it recommends its X-TREME shock with its integrated PDS II anti-bottoming system, a hydraulic preload adjuster, high and low speed compression and rebound damping adjustment; www.tractivesuspension.com

Landport Batteries

Landport - New Gen powersports batteries launched at EICMA

As reported in IDN before EICMA, Netherlands based Landport Batteries has a new generation of batteries available for its dealers.

Described as having "received a fantastic response from partners, customers and visitors during the 80th edition of EICMA, the new design focuses on high quality and maximum power - showcasing our commitment to innovation," says Product Manager Frank Boer.

"A standout feature is the improvement in their existing technologies, particularly the GEL technology, now enhanced with cutting-edge nano-gel technology. This upgrade ensures even better performance and durability, especially with electrical accessories."

New features include an overall improvement to CCA values (Cold Cranking Amps) across the range, a new sodium-technology that is better for the environment in terms of recycling and a 33% weight reduction compared to lead-acid with improved durability and better lifespan. 

The launch event allowed attendees to witness firsthand the impressive capabilities of these batteries. Landport Batteries is now not only a leader in powersports batteries with a focus on delivering top-notch starter batteries, but also specialises in standby and cycle batteries, and is the European Master Distributor for the ultra-powerful U.S. made Braille brand of lithium powersports batteries.

LANDPORT

www.landportbv.com