ACEM

ACEM - registrations of motorcycles and mopeds in key European markets "broadly stable" during 2022 

Registrations in the five largest European markets reached 950,400 units in 2022. This represents a slight increase of approximately 0.1% compared to 2021 (949,480 units). 

Registration volumes showed an upward trend in Spain (176,960 units, +6.3% year-on-year) and the UK (109,300 units, +1.9%). They remained broadly stable in Italy (271,380 units, +0.7%) and Germany (199,400 units, +0.1%) and decreased in France (193,350 units, -6.6%). 

Mopeds reached a total volume of 255,900 units in the six European primary moped markets monitored by ACEM (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain). This registration volume represents a reduction of -3.4% in comparison to last year (264,800 units). 

ACEM Secretary General Antonio Perlot said: "The latest registration data show that the European market has overall remained stable in 2022, compared to 2021.  

"Within a changing mobility environment and challenging economic landscape, it confirms that citizens continue to be positive about two or three-wheeled vehicles for their convenience in daily personal mobility and for the recreational opportunities they provide." 

However, the national trade association statistics for the 'Big Five' sometimes follow different data capture and analysis protocols, resulting in some apparent variances. 

Per the detailed reports in StatZONE, elsewhere in this edition, the IVM in Germany, for example, reports full year motorcycle registrations down by 

-7.22% at 107,992 units - the lowest in Germany since 2016. However, the response of the German market to the 2020 licence changes could prove to be a decisive turning point for that market. 

In Italy, ANCMA reports +6.35% (126,571 motorcycles) for FY2022 - on its data model, the best since before 2013. 

In Spain, the ANESDOR data matches ACEM at +6.30% (approx. 175,000 motorcycles), essentially flat with 2019 as the second-best full year since before 2013. The MCIA's UK data pretty much matches that from ACEM at +2.01% (108,510 motorcycles) - the highest there since 2016. 

German motorcycle registrations

Germany: motorcycles -7.22% for 2022 

While ACEM's registration statistics for Europe as a whole showed 2022 to be "essentially flat" at +0.1% for the 'Big Five' markets (see front cover story and chart), the latest data from the IVM - the motorcycle industry trade association in Germany - showed new motorcycle registrations there down by -19.94% in December (2,960 units) and down by -7.22% for the full year at 107,992 units. 

The current year started strongly in Germany with some good results, but, as predicted by IDN, a downward trend has set in from May and, excepting for an anomalous +16.93% in November (on low volume), registration numbers have been negative ever since. This is the lowest German market annual motorcycle registrations number since 2016. 

In total PTW terms, the German market is essentially flat with new registrations for the full year at +0.69% (201, 433 units), up on 2019, essentially level with 2021, but down on the 218,778 PTWs registered in 2020.  

The B126 licence regulation change has greatly boosted low displacement sales since 2020, especially at 125 cc. With 72,022 newly registered 125 cc vehicles in 2022, the L3e-A1 class achieved its best result in 20 years. Scooters did well too with a 20% increase for 36,613 newly registered units. Light motorcycles were +2.2%/35,409 units. 

Larger displacement scooters also grew well at +14.4% (18,179 units). Electric PTWs now have a 4.86% share of the German market (9,632 units). In the entry-level 45 Km/h electric 'fast' mopeds category, total vehicle sales increased by 21.7% to 29,230 units in 202

Zero is electric motorcycle market share leader, but with just 357 units sold for a +32.2% increase, we are talking ultra-low volumes still at this stage. Vmoto was in second place in market share terms, followed by KTM, Tinbot and Electric Motion.  

NIU is the electric scooter market share leader (1,390 units/+171.0%), ahead of Scutum, Horwin, BMW and Piaggio. 

As expected, the top selling motorcycle in Germany in 2022 was the BMW R 1250 GS with 8,530 units sold for a 7.90% share of the total market - remarkable for a single model - and way ahead of the Kawasaki Z900 in second (3,599 units), followed by the Yamaha MT-07 and Ténéré 700, Honda's CRF 1000 Africa Twin, the Kawasaki Z650, Suzuki SV 650, Honda CB  650 R Neo Sports Café, the KTM 390 Duke, and the Honda CMX 500 Rebel in 10th spot.

With 11 models in the top 50 bestsellers, it is no surprise that BMW is (again) the runaway market share leader in its home market with a 21.27% share (22,973 total units sold YTD). Honda is a distant second with a 10.79% share (11,657 units), followed by Kawasaki (10.49%/11,327 units), Yamaha (8.46%/9,144 units) and KTM fifth (8.31%/8,979 units). The top ten sees Harley-Davidson in sixth place, followed by Ducati, Triumph, Suzuki and Royal Enfield tenth (3.26% share/3,519 units sold). 

The Vespa GTS 300 Super owns the internal combustion engine market in Germany with 7,149 units sold (39.33% market share), ahead of the Piaggio MP3 LT HPE in second spot with 771 units sold for a 4.24% share. 

Kellermann

Kellermann Jetstream wins Good Design Award

Kellermann's Jetstream sequential running light has won a prestigious Good Design Award from the Athenaeum Museum of Chicago. The Aachen, Germany based accessory manufacturer was awarded in the 'Transportation' category.

The annual global competition evaluates product design, communication design, packaging design and concept designs by the world's leading brands to showcase current trends emerging in the international design and manufacturing sectors. For 2022, the museum received a record number of more than 4,000 submissions from over 52 countries from the world's most prestigious design offices and leading visionary manufacturers.

The Kellermann Jetstream was developed as a sequential lighting turn signal and as a 3-in-1 version with a combination of rear, brake and sequential lighting turn signals. The design of the Kellermann Jetstream integrates elements from 1930s aviation construction and is designed in the shape of a wing with an integrated jet engine.

The shape is extremely aerodynamic and therefore very streamlined at high speeds - and very powerful. "The unbelievable illuminating power of the Kellermann Jetstream contributes towards more safety on the road because the motorcycle is better and earlier visible when approaching at high speed. The strong illuminating power also raises the safety buffer during turning or braking manoeuvres as other road users are clearly warned about turn manoeuvres with the sequential lighting turn signal at the front and rear, and at the rear with the 3-in-1 combination during turning and braking manoeuvres.

This is the second time the jury of the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design (www.chi-athenaeum.org) has honoured a Kellermann product in the transportation segment with the Good Design Award. The BL 2000 handlebar end turn signal already won the award in 2015 and found its place in the permanent exhibition of the Chicago Athenaeum. The Jetstream running light turn signal now joins it in being recognised for design excellence.

www.kellermann-online.com

Newfren

Letter from Italy 

Elisabetta Quadrini, Newfren, Italy

"The new year has started with a brisk pace for us here at Newfren. Thanks to the hard work put in by our team last year, which led to the acquisition of new customers, we have been able to start the new year with production running at a brisk pace.

"None of us can be sure what the full year holds, but it has started well here in Turin. The brake discs department saw the arrival of around 18 tons of steel from Japan in the first few days of the year.

"This steel comes from one of the best and most historic steel mills in Japan, one specialised in the alloying of martensitic stainless steels - a type of stainless steel that is known for its strength, corrosion resistance, and durability.

"The laser cutting department is currently running its automated plant on a continuous cycle seven days a week, and the technical department is working hard to complete the design of the new models that will feature in the 2023 Newfren brake disc catalogue.

"After all the uncertainties and issues in the past 36 months, it is a relief to at least be able to start the year in a positive way.

"In January, the brake shoe production department also saw the arrival of tons of aluminium in ingots - these will feed the die-casting line. Around 30 tons of aluminium will be transformed into 300,000 pairs of motorbike brake shoes during 2023.

"The brake pad production department is working tirelessly to complete the assortment of exclusive new brake pads that we already have in distribution, with new 'Made in Italy' sintered brake pads getting an exclusive coloured layer surface treatment.

"The only products still seeing some slowdown in production are our clutch discs, where the unavailability of some raw materials used to produce the friction surfaces are still holding the clutch market back.

"However, our colleagues in R&D are not in the habit of waiting around and have developed new compounds, which are currently being tested - compounds that involve the use of new raw materials that should not be affected by supply delays.

"So, the report from Turin at this time? A good start to 2023, with many of the issues that have caused problems in the past three years now under better control, and in-house production developments having given us a firm foundation to build forward on. 

"We look ahead with our usual optimism and work every day to improve our performance - trying to overcome the difficulties of today and be ready for the unknowns of tomorrow!"

Vertex Pistons

Vertex Pistons celebrates 70 years in business

Performance specialist Vertex Pistons has celebrated 70 years of developing and manufacturing high-performance two- and four-stroke pistons for off-road, street, scooter, ATV, UTV, snowmobile, go-kart, ultralight and other motorsport applications.

The Italian/American company, internationally respected for its products for professional and amateur riders, celebrated the milestone in the presence of the EU President of Arrowhead Group Kai Zissler, the General Manager Vertex Pistons, Valerio Scutellà, the company management, and the personnel and partners who have contributed to making the Vertex Pistons brand the market leader it is today.

The event also marked the retirement of the historic President of Vertex Pistons, Loris Iotti, whose 43-year long career has done so much to cement the Vertex Pistons brand as one of the most successful brands in the world - on and off the racetrack.

The company was founded in 1953 as an artisan workshop (with eight employees) to produce spare parts for engines and pumps for agriculture. In about ten years, it had created two new lines to produce pistons and the first technical office dedicated to piston design and construction R&D.

This quickly led to development and expertise in products for international markets and a doubling of facility size and production capacity with major production equipment and tooling investments, including into CNC machining tools.

In the following years, Vertex became an important supplier of cast and forged pistons for most leading European motorcycle, scooter and go-kart manufacturers, rapidly increasing its market share and giving Vertex a solid foundation and reputation for expansion into the aftermarket.

Its high-performance product design has always remained innovative - investing in advanced materials, heat treatments and specific profiles.

Confirming the high standards achieved, 1997 saw Vertex receive ISO 9001 certification from the DNV, the international certification authority.

In 1994, American rider Bob Moore, on the factory Yamaha motorcycle equipped with Vertex pistons, won the 125 class Motocross World Championship. This world title was to prove to be the first in a long, unprecedented and unparalleled sequence of international race and championship series successes achieved at international level year after year ever since.

In the 2022 season alone, Vertex Pistons equipped riders won no less than a staggering nine world titles in motocross, enduro and Supermoto - including Tim Gajser's MXGP World Championship, riding the factory Honda HRC.

www.vertexpistons.com

Triumph

Triumph making record profits By Ben Purvis

John Bloor spent many years and an untold amount of money reviving the Triumph brand after he bought its mortal remains in 1983, but it's repaying him handsomely now, with the latest company accounts showing huge profits.

Triumph didn't break even until 2000, but new records filed in the UK show that Bloor Investments (the parent to both Triumph and his house building company, Bloor Homes, which made John Bloor one of the UK's richest men), now makes a substantial amount from the motorcycle company. 

In the year to 30th June 2022, Triumph made a pre-tax profit of nearly £94m, up from £50m in the preceding year, on a turnover of around £775m. In total, Bloor Investments' pre-tax profit was £426m, so the home building part of the company is still making the lion's share of its money, but Triumph is catching up.

The accounts note that Triumph is becoming a larger company, facing more imposing rivals than in the past, saying: "The business is achieving an appropriate scale in terms of manufacturing volume capability, allowing it to compete on an even footing with competition of greater scale and ownership leverage. The business continues to get feedback from customers in order to improve model variants, bike specification and maintain the premium brand that is recognised in Triumph."

Other information in the accounts show that Triumph's R&D investment rose to £38m in 2022, up from £35m the previous year. That money will, in part, be going into the company's projects to develop electric bikes and a new range of motocross and enduro bikes that are due to be revealed in the near future.

The accounts say: "Trading conditions for the motorcycle industry are expected to remain challenging with global economic uncertainty and the continued constraints of consumer credit lending and individual spending. The company is focused on investment into a range of new products which are to be sold into various new geographic markets in the future. New and improved motorcycle models have already been scheduled for launch. The Asian markets provide an exciting new prospect for the product range for future expansion."

Hartje

LS2 starts distributor programme in Germany with Hartje

Helmet brand LS2 was previously only available in Germany through direct sales to retailers, with shipping from the company's own European warehouse near Barcelona. 

"Now LS2 is intensifying its support for specialist distribution - the Moto division staff at Hermann Hartje KG announcing an official sales partnership with LS2 from 2023. One of the world's leading helmet brands will thus become available through a strong German distribution network. Hartje offers excellent access to the German specialist trade, comprehensive support from office and field staff and fast delivery with its own logistics fleet". 

Hartje expects to be shipping LS2 product to dealers by March 2023 and says it expects the partnership with LS2 to massively increase both brand profile and availability for dealers in Germany with a resulting increase in the LS2 market share on the hugely competitive German motorcycle helmet market.

Founded 15 years ago by the Liao brothers, the LS2 success story is "characterised by countless positive helmet test findings and a reputation for innovative new developments. LS2 is still a family business, and one of the most agile, innovative and fastest growing helmet brands in the world.  

"Behind the brand is one of the largest helmet manufacturers in the world. While LS2 used to be the producer for many other brands, the brand now occupies the entire production capacity of more than 2.5 million helmets a year.  

"The wide-ranging product portfolio includes state-of-the-art full-face helmets, flip-up helmets, open face helmets, MX and off-road helmets as well as children's helmets made of carbon, fibreglass or thermoplastic for racing, sports, touring and commuting. The new modular Advant/AdvantX helmets combine several helmet types in one double homologated flip-back chin guard design - as a full and as an open face helmet".

German market LS2 Sales Manager Rainer Hullmann said: "According to the general assessment of the market, LS2 currently offers the most promising and widest range of helmets with the new ECE 22/06 standard.

"We have already established ourselves in Germany over the last 15 years, but in order to expand our position in the German market, and to inspire even more dealers and end customers with our great products, the cooperation with Hartje is the right and forward-looking decision. 

"Its incredibly broad market coverage, coupled with impressive logistics, will further improve availability and short-term delivery capability". 

Hartje Moto Business Unit Manager Jens Engelking said: "We are pleased that we were able to convince the LS2 team that its innovative and powerful global brand fits perfectly with our company. The two family-owned businesses share a common understanding of values and high standards of quality and customer service. 

"Hartje offers the specialist trade an additional source of supply for daily procurement, even down to the individual customer order, at our well-known, market-leading dealer conditions. That is the benefit of our in-house fast delivery service. The product range inventory planned at Hartje will ensure high availability in Germany for just-in-time delivery of daily needs."

www.hartje.de

www.ls2helmets.com

Piaggio Group

Piaggio - motorcycle sales +19.7% in 2022

Piaggio Group has released its provisional financial results for 2022, with Chairman and CEO Roberto Colaninno stating that the company saw a "highly positive trend observed throughout 2022, despite the complex geopolitical and macroeconomic scenario that has characterised the past year. 

"Sales trends in all markets confirm the Piaggio Group's ability to continue growing thanks to the power and attraction of its brands and of the company's most advanced range of scooters and motorbikes ever in terms of performance, safety and environment". 

Total Group consolidated revenues of about € 2,087m were +25% higher than in 2021 at € 1,668.7m.

Sales volumes were up +16.7% (536,000 vehicles in total, all categories) with positive contributions from all business sectors - scooters (+14.3%), motorcycles (+19.7%) and commercial vehicles (+26.6%).

Growth was seen in all the geographical areas in which the Group operates - EMEA and the Americas (+12.1%), Asia Pacific (+58%) and India (+40%).

Putoline

Putoline Oil to support Ten Kate Racing Motonext project

Following its support for the BAS World KTM Racing Team and Team Gebben Van Venrooy Yamaha Racing MXGP, Putoline Oil has reconfirmed its long term collaboration with Ten Kate Racing. The two have joined forces in a sustainable racing development project called Motonext.

Putoline says that they will "take an active role in exploring ways to a more sustainable (racing) future. Together with Ten Kate Racing, Putoline Oil launched the project in 2022 in Barcelona during the Catalunya WorldSBK round.

"Motonext can be seen as a mobile laboratory in which developments concerning sustainability are tested and implemented. With its own laboratory facilities, Putoline Oil researches the development of new motorcycle oils based on biodegradable and, thus, sustainable base oils that are not of fossil origin to reduce its carbon footprint.

"As a lubricant partner, our collaboration with Ten Kate Racing ensured our involvement in the Motonext Project from the very first moment: a project in which we are fully committed to more sustainable developments within motorsport. The goal is to maintain support for combustion engines in racing by contributing to sustainability while preserving performance. Our focus lies on biobased raw materials, more sustainable packaging, collecting data and researching the regeneration of lubricants. 

"With the Motonext project, Putoline Oil is pioneering with Ten Kate Racing, Project 1 and the FIM in making mobility and motorsport more sustainable. The project has already won The Dutch National Sports Innovation Award, and the world is watching closely. We are proud to play a vital part in the Motonext project, which shows that our innovative policy and understanding help towards a more sustainable future for the sport."

www.motonext.nl 

www.putoline.com

Verge

Hubless Verge TS Ultra raises bar for electric superbikes By Ben Purvis

Finnish electric motorcycle maker Verge first unwrapped its TS sports bike back in 2019, but the new TS Ultra (unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show, at Las Vegas, in January) finally gives it the performance to match its jaw-dropping appearance by hiking peak power to an astounding 201 hp.

That's nearly double the amount claimed by the base model, which has just 107 hp, and vastly more than the mid-range TS Pro, which manages 137 hp. It comes from an unique electric motor that's built directly into the rear wheel and swingarm, putting power straight to the ground without any sort of transmission. 

That rear wheel is hubless, with electromagnets inside the rim, and Verge makes spectacular claims for torque, even when compared to other electric bikes. The base model is said to manage 1000 Nm (737 lb-ft), while both the Pro and Ultra manage a peak of 1200 Nm (885 lb-ft). 

It's worth mentioning that although those numbers seem to be in a different league to figures from conventional, combustion-engined bikes, the torque multiplication of gearing means that in 1st gear a 1000 cc superbike will achieve similar figures at the wheel. The TS Ultra's 0-60 mph time is claimed to be a mere 2.5 seconds, comparable to the best conventional superbikes, but like most electric vehicles, its top speed isn't in the same ballpark, with the Verge managing no more than 124 mph (200 km/h).

The TS Ultra is a fraction heavier than a comparable ICE bike at 245 kg, but its 20.2 kWh battery is claimed to be good for an impressive 233-mile range (375 km). Once discharged, the battery can be replenished to 80% capacity in as little as 25 minutes via a DC fast charger. In comparison, the Pro's smaller battery needs 35 minutes and the base TS takes 55 minutes.

Although generally similar to the original Verge TS in appearance, the Ultra is marked out by a new nose fairing with downforce-generating winglets, plus a single-seat tail unit. 

Verge currently expects the Pro version to reach customers first, with deliveries of the € 29,900 mid-range machine due to start in May 2023. The base, € 26,900 TS will follow in September, with the TS Ultra, at € 44,900, coming in the last quarter of the year. 

Fred Fox

Fred Fox 1936-2023 

We here at International Dealer News, and many thousands more, were greatly saddened to hear about the death of Fred Fox on Sunday, February 5, 2023. Our thanks to Parts/Drag Magazine publisher and race legend Don Emde for these words about his friend, and our thanks for permission to reproduce them here … 

Fred Fox passed away in Orange County, California, on Sunday February 5th, 2023, due to natural cause, at the age of 86 years old. 

Fred was a motorcycle industry leader and pioneer of the modern era of aftermarket product distribution and promotion. He was the only employee when he started his Parts Unlimited distributing business at his house in Janesville, Wisconsin, in 1967. 

In the years to come, the business grew quickly, and he incorporated as LeMans Corporation, which continues to this day as the largest privately owned motorcycle distributing company in the world. 

LeMans moved a couple of times into larger warehouses in Wisconsin, expanded into other areas around the United States and Canada, and many brands were added. Some became suppliers for Parts Unlimited and also for Drag Specialties, which he acquired in 1988.  

Other brands and companies were bought outright, including THOR MX and Moose Racing. 

Fred was always a hands-on manager who oversaw every detail to make his organisation grow into the industry leader that it is today. He made the decisions to buy the land, designed the facilities for the additional warehouses throughout the United States and Canada, built a national sales rep force, secured leading brands to carry, and invested heavily in promotion of Parts Unlimited's "We Support the Sport" campaign, which has been active since the 1990s.  

He also served on the Board of Directors of the Motorcycle Industry Council from 1994 to 2007. 

A multi-year personal project culminated in 2009 when LeMans opened the Parts Europe warehouse at Wasserliesch, near Trier, in Germany. An all-new warehouse was built there with state-of-the-art order filling technology for a level of dealer order fulfilment speed never seen before in the motorcycle industry.  

In addition to the Parts Europe warehouse, LeMans Corporation currently has warehouses in Sparks, Nevada; Ballston Spa, New York; Flat Rock, North Carolina; Grapevine, Texas; and Janesville, Wisconsin, plus Calgary and London, Ontario, in Canada. 

Along the way, Fred has been recognised for his contributions to both the snowmobile and motorcycle sports and industries. In 2010, Fred was inducted into the Snowmobile Hall of Fame. In 2002, he was inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame, as well as the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2011.  

He was also the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2007 V-Twin Expo and a Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018. 

His father and grandfather had a business in Janesville building custom-made enclosed racks for trucks to transport cans of milk from dairy farms to the processing plants in Southern Wisconsin. 

After graduating with an Engineering Degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1958, Fred went to work in the family business. The young college graduate saw a brighter future, however, for sport related vehicles, and when the go-kart craze exploded in America around 1960, Fred built a prototype kart in his spare time with a chassis made from light, but strong, chromoly tubing. 

A friend in nearby Rockford, IL, was also into go-karts and when he saw Fred's creation, he offered to order ten of them. Fred convinced his father to take the order, thus opening a whole new product category for the company.  

Fox minibikes followed the go-karts, then Fred created the Fox Trac snowmobiles, which became nationally known when he drove one to victory at the first-ever Eagle River Snowmobile Derby in 1964. 

Fred went on his own in 1967 and ran the business which grew into LeMans Corporation until he retired from full-time business activities in the fall of 2021. He then named industry veteran Paul Langley as Chairman/CEO of LeMans Corporation. 

Our condolences to Fred's wife Paula, sons Steven, Brian and Craig, daughters Teri and Lori, several grandchildren, nieces and nephews, everyone in the LeMans family, including here in Europe, and all of his many friends around the world. 

Italian motorcycle registrations

Italy: Motorcycles +6.35% in 2022

According to the latest available data from ANCMA, the motorcycle industry trade association in Italy, last year ended strongly with new motorcycle registrations +17.30% in October (7,9455 units), +30.69% in November (6,401 units) and +2.21% in December (3,605 units).

This took the total of new motorcycle registrations in Italy for the 2022 full year to +6.35% at 126,571 units. In new units sold terms, 2022 was the best year in Italy since before 2013. The Italian motorcycle market has consigned the 'Covid Years' firmly into the rear view mirror.

Total PTW registrations in Italy for the 2022 full year were essentially flat at +0.09% - but the 270,416 new model registrations total is the best for the Italian market since before 2011.

Of those, ANCMA is classifying 143,845 as Scooters, which is -4.84%.

The Chinese made, Italian designed Benelli TRK 502/X was the top selling motorcycle in Italy in 2022 at 6,645 units, making it the fourth best seller overall. The BMW R 1250 GS was the second bestselling motorcycle (4,062 units YTD), followed by Yamaha's Ténéré 700 (2,762).

Hartje KG - Oxford Products

Hartje to be an exclusive distribution partner for Oxford Products

Having been a sales partner since 2010, the MOTO division of German distributor Hermann Hartje KG (north western Germany) has become the exclusive motorcycle sector distributor for British vendor Oxford Products.

Hartje expects full availability of the extended range in March 2023. Hartje is already highlighted on the Oxford website as the company's exclusive distributor for Germany.

The relationship has deepened since the two distributors first started working together, with Hartje taking on the Oxford apparel range in 2016. This latest move sees Hartje taking on distribution of the full Oxford Products own brand range for the whole of Germany.

Noted for its outside and inside dealer facing sales and customer service, logistics and short delivery times, Hartje will be selling from the two primary Oxford catalog ranges - Technology and Apparel.

Hartje Moto Division Manager Jens Engelking told IDN: "We are very pleased about Oxford's trust in us. With exclusive sales, we can offer the specialist motorcycle trade in Germany an even larger product range and grow even stronger together.

"Despite Brexit, we are taking advantage of the opportunities that arise and looking forward to a fantastic 2023 season - together with Oxford."

Chris Shearer, Oxford's Export Director, says: "This is an important and beneficial step forward for both partners. Hartje is the ideal partner for us in Germany, with an excellent field service team supported by fantastic logistics and support from headquarters - providing nationwide coverage in Germany.

"The future potential is enormous. So far only a limited part of our offer was available in Germany.  Now ALL products are available to the German trade, as well as corresponding display systems for all Oxford ranges.  We all expect strong sales of new items such as our 'Original Approved' CE AAA single-layer jeans and the innovative thermistor-controlled 'Hotgrips Pro' - a world first. 

"Our brand new Zero-G paddock stands with bespoke merchandising should also be at the top of retailers' wish lists. I am very happy about this new exclusive agreement with the professionals of Hartje and look forward to many years of great cooperation".

A family-owned business since 1895, HERMANN HARTJE KG operates its own logistics fleet. HARTJE Moto is a full-range supplier of spare parts, tyres, oils, accessories, clothing, helmets as well as tools and workshop equipment, and a reliable partner to over 2,000 workshops and shops for motorcycles and scooters in Germany. 

www.oxfordproducts.com

www.hartje.de 

SIP Scootershop

SIP Scootershop Open Day 

Landsberg, Germany, Saturday 20th May, 2023

German scooter specialist SIP Scootershop is staging its Open Day again this year on Saturday, May 20th at its 6,000 sq m of recently remodelled designer loveliness facility at Landsberg (near Munich).

Last year, some 2,000 or so scooter riders came from near and far. There will be a warm welcome for all with hospitality, food and drinks from its Italian SIPERIA Café-Bar, parts sale and used scooter market, dyno testing, photo wall, music (vinyl of course), tech, tuning and performance talks and much more.

Every year the attendance grows and sees scooter enthusiasts young and old coming from ever further afield.

Massive race fans as they are, the SIP Scootershop team has a plan for mid-season too - in July - "a scooter cross race on our own small, lovingly self-built Vespa and scooter cross track, directly at our headquarters in Landsberg". 

Matscho Karatscho #2 on 29 July, 2023, the official Vespa Cross Race 2023, will feature four classes. "Our goal was that everyone interested can participate without having to dig a financial grave".

The classes will be: 

Class 1: Scooter Classic - "Large Frame" ≥ 125 cc (e.g. Vespa Largeframe, Lambretta 1-3 series LI/GP or Heinkel Tourist - 10 inch wheels, engine capacity from 125 ccm, driveset swingarm in original position and design, fork and frame must fit/belong to each other and be of original construction.

Class 2: Classic - "Small Frame" ≤125 cc (e.g. Vespa Smallframe, Lambretta j-range or Simson SR50). Also 10 inch wheels, but unlimited displacement. Class 3 will be a 'Run what you Brung' - so long as it is, or once was, a scooter of some kind (max. 13 inch wheels) and a fourth class for mopeds - the vehicle must have been delivered with a pedal drive and a maximum speed of 25 km/h, frame and engine must be from the same type of vehicle and tyres must be of original dimensions.

So crazy that it cannot fail to be awesome fun! 

BMW Motorrad

BMW - "best sales result in the company's history"

BMW has announced its "best sales result in the company's history" - entering its anniversary year with 202,895 motorcycles and scooters sold - an increase of +4.4% compared to 2021.

The company claims that the results mean it "remains in first place in the global premium motorcycle and scooter segment". Dr. Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad, said: "I would like to express my sincere thanks to our customers worldwide for the great trust they have placed in us again in 2022. The record result clearly proves that our attractive product range and our brand are very popular with customers. I look forward to our centenary year in 2023 with great joy and confidence."

Germany remains the largest single market for BMW Motorrad in 2022 with 24,129 motorcycles and scooters sold. France also saw a record number of 21,223 vehicles sold (+6.7%).

"In other regions, several countries ended 2022 with a record year. In Asia (46,332 units/+7.4%), both China (15,404 units/+7.7%) and India (7,282 units/+40.3%) achieved their best results to date. Growth was also driven in North America (20,295 units/+11%) by records from the USA (17,690 units/+10.4%). 

"BMW Motorrad's record year was also driven by the Latin American markets (25,480 units/+17.2%). Brazil was the front-runner selling a record 13,051 vehicles, which represents an increase of +17% compared to the previous year.

"The R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure boxer models achieved strong sales figures in 2022 again. With a combined total of almost 60,000 units, the two Adventure models made a significant contribution to the overall result".

The sports four-cylinder models also sold well. The S 1000 RR reinforced its top position in the sports segment with over 10,000 units sold. "Together with the S 1000 R and the S 1000 XR, as well as the exclusive M 1000 RR, almost 23,500 units equipped with the powerful four-cylinder engine were delivered to customers worldwide".

The single-cylinder G 310 R and G 310 GS models saw over 24,000 motorcycles sold, and BMW says it sold nearly 5,000 units of the CE 04 e-Scooter.

Ducati

Ducati - "best year ever"

Ducati ended 2022 - its best year ever in new motorcycle sales terms - with 61,562 motorcycles delivered worldwide (+3.6% over 2021), surpassing the 60,000-bike mark for the first time in its history, "despite the global logistics and supply crisis".

Italian deliveries grew by 10% (9,578 units) - Italy becoming the largest market for Ducati and the Multistrada V4 is the most popular model with 10,716 motorcycles delivered worldwide (all versions) during 2022, and the Ducati sales network continued its expansion reaching a record 821 dealerships worldwide.

Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali is quoted as saying: "This sales result is the outcome of the path that has seen us steadily invest in the development of innovative motorcycles and consistently strive to improve the quality of the products and the experiences enjoyed by our passionate Ducatisti. 

"In addition, the Ducati brand has never been more loved and desirable, thanks to our extraordinary sporting achievements and our ongoing commitment to making our Ducatisti feel part of a big, welcoming family. Achieving a sales result above the already excellent levels of 2021 in such a difficult year for the entire automotive system is really an important measure of the flexibility with which the whole of Ducati reacted, together with our suppliers and dealers. This flexibility allowed us to contain the impact on delivery delays for our fans."

Claudio Domenicali

Multistrada V4 Rally

The United States was in second place with 8,441 units delivered, a decrease of -6% compared to 2021 "due to logistical difficulties and delays in overseas shipments". The German market grew by +9% over 2021 (6,678 units) and is Ducati's third largest.

The Monster family was Ducati's second most popular model family (7,971 units sold), followed by the Scrambler Ducati 800 line-up with 6,880 bikes delivered.

"These results add to the extraordinary triumphs achieved by Ducati in the racing world, which has seen the Bologna-based motorcycle manufacturer triumph in MotoGP and WorldSBK, and Ducati now has stores in 96 markets - including the likes of Brunei, Ecuador, El Salvador and Mongolia".

Energica Motor Company

Energica - 70% increase in demand in 2022

Bologna, Italy based electric performance motorcycle manufacturer Energica Motor Company has announced 2022 turnover estimates which show unit sales up approximately +52% and motorcycle revenues +67% compared to the same period of 2021.

The company says it has also seen "a very substantial increase in pre-sale orders across the product range, especially for the new Experia sport-tourer". 

Livia Cevolini, CEO of Energica Motor Company, said: "Thanks to the great work and significant investments made with the support of our main shareholder Ideanomics (NASDAQ: IDEX), all the indicators show Energica to be among the EV market leaders.

"This significant increase was achieved courtesy of the great feedback received in the first half of the year with the launch of the new model Experia, the world's first purpose-built electric touring bike, which is rewriting the rules of two-wheeled electric mobility.

"Our range of vehicles are recognised both by our customers and by other companies as the best in terms of reliability, therefore the products to 'beat' for our competitors. The Energica team has a unique know-how in extremely complex electric automotive engineering, enabling all high-voltage battery engineering to be performed in-house. 

"Software, firmware, hardware and style engineering are also conducted in-house. These are precisely the reasons why Energica owners choose our products and why other EV companies are relying on us for their innovative projects through Energica inside."

Energica says that it now has some 135 dealers and sales points of all kinds worldwide. In 2022 Energica added 33 new outlets in EMEA and Asia Pacific and 15 in the U.S. The first batch of Energica motorcycles will reach the Japanese and Australian markets in Q1 2023.

"Despite the very challenging global business environment, our strong and consistent growth trend reflects the sustainable scale of electrification in both the automotive and motorcycle markets. The demand for the Experia touring model is particularly strong in the EMEA, where over 80% of new orders have come from".

The strong order book received from the sales network and from pre-sale customers, up 70% from the year before, has also highlighted the need for expanding the Soliera facility of the Italian manufacturer.

The company has recently doubled the headquarters footprint, as well as investing in automation, and scaling an adjoining building into the existing facilities to expand and accelerate the manufacturing process. 

KTM

PIERER Mobility AG - "another record year in 2022"

Pierer Group of Austria - the owner of KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas (and more besides, including 25.1% of MV Agusta) - has made it a clean sweep of record years for Europe's 'Big Five' manufacturers with a 13% increase in the number of motorcycles sold (all brands) at 375,492 units (332,881 in 2021).

Consolidated sales increased by 19.4% to a new record of € 2,437m (previous year: € 2,042m) in the 2022 financial year despite severe supply chain challenges. The preliminary operating result (EBIT) improved by about 22% to € 235m (previous year: € 193m), which corresponds to an EBIT margin of 9.7%. The operating result before depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of € 381m is approximately € 50m more than in the previous year. The EBITDA margin amounts to 15.6%.

In the 2022 financial year, about € 268m were invested in growth initiatives, of which approximately € 161m was spent on product development and tools and € 62m in plant and infrastructure. 

In the past financial year, the number of employees increased by 839 to 6,088 - about 5,000 in Austria, with approximately 1,200 employees (or 20% of the workforce) engaged in research and development.

There were 268,575 KTM motorcycles, 75,266 Husqvarna motorcycles and 31,651 GasGas motorcycles sold. In the sales regions in Europe, unit sales were around 122,000 motorcycles (+2%) and around two-thirds of the motorcycles (approx. 253,000) were sold in the markets outside Europe. 

2023 Dakar Rally Victory - Red Bull KTM Factory Racing - Kevin Benavides.jpg: KTM celebrates 19th Dakar Rally title with 2023 winner Kevin Benavides.

Growth was particularly strong in North America, where almost 110,000 motorcycles were sold, an increase of +67%; South America with 37,600 (+16%) and in Asia with about 32,000 (+7%) motorcycles sold. Sales in Australia were roughly at the previous year's level (-6%) with around 19,500 motorcycles sold. In India/Nepal, sales were around 51,500 units (-15%).

After a strong increase in global demand for motorcycles in the previous year, both the European motorcycle market (-3%) with a volume of about 730,000 units, and the North American motorcycle market (-5%) with a size of about 470,000 units have slightly decreased.

The market share of all three brands was about 10% in Europe and 11% in North America in 2022. The Australian (including New Zealand) motorcycle market also declined slightly, with a 10% drop to 70,000 new motorcycles registered. Nevertheless, the market share of the three brands in total increased to 20% in this market. The relevant Indian motorcycle market, on the other hand, is clearly on the upswing (+23%). Bajaj sold almost 50,000 KTM and Husqvarna motorcycles in India, resulting in a market share of 5%.

In addition, the bicycle division with the brands Husqvarna, R Raymon, GasGas and Felt achieved sales volume growth of more than 15% and sold 118,465 bicycles (previous year: 102,753), of which 74,479 were e-bicycles (previous year: 76,916). About 81% of the sales volume can be attributed to Europe and especially to the DACH region (Germany, Austria and Switzerland). Another 11% relates to the North American sales region and around 7% to the Asian sales region.

PIERER Mobility AG reached a significant milestone with KTM in India. The one millionth motorcycle - a KTM Adventure 390 - rolled off the production line at Bajaj's Chakan plant in Pune. This Bajaj Auto Limited plant has been co-developing and producing KTM (125 cc to 390 cc) and Husqvarna (125 cc to 401 cc) motorcycles for global distribution since 2011.

Meanwhile, in Europe KTM AG took over European distribution for CFMoto motorcycles (principally in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain and Great Britain) through a newly founded KTM AG subsidiary (CFMOTO Motorcycles Distribution GmbH). 

In November 2022, KTM AG acquired a 25.1% stake in MV Agusta Motor S.p.A., by way of a capital increase. As part of this strategic partnership between the two European motorcycle manufacturers, KTM says it will provide MV Agusta with supply chain support and will take over the sourcing of components, with MV Agusta partly distributing its product range through the worldwide PIERER Mobility distribution network.

Matris

Matris for MV Agusta Brutale 800 Rosso

Italian suspension specialist Matris is a prolific new application developer - now turning its attention to improving the suspension settings and handling of the three cylinder 2020/2022 MV Agusta Brutale 800 sport naked Rosso.

F25R front end cartridge kit

Matris has a complete range of suspension products, starting with a full choice of front-end cartridge kits, including the 25 mm asymmetric "sealed and pressurized" F25SA, the top high-end cartridge and "classic" quad valve F25R, the classic cartridge for racetrack, plus the 20 mm asymmetric quad valve F20K, the company's "entry level" cartridge for sport use.

All these kits are fully adjustable on compression, rebound and preload. They replace the original internal fork parts and are fully 'plug and play' and ready to fit without any modifications to the original fork.

M46R rear hydraulic shock

At the rear, the choice is between M46R (top level) and M46K (mid-level) hydraulic shocks. Both are multi-adjustable in compression, rebound, length and spring preload. For easy and fast setting change, the monoshocks are also equipped with an integrated hydraulic spring preload unit.

SDR steering damper kit 

For sport riders, to reduce shaking of the front wheel and provide greater safety at high speed, Matris additionally recommends its fully adjustable "speed sensitive system" SDR or SDK steering damper kit.

MATRIS S.R.L.

www.matrisdampers.com

Athena

Athena Gaskets for Vintage Models

Vicenza, Italy-based Athena has added a complete range of over 700 engine gaskets for vintage motorcycle models - covering all the most important applications.

Athena has been designing and producing motorcycle engine gaskets in Italy for 50 years - 2023 is the company's 50th anniversary. The company says that not only is this its first such range in all that time, but that this is the only such range available from anyone, anywhere.

"These gaskets are specifically designed to supply engine builders, rebuilders and restorers, service specialists and enthusiasts in need of replacement parts with access to an unprecedented range of these critical components, covering most of the vintage motorcycle applications on the market - from the late 40s to the super sports bikes of the 80s - including both top end gasket kits and complete engine series," says Product Manager Marco Meneguzzo.

"The most important applications are available, from the historic Italian brands such as Moto Guzzi, Moto Morini, Vespa, Lambretta, into the vintage motorcycles from manufacturers such as BMW, Triumph, Laverda, and Benelli. You will also find the legendary Japanese models covered, such as Honda's CB Four motorcycles, and the Kawasaki GPZ.

"Designed to make the restoration of vintage vehicles easier, Athena gaskets are recognised for their unparalleled quality, equal to that of original replacement parts. At the core of the Athena gasket kits there is a solid know-how and constant technological development. Athena's internal team of engineers and designers have developed a gasket series totally compatible with the most iconic and historic motorcycle models."

ATHENA

www.athena.eu

SIP Scootershop

SIP - "Supersport" BFA clutch edition

 

German specialist SIP Scootershop has developed an all-new high-tech clutch for Vespa Largeframe models - a "Supersport" version of the unbeaten BFA clutch. 

CEO Ralf Jodl explains that "with this clutch, the operating principle of the Vespa Largeframe clutch has been reversed. This is to connect less mass rigidly to the crankshaft and has the effect of improving operability. Together with four discs and nine springs, this is an almost indestructible clutch that is perfect for any application. 

"The whole thing fits under the original clutch cover of the PX and creates low mass on the crankshaft - with 4 clutch plates and a version available with a toothed flange.

"The principle of the inverted Vespa Largeframe clutch is becoming increasingly popular - the grinding-in and separation behaviour are convincing. Unfortunately, these clutches are usually expensive, which increases the hurdle for the conversion. The aim of the "Supersport" clutch is to improve the ease of use, even on 20-30 hp engines. 

"The small company BFA from Italy made a start and was the first to reverse the operating principle of the clutch for Vespa Largeframe models. This means that the outer basket no longer rotates with the crankshaft, but the inner basket. 

"This principle was copied by several manufacturers, but the performance potential of the BFA clutch was never fully realised. SIP bought the clutch from BFA in 2019 and continues to have it produced by the same manufacturers in Italy. 

"The clutch works perfectly and can withstand power of over 70 hp without any problem. As the full performance of the BFA clutch is rarely needed, we decided to develop a similar clutch with 4 discs. The aim was to transfer the perfect function and durability of the BFA clutch into a cheaper clutch that can easily transfer 50 hp. 

"The result is impressive and can only be matched or surpassed in function and durability by the five-disc BFA clutch. As with the BFA version, the pinion is bolted on with 12 screws. The four clutch plates are taken from the design of the Cosa clutch, SIP pads on aluminium sheets are used. 

"This has made it possible to increase the number of plates, both on the inside and on the outside basket, which increases the service life of the lining and separating discs. Nine springs provide sufficient contact pressure. CNC-manufactured individual parts made of high-quality aluminium ensure low weight and high-quality standards. The pressure plate is mounted on ball bearings and the pads can be changed while the clutch is installed. 

The "Supersport" clutch is available in different versions - suitable for the original clutch flange of the PX crankshafts or with toothing that forms an almost indestructible connection with the crankshaft. 

"However, this requires the use of a crankshaft with the same toothing. The toothing was first found on the crankshaft of the BFA 306 engines, but we now also offer it for a whole range of crankshafts for standard PX engine cases. 

"If you want to combine the SIP 'Supersport' clutch with a large primary gear Z64 from, for example, Polini, Malossi, BFA or other manufacturers, you can buy the clutches 'without gear' (93440000 and 93441000) and combine it with one of the BFA gears (87482600, 87482700, 87482800). 

"The splined crankshaft stub cannot be combined with separate lubrication. The reason is that there is no washer clutch with splines and inner diameter for M14. The version for the original flange can be used with separate lubrication. 

"However, the protruding M5 countersunk screws may rub against the axle of the oil pump gear in the engine casing. To remedy this, it is sufficient to grind the axle of the oil pump approx. 0.5 mm lower. Alternatively, the protrusions of the screws can be ground off. 

"The 'Supersport' clutch for the Vespa Largeframe models is the absolute high-end solution for a clean, reliable and easy-to-use power connection between engine and gearbox," concludes Ralf. 

Features include a CNC milled aluminium outside basket, 12-pinion bolted with primary pinion, CNC milled steel inside basket, 4 full 'Cosa' type pads, bearing mounted pressure plate, CNC milled aluminium cover plate top and bottom and nine springs. Clutch plates can be changed in installed condition and can be mounted with the original PX 200 clutch cover.

SIP SCOOTERSHOP GMBH

sip.shop/reifensip