ACEM

First half year 2023 motorcycle registrations in Europe's major markets up by +11.3% compared to H1, 2022  

ACEM, the Brussels based international motorcycle trade association for Europe, has released its survey of new Powered Two-Wheeler and motorcycle registrations (all L-category vehicles) for the first quarter of 2023.

Based on the 'Big Five' largest markets in Europe, that account for some 80% of the new sales in the whole of Europe (Italy, France, Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom), their statistical release "confirms the growing interest for L-category vehicles in Europe during the first half of 2023".

New motorcycle registrations in the 'Big Five' markets reached 600,784 units during the first half of 2023 - an increase of +11.3% compared to the same period in 2022 (539,644 units). 

Motorcycle registration volumes significantly increased in Italy (192,497 units, +19.15% year-on-year) and Spain (102,626 units, +11.70%); Germany (129,966 units, +10.06%) and France (116,224 units, +7.55%) showed an upward trend. Volumes were slightly down in the UK (59,741 units, -0.92%).

Moped registrations reached a total volume of 99,782 units in the six European moped markets monitored by ACEM for small displacement purposes (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain). This registration volume represents an overall reduction of -25.81% in comparison to last year (134,503 units) - a widespread trend in the markets concerned, except for Belgium, that was up over the same period of 2022 (15,864 units, +2.85%).

Commenting on the current situation of the sector, Antonio Perlot, ACEM Secretary General, said: "When it comes to long-term EU market trends, over the last three years, motorcycles have shown outstanding progress nearing +50%. 

"In terms of mopeds, there has been an overall reduction of -12%, with a growing share being taken by electric propulsion powered units - although E-sales are fluctuating due to the effect of incentives.  

"All in all, the data confirms consumers' growing interest in L-category vehicles for convenient short-range mobility and for leisure."

Piaggio Group

Piaggio Group - first half of 2023

Roberto Colaninno, Chairman and CEO of the Piaggio Group, announced: "The Piaggio Group closed the seventh consecutive quarter of growth - recording the best results ever. 

"As at 30th June, turnover increased by over 11%, exceeding € 1bn, Ebitda stood at 191.2m, with an incidence on revenues of 16.3%, and net profit reached the highest result ever in the six months, reaching € 64.8m. 

"For the remaining part of the year, we will apply the management productivity system in all plants, which has allowed us to achieve higher margins without a substantial increase in prices. We will continue to carry out the investments envisaged in our strategic plans on electric mobility and ESG issues."

The Piaggio Group had sold a total of 324,600 vehicles worldwide (320,600 in the first half of 2022), up 1.2%, recording consolidated revenues of € 1,172m (€ 1,053.1m at 30th June 2022). Growth in volumes in the EMEA & Americas areas more than compensated for a slight decline in the Asian markets.

In Two-Wheel sector terms, the Group had sold 267,400 two-wheeler vehicles worldwide (-1.5% compared to the 271,600 vehicles sold in the first half of 2022), but the different product mix made it possible to achieve net revenues up by +9.2% , settling at € 956.1m (compared to € 875.8m as at 30th June 2022).

"The turnover generated by two-wheelers in the first half of 2023 was particularly strong in the EMEA & Americas area (+15.1%), with particular evidence of the very positive performance of the Italian market (+30%), followed by the American (+9.2%).

"In Europe, the Piaggio Group increased its share of the scooter segment, equal to 23.3% of the total market (22.6% in the first half of 2022), while on the North American scooter market it stood at a share of 29.3 %. In North America, the Group is also committed to consolidating its presence in the motorcycle segment, through the Aprilia and Moto Guzzi brands.

"The scooter sector saw a global increase in turnover of 12.2%, driven in particular by the Piaggio Beverly, Medley and Liberty high-wheel scooters and the Piaggio MP3 three-wheeler, which recorded an overall increase in revenues of almost 50% and by the Vespa brand, which recorded an increase of over 10%.

"In the motorcycle sector , we note the strong performance of Moto Guzzi, which recorded revenues up by around 30%, driven also by the new Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello, while at Aprilia, sales in the first half-year were sustained in particular by the supersports bike RSV4, of the Aprilia RS 660, Tuono 660 and 1100, and of the Tuareg 600, which also achieved important results in competitions dedicated to the rally world".

In terms of the Piaggio Group's Commercial Vehicles operations, the first half of 2023 saw the Piaggio Group sell 57,100 units, up by 16.6% (49,000 in 2022), achieving net revenues of € 215.9m, up by 21. 8% (€ 177.3m in 2022).

"Geographically, the Indian market regained strength, recording sales of commercial vehicles up by 34.7% and volumes up by 20%. The EMEA and Americas areas as a whole recorded a turnover growth of +2%".

Piaggio Fast Forward (PFF), the Piaggio Group company based in Boston focused on robotics and future mobility, continues sales of the gita land drone and the new gitamini robot. They are produced in the Piaggio Fast Forward plant located in the Charlestown district of Boston. "The marketing of robots foresees a first phase dedicated to the U.S. market, where the circulation of robots on city streets is already regulated.

"PFF has designed and developed sensors with an innovative technology that made their debut on the new Piaggio MP3 three-wheeled scooter, capable of offering unparalleled safety. Indeed, thanks to the integration of advanced driver assistance systems (ARAS), the new radars play a fundamental role in the prevention of accidents and in the protection of motorcyclists".

Norton

Norton V4CR in production By Ben Purvis

Only a year after rescuing the remains of Norton from bankruptcy in 2020, its new Indian owners - TVS - bankrolled a naked Café Racer concept based on the company's 1200 cc V4 superbike. Now that machine is in production with 200 examples set to reach customers over the coming months.

Called the V4CR, the Café Racer might borrow its engine and chassis from the V4SV superbike, making it a relatively straightforward creation, but TVS discovered that the superbike itself required a huge amount of reengineering to be sure of reliability, so it's taken until now to get into production.

That reengineering dropped the V4 engine's power from 200 hp to 185 hp, a figure that's carried over from the V4SV to the V4CR, but it still hasn't resulted in Euro 5 emissions certification. The low volume nature of the bike's production, at least for now, means it's easier for Norton to use Single Vehicle Approval rules in the UK, allowing bikes to be individually approved for use, instead of applying for full type-approval. The emissions limits are much more relaxed under this regime, avoiding the need to comply with Euro 5.

That means the majority of the 200 examples of the V4CR are expected to find buyers in the UK, but since Norton is still in a 'ramping-up' stage, this might be beneficial at the moment. Future versions of the V4 are likely to need Euro 5 certification to allow access to wider markets.

As far as specifications go, the V4CR's 185 horses arrive at 12,000 rpm, with 125 Nm of torque at 9,000 rpm, pushing a machine that weighs in at 204 kg, including a full 15-litre tank of fuel. The engine sits in an aluminium frame, TIG-welded by hand and equipped with Öhlins suspension - NIX30 forks and TTXGP shock - and Brembo monobloc brakes. Electronics include lean-sensitive traction control, an up/down quickshifter with auto-blipper, and three riding modes. There's also keyless ignition and a six-inch TFT dash, plus full LED lighting.

Buyers spending £41,999 (roughly € 49,000/$55,000) on the V4CR will have to choose between two versions. The Manx Platinum option includes silver paint and forged alloy OZ Racing Piega wheels, while the Carbon model has bare carbon fibre bodywork and BST Rapidtek rims made of the same material.

Yes, you could get more performance for far less money - just buy a Ducati Streetfighter V4 or an Aprilia Tuono V4 for a similar recipe at a lower price - but recent successes of high-priced, low-volume bikes suggest Norton won't have too much trouble finding 200 customers for the V4CR.

News Briefs

Russian motorcycle brand Ural has unveiled new engine and powertrain updates for 2023, including a new engine case, can, roller tappets, a new rubber rocker cover gasket to replace the old, time-honoured cork design in 2019 and up engines, and a new CV sidecar driveshaft to replace the old U-joint shaft. Excepting for the new gasket, the upgrades are all reverse compatible with all 750 cc air-cooled horizontally opposed flat-twin Ural engines. Founded in 1941 to provide transport for Russian troops in WWII, the war between Russia and Ukraine forced Ural to relocate assembly from its spiritual home at Irbit in Russia to Petropavlovsk in Kazakhstan. Urals are sold through an international dealer network in over 40 countries across five continents. The company is led by a small team in Redmond, WA, that coordinates worldwide distribution and works directly with the factory "to develop and refine the best adventure-ready sidecar motorcycles".

Bike and Business (Germany) reports that with a total of 195,006 newly issued two-wheeler driving licenses, 2022 has achieved the best result since the introduction of the new regulation in 2013 (IVM data). The AM driver's licence, which has been on the rise since AM was introduced nationwide at the age of 15, is particularly popular. Since the start of the pilot project to lower the minimum age for the AM driving licence from 16 to 15 years, in 2013, the number of new permits has been growing almost every year. Since the nationwide lowering of the minimum age in July 2021, the number of new permits has increased by almost +43 percent from 22,105 new permits (2021) to 31,580 new permits last year. Compared to 2012 - the year before the start of the model test - there has been an increase of over +180 percent. 

Harley's new megastore for the Cologne-Bonn region in Germany has opened, plugging the gap created by Harley Europe's controversial termination of the dealer contract for K&K Holding (Georg Kierdorf) at the end of 2021. Being operated by Managing Director Max Sedacek and Workshop Manager Peter Blittersdorf, it is the fourth location in the successful group owned by Andreas Reibchen, Stephan Kaminski and Peter Eul, the Managing Directors of H-D Bielefeld, Düsseldorf and Osnabrück.

Founded in 1973 by Don Emler Sr., Southern California based aftermarket exhaust manufacturer FMF Racing (Flying Machine Factory) has marked the start of its 50th anniversary year by returning as the "Official Exhaust" of American motocross. "It's no coincidence that the beginnings of FMF Racing coincide with the infancy of the Pro Motocross Championship, as both now boast a half century of showcasing the absolute best of what American motocross has to offer," said Davey Coombs, President, MX Sports Pro Racing. "The sport blossomed out of the booming Southern California racing scene, fostering motocross' first domestic superstars and one of its most influential brands in FMF. Our roots are in support of Pro Motocross, which has made the brand synonymous with this prestigious championship." 

The world's oldest surviving national newspaper has printed its final edition. Austria's Wiener Zeitung has published its final print edition almost 320 years after the first. A law change in Austria ended a legal requirement in that country for companies to publish public announcements in the print edition of the newspaper, terminating Wiener Zeitung's role as an official gazette. The change resulted in an immediate loss of an estimated € 18m of annual income and has forced the paper to cut 63 jobs, reduce the editorial staff from 55 to 20 and close its print edition. The paper is owned by the Austrian government, but is editorially independent and outlasted 12 presidents, ten kaiser and two republics. The oldest surviving print newspaper is now thought to be Germany's Hildesheimer Allgemeine Zeitung, which started in 1705.

Italian electric motorcycle manufacturer Energica rider Stefano Mesa (Columbia) and Tytlers Cycle Racing continue to impress in the Super Hooligans championship series, becoming "the first EV ever in the world to lead a race against ICE machinery", as Roland Sands pointed out in commentary breaking the e-motorcycle lap record (1:31.272 seconds) at Laguna Seca during Round 6 of the 2023 series, finishing in fifth place on the Energica Eva Ribelle RS.

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 adds CE 02 to its electric range By Ben Purvis

Back in 2021, BMW teased its next electric offering in the form of the Concept CE 02 - and the production version is all but identical now it's been added to the company's 2024 range.

Although it has minibike-style proportions, suggesting it's aimed at the likes of the Honda Grom (that's gained a strong following among young riders), the CE 02 is actually rather larger than it first appears, with 14-inch wheels, where the Grom has 12 inches. Overall, its length and wheelbase are roughly similar to a mid-sized, 125 cc - 300 cc scooter. 

BMW's marketing material clearly suggests the CE 02 is aimed at teen riders, suggesting they'll be graduating from skateboards rather than other motorcycles, and as such it's offered in two forms, both learner-legal. 

The main version is an 11 kW (15 hp) model that's equivalent to a 125 cc motorcycle or scooter, eligible to be used by learners in countries signed up to the EU's Third Driving Licence Directive. The second variant is restricted to 4 kW (5 hp) and a 45 km/h top speed to suit moped regulations, opening the door to even younger riders in some countries. They'll need to be wealthy teens, though, as the BMW costs around twice as much as a Honda Grom.

'new learner-legal model aimed at well-heeled teens'

Both versions use the same air-cooled motor, with 55 Nm of torque from 0 rpm to 1,000 rpm. On the full power bike, the 11 kW arrives at 5,000 rpm. At 132 kg it's relatively heavy for a 125 cc-equivalent, although the restricted version is 13 kg lighter. That's because the standard model has two 198 kWh, 48 volt battery packs, while the moped-spec model has just one. They are purpose-made, lithium-ion batteries (far superior to the off-the-shelf lead-acid batteries used to make the 2021 concept version work), and provide a range of 90 km between charges, with a top speed of 95 km/h. The single battery, 4 kW version manages 45 km/h and 45 km of range.

Although the batteries are removable for maintenance, they're intended to be left in the bike during charging, which takes 312 minutes for a full charge via a household socket. An optional fast-charger can reduce that time to 210 minutes, and a 20% to 80% charge - more representative in the real world - takes half that long.

There are two riding modes - 'Flow' and 'Surf' - and an optional 'Highline' package adds a third 'Flash' setting with a sportier throttle map as well as the fast-charger. It also brings heated grips and a different graphics package. 

As well as the 'CE' range of electric scooters (the larger CE 04 is already in production), BMW is working on a range of electric motorcycles which will carry the 'DC' name, followed by numbers to reflect their size and performance level. The first of these is likely to be unveiled within a year.

Matris

Matris twin shocks for six-cylinder customs

Designed specifically for the heavy-duty Twin Shock needs of the big, six-cylinder Honda cruisers, the GL 1500C / F6C Valkyrie, Italian suspension specialist Matris has developed a set of rear shocks to "optimise performance and comfort" - the M40D twin shock 'Dark' or 'Chrome' series.

The single-way M40D is an adjustable hydraulic twin set with an internal pressurised Nitrogen gas (N2) expansion tank and easy to use damping (rebound) adjustment and spring preload by a millimetric ring.

"Manufactured using only materials of high-end technical and mechanical characteristics, our objective was to offer fine damping adjustment to ensure confidence and excellent comfort. Each click makes a perceptible difference to the damping."

Matris shock absorbers are fully rebuildable and re-valveable; specific spring rates are available on the basis of user weight. These M40D Twin Shocks can also be installed on the Honda VT 750 Shadow (1997-2003).

MATRIS S.R.L. 

www.matrisdampers.com

Barkbusters

Two point mount handguard protector for Multistrada

The ever-growing range of model-specific hand guard kits available from Australian hand guard specialist Barkbusters continues to expand, allowing discerning Ducati riders to improve OEM offerings on the 2022 and up Multistrada VS/V2S for "the best quality hand protection on the market".

This newly designed, model specific handguard protector for Ducati's versatile all-rounder allows riders to fit a lightweight, high strength, two point mount, heat treated aluminum backbone to the OEM handguards for added strength and rigidity, upgraded hand and lever protection and greater durability of the original design.

BARKBUSTERS

barkbusters.net/what-fits-my

Motorcycle Storehouse

New Roeg Moto Co. - 2023 'Chaser Collection'

New for 2023 from Dutch moto apparel brand Roeg, the 'Chaser Collection' is said to combine style, comfort and protection. "Whether you ride on- or off-road, commute to work or about to embark on a trip, you'll find something to suit your needs in this collection."

Previously best known for helmets and casuals, new to the range for this year are motorcycle denim jeans, jackets and gloves - "as well as new designs and colorways of helmets, and popular, established casual styles such as Roeg sweats and hoodies. 

"Made with premium quality materials, manufactured by skilled craftspeople, and designed to fit perfectly, the 'Chaser Collection' is not just clothing, it's a lifestyle - for those who dare to be different, who love adventure and who never give up and chase their dreams." 

MOTORCYCLE STOREHOUSE BV

www.motorcyclestorehouse.com

www.roegmotoco.com

EXAN

EXAN options for Hypermotard 950 

Italian exhaust manufacturer EXAN has a choice of two exhausts for Ducati Hypermotard 950 models - the X-BLACK Oval (single) and new X-ONE (double) - approved for both Euro 4 and Euro 5, as appropriate, in order to meet the homologation requirements for all production years.

X-ONE

The X-ONE (2-into-2) slip-on silencer has a cylindrical shape with an oblique cut steel finish for a "slender and aggressive line". It is available in three different materials (black or light satin steel, carbon and titanium) and is designed as a "double" exhaust, just like the originals - but with better styling according to EXAN, lighter and delivering impressive performance gains, especially at low and medium revs.

The X-BLACK Oval (2-into-1) features a "rhomboidal" hand crafted carbon sleeve for an aggressive yet slender appearance. As with the X-ONE, it is available is black or light satin steel, carbon and titanium). 

X-BLACK Oval

The X-BLACK Oval is considerably lighter than the original exhaust and produces "extraordinary" torque gains at low and medium revs. It is also available in production year versions tuned for Euro 4 or Euro 5 homologation as appropriate.

EXAN 

www.exanexhaust.com

Nitron

Nitron - shock and fork cartridge kit options

British suspension manufacturer Nitron has added NTR shock absorber and TVT fork cartridge kit options for Honda's 2019-2023 CBR650R and 2019-2020 CB650R roadsters - seen here, this CB650R is fitted with its NTR R3 shock and TVT22 fork cartridge.

There are three NTR shock option levels that start with 24 clicks of combined compression and rebound adjustment (NTR R1 - 328.9 mm length with 50.4 mm stroke), then offer 24 clicks of rebound with 16 clicks of compression (NTR R2 - 330.1 mm length with 48.7 mm stroke) and the NTR R3, which has 24 clicks rebound and 16 clicks of high speed and 16 clicks of low speed compression (330.1 mm length with 48.7 mm stroke). 

All three have 9 mm of spring preload with options including Nitron Blue or titanium black spring colours and Hydraulic Preload Adjuster (HPA) - all three have a preload barrel at the bottom of the shock to allow easy access for damping and preload adjustment when the HPA option is not chosen. 

Nitron TVT22 fork cartridges feature 30 clicks of rebound (RHS) and compression (LHS) with 15 mm of preload adjustment. It has a 720 mm open length, 121 mm stroke, 120 mm air gap and 12 mm of spring preload. 

Front suspension options include the addition of Nitron's TVT Tri-Valve Technology fork cartridge kit (with included springs). Nitron shocks and fork cartridges are fully serviceable and repairable and backed by a 5-year limited warranty.

NITRON RACING SYSTEMS

www.nitron.com

Connected Motorcycle Consortium

Connected Motorcycle Consortium: first demo event 

The Connected Motorcycle Consortium (CMC) will organise an event in September 2023 to demonstrate several interactions between a car and a motorcycle - interactions where C-ITS applications or Advanced Driver Assistant Systems will help to mitigate the chance of a collision. 

As a collective effort between manufacturers, suppliers, researchers and associations, the CMC has been working towards integrating Powered Two-Wheelers into the future landscape of connected mobility. 

The CMC journey began with the launch of the 'Basic Specification' in 2020. Since then, the CMC has progressed further and will show results of its research in a demo event at the Dekra Technology Centre at the Lausitzring racetrack in northeastern Germany in September 2023. 

"Alongside world-leading motorcycle manufacturers such as BMW, Honda, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, KTM, Suzuki and Yamaha, prominent carmakers including BMW, Honda, Lamborghini and VW will also be participating in the event. The invited guests will have the opportunity to experience the systems live by taking a first-row seat as passengers in one of the cars". 

The event will also provide a platform for presenting key findings from the Consortium’s accident research, insights into rider behaviour and detailed information about safety applications. ACEM is an associate member of CMC. 

www.acem.eu 

www.cmc-info.net 

News Briefs

Yamaha has announced that 2021 Superbike World Champion Toprak Razgatlıoğlu will leave the Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK Team at the end of the 2023 season as he and Yamaha amicably end their successful four-year relationship together, with the Turkish rider seeking a new challenge for 2024. 

Varese, Italy based MV Agusta has said that the first six months of its partnership with KTM owner PIERER Mobility AG has already resulted in the addition of 100 dealers that are new to the brand, en route to an end of 2023 target of 180 new outlets. "MV Agusta dealerships are being appointed worldwide among the best already existing MV dealerships, the best selected PIERER Mobility AG retailers and business partners coming from the premium automotive industry". The company has also added enhanced customer care with a 4-year warranty on all model year 2023 bikes in Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France, Spain and UK (more countries to follow), with service activated lifetime 24/7 roadside assistance included in the purchase of any MV Agusta motorcycle. The company has also launched a new exclusive limited edition for its North American market - the Dragster RR SCS America edition marking the 50th anniversary of the launch of the 750 S.  

Yamaha Motor Europe has announced that it has agreed terms for 26-year old Italian Andrea Locatelli, who will remain with them until the end of the 2025. 

 

May this year saw the second edition of Ducati's #WeRideAsOne promotion bring 15,000 enthusiasts from all over the world to their local Ducati dealerships. "Paris, New York, Cologne, Puebla, Mumbai, Brussels, Ningbo and many other cities of the five continents were the setting for the parade which represented a symbolic moment for all those present." 

Chinese auto brands are on track to account for just over 50% of the cars sold in their home market for the first time in 2023, thanks to a growing dominance in electric vehicles.

Yamaha has announced a year-long celebration to mark the 50th anniversary of the World Championship winning YZ. The Yamaha YZ250 initially entered production in 1974, but Hakan Andersson raced a prototype version of the bike, the YZM250, complete with monoshock suspension, from the third round onwards in the 1973 FIM 250 cc Motocross World Championship. Andersson went on to win the championship that year, securing Yamaha its first world title in motocross. 

Arun Gopal, Head of EMEA Business Markets for Royal Enfield, announced a new Riders Club of Europe - "a community-focused, one-stop-shop for all current and future Royal Enfield riders. One that embodies all aspects of Royal Enfield's 'Pure Motorcycling' ethos." In other news, Royal Enfield has taken its UK distribution in-house, while an electric Royal Enfield - with a girder fork front suspension no less - has been pictured in an Indian automotive magazine. The chassis is believed to be similar to that being used in the Meteor.

As preparations for Triumph's debut in the 2024 MXGP/MX2 and SuperMotocross World Championships intensify, Triumph Racing has signed two riders to lead its race development testing. Clément Desalle joins as test rider for the Triumph Racing MXGP/MX2 Team, run by Thierry Chizat-Suzzoni, and Ivan Tedesco comes onboard as full-time test rider for the Triumph Racing US SuperMotocross World Championship Team, led by Bobby Hewitt. 

Piaggio has expanded its network of Motoplex flagship showrooms with a new facility in Idaho Falls, Idaho. The new facility will feature Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio and Vespa motorcycles and scooters. "We believe that a premium retail experience is critical to serving our passionate Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio and Vespa customers, allowing them to connect at a deeper level that resonates with a modern enthusiast that allows them to engage with our products and connect with our brands in a whole new way," says Marco d'Acunzo, President and CEO of Piaggio Group Americas. 

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

Uk motorcycle market

UK - motorcycles -0.88% to June

The latest available data from the MCIA (the motorcycle industry trade association in the UK) show the poor start to the motorcycle market in the UK in 2023 having recovered somewhat to be essentially flat for the YTD at -0.88% (59,339 units).

January had been reported at -7.07% (5,380 units) and February at -4.31% (4,503), with March at +6.99% (16,804 units - due to a lower-than-expected spike in new registrations due to the plate code change in the UK - the first of two such idiosyncrasies in the UK each year) and -11.96% for April. 

Given the economic circumstances in the UK, these are probably as good a set of results as could be expected - even so it was still the fourth best first half market performance in the UK since before 2009.

The small (and rapidly shrinking) UK moped market was -32.82% (just 2,475 units YTD). Total new PTW registrations in the UK were -2.73% for the YTD in the UK at 61,814 units so far, but still the third best first half in the UK since before 2009. 

Within that number, 1,924 new electric powertrain units were registered in the UK in the first six months of 2023 (-46.4% down from the 3,590 electric units registered in the first six months of 2022). The UK scooter market was -14.6% YTD (2,826 units).

Total scooter sales in UK YTD were 14,319 units 

(-17.3% YTD) - the best seller in June 2023 was the Yamaha Tricity 300. 12,078 ADV models were registered YTD (-1.5%), with the BMW R 1250 GS the best seller in June. Naked-style motorcycles are the largest and fastest growing single sector - worth 14,1457 units YTD in the UK and up by +11.2%. Brand share leader in June 2023 in the UK was Honda (2,382 units), followed by Yamaha, Triumph, BMW and Suzuki.

For the record: the UK motorcycle market was +2.01% for the full year 2022 at 108,510 units - the highest since 2016 and second-best since before 2009. However, growth evaporated in the second half of 2022 with five out the six months negative; two of those months were greater than -11% down, and that negative trend has clearly continued into 2023 so far. Total new PTW registrations in the UK in 2022 were +1.95% for the full year at 115,633 units. 

BMW Motorrad

BMW Motorrad Welt

BMW Motorrad delivered a total of 64,936 motorcycles to customers (+8.0%) between April and June in this, its 2023 centenary year. 

Building on the previous all-time high it posted for the first three months of the year, strong customer demand for BMW says that "demand for our motorcycles and scooters continued in the second quarter".

The highlight of a slew of news to emerge from BMW Motorrad in recent weeks are details of the grand opening of BMW Motorrad Welt at the Spandau production site in Berlin on 8th September. 

Designed as a brand showcase "to give visitors an incomparable brand experience", features will include rider training, travel and events opportunities, displays and, of course, motorcycles - 100 years of BMW motorcycle history in fact.

"With BMW Motorrad Welt we are creating our own world of experience around everything to do with the brand and its motorcycles - for the first time in our 100-year history. The location was not chosen at random, but is set right in the heart of BMW Motorrad production, on the grounds of the Berlin-Spandau plant - precisely where BMW motorcycles have been built since 1969. 

Technical Director at BMW Motorrad Motorsport, Christian Gonschor 

"Behind a historic brick facade at the Julius Tower in Spandau lies the birthplace of BMW motorcycles. BMW Motorrad Welt will move into an equally historic listed building built between 1914 and 1917 when it opens on 28 September 2023".

Dr. Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad, is quoted as saying that "experiences will range from the interactive presentation of current BMW Motorrad products, exciting plant tours and unique gastronomy to events, as well as external and internal booking options. BMW Motorrad Welt will offer a unique and fascinating platform for an emotional get-together on everything BMW Motorrad."

From Monday to Friday, the plant gates also open up "for visitors who want to immerse themselves in the fascinating way BMW motorcycles are manufactured. More than 2,200 employees produce about 900 vehicles of the Sport, Tour, Roadster, Heritage, Adventure and Urban Mobility segments every day on an area of nearly 220,000 square metres. A finished vehicle comes off the assembly line about every 60 seconds".

The weekend will also see the grand finale of the BMW Motorrad Customising Championship based on the BMW R 18 models.

R 18 'The Crown' custom bike by Dirk Oehlerking to mark 100 years of BMW Motorrad.

In other news, BMW Motorrad Motorsport is "positioning itself more broadly with a new and expanded structure, as it sets course for the future. Under the overall direction of BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Marc Bongers, new roles of Technical Director and Head of Customer Racing have been created. 

The Development and Test departments in Munich and Berlin are being expanded and Customer Racing will also be strengthened further.

The new Technical Director at BMW Motorrad Motorsport is Christian Gonschor. Uwe Geyer is taking on the role of Head of Customer Racing, alongside his position as Head of Marketing. Both report directly to Bongers. 

"Additional specialised teams, including an independent test team, have also been formed within BMW Motorrad Motorsport. The Development and Test departments in Munich and Berlin are being expanded and synergies between BMW Motorrad Motorsport and the production development of the BMW M 1000 RR are to be taken full advantage of". 

"With this new structure, we are optimising the way we are set up for development and test work, for our works projects and customer racing," said Markus Schramm. "This allows us to increase our capacities in Munich and our engine plant in Berlin, and thus to strengthen the development and test work for the FIM Superbike World Championship and the FIM Endurance World Championship, as well as for our Customer Racing programme. The connection to production development, under the leadership of Christoph Lischka, has been intensified. 

In other events news, some 32,000 visitors are said to have celebrated with BMW Motorrad in Berlin (7 to 9 July) at the 21st BMW Motorrad Days, with an additional 5,000 visitors attending the simultaneous Pure&Crafted Festival. It was held in the German capital on 7 and 8 July, with almost 5,000 visitors. This year's BMW Motorrad Days was dedicated entirely to the 100th anniversary of BMW Motorrad. 

In addition to offering enduro training courses and guided off-road tours through the Brandenburg countryside, the grounds of MCC Schenkenhorst were transformed into the place to be for the international BMW GS community. This was also the venue for the international qualifying round of the 2024 BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy to be held in Namibia.

Smart Glasses

In product news, BMW Motorrad has unveiled ConnectedRide Smartglasses - "innovative motorcycle goggles with head-up display technology.

"They can be easily connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth and app. The projection can be positioned, and the settings can be selected, before the ride and also while riding via the multicontroller on the motorcycle handlebars".

BMW Motorrad supplies two sets of certified UVA/UVB lenses with the frame. One set of lenses is 85% transparent and can be used especially for helmets with integrated sun visors. The other set has tinted lenses turning the smartglasses into a perfect pair of sunglasses.

For people who wear glasses, there is an RX adapter (+/- 4.5 diopters). This can be ordered online directly from the provider. The corresponding QR code can be found in the user manual of the ConnectedRide Smartglasses.

Motorrad Welt opening and R 1300 GS unveil to be livestreamed

June this year saw the 1,000,000th GS equipped with a boxer engine roll off BMW's Berlin-Spandau production line - R 1250 GS - where GS models with boxer engines have been made since 1980. 

The BMW Motorrad Welt and new R 1300 GS unveil will be livestreamed on BMW social media channels on 28 September 2023. 

Dr. Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad said: "With its unique combination of on-road and off-road capability, BMW Motorrad created a new genre of touring enduro motorcycles with the R 80 G/S in 1980. 

"That first iteration delivered 50 hp from its 798 cc capacity, and more than four decades later it has developed into the high-tech touring enduro we know today. We believe the development of the R 1300 GS will mark another important chapter in the ever-evolving GS story." 

Triumph

400 cc Triumph singles mark new era for British brand By Ben Purvis

Since John Bloor took control of Triumph back in 1983, the company has manufactured bikes with two, three and four-cylinder engines, but these new 400 cc machines are the first single-cylinder models to reach production in the 40 years since he saved the brand.

The new Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X are the fruit of Triumph's collaboration with India's Bajaj (also KTM's partner), and the hope will be to take on the likes of Royal Enfield for a substantial slice of the domestic Indian motorcycle market. 

Speed 400

They're not simply Triumph-badged Bajaj machines, but clean-sheet designs that will be made in all Triumph's mass-production factories - three in Thailand, one in Brazil - as well as Bajaj's Indian plant, will be sold in all Triumph's global markets - presumably, including the United States.

Both models are built around the same platform, centred on a completely new single-cylinder engine. Despite the fins, the 398 cc single is water-cooled, with double overhead camshafts and four valves operated by finger-followers. There's a reverse-rotating balance shaft to keep it smooth and DLC internal coatings to reduce friction. The result is 29.4 kW (40 PS) at 8,000 rpm and 37.5 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. 

Despite only a slight capacity advantage, the Triumph single makes around twice as much horsepower as Royal Enfield's 350 cc engine. The power goes through a slipper clutch to a six-speed transmission, and reaches the ground tamed by a switchable traction control. 

The engine is mounted in a 'hybrid' frame that's part perimeter, part spine design, made of steel tubes and featuring a bolt-on subframe that will allow more varieties of bikes to be made from the same central building blocks - a classic modular approach.

"Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X are the first results of Triumph-Bajaj venture"

At the bottom of the new single-cylinder range there's the Speed 400, which is designed to align with the Speed Twin 900 and 1200 models in Triumph's 'Modern Classics' line. Although the seat and tank are retro in shape, as is the simple, round headlight, the 43 mm USD forks and rear monoshock suspension are up-to-date, promising strong handling and putting the bike into the mix against more modern-looking rivals like KTM's 390 Duke (also built by Bajaj) and BMW's G310R, which is made in India by TVS.

There's a 1,380 mm wheelbase and 24.6-degree rake, plus 17-inch cast alloy wheels and Metzeler Sportec M9RR tyres, all aligning to promise fun handling, while a low 790 mm seat means the Speed 400 is low enough for most riders to get their feet flat on the floor. Even with the 13-litre fuel tank filled, the bike weighs only 170 kg, so the single front brake, by Brembo's 'ByBre' sub-brand, should be enough to be effective.

Scrambler 400

On board, you get a combined analogue and digital readout for all the main functions, plus a USB-C charging port.

The Scrambler 400 X takes the same main components and remixes them to fit in with Triumph's Scrambler range. The wheels are still alloys, but the front grows to 19 inches in diameter, and the frame is reworked with a 20 mm longer front section at the steering head and a revised, 23.2-degree rake. The suspension is similar to the Speed 400 but with longer travel, raising the seat to 835 mm. The same 'ByBre' front caliper grabs a 320 mm disc - up from 300 mm on the Speed 400 - to cope with the Scrambler 400 X's slightly increased 179 kg wet weight.

Pinasco

Engine casing slave Mega 8x for Vespa

Italian scooter parts specialist Pinasco's 200 cc engine casing with complete 34 mm reed valve is offered in anodised gold with a CNC-machined Mega 8X reed valve pack for largeframe 200 cc Vespa models.

It fits PWK 34 mm carburettors and the surface of the reed valve pack is tripled compared to the classic RD350 reed valve. The kit guarantees a power increase of around 4-5 cv compared to the standard reed valve engine casing.

Pinasco says that this Slave Mega 8X reed valve engine casing "is the top of its category and it has been developed for the most demanding customers - those who need a high-performance and reliable product with an attractive appearance”.

PINASCO/BETTELLA S.R.L. 

www.pinasco.com

Lightech

Lightech for the BMW S 1000 R

In the last edition of IDN we featured internationally recognised parts and accessory specialist Lightech's new range of designs for the CB750 Hornet. This month, the Italian company has turned its attention to the BMW S 1000 R - "a dynamic roadster on the outside, with a superbike heart on the inside".

Leading the range of model-specific designs is its adjustable rearset, a top-selling product for which Lightech is a market leader with export sales for a wide range of models worldwide.

This new Lightech BMW S 1000 R rearset comes with a fresh and modern design, with brand-new and ergonomic heel guards that enhance rider performance with a package of small details that add up to a significant upgrade on the stock BMW design.

It is available in three possible configurations - basic with fixed footpegs (p/n FTRBM008), "W" version with folding footpegs (p/n FTRBM008W) and "R" version equipped with carbon heel guards, titanium bolts, high-quality bearings and folding footpegs (p/n FTRBM008R). 

Precision-machined from billet T6 heat-treated 7075 (zinc alloy) aluminium, this rearset design allows both standard and reverse shifting - with a complete suite of spare parts and optional accessories available to allow customisation.

The chain adjuster (TEBM003), available in black, red, gold and cobalt, allows a more precise and easier adjustment compared to the OEM design, simply by rotating the knob located at the end of the chain adjuster - each click corresponds to a shift/movement of 0.25 mm. A metric scale engraved on both sides of the chain adjuster makes adjustment simple.

Another best-selling Lightech product is its licence plate holder kit (p/n KTARBM111), which is designed to complement the lines of the bike. It is sold complete with approved licence plate light and reflector and is made to comply with the appropriate regulations.

Equipped with a bracket for OEM LED turn signals, it can be customised with coloured washers on the sides.

This year has also seen Lightech develop a new range of brake levers, with a better and more precise adjustment system (p/n KLEV134). The kit is available in three versions - the "J" version with a totally black finish, the "K" version with coloured rubber inserts, and the "H" version (new for 2023), which features new ergonomic geometry with an increased curvature. All versions are precision-machined from lightweight magnesium and aluminium.

Staying true to the ethos that "it is the details that matter", Lightech also offers fuel tank caps in two options - a spin-on locking fuel tank cap and a quick release design (in black, red and cobalt), an oil filler cap, chain covers, mirrors, stands and much more.

LIGHTECH S.R.L.

www.lightech.it

Kappa

Kappa K45N top case

Designed with light scooter riders in mind for short to medium range journeys, the patented Monolock attachment system of the new K45N top case "guarantees excellent stability, light weight and practical use" (the lid can be opened and the top case removed from the plate with a single key).

This oversize model with 45 litre internal volume, well concealed by its specially designed shape, is intended for urban riders who need to stow away two full-face helmets or who need a large loading space.

The K45N has a minimalist, clean and contemporary design and a compact, almost cubic shape, which "tends to make the most of the internal space even vertically, thus reducing lateral dimensions".

Matt black with contrasting shiny light grey inserts, the top case is equipped with a front handle and four side "slots" for attaching a storage net to the lid. A security lock key kit complete with corresponding bush and under-lock plates is additional available, as is the K642 black polyurethane backrest.

Like all Monolock models, the K45N comes complete with plate and universal kit. Dimensions are 55 x 33.5 x 45.5 cm (L x H x D) and the maximum load is 3 kg.

KAPPA

www.kappamoto.com

GPR Tech

GPR Tech - Africa Twin

Italian exhaust specialist GPR Italia has leveraged its manufacturing expertise to start a new line of luggage and related touring accessories called GPR Tech.

Initially, the new brand is dedicated to accessories for Adventure models and seen here is a new model specific top case kit for the Honda Africa Twin - "to add a dash of Italian style to the Japanese engineering". 

Made of aluminum and equipped with an internal padded lining to protect the contents, including helmets, they are available in black and silver colour in 35, 45, and 55 litre capacity. The kit is equipped with a specific mounting plate, designed especially for the geometry of the CRF 100L.

GPR ITALIA S.R.L. 

www.gprtechparts.com

MIVV

MIVV for Husqvarna 701 Enduro/Supermoto

The STR-1 from Italian exhaust manufacturer MIVV has been designed by its in-house R&D department to "optimise the big single-cylinder that drives the two lightweight 701 versions (2021 - 2023) whilst remaining withing the Euro 5 regulations.

"Even as a Euro 5 exhaust, the STR-1 delivers a noteworthy increase in torque and power, a gratifying sound and refined compactness from all three of the available versions."

An easy-install direct replacement for heavier and larger OEM exhaust, it has a layout that has been designed to adapt to the spaces available on enduro bikes and "guarantees performance over the entire engine delivery range". There are two versions - an AISI 304 austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel 18/8, and titanium with 3k twill carbon end cap and support arm and a silencer that is also available in black stainless steel.

The STR-1 is equipped with a special dB killer developed to reduce noise without penalising performance. MIVV uses the latest generation of easily replaceable sound-absorbing materials and says that the STR-1 does not require remapping - product development was completed without making any changes to the electronics. To comply with Euro 5 homologation, in addition to the muffler, the MIVV ACC.041.A1 catalyst must be purchased. 

For the 701, MIVV also produces a racing header in stainless steel, intended for those who use the bike on tracks or on closed courses. This is also built in 304 stainless steel and offers diameters that guarantee competition performance.

The header adopts the standard position and can be used both with the MIVV STR-1 silencer and with the original - it is provided with a lambda probe connection for any intervention on the electronics and does not require the use of a catalyst. This type of set-up respects the rules related to off-road competitions, but is not Euro 5 compliant.

MIVV quotes a +4.30 hp gain max. at 8,000 rpm and +4.20 Nm max. at 6,700 rpm. The increase is well established along the entire engine delivery range, rising decisively from low revs and remaining constant up to 9,000 rpm. The weight reduction is -2.20 kg.

MIVV S.P.A. 

www.mivv.com

Spanish motorcycle registrations

Spain - June YTD new motorcycle registrations +10.86% 

The latest available data from ANESDOR - the motorcycle industry trade association in Spain - show that although the rate of growth in new motorcycle registrations in Spain in the first six months of 2023 has slowed a little, they were up by +10.86% at 101,422 units YTD. 

Registrations were +15.61% (13,171 units) in January, +0.10% (12,436 units) in February, +21.78% (17,917 units) in March, +12.35% (15,587 units) in April 2023, +10.30% (21,160 units) in May and +8.32% (21,150 units) in June.

This is by far the strongest first six-month market performance for new motorcycle registrations in Spain since before 2009.

Moped registrations remain soft in Spain, at -10.46% down YTD (7,079 units). Total new PTW registrations YTD in Spain were +9.16% at 108,501 units.

The top-selling motorcycle and scooter brand in Spain YTD was Honda (24,399 units for a 24.1% market share), followed by Yamaha (12,052 units, 11.9% share) and KYMCO third (7,427 units, 7.3% share), with Sym up to fourth (6,626 units, 6.5% share) and BMW down to fifth (6,610 units, 6.5% share). They are followed by Piaggio, Kawasaki, Zontes, KTM and Peugeot.

The top-selling model in Spain in the first half year Q1 was Honda's PCX 125 (4,660 units for a 4.6% market share), followed by KYMCO's Agility City 125 (4,200 units YTD for a 4.1% share), the Honda SH125i (2,972 units, 2.9% share), the Sym Symphony 125 and Honda's Forza 125.

The top-selling models over 125 cc were Honda's ADV 350 (1,192 units), the Kawasaki Z 900 (1,445 units), Honda's XL 750 TransAlp (549 units), Yamaha's X-Max 300, the Honda Forza 350, Yamaha T-Max 500, Yamaha MT 07, BMW F750 GS, Yamaha XTZ 700 Ténéré and BMW R 1250 GS.

Electric motorcycle registrations were -23.9% compared to the year-ago period; with electric mopeds down -12.7%.

For the record: motorcycle registrations in Spain were +6.30% for the full year in 2022 at 175,525 units - essentially flat with 2019 as the equal best year for motorcycle registrations in Spain since before 2009. In total PTW terms, 2022 was +4.54% (191,225 units). Demand for electric powered PTWs was +53.1% for the full year at 10,188 units - which was 5.8% of total PTW sales.

Bihr

Christophe Piron leaves Bihr - replaced by Peter Hakanson 

Bill Canady, the recently appointed CEO of Bihr distribution parent company Arrowhead Engineered Products (AEP - Blaine, Minnesota) has announced the appointment of Peter Hakanson to the position of Managing Director for Power Sports EU - a newly created role that appears to have been engineered to distance management of Arrowhead's European powersports industry subsidiaries from its other acquisitions in Europe, including its "Farm and Garden" businesses.

Christophe Piron is leaving Arrowhead subsidiary Bihr. His is being replaced as the head of the Bihr distribution operation by Peter Hakanson as Managing Director of new management entity Power Sports EU.

Hakanson has effectively replaced former Bihr CEO Christophe Piron. Canady is quoted as stating that "Peter will provide leadership and strategic direction for Bihr distribution. This new group includes the Bihr business that was founded in 1975 at Bartenheim, France, by Cyrille Bihr; leading off-road performance specialist Vertex Pistons (VP Italia) in Italy and Hi-Level distribution in the UK.

Canady, an insider at AEP's private equity owner Genstar Capital himself, only recently replaced the former AEP CEO John Mosunic, who oversaw the acquisition of Bihr here in Europe for an undisclosed sum thought to be in the region of € 500m, and major seven-warehouse national PG&A distributor Western Power Sports (WPS) of Boise, Idaho - for a reputed $1.5bn - in the space of around eight months in 2022.

WPS was started in the early 1960s and is the owner of the FLY Racing MX apparel and accessory brand, among others. WPS had sales estimated in the region of $650m annually at the time of its sale to AEP. It is currently ranked the second largest powersports product distributor in the USA - after Janesville, Wisconsin based Parts Europe owner LeMans Corporation.  

With warehouses in France and Spain, and corporate offices at Kontich near Antwerp, Bihr itself had been an active buyer of other powersports businesses here in Europe in the two years before being sold to AEP by Kontich based prior owner Alcopa.  

Those acquisitions had included Moto Direct/RST apparel and RaceFX in the UK, iPstore.be, and Paaschburg & Wunderlich/LSL in Hamburg.

Canady stated: "Christophe Piron will work closely with Peter to ensure a seamless transition. We are thankful for Christophe’s leadership and contributions to the organisation. He has set up Bihr for a bright future. We wish him all the best in his new opportunity outside Arrowhead."  

In the United States, AEP also owns other powersports industry brands such as All Balls Racing, Hot Cams, Pivot Works and Cylinder Works.

The process of ownership consolidation that has characterised the parts, accessory and apparel industry in Europe in the past three years has shaken up the existing overcrowded distribution channels here. An already hugely competitive sector has become ever more so as market uncertainty during Covid, logistics issues, inflationary and recessionary pressures (to say nothing of the war in Ukraine) have made it very difficult for highly leveraged investments to show the required return. Highly paid but under pressure CEOs of private equity investment holding companies and their subsidiaries are generally the first casualties under such circumstances.

Italian Bike Week

Italian Bike Week getting adventurous

After huge international success for the first edition last year, the Italian Bike Week - a classic late summer bike fest - returns to the shores of northeastern Italy again from the September 14-17 2023.

Organised by the owners of Biker Fest International (BFI), the AMD Approved Custom Show for Italy and the publishers of leading Italian custom motorcycle lifestyle magazine Bikers Life, this year Micke Persello and his team are placing a special focus on the fast-growing on the adventure bike and off-road scenes.

The venue will again be Lignano Sabbiadoro (UD), north of Venice, on Italy's Adriatic coast, where BFI is staged in May each year, and just a two hour back-roads ride from Lake Faak in Austria where Harley's European Bike Week is being staged during the week before the Italian Bike Week.

Last year, the event's debut attracted nearly 40,000 attendees (the 37th Biker Fest in May this year drew a record crowd of 120,000 people), so the venue and the organisers clearly "have the chops" where being able to draw a crowd is concerned.

The model that the Persello father and son team are replicating for Europe is that of the 'Daytona Bike Week' in Florida in March, which is paired with 'Biketoberfest' at the end of the season in October each year.

The plans for 2023 include a 155,000 sq m (1,670,000 sq ft) off-road arena as the center of the action, with trails dedicated to motocross and enduro - the longest one (7 km/4 miles) running along the track of the legendary 12 Hours of Enduro's special stage.

The demo ride area, which saw more than 4,000 test rides at May's BFI, will also get a dirt bike make-over for the event, with the whole event being geared to attract off-road and ADV enthusiasts as well as the BFI's custom crowd.

The Notturna Tassellata, a nighttime experience on 350 km of unpaved roads to Slovenia and back, and the Adventure Rides, the 70 km exploratory tours organised by MV Adventure, will also take place on on/off trails during the four days of the event.  

The Custom motorcycle scene roots that BFI brings to Italian Bike Week will again see the Luna Park Area, with its stalls, ethnic and street food stands, live music and exhibitors, open its doors to all types of bikers, embracing the passion for two and four wheels in all its forms. 

On the evening of Saturday, the Luna Park's parking will turn in the 'starting grid' for a spectacular Saturday Light Parade - an impressive event-in-the-event that will flood the streets of Lignano with thousands of motorcycles. The day after, the same area will be the meeting point of the U.S. Car On The Beach 2023, the second edition of the huge American Car scene's late-summer gathering, where the sound of V8s will mix with the V-twins.

www.italianbikeweek.net