Athena Group

Athena Group buys fast growing Italian distributor Innteck

The Italian Athena Group has announced the acquisition of a fellow Italian based multinational powersports industry business - distributor Innteck.

Athena marked its 50th anniversary in 2023 and described the integration of Innteck to its diverse portfolio of business operations as "a new beginning after 50 years of history".

Athena SpA will hold 100% of the shares of Innteck Srl and of its overseas branch Innteck Corp., an American distributor based in Boise, Idaho.

Founded in 2004, Innteck has, over the years, "created an ever-expanding international partnership network with [some of] the most important and famous brands in the world of spare parts and accessories - such as SKF, Motorex and many others".

Michele Mancassola, General Manager of Athena Sportech, commented that "Innteck Srl and Corp. are perfectly autonomous and well-structured companies with highly competent and experienced staff in the world of two-wheelers. Both companies will continue to operate from their current logistics locations.

“The partnership between Innteck and Athena is a crucial event in our 50-year history. We will clearly separate our production activities from the distribution side of the businesses with the intention of strengthening Athena SpA's identity as a manufacturer of industrial components and technical articles for motorbikes.

"This differentiation will also enable us to structure a distribution strategy that will allow us, in the medium term, to be increasingly autonomous in the sales chain of the items we produce while protecting the interest of our brands."

Athena says that the acquisition of Innteck has also enabled Athena SpA to consolidate and extend its distribution force in Southern Europe and the USA "thanks to a solid sales network and an increasingly broad and vertical product portfolio in the motorbike and off-road bike sectors. 

"The key principles that have characterised the distribution success of both companies will also be maintained: establishing robust collaborations with their suppliers and providing a high level of sales and marketing services".

The strategic plan to divide distribution to dealers in the world of two-wheel motorbikes and bicycles from production will be completed in 2024 with the inclusion of the Sportech division into Innteck - "thus creating the most important Italian distribution entity in the world of two-wheel motorcycles".

Founded in Lonigo (Vicenza) in 1973, today Athena is an international group with ten plants in Italy and worldwide. The company has four main areas of activity - industrial design and development of one-to-one technical solutions for products and industrial processes;  development of "innovative mechanical and electronic solutions for the motor industry"; producing and distributing a range of technical spare parts for the car and motorcycle sectors, and its 'Sportech' division, which distributes "brands with a strong innovative content and appeal which satisfy consumers’ passion for sports, technology and leisure".

Jopa Racing

Jopa Racing adds NEXX and more

Dutch importer Jopa Racing (Sidi, Furygan, Rusty Stitches, Knox and other brands) hasn't stood still since announcing distribution for Knox protectors and apparel earlier this year, with a slew of new additions as it prepares for the 2024 season.

Added recently is distribution of the Portuguese made NEXX brand of helmets. Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, co-owner Matthijs Verbei told IDN that "the NEXX brand fits perfectly into the philosophy of Jopa Racing Products because NEXX Helmets is one of the last existing European manufacturers with 100% of production still in Portugal."

Distributed in over 60 countries worldwide, the NEXX range is broad - from street, touring, sports and MX, to scooter, commuter and flip-ups, and Verbei added that "our excellent presence on the German market [Jopa has its own subsidiary distribution business near Münster in northwestern Germany] in addition to our home market here in the Netherlands makes Jopa a very interesting choice for vendors and brand owners who want to take their distribution to another level.

"We were attracted to partnering with NEXX because they are a genuinely innovative brand and we here at Jopa see ourselves as a natural collaborator for brands that are bringing new concepts to the market."

One of the many new in 2023 helmets launched by NEXX, the X.R3R HAGIBIS in X-PRO CARBON carbon fibre and translucent varnish in purple tones.

Another addition for Jopa Racing is the 'Vulcanet' brand of cleaning wipes - "a multifunctional product that works without water - replacing traditional motorcycle cleaning materials such as water, sponges, cleaning products, buckets, brushes, chamois leather, solvents for asphalt, rim cleaner, glass cleaner, products to remove insects, non-recyclable packaging and litres of waste water - Vulcanet wipes produce fantastic results and are a very environmentally-friendly, efficient and convenient cleaning solution".

Also new at Jopa is Inuteq - a Dutch cooling products supplier - including body cooling sleeves, bandanas and vests for motorcycling and a range of other outdoor (and indoor) uses. "Multifunctional products such as the Bodycool Smart - a comfortable and lightweight vest, designed to keep you cool outdoors. The cooling effect is based on the age-old principle of evaporative cooling. Easy to use, it just needs tap water in the cooling vest, and when you put it on, it will immediately start cooling your body.

"This cooling effect can last from eight hours to three days, depending on the ambient temperature, humidity and amount of airflow on the body. By using the vest, the temperature on your skin can drop between 5-15°C," says Verbei.

Another recent addition - Hiplok offers locks in different shapes and sizes - all designed and developed in the UK by a small, dedicated team of innovators and motorcyclists. Ideal for use on its own as short-term security in low-risk areas, or as additional security when combined with a cable, chain or D-lock.

Finally, Jopa has added Ryno Power - an American sports nutrition product that is very popular among motocross riders and is already used by many. Why not offer this in the Caféteria?

"Jopa Racing Product is pleased to announce the introduction of Ryno Power". Described as "the ultimate sports nutrition brand from America for motocross riders, Ryno Power is known for its high-quality nutritional supplements and products designed to enhance performance and power on the track".

www.jopa.nl

Kawasaki

Kawasaki Ninja models get official launch By Ben Purvis

After being officially shown a year ago without any details on their technical specifications, Kawasaki's Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 electric bikes have been given a full unveiling - revealing some rather underwhelming figures for performance and range.

Given the bikes' visual similarities to the Ninja 400 and Z400, which share many of the same body parts and other components with the electric models, you might have expected a similar level of performance, but in fact, the electric models are below even the Z125 and Ninja 125 in that respect.

The two electric Kawasakis are mechanically identical to each other. Both have an air-cooled, permanent magnet motor that's rated at just 5 kW (6.7 hp) with a shorter-term peak of 9 kW (12 hp). That makes them fractionally too powerful to be classed as 'L1e' mopeds, but rather less powerful than the typical 11 kW/15 hp 125 cc model in the 'L3e' licence category. 

Top speed depends on the selected riding mode and varies between the Ninja and Z, with the faired Ninja having the higher top speed rating. In 'Eco' mode, the Ninja manages 64 km/h (40 mph) and the Z can hit 62 km/h (38.5 mph). In 'Road' mode, the Ninja does 88 km/h (55 mph) and the Z can achieve 85 km/h (53 mph). In both modes, there's an 'e-boost' available, adding a brief hit of extra power, that increases top speed by between 10 and 14 km/h, with both models having an absolute maximum of 99 km/h (61.5 mph) in 'Road' mode with e-boost activated.

Using all that performance will inevitably impact range, and there's not a huge amount of it. Under WMTC conditions, both bikes are rated to be able to do 72 km (45 miles) on a charge. 

The energy is held in a pair of removable batteries, each with a nominal 50.4 V and 30 Ah capacity, weighing 11.5 kg. Charging time is 3.7 hours per battery. With the batteries fitted, the Ninja weighs a total of 140 kg and the Z e-1 is 5 kg lighter at 135 kg.

Will those performance and range figures be enough to tempt riders away from combustion engines? It seems unlikely, but we'll find out in 2024 when the bikes are on the market.

QJMotor

QJMotor developing electronic clutch By Ben Purvis

Virtually every modern motorcycle already uses a ride-by-wire throttle that eliminates the mechanical link between your right hand and the butterflies, so it's not a giant leap to suggest the same idea could be applied to other controls. Now China's QJMotor is working on an electronic clutch actuator that opens the door to a wide range of semi-automatic transmission options.

Revealed in a patent filed in China, the electronic clutch is actually quite simple. It features an actuator made of an electric motor and a small reduction gearbox that turns a shaft with a cam on it that engages or disengages the clutch. The actuator is mounted on the clutch cover and the system doesn't need any changes deeper in the engine, so the same thinking and components could be applied to a variety of different motors. In QJMotor's patent, it's shown on the company's 693 cc parallel twin.

In its simplest form, the electronic clutch is, in operation, indistinguishable from a conventional cable or hydraulic design. There's still a lever on the bars, but instead of a mechanical connection to the clutch, it only needs some electrical cables. A sensor on the clutch lever monitors its position and, via an electronic control unit, transmits that position to the actuator on the clutch housing.

Even in that, basic form, it opens up several possibilities. For instance, the actuator and ECU could be programmed to stop the clutch from being released too fast, or to stop it from being slipped excessively. It could also be mapped to give a more gradual, progressive feel at the lever, be programmed to disengage the clutch if the bike is about to stall, or work in harmony with the ride-by-wire throttle to ensure the clutch and throttle are perfectly balanced when you pull away, even if the actual inputs at the controls are 'off'.

The idea also opens the door to more sophisticated developments. Working with a ride-by-wire throttle and a conventional quickshifter, the electronic clutch could be programmed to make the clutch lever on the bars entirely redundant. It could automatically disengage the clutch when you come to a halt and feed it back in when you open the throttle to pull away. 

If a simple electronic actuator was added to the shift lever as well, the same system could easily be adapted for fully automatic gearchanges or a pushbutton shift on the bars, all without making in-depth engineering changes to the engine and transmission themselves.

The engine that the system is illustrated on in QJMotor's patent is already used on the SRK700 model and the Benelli TRK702, both models that are already offered globally.

GPR Italia

GPR 'Furore Silentium' 95 dB exhaust systems 

'Silent Fury' certainly is the back story behind the new titanium exhaust system introduced at EICMA by long established and sustainability pioneering exhaust specialist GPR Italia.

Co-owner Mauro Orlandi told IDN that this new titanium system - seen here for the Yamaha Ténéré 700 - meets the 95 dB noise level limit that many local and regional authorities in Europe are imposing in their jurisdictions.

This lower limit is more restrictive than the current EU standard approval regulations, and what started out as a draconian over-reaction to perceived rural noise issues in the Tyrol is now spreading and being adopted in an ever-increasing number of European regions.

An evolution from its existing Euro 5 EU approved and homologated silencers, the new line is made using mechanical silencing technology "which allows perfect compliance with the new requirements, even with complete systems like this one for the Ténéré 700 that is equipped with approved catalysts.

"Using titanium means it is lighter than the OEM system and that helps to deliver a +2.5 hp power increase in its approved configuration - with the kind of deeper sound that riders appreciate."

Available in a 'natural' or heat resistant black ceramic finish, as well as meeting the 95 dB limit, it is ISO 14021 certified in compliance with a product cycle that meets circular economy parameters.

In addition to the Ténéré 700, at the time of writing, the new system was already available for KTM 790/890 Adventure and Duke models, the Honda Transalp 750, and Kawasaki Versys, Ninja and Z 650 models, with more applications to be added.

GPR ITALIA S.R.L

www.gpr.it

HP Corse

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

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

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

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

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

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

HP CORSE by STEELFORM SRL

www.hpcorse.com

Lightech

Carbon parts for Multistrada models 

Respected Italian premium parts and accessory designer and manufacturer Lightech is always a prolific new accessory and component designer and is one of the quickest to offer dealers access to advanced parts programmes for recent models.

Noted for high-quality materials, precision manufacturing and an 'eye for detail', its designs are increasingly technically avant-garde with a high level of aesthetic taste, with nothing left to chance. 

No surprise then that its latest offerings sit right at the top of the 'art of the possible' with a range of advanced, lightweight, high strength carbon parts for the equally advanced Ducati Multistrada V4 and Multistrada 'Pike's Peak'.

"In all the motorcycle equipment offered by Lightech, the study and research that is the foundation of the development of our products is always evident in the end results we achieve," says Sheila Zaccaron, Export Manager for Lightech.

"The use of high-quality materials and the options that those materials present is central to our design approach and down the years, the use of carbon fibre-based composite has become the preferred lightweight material to replace conventional fibreglass or metallics. It is appreciated for its lightness and at the same time for its strength, the two characteristics that make it ideal for the motorcycle industry. 

"The Lightech catalogue lists a rich assortment of carbon products, some with a glossy finish, others in matt, for multiple customisation options. Some components are more sought after from an aesthetic point of view, with the aim of enhancing the lines of the bike, such as the tank cover, while others respond to technical and safety needs as well as looking great - such as the frame guards or swingarm guards that protect the motorcycle in case of impact. 

"Hence with our new designs, those two critical requirements are merged, combined into a single end result - aesthetics with integral technical quality, technical quality with integral aesthetics. This is the concept behind our new launch of a range of carbon fibre products for Ducati's V4 and 'Pike's Peak' Multistrada models."

Available in a choice of gloss or matt finished and manufactured in an autoclave for optimised quality and mechanical stability, the choice is wide - from front and rear mudguards to the clutch cover, from fairing side panels to under windshield deflectors, hand guards and heel guards, with more to come. 

"These parts give the bike a unique design that perfectly matches the livery and lines of the bike itself," says Sheila.

LIGHTECH S.R.L. 

www.lightech.it

Matris

Honda CB 750 Hornet

Italian suspension specialist Matris has added a full new range of front and rear suspension options to optimise performance and comfort on the 2023 Honda Hornet CB750.

To improve and upgrade the setting and the handling, Matris has its well-known quad-valve 20 mm asymmetric hydraulic cartridge for the naked twin's front forks.

Fully adjustable on compression, rebound and preload, a fully reversible genuine 'plug and play' install, they simply replace and upgrade the OEM fork internals without any modification.

At the rear, Matris recommends its M46KDPK mono shock. Offering rebound and easy-change remote-knob spring preload adjustment, a choice of load-based specific spring rates are available.

In addition, for sport use and to reduce front shaking, the adjustable "speed-sensitive" Matris offers a choice of steering damper kits in its SDR and SDK range - supplied with all necessary hardware.

MATRIS S.R.L.  

www.matrisdampers.com

Hitchcox Motorcycles

'Ready To Ride' - Triumph Modern Classics

A new name to us here at IDN, Hitchcox Motorcycles is a relatively new UK exhaust manufacturer whose engineering literally is 'race-bred'. The founders of the company have surrendered to their love for riding classic inspired motorcycles and pivoted towards the motorcycle exhausts industry after a decade of experience in F1.

Handcrafted in the UK, Hitchcox Motorcycles has a full line-up of exhaust options for all of Triumph’s Modern Classics range. "Every product from the Hitchcox Motorcycles range is engineered and made by us at our Brackley UK facility - just across the street from the Mercedes AMG Formula 1 team factory. We use the engineering skills and techniques acquired from working in Formula 1 to design handcrafted exhaust systems that come with a unique style and sound. A sound that is not just available for one-off custom motorcycles.

"Designed to connect true craftsmanship with consumer convenience, we have engineered a full line-up of exhaust options that serves all models from the Triumph Modern Classics range. Each product is handmade, but thanks to efficient engineering and the use of model-specific jigs, they are guaranteed to fit each model like an OEM aftermarket product while offering the look and feel only a custom-made exhaust brings. 

"Adding to the OEM feel is the package each 'Ready To Ride' product comes in, including all necessary mounting materials, gaskets and O2 sensors where applicable.

"Each exhaust has been engineered to offer the Hitchcox Motorcycles sound, but in terms of style and finish there is a lot to choose from in our 'Ready To Ride' line-up. You can pick between lightweight titanium or durable 304 stainless steel, depending on the product, and headers can be either mandrel bent or built up from pie-cut sections. And with sound and style both being at the forefront of the Hitchcox promise, there is the option to go for a brushed stainless look or a deep black ceramic coating. 

"From Bonneville to Thruxton and any model in between, from drag pipes to a reversed-cone style, each 'Ready To Ride' exhaust option offers a unique style and sound while shaving up to 9 kg in weight compared to the stock exhaust system. 

"We also offer a 'Design Your Own' service if none of our existing options aren't quite what you are looking for. Combining crafting skills with engineering experience, we make sure each exhaust looks the way it should, while making sure it doesn’t affect the durability of the engine. Under the 'Design Your Own' programme, Hitchcox Motorcycles has helped bring life to some of the most creative custom motorcycle designs. And for classic or exotic motorcycles, it is a great solution to acquire a perfect recreation of an exhaust system that is no longer available."

Founded in 2022 by Tom Hitchcox, an exhaust engineer in Formula 1 during weekdays and an avid rider on the weekends and motorcycle customiser, Tom brought those two parts of his life together when starting Hitchcox Motorcycles. "Our ambition is simple - to make the highest level of exhaust engineering available for motorcycle enthusiasts who are looking for nothing but the best."

HITCHCOX MOTORCYCLES

www.hitchcoxmotorcycles.com

Karl Kochmann

Redbike jet helmets with ECE 22.06 and 'Corso' sneaker

German specialist Kochmann has four new Redbike jet helmets available. The company says: "As one of the first firms in Europe we offer the classic jet helmet with the smallest possible fibreglass shell and European sizing, which now corresponds to ECE 22.06."

"Our Redbike helmets offer a perfect fit, optimal optics and craftsmanship, a super soft inner lining as well as a practical ratchet closure." Available in sizes XS to XXL and two shell sizes, a helmet bag and a visor are included.

In addition to top selling models 'Gasoline' (seen here) and 'Italia', two further versions in white (Silverstone) and black metallic (Evolution) are available.

Also seen here, the 'Corso' CE-approved motorcycle sneaker is made of finest nubuk leather and available in grey/blue or sand/brown in sizes 38 to 48. It is 13 cm high, has a breathable textile inner lining, ankle protectors, reflectors, a sporty sneaker sole and laces in two colours.

KARL KOCHMANN

www.kochmann.de

Hoco Parts/PDG

France Equipement joins Hoco Parts/PDG 

Powersports Distribution Group (PDG) has announced its acquisition of France Equipement, the latest in a long running acquisition programme.

The owner of the Hoco Parts Group, AFAM Group, Motorcycle Storehouse and other European distribution and producer businesses, PDG has concluded the purchase of the assets of the 1979 founded trade distributor with a broad product offering - including consumables, accessories and tyres for motorcycles, ATVs and scooters. 

France Equipement carries a range of high-quality brands, including its own well-known and high-quality France Equipement brand brake components, parts and accessories. France Equipement will become part of Hoco Parts Group.

The company's sales and product management team will continue to support customers from its office located in Nevers, close to the famous Magny Cours Grand Prix circuit in France. Arno van de Glind, Managing Director of Hoco Parts Group, said: "We are very pleased to welcome France Equipement and its experienced team to our Group. France Equipement is our first French based acquisition, and it fits perfectly with our ambitions to build our position in the French market via both organic growth and acquisitions. 

"Hoco Parts will fully support the France Equipement team in Nevers, with both the distribution of and the continuous development of the FE brand and product portfolio." 

Rudy Lartigot, Director of France Equipement, added: "The acquisition of France Equipement will be the next step in the development for our company and brands. Joining forces with a real European distribution group will be a great opportunity for our employees, customers and suppliers. It will further strengthen our position and most importantly help us to offer an even greater level of service to our customers." 

Rudy Lartigot, Director of France Equipement (left) and Arno van de Glind, Managing Director of Hoco Parts Group

A fast emerging and leading European group, PDG is headquartered in Breda (the Netherlands) and says that its "value proposition" is to be the "preferred partner for its customers and suppliers based on its broad premium product assortment, ease of ordering, availability, service level and perfect fit". 

The Group currently consists of three divisions - its general motorcycle aftermarket B2B distribution in the non-metric and metric motorcycle parts and accessories segments across Europe with Hoco Parts and Motorcycle Storehouse; its own brands with AFAM GROUP, an aftermarket supplier to European motorcycle parts distributors with transmission and battery brands like AFAM, Nitro and Shido, and its Vintage Parts Distribution with CMS, the leading global distributor of vintage Japanese motorcycle parts. 

PDG is majority owned by Torqx Capital Partners in partnership with management and former owners. 

News Briefs

Polaris Industries has reported financial and operational highlights for the second quarter of 2023, including sales of $2,217m, up 7% compared to last year. The primary sales drivers were said to be "favourable ship volumes, product mix and net pricing partially offset by higher finance interest". Polaris reports market share gains in Off Road, On Road and Marine segments with overall powersports retail sales for the quarter up 14%. North America unit retail sales for Indian Motorcycle were up over 40%.

Following Honda's inclusion of level 3 Autonomy features into a road-going car (in Japan), Mercedes is rolling out driverless SAE level 3 technologies in Germany, and the U.S. IDTechEx's new report, "Autonomous Cars, Robotaxis and Sensors 2024-2044", suggests that it won't be long before the trickle becomes a flood. Mercedes' S-Class flagship luxury sedan (often a tech trailblazer) has level 3 certification in Germany and the U.S., meaning that for the first time, drivers in these regions will be able to take their hands off the wheel, feet off the pedals, and mind off the driving. Tesla, GM and Ford can all offer hands-free driving on highways in the U.S., but none of these systems are certified for level 3. This distinction means that the driver always needs to pay attention to what the vehicle is doing. Moreover, the driver is always responsible for the vehicle, and if there is an accident, then blaming it on the car's driving will likely not hold up in court. However, now that Mercedes has a certified level 3 vehicle, others are expected to respond quickly.

China's economy fell into deflation for the first time in more than two years, as prices contracted in July. Its consumer-price index fell by 0.3% year on year, after not changing in June. Domestic spending has slowed amid a faltering economic recovery after the pandemic. China also suffered a worse-than-expected drop in exports, which fell by 14.5% year-on-year in dollar terms in July, the biggest decline since February 2020. China's GDP on the other hand continues to grow apace, experiencing a healthy growth rate of 5.5% year-on-year in the first half of 2023, one percentage point faster than the first quarter this year. Total GDP reached RMB 59.3tn (approx. US$8.3tn).

Swedish head protection specialist MIPS has invested $1.3m for a 25% stake in Quin, a Dallas, Texas based sensor-based technology company specialising in event detection and data-driven emergency response protocols, offering specialised sensor fusion and software to helmet brands since 2018. "Quin's proprietary technology turns passive gear into smart companions, connecting the closest emergency services to those in distress". The MIPS system is a helmet additive technology that, after many years of struggling to gain acceptance, has now become an important safety hallmark for leading helmet brands. The deal with Quin could pave the way for MIPS to further develop its brand's safety story. 

The Energica Experia, the company's zero emissions electric touring model, has won the Motorcycle News (MCN) 2023 Best Electric Motorcycle award in the United Kingdom. Based near Bologna in Italy, and these days owned by Wall Street listed Ideanomics, Energica is no stranger to the MCN award, having picked it up in 2016 and 2017, respectively, with the Ego and EsseEsse9 models.

Zero Motorcycles has scooped the Gold Award in the transportation category at the prestigious 2023 IDSA International Design Excellence Awards Ceremony for the Zero SR-X.

Independent of any regulatory investigation, it's all systems stop for BMW Motorrad USA as it issued a North American 'Stop Sale' order to dealers in September for all new and used ICE units - following an "internal quality analysis". The cause remained uncertain as IDN went to press, but is believed to relate to a fuel system issue. This does not affect the new BMW CE04 electric bike. 

PSB reports that in 2022 the North American UTV market dropped in unit volume for the second straight year by -5.6% in 2022 ("to just under 550,000 units"). This follows ten consecutive years of growth. Of the ten best-selling UTV models, four were made by Polaris and they accounted for 7.2% of the market. For YTD 2023, the ATV market (as it is referred to in MIC data) was down by a further -8.7% to 89,724 units for the first six months (-8,586 units).

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 -2.33% to August

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 continued through August to leave the UK market down -2.33% YTD at 76,393 units sold.

July was -7.78% at 9,389 units sold, with August at -6.19% at 7,665 units sold. Though it is possible that September's numbers will show somewhat of a rebound - it being the second of the two months each year when new date-based licence plate numbers are introduced. An arcane idiosyncrasy, unique to the UK market, that sees vehicle registration dates change twice each year - distorting available market trend data.

Given the economic circumstances in the UK, these are probably as good a set of results as could be expected - even so it was the third-best market performance for the first eight months since at least before 2009 (behind 2022 with 78,216 units registered and 2016 with 79,234).

The small (and rapidly shrinking) UK moped market was -30.98% (just 3,473 units YTD). Total new PTW registrations in the UK were -4.06% for the YTD in the UK at 79,866 units, but still the fifth best for the first eight months of the year in the UK since before 2009.

Within that number, 2,647 new electric powertrain units were registered in the UK in the first eight months of 2023 (-45.2% down from the 4,832 electric units registered in the first eight months of 2022). Total scooter sales in UK YTD were 16,242 units (-14.1% YTD)

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.

Royal Enfield

Royal Enfield Bullet 350 By Ben Purvis

Royal Enfield might be making tracks into the 21st century with models like the soon-to-be-revamped Himalayan and Scram, and even working on an electric bike for the future, but the company's 'day job' is its heritage and that's where the new Bullet 350 is aimed.

Built around the Euro 5-compliant 'J-series' engine that first appeared in the Meteor 350 in 2020, the Bullet 350 combines Royal Enfield's heritage with the sort of attractive pricing that the brand has become known for, all while intentionally avoiding any sort of gimmicks or over-the-top technology.

That J-series engine is a 349 cc, air-cooled SOHC single that puts out 20.2 hp at 6,100 rpm and 19.9lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, making for leisurely progress but avoiding the need to thrash it. Driving through a five-speed gearbox with an old school heel-and-toe rocker shifter, that engine's design is rooted in the past, with two valves per cylinder and a long 85.8 mm stroke combined with a small 72 mm bore. It's a recipe for low-rev torque rather than out-and-out performance, but one that should also make for a reliable, under-stressed engine that's simple and easy to maintain. There's also some remarkable fuel economy on display, with 2.63 l/100 km (107 mpg) possible to give a range of nearly 500 km (310 miles) from the 13-litre tank.

It's bolted to a traditional steel spine frame with 41 mm forks and twin rear shocks, offering little in the way of adjustability beyond six stages of preload at the back to accommodate different loads. A single 300 disc and two-pot front caliper do most of the braking, assisted by a 270 mm rotor and single-piston caliper at the back. ABS is standard, as required by law in Europe.

The Bullet's thickly-padded seat might not look as good as the Classic 350's single-seat unit, but it offers an extra dose of practicality that's a key part of the bike's appeal and its 805 mm height is within reach to most riders. 

Concessions to 21st-century technology are limited to a small LCD display inside the analogue speedo and a standard-fit USB socket on the bars to charge phones or power a sat-nav, a level of simplicity that's likely to be appealing to most Bullet customers rather than seen as a downside of the bike.

National Cycle

National Cycle subsidiary PCQ part of Electric Assisted Vehicles' success

Maywood, Illinois based PCQ Technologies, a subsidiary of internationally respected motorcycle windshield manufacturer National Cycle, has seen one of its customers recognised in winning the International Cargo Bike of the Year 2023 award at the IAA Mobility Expo in Munich, Germany.

In an impressive field, manufacturer Electric Assisted Vehicles' (EAV) '2Cubed' eCargo (a van-replacing cargo bike) was recognised by the judges for its "ride experience and productivity-enhancing features".

EAV is quoted as saying that "we are driven by a passion to revolutionise the last mile of delivery and it is brilliant to have the '2Cubed' recognised by such a distinguished panel of judges in such a prestigious environment."

PCQ Technologies produces the windshield/canopy component of the EAV, using the same Quantum hardcoated polycarbonate technology that National Cycle uses in its own award-winning VStream motorcycle windshields. 

"PCQ literally stretched the boundaries of what is possible with large, formed vehicle glazings - all while reducing component weight by more than 50% over automotive safety glass alternatives".

www.pcqtech.com

SIP Scootershop

SIP - combo instruments and more 

German scooter parts and accessory specialist SIP Scootershop has added several new products to its programme in recent months, including the SIP Tacho Karacho - a speedo and rev counter combination instrument for Vespa PX80-200 E Lusso/'98/MY/'11 - also suitable for the 124 to 300 cc Vespa GTV/GT 60. 

Since their introduction in 2010, SIP speedo/rev counter combination instruments have "fundamentally changed the market," says CEO Ralf Jodel. Functions that were previously only available by using a number of devices have now been brought together in a single, unobtrusive product design.

Tacho Karacho speedo and rev counter combination instrument for Vespa

Available in 100 mph and 160 km/h versions and featuring race-style optics in analogue or digital display options, the new "Tacho Karacho" version, with its hand hanging at 6 o'clock, is reminiscent of the instruments on sports and racing cars of the 60s and 70s. In addition to rpm and speed, it can also display temperature and can be switched between AF and EGT connection in the menu.  

A small press button allows an elegant change between the different displays, and it can be discreetly mounted on or under the light switch. As an extra quality control step, every time the engine is started, the rev counter performs a self-test - creating a touch of Grand Prix feeling.  

Also seen here, the SIP T5 tachometer is a multi-instrument for Vespa T5 models in the look of the original analogue instruments. 

T5 tachometer multi-instrument for Vespa T5 models 

It displays analogue tachometer, speed and fuel gauge in original optics style - national and international versions are available. Among a number of ergonomic touches and innovative functions, on longer journeys riders can distinguish between two individual distances with driving time and average speed - perfect for distinguishing between daily and touring distances - with the total distance also able to be set. Another special function is a gear indicator that compares the number of revolutions and the speed travelled to calculate the gear ratio.

An internal memory means all data remains safely backed up; it operates on 12V AC/DC, so no battery is required. SIP Performance, Vespatronic and Parmakit ignitions can be connected. 

Finally, this stainless steel rear lowering kit (with ABE) for 125-300 cc Vespa GTS/​GTS Super/​GTV/​GT 60/​GT/​GT L models reduces the height by approx. 2 cm, improving seat height ergonomics for shorter riders - it is designed to work with the original rear shock absorber and exhaust.

Lowering kit

The rear shock absorber retains its full height, the kit mounts to the two rear shocks. On the right side, two new plates are mounted instead of the original shock absorber mount. On the left side, the suspension strut is lowered by means of an adapter. This lowers the vehicle while the suspension strut retains its full working travel. Further comfort for the pillion rider is provided by SIP footrest adapters. 

SIP SCOOTERSHOP GMBH 

www.sip-scootershop.com

Wind Trading (Ravenna, Italy)

WRP replacement component kits

Available through Wind Trading (Ravenna, Italy), the WRP components programme offers one of the industry's most comprehensive lines of bearing and seal kits, drive line, suspension kits and cables.

WRP components are manufactured at leading OEM factories and all products meet or exceed OEM quality and specifications to ensure maximum quality, performance and high durability.

"Thanks to quality design and construction to meet the toughest riding conditions, whether you ride on or off-road, WRP have you covered with the bearings or drive line components you need in one convenient package at affordable prices.

"The kits contain all the parts needed for rebuilding the engine and can be used in combination with all other WRP or OEM related products".

WIND TRADING SRL 

www.wrpracing.com

WRS

Transalp windshield options

In recent editions IDN featured new Ducati Diavel V4 Husqvarna Norden 901 adventure touring model (2022-2023) windscreens manufactured in Italy by Tavullia (PU) specialist WRS. 

Since then, its prolific new application programme has moved on to the immediately popular Honda XL750 Transalp.  Made using high quality DOT626 approved, 3 mm thick PMMA plexiglass, WRS says its screens are easy to assemble and install using the original fairing mounts and hardware. 

Capnord, transparent

Available in clear and a selection of tints, WRS has added a choice of Sport, Caponord and Touring style design screens for improved aerodynamics and rider comfort on the Transalp.

Easy to assemble, the original fairing is removed and the WRS fairing is simply mounted as a replacement upgrade using the same screws.

Touring, smoked

This Touring version is 5 cm higher than the original fairing at 45.5cm; for sportier style riders, WRS offers the 35.5 cm high Sport style design (which is 5 cm lower than stock, but for those who anticipate doing most of their riding - whether on or off-road - in more extreme conditions, the Caponord screen is a full 10 cm higher than stock at 50.5 cm. Model-specific install kits are included, with all necessary hardware.

Sport, smoked

"Our windscreens will remove the slight visual distortion present in the original windshield and decrease the turbulence on the helmet and on the shoulders," Sales Manager Michele Maresi. "The designs of our three options for the Honda Transalp have been researched in detail to fit perfectly and complement the lines of the bike."

WRS' credentials as a windscreen manufacturer are, literally, 'race bred' - it is a technical partner for Team BMW Motorrad in WSBK and Pramac Ducati in MotoGP, among others.

Additional recent new windscreen design applications available from WRS include the Kawasaki Z 1000 SX (available in 2017-2020 and the 2021-2023 'Ninja' versions) and the Suzuki 650 XT V-Strom. "All our windscreens are made following the strictest design standards in terms of safety, materials quality and manufacturing precision to guarantee the maximum possible resistance, transparency, safety and durability," says Michele.

Also available for the Honda Transalp, the WRS navigator support frame bracket is manufactured in lightweight, high-strength 12 mm tube (in black), which gives riders an ergonomic mount option above the dashboard display for the navigator and smartphone.

WRS SRL 

www.wrs.it

SC-Project

SC-Project - Rally Raid Tuareg 660 slip-on and manifold kit 

This 2023 race-derived Rally Raid slip-on silencer for the Aprilia Tuareg 660 "optimises the look, sound and power delivery of the Tuareg 660 in compliance with all Euro 5 regulations, plus Swiss legislation".

Made in Italy by SC-Project (Cassinetta di Lugagnano, Milan), the design and volume of the silencer have been precisely calibrated and intensively tested. The outlet of the Rally Raid has a large 60 mm diameter with dB killer - the muffler and even the bracket connecting it to the frame have been designed for tough use in extreme conditions. In order to achieve perfect pressure tightness, the components of the internal exhaust gas duct are made of high-precision, lightweight, CNC-milled material.

The slip-on meets Euro 5 regulations, but for racing or enclosed track use it can be equipped with the SC-Project race kit. For this purpose, SC-Project has additionally developed manifolds for the Tuareg 660 - a result of research, development and testing by the SC-Project Race Department, who have designed a race header kit that optimises the overall performance of the Tuareg 660. 

High-quality components include bushings CNC-machined from solid titanium for reliable precision connections, which makes assembly easier and improves the performance of the exhaust system. The absence of the original catalytic converter of the Aprilia allows for a significant reduction in weight, lower operating temperatures and a rich and deep sound. SC-Project recommends ECU remapping when using the race manifolds.

The non-Euro 5 compliant kit has been optimised for use with SC-Project silencers such as the Rally Raid. It is available in ultra-light titanium or stainless steel.

SC-PROJECT

www.sc-project.com

Rotobox

Rotobox has you covered

Slovenian carbon fibre specialist Rotobox has launched a "very special new carbon fibre product as an upgrade accessory for Rotobox wheels - peak performance Rotobox wheel covers for Bullet wheels to provide further aerodynamic improvements".

The Rotobox wheel cover kit is a two-piece upgrade accessory designed for 17-inch Rotobox Bullet rear carbon wheels. Easy to install and compatible with rear Bullet wheels for motorcycles with dual- sided swingarm, the covers are designed to fit inside the wheel and clear the hub and brake. One of the covers has a cut-out for the valve stem; they are held in place with five mounting screws. 

Rotobox' high performance, lightweight carbon fibre wheels are designed to improve the handling, acceleration and braking of the motorcycle by reducing unsprung weight. "Incredibly strong, Rotobox is the leading choice for racing and high-performance riding. With their sleek, modern design, Rotobox wheels are also designed to look great". 

ROTOBOX

customize.rotobox-wheels.com

Comment by Editor, Robin Bradley

What does 'business as usual' look like now?

I am a self-confessed 'news junkie'. It is an addiction, just like any other, and with it comes a particular suite of dependency symptoms. One of those symptoms is a voracious appetite for information, in my case especially where politics, economics and business news is concerned, and, like all of us, a dependency on the experience, expertise and opinions of those we are exposed to through our media channels of choice - print, radio, television, online, extra sensory perception, whatever.

However, the innate cynic in me (actually the realism that unfiltered optimists refer to as cynicism) has always consumed the broadest possible information footprint, from all points on the political and economic compass, in order to try to construct a perspective that is protected from dependency on any one channel. Regrettably, confirmation bias is a defining characteristic of how information is prioritised in the 21st century.

In the past 24 months, as the motorcycle industry cycle started to weaken from the peak-Covid bonanza, as shortages and supply chain inflation started to infect our (and many other) markets, as the war with Russia in defence of democracy and freedom additionally started to shape our economic landscapes, as the resulting spike, when the energy process started to feed consumer price inflation, I started to develop an uneasy feeling.

'horrendous debt burden'

In the past 12 months specifically, the frequency speed with which the 'Talking Head' consensus was proven wrong over issues from inflation and interest rates to how best to respond to the war in Ukraine and issues such as energy security, to say nothing of the even broader and more long-term issues surrounding climate change, that uneasy feeling has crystalised into an evidence based fear that those we listen to are as far from being able to grasp and understand the issues and plot a rational forward strategy as the rest of us.

Then, the shoe dropped. The event that finally came as a 'Five Sigma' proof of concept came, for me, in September. Having been exposed to dozens of economists, investment analysts, media types and assorted other 'Talking Heads' telling us all how the European Central Bank (ECB) had reached the peak of its interest rate rise cycle and that it and the other Central Banks were winning the fight against inflation, and that the only conceivable direction of travel from here on would be to see interest rates stabilise and then start to decline, guess what happened?

Yes, that's right - into my phone came an advisory that, in fact, the ECB had decided to raise its interest rates, yet again. They did so with all three of its interest rate mechanisms - on main refinancing operations, on the marginal lending facility, and on the deposit facility - increasing them to 4.50%, 4.75% and 4.00% respectively. This equates to an effective base rate, in 'old speak', of 4.75%.

So much for the economists. So much for the 'Talking Heads'. So much for the credibility of the illustrious Christine Lagard's experience and her own prior remarks. As a former French Finance Minister, who was Managing Director of the IMF for a long time - and is now President of the ECB - she is a lady who has built up a first-class reputation for 'telling it how it is', understanding these things and, mostly, getting it right.

She has been viewed as a voice of reason, a reassuring voice of stability and continuity on the economic scene, someone whose views have always been worth paying attention to, someone who knows who to listen to, and who to be deaf to. By any standards, hers is an impressive résumé. She is an impressive operator who has proven to be genuinely very good at her jobs. But if even she and the team around her can get it wrong in the present economic climate, then the rest of us have no chance.

What's this got to do with us? Everything and nothing. Ultimately our livelihoods are simply dependent on the number of people who want to ride motorcycles and the number of miles they do. Simple.

On the other hand, the economies, and the economics that we are dependent on, are not that simple. If they really are being steered by people who have no better a handle on what to do (on both sides of the Atlantic, globally, everywhere) and how to respond to the issues that confront us, than the rest of us 'civilians', then the past 15 years of fiscal caution and 'New Beginning' for the Global Financial Order - following the Financial Crisis that metastasised with the 'Lehman Apocalypse' of September 2008 - have been for nothing.

Aside from a brief 20-year interregnum that came crashing to an end on September 12, 2008, when bankers were seen fleeing the scene of the crime, a period during which the world basked in the reflected glow of Cold War triumph without the nuclear winter, a brief era in which it appeared that Western democratic values had triumphed over autocracy, that liberal economics had found the Holy Grail of capitalism, that Free Trade had triumphed over protectionism and that a rules based world order had consigned nationalism to the margins of history, all those established and orthodox certainties and no uncertainties again. There is now a new war of ideas to be won.

Having finally consigned so-called "quantitative easing" to the trash can, the primary tool used to deal with the 2008 financial crisis and, subsequently, the pandemic, has left the major economies and central banks with a debt mountain of eye-watering proportions, mirrored, in large part, by the horrendous personal debt burden that consumers are carrying.

And yet, here we are. Working in an industry that, having prospered in response to a global pandemic, is not seeing (yet!) a collapse in the popularity, affordability, or relevance of its products. 

With the exception of certain 'special case' economies (such as the UK), most of the major markets in Europe are seeing record-setting levels of demand for our market's products. If, as claimed, EICMA is seeing more returnee exhibitors, and really are now filling most of the eight halls they are using, then yay us!