Supersprox

Supersprox - a final letter from Ukraine

'DJ' Maughfling's final report from the front line of business in Europe …

During the past two and a half years, my every day, in some way or another, has been dominated by the war in Ukraine. I feel that it is time to sign off from this topic with a last few words...

The war has turned out to be political. It was never about land or freedom. It was always about East and West, and the struggle and manipulation from governments. We have heard Western government leaders argue and disagree about the appropriate action for Western countries to take - changing their message, depending on the reaction from their voting public and the nearness of elections! 

Meanwhile, we see many of the Eastern governments using the situation to set up new trade deals and look for new strategic alliances - ones that will give them greater strength in future negotiations.

So, what has really changed? For sure, there have been new laws passed. There have been massive loans and financial donations, with the majority of older military equipment being disposed of on Ukrainian territory. 

In the future, this will result in increased spending on national security all around the world and on other related areas of national self-interest. So far it is hard to see any clear unity or willingness to act decisively to end this war.

Oleksii Lavrin, 1989-2024. During better times, Oleksii worked in the tooth-cutting department.

Roman Komisarchuk, 2001-2024. Roman worked in the laser-cutting department.

Here at the Supersprox factory in Ukraine, reality will continue to be tough for our team. When the war started, we had 75 staff in Ukraine. From those, 15 are serving in the military. During 2024, two of those servicemen have been killed at the front line. One was formerly an operator on the tooth-cutting machines, and the other was an operator in the laser-cutting department.  

We have seen more than 30 people leave the company for a variety of reasons, all connected to the war in some way or another. We have been pressed to the far limits of our creative and emotional ability to develop new strategies for the company - ones that allow us to do more with less. 

In some ways we feel invincible. They can’t stop us with their bombs, and we will find a way to go on, no matter what. However, it is deeply stressful for people to live under such pressure, and I can feel that.

I don't want to leave this topic on a negative note though. The political world will get over Ukraine and at some point [to channel Lt. Col. "Bill" Kilgore in Apocalypse Now], the war will stop. If nothing more, I have repeatedly said that people are resilient and will find a way to survive.

If you are able to take something from my letters, it would be this. It is easy to get too stressed over things that are not important. If we can try to stand back just a little and not be reactive, we will all be calmer and the people around us will be happier.  

To anyone who has been reading these letters, thank you for giving me the opportunity to offload on you! 

As for Supersprox and our future. We will go on with our work and our passion. We are optimistic that our strong brand and dedicated team will continue to supply great products for fans of our brand. We will balance the production between our factories in Poland and Ukraine, to secure supply to our clients.

New Briefs

We were saddened to hear of the death of Ken Boyko at the end of August. After his time at DG Performance Specialties in the 1970s and 80s he went on to be a co-founder of exhaust specialist Cobra Engineering (Yorba Linda, CA.) but his influence, contacts and friendships represented so much more. Ken was a major figure in the parts and accessories industry, on the West Coast, nationally and internationally - he and his astute marketing 'savvy' were a regular and familiar presence at shows in Europe as well as in the USA. He had a connoisseur-grade motorcycle collection and pioneered the development of the so-called 'Metric Custom' segment, commissioning pioneering Japanese platform customs that did much to shape the wider future of the custom motorcycle market. He played an important role in the development of the MIC Aftermarket Committee and was a tireless advocate for the motorcycle industry. Kudos to Ken for a 'life well lived', our appreciation for what he did four our industry, and our condolences to his family and friends. 

Yamaha reports 2024 first half total global unit sales broadly flat at 2.491 million units, up by 29,000 units over the first half of 2023. Sales in Europe were up by 12,000 units at 133,000 for the period January to June 2024. North American sales were up by 6,000 units at 51,000; domestic Japanese sales were down by 2,000 units at 36,000, while total Asian sales were down by 53,000 units at 1.908 million.

The Honda factory racing team (HRC) won its third consecutive FIM Endurance World Championship Suzuka 8 Hours at the end of July. Riding the CBR 1000RR-R Fireblade SP, Takumi Takahashi, Teppei Nagoe and Johann Zarco gave Honda its 30th win in the 45th annual 'Suzuka' - Takumi Takahashi has become the outright record holder with six Suzuka 8 Hours wins, while Teppei Nagoe and Johann Zarco celebrated their first wins at the event.

Owned by Indian conglomerate TVS, British comeback kids Norton Motorcycle has hired former Manchester United Football Club CEO Richard Arnold as its new Chief Executive Officer.

 

MV Agusta's new President and CEO, Hubert Trunkenpolz is quoted as saying that though now under the PIERER Mobility AG umbrella, there are no current plans for MV to share engines with the other Pierer brands - excepting perhaps for MV to share KTM engines if they make it onto the MotoGP from 2027. Trunkenpolz is the grandson of KTM founder Hans Trunkenpolz (the 'T' in 'KTM') and a KTM board member.

Ducati delivered 32,098 motorcycles in the first six months of 2024, down by -8.6% on the 35,120 deliveries in the first half of 2023. Revenue was € 606m (H1 2023: € 663m), while operating profit fell to € 92m (H1 2023: € 116m). The operating margin amounted to 15.1% (H1 2023: 17.6%).

For Q1 of its FY 2024/2025 (the period from April - June 2024), Suzuki reports total global motorcycle production of 520,000 units, up by +9.5% (+45,000 units) over the year-ago, with global sales totalling 523,000 units (+8.9%). European sales were flat at 13,000 units. North American sales were also flat at 11,000 units. Asian sales were massively up at 433,000 units (+36%), with India by far its largest market (247,000 units, +54%), followed by China, which was down by -19% at 104,000 units. Total consolidated revenue from motorcycle activities was up at 104.819bn yen (85.9bn yen in Q1 of 2023). Revenue from motorcycle activities in Europe was fractionally up (+0.4%) at 15.2bn yen. United States motorcycle activity revenue was essentially flat (+0.1%) at 11.5bn yen.

In July, Kawasaki conducted the world's first public demonstration run of a hydrogen ICE (internal combustion engine) motorcycle (by a mass-production motorcycle manufacturer) at the Suzuka Circuit in Japan (on the occasion of the 'Coca Cola' Suzuka 8-Hour). Designed and built as part of research that began in March 2023, the machine has a hydrogen engine based on the 998 cm3 in-line four supercharged engine found in Kawasaki's Ninja H2, with modifications made to allow direct injection of hydrogen fuel into the cylinders. The motorcycle's chassis was designed to accommodate hydrogen fuel canisters and a hydrogen fuel supply system on-board.

SBS Friction

'HeRidium' brake pad backing plate technology

Leading Danish brake system component manufacturer SBS Friction is introducing an innovative new backing plate technology for its top-level racing compound, DS Dual Sinter.

Called 'HeRidium,' the new technology is designed to match the extreme racing conditions and requirements for backing plate stability in World Superbike, and especially in 24 Hours World Endurance stock class categories.

To improve backing plate strength and stability, and significantly reduce the risk of deformation (bending) and compound taper wear, 'HeRidium' backing plate technology is composed of high-tech steel with a specialised heat treatment.

"Over the past 25 years, motorcycles used for racing have developed a lot," says Allan Østli, Race Manager at SBS. "More powerful engines, new tyre compounds, suspension components, and a lot of technological integrations are just some of the developments and advances that have taken place, with more demands being placed on brake pad backing plates all the time.

"All of this affects the amount of pressure put on the brakes as lap times get faster and faster, especially in extreme and high-performance races. With this innovative new 'HeRidium' backing plate technology, we can meet those demands. Some of our partners in racing have asked for stronger backing plates that are capable of handling even the most powerful track scenarios, and our materials scientists and engineers have been able to meet the challenge."

This new 'HeRidium' backing plate technology will be implemented on specific Dual Sinter products and can be identified by the new identifier on the label and the product packaging. 'HeRidium' tech-equipped SBS DS-1 and DS-2 products will be available for dealer orders from distributors from July 2024.

SBS FRICTION

www.sbs.dk

SIP Scootershop

SIP 'Destination' riding gloves

German scooter specialist SIP Scootershop has added these unisex EU homologated (EN: 13594:2015) lightweight leather riding gloves with "high levels of riding comfort" that meet the Level 1 protection and features touchscreen function.

The SIP 'Destination' gloves come in a vintage style, inspired by classic worker gloves and "are perfect for riding a Vespa or motorbike," according to SIP co-founder Ralf Jodl.

"They are made from robust yet supple cowhide, which feels like a second skin - perfect for going out in spring, summer or on warm autumn days. Thanks to the touchscreen-enabled index finger, any smartphone can be easily operated without taking the glove off." Available in black, dark brown, light brown and yellow.

Also available in the SIP Gear and Apparel program, these 18 oz water repellant waxed cotton rolltop 'Destination' backpacks are available in a range of colours and are expandable for a 25–35 litre capacity. Features include a thick cowhide leather lower part, straps and details, a main padded compartment for laptop or iPad and outer pockets. The dimensions are approx. 50 x 29 x D19 cm.

SIP's annual customer magazine CURVE has just been published in the new, larger format, 100 pages thick, full of reports about the Vespa, Vespa riders from all over the world and news from and about SIP Scootershop.

SIP SCOOTERSHOP GMBH

www.sip-scootershop.com

TecMate

Battery support on the showroom/ expo floor 

TecMate's OptiMate 6 Select and OptiMate 7 Select come with a power supply (PS) mode that provides stable support power to the battery. This mode is pre-selectable prior to battery connection or can be selected whilst charging a battery. 

Originally meant to support the battery during troubleshooting or setting up of a motorcycle by the vehicle owner (e.g. electronic suspension, Bluetooth connectivity, sound system and the like). 

However, this power supply feature has also gained popularity in showrooms where new electronic/electrical features are demonstrated by dealers and at exhibitions where manufacturers demonstrate their electronic aftermarket products on a non-running motorcycle, such as LED lighting, a diagnostic tool or sound equipment. It is also a boon for use when displaying a bike at a local show, expo, bike night or other venue.

The PS power supply mode of OptiMate 6 Select delivers up to 5 amps, and the more powerful OptiMate 7 Select delivers up to 9 amps, at a voltage of 13.6V. 

But there's "yet more to these chargers," says TecMate CEO/CTO Martin Human. "Both come with charge mode selection of 14.4V or 14.7V (default at 20°C/68°F), which covers the charge requirement of any SLI/engine start Pb/lead-acid battery - from standard flooded batteries to high-performance AGM. 

"Selection to match the battery under charge is memorised and remains even if power is lost. Both have OptiMate's fully integrated automatic charge control (t° and Ampmatic) that adjusts voltage and current to deliver the exact charge the battery needs; charge voltage (volt) is adjusted to ambient temperature and charge current (Ampmatic) is adjusted to match the battery's size and condition. 

"The PS power supply mode is a neat feature and in demand, as experienced at a recent motorcycle expo in the U.S., where our 'Select' chargers supported vehicles with LED lighting, sound equipment and demonstrations of a diagnostic tool. And when it comes to charging batteries, OptiMate 6 Select and OptiMate 7 Select are specifically designed to make premium AGM batteries work right and last longer!" 

Available models:

OptiMate 6 Select - EU: TM-370, US/CA: TM-371, UK: TM-372 

OptiMate 7 Select - EU: TM-250, US/CA: TM-251, UK: TM-252, JP: TM-257

TECMATE

www.tecmate.com

www.optimate1.com 

SHAD

SHAD gear for the BMW R 1300 GS

Barcelona based luggage brand SHAD (NAD, SL) has a "complete range" of luggage solutions for the Bavarian brand's Berlin made 'MaxiTrail' - with the emphasis on durability, versatility and capacity.

Options include top cases, side cases and tank bags, all adaptable to the needs of each particular user.

The SHAD Expandable luggage family is "focused on a demanding type of customer who travels by bike and seeks the extra capacity and convenience that expandability provides. It permits maximum versatility, thanks to three possible volumes in the top case and two in each of the side cases."

The expandable SH59X and SH58X cases offer a capacity for up to two helmets, while the innovative SH38X expandable side case (recently recognised for design excellence with a Red Dot award) "stands out for being the most compact side case on the market with a capacity for a modular helmet".

There are several variants for R 1300 GS use in SHAD's Click System tank bag range, but its primary recommendation is the 09CM, featuring an exclusive double security system, which keeps the tank bag secure while still providing access to the inside. "We chose this model for use with the R 1300 GS because of how it maintains the aesthetic appearance of the bike and its large 8-litre capacity".

The SHAD TERRA family is designed for travellers and adventurers, and the bags are primarily focused on off-road use.

For the top case, SHAD recommends its two largest capacity models: the aluminium TR55 (also available with a black finish) and the TR50 soft side bag. Both have a two-helmet capacity and are designed for long trips, off-road routes and adverse weather conditions.

As far as side cases go, SHAD offers the TR36 and TR47, the latter with a one-helmet capacity and an aluminium and black finish. As a heavy-duty soft side option, SHAD recommends the TR40, which is both lighter and more versatile. These models are designed to combine perfectly with the TERRA top cases that are available for the R 1300 GS. 

"As an adventure tank bag that maintains the benefits of our Click System, the 13-litre capacity TR15 would be our choice. It is equipped with outside pockets for greater capacity and an expandable pocket to better adapt to the shape of the bike’s tank".

SHAD/NAD S.L.

www.shad.es

QD Exhaust

Tri-Cone double slip-on for Hypermotard 698

Italian specialist QD Exhaust has designed a new double slip-on silencer kit for the single cylinder Ducati Hypermotard 698.

The kit is composed of a double slip-on silencer from the QD TRI-CONE series with a titanium body and carbon fibre end cap with a GP-style grid. The mufflers are available in a silver finish or in a dark version with a matt black ceramic coating.

Behind the grid is the dB killer, welded in place per the new European regulations. The pair of silencers fit onto the standard catalyst, thus meeting Euro 5+ homologation standards.

The kit comes complete with brackets and all the parts needed for an easy and quick installation. As with all QD produced exhausts, this kit reaches the Euro 5 standards with a European certification.

The service card provided with the kit allows the customer to register for the free, 30-month extended warranty programme with all the special services and benefits that are reserved for QD Exhaust owners who sign-up their purchase. 

QD EXHAUST

www.qdexhaust.it

Pyramid

Pyramid protection for BMW R1300 GS

British bodywork specialist Pyramid now offers a spray guard extension and Extenda Fenda EXTRA for the latest generation BMW R1300 GS - adding much needed protection for both the front and rear of the big adventure sport bike.

The spray guard extension instantly doubles the size of the standard rear guard - adding extra surface area significantly reduces the debris and spray thrown up by the rear wheel, keeping the rear end of the bike, the rider's and passenger’s legs and any luggage safer and cleaner. 

Shaped to follow the contours of the existing guard - and made in a matching, durable ABS - it looks like an OE item and doesn't clutter the BMW’s minimalist rear end. 

Fitting is easy as it attaches to the existing bracket and doesn’t require any drilling or cutting of the original guard. 

Also seen here, the Pyramid Extenda Fenda EXTRA is a customer feedback-based design that offers much-needed protection for the exposed painted surface of the front engine casing, exhaust downpipes and oxygen sensors.

It adds an impressive 250 mm additional length to the front mudguard and is shaped to channel as much water, grit, mud and other debris away from the bike as possible. 

Also made from tough and flexible ABS, it mounts to the front brake calipers using two powder-coated steel brackets and fixes to the original guard with Pyramid’s specially sourced 'Stick Fit Pads' - no drilling required. 

PYRAMID MOTORCYCLE ACCESSORIES

www.pyramidmoto.co.uk

BMW Motorrad

BMW - 2024 Q2 motorcycle deliveries +2.6%

BMW Motorrad reports that "a slight increase in deliveries is forecast for the Motorcycles segment" for the first six months of 2024 (the period to June 30), with a segment EBIT margin "within the target range of 8-10%". 

BMW delivered 66,638 units in Q2 2024, up by +2.6% over the 64,936 deliveries in Q2 2023. At € 989m sales revenue, it was essentially flat over Q2 2023 (+0.1%), but with Motorcycles segment profit before financial result (EBIT) down by -30.4% at € 110m.

For the six months to June 30, 2024, BMW Motorrad delivered 113,072 units, which was marginally up on the 112,871 delivered in the first six months of 2023 by +0.2%.

For the full year 2024, the company is forecasting a "slight increase" on the 209,066 units delivered for the 12-month period in 2023. 

Dymag

British Dymag Wheels Brand Sold

The British Dymag Wheels brand, previously operated by CSA Performance subsidiary Dymag Racing, has been sold to Dortmund area German lightweight alloy wheel manufacturer Borbet GmbH.

Borbet has acquired the Dymag lightweight magnesium and carbon car and motorbike rims brand IP, product designs and technology, all patents and UK production facilities with the immediate integration of all Dymag Racing employees. 

The deal was executed via Dymag Technologies Limited (DTL), a newly established prepack acquisition vehicle, established expressly for the purposes of the sale. DTL will remain based at Chippenham in England and operate as an independent subsidiary of Borbet GmbH.

Renowned as a manufacturer of high-performance, high strength and lightweight race and street wheels for OEM, race team and aftermarket customers, Dymag is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year - it was founded in the UK in 1974.  Established as Dymag Racing UK Ltd. in 2009 and under the ownership and management of Chris Shelley as Chairman since 2011, Dymag has been funded by Puma Private Equity - with a recent funding round completed in 2020.

Chris Shelley, Director of Dymag Technologies Limited

As a DTL Director, Shelley is quoted as saying: “We are delighted to be part of the Borbet family. This partnership is a significant step for Dymag branded products and will position Dymag Technologies as a leading supplier to premium car manufacturers worldwide. We thank Puma Private Equity for its long-standing commitment and support in the development of Dymag branded world-class carbon wheels.”

Burkhard Plett, CEO of Borbet GmbH, said: "With the acquisition of the Dymag assets by Dymag Technologies Ltd., we are expanding our portfolio to include carbon and magnesium rims. This strategic decision underlines our aim to be a leader in all key wheel technologies for the automotive industry."

Dymag will continue to produce and supply BX-F wheels to aftermarket customers in the USA and Asia as well as Tier 1 wheel manufacturers worldwide. In addition, the company will continue to develop and market its successful motorbike wheels.

In May this year, AMD reported on the introduction of Dymag's 'Sector' race wheels, designed in collaboration with Roland Sands. Earlier this year, Dymag announced a partnership with MotoAmerica for the 2024 season, "reinforcing its commitment to the North American racing championship." Having been a longtime supporter of MotoAmerica in the 2023 season, Dymag-backed teams - including in Hooligans and Bagger Racing - achieved standout successes by fiercely competing on Dymag wheels, demonstrating the exceptional performance and reliability of the brand’s high-tech innovation."

Available in a range of colors, 'Sector' wheels are initially being offered in 17 x 3.5 front and 17 x 5.5/6.0 rear.

www.dymag.com 

Yamaha Motor

Yamaha Motor invests in electric scooters startup World of River

As it seeks new business partnerships for the Indian EV market, Yamaha announced (in February 2024) that it had invested in 2021 founded, Delaware, USA headquartered World of River Limited, Inc., a startup that manufactures and sells electric scooters in India.

In India, the world’s largest market for electric two-wheelers, River has established River Mobility Private Limited in Bengaluru as a group company, which offers electric scooters that excel in both quality and design.

The Indie electric scooter from River

The Indian government is supporting moves to electrification as part of its energy diversification initiatives to combat environmental issues as well as to promote domestic manufacturing, and the market for electric two-wheelers is growing rapidly.

In the Yamaha Motor Group Environmental Plan 2050, the company has set a goal of reducing Scope 3 CO2 emissions (emissions produced from the company's value chain, e.g., use of sold products) by 90% by 2050 compared to 2010. Yamaha says that this investment is one of its initiatives toward achieving this goal.

Italian motorcycle registrations

Italy - the record high continues

The latest available data from the Italian motorcycle industry association (ANCMA) show new motorcycle registrations in Italy for the first seven months of 2024 up by a very healthy +8.41% at 113,359 units YTD, having been positive for six out of the seven months so far this year.

This has meant another post 2008 record for the Italian market for the first seven months of the year. Total PTW registrations were +6.61% YTD at an unprecedented 243,105 units - also a post 2008 record for the first seven months of the year in Italy.

The top-selling motorcycle YTD remains the Benelli TRK 702/X (5,110 units sold) - placing it ahead of many traditionally (and still) strong selling scooter brands and models - such as the Honda X-ADV 750, Piaggio Beverly 300 ABS and Yamaha TMAX.

Indeed the Benelli is also ahead of the BMW 1300 GS, in second place with 3,777 units sold YTD. Unusually, in a sea of Scooters, this placed the leading two larger displacement motorcycles in sixth and 12th spot respectively in terms of all PTW sales in Italy YTD. The Honda Africa Twin, in 19th spot with 2,931 units sold, was the only other motorcycle in the top 20 selling machines in Italy YTD.

Hondas SH 125, 150 and 350 were the top-sellers overall, followed by the Kymco Agility 125 R16 in fourth and Piaggio Liberty 125 ABS in fifth. Maxi and ADV style scooters, and ADV style motorcycles continue to dominate the market in Italy. Total scooter sales were 129,105 units (+5.08%) in Italy YTD.

For the record: 2023 motorcycle sales were 145,405 units in 2023 (+14.88%) with all months in positive territory - the best Italian annual market numbers since before the 2007/2008 financial crisis and the resulting recession. In total PTW terms the Italian market was +17.94% in 2023 with a massive 318,948 units registered. Scooters were up by +20.64% at 173,543 units. The top selling motorcycle was the Benelli TRK 502/X (4,075 units), followed by the Honda Africa Twin (3,880). 

Vertex

Sprockets and piston top-end kits

Though best known for its pistons, Vertex also has precision CNC-machined front and rear sprockets. Produced in Europe, the application list has already been updated for 2024 models. Rear sprockets are offered in T6 heat-treated 7075 zinc and aluminium alloy, fitted with external-side mud drains and available in various colours and a special black anodised C45 steel. Its 'Duo' version is completely anodised and available in different colours with a special 16CrNi4 steel outer with induction hardened teeth and an internal carrier in T6-7075 alloy. 

Vertex front sprockets are CNC-machined from special 16CrNi4 steel and offered in a basic K version and in a KC version with lightening holes. 

To facilitate the repair of 2 and 4-stroke off-road motorcycles, Vertex' time and money-saving Piston Top-End kits (VTK) consist of all the spare parts necessary to update and refurbish the thermal components of the engine. The 2T kits include piston, piston pin, circlips, rings, top end gasket and pin bearing; its 4-stroke kits additionally include a free-of-charge timing chain. 

VERTEX PISTONS/VP ITALY

www.vertexpistons.com

GIVI

Accessories for Eliminator 500

"A bike with a history dating back to the mid-1980s, the 2024 version of the Eliminator is a far cry from the custom lines and sporty engine of the first editions and is more of a medium capacity cruiser, easy to ride and customise," says GIVI.

The company has created a series of accessories "that broaden its potential for use" that "not only enhance the original design of the bike, but also transforms it into a perfect touring companion, thanks to its exceptional handling and its low weight of 176 kg".

The SR4134 is a rack for Monokey or Monolock top cases, while the PL4134 is a pannier holder for Monokey sides cases. There are only two models in this range, the E22 in black and the Trekker Dolomiti DLM30A or DLM30B (in natural or black aluminium).

The BF71 is a flange for fitting any of the Tanklock or TanklockED tank bags to XS319Y 3-litre capacity and EA144B 5-litre capacity panniers. The TN4134 is an engine guard in black with a 25 mm diameter. It is possible to mount a pair of additional lights on the steel tube.

The A802 is a smoked screen with ABS fairing (fits on the Eliminator with the AC4134A mounts). "Its vintage look perfectly matches the style of the bike and enhances the round headlight".

Additional parts include a radiator guard made of black painted stainless steel (PR4134) and a backrest, equipped with a small luggage carrier in black (TS4134C).

GIVI S.P.A.

www.givimoto.com

Cardo Systems

Cardo PackTalk PRO - "a new dawn of safety, sound and style"

Described as a "new super-premium communicator," Cardo Systems' new PackTalk PRO is said to have "capabilities like no other powersports wireless communication system, bringing back big sound and stealth looks."

Introducing an all-new three-part Crash Detection System, the unit has sensors that "feel what your head feels, saving valuable response time when it's needed most. The Cardo Connect App adds phone parameters and communicates to the Cardo cloud, which in turn informs the user's nominated emergency contact, creating a unique and dependable crash detection system made specifically for on-road motorcycle riders."

Cardo says it has gone to great lengths to ensure the system is the most robust and accurate in the business. Having commissioned numerous crash test trials, as well as conducting extensive and ongoing field data collection from numerous riders around the world, the system is similar to some of the Air Bag systems seen for a while in Europe that use a "perpetual learning algorithm." 

"With thousands of Cardo riders worldwide, who will contribute to the continuous data analysis and constant evolution of Cardo's Crash Detection System, the current solution's performance is just the beginning."

Fitted with premium 45 mm JBL speakers that are paired with an advanced sound processor, PackTalk PRO is said to deliver "arena-like audio" whether listening to music or talking to other riders. It has an auto on/off feature and once activated, it maximises battery life with power up/down cycle circuitry that detects when the bike is stationary.

"The PackTalk PRO is the most advanced communication device we've developed in our history," said Alon Lumbroso, Chief Executive Officer, Cardo Systems.  "The introduction of crash detection and emergency alerts arms riders with a heightened level of security, taking what is already the most advanced and feature-rich system on the market and elevating it to a new level," according to Lumbroso.

"For two decades, we've committed ourselves to enhancing the riding experience and moving the industry forward with innovations that truly matter to riders. We intend to maintain that leadership position for many years to come." 

PackTalk PRO carries over established Cardo features such as being waterproof IP67 and Bluetooth 5.2 equipped, with 'Over-The-Air' software updates, fast charging USB type-C, built in FM radio, universal Bluetooth intercom and a three-year warranty.

Additional features include Air Mount patented magnetic mount, second generation DMC, easy grouping and auto healing.

CARDO SYSTEMS 

www.cardosystems.com

Caberg

Caberg 'SOHO' dual shell

Crafted to house its own brand 200 m range Pro Speak Evo communicator, Bergamo based Caberg's new ECE 22.06 approved SOHO jet is an urban use, LG Chem Hi-Impact ABS dual shell with selector-switch based integrated clear and smoke sun visor (Double Visor Tech) system with four air extractors at the top and rear of the shell.

Eyewear-friendly, additional features include quick and easily removable visor, broad scratch- resistant outer visor, removable and washable, breathable, hypoallergenic fabrics and netting to promote good ventilation as well as a micrometric adjustable buckle.

CABERG SPA

www.caberg.it 

Comment by Editor, Robin Bradley

The records are not tumbling anymore

This month marks an important anniversary for the motorcycle industry in Europe. We are now ten years on from the post Lehman apocalypse Great Recession motorcycle industry business cycle nadir in September and October 2014.\That was the point when, having hit rock bottom and been bouncing along the rocky bottom of a broad U-curve, the market started to see the first green shoots of recovery.
Founded in 1844 by German immigrant Henry Lehman, Lehman Brothers was a Wall Street stalwart. A storied, revered and hugely respected investment bank, stockbroker and financial services conglomerate. The fourth largest investment bank in the USA was also a mortgage underwriting powerhouse. Therein lay the toxin surging through its balance sheet.
That was when the sub-prime home loan industry in the USA, and the chicken-into-steak derivatives trading smoke and mirrors on which it was based, brought global financial markets crashing down and set in motion a cascade of system failure that still shapes the business expectations of the world in which we trade today.
Lehman saw its stock lose some 97% of its value on Friday, September 12, 2008, as it became clear that it, and the Wall Street partners it traded with, couldn't cover their debt obligations. The dreaded 'margin call'. The result was a bankruptcy filing on Monday, September 15, 2008, and who can forget the sight of overpaid traders walking out of their offices clutching their leaving boxes.
The financial shocks reverberated around the financial capitals of the world, and in the shape of Basel I, II and III and other 'too little, too late' New Gen banking regulations that are supposed to protect liquidity, literally still do shape the contemporary banking culture that drives lending and credit policies worldwide.
The Lehman collapse wasn't the only 'trigger' that brought the global financial system down like a deck of cards. It wasn't even the first in that 'Great Unwind', nor was it the last. But the resulting 'Great Recession', as it quickly became known, was deep and intense - often referenced as the most severe recession since the Great Depression that followed the 1929 Wall Street collapse. 

looking through the lens of now

However, in the United States at least, it didn't really last all that long, certainly not relative to that depth and intensity. By 2010, the good ship USA had righted itself, with shares and much else recovering the lost ground by 2012. The process in America was far from pain-free, but in Europe it was especially acute - even the financial morphine of 'Quotative Easing' took years to restore growth, jobs and the flow of capital.
Europe was slower into it than the USA, but was also much slower to recover from the much deeper turmoil it unleashed here. It destroyed lives, it destroyed whole industries. Those (like ours) that are dependent on discretionary leisure Dollar spending were bang in the crosshairs.
In terms of new motorcycle registrations, the market in Europe basically halved and very nearly halved again in the course of six years. It may have been a slow haemorrhaging, but that didn't stop it being a messy one.
The decline didn't even start to really stabilise until January 2014, and it wasn't until Q3 that year that we started to see those ubiquitous first green shoots of recovery.
To this day I well remember Reiner Brendicke, the (excellent and still) head of the IVM in Germany, standing before a news conference at INTERMOT in October, saying that in its statistical gather it had started to detect the very slightest and lightest evidence of a possible and very modest uptick in registrations in Germany.
So, here we are, exactly a decade later, and how did that early indicator play out? Did the green shoots grow?
Well yes, they did. Relative to the six years that had gone before, the six years until March 2020 saw a spectacular recovery. We gradually saw a return to market growth through the period from 2015 to 2019. It wasn't all smooth riding. The growth stalled a couple of times, but overall, and with no little thanks to the efforts of the national trade associations, the team at ACEM in Brussels and the major European OEMs, the motorcycle industry managed to pull it back - halfway back at any rate.
In that time, Europe's dealers were chronically short of inventory capital though. Banks weren't lending and manufacturers were very slow, careful and deliberate about how they built back, and what kind of machines they built back with.
By the end of 2019, we had started to see regular new highs, new records, at least in post Lehman apocalypse timescale terms, in some cases back to the early noughties and late 1990s.
Then the blind panic of Covid. Followed by a Covid bounce that was especially kind to our industry - irrationally so maybe, but hey, we were happy to take it, right?
Since then though, more panic. Supply chain issues and costs. Freight issues and costs. The little matter of Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Then energy crisis, inflation, interest rate rises and collapse in growth it triggered. Plus, all the other uncertainties that are still writing our script.
Compared to the rock bottom that sales hit in 2014, a decade later and motorcycle registrations have recovered. But as someone said to me a while ago, don't be fooled, compared to where we were 20 years ago, now all we have is half a recession. It's true.
The industry has still not recovered the ground from when it was a runaway train 20 to 30 years ago, and likely never will, but in most of the major markets we have seen national motorcycle registrations and manufacturer production numbers breaking records - quarter after quarter, year after year.
But oh my, what a delicate balancing act the next 24 months are going to be! As per this month's cover story, the 'Growth Meister Powerhouse' that Stefan Pierer has turned KTM into has seen that growth stall. There's a similar (though not identical) story at BMW, and at Ducati, and at Piaggio. Neither is all yet as rosy as we need it to be in the Japanese factory balance sheets.
Ten more years of continuing record motorcycle sales numbers? Hmmm, at present it is really hard to see that 'through the lens of now', and I haven't even touched on the environmental and electrification issues that confront us.

News Briefs

Electric snowmobile and PWC specialist Taiga Motors (Montreal, Canada; TSX: TAIG) is expanding its footprint across Scandinavia with the delivery of additional Nomad snowmobiles to its key customers SkiStar and Motorbutiken Klövsjö. In addition, Taiga is continuing its expansion in the European market with snowmobile deliveries at French and Italian ski resorts and tour operators, "revolutionising the winter recreation industry with its sustainable and high-performance electric sleds". Europe accounts for 20% of the global snowmobile market.

Controlled by the Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington DC headquartered Carlyle Group, Italian motorcycle G&A group Dainese (TCX Boots, AGV Helmets etc.) has opened its latest U.S. 'Brand Store' in Atlanta, GA. The new Atlanta 'D-Store' retail location offers an "extensive range of Dainese's cutting-edge motorcycle apparel, including leather suits, jackets, pants, gloves, boots and advanced protective gear. Carlyle acquired an 80% stake in Dainese from Bahrain Sovereign Wealth Fund Investcorp in 2022; founder Leo Dainese still owns 20% of the business. It was recently announced that Harley is to sell an AirBag Vest that incorporates Dainese's 'D-air' safety technology.

In a move that smacks of desperation and militates directly against the stated advantages of getting LiveWire production out of Milwaukee and away from Harley's conventional platforms, LiveWire operations are being moved to, yes, you guessed it - Milwaukee! The LiveWire team will be relocated to the historic Juneau Avenue site, which has been mostly vacant since the pandemic and where production ceased in 1973. The switch means trying to move staff to Wisconsin from its present Mountain View, CA. 'laboratory'. "We expect the consolidation of our operations in Milwaukee at Harley-Davidson's historic headquarters at Juneau Avenue to bring synergies and efficiencies, as well as a closer connection to our heritage," Karim Donnez, LiveWire CEO. H-D CEO Jochen Zeitz was rather more clear-eyed about the decision, stating that the relocation would reduce LiveWire's costs. The electric motorcycle spin-off brand's revenue fell 39% in Q1, even though it sold a few more bikes. Zeitz says it will cut about 10% of the headcount and 15% of the cost related to employees. LiveWire has about 230 employees in the U.S. The move should reduce operating losses by about $10m this year. LiveWire sold 117 bikes in the first quarter of 2024, up from 63 in the same period of 2023, despite which operating losses were $29m.

An Anglo-German couple (Lavi Scholl and Ollie Gamblin) have set a new Guinness world record, becoming the youngest pair to circumnavigate the world on a motorcycle, two-up. Riding a donated and near trouble-free V-Strom 1050XT, they visited 39 countries on five continents and covered 46,705 miles in 589 days. 

According to The Economist, Vienna has taken top spot again, for the third consecutive year, as the world's "most liveable city". It was followed by Copenhagen, Zurich, Melbourne and Calgary tied fifth, equal with Geneva. No American, German, Italian, British or Swedish city made the Top 10. The world's worst city to live in? Sadly, it is Damascus. One of the world's oldest and once most advanced, wealthiest and cultured of cities has now posted 12 straight years as the least desirable place to call home. Tripoli, Algiers, Lagos and Karachi make up the bottom five. 

Honda R&D (India) Private Limited (HRID), a subsidiary of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and functioning as Honda’s research and development arm for motorcycles and power products in India, has opened a new Solutions R&D Centre in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. Honda has set a global target of achieving carbon neutrality in its motorcycle products during the 2040s.

BMW

BMW R 1300 GS Adventure By Ben Purvis

The launch of BMW's R 1300 GS a year ago saw the introduction of a completely new generation of boxer twin engine and a clean-sheet redesign of the chassis, but its new sister model - the R 1300 GS Adventure - is likely to sell in even larger numbers.

Like its predecessors, it shares its mechanical parts with the standard version. The engine is the same new boxer twin, measuring exactly 1,300 cc and putting out 107 kW (143.5 bhp/145 PS) at 7,750 rpm, complete with BMW's ShiftCam variable valve timing and lift system and featuring a new layout for the company that positions the transmission underneath the engine rather than behind it. 

The result is a shorter package than its predecessors, despite its larger capacity and extra power and helps raise higher ground clearance. Like the standard R 1300 GS, it dispenses with the tubular steel design of all its predecessors in favour of pressed and welded steel - reducing weight and increasing rigidity while retaining the ruggedness of steel for off-road use. 

At the back, there's a cast aluminium subframe, sitting above a new 'EVO Paralever' rear suspension swingarm that takes advantage of the shorter engine and transmission to be longer than the design used on earlier models.

The front suspension is the 'EVO Telelever' system that debuted on the R 1300 GS, which combines the benefits of two previous generations of BMW's signature Telelever setup. BMW's 'Dynamic Suspension Adjustment' that gives electronic control over the suspension damping on the move is standard on the Adventure, and there's the option of being able to drop the ride height by 30 mm when stationary.

Where the R 1300 GS Adventure really departs from the standard R 1300 GS is in its appearance. The styling is completely reworked around a 30-litre fuel tank that gives the bike a boxier look than the base model. BMW has used the surface area of that tank as a platform for an array of mounting hooks and brackets, purpose-made for its own range of optional luggage parts. 

BMW has clearly learnt from Honda's recent experience with the Africa Twin, where the semi-automatic DCT transmission variants are now outselling the manual model, so will be offering its new ASA 'Automated Shift Assistant' as an option on the R 1300 GS Adventure as well as the base R 1300 GS. It uses electromechanical actuators to operate the clutch and the gear shifter, allowing both fully-automatic and semi-automatic shift options. 

There's no clutch lever, as that's controlled by computers, but unlike the new Yamaha Y-AMT semi-auto system, BMW has opted to retain a conventional-looking foot shifter for the gears. Despite looking and feeling like a normal gear lever, it's not actually connected to the transmission, instead operating a switch that tells the ASA system that you want to change gear.

Bajaj

Bajaj reveals first CNG motorcycle By Ben Purvis

While Japan's big four are working on projects to develop hydrogen-fuelled motorcycles, India's Bajaj has turned to another gas and beaten them all to mass production with its CNG-fuelled Freedom 125.

CNG, or compressed natural gas, is largely made of methane and doesn't offer the same environmental benefits as hydrogen. It's still a hydrocarbon fuel, so there are CO2 emissions, for example. But it's also a gas that's much easier to use with a relatively standard combustion engine that's been designed to run on petrol. It is also far easier to source and to store than hydrogen, while offering a reduction in emissions and lower running costs compared to conventional liquid fuel. Compared to petrol, CNG offers a 26.7% reduction in CO2 emissions and 43% less NOx.

Bajaj's Freedom 125 uses a fairly conventional 125 cc four-stroke single, which can run on petrol as well as CNG. Indeed, the bike has its own on-board reserve petrol tank, able to carry 2 litres of fuel, to act as a backup. In most of Europe, it's not easy to find CNG, but India is developing a robust network of stations, and a growing number of vehicles are turning to cheaper CNG instead of petrol as a result.

The Freedom's CNG is stored in a cylinder that carries 2 kg of the gas, compressed to 200 bar of pressure. The cylinder sits lengthwise in a purpose-designed steel trellis frame, running under the rider's seat, and the engine has been developed to fit underneath it with a near-horizontal cylinder. The engine airbox and the auxiliary petrol tank wrap around the front part of the gas cylinder. 

The seat is a little higher than rivals, thanks to the cylinder underneath it, but it's also longer than most, because there's no need for a large fuel tank in front. In India, that extra seat length is a selling point as despite laws banning more than two occupants, it's still not unusual to see more than that on a single bike, and it's common for children to sit in front of their parents.

While 2 kg of CNG might not sound like much, it's enough to give the Freedom 125 a 200 km range, and the 2-litre auxiliary petrol tank adds another 130 km of range, for a total of 330 km between them. 

Although there's also a growing market for electric bikes in India, the Freedom 125 has the advantage of a long range and rapid refuelling. The CNG tank can be filled in around two minutes, using a nozzle at the front next to the petrol filler.

Liberty Media

Liberty Media concludes deal to buy MotoGP

Englewood, Colorado based Liberty Media has now closed the public offering of shares in Formula 1 that it announced in April, in order to help fund its controversial (and ambitious) acquisition of an 86% ownership position in Madrid based MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports.

At a public offering price of $77.50 per share, underwritten by Goldman Sachs, Liberty sold some 12,247,500 shares in F1 (FWONK), resulting in approx. $949,181,300 in gross funds to Liberty Media. This represents sale of a $825m stake in Formula 1 to fund the purchase of MotoGP.

At the time of the announcement, the deal was valued at $4.2bn, with the remaining 14% stake staying with MotoGP management. The deal to buy Dorna will be cash only, with no shares in Formula 1 issued to the sellers - British Private Investment company Bridgepoint and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments).

Liberty Media had originally hoped to be able to announce the deal in March 2024, before the new MotoGP season started, but had to beat off competition from Qatar Sports Investments (the country's sovereign wealth fund) and Ultimate Fighting Championship and World Wrestling Entertainment owners TKO.

At the time of the original announcement, Liberty Media President and CEO Greg Maffei described MotoGP as a "global league with a loyal, enthusiastic fan base, captivating racing and a highly cash flow generative financial profile. Carmelo [Ezpeleta, Dorna CEO] and his management team have built a great sporting spectacle that we can expand to a wider global audience.

"The business has significant upside, and we intend to grow the sport for MotoGP fans, teams, commercial partners and our shareholders." Initially at least, Ezpeleta and his Sporting Director son Carlos will remain involved.

KTM

KTM noise limit sound monitors By Ben Purvis

There's been an explosion of noise-monitoring technology recently, which means that authorities around the world have a growing armoury of equipment to keep tabs on loud vehicles and hand out fines to offenders. That shouldn't be a problem, except that there's a growing catalogue of cases where standard motorcycles are too loud for local limits despite complying with construction and use rules.

The fact is that while bikes must pass a barrage of tests to gain type approval, testing engine and exhaust noise in a variety of circumstances, it's still possible for them to be substantially louder outside those parameters. 

Now KTM is working on a solution that approaches the emergence of local noise monitoring and rules in the same way that we already approach speed limits by giving the rider an indication of how loud the bike is at any specific moment via an on-dash display. 

If noise limits are going to be tightened only in specific areas, like city centres or areas of natural beauty where loud bikes might be seen as a nuisance, it makes sense to approach noise in the same way that we already deal with speed, modulating it to suit the conditions and the rules in each area.

KTM's system is illustrated in a new patent application that shows how an array of transducers around the bike - either microphones or piezo sensors - feed back to the on-board computer. The noise levels picked up by those sensors can be used to judge the absolute volume of the bike, which is displayed on the dash either numerically as a decibel readout or simply as a 'too loud' warning light when it goes over a preset level.

The patent suggests riders could activate the preset when entering quieter areas where there's  a tight noise restriction, or simply keep an eye on the decibel reading in the same way as we're already responsible for controlling our own speed and staying within limits. 

Galfer

Stark Future chooses Galfer brake discs

Barcelona based brake systems specialist Galfer has announced that it has become the brake disc of choice for Stark Future's internationally respected Stark VARG electric moto-crosser.

Ivo Martini, Commercial Director of Galfer, is quoted as saying: “The collaboration with Stark Future represents a significant step in our commitment to providing high-precision braking solutions for all types of off-road motorcycles. 

"We are excited to work with Stark Future to bring Galfer's high-performance braking to the growing electric motorcycle market, alongside a high-profile brand like Stark Future, with whom we share values of innovation, quality and a commitment to excellence. We are confident that this alliance will allow us to develop high-performance products in the electric motorcycle sector as well."

Racing is core to the Galfer brand's credentials, and Martini went on to say: "It is an honour to collaborate with Stark Future's racing team, including riders of the calibre of Taddy Blazusiak, to continue being the leading benchmark in the off-road market.”

Sebastien Tortelli, Racing Director at Stark Future, added: "The choice of Galfer as our official brake system supplier is the result of its established reputation in the sector for innovation and quality. We are excited to collaborate with such a prestigious brand - one that shares our passion for technical excellence, safety and the off-road world."

Galfer will equip the Stark VARG model with its 260 mm front Wave brake discs, and with its 220 mm Wave discs on the rear. Renowned for their superior performance, Galfer Wave discs are said to ensure "precise and powerful braking. The unique wave design not only improves braking efficiency, but also helps reduce the overall weight of the disc, enhancing the bike's handling and responsiveness".

Galfer produces its discs at its Granollers (Barcelona) headquarters in Spain, in its state-of-the-art headquarters production facility. "Each brake disc undergoes numerous tests to ensure it meets the technical specifications and expectations of the most demanding riders".

www.galfermoto.com