News Briefs

German specialist SIP Scootershop is donating € 3,000 to Mary's Meals, an international organisation that gives starving children access to education through school meals; www.sip-scootershop.com

The iconic, cult Czech JAWA brand is back on the Italian market. Moreno Persello (of Bikers Life magazine and show fame) is in the process of establishing a specialist network of selected dealers and workshops who share a passion for the opportunity that JAWA's contemporary classic range of 350 to 650 cc models represent. The line-up extends from café racers and bobbers to scramblers and adventure bikes. There are currently importers for the Czech designed, Mahindra, India manufactured JAWA brand in Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Hungary, Poland and, now, Italy. www.jawamotors.it

Despite a € 1m equity investment by Indian electromobility company Motovolt in 2023, German "human-hybrid" two-wheeler concept designer eRockit Systems GmbH (Hennigsdorf, Brandenburg) has filed for bankruptcy. The news follows that of the failure (in bankruptcy or with production otherwise suspended) in 2024 or earlier of  E-Mobility GmbH/Kumpan (Germany, 2023), e-scooter startup 'UNU' (by EMCO, Berlin, 2023), Energica (Italy), Cake (Sweden), Canadian electric snowmobile and PWC manufacturer Taiga Motors (bought by UK entrepreneur, Stewart Wilkinson in October 2024), Juiced Bikes (San Diego, USA), Onomotion (Berlin), vanMoof (NL - mostly e-Cycles, subsequently acquired by McLaren F1 in UK), Arc Motorcycles (UK - at one stage financially connected to Jaguar Cars, who, BTW, have now fully abandoned ICE automotive production in favour of Electric - it won't end well!), Sondors/Metacycle (USA) the Erik Buell conceived Fuell Motorcycles (USA) and a number of other ePTW projects around Europe and elsewhere. Harley-Davidson is losing a lot of money on its LiveWire operation after a largely failed SPAC flotation and has its fingerprints on two prior e-PTW bankruptcies in the San Francisco Bay area in the form of Mission Motors (2015) and Alta Motors (2018). Some Alta staff had left to found Damon Motorcycles of Vancouver (of well-regarded 200 mph HyperSport fame). Damon recently concluded a fund-raising SPAC vehicle IPO on the NYSE (Ticker:DMN) but at the time of writing (November 20, 2024) shares were trading at less than $2.00, well below their a target price of $12.00 having opened at around $5.00 at the time of the flotation. Its tough out there for the electric motorcycle sector.

Vertex Pistons

Vertex - powering Champions in MX, Enduro and Supermoto

The 2024 racing season saw Vertex scoop yet more Championship honours and race wins in all off-road disciplines - with prestigious teams in MX, Enduro and Supermoto, all racing with Vertex, updated 2025 model pistons.

Among the honours was the MXGP vice-champion title won by Slovenian Honda HRC rider Tim Gajser and the WMX vice-champion title of Spanish rider Daniela Guillen; the first three places in the EMX125 of Noel Zanocz, Gyan Doensen and Simone Mancini respectively. In addition, the success of Gajser in the MXGP class of the Motocross of Nations brought it home ahead of the other Vertex riders Maxime Renaux and Ruben Fernandez, and the second place in MX2 obtained by the Latvian Yamaha Monster Energy rider Karlis Reisulis.

In Enduro Vertex won no less than five world titles: in E3 for the Beta Factory Brad Freeman, and those of Max Bror Elvis Ahlin (EJ and EJ2), Kevin Cristino (EJ1) and Manuel Verzeroli (EY); in addition to the vice-championships won by Hamish Macdonald (E3), Steve Holcomb (EGP and E1), Samuele Bernardini (E2), Axel Semb (EJ), Manolo Morettini (E1), Axel Semb (EJ2) and Pietro Scardina (EY).

In Supermoto, Vertex pistons powered German rider Marc Reiner Schmidt, the undisputed Champion on the factory TM of the L30 team, with which he secured the S1 title.

2 and 4-T off-road Top-End Kit

Developed exclusively by Vertex, the company's 2 and 4-T Top-End piston kits are a complete off-road engine top-end repair and maintenance solution, containing everything needed to renew bring new life to the engine, including piston, pin, retaining rings, segments, emery gasket and roller cage; the 4-T kits also include a free distribution chain.

VERTEX PISTONS/VP ITALY

www.vertexpistons.com

EICMA 2024 part 1

BS Battery: In 2024 the French specialist marked 15 years of remarkable growth, with EICMA showcasing the company's new Lithium MAX range, SLA MAX BGZ Series and 20-piece PA01 Eyelet Terminal Connector Jar. Heading into 2025, BS Battery offers over 400 individual battery solutions, sells to distributors in 80 countries, has 15 racing partners, three subsidiaries, a further three market coordination offices and two production facilities; www.bs-battery.com

SMK Helmets: The world's largest motorcycle helmet manufacturer by volume, the Indian manufactured SMK brand is a premium brand introduced by STUDDS Accessories Ltd in 2015 - with its origins going back more than 50 years with the first motorcycle helmets being produced by an Indian company in 1972. Still a founding family owned and operated business based at Faridabad, Near Delhi, SMK is marking 10-years in Europe with "style, safety and craftsmanship". The fully compliant (ECE 22.06 and DOT) range of full-face, P/J approved modular/flip-up helmets and Demi-Jet/open-face urban helmets are built in state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities producing inhouse the complete helmet components as well as visors with all and any treatment and reaching a daily production of more than 40.000 visors! Last but not least inside Studds there is a mould factory and a hi-tec testing lab: the helmet planet in one factory!. Advanced features include dynamic intake and exhaust ventilation, removable and washable hypoallergenic liners, Pinlock ready extra wide, one-touch replaceable visors. SMK/Stubbs operates from a campus with a 14 million helmet annual capacity with facilities totalling more than 50,000 sq m, selling in more than 50 countries. The major news at EICMA was of in-house developed communications with remarkable range and clarity - the product of a newly built electronics R&D lab; www.smkhelmets.com

Regina Chain: EICMA this year saw the Lecco area manufacturer getting excited about the prospects for a Jorge Martin/Prima Pramac Ducati MotoGP Championship win. That win came on November 17 at the rearranged final Round for 2024 - staged at Barcelona because of the problems that struck Valencia. The Spaniard took third place, giving him his third race win and 16th Podium out of 20 races, winning the 2024 MotoGP title by 10 points. But it didn't stop there for Regina in 2024, with Toprak Razgatlioglu winning the WordSBK using Regina chain on his BMW, Ai Ogura taking the honours in Moto2, Jorge Prado in MXGP with GASGAS, Josep Garcia and Manuel Lettenbichler on with KTM in EnduroGP and Hard Enduro respectively, and Marc- Reiner Schmidt with TM in Supermoto. That is seven World Championships in 2024, taking the company's total haul of top honours to some 380 world titles since their first - with Bruno Ruffo on Moto Guzzi in 1949. To round-out the Regina racing report card for 2024, honourable mentions also for three junior riders powered to their championship wins with REGINA chain - Enduro Junior with Max Ahlin; Enduro Junior 1 with Kevin Cristino and Enduro Youth with Manuel Verzeroli; www.racing.reginachain.net

Athena/GET: After acquiring international distributor Innteck last summer, the Italian performance and component specialist continues its prolific new product line programme. Recent additions include Athena piston and gaskets top end kits for off-road bikes, with forged four-stroke piston and a top end gasket set in the same pack, and a well-received extension to the GET brand with a new line of lithium batteries for offroad applications. A recognised leader in the manufacture of electronic control units and data acquisition systems, GET lithiums feature a distinctive design, light weight, compact size and state-of-the-art technology - including a unique protective gluing solution to ensure unrivalled cell stability, optimal conductivity, superior thermal insulation and effective shock absorption; www.athena.eu

LeoVince: Recently celebrating the 70th anniversary of the brand, the exhaust specialist's story started back in 1954 in Turin, Italy, with the production of 2- and 4-stroke replacement silencers, mostly for scooters such as Lambretta and Vespa. Exhausts for performance motorcycle followed in 1987 with the company now owned and operated by the Morone family's Belgrove Sp. Z o.o business. All the brand ownership, manufacturing machinery, production processes and distributor shipping are based at the company's wholly owned Polish factory, with R&D, prototyping, testing, homologation, sales and marketing all based at Belgrove's wholly owned Italian subsidiary. The present CEO is Roberto Morone, with Alfio Morone as President; www.leovince.com

Tecmate International: The Belgium based European head office for the market leading OptiMate range of battery chargers and maintainers has marked its 20th anniversary this year, with range updates, including integral power supply (PS) for the OptiMate 6 and 7 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), this feature has also gained popularity with dealers for showrooms where new electronic/electrical features are demonstrated to customers, and at remote locations such as exhibitions where manufacturers demonstrate their electronic aftermarket products on a nonrunning motorcycle. 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 13.6V; www.tecmate.com, www.optimate1.com

Honda

Honda CB1000 Hornet

By Ben Purvis

The upcoming CB1000 Hornet will be available early in 2025, and pricing will be aggressive. It will be joined by a higher-spec additional 'SP' version with Brembo and Öhlins parts.

The formula here is a tried and tested one. Take a previous-generation superbike engine, detuned a little to keep pace with emissions rules, and bolt it to a lower-cost steel chassis to create a fast, affordable roadster. The idea was implemented on the original Hornet 900 back in the late 90s, has lived on through generations of CB1000R, and now returns to its Hornet roots with the CB1000 Hornet.

In this case, the engine in question is a Fireblade 999 cc four from 2017-up, with the same 76 mm bore and 55.1 mm stroke, but a reduced 11.7:1 compression ratio (from 13:1), along with revised camshafts and valve timing. 

The result is Euro5+ compliant and peaks at 150 hp (111.6 kW) at 11,000 rpm with max. torque of 104 Nm at 9,000 rpm. On the higher-spec SP model, Honda adds a different exhaust muffler with a servo-operated valve that opens at 5,700 rpm to increase gas flow, boosting peak power to 155 hp and torque to 107 Nm. 

Those numbers might not quite match the likes of BMW's S1000R or Ducati's Streetfighter V4, but the Honda is a much cheaper bike and manages to outperform Japanese rivals, including the Suzuki GSX-S1000, while also undercutting them on price in the markets where we've seen figures announced.

Supersprox

Supersprox - Extra-long life Martensitic Steel sprockets

In 2024, Supersprox introduced updated technical characteristics for its range of steel sprockets. 

During a discussion at the November 2024 EICMA 'Milan Show', Supersprox supremo DJ Maughfling explained that "companies involved in the sale of Supersprox sprockets and the enthusiasts who chose to ride with our product already know that our sprockets are durable. We are known for the special tooth profile and longer life that the tooth profile provides. We would say that it has been one of our success stories over the past 15 years. 

"We have now started introducing new materials into the range, giving us the opportunity to significantly improve on an already good design and to increase sprocket durability and service life still longer.

"There are three key characteristics that allow a sprocket to last longer, and the material that the sprocket is made from is of fundamental importance. For the past 15 years Supersprox has been using S45C tempered steel for the rear sprockets. That material is good in terms of its high yield strength, ensuring that the teeth of the sprocket are not deformed when used on powerful motorcycles. The material is hardened before production, and that has been our standard process over many years.

"The second fundamental to producing a good quality sprocket is the tooth form. Supersprox is well known for pioneering the wider tooth profile. Although it is not always understood, it provides more material at the tip of the sprocket tooth, and that is critically important in reducing the appearance of tooth hooking.

"The latest addition to the technical specification is an upgrade to the use of S45Cm - transformation steel. The steel undergoes a martensitic transformation, via an electromagnetic non-contact power transfer. This creates a crystal-like structure, near to the surface of the material. This method of hardening gives the sprocket a 40% harder structure, with the extra strength exactly where it is needed in a sprocket design - just below the material surface.

"Ours is a market that is always looking for longer lasting and lower cost chains and sprockets, and we are confident that this new Supersprox S45Cm specification delivers. Price and value are as much a function of durability, reliability and quality as anything - first class products that bring real and calculable benefits for the rider. 

"If our sprocket lasts 40% longer, the chain life will be extended, and we all understand that the real money in a chain and sprocket set comes from the chain. We know that we will sell fewer sprockets to our existing clients. However, the endorsement that they provide will allow our distributors and dealers to bring more riders to the Supersprox and more riders to their showrooms."

Manufactured in Europe, Supersprox was founded by Roger Maughfling in 1959, and his son 'DJ' has his own 40 years of motorcycle sprocket design and manufacturing to build on. Such expertise is at a premium in these component and reliability sensitive times and is 'baked-in' to every sprocket that Supersprox sells.

SUPERSPROX

www.supersprox.com

Puig

Puig Ever-Flowing R 1300 GS 'Pista'

Some three weeks after the company marked its 60th anniversary, Barcelona based Puig Hi-Tech Parts unveiled a range of new products at EICMA that showcased "innovations that will shape the direction of future product developments in 2025".

Along with the launch of its BMW R 1300 GS 'Pista' (track) kit, the lineup is as long as it is broad. Highlights include levers 4.0 - a "sleek design with racing character", new heel plates, foldable Diablo mirrors, lower cardan, lambda sensor and front ABS sensor protectors, a sprocket cover protector; radiator guard and a range of specialty covers for the Vespa GTS 300.

Following the company's Diablo and Diablo X MT-09 based 'Ever Flowing Design' projects, this new R 1300 GS PISTA (Track) is an evolution from the focus being on ergonomics to showcase the performance characteristics of Puig parts and accessories - the hardcore 'Hi-Tech Parts' of Puig's brand message - with a reimagined high-performance hybrid "that challenges new roads."

It is described as a "transformation into a high-tech, high-performance hybrid motorcycle combining the versatility of a trail bike with the power of a circuit bike" that offers "an unprecedented riding experience.

"Pista by Puig is not just a new reinvention of the German bike; it is a statement of intent. With its advanced aerodynamics and carefully designed geometry, this hybrid version promises superior handling. Pista is the perfect choice for riders seeking both adrenaline on the track and adventure capability on the road.

Pista stands out by taking the engineering of the R 1300 GS to a new level. With the DNA of a circuit bike, it allows for fast, safe, and fun riding, ideal for those looking to cover long distances without sacrificing performance. "For those who dream of flying low, PISTA represents the perfect bike: fast, agile, and designed to go far."

PUIG/MOTOPLASTIC S.A.

www.puig.tv

GIVI

X50 carbon flip-up 

GIVI presented the X50 at EICMA, "distinguished by a sporty, aerodynamic line and elegant colour patterns", the X50 becomes the top of GIVI's modular helmet line, and one of the features includes the intercom set-up.

The shell is made from carbon fibre and with its rear spoiler, the X50 is designed for fast sport touring bikes. The helmet comes in two shells fit, and the chin guard is also made of carbon fibre.

Interior features include quick-draw cheek pads, a smoked sun visor and a scratch-resistant main visor, set up for Pinlock Max Vision lenses (included). There is also a space for eyeglasses and the strap has a micrometrically adjustable stainless steel clasp. 

The ventilation system combines large air intakes at the front, top and chin guard, with a rear extractor directly integrated into the spoiler. It also features an intercom set-up.

The helmet is available in two colours, both designed to highlight the carbon fibre texture, one enriched with gold coloured streaks, and it will also be available in a composite fibre version in a wide range of colours.

The weight of the X50 is 1,420 g and it is P/J ECE 22R06 approved. Other features include a nose guard and a wind deflector.

GIVI S.P.A.

www.givimoto.com

CruzTOOLS

CruzTOOLS 'Switchback' tool kits for off-road and ADV riding

Seattle, Washington based CruzTOOLS' new Pro-Grade 'Switchback' tool kit has been developed specifically for the woods or for the trail-exploring enduro rider and, in the case of Harley riders, expressly for the Pan America owner.

It's lightweight, at just 1.7 lbs, super compact at 2" x 2" x 7" and is capable of handling most trailside repairs and adjustments. The collapsible T-handle driver makes for fast work turning sockets, hex and torx bits. The kit also includes a 5-in-1 screwdriver, needle nose pliers, mechanics wire, cable ties and a durable zip-up pouch. 

There is one version for KTM/Husqvarna and another for Japanese dirt bikes. This product is ideal for most modern off-road and dual-sport models with options for KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas, and any Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki 250 or 450 cc Enduro of Adventure Tourer.

"This started as a project to build the ultimate trail tool kit for my KTM 350 EXC," says Matt Willson, VP of Product Development. "I wasn't happy with the existing, hard to use multi-tools and I also found generic tool kits to be far too heavy and bulky to store on the bike.

"So, I developed the Switchback to be the best of both worlds. It's compact and lightweight, but has tools that are very functional and easy to use. One of my favourite features is the collapsible T-handle, which offers the speed and utility of a shop tool.

"Just the latest item in our extensive and ever-growing range of tools and kit options, this is a great low-cost retail kit for authorised Harley dealerships and independent stores. Even if your customer doesn't yet own a Harley Pan America, someone they know - maybe a family member - will likely have an off-roader of some kind." 

CRUZTOOLS

www.cruztools.com

ACEM

ACEM: 'Big Five' Motorcycle Registrations +1.3% YTD

The latest data from ACEM, the Brussels based international motorcycle industry trade association, shows motorcycle registrations running at +1.3% (874,004 units) across the 'Big Five' markets (Italy, France, Spain, Germany and UK) for the nine months to September 2024.

Motorcycle registration volumes increased in Spain (163,476 units, +6.1% year-on-year) and in Italy (286,052 units, +5.3%) showing an upward trend, while a slowdown is noticed in France (164.387 units, -2.2%), in Germany (185,377 units, -2.7%) and in UK (86,208 units, -4.0%).

Moped registrations reached a total volume of 132,533 units in the six European moped markets monitored by ACEM (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain). This registration volume represents a reduction of -14.5% compared to the same period in 2023 (155,090 units). 

The decline is widespread in all monitored countries: Germany (12,368 units, -18.8%), France (49,023 units -17.7%), Netherlands (23,546 units, -14.9%), Spain (10,709, -17.5%), Belgium (22,221 units, -8.6%) and Italy (14,666 units, -4.2%).

Antonio Perlot, ACEM Secretary General, said: "Long term trends highlight record highs in Italy and Spain, with motorcycles matching the best nine months performance in the last five years overall."

Antonio Perlot, ACEM Secretary General, said: "The European motorcycle market was stable in the first nine months of 2024, resulting from mixed performances at National levels. 

"Long term trends highlight record highs in Italy and Spain with motorcycles matching the best nine months performance in the last five years overall, while moped electric powered two-wheeler registrations shrink.

"The last quarter of the year is usually slower in terms of volumes, but the EICMA and INTERMOT shows lead us into 2025, bringing the spotlight onto manufacturers' new vehicle lineups - something that always raises consumer interest."

www.acem.eu

Italian motorcycle registrations

Italian new motorcycles +6.13%

The latest available data from the Italian motorcycle industry association (ANCMA) show new motorcycle registrations in Italy for the first ten months of 2024 up by a very healthy +6.13% at 141,854 units, despite October have been down by -6.10% at 9,904 units - though that was still the second-best October in Italy since the Financial Crisis of 2018 and resulting Great Recession. 

YTD registrations remain the best ever seen for the Italian market. Total PTW registrations were +5.15% YTD at an unprecedented 309,393 units for the YTD - also a post 2008 record for the first ten months of the year in Italy.

The top-selling motorcycle YTD remains the Benelli TRK 702/X (6,226 units sold) - placing it ahead of many traditionally (and still) strong selling scooter brands and models - such as the Honda X-ADV 750 and ADV 350, Piaggio Beverly 300 ABS and Yamaha TMAX and XMAX 300.

Indeed, the Benelli is also ahead of the BMW R 1300 GS, which is the second bestselling motorcycle in Italy YTD 4,370 units sold YTD and Honda’s Africa Twin, third with 3,475 units sold.

Honda's SH 125, 150 and 350 were the top-sellers overall, followed by the Kymco Agility 125 R16 in third 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 167,539 units (+4.34%).

Royal Enfield

Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 By Ben Purvis

As a brand that until recently was a bit-part player in a minor niche of the global market, Royal Enfield's renaissance over the last few years has been remarkable. With the new Guerrilla 450, the company takes another huge step into the mainstream with an affordable, modern roadster that rivals machines like Triumph's Speed 400.

The Guerrilla is based on the same platform as the new-for-2024 Himalayan 450, sharing Royal Enfield's new 'Sherpa' single-cylinder engine, which marks multiple firsts for the company. It's the first liquid-cooled Enfield engine, and the first with double overhead camshafts, as well as debuting ride-by-wire throttle technology into the company's range. In short, the 452 cc single is a completely modern design, unlike the 1950s and 1960s throwbacks normally associated with the company.

With 39.5 hp (40 PS/29.44 kW) and 40 Nm of torque, power is on a par with the Triumph Speed 400, but the Royal Enfield has more torque thanks to a 54 cc capacity advantage, and the Royal Enfield undercuts the Triumph's price, though not by a wide margin. The two bikes have more in common than their general layouts, too, as both carry traditional British brand names and play on their heritage, but are actually manufactured in India.

Like the Himalayan, the Guerilla has a six-speed gearbox - a number that's still unusual for a Royal Enfield, since most of the brand's bikes use five-speed boxes - and the main frame is identical. There's a new seat subframe, though, and different suspension to make the Guerrilla a road-only bike without the Himalayan's off-tarmac abilities. 

Right-way-up, non-adjustable forks that are shorter than the Himalayan's upside-downers, along with a 17-inch front wheel, help shorten the wheelbase and steepen the rake, and by swapping from a 17-litre fuel tank to an 11-litre design, the Guerrilla's weight is also reduced by 7 kg to 184 kg wet. The seat height is 780 mm.

Although lacking the endless functions of some modern bikes, there's some useful technology on the Guerrilla's small, circular TFT dash, including map-based navigation using Google Maps when linked to a smartphone. For the first time on a Royal Enfield, there's also a choice of riding modes - 'eco' or 'performance.'

More Royal Enfields incoming

The Guerrilla isn't the only new Royal Enfield on the way as design registrations have emerged showing two further models - a 650 cc twin-cylinder scrambler and a lightweight electric bike.

The scrambler is based on the Interceptor 650 and expected to carry the name 'Interceptor Bear 650' - a title that's been trademarked already in multiple countries alongside a stylised graphic showing the silhouette of a bear. It shares the frame and the air-cooled 650 cc twin engine with the Interceptor, along with the twin-shock rear suspension setup, but gains upside-down forks and new bodywork. 

Wide, flat bars give a scrambler riding position, and the Interceptor's twin exhausts are swapped for a low-mounted two-into-one system with a silencer on the right-hand-side. The twin instruments of the Interceptor are swapped for a single circular unit that appears to be identical to the TFT screen used on the latest Himalayan and the Guerrilla 450.

The lightweight electric model is similar to an unreleased concept bike, the electriK01, which was partially revealed in a leaked photo back in 2022. It's a lightweight, retro-styled single-seater with a girder fork, matching the electriK01 design, but the new design registrations show a different, finned battery pack and changes to the frame. Royal Enfield's owner Eicher has filed several trademark applications around the world for the name 'Flying Flea' - a reference to the lightweight WW2 miliary bike used by paratroopers, which shares some notable design similarities with the new electric model, including the single saddle and the girder forks.

Galfer

Galfer Scooter discs 

Precision CNC machined to be perfectly round for maximum safety, control, and reliability under braking, Spanish manufacturer Galfer has applied all its track experience to bring MotoGP technology to everyday urban riding.

Extensively bench, track and street tested to ensure a stable, controlled, and safe braking experience, they are precision laser cut from high-quality steel alloy. They are then CNC machined to ensure precisely defined geometries and a stable mount for greater control. The high-precision grinding process eliminates vibrations and noise, improving the smoothness of braking, while the anti-corrosion coating provides long-lasting protection.

G1050

These brake discs are optimised to deliver maximum performance when paired with Galfer G1050 and G1380 brake pads, and are certified under the ECE R90, guaranteeing compliance with the highest European safety and quality standards.

G1380

INDUSTRIAS GALFER S.A.

www.galfer.eu

Airoh

Airoh - modular Mathisse II

The new comms-ready Mathisse II flip up helmet from AIROH is described as being able to "change its nature and its segment of use with a single and simple gesture". New features include intuitive functionality, improved ventilation and a more easily reversible chin guard.

There are four different shell sizes in HRT (High Resistant Thermoplastic), fully detailed inner linings in hypoallergenic, removable and washable fabrics such as Coolmax, and breathable treatments like 2DRY, Microsense, and Sanitized, in addition to the the AIROH Sliding Net (ASN) system to improve fit and comfort.

The scratch and UV resistant extra wide-view visor with integrated sun visor features a practical anti-fog position with the Pinlock 120 XLT lens supplied in the box. The ECE 2206 P/J homologation Mathisse II weighs in from 1,680g ± 50g. Additional features include Micrometric retention system, top vent, rear extractor and chin vent. 'Stop wind' is also provided. 

LOCATELLI S.P.A.

www.airoh.com

BC Battery

Italian made 8-step chargers

Italian manufacturer BC Battery has designed a new range of 1.5 amp chargers that feature an 8-step charging algorithm. Called the 'MY24' range, BC is so sure about the reliability and accuracy of its designs, technology and manufacturing quality that it is backing them with a 5-year warranty.

100 percent manufactured in Italy, the highlights of these end user battery chargers and maintainers are the BC Junior MY24, BC Duetto MY24, BC K900 EVO+ MY24, and BC Bravo MY24.

Bravo

With super-low entry-level retail pricing, the BC Junior MY24 is for all lead acid batteries (MF, GEL, AGM, Wet). The BC Duetto MY24 has a dual program - for lead acid and lithium battery applications. For lithium batteries the Duetto has been designed with a polar mode function - in case the temperature is below 5°C it automatically performs a lower current charging algorithm. 

The BC K900 EVO+ MY24 is a four-programme charger which includes the two Duetto programmes and adds lead acid CAN bus and Lithium CAN bus functionality. These two CAN bus programmes are designed to facilitate use on all BMW models, recharging and maintaining lead acid and lithium batteries from the BMW cigar socket.

K900 EVO+

The BC BRAVO MY24 is an LCD-screen equipped lead acid battery charger with a precise digital voltmeter. It is a 2-in-1 solution since it is a battery charger and battery alternator tester. On first connection to the motorcycle battery, it makes three kinds of test: at rest, during cranking and the alternator/charging system test.

BC Battery is looking for new dealers, wholesalers and importers to strengthen its international presence. Its catalogue includes motorcycle lithium batteries, jump starters for professionals and end users, battery testers, professional and workshop chargers. 

BC BATTERY 

www.batterycontroller.it

D.I.D Europe

20 years of D.I.D Europe

Established in Japan in 1933, the DAIDO Kogyo Group used EICMA to mark the 20th anniversary of D.I.D Europe, its Bologna (Italy) based branch for the European supply of OE, OES and aftermarket chains and rims.

Valentino Rossi is the D.I.D Global Brand Ambassador

Initially supported by its long-term Italian collaborator Ognibene, D.I.D Europe moved to its present premises some 15 years ago. The major announcement at the event was the acquisition of the next-door warehouse on the same site, with plans to ensure a more seamless and efficient logistics service to their partners.

Starting with bicycle chains, DAIDO Kogyo manufactures everything from industrial to automotive and motorcycle chains at its Ishikawa factory, and sells through over 40 distribution partners in more than 30 European countries. It is one of the world's leading suppliers of high-quality original equipment (OEM) and aftermarket chains and wheels for motorcycles.

Leading OEM customers include Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, KTM, and Piaggio. Aftermarket products include the new X-Ring Street and Off-Road chains with improved retention and durability to give the chains higher wear resistance - available in lightweight, heavy duty ERV7 Racing and ERVT Off-Road and Rally 520 pitch, 120 link series chains with dimpled pin heads to reduce weight without compromising the strength of the chain. D.I.D is an official technical partner to both Ducati and Honda Racing.

www.dideu.it

Vertex Pistons

Vertex Pistons - 2 and 4-T options for 2025 models

Building on a season of success on the race tracks of Europe and beyond, one in which the MXGP Vice-Champion title of the Slovenian Honda HRC Tim Gajser and the WMX title of the Spanish Daniela Guillen stand out, riders on bikes equipped with Italian made Vertex pistons have won as many as five world titles in Enduro.

These successes include in the E3 the Beta Factory rider Brad Freeman, and in Supermoto the German Marc Reiner Schmidt, becoming the undisputed protagonist of the S1.

The feedback from these successes has already found its way into Vertex' 2025 line of off-road motorcycle products, and as a result of the development work done with Motocross, Enduro and Supermoto factory riders and teams, Vertex already has an updated range of performance pistons for the manufacturers' 2025 motorcycle range line-ups, including its four stroke high-performance lines - the Replica, High Compression, Big Bore and GP 'Racers Choice' versions. 

Similar to the ones used by Tim Gajser's Honda HRC, 'Racer's Choice' pistons are made from hot forged, high-strength aeronautical alloy and have an exclusive shape with internal support crosspiece derived from Formula 1. This racing profile and specifically derived piston head shape allows for the maximum compression ratio - so as to improve power and low-end torque without compromising reliability

Coated with molybdenum disulfide to ensure smoothness and wear resistance, a DLC-coated pin, anti-rotation retaining rings and segments with a special PVD treatment make 'Racer's Choice' "a top of the range Vertex performance piston option that is respected in the paddocks of all the major series throughout the world".

There are also four different two stroke ranges to choose from - Replica, Race, the Race Evolution, that is aimed at those seeking maximum performance with total reliability, and the recently updated new Pro-Race range of forged pistons. 

These all have a molybdenum disulfide coating that improves smoothness and adaptation to the cylinder, to guarantee the best possible thermal performance.

VERTEX PISTONS/VP ITALY

www.vertexpistons.com