ACEM

ACEM confirms adoption of exhaust anti-tampering regulations that the industry itself helped formulate

The Brussels based European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) says that it welcomes the adoption of the 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 92, introducing new anti-tampering provisions for the non-original replacement exhaust silencing systems for motorcycles.

Antonio Perlot, ACEM Secretary General

As reported in the August/September edition of International Dealer News in 2023 (#174), these are the new regulations that ACEM, European motorcycle manufacturers (through IMMA) and selected European aftermarket exhaust manufacturers had the chance to shape this next generation of regulations. The effort was in response to the EU Commission's invitation to the motorcycle industry itself to advise on, and help produce, rules that met the dual requirements of protecting the motorcycle sector (OEM and aftermarket manufacturers as well as consumers) while still meeting the European Union's mandated regulatory policy requirements.

In a March 2025 news release ACEM states that it "acknowledges the concerns of citizens, policymakers and regulators regarding the impact of noise on daily life. Motorcycle sound emissions have been regulated in the EU for decades, with maximum permitted levels defined through European type-approval requirements since the 1990s.

"In 2023, ACEM, in collaboration with the aftermarket exhaust industry players and the International Motorcycle Manufacturers' Association (IMMA), published a set of guidelines supported by several European stakeholders to address these concerns. These guidelines have further contributed to the discussions leading to the newly adopted anti-tampering provisions by the UN Contracting Parties."

Those stakeholders included LeoVince, Lafranconi, Gianelli, Arrow, MIVV, Akrapovic and SC Project.

On behalf of ACEM, Secretary General Antonio Perlot stated: "The adoption of the new anti-tampering provisions marks an important step in ensuring that motorcycle non-original replacement exhaust systems meet the current regulatory standards. 

"This positive step ahead will reinforce measures against excessive noise addressing concerns raised by citizens and policymakers. ACEM remains committed to supporting harmonised implementation, working alongside authorities and industry stakeholders to ensure compliance and preserve responsible motorcycling."

For sound level and anti-tampering rules of motorcycle exhaust silencers, the EU type approval framework Regulation (EU) 168/2013 mandates the application of UNECE Regulations no. 92 (aftermarket silencers) and no. 41 (original motorcycle). 

These Regulations were developed and are maintained by the Working Party Noise and Tyres (GRBP), under the World Forum for the harmonisation of vehicle regulations (WP.29), operating within the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

In September 2024, UNECE GRBP adopted the new requirements during its 80th session and followed by the final adoption at the March 2025 sessions of WP.29 as 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 92. 

www.acem.eu

AIROH

AIROH to host 2025 6-Days FIM Enduro of Nations in the Valli Bergamasche 

Internationally popular Italian helmet brand AIROH has renewed its support for the 6-DAYS FIM Enduro of Nations, the most anticipated international event on the off-road calendar.

This will be the ninety-ninth edition of the competition and is being staged in the world-famous Valli Bergamasche (24 to 29 August 2025) where AIROH has its roots. 

"It is a magical place and a great time for the brand founded by Antonio Locatelli in 1997 to host an event of such importance at home and mark the renewal of its decade-long collaboration - this will be the 10th year that AIROH has been the FIM partner for the 6-DAYS.

"This year in particular, it is a great honour to actively participate in the 6-DAYS Italia 2025 here in our Bergamo home," says Angela Locatelli. "The Valli Bergamasche will provide the ideal theatre to fully to enjoy this annually spectacle and we are really excited to experience all the emotions that only a competition like this can provide".

This is a very important partnership for AIROH, so much so that last year the brand, in common agreement with FIM, decided to renew the partnership for the following three editions of the 6-DAYS FIM Enduro of Nations, including the centenary event in 2026.

As with previous years, AIROH says it will once again produce its Aviator 3 in a 6-DAYS Limited Edition of 200 helmets "featuring new eye-catching graphics and a color scheme inspired by the iconic Valli Bergamasche and the province of Bergamo".

The same special celebratory graphics will also be used for the AIROH Wraaap 6-DAYS Italia 2025, a helmet included in the new collection and available for all enthusiasts. Since 2005 Airoh riders have won 150 world titles; in 2024 the AIROH Matryx was awarded internationally recognized iF Design Award.

www.airoh.com

Galfer

Galfer renews MXGP Partnerships for 2025

Barcelona based brakes specialist Galfer has confirmed renewal of its partnership as an official sponsor of the FIM Motocross World Championship (MXGP) for the 2025 season. 

"Now in its fifth consecutive year, this alliance reaffirms Galfer's unwavering commitment to supporting motocross at the highest level, providing riders with braking solutions designed to master every turn, jump, and extreme challenge."

For the 2025 season, Galfer will be on track alongside "exceptional talents, including Mattia Guadagnini and Jeremy Seewer from the prestigious Aruba.it Ducati Factory MX Team. This partnership proudly marks Ducati's debut in the MXGP World Championship, an ambitious project that perfectly embodies Galfer's competitive spirit, driven by passion, determination, and the pursuit of perfection."

In 2025, the brand will also support the Fantic Factory Team, featuring experienced Glenn Coldenhoff, young talent Andrea Bonacorsi, and the fierce competitor Brian Bogers. Other standout names include Ben Watson and Tom Koch from the MRT Racing Team Beta.

In women's motocross, Galfer continues to support MX Fontaracing and its star rider, multiple-time world champion Kiara Fontanesi. "The Yamaha JK Racing Team will count on the skill of Isak Gifting and the determination of Nellie Fransson, both ready to make their mark on the championship."

Galfer riders will have access to race grade Galfer braking technology, including Wave discs and Shark brake discs, and advanced formula Racing G1396R sintered brake pads. Developed in cooperation with Galfer supported riders and teams in 2024, they are now available to all riders starting in 2025.

www.galfermoto.com

Parts Europe

Parts Europe and Boé Motorsports Partner to Support Young Racers

Parts Europe has announced an official partnership with respected team Boé Motorsports in the Moto3 World Championship. "This collaboration marks a significant step in strengthening the team's capabilities and ensuring continued success on the world stage."

Their shared commitment is to "the future of Motorcycle racing" in support of the next generation of professional racers. 

"Parts Europe is proud to support Boé Motorsports, a team that continuously demonstrates dedication and passion for motorsport," said David Luchetti, Group Marketing Manager at Parts Europe. "Their ability to develop competitive team strategies, nurture young talent, and push the limits in Moto3 makes them an ideal partner for us."

Boé Motorsports has a proven track record of building a strong and competitive team, ensuring they have everything needed to perform at the highest level. Parts Europe states that with their support the team is set to elevate its efforts, refine its strategies, and continue pushing forward in Moto3.

"We're excited to have Parts Europe on board as a key partner," said José Boé, Team Owner of Boé Motorsports. "Their commitment to motorsport and passion for racing make them a perfect fit for us. Together, we'll work towards new achievements and further strengthen our presence in the championship."

www.partseurope.eu

Leatt

Leatt Flexmesh Technology

Following the announcement last month about its 'head-to-toe' 2025 Moto range of protective gear and riding apparel, Cape Town, South Africa-based Leatt Corporation has announced Flexmesh Technology - a new Leatt brand protection development.

"Flexmesh is the latest in Leatt’s protection technology, joining the 3DF and Reaflex products already on the market. Riders can look forward to putting the protective equipment to the test - Flexmesh will feature in 7 new moto products: 4 chest protectors and 3 body protectors".

Leatt already offers a wide variety of protective gear that feature 3DF foam and Reaflex gel. The 3DF foam is available in CE Level 1 and level 2 variations and is "supremely comfortable, which makes it an excellent choice for limb protection. Reaflex gel is slimline CE Level 1 protection which has proven to be a top choice for many MTB riders".

What sets Flexmesh technology apart is the enhanced breathability and airflow, combined with hard shell deflexion - perfect for hard terrain and rocky surfaces.

LEATT CORPORATION

www.leatt.com

Polini

Polini Scooter Shock Absorbers

Designed to offer riders increased performance and control, Polini has a new range of shock absorbers for 50 cc scooters, maxi scooters and Classic Vespa models.

Hydraulic with adjustable spring load, the settings are an improvement over those on the original shocks, offering greater stability and more control when cornering and under braking - "ensuring superior comfort, riding two-up."

They are available for both the front and rear suspensions, to offer a better calibrated and safer, better optimised driving experience. The package ships with a second, spare spring preload key.

Applications include Vespa 50/125 ET3 – PK, Vespa 300 GT and Minarelli horizontal/vertical fitments.

POLINI MOTORI SPA

www.polini.com

Athena

Athena - Yamaha YZ 125 Big Bore Kit

Alonte, Vicenza based Athena's new Big Bore Kit for the Yamaha YZ 125 (2022-2024) is a genuine power and precision upgrade that "redefines the track experience".

With over 50 years of experience in high-performance motorcycle parts, this new kit is "designed to maximise the performance of the YZ 125, increasing the displacement to 144 cc to deliver explosive power from the very first twist of the throttle.

"Through rigorous dyno and track testing, the kit has been refined to ensure a significant power boost and enhanced reliability, essential for riders aiming for peak performance. The kit configuration guarantees immediate response and progressive thrust across the entire RPM range, making every acceleration a pure adrenaline rush."

All components of the kit have been internally designed and developed by Athena to ensure optimal synergy, providing maximum reliability and durability. 

The aluminum cylinder is engineered with "optimised geometry to maximise combustion efficiency". The intake and exhaust ports are designed for ideal gas flow, while the water jackets prevent overheating. The result is smooth, balanced power delivery with consistent performance across the entire RPM range.

A standout feature of this kit is the modular head, composed of an aluminium outer shell and a bronze inner dome. This design allows "precise customisation of squish and compression ratios, improving heat dissipation, reliability, and durability". The self-centring dome, recessed into the cylinder, enhances combustion and ensures a perfect seal.

The exhaust valves are crafted from Ergal 7075 (zinc aluminium alloy) with hard anodising and offer high thermal resistance and optimal lightness. "Their precision seal prevents compression losses, maintaining consistent power".

Athena’s Big Bore Cylinder Kit also includes a complete gasket set, "engineered to withstand the extreme conditions of the track and provide a perfect seal".

ATHENA

www.athena.eu

Nippy Normans

Nippy Normans - Desert Fox 

British importer and distributor 'Nippy Normans' (Norman Birtles) has signed-on as the European Importer for Desert Fox products. Seen here is one of the company's signature products, the Desert Fox Fuel Cell.

"Now there's no need to run out of fuel ever again," says Norman. "Whether on a Big Adventure bike in the Gobi Desert or negotiating Alpine twisties on your sports tourer, The Desert Fox Fuel Cell comes in three sizes - 3, 6 and 20 litres of 'get-out-of-trouble' convenience".

Established in 2011, "Desert Fox are high mileage overland travellers who develop their products while they tour the world. Their first their folding fuel cell is essential when the next fuel stop is at best a long way off or at worst unknown! 

"Folding fuel cells eliminate the need for heavy bulky gas cans. The Desert Fox flexible motorcycle fuel bladder easily folds away when not required and includes a handy spout for re-fuelling."

Features include carry handle, loops for securing to the bike, a tough nylon inner bladder, Khaki colour Cordura outer with strengthening webbing and useful extending filler spout.

www.nippynormans.com

Oxford Products

Oxford Products - Worldwide Distributor Meeting

British apparel and accessories specialist Oxford Products is to stage its 2025 Worldwide Distributor Meeting at its 150,000 sq ft (14,000 sq m) campus at Witney, Oxford on May 14.

Founded in 1973 (Oxford Products marked its 50th anniversary two years ago) Managing Director Henry Rivers Fletcher told IDN that the meeting will preview another record number of new products which will be landing across all their ranges in 2025.

"We’ll start off in our HQ showrooms with an in-depth look at our latest collections, presented and explained by the same people who designed and developed the products in our R&D facility.

"The day will include a tour of our Design, Research & Development Centre where the latest testing equipment will be in action, before once again getting hands-on with all the new products in an open Q&A session."

The latest products in Oxford's Atlas range of luggage will be available in March 2025, including an advanced tail harness, tank harness, B-10 backpack and waist packs.

The Oxford products facilities are worth a visit as the company has been investing heavily in initiatives to make their operations as sustainable and as compatible as possible with a 'circular economy' as possible.

Recent years have seen Oxford's annual WDM become an increasingly popular fixture in its partners' business cycle - and it doesn't hurt that the company is located just 25 km from Oxford, one of Europe's most historic cities. 

Home to the world renowned 'Dreaming Spires' of Oxford University, The Ashmolean Museum and the world-famous Bodleian Libraries, Witney, home of the Oxford Products HQ is just 110 km NW of London Heathrow Airport.

www.oxprod.com

Hero

Hero extends Harley-Davidson deal

By Ben Purvis

Harley-Davidson struck a licencing deal with Indian bike-making behemoth Hero back in 2020 that allowed Hero to develop, manufacture and market a Harley-badged motorcycle in its home market. Now that deal is being extended to cover additional bikes and international sales in certain markets.

The original Hero-made Harley was the X440, launched in 2023 and sold alongside other Harley-Davidson models in India, where Hero also took on the US brand's sales network after H-D decided to close its own Indian subsidiary back in 2020. 

Now the deal with Harley has been expanded to include more Hero-developed machines, with the Indian company issuing a press release stating: "The Company has extended its partnership with Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Inc. in order to expand the Harley-Davidson X440 into new variants as well as to develop a new motorcycle for both domestic and select international markets."

The addition of 'select' international markets will be of interest to Harley-Davidson dealers who have been crying out for a more affordable, entry-level model to tempt customers into the fold. The recent success in Europe of bikes like Triumph's Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X, as well as bikes like Royal Enfield's affordable singles, shows that there's a strong market for such bikes, with many of the customers being existing riders either trading down from larger bikes or adding an additional machine to their garage. The Triumphs, like the Royal Enfields, are made in India, and were developed with the help of KTM business partner Bajaj. Their success shows that customers aren't afraid to spend their money on Indian-made machines.

While Hero's focus has been on India, where it sold the vast majority of the 5.9 million bikes it made in 2024, the brand has started to turn an eye to international markets - already having an R&D facility in Munich, Germany, and announcing its intention to expand into Europe and the UK in the second half of 2025. It makes its own variant of the Harley X440, the Mavrick 440, sharing an identical SOHC, air-cooled single and a similar chassis. If that bike proves to be an export success, it's clear that the Harley X440 could also be appealing to customers outside India.

The additional variants of the X440 will use the same engine but the company's announcement that it will also develop a 'new motorcycle' suggest it has another power unit on the way - perhaps one that will fill the void in the range between the X440 single and Harley's smallest homegrown engine, the 975 cc V-twin in the Nightster now being produced for all global markets in Thailand. 

Kove

Kove Lancer 600 

By Ben Purvis

The Kove brand hasn't been around long but it's already got a range of motorcycles from 250cc to 800cc with an array of different configurations and target markets as well as a growing international presence with importers around Europe and in the UK.

The company's current bikes include the four-cylinder 450RR sports bike and its naked 450R sibling, the 800X adventure bike, the 450 Rally and a brace of motocross machines, the MX450 and MX250, but it doesn't have a presence in the cruiser market. That's about to change with the upcoming launch of the Kove Lancer 600, a V-twin machine that's already type-approved and expected to make its official debut imminently.

The new bike has a 578 cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine that puts out 45 kW (60 hp), sitting in a steel tube chassis with upside-down forks and a twin-shock rear end. The styling is reminiscent of the cruisers from fellow Chinese brand Benda, with side indents on a fuel tank that's split down its centre by a console that houses the filler cap, along with a circular headlight featuring two LED lamps separated by a horizontal bar. 

The engine is Kove's own work, and drives the rear wheel through a belt final drive and a conventional transmission - despite a growing number of Chinese-made cruisers are appearing with semi-automatic and even CVT gearboxes.

Equipment includes an 18-inch front wheel and 16-inch rear, with 120/70 and 160/60 tyres respectively, as well as Taisco-branded radial front brakes with ABS from Chinese brand Ningbo.

QJMotor

QJMotor adding three more cruiser models - V4 and parallel twins on the way 

By Ben Purvis

The latest batch of new model type-approval documents published by the Chinese government includes a trio of as-yet unlaunched QJMotor machines that are set to make the company's fast-growing model range even larger.

Only launched in 2020, QJMotor is now the flagship brand of parent company Qianjiang's group of manufacturers, with a vast array of models on the market in China - more than 100 of them at the last count. They're rapidly spreading around the globe, too, with QJMotor importers across Europe and even in the USA.

QJ600-12F

The new cruisers demonstrate the company's intention of filling ever imaginable niche. The company already offers three 600 cc-class cruisers - a V4, a V-twin and a parallel twin - so another three will bring the total to six, alongside a mind-boggling array of 125 cc, 200 cc, 250 cc, 300 cc, 350 cc, 400 cc, 500 cc, 550 cc, 700 cc and 900 cc cruisers in its range.

Of the new models, the most interesting is codenamed QJ600-12F and borrows the 67 hp, 561 cc V4 engine from the existing SRV600V. It also appears to use the same frame and tail bodywork as the SRV600V, but adds a fixed front fairing with a distinctive rectangular headlight. A range of different exhausts appear to be similar to those on the larger QJ Motor V4 in the SRV900V.

The second model is codenamed QJ600-12E and also uses the 561cc V4 engine and the same chassis, but with much more traditional, rounded styling including a circular headlight. Unusually, at least in the west, it has cowled forks that mimic the look of girder suspension. That's something of a trend at the moment in China, with models from rival companies Benda and Cyclone also adopting the same idea in recent months.

Both the new V4 bikes have the same 178km top speed and 1580mm wheelbase, with the faired model weight 5kg more than the naked 223 kg.

The third bike, codenamed QJ600-11D, takes a different approach, with a parallel twin engine instead of a V4, and a peak power of 60hp. It's engine, which actually measures 554cc, is shared with several other models in an array of capacities, and the frame appears to be similar to the QJ-made Harley-Davidson X500 that's sold in Asian markets, as well as the related Benelli Leoncino 500.

Souo

Souo flat eight tourer makes its western debut 

By Ben Purvis

When Chinese car-making giant Great Wall Motors launched its first two-wheeled machine last year it instantly became the biggest and most high-tech bike yet to emerge from the country and it sprang another surprise by giving the Souo S2000 its western hemisphere debut CES in Las Vegas in January.

In case you missed it, Souo is Great Wall's newly-minted motorcycle brand, and while China's other bike makers have worked their way up from small single-cylinder machines to bigger, multi-cylinder bikes, Souo has leapfrogged them all - as well as every other bike maker on the planet - by starting out with an eight-cylinder machine. 

The S2000 is clearly inspired by the Honda Gold Wing, something the company readily admits: its philosophy is to start with the most capable tourer on the market and then to take everything up a notch or two. As a result, it clocks in at 1,999 cc and 152 hp compared to the Gold Wing's 1,833 cc and 125 hp, with a flat-eight engine rather than the Honda's flat six, double overhead cams instead of a single cam per bank, and an eight-speed-plus-reverse dual-clutch semi-auto transmission where Honda uses seven speeds. 

All that is bolted to a cast alloy chassis with a Hossack-style girder front end, again similar to the Honda's, and garnished with tech including a huge 12.3-inch touchscreen display using the latest Snapdragon 8155 automotive CPU (it's first appearance in a bike), rear-facing radar sensors for blind-spot monitoring, electronic suspension and just about every other luxury that can be imagined on a bike.

Its appearance at CES in January came immediately after Souo passed the major milestone of delivering the first examples of the bike to customers. Initially the brand sold a batch of 288 bikes in China, with Great Wall CEO Wei Jianjun personally presenting the keys to some of the customers that opted to pick their machines up from the new brand's dedicated handover showroom. 

Although Souo hasn't made an official announcement about how it will go about offering the S2000 and future models, which will include a cruiser based on the same flat-eight engine, outside China, the company has stated that its ambitions are global. Its presence at CES in the States, where the Souo machines were displayed alongside an array of Great Wall cars and trucks that are already being offered internationally, was a clear indication that Souo - which means 'Soul' - is not planning to remain a China-only brand for long.

Voge

Voge joins the small four-cylinder sports bike market 

By Ben Purvis

Not long ago the small-capacity four-cylinder sports bike appeared to be dead. The Japanese 'big four' were letting their 600 cc supersports models decline, and the era of the exotic 400 cc fours of the 1980s and 1990s seemed consigned to the history books. 

Then Kawasaki revived the market with its Ninja ZX-4RR four cylinder, only to be followed by the even more surprising arrival of Chinese-made four-cylinders in the same market. CFMoto launched its 500SR in China - although it's yet to be released onto export markets - and Kove introduced its 450RR. Last year QJMotor showed its upcoming 400RR four-cylinder sports bike and now Voge is getting in on the game with its new RR500.

500RR

Voge, the high-end marque from Loncin, is already familiar in Europe, suggesting the RR500 could make its way to the west when production is underway. It's the second four-cylinder machine from the company in quick succession, following the RR650S that was shown last year, competing in the burgeoning new market for 400 cc-500 cc fours.

It's an unusual-looking design with a high-mounted air intake on the nose above the headlights, but the on-paper specs look promising. At its heart lies a 475 cc four-cylinder engine, made by Loncin's engine division and codenamed 'LX460MR' - a title that indicates four cylinders and a 60 mm bore, which means the stroke must be 42 mm. Peak power is 76.4 hp, which is on a par with the slightly smaller Kawasaki ZX-4RR, while the Voge's weight is 192 kg wet, including fuel.

Another new arrival in the same part of the market is the Lulang 500RR, which was shown last year under the 'ZXJC' brand - 'ZX' for the company's founder, Zhang Xue, who also founded the Kove brand before leaving it early last year. 

New type-approval documents have been filed showing a toned-down version of that show bike, with the product name 'Lulang' and changes including a double-sided swingarm instead of the prototype's single-sider. It's lighter than the Voge RR500 at 175 kg, with an engine that's slightly smaller at 470 cc, with a 59 mm bore and 43 mm stroke for each of its four cylinders. Peak power is 75 hp for this version, down from a claimed 83 hp for the single-sided swingarm machine shown last year.

All these bikes could be overshadowed soon, though, as Honda is planning to get in on the four-cylinder baby sports bike game in the near future. The Japanese giant recently filed trademarks for the names 'CBR500 Four' and 'CBR400 Four' - suggesting it has two versions of a new sports bike under development, clearly in the 'CBR' mould and with four cylinders, as the names indicate. 

The 400 cc version is likely to be for the Japanese market, where there's a different licence required to ride bikes over 400 cc, while the CBR500 Four is expected to be exported to the rest of the world. Honda alluded to the new bikes during a presentation at the Chongqing Motorcycle Show last September, indicating that China is a key market for these machines.

Pirelli

Pirelli - Diablo 'PowerCruiser' sport touring tire

Pirelli had added to its Diablo tire range with the Diablo PowerCruiser. A new range of high-performance Custom-Touring tires designed for custom motorcycles - "especially for the sportiest models such as performance baggers, club style and power cruisers that offer remarkable levels of acceleration and riding pleasure."

"The Diablo PowerCruiser is part of the Diablo family because it embodies Pirelli's sporting DNA, this time applying it to the field of customization. It has been created to meet the needs of these motorcycles, which require specific tyres capable of offering high performance and sportiness, with the aim of becoming the new benchmark in its segment in terms of grip and handling, even in wet conditions."

The range is 'dense', both in construction technology and sizes and includes radial and conventional specifications with dimensions ranging from 100 mm to 260 mm. "Therefore, each size is specifically developed in terms of structure, materials, compounds and profile design according to the motorcycle, adopting different specifications and solutions for specific models."

Leveraging its Supersport and Racing experience, Pirelli says that the Diablo PowerCruiser is "very easy to handle and with high levels of grip - capable of withstanding strong dynamic stresses, both in lean and in braking and acceleration. 

"The structures change the stiffness according to the riding style. In Touring driving mode (lower levels of deformation) the tyre offers a comfortable, smooth and predictable ride. When the style is sportier, they increase feedback as the tire deformation increases, to ensure greater steering precision, more lateral support and better control. 

"This behaviour represents the perfect balance between comfort and support, giving riders confidence - on both highway cruising and sportier rides. The radial sizes feature a 0-degree steel belt that contributes to a well-controlled deformation of the footprint, resulting in better tire conformability at all lean angles and better stress distribution across the contact patch - providing an advantage in terms of grip and wear regularity."

The rear radial sizes are bi-compound and enriched with silica, combined with 'Cap & Base' technology that offers a softer lateral compound for grip when tilting, supported by a harder compound substrate also positioned at the level of the central band that guarantees performance consistency and thermal balance. The size of the compound's center tread varies depending on the tire size and contact patch, to ensure the best possible force distribution and thus provide the best possible driving feel and even wear. 

The 'Cap & Base' compound pattern "provides excellent performance during sporty riding while the use of silica provides a wider operating temperature range that promotes a high level of grip, even in wet conditions and consistent performance." Fast heating and adhesion is achieved thanks to an innovative and specially developed blend of resins, plasticizers and silica present in the composition of the compounds. In addition, Pirelli's proprietary and patented mixing process maximizes the dispersion of all components in the polymer matrix to achieve a high level of homogeneity.

The profiles are multi-spoke and sharper than those typically used in the Custom-Touring segment to provide greater handling and very quick changes of direction, while the slicker shoulders provide better grip and line in corners. "The optimized sidewall height provides excellent traction both when accelerating in a straight line and when exiting corners. The balance between the front and rear contours allows for excellent ride control and neutral motorcycle handling."

Omnia Racing

Omnia Adds OZ Wheels

Naples based Omnia Racing is the latest official reseller to sign up with internationally respected Italian performance wheels manufacturer OZ Group.

Founded in 1971 by Silvano Oselladore and Pietro Zen - from whose initials the company takes its name and produces car and motorcycle wheels, specifically alloy wheels. The company is an OEM supplier to a number of manufacturers, in addition to aftermarket sales, and is a prominent wheel supplier in motorsport.

OZ began its long-standing involvement with Formula One in 1984, supplying Riccardo Patrese and Eddie Cheever's Alfa Romeo team. In 1990, the company was wheel supplier to the Toyota rally team as Carlos Sainz won his first World Rally Championship. In 1996, OZ supplied Williams F1 team won the Formula One constructor's championship and driver Damon Hill won the drivers' championship. The following year, an OZ supplied car won the Indianapolis 500.

1989 saw the company's first affiliate set up as OZ Japan began business, and in 1992 the company moved to a new factory in its current headquarters location of San Martino di Lupari (between Vicenza and Treviso).

OZ branched out into motorcycle wheel production in collaboration with Aprilia in 1991 and in 1999 partnered with Aprilia to develop forged aluminum motorbike wheels for the RSV 1000 R.

2011 saw the by then 40-year-old brand win the World SBK Championship with Carlos Checa on the Althea Racing Team's Ducati. The Moto2 championship with Marc Marquez followed a year later with a fourth consecutive Moto2 crown won in 2015 with the Ajo Motorsport team.

In 2026 OZ became part of the official Honda HRC MotoGP team, supplying the wheels for World Champion Marc Marquez.

"There's only one way to describe OZ Motorbike wheels" says Omnia Racing CEO Fabrizio Bertollini - "Performance Without Compromise. OZ Motorbike wheels represent the pinnacle of excellence in alloy wheel terms in the motorcycle market - designed to offer extraordinary performance, an attractive aesthetic and superior durability. They are the ideal equipment for those who want the most from their bike".

Noted for manufacturing technology and investments in materials of the highest quality, OZ Ultra-light Alloys are made of forged aluminium or magnesium, guaranteeing a significant reduction in weight, which improves acceleration, handling and braking.

Each wheel is produced with advanced CNC machining technology to ensure the minimum tolerances and perfect centring. The forged structure increases resistance to impacts and stress, ideal for use on the track and on the road. Approvals and Certifications include TÜV and JWL approval - all OZ wheels "comply with the most stringent international safety and quality standards".

Universal compatibility has always been a hallmark of the OZ range, available for a wide range of models and compatible with the main segments of the sport, even including naked and custom motorcycles. 

The reduced inertia produced by OZ Ultra Lights improve responsiveness in curves and changes of direction and less unsprung mass means faster starts and reduced braking distances. "The OZ Racing design adds an aggressive and sophisticated touch to any motorcycle," says Fabrizio.

"Choosing OZ Motorbike wheels means investing in professional-level performance, guaranteed safety and a racing look. Every detail is designed to transform the riding experience into a unique and unforgettable emotion".

www.omniaracing.com

Leatt

Leatt releases Adventure helmet range

Capetown, South Africa based Leatt Corporation has announced the launch of its first motorcycle adventure helmet. 

Available in 9.5 Carbon and 8.5 models, the new Leatt ADV Helmet "combines "essential road and off-road features, creating a highly adaptable solution for the demands of adventure motorcycling," says European Sales Manager Kris Kurowski. "This marks a significant expansion for Leatt, completing our head-to-toe lineup for riders across all terrains."

9.5 Carbon

In the design phase of the ADV Helmet development, Leatt placed significant focus on practicality and comfort. "Exceptional vision comes standard via the large eye port, complete with a photochromic shield. This design increases rider safety as well as enhancing performance off-road when goggles are worn.

"Outstanding aerodynamics make long distance riding more comfortable and less tiring and by working seamlessly with goggles on, the shield can be opened and closed at any time. In true Leatt fashion, the ADV helmet includes all necessary accessories in the box as part of the base model. So, while the price remains competitive for the helmet, the additional accessories that make up the package ensure that this offers riders great bang for their buck."

By combining road and off-road helmet elements, Kris says that the ADV helmet features the best of both - a streamlined aerodynamic shape allows for smooth, high-speed road performance - meaning it is configurable for different riding styles."

8.5 in Hi-Viz

Put through its paces in the Leatt Lab, and refined and perfected with meticulous attention to detail before going to market, extensive wind tunnel testing shows up to 38% lower lift and 8% lower drag compared to industry benchmark helmets - delivering stability, noise reduction and comfort on long rides.

"With a tool-free, quick-release shield system, a removable chin curtain, emergency quick-release cheek pads, and compatibility with communication devices, the ADV helmet prioritizes rider safety and convenience above all else - they are sold with spare parts and shield mechanism covers to protect from sand and other elements when using off-road mode."

A photochromic shield is fitted to the helmet as standard, with an additional clear shield included. Pinlock 120 XLT MaxVision delivers fog-free visibility "and bulletproof Leatt 4.5 Velocity goggles are perfect for off-road trail riding. All this, a helmet bag and spare parts are included in the box. The 9.5 Carbon model features a magnetic Fidlock buckle, while the 8.5 has a DD Ring system. The 9.5 Carbon also comes in a premium helmet bag, ideal for travelling with on planes.

The Leatt ADV meets the rigorous ECE 22.06 and DOT safety standards, and features Leatt’s 360° Turbine Technology, improving rider safety by reducing both low impact energy associated with concussion and brain rotational acceleration. Four densities of impact foam further enhance protection, all housed under a thin shell profile for a stylish, compact looking helmet. The Leatt 9.5 Carbon helmet weighs in at 1,490 g (M/L) and the 8.5 composite version 1, 575 g.

Leatt’s three-year Helmet Replacement Program offers riders added peace of mind, providing support for a replacement unit in the event of any helmet damage sustained while riding.

LEATT CORPORATION

www.leatt.com

ACEM

ACEM statement on US/EU motorcycle tariffs

In response to the U.S. decision to impose 25% tariffs on up to € 26bn of EU steel, aluminium, and derivative exports, the European Commission has launched countermeasures matching the economic impact of the U.S. tariffs. The EU will reinstate its 2018 and 2020 tariffs on U.S. imports starting on the 1st April and will introduce additional countermeasures by mid-April.

Specifically, the European Commission confirmed yesterday that, without further action, a 50% additional duty will be added to U.S.-origin motorcycles above 500 cc from April 1st, 2025. 

Furthermore, in the European Commission's expanded second phase rebalancing proposal, due to apply on April 13th, all motorcycle categories below 500 cc, as well as electric motorcycles, have been suggested for possible inclusion. The second phase list remains subject to a public consultation to which ACEM will respond urging the exclusion of all motorcycles from this trade war unrelated to our sector.

The motorcycle sector in Europe and the U.S. is deeply interconnected, with strong industrial and economic ties. European manufacturers export significant numbers of motorcycles to the U.S., while American manufacturers have a strong presence in the European market. Placing tariffs on motorcycles risks disrupting businesses, harming consumers, and threatening jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.

Instead of allowing this dispute to escalate with retaliatory measures, the European motorcycle industry calls for a negotiated solution for transatlantic trade. The U.S. and EU motorcycle industries want fair transatlantic trade and to be able to continue delivering our highest quality products to our passionate customers across Europe and the United States.

Commenting on the measures, Antonio Perlot, Secretary General of ACEM, said: "Whilst we recognise the need for a balanced response to trade disputes, motorcycles should not become collateral damage in broader trade conflicts. 

"The motorcycle industry provides high-quality manufacturing and related jobs, mobility and access to employment for millions of people and is a fundamental economic driver. As nobody wins in trade wars, we strongly call for a return to reason and for both parties to reach a fair solution".

www.acem.eu

Ducati

Ducati sells 54,495 motorcycles in 2024

For the third consecutive year, Ducati recorded revenues of more than one billion euros in 2024 (€1,003bn; compared to €1,065bn in 2023) - "a result achieved despite the challenges that are the industry is facing and the current global competitive environment."

Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati, said: "The 2024 results confirm the strength of our brand and the company's ability to generate the financial resources that allow us to continue to invest and consolidate the excellence, value and exclusivity of our products."

Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali: "The 2024 results confirm the strength of our brand and the company's ability to generate the financial resources that allow us to continue to invest and consolidate the excellence, value and exclusivity of our products."

Described as proof of the effectiveness of the strategic choices made in recent years - "oriented towards the development of a product range that represents the best fusion of beauty, performance and technology" - Ducati posted 2024 operating profit (EBIT) of € 91m (9.1% margin; 10.5% in 2023).

The company sold 54,495 motorcycles in 2024 (58,224 in 2023). "2024 ended with a positive balance for Ducati, one that confirms the solid basis that Ducati has both as a brand and in financial terms - a benchmark of profitability in the two-wheeler market." 

Henning Jens, Ducati CFO, added: "2024 was a complicated year due to the particularly challenging market conditions the whole industry faced. In this context, we chose to focus on protecting overall profitability and prioritising long-term sustainability rather than just aiming at increasing sales volumes. This approach, combined with further improvements in the efficiency of our manufacturing processes and logistics operations is in line with our premium strategy."

For 2025 Ducati has presented ten new models, including the new XDiavel V4 and Multistrada V4, equipped with the V4 Granturismo engine, alongside the Panigale V4 and Streetfighter V4, both powered by the latest evolution of the Desmosedici Stradale engine. There is also the Panigale V2, Streetfighter V2 and Multistrada V2 - equipped with Ducati's new V2 engine, the lightest twin-cylinder ever made by Ducati. 

However, the news that has the potential to either take Ducati to another level, or rain on its parade, is its entry into Off-Road racing with the introduction of its first motocross bike due to be available at selected dealerships from June 2025 - the Desmo 450X.

www.ducati.com

Honda

Honda outlines its motorcycle strategy

By Ben Purvis

Honda believes that the global motorcycle market is set to grow from 50 million to 60 million sales per year by 2030 and has set out a strategy that it hopes will see the brand's share of that market expand to 50% of the total.

At the moment, Honda sells 20.2 million bikes per year globally, accounting for 40% of the overall market, with Asia responsible for the majority of those sales - 17.17 million, or 85% - while the high-end markets of Japan, Europe and the USA make up a mere 6% of the company's bike sales at 1.2 million units. The long-term ambition of expanding to a 50% share of a larger, 60-million bike market would mean Honda needs to increase its global sales to 30 million bikes per year.

Honda believes that the main growth area will be an area the company calls the 'Global South' - encompassing Southwest Asia, which includes India, plus Indonesia, the Philippines, and Central and South American countries. The projected 60 million-strong 2030 market includes electric bikes as well as conventional ones, with battery-powered machines becoming increasingly important.

Specifically looking at Europe, Honda's plan is to expand its system of using common platforms as the basis of multiple models. It's already the master of that art, with various common-platform model ranges in its lineup - for example, the Africa Twin platform, which also forms the basis of the NT1100 (and in Japan the Hawk 1100) - and more recently the CB750 platform used underneath the CB750 Hornet and XL750 Transalp. It's a system that allows a broad model range while minimising R&D and production expense, vital given the relatively small proportion of sales that the European bikes account for in Honda's global picture.

The new V3 engine complete with an electric supercharger that was shown inside a trellis-style frame at EICMA last year previewed another common platform that's set to underpin multiple models in the future, according to Honda.

Electric bikes is another area that the company is focusing on despite disappointing - and falling - sales of electric bikes in European markets. Honda's plan is to have 30 electric bikes in its global lineup by 2030, accounting for 4 million sales. Honda's electric plan revolves around two separate pillars: one is the concept of swappable, standardised batteries, used in small, low-performance bikes and scooters - Honda already has battery-swap networks established in Japan, Indonesia, Thailand and India - the other is the more European-focused idea of larger electric bikes with fixed batteries.

To ensure the success of electric bikes, Honda wants to bring costs down so the total cost of owning an electric bike, over a period of three years, is equivalent to the same period of owning an ICE bike. That indicates initial purchase costs will remain higher, but the overall savings from cheaper energy will be used to bring the ownership costs level with conventional machines.

As part of its efforts to make electric vehicles - both two and four-wheeled - more appealing, Honda began operation of its pilot plant manufacturing all-solid-state batteries in January. The factory isn't making batteries for production vehicles yet, but it's verifying the production methods at full scale, so once perfected and proven it's possible to rapidly expand. All-solid-state batteries are a potential game-changer, replacing the liquid electrolyte used in existing li-ion cells with a solid one, they allow batteries to be smaller and more energy-dense. Because there's no flammable liquid electrolyte inside - it's replaced with a solid one, allowing the electrodes to be closer together without needing a separator layer - they can be run hotter than existing designs, in turn making them faster-charging. 

Solid state batteries can also be made without using as many rare materials as existing li-ion designs, and thanks to the reduced fire risk, they don't need the same heavy, bulky protective cases. For electric bikes, where the size, weight and cost of the battery make up a larger proportion of the whole vehicle than in electric cars, the benefits of cheaper, smaller, lighter and more powerful batteries will be even more keenly felt.

Honda expects solid-state batteries to start appearing in production vehicles in the latter part of this decade.

As a final note, Honda expects to hit a key milestone of cumulative global motorcycle production this year, with the 500,000,000th bike to wear the Honda badge since 1948 rolling off one of its production lines at some point in 2025.

Vmoto

The Vmoto Eco system - making it easier to love electrics 

EICMA 2024 saw the Vmoto take a major step forward with the launch of its EMS – Electric Mobility Solution.

Described by CEO Charles Chen as "an innovative integrated ecosystem designed to tackle the challenges of charging, range, and fleet management for electric vehicles, this project, focused on the B2B sector but offering benefits to private users as well, marks a decisive step toward more efficient and sustainable mobility."

At a time when ecological transition is at the forefront in every sector, Chen says that Vmoto has approached the issue from a completely different direction of travel, from the endpoint - "despite electric vehicles being the best choice in terms of operating costs, reliability, and ease of use, why do they continue to provoke scepticism among users, especially in the ideal context of urban last-mile delivery"?

CEO Charles Chen 

To answer this question, Chen says that the Vmoto Team has worked intensively to develop not just a single product, but a complete system based on seven key components, tightly integrated and designed to work synergistically. 

• 74V battery architecture: developed to ensure greater vehicle range, available in two versions: 74 V/30 Ah and 74 V/45 Ah.

• Fast charger system: the new rapid charging system, designed for the new 74V batteries, enables full charging in 30 minutes. Available in both portable and wall-mounted versions.

• Vmoto fleet platform: the B2B platform for comprehensive fleet management services. An intelligent software for monitoring charging, movements, and maintenance of each vehicle.

• Swapping station: Vmoto's new technology designed to minimize battery stock at dealerships and drastically reduce charging times.

• Super-fast charging station: designed to minimize charging times, featuring a simple, functional design with Type 2 connectors on both sides for simultaneous charging of two vehicles.

• Financial consulting and business development: an advanced consulting service to support companies in planning and managing electric fleets, offering customized solutions and tailored business plans for an efficient and sustainable ecological transition.

• Vmoto E-Fleet Range: Vmoto's B2B vehicle range, tailored to meet specific business needs, offering reliable and high-performance vehicles. Each model is designed to ensure maximum productivity in daily operations, with particular attention to sustainability and operating cost containment.

It was EMS and Beyond for Vmoto at EICMA, where the company also introduced the VS4, a new L3-homologated electric motorcycle designed for urban commuting. Drawing on B2B experience, the VS4 combines "high performance, exceptional range, and a competitive price, catering to both professional and private needs".

Graziano Milone, President and CMO of Perth, Australia headquartered Vmoto Limited, said that "at a time of cultural transition when the challenge of using electric vehicles for urban mobility has become a necessity for our plane, our goal is to prove that electric vehicles are already the solution for getting around in large urban centres. 

"The seven pillars of EMS are proof of this, as well as the launch of the new Vmoto VS4 and the Workshops that we had at EICMA. Vmoto is ready with concrete solutions that meet the needs of users".

Royal Enfield

Royal Enfield planning more twins

By Ben Purvis

Royal Enfield's twin-cylinder lineup has already grown substantially from its original two-bike range to at least seven variants but it will soon be hitting double figures with a new Bullet 650, Himalayan 650 and a faired café racer model all expected in the coming months.

All three machines have already been spotted on test in India, indicating their development is well underway, and they each represent a significant step for the Enfield twin-cylinder range. The company recently filed trademark registrations for the name 'Bullet 650 Twin' - and the name alone leaves few questions over the bike it will be attached to.

As a Bullet model, it's likely to be an access point to the company's twin-cylinder range, with a lower price point than machines like the Meteor 650 or Classic 650. Spied prototypes have shared the cruiser-style chassis of the Meteor, Classic and Shotgun models, and most closely resemble the Classic 650 in terms of components like the wheels and suspension. In keeping with the smaller 350 cc Bullet, the Bullet 650 Twin will have a long, one-piece saddle and a squared-off rear fender instead of the Classic 650's single seat and curved mudguard.

The Himalayan 650 will use the same engine, but in a quite different chassis. It's set to be the first twin-cylinder Royal Enfield that isn't a retro-style bike, instead adopting styling influenced by Dakar race bikes and using a purpose-made chassis with upside-down forks and a monoshock rear end. A circular headlight ties the bike to the existing Himalayan 450, but the twin-cylinder model will get more bodywork, with a nose cowl that sweeps back to merge into the fuel tank.

Finally, there's the upcoming faired café racer model. Also spotted on test recently, this machine uses a classic, bullet-shaped fairing and humped seat, allied to the same twin-shock frame used on the Continental GT. 

However, it's expected to be a transitionary model, debuting a next-generation version of the air-cooled twin-cylinder engine, potentially with more capacity and power - it's rumoured to be a 750 rather than a 650. That's backed up by the fact that the spied prototypes' engines have been extensively wired to datalogging equipment, indicating they have internal changes compared to the twin used in the existing range.