Friday, 25 July 2025

INTERMOT 2025

INTERMOT 2025


Facing increasing domestic German as well as international challenges, Koelnmesse, the organiser of German motorcycle organisation IVM's motorcycle industry trade show, is headed into the first annual event since it announced the change in frequency from biennial, and the change of date from October to December.



That was last year and following a December 2024 event that saw many changes, they have announced more for 2025 - "a fresh concept" - as they continue in search of a formula that will allow the show to emerge from the annual November shadow cast by EICMA.

"From 4 to 7 December 2025, INTERMOT will once again open its doors in Cologne after its dynamic relaunch and bring the passion for motorcycling back into the spotlight - emotional, inspiring and in tune with the times. With a fresh concept, a clear focus and innovative approaches, INTERMOT makes it clear why it is the leading trade fair for the motorbike industry in Germany.


"In future, the event will manifest this claim in the slogan 'INTERMOT - the trade fair. Experience motorbikes in a new way' and will thereby position itself as a central platform for direct dialogue between industry, trade, trade visitors and the community," said INTERMOT Director Alex Wolff.

At the time of their end of May 2025 news release, brands such as BMW Motorrad, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Royal Enfield had already confirmed their participation. 

"The world of accessories will also be represented with high calibre exhibitors such as Bering, Nolan, Shark, Segura, Wilbers, SW-Motech and Wunderlich having already committed to the show. The strong response so early in the year shows that INTERMOT is back - and in full force. As a trade fair hotspot, Cologne offers a unique environment with an enormous reach beyond the country's borders. 

"This year, the 'new' INTERMOT will also send a clear signal in the direction of young target groups and urban mobility: Whether 125 cc bikes, scooters or smart mobility solutions - INTERMOT shows how modern, diverse and future-proof the motorbike world is. To this end, the trade fair will consistently develop its successful creator marketing approach. Influencers, content creators and digital opinion leaders play a central role in inspiring new target groups, increasing reach and retaining the community in the long term. 

"The trade fair will become a stage for new formats, narrative styles and authentic content - directly from the scene, for the scene. INTERMOT 2025 will bring together everything that defines motorbike culture today - from technical expertise and lifestyle to genuine togetherness. It is a meeting place, trend barometer and world of experience all in one - and the most important industry event in the German-speaking world. Anyone looking for innovation, emotion and genuine enthusiasm will find it in Cologne."

www.intermot-cologne.com

News Briefs



As part of its commitment to reduce emissions and employ clean energy sources in its premises, Yamaha Motor has installed solar panels at three facilities in Europe - at its factory Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Europe (YMME), in Saint-Quentin, France; at Yamaha Motor R&D Europe (YMRE) and its branch, in Lesmo, Italy (YMIT).


Well received when first revealed at EICMA 2024 and part of the new 'X-Line', the "revolutionary" new Zero XB full size electric enduro and Zero XE, an ultra-lightweight all electric trail bike, are now making their way to Zero dealers throughout Europe.


Just weeks after being divested from the clutches of KTM parent company PIERER Mobility, legendary Italian performance motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta's historic Schiranna factory opened its doors to the public on Saturday, June 21st and Sunday, June 22nd to celebrate the brand's 80th anniversary. Some 5,000 people from 36 countries turned up to enjoy the various activities on offer, including 2,000 who took guided tours of the manfacturing facility. Visitors were recorded as including brand enthusiasts from Australia to the United States, Chile to New Zealand, Europe to Asia.


Ten young riders are set for some seriously good training at the Yamaha BLU CRU Master Camp at the Aspar Circuit in Valencia, 27-31 August. Coaching will be provided by some of the biggest Yamaha stars from both MotoGP and WorldSBK. Part of Yamaha's award-winning BLU CRU programme, the foundation of the Yamaha Racing pyramid, it aims to develop future racing stars in both on-road and off-road disciplines, with promotion to the premier classes - MotoGP, WorldSBK, and MXGP are the ultimate goal. 


Charles Chen's Milan based VMoto has done an international deal with Uber to "Electrify Food Delivery". No, it does not mean that the bikes will be cooking your Chow Mein en route to your front door, not that kind of electrification. But it does mean that your meal will arrive without having added to the planet's greenhouse gas woes. VMoto has formed an international partnership with Uber to establish long-term cooperation facilitating the transition of Uber's European fleets, rental partners and drivers to 100% electric vehicles. Uber aims to transition 100,000 motorbike couriers to electric moped/motorcycle alternatives across Europe by 2030. The partnership will also see a first pilot of electric moped/motorcycle battery-swap infrastructure installed in London.


Pirelli is confirmed to continue as the Presenting Sponsor and Sole Tyre Supplier for the British Superbike Championship from 2026 to 2030 in what will become a 23-year partnership, one of the longest-running in motorsport. BSB is one of the most successful domestic motorcycle racing series in the world and will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2026.


Former Nolan Helmets Export Sales Director Luca Farina has been hired by Belgium headquartered AFAM Group as its new Business Development Manager; www.afam-group.com 


Pirelli is to become the Official MotoGP tyre supplier from 2027 - Michelin will remain the exclusive supplier for MotoGP and MotoE until the end of the current technical regulations, at the close of the 2026 season. Pirelli is already the 'spec-tire' for Moto2, Moto3 and much of the Road to MotoGP. A new five-year contract will run thru 2031 inclusive; www.motogp.com

UK motorcycle registrations

UK motorcycle registrations to May -20.21%


As elsewhere in Europe, the latest data available new motorcycle registration data available from the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) in the UK show the UK motorcycle market down by 20.21% (37,267 units) to May 2025.

Based on reports elsewhere (anecdotal and otherwise), there can be no doubt that the UK market would be down for the first five months of the year, but that the apparent end-of-2024 Euro 5/Euro 5+ pre-reg carry-over makes it look worse than may be the case.

It's difficult to estimate how much of a factor that issue is proving to be for the UK market, though there is now doubt that, even after five months, it is still casting a statistical shadow. A best 'guestimate' is that Q4, 2025 saw some 8,000 to 10,000 units distorting the year end registration data in the UK. 

Though that isn't as much as in the other four of Europe's 'Big Five', in purely numerical terms, in the context of the performance of the UK market in 2023 and prior terms, it is significant.

A best 'guestimate' suggests that the UK is likely to be running at a real decline of around -2% to -3% for the first five months. As elsewhere it does look like there is underlying growth, with the rate of market decline slowing, in statistical terms, from January, if it can hold that rate of decline 2025 will likely turn out to have been a modestly better year in terms of negative growth than many had feared.


Kellermann

BearRunner - Desert Scrambler


Kellermann, Royal Enfield and 3 Klang Custom present an RE 650 Bear based show bike.

With a debut at the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride in Dortmund in May this year, this industrial grade desert scrambler - 'BearRunner' by 3 Klang Custom in Dortmund - is a joint project between 3 Klang, Aachen Germany based lights specialist Kellermann, and Royal Enfield - owner of burgeoning global low - to mid-displacement, price-point market that Harley-Davidson will now be playing catch-up in.



Born in the German industrial heartland of The Ruhr - the traditional home of German iron, coal and steel production - The BearRunner wears its industrial credentials as a badge of honor - "rough and hard to the limit!"

A manufacturer of fine motorcycles, 3 Klang Custom has forged the BearRunner from a Royal Enfield Bear 650 start point to create an impressive touring scrambler in a 60s look. The name behind the RE Bear 650 is Eddy Mulder, an American motorcycle racer and Hollywood stuntman best known for his success in off-road and flat track racing in the 1960s.


Mulder's legendary victory at the Big Bear Run in Southern California in 1960 is a cornerstone of American motorcycle racing history. At just 16 years old, Mulder triumphed in this grueling 150-mile desert race on a 500 cc Royal Enfield Fury - following a punishing route that began in the Lucerne Valley and climbed into the San Bernardino Mountains to Big Bear Lake.

In honor of this remarkable achievement, Royal Enfield developed the Bear 650 as modern scrambler that embodies the spirit of Mulder's historic ride.


The concept for the conversion to the BearRunner came from 3 Klang Custom, a renowned custom bike workshop in Dortmund that specializes in individual motorcycle conversions. Founded by Ulf Gloy, a master craftsman a passion for handmade motorcycles, The BearRunner is one of the first conversions based on a Royal Enfield Bear 650 in the world. 

Aachen, Germany based turn signal specialists Kellermann equipped the bike with state-of-the-art LED signal technology. At the front, the Rhombus S indicators are used on the high and wide position mirror arm. 

At the rear, the Atto Integral RB works in a 3D-printedcover cap. The Atto Dark turn signals shine on the license plate with the KL1. Additional visibility and safety come from the Dayron position light on the crashbar. The lights are centrally controlled by the new Kellermann i.NEX V12, which provides a dynamic link with the on-board electronics.

www.kellermann-online.de


Project Partners include

Voigt Moto Technik - Controls and steering specialist, www.voigt-mt.de

Wilbers Suspensions - Shock absorbers, fork cartridges, www.wilbers.de 

Zard/BOS Exhaust - www.officineitalianezard.it, www.bosexhausts.com

SW Motech, Modeka apparel, B77 Moto Saddles, HJC Helmets

Yamaha Motor Co.

Yamaha MOTOROiD2 Wins Red Dot Award


Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. announced that its MOTOROiD2 concept model has won the globally prestigious Red Dot Design Concept Award 2025. This marks the fourth time Yamaha Motor has won the Design Concept category.


Premiering to the public in 2023, the award-winning MOTOROiD2 is an evolution of the first MOTOROiD concept model, which was unveiled in 2017 and "sought to explore a new relationship between people and their machines. MOTOROiD2 was conceptualized to be a 'lifetime companion' and aims to generate two-way responses between it and its owner, thus the design evolved in a more organic and emotional direction.

"Using an organic, semi-transparent exterior gives the MOTOROiD2 a friendly, lifelike appearance. Also, the entire chassis functions as an interface, expressing the bike's 'emotions' through light, touch, and movement. Additionally, the 'LEAF' haptic device in the center of the chassis enables non-verbal communication with the user through one's sense of touch and sight. 

"These features deepen the rider's sensory connection with the bike, achieving a futuristic, mutually responding design that sets it apart from conventional motorcycles."


QJMotor

QJMotor adds yet more models 

By Ben Purvis


China's QJMotor seems to add new models to its range faster than we can keep up with them and despite only bursting onto the scene around five years ago it's now beginning the process of replacing its earliest bikes with new machines. The first machine to wear the badge was the SRK600 - a four-cylinder based on the existing Benelli TNT600i - and now a new SRK600 is on the verge of being launched.



Revealed first in type-approval paperwork in China, the SRK600 badge expected to appear on the new bike is slightly misleading, as it's actually powered by a new 680cc four-cylinder that's derived from the 799 cc four used in QJMotor's SRK800 roadster and the SRK800RR sports bike, used for the brand's high-profile international competition effort in the World Supersport championship.

By retaining the SRK800's 67 mm bore but reducing the stroke from 55.2 mm to 48.2 mm, QJMotor reaches its target 680 cc, with a peak power of 100 hp. That's substantially down on the 800's 122 hp, but also a big upgrade on the existing SRK600's 73.5 bhp.

Visually, the new SRK600 is nearly identical to the SRK800, with the same bodywork and chassis. As on the SRK800, there are two versions, one with a modern-looking nose cowl, reminiscent of Kawasaki's Z900 design, while the other uses an oversized circular lamp unit, filled with multiple LEDs, for a slightly retro style akin to bikes like Honda's CB650R.

The approval paperwork suggests the bike weighs 201 kg wet, which is 6 kg less than the SRK800, although it's not clear where the weight reduction comes from. 

As on the larger bike, the suspension comes from Marzocchi while the brakes are made by Brembo, giving a typically high specification that's shared by many QJMotor models.

Another upcoming QJMotor, also revealed in approval documents, is a semi-automatic V-twin cruiser. It's based on the company's existing SRV600V2 model, but fitted with an automated transmission that eliminates the rider-controlled clutch and shifter. Visually, the new transmission is marked out by a bronze-coloured housing just below the main transmission cover, which hides the shift actuator, and the lack of a foot-operated shifter - instead there's a simple foot board. 

While there's still a lever on the left-hand bar, it's not to control the clutch. On the standard SCV600V2, the clutch is cable-operated, but the new version's left lever is attached to a hydraulic master cylinder, suggesting it's actually connected to the rear brakes.

It's likely that when the bike is officially confirmed, it will feature a fully-auto transmission mode and the ability to shift ratios using bar-mounted buttons, rather like the recent automated manuals introduced by BMW, Yamaha and KTM.

Oxford Products

Oxford Omega 1.0 Air Men's Mesh Jacket


British apparel and accessories specialist Oxford Products continues to grow its international portfolio of feature rich apparel options and with the hot weather upon us the Omega 1.0 Dry2Dry Men's Jacket is well ventilated, lightweight design that doesn't compromise on safety.
Large venting mesh panels at the torso and under arms deliver cooling airflow that is circulated throughout, with the mesh lining ensuring the ventilation stream remains uninterrupted. The low-profile sport collar also features laser perforation.

A highly durable HD high density polyester outer shell is reinforced at key impact zones and complemented with CE level 2 shoulder and elbow protectors, with the option to upgrade with a back protector. A lightweight, yet highly abrasion resistant, 4-way stretch fabric is utilised at the side torso and under arm for a sport fit that doesn't feel restrictive, with three pant connection methods that cover all options.




Protection is with CE AA Certified (EN 17092-3:2020), CE Level 2 shoulder and elbow protectors (EN 1621-1:2012), back protector pocket (protector sold separately), external TPU shoulder sliders for impact and abrasion resistance and 360° reflective printing for night-time visibility
Climate control is managed by the large venting HD-POLY mesh panels with stretch textile to enhance air flow and air circulation and perforation at the collar.


Oxford's Omega range also includes a robust yet lightweight CE certified short men's boot and breathable, sports style short cuff mesh gloves. The Omega jacket is also offered in anatomically ergonomic women's sizes.
The Omega range and full Oxford line-up is available for dealers to at their new, 'Built Better' B2B website.



OXFORD PRODUCTS

Matris

Tiger Sport 800 suspension options


Italian suspension specialist Matris has a complete set of front and rear suspension options for Triumph's new crossover Tiger Sport 800 – granting a full suite of setting adjustments to improve performance, comfort and handling.

For the front fork, the company's well-known F25R-X and F20K quad-valve asymmetric hydraulic cartridge fork kits are both fully adjustable on compression, rebound and preload. 

The fork kits replace and upgrade all the original internal fork parts, are ready to for a 100 percent plug and play, modification free, fully reversible install.


At the rear, the Matris M46K-F and M46KD mono shocks have adjustments to optimise compression, rebound, ride-height and spring preload, with the option of a flex-remote knob adjuster unit, to ensure a fast and easy setting change in response to rider styles and motorcycle loads.


Specific spring-rates are available based on user weight, and, as usual for Matris, they are available either in Orange (Standard) or Black (Dark Series).


MATRIS S.R.L.

www.matrisdampers.com

FIM World Supercross Championship

2025 WSX Schedule


After a difficult first three years since it was launched in 2022, including cancellations, ownership and financial backing changes, the still-controversial (in USA) FIM World Supercross Championship has now released a five event, five-country schedule for 2025 - starting in October. 






Based on a franchise model, the WSX circus will hand over an unprecedented $200,000 prize purse at each round - at least a $1m series total. Four FIM endorsed World Championships will be awarded - 450 cc, 250 cc, Team and Manufacturer. 

"Featuring a five-round schedule that will deliver an unprecedented global line up, spanning five continents, with a dynamic mix of iconic cities and fresh destinations, the 2025 season reaffirms World Supercross' mission to take world-class supercross to fans across the globe.


The action is slated to kick-off on 18th October in Kuala Lumpur, at Stadium Merdeka, marking World Supercross' first-ever round in Malaysia. This stop will showcase the growing enthusiasm for supercross in Southeast Asia.

It will conclude with a historic South African GP in Cape Town on 13th December at the DHL Stadium. As World Supercross' first-ever round in Africa, this marks the championship's expansion into a new continent. This will be the season's grand finale, where the 2025 World Supercross Champions will be crowned.

"The 2025 season, the second under SX Global management (of the UK), also marks the launch of a fresh new look for World Supercross - reflecting what makes it stand out as the only Supercross championship that takes the sport around the world. At the heart of the rebrand is a curved, globe-inspired logo - a shape that reflects the international scale of the series and the millions of dirt bike fans worldwide."

worldsupercrosschampionship.com


2025 FIM WSX Rounds, 

venues and dates

01: Malaysian GP, Kuala Lumpur - Stadium Merdeka, 18th October 

02: Buenos Aires City GP, Argentina - Oscar & Juan Gálvez Racetrack, 8th November 

03: Canadian GP, Vancouver - BC Place, 15th November 

04: Australian GP, Gold Coast - Cbus Super Stadium, 29th November 

05: South African GP, Cape Town - DHL Stadium, 13th December

News Briefs



AFAM, the iconic Belgian manufacturer renowned for its high-performance motorcycle transmission components, is officially returning to the U.S. market through a new distribution partnership with Kimpex USA. A staple of the American powersports scene in the 1980s and '90s, AFAM earned a strong reputation among road riders, motocross racers, and off-road enthusiasts for its durable chains, sprockets, and transmission kits/PSB


British distributor Apico Factory Racing, aka Vesty UK Ltd, has announced additions to its programmes with the addition of California based Works Connection off-road products (high-quality MX hard parts, founded in 1989) and the UK made range of outdoor sports healthcare and wellbeing Joov Sports off-road products, founded in 2015 by moto-crosser Tom Johnson in 2015.


French parts and accessory brand TOP BLOCK ANIVOLS (CFPS) have been specialising in motorcycle security since the mid-1980s. In response to the ever-worsening motorcycle theft problem in France (everywhere in fact) the company has announced an extension to its security product standard warranty from two to five years, with a 10-year option. An OEM supplier as well own-brand aftermarket vendor, TOP BLOCK has made the move in response to the strict standards for motorcycle locking systems that French insurers are demanding. Top Block has been a pioneer and was one of the first to actively promote the use of certified anti-theft devices. The company has played a leading role in defining the industry's security standards in France and is widely regarded as a benchmark in high-quality, French-made protection systems. Top Block products are all made at its Boron headquarters near the Swiss border in eastern France.


Piaggio Group has extended the warranty period for all its scooter brands to four years. Buyers of Euro5+ Aprilia, Piaggio (including Liberty, Medley, Beverly and MP3) and Vespas with combustion engines of 50 cc and larger displacements have been covered by a four-year warranty since May 19. 


Igor Akrapovic was awarded the Nicolas Rodil del Valle Gold Medal by the FIM at its annual 'Black-Tie' awards dinner at the end of last year. The award was made in recognition of the Slovenian exhaust manufacturer's "important contribution to motorcycle sport". Akrapovic, a former motorcycle racer, founded the business 33 years ago, and to date 190 world champions in two- and four-wheel motorsport have achieved success using Akrapovic exhaust systems; www.akrapovic.com


Owned by the 2Ride Group, French helmet brand Shark has lost a four-year legal battle with its Barcelona, Spain based, Chinese owned LS2 rival. Shark had accused LS2 of infringing a patent on flip-up helmets with its Liao System 2. The court has now determined that the LS2 Convert and Valiant models did not infringe a patent, which Shark filed in 2005 and that expires at the end of 2025. The helmets featured a chin guard that could be pushed back beyond the usual position at forehead level to just below the neck area/B&B.


Some 15,000 visitors are said to have attended Touratech's Travel Event in the Black Forest, Germany (May 31-June 1). The event was staged at its Niedereschach headquarters and marked Touratech's 20th such event and the 35th anniversary of Touratech itself/B&B.


As part of the fall-out from the KTM bankruptcy, Austria based Hans Leeb GmbH took over distribution of CFMoto motorcycles in Germany and Austria at the start of June 2025. Leeb had already held the distribution rights for CF Moto ATVs (since June 2024) and will now additionally take over distribution of the Chinese company's motorcycle division. Initially, Leeb will act as a general importer, with a two-wheeler sector joint venture planned for 2026. In the medium term, the dealer network is expected to grow to 150 specialist retailers.

Spanish motorcycle registrations

Spain motorcycle registrations to June +6.58%


In Q4, 2024, the motorcycle market in Spain saw noticeably fewer regulation deadline beating Euro 5/Euro 5+ pre-registrations that was the case elsewhere - or else ANESDOR, the latest data from the motorcycle industry association in Spain show the H1 motorcycle market at +6.58% (112,880 units). 

The data does show evidence of the 'pre-reg' effect with January and February negative, but since then the market has seen growth over 2024 levels, with June a bumper month at +20.35% (24,908 units).

Honda is market share leader with a 23.8% market share, ahead of Yamaha second (15.2%), Zontes third (8.5%), BMW forth (6.1%) and Kymco fifth (5.3%).

The Yamaha NMAX 125 is the best-selling model (6,419 units/5.7% share), followed by the Honda PCX 125 (4,508/4.0%) and the Zontes 368 G in third (3,704/3.3%).


EK Chain

Bihr adds EK chain


Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Bartenheim, France headquartered distributor Bihr has added the Japanese EK Chain brand to its portfolio. The company said that this move "significantly expands the premium chain’s availability to dealers Europe.

"EK product lines are now available from inventory at our warehouses, include the EK QX-ring equipped SXR2 series range. The Japanese manufacturer has always been an innovator, and this major new partnership will allow Bihr to strengthen its leadership in the transmission market".

The QX-ring (Quadra) type O-rings used by EK in its second generation SXR2 series chains are said to offer superior durability and reduced service life as a result of a reduction in friction of around 40% compared to standard O-rings. The ‘Quadra’ concept is a four-point contact surface for a better seal than conventional O-rings. 

RK drills the internal plates with a hole of just a few millimetres in diameter to promote heat dissipation and reduce weight by around 3%, and improve the ability of the chain to evacuate mud and dirt.

Among the services that Bihr provides for its dealers, its chain kit configurator will be "one of the key elements to support the EK brand's deployment at retailers".

www.mybihr.com

www.ekchain.com

Stark

Stark: record sales/profits


Popular Barcelona-based electric off-road motorcycle manufacturer Stark Future - of Stark Varg fame - posted record profitability for an all-electric motorcycle manufacturer earlier this year, announcing that it had set new sales and operations records of € 18.3m revenue and € 2.8m positive EBITDA in a breakthrough month in April 2025.


This achievement is a great result for Stark, said to be the fastest-growing company in Spain, but it is also being seen internationally as a proof-of-concept for the viability and sustainability of the EV market.

"This achievement comes barely two years after Stark Future's first commercial sales, remarkably faster than incumbent EV leaders, and more resembling the growth rates of some of the world's most successful technology firms in history," said Anton Wass, CEO of Stark Future. 

In a period where the broader EV industry is facing headwinds, Stark Future's accomplishment represents positive news to markets and consumers alike. Comparatively, Tesla needed nearly 17 years to achieve sustained profitability, all while earning billions of dollars annually selling regulatory credits to other automakers. 

By contrast, Stark Future's operations are funded through motorcycle sales alone. Chinese manufacturer NIO has a similar product-driven revenue to Stark Future, yet it only reached positive EBITDA after eight years.

"Through deep technical vertical integration and focus on sourcing, we managed to develop game-changing technology at competitive costs, all while still manufacturing in Europe," Wass continued. "This result validates our disciplined approach and marks an important step toward consistent profitability."

In the future, Stark Future is focused on repeating the success it has found in the motocross and enduro segments, in larger motorcycle categories.

Stark Future has a burgeoning global network of dealers at over 400 retail locations, in more than 50 countries. With recent developments for security and military applications, it looks like Stark Future's impressive growth is likely set to continue.

www.StarkFuture.com


Kove

Kove 625X coming soon

By Ben Purvis


Kove is rapidly establishing itself as one of the most convincing of the new generation of Chinese motorcycle brands with an export range that largely focusses on serious off-road machines including its 450 Rally and the 800X adventure bike. Although it's also at the forefront of the new generation of small, four-cylinder sports bikes with the 450RR sold in China - and a new midsized model is making its way to showrooms soon in the form of the 625X.

Already previewed to dealers earlier this year, the 625X has now been type-approved in China and promises to fill an important slot in the middle of Kove's range. 

Power comes from a 580 cc parallel twin that's essentially the same as the unit in the Loncin-built Voge DS625X, which will be one of the Kove's closest competitors, as well as the Voge 625R, although the engine is to be built by Kove itself. Peak power, according to the approval, is 63 hp. 

The chassis is steel, with a 19 in front and 17 in rear, marking the bike out as being more road-oriented than the larger 800X models, which feature 21 in front and 18 in rear rims, and the bike weighs in at 229 kg wet.

While there's still a wait to discover whether the 625X will be offered outside China, Kove has added a new 800X model to its European range in the form of the 800X Rally. Only fractionally more expensive than the standard 800X, the Rally is a more extreme version of that bike, sharing the same 799 cc parallel twin engine. Essentially a copy of KTM's LC8c twin, as used in the 790 range and CFMOTO's 800MT and NK machines, in Kove form it boasts 95 hp and 59 lbft of torque while meeting Euro5+ emissions rules. 

The big change for the 800X Rally is its more off-road oriented chassis. Changes include a new bolt-on aluminium subframe instead of the standard bike's welded-on steel design, helping slice 14 kg from the bike's weight - which drops to a class-leading 176 kg wet. The Rally loses its passenger and luggage carrying ability, with no pillion pegs and a lower load limit on the alloy subframe, but for one-up riding the weight saving is impressive.

Suspension comes in the form of fat, 49 mm USD forks and a monoshock at the back, while the wheels are designed for tubed, off-road tyres, 90/90-21 at the front and 140/80-18 at the back. 

The bike's offroad intentions are emphasised by massive suspension travel - 270 mm at the front and 240mm at the back - and a tiny 310 mm front brake disc with a two-piston caliper, where the road-oriented version has twin discs and four-pot radial calipers.


Top Block

Top Block S.A.S. crash pads 


With the increased horsepower of the 2025 V4-powered Aprilia Tuono 1100 (the transition to the new Euro5+ standard saw it gain five horsepower), French accessory brand specialist Top Block  took the opportunity to unveil updated protections options with a pair of technically advanced S.A.S. crash pads (Shock Absorber System).

These crash pads were specifically developed for high-performance machines capable of reaching high speeds. They consist of a pair of highly durable black pads, a pair of plates, and an intermediate shock-absorbing material as a spacer whose primary characteristic is to absorb part of the shock wave upon impact.

The pads that come into contact with the ground during a fall are machined from a block of Ertacetal, a polyacetal copolymer composite material popular for its high mechanical strength, rigidity, hardness and low friction and sliding resistance. It also has the advantage of providing high resistance to shocks and wear while promoting sliding. 


The design is refined with an aerodynamic profile. The red absorbent material is made from high-density polyurethane to reduce stresses towards the frame in the event of an impact. The protection is mounted directly on the frame using a plate with two fixing points for effective protection. The black plate + pad assembly integrates perfectly without distorting the lines of the bike’s original design, while the red touch of the elastomer insert highlights the sportiness of the new Aprilia Tuono V4 1100.

The integrated mounting plates are CNC-machined aluminum, epoxy-coated in black. Backed by a five-year warranty, these S.A.S. crash pads are a quick assembly and install with the provided two mounting points for the plates, mounting hardware and screws provided.


WRP

WRP F9R Brake Pads 


The WRP F9R dual sintered metal compound brake pads are said to "represent a benchmark in high-quality components for the motorcycle industry."

Engineered with the innovative NRS safe technology, these pads "offer excellent braking power, precise modulation, and superior heat resistance - ensuring optimal safety and performance in every riding situation."

NRS – the Nucap Retention System - is a patented technology used in brake pads to mechanically bond the friction material to the backing plate, eliminating the need for adhesives. This system that enhances durability and reliability, especially in extreme braking conditions.

WRP says that "the reliability and quality of the WRP F9R pads is attested by their involvement in the world of racing. Over the past 10 years, these pads have achieved more than 20 podium finishes as an official supplier for the Speed RS Moto2GP Team. This achievement shows their ability to deliver consistent and competitive performance, even in the most demanding conditions of top-level racing."


WIND TRADING SRL

www.wrpracing.com

Thursday, 24 July 2025

Comment by Editor, Robin Bradley

ACEM training initiatives protect consumers and promote industry growth


This edition sees a return of our regular motorcycle registration statistical round-up, after taking some months off because of the Q4, 2024 end-of-year Euro 5/Euro 5+ 'pre-reg' distortion of the figures.

That made any meaningful interpretation of the available national motorcycle industry trade associations data in the 'Big Five' markets - Italy, Germany, France, Spain and UK - essentially meaningless. It corrupted the data set for 2024, and the data harvested for Q1 of 2025.

Even now, with data published in this edition to May 2025 for UK and Germany, and to June 2025 for Spain and Italy, the 'pre-reg' of unsold units at the end of 2024 still casts a long shadow. Not only is it very difficult to be able to attribute any market insight to the data we do have, but it means we are going to be virtually blind and go deep into the second half of this year before there can be any meaningful analysis of how the market has performed in 2025.

We have data from four of the 'Big Five' markets - data for France is not widely accessible to the media or industry outside of France so we have to wait for the ACEM quarterly research. This Q1 data was released on May 7.

That ACEM data only confirms that the impact of the late 2024 regulation busting OE 'pre-regs' does extend to France too with the market down by -21.6% for Q1 at 38,170 units. 

For the record, that data also shows the 'Big Five' for the first three months of the year to date as down by -19% at 206,874 units. While it doesn't take account of the 20% or so of sales that occur outside the main markets, the 48,422 unit loss vs. Q1 2024 is the nearest any of the available data sets comes to an insight into the effect of the OE 'pre-regs' but even that does not give us an opportunity to understand what the underlying Q1 market growth or decline trend had been.

"a safety culture benefitting all road users"

Of those four National trade association market data sets we do have, the one market that is showing growth for H1 is Spain. In data capture terms it appears to have been able to keep its data stream clear of the 'pre-reg' phenomena, or maybe it just wasn't as prevalent there as elsewhere.

At +6.58% (112,880 units) the Spanish market has been strong. For the other markets we have similar data for, the picture is nothing like as good. In the UK, new registrations were -20.21% (a mere 37,267 units) through to May 2025. In the Italian market the data through to June 2025 shows new registrations down by -15.03% at 81,933 units. In Germany the 'pre-reg' problem was at its worst there a -30.90% decline for the first five months (47,149 units sold). 

Based on what has been seen before, in data terms the 'pre-reg' issue will not unwind until the end of 2025. In fact, the comparables will still be distorted well into 2026 or even early 2027, as registration statistics continue to lap distorted historical data.

Meanwhile, ACEM continues to work on the long-term health of 'the sport' and the public's willingness to engage with life on two wheels. The manufacturers continue to focus on motorcycle tech and rider aids such as semi and fully automatic clutches, the ride modes and ABS/CBT/LBT developments that have now become largely taken for granted, interconnectivity, ECU capabilities, collision avoidance and all the other forward-facing technologies that are changing the riding and ownership experiences out of all recognition.

Ever since the early twentieth century, every generation has seen the motorcycle industry left in a changed place after their riding lives. Each has seen the change and evolution that is central to protecting the place for motorcycles in the transport mix and for allowing the motorcycle industry itself to develop and grow.

In this edition we have two items about the efforts the industry is making to improve the standards of training. While manufacturers are making it ever easier for new consumers to feel less intimidated and more confident about 'throwing a leg', ACEM is acting as a vital catalyst for such efforts. The eco system of academic, EU and research organisations whose work it is able to galvanize, monitor, harness, coordinate and champion is to be congratulated for its ongoing efforts to make sure that motorcycle riding not only survives in the ever increasingly complex riding environment, but, simultaneously, makes it easier for new generations of consumers to feel safe while embracing the environment, economic and traffic busting advantages that motorcycles represent.

This isn't necessary about electrification, as such, compulsory or otherwise, but about simply keeping our customers safe - improving the market entry pathway for the current and future new consumer group demographics. By embracing evolving generational social attitudes, we better consolidate the motorcycle markets long-term place in the transport mix.

Access to high quality training is fundamental, foundational even, to attracting consumers to the market, turning them into enthusiastic advocates and thereby 'passing the torch'.

Our Cover Story this month is focussed on the new 'Learn-Ride-Enjoy-Repeat' initiative that represents a much-improved and comprehensively well thought out next stage, next generation voluntary training framework for European riders - "a safety culture benefitting all road users."

In collaboration with the FIM, it is a European-wide campaign designed to encourage novice and experienced riders alike to take high-quality voluntary motorcycle training beyond the simplistic requirements of license testing.

It puts the common interests of manufacturers, dealers and consumers at the forefront of shaping a motorcycle market and, importantly, transport landscape that is rider-centric and future-proofed against flawed training solutions that fail to leverage the daily, 'real-world' experiences of the user group concerned.

Along with its closely related 'Safe ride to the future 3.0' (see additional item on page 15) these initiatives help to protect industry interests by protecting consumer interests. Training is the umbilical cord that feeds unit sales growth.



Italian motorcycle registrations

Italy motorcycle registrations to June -15.03%


Don’t panic. The latest data from ANCMA, the motorcycle industry trade association for Italy shows new motorcycle registrations down for the first six months by -15.03% (81,933 units YTD).

However, as is the case in most other European markets (especially Germany), the data remains hopelessly distorted by the Q4, 2024 rush by the primary OEMs to pre-register unsold Euro 5 spec models before the upgraded Euro 5+ regulations can into force on 1st January this year.

The result? In statistical terms a confused and confusing picture. However, the underlying data for Italy doesn’t appear as bad as elsewhere (looking at you again Germany). 

In each of the last four first half periods in Italy, the market grew well - by +55.05% in 2021 (74,593 units - Covid bounce), by +6.02% in 2022 (79,086 units - still bouncing), +13.14% in 2023 (89,478 units - even more bounce) and by +7.77% in 2024 (96,429 units - an eternal bounce!).

In that context, it looks likely that at least half of the 37,000 registrations seen in Q4, 2024 were ‘legitimate sales’ and that would mean that the worst scenario the Italian market is carrying into H2 is something like a 5,000 to 8,000 pre-reg carry-over - which would make something in the region of a +3% to +5% year end growth rate for 2025 perfectly tenable.

Underlying market growth may be evidenced in the total PTW registration figures for H1 where an apparent decline -4.37% (194, 984 units) is already only some 9,000 behind H1 of 2024.

As usual, the top selling units in Italy are scooters, with Honda’s SH 125, 350 and 150 series take the podium spots (nearly 25,000 units between them) followed by their X-ADV 750, the Piaggio Liberty 125 ABS, Kymco People S 125, Honda Italia’s ADV 350 and two Yamahas - the TMAX and the XMAX350.

The top-selling motorcycle in the first six months in Italy was (no surprise) the BMW R 1300 GS (2,506 units YTD), followed by the Honda Africa Twin (1,967 units). Be it small or large displacement, if you’d driven in Italian traffic, you’d love Enduro platforms too!

Total Scooter sales were 113,051 units, which was up by 5.20%.

Yamaha

Yamaha Tracer 7 gets mid 2025 update 

By Ben Purvis


Yamaha's MT-07-based Tracer 7 and Tracer 7 GT are at the smaller end of the sports-tourer spectrum but have proved themselves as effective all-rounders over the last few years. Now a 2025 update brings improved technology and tweaked styling to make them an even more tempting package.


Under the subtly redesigned bodywork – it's all-new, but sticks to the previous bike's themes – lies the familiar 'CP2' 689 cc, 270-degree parallel twin that's found in a host of Yamahas from the MT-07 to the Ténéré 700, but in pursuit of Euro5+ emissions certification the latest version finally gets ride-by-wire for the throttle, enabling the adoption of multiple riding modes and cruise control, both notably absent from the previous version.

Power and torque are essentially unchanged at 54 kW (72 hp) and 68 Nm (50 lb-ft), arriving at 8,750 rpm and 6,500 rpm respectively, but the new engine gets Sport and Street riding modes and a programmable 'Custom' setting. Surprisingly, though, Yamaha hasn't yet added a semi-automatic version with the Y-AMT transmission, despite that gearbox being available on the MT-07.

It's a similar story with the chassis, largely borrowed from the previous model but enhanced with revisions to bring it up to modern expectations. Gone are the old, right-way-up forks and axial-mounted brake calipers, in their place are upside-downers and radial-mount four-pots. It's a change that adds a few kilos to the bike's mass – up from 197 kg to 203 kg on the base model and from 210 kg to 212 kg on the higher-spec GT, which additionally comes with panniers, an adjustable screen and a centre stand. 

The bodywork tweaks are aligned with a rethought riding position, bringing wider, taller bars and a new two-piece seat that includes more space for the pillion and offers a height-adjustable rider's section, while the fuel tank rises from 17 litres to 18 litres for a fraction more range.

There's a redesigned, 5-inch TFT dash, with turn-by-turn navigation when paired to a smartphone and used with the Garmin StreetCross app. New bar control pods reflect the addition of standard cruise control, and a USB-C charge port is added.

General Motors

General Motors patents electric motorcycle design

By Ben Purvis


General Motors might be best known as a car maker – parent to an array of brands including Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick – but it’s made far more than cars over the years with a history that includes aircraft, tanks and other vehicles. It’s never made motorcycles but that’s something that might be set to change as GM has filed a new design patent showing a lightweight electric bike.


Car and motorcycle brands have long been intertwined. Companies like BMW, Suzuki and Honda all manufacture both, and history shows it’s a connection that goes back to the dawn of powered transport, with the likes of Rover, BSA and others building both cars and motorcycles as long ago as the 1900s. More than 100 years on, the concept of personal mobility means that, once again, car makers are looking to add two-wheelers to their lineups. VW’s subsidiary SEAT offers an electric scooter, for example, and MINI has shown multiple two-wheeled concepts over the years. 

Meanwhile, Honda’s Motocompacto folding electric scooter is offered through its car dealers rather than motorcycle outlets in the USA, and a vast number of car brands have tie-ins with electric bicycle companies.

GM’s electric bike design is clearly at the basic end of the spectrum, but it’s very much a motorcycle rather than a scooter or a powered bicycle. The only clue to its possible branding is the word ‘PAK’ emblazoned on the battery unit, which fills most of the simple, square-section frame. The motor is mounted in the rear wheel’s hub, and the suspension comprises conventional forks at the front and a monoshock at the back.

A long, flat seat and wide, straight bars give a scrambler style, and there’s no sign of mirrors, indicators or a licence plate, suggesting it’s intended only for off-road use - the one segment of the ePTW market that does still appear to be viable at this time. 

Scale is hard to judge, but the wheels appear to be smaller than a full-size bike’s, perhaps 14 or 16-inches in diameter, so the bike could be aimed at the youth off-road leisure market.

Around the same time, GM’s design department also filed patents for an electric side-by-side four-wheel vehicle, again the type pandering to the US market for leisure off-roaders, but there’s no information yet to show whether either the bike or the four-wheeler will get beyond the design stage. 


Gaslock

Gaslock J164 Motorcycle Radiator Caps


Noted for its high-tech precision engineering, advanced design and quality materials, German manufacturer Gaslock's new motorcycle radiator cap offers a unique and stylish look for radiator equipped water-cooled models.

They are easy to handle and install with a unique stainless-steel screen and beautiful UV resistant, fade free red anodized ring. Fitted with replaceable seals, they will fit a vast array of most water-cooled motorcycles.

Designed to open and relieve high temperature pressures at 20 psi or 1.4 bar, coolant escapes into a small holding tank. Once the coolant temperature reduces, a vacuum is created, and the coolant returns into the cooling system.

Available with outer ring and breather mesh colorway options



At 20 psi (1.4 bar), the coolant is allowed to maintain a higher boiling point temperature - due to higher pressures. This is a matter of physics. It is critical to control the pressure in order to ensure the integrity of the coolant system. These specifications meet SAE J164 standards.

Designed and tested extensively over thousands of cycles, each new cap is tested after assembly before shipping, to ensure proper function and given a laser etched date code.

In addition to its standard product range, Gaslock can provide capabilities for specific designs for your needs. It can offer several different processes - including laser etch, CNC machining, anodizing and paint – and offer extensive laser etched and electro-formed design options and details. The company is open to hearing from customers to discuss preferences and needs in order to develop a unique radiator or gas cap to your specific design.

An OE manufacturer for select motorcycle brands, Gaslock has been in business for close to 30 years. The company's capabilities involve several different products for many different industries. "These gas caps require a high level of integrity which speaks to the versatility of our capabilities and extent of our engineering experience."

In addition to radiator and gas caps, Gaslock's additional product lines include accessory parts and level indicators.


GASLOCK

www.gaslock.de

RK Chain

Lightweight high-performance RK XRE series


RK XRE series chain was originally designed and developed with cutting edge technology from various international on and off-road racing, realising racing performance combined with high durability and lightweight – to provide quick and smooth acceleration.




The RK 520XRE can be used for both on-road and off-road purposes. It equipped the 2025 Dakar Rally BAS World KTM Racing Team proving a reliable and capable team, with the team (including #96 Tobias Ebster, see here) finishing without any problems.

Using the technology developed for the Honda XL750 TRANSALP OEM specification chain, the RK 520XRE, 525XRE and 530XRE are designed with the concept of being not just suitable for general street riding (Touring, Sport and Off-Road) but as a robust, highly durable yet also lightweight race grade performance chain with FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) teams.




Thanks to its race-developed technology, the RK XRE Series provides excellent acceleration response and manoeuvrability and feature RK's XW-Ring seal technology. This technology is based on a unique, RK proprietary concept of two lubrication pools and three contact lips - a triple barrier structure to further seal the lubrication and prevent dirt and debris from penetrating the inner rollers/bushings of the chain. The durability has been seen by dealers, riders and racers to be a dramatically improvement over the XSO series chains that it supersedes.


The RK XRE Series can be applied to significantly wider displacement range than previous race proven quality models. Available in natural, gold, black, red, blue, green, orange, and yellow colours.


RK JAPAN

www.rk-europe.com

Vertex Pistons

Vertex Pistons for off-road 4-strokes


With most of the 2025 series championships reaching the half way point, Italian motorcross piston specialist Vertex has announced that many of the leading racers and most prestigious factory teams, including the Honda HRC, Monster Yamaha, Beta, Fantic, TM and the Kawasaki KRT of the leader Romain Febvre, are very similar Vertex 4-stroke pistons to the ones that are available ‘off-the-shelf’ at dealerships for most current and less recent off-road motorcycles.

Vertex has four versions available to meet the needs of all riders: Big Bore, High Compression, Replica, and the GP Racers Choice - similar to the ones used in the engines of the factory team bikes - highlighting the exclusive shape that Vertex has developed, with and internal support crosspiece that was derived from Formula 1.

Produced in high-strength aerospace alloy, GP Racers Choice feature a racing profile and special piston head shape that allows the maximum compression ratio – improving power to and torque at low rpm, without compromising engine reliability.

GP Racers Choice pistons are also coated with molybdenum bisulfide for the best possible sliding and wear resistance. This is complemented by segments equipped with special treatment in PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) Diamond Like Coating, with anti-rotation fastening rings.

www.vertexpistons.com


Motoz

Motoz - Tractionator Outback race tyre


Said to be "built for the toughest rally conditions", Australian Motoz off-road tyre brand owner Bruce Collins Enterprises (BCE) has announced the addition of its newest high-performance rally tyre - the Tractionator Outback Race.

Said to have been four years in development, it has been tested in events like the Finke Desert Race and the 2025 Dakar, where it helped Jordan Strachan finish 69th on his Kove 450.

Bruce Collins said that it is "designed to meet the extreme demands of rally raid racing," and that it is a "significant evolution in off-road tyre technology." Features include a new tread compound and a reinforced carcass "that together deliver enhanced stability, long-lasting endurance, and exceptional performance across a wide range of challenging terrains."

Based on the Euro Enduro 6 tread pattern, the tyre's new tread compound and carcass construction offer "enhanced stability in extreme terrain, improved heat dissipation, and high mileage to endure the toughest races.

"The ability to shed heat makes for consistent performance in extreme temperatures, while the stronger carcass and new compound deliver added durability and stability offering high endurance and performance across extended distances."

Street legal (DOT ECER75 approval), the tyre is available in 140/80-18 size, and is suitable for a range of rally bikes.


MOTOZ PTY LTD

www.motoz.com.au