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