ACEM

ACEM: Concern over EU-US tariffs trade agreement

ACEM has expressed its "serious concern" that the EU-US Framework Agreement "falls significantly short of addressing the trade challenges facing European manufacturers." It Is calling for "urgent action as prohibitive US tariffs on European motorcycles are introduced."

While ACEM said it acknowledged the diplomatic efforts that have been made "on both sides of the Atlantic", an August 27 news release stated that "the agreement's partial scope leaves the European motorcycle industry facing the new general 15% tariff on products exported to the United States." 

Secretary General Antonio Perlot

Of even greater concern are the tariffs being faced by European motorcycles, parts, and accessory manufacturers and distributors as these are now also subject to 50% tariffs on their steel content.

"This unbalanced framework creates an economically unsustainable situation for European manufacturers, as steel represents a fundamental component. 

"The persistence of punitive tariffs threatens the competitiveness of ACEM's member companies and jeopardises jobs they support throughout Europe and in the US. The current arrangement effectively introduces discriminatory treatment.

"While the Agreement indicates future discussions on Tariff-Rate Quotas (TRQ) for steel, aluminium, and derivative products, ACEM stresses that these discussions must move beyond vague commitments. 

"The industry cannot sustain prolonged uncertainty while fundamental competitive disadvantages persist. European manufacturers require immediate clarity on when comprehensive relief will be achieved. Looking forward, ACEM will continue its regular engagement with European institutions to provide technical expertise and industry perspective for ongoing negotiations."

ACEM Secretary General Antonio Perlot is quoted as saying: "While we acknowledge the Commission's efforts, this Framework Agreement, as it stands, represents a deeply inadequate response to the challenges facing European industry. 

"On top of the 15% tariff for general products, the newly introduced 50% tariffs on steel content render much of the agreement's benefits meaningless for motorcycle manufacturers. We cannot accept a situation where European companies remain at a severe competitive disadvantage due to incomplete negotiations. 

"The European motorcycle industry calls for a balanced negotiated solution for transatlantic trade, that restores fair competition and mutual market access."

News Briefs

\The Marseille based 2Ride Group (Trophy Group - Shark, Nolan, Segura, Bering, Bagster etc) has taken over the distribution of its Nolan and Shark helmets brands centrally, for the entire DACH region, including Switzerland. The move sees the brand owner taking over from Hostettler and Motoactive GmbH. Owned since 2018 by French investor Eurazeo, 2Ride was in the news three years ago for buying the Californian Troy Lee designs business (from SBJ Capital), and again last year for selling it back to Troy Lee himself in July 2024; www.shark-helmets.com

Having relinquished distribution of Nolan and Shark helmets and the apparel ranges owned by 2Ride Group, Sumiswald, Switzerland based Motoactive GmbH has added KYT and the Suomy brands of helmets, Xpd boots and its owner Spidi's apparel programs, and the French owned BS Battery range of batteries and chargers - effective January 2025. The company also sells Moto Eleven, a mid-price own brand of motorcycle apparel; www.motoactive.ch

The cult Czech designed (and Mahindra, India manufactured) JAWA brand is back on the market in Germany with two industry newcomers setting up as the importer. Bischofswerda, Saxony based KLIC Handelsgesellschaft GbR (André Hausmann and Danilo Walch) is a start-up and will be responsible for the distribution of the contemporary classic range of 350 to 650 cc models including café racers, bobbers, scramblers and adventure bikes. There are currently importers in Austria, Switzerland, Poland and Italy with the new German importer also serving the Hungarian market; www.jawa.eu

Miami, FL based Star8 Corp. (OTC: STRH) has merged with Abruzzo, Italy based electric motorcycle manufacturer TOMAHAWK SRL. Founded in 2019 by brothers Gianluca and Denis Scarponi, it had developed three models under the Scarponi Motorcycles brand during 2020. In 2021 it established a manufacturing and R&D facility in Italy with homologation of all three models for all EU countries achieved in May 2023, followed by production in June 2023. "The merger with Star8 Corp. will allow us with not only access to the capital markets for funding, but also to new distribution channels into the America's and beyond." The company says it plans to expand productions levels and begin marketing of its EV Motorcycles to the rest of Europe, Americas and Asia; www.scarponimotorcycles.com

Chennai, India based Royal Enfield reportedly sold 944,000 motorcycles in 2024, a +4.7% increase over 2023, making it the tenth largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world by unit volume. Originally a small arms manufacturer in 1893, Royal Enfield started making motorcycles at Redditch, England in 1901. Production ceased there in 1967, ending in England completely four years later but continuing as a manufacturer in India. Present owner Eicher acquired the brand in 1994.

Finally, some good news. The decade-long saga of the demise of the ill-starred Stuart Garland Norton motorcycles era has continued to cause ripples in the UK. However, BDN has reported that pensioners who lost money from the Norton pension schemes have finally been compensated. More than 200 people who had been defrauded after former Norton brand owner Garner illegally invested their pension assets in Norton Motorcycle Holdings have had their money refunded by the UK's Pension Protection Fund, with more that £9.4m refunded.

Honda's motorcycle production and sales subsidiary in India is to build a fourth production line at its fourth plant. Set to start operations in 2027, the new line will have an annual production capacity of 650,000 units, bringing the total capacity of the fourth plant to 2.61 million. This will make it Honda's largest motorcycle assembly plant. Honda's four production plants in India total an annual production capacity of 6.14 million units. Since it started production there in 2001, their cumulative production volume has reached more than 70 million units.

LiveWire

LiveWire - 'Twist & Go' promotion in Europe

Harley-Davidson EMEA (or should that be Livewire EMEA?) has announced a sales promotion for select international markets that sounds more like a fire-sale than a love-sharing exercise from a brand in a position of strength.

The news comes not long after 'Milwaukee' had announced the sale of part of its historic Juneau Avenue Headquarters building to house a distillery, and the sale of a 10% chunk of one of the undoubted jewels in it crown - the HDFS Loan Book - to a pair of reputationally challenged investment houses not known for their positive 'bedside manner'.

It looks like 'Cash Really is King' for Harley at this time and that the search is on to find themselves some Kings. Small change down the back of the sofa anyone?

The LiveWire 'Twist & Go' promotion is billed as incorporating expansion into new European markets and updates with new features for the S2 models - "LiveWire makes it easier to enter e-mobility on two wheels with attractive price advantages, optimised machine availability, expansion into new European markets and the introduction of new, driver-oriented functions."

Describing itself as a "leading manufacturer of electrically powered motorcycles," Livewire says its announcements represent "three strategic initiatives" that are aimed at making it easier to get started with e-mobility on two wheels, making more machines available in Europe and optimising the riding experience on the bikes.

"The first initiative is the global Twist & Go campaign, which offers significant incentives for the S2 model range.

S2 Alpinista (left), S2 Del Mar 

"The second initiative is to expand into seven additional European countries; the third initiative is a free software upgrade that will equip the S2 models with a reverse function and roll-forward brake recuperation.

"For a limited time, the LiveWire Twist & Go promotion offers attractive incentives that make it easier than ever for riders to experience the power and innovation of LiveWire e-motorcycles. From August 28 to October 31, 2025 (or until available stock is sold out), customers will benefit from significant price savings for the entire S2 product range (from 18 years of age; subject to availability; T&Cs apply)."

S2 Mountaineer

Those incentives appear to be close to a half-price sale in some instances with savings of up to £10,000 ($13,650) in the UK (for example). The S2 Del Mar can now be bought for prices starting at € 9,999 in Germany (8,599 CHF in Switzerland); with the S2 Mulholland priced from € 10,999 in Germany (9,499 CHF in Switzerland) and the S2 Mountaineer from € 12,099 in Germany (10,399 CHF in Switzerland).

LiveWire models have already been available (at least to some degree or another) in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Great Britain and Switzerland, with market expansion now bringing Spain, Italy, Poland, Finland, Belgium, Portugal and Luxembourg on-stream. The expansion is for the full Livewire range - including the 'ONE'. LiveWire models will be available "through the growing network of European dealers" in each of the new markets. 

 S2 Del Mar 

The free software update for all S2 models (reverse and roll-forward brake recuperation) will be additionally available to all US owners of an S2 model. 

AIMExpo

AIMExpo and Supercross join forces in Anaheim

For the first time, AIMExpo will run alongside the kickoff of the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship and Round 1 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross season - "creating one high-energy week in Anaheim, California."

The 2026 show is set for 7-9 January at the Anaheim Convention Centre, with Supercross Round 1 taking place Saturday night at Angel Stadium.

Photo credit: Feld Motor Sports

"This collaboration with Round 1 of Supercross, the most iconic race of the year, brings two major forces together in a way that's never been done before, giving the whole industry more reasons to get excited and show up," said Andre Albert, MIC's Director of Marketing and Events.

"This is what makes AIMExpo more than a trade show," said Cinnamon Kernes, MIC's Vice President of Market Expansion. "We've worked hard to create an experience that connects the dots between business, culture, and community, and that's what this event delivers.

"The collaboration with Feld Motor Sports ties the business of powersports to the thrill of competition, and underscores Supercross' place in the motorcycling culture."

www.aimexpousa.com

Honda

Honda CB1000F SE  

By Ben Purvis

Officially Honda calls the CB1000F a 'concept' but the pretence that it's anything other than an upcoming production model is wearing increasingly thin with the reveal of a second variant - the new CB1000F SE - and multiple colour schemes for the machine that will essentially replace the age-old CB1300 Super Four and Super Bol d'Or in the company's lineup.

CB1000F SE Concept and CB1000F

After showing the CB1000F Concept earlier this year, Honda took the wraps off the CB1000F SE Concept at the Suzuka 8-Hour race in August. Like the previous bike, it's based on the FireBlade-derived 999 cc four-cylinder engine and the chassis from the current CB1000 Hornet, but wrapped in 70s-inspired styling that owes a lot to the old CB750F.

The 'SE' version adds a small, bar-mounted cowl and windscreen to the previous design, as well as a few other tweaks including a slightly more luxurious seat and heated grips. Honda also displayed modified versions, including a Moriwaki-made, race-style CB1000F.

Details not seen before include the bike's instrument display - the same TFT panel that's used on the CB1000 Hornet - and elements like the indicators and numberplate hanger, which were absent on the original CB1000F concept earlier this year. Although the bikes still lacked mirrors, they were otherwise in road-ready form.

The chassis is largely identical to the CB1000 Hornet, and the subframe under the CB1000F and SE's retro-style tail bodywork is reshaped.

A question remains over whether the CB1000F will be offered outside Japan. Its predecessor, the CB1300 Super Four, was sold around the world when it was new, but was discontinued in markets other than Japan many years ago.

RK Chain

RK MRU Series - premium replacements for non-sealed chains

The Japanese-made RK 420MRU and 428MRU2 chains are designed to be the premium replacement for OE non-sealed chains, featuring RK's unique ultra-thin seal, U ring technology.

This technology makes it possible to design a sealed chain with the width of a non-sealed chain and converting non-sealed to a sealed chain - "resulting in at least four times chain life and minimum chain adjustment after initial stretch while ensuring highly efficient horsepower transmission throughout the chain life," says Daisuke Takagoshi, RK's Export Sales Manager. "RK 420MRU and 428MRU2 are long-lasting solutions for motorcycles for daily corporate use and commuting.

“These lightweight, low friction, sealed U-Ring chains are perfect for current popular small engine size motorcycles such as Honda Monkey, MSX125 GROM, Kawasaki Z125 for 420MRU, and Honda CBR125R and Yamaha YZF-R125 for 428MRU2."

Photo: Yoshimura

Daisuke says that "the RK 520MRU is the lightest multipurpose sealed chain specially designed for engine size up to 450 cc, applicable to both street and track use. On the road it delivers 15,000 km of chain life, and on the track it is a high-performance chain delivering excellent lap times."

Additionally, the unique ultra-thin seal, UW-rings technology incorporated into the RK 520MRU minimizes the chain weight and friction loss. By narrowing the application from 125 cc to 450 cc, each chain component is shaped up to its limit, making RK 520MRU as light as 13.8 g link, 10% lighter compared to street bike chains. 

"The 520MRU is the perfect match with small engine size motorcycles such as the Yamaha MT-03, Kawasaki Ninja 400, KTM 390 Duke, and is a suitable chain for Supermoto models." RK MRU series chains are in gold as standard, with a Black Scales colour available for the 420MRU.

RK JAPAN

www.rk-europe.com

SIP Scootershop

Sportier look for Vespa rear ends

German specialist SIP Scootershop has designed a styling update for the standard 2023 and up Vespa GTS/GTS Super/GTV 125-310 cc licence plate holder. It raises the plate higher, showing more rear tyre "for an even sportier and more contemporary look without compromising the Vespa's classic elegance," says CEO Ralf Jodl.

Ralf says that although the standard licence plate holder fits perfectly and is practical, he reckons that Piaggio has left something on the table in terms of its styling. "There is definitely some room for improvement in terms of looks, in an area of the motorcycle that designed to do exactly that - attract looks. Reason enough for us to go into series production with an SIP licence plate holder design that is made of high-quality ABS plastic and includes LED licence plate illumination."

Precisely finished, this licence plate holder guarantees a long service life and a perfect fit. The untreated surface provides an ideal basis for customised painting, so the holder can also be painted to suit the rider's taste.

The e-approved licence plate lighting is from KOSO and the reflector with E-number ensure excellent visibility of the licence plate. The precision fitting design makes for an easy, modification free, fully reversible installation.

SIP SCOOTERSHOP GMBH 

www.sip-scootershop.com

CFMOTO

CFMOTO 750SRS 

By Ben Purvis

China's motorcycle industry is continuing its breakneck pace of evolution with CFMOTO joining the growing ranks of brands offering a high-performance four-cylinder machine in the form of the new 750SR-S.

Only the company's second four-cylinder, following on from the appealing 500SR Voom retro sports bike that's sold in Asian markets and Australia, the 750SR-S is a much more serious sports bike, with performance that promises to put it into competition with a number of middleweight European and Japanese rivals.

Sharing the same 72 mm bore as CFMOTO's existing three-cylinder 675SR-S, but adding another cylinder and pairing it with a shorter 46 mm stroke instead of the triple's 55.2 mm, amounts to a 749 cc four with a similar bore/stroke ratio to classic 750 cc race-reps like the 1990s Suzuki GSX-R750 SRAD and Yamaha's YZF750R of the same era. However, CFMOTO is starting out with a conservative 110 hp from the 750SR-S, arriving at a relatively low 10,250 rpm. 

The four-cylinder engine has Continental's two-mode cornering traction control. The six-axis inertial measurement unit also enables lean-sensitive Continental ABS brakes paired to Brembo 4.32 monobloc radial callipers on 320 mm front discs and a 220 mm rear rotor with a two-piston Brembo calliper.

There's also a pair of aero cowls around the front brake discs, directing airflow to the callipers, and the bike is claimed to be wind tunnel-developed - with photos showing it in the Pininfarina wind tunnel that, famously, was used to sculpt BMW's R 100 RS in the 1970s, creating the world's first fully-faired production bike in the process.