INTERMOT

INTERMOT to be annual in February from 2027

The IVM (the German motorcycle industry) and Koelmesse (The Cologne Exhibition Centre) have announced another change in timing for INTERMOT.

Having decided three years ago to move it to early December and (finally) accept that it needs to be an annual expo, they have now announced that it will remain annual, but now move to February each year - 19-21 February, 2027.

Koelnmesse say that it and the IVM are now to "position INTERMOT as the central, leading trade fair of the motorcycle industry in Germany". The change comes in the context of the pre-Christmas December timing simply not working, and subtle changes to the event calendar in Germany having altered the 'centre of gravity' of the events cycle in Germany.

Those changes include a rejuvenated MOTORRÄDER Dortmund now being staged slightly earlier (March 5-8, 2026) each year and IMOT (Munich, February 20-22, 2026) having moved to occupy two halls at Messe Munich (The Munich Exhibition Centre) where INTERMOT made its debut in 1998.

The date chosen for INTERMOT likely places it one week before IMOT - both IMOT and MOTORRÄDER Dortmund have started to gain increased traction in recent years, as INTERMOT has declined; in in both exhibitor and visitor number terms.

"More than an event for the motorcycle world", the organisers state that INTERMOT "is the leading national platform for the German and international industry to present its full assortment. 

"For precisely this reason, the trade fair is now being scheduled significantly earlier in the year in keeping with the decision of the extraordinary general assembly of the IVM of 10 February 2026. With the new dates from 19 to 21 February 2027, IVM and Koelnmesse are positioning the INTERMOT as the leading industry platform in Germany and are cooperating to advance further the strategic development that was begun in 2024." 

Mike Sommer, head of BMW Motorrad Germany and IVM President, emphasises the joint decision of the association and the industry. "Germany needs a strong, national motorcycle trade fair. Visitors ideally want to see, feel and smell all motorcycle and scooter brands as well as clothing, accessories, travel and experiences live at one event. 

"And, of course, have fun, take test rides and 'talk gas'. I am convinced that the INTERMOT can once again become the leading trade fair for the entire industry with the shift of the dates to the start of the season and the expansion from two to four halls." 

"BMW Motorrad will of course be there!" - which is an interesting remark because BMW Motorrad's 2020/2021 announcement that it would no longer directly support INTERMOT (in fact no longer directly support any shows) widened and accelerated the loss of confidence in INTERMOT that had started following the 2018 show. 

Both IVM and Koelnmesse must additionally have been watching the growing success of Le Salon du 2 Roues de Lyon at Eurexpo, Lyon (26 February to March 01, 2026, annual).

Former Motorrad Magazine Editor-in-Chief Uwe Seitz, who was unanimously chosen to replace Reiner Brendicke as the new Chief Executive Officer of the IVM in September 2025 (two months before INTERMOT in December 2025) is quoted as stating that this was a "strong vote for a major, central motorcycle fair for all those who share a passion for motorised two-wheelers - that was the shared wish of the steering committee and myself after I assumed office as Chief Executive Officer of the Industrie-Verband Motorrad. 

"We were successful in this. Now everyone can look forward to seeing everything revolving around motorcycling in one place in Cologne, right on time for the start of the 2027 season. This had not existed in this form in Germany in past years, and the great response of manufacturers, motorcycle producers and accessory providers shows me that the industry has understood how important this is for the economically important German motorcycle market. 

"The IVM has already begun creating a two-wheeler experience of a very special kind from this clear acknowledgment in February 2027."

News Briefs

British MX wheels specialist Talon Engineering has gone out of business. Based in Yoevil in England's rural southwest, Talon was founded in 1972 by George Sartin, an aircraft industry engineer. It quickly became established as a leading European MX wheels specialist with a global reputation for manufacturing, materials and quality excellence. In 2021 Talon was acquired by Sprit Motorcycles, a British GP2 championship-winning team headed up by Rod McDonagh. Investment, expansion and diversification followed, but so did financial issues. Ultimately, a perfect storm of ambition crashing into the economic realities of the current motorcycle industry appears to have been too much for the wheel maker.

The biennial World Ducati Week will be staged again this year, from July 3-5, at the Misano World Circuit and the Adriatic Riviera (the resorts on Italy's east coast); www.ducati.com

Established in 1980, German motorcycle P&A/G&A retailer Polo Motorrad und Sportswear GmbH (better known simply as POLO Motorrad) filed for self-administration proceedings November 18, 2025. 

BAJAJ Mobility AG (formerly PIERER Mobility AG) has announced estimated revenue and sales figures for 2025 that put revenue at over € 1bn (-46%), with motorcycle sales of 209,704 units (-28%), which Bajaj suggests represents a "positive trend". Inventory has been reduced by more than 100,000 units; at 64,110 sales of e-bicycles and bicycles were -40% and approximately 500 jobs have been eliminated in the Group. The Group sold 80,464 motorcycles in the second half of 2025, representing a 60% increase on the first half of the year (H1: 50,334 units). In addition, 43,956 motorcycles (H1: 34,950 units) were sold in H2 via strategic partner Bajaj Auto. 

 In the United States the Congressional Budget Office recently projected that the U.S. government will spend $1tn on interest payments for its debt in 2026. It also projected that the U.S. government will spend $1.853tn more than it brings in through revenue this year (the budget deficit) and have an even wider gap in 2027. U.S. government debt has increased from $13.7tn in 2010 to more than $38.tn as of February 2026.

Touratech has announced 5-7 June for its 2026 Touratech Travel Event at festival grounds surrounding the Touratech headquarters in Niedereschach, southern Germany.

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. announced consolidated business results for the full 2025 fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 with revenues in its Land Mobility Business (which includes motorcycles & PTWs) of 1,615.1bn yen (+ 5.6bn yen/0.3% compared with the previous year) and operating income was 108.7bn yen (+ 4.7bn yen/4.6%). In its motorcycle business in developed markets, unit sales increased in Japan, but declined slightly overall due to lower demand in Europe and the U.S. In emerging markets, unit sales decreased in Vietnam, where production and shipments were temporarily halted, but rose in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. As a result, total unit sales and revenue were on par with the previous fiscal year. Operating income fell overall due to higher procurement costs, increases to R&D spending, labour costs, and other SG&A expenses, the tariffs enacted by the U.S. and other developments.

After a successful launch in North America, Veemo is now expanding to Europe through a partnership with GEOBIKE in Poland. Assembled locally within the EU, Veemo is a semi-enclosed, three-wheeled electric vehicle.

FEMA says that "technical inspections for motorcycles are a solution looking for a problem", claiming that the EU's effort to expand mandatory Periodical Technical Inspections (PTI) to all motorcycles is not backed up by the claim that 'testing improves safety'. FEMA's Wim Taal says that "the evidence does not support that claim".

British crash protection specialist R&G has returned as an Official Sponsor to the new-look ZYN British Superbike Championship, marking the brand's 12th consecutive season supporting the highly competitive series.

ACEM

ACEM - 2025 registrations -12.9%

According to 2025 annual registrations data release by ACEM (the Brussels based international motorcycle industry trade association for Europe) new motorcycle registrations in five of the largest European markets (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK) reached 1,002,848 units during 2025. 

This represents a decline of -12.9 % compared to the same period in 2024 (1,150,852 units). 

Motorcycle registration volumes increased in Spain (242,580 units, +8,3 % year-on-year) while in other markets, results were negative with Italy -6.0% (331,634 units); France -16.4% (179,225 units); UK -19.3% (89,645 units) while Germany was massively down, losing a third of its market compared to 2024, at -35.7% (159,764 units).

Moped registrations reached a total volume of 142,060 units in the six European moped markets monitored by ACEM (i.e. Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain). This registration volume represents a reduction of -20.7 % in comparison to last year at the same period in 2024 (179,231units). 

Commenting on these registration figures, Antonio Perlot, ACEM Secretary General, said that "the 2025 figures confirm the anticipated market correction following the Euro 5+ transition, with motorcycle registrations returning to just over one million units. 

"While this represents a -12.9% decline compared to the exceptional performance of 2024, which was significantly driven by stock registrations ahead of the new emissions standard, it is important to view these results in a longer-term perspective. 

"Compared to the pre-pandemic period, motorcycle registrations remain robust, going up by +14.7% in the five years since the pre-Covid 2019 levels, demonstrating that the growth in consumer interest for powered two-wheelers has been consistent, including a continued shift from mopeds to motorcycles.

"Despite the challenging economic backdrop in Europe, the L-category continues to show resilience, remaining an attractive option for both mobility and leisure. As we look to 2026, we will need to wait for the first half of the year to better assess how the market evolves."

www.acem.eu

Learn - Ride - Enjoy - Repeat 

ACEM used EICMA to mark the closing of its 'Learn - Ride - Enjoy - Repeat' programme.

A European campaign run by ACEM and the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme), it was aimed at encouraging both novice and experienced riders to pursue high-quality, voluntary motorcycle training.

Launched in April 2025, the campaign engaged 44 organisations across 23 countries, reaching thousands of riders through digital outreach, media engagement, and partnerships. 

A central achievement of the initiative was the launch of the Instructor Guidelines for Voluntary Motorcycle Training, developed in collaboration with European Motorcycle Training Quality Label certified schools and leading academic institutions. 

Grounded in scientific accident analysis, the guidelines address the most common accident scenarios for powered two-wheelers and aim to raise the standard of post-license training across Europe. 

Galfer

Galfer makes 2026 AMA Supercross debut at Anaheim

Galfer made its debut in the prestigious 2026 AMA Supercross Championship, marking a first outing for the brand during the Anaheim 1 season-opening race held on at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California in January.

For this event, riders of the Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing Team took to the track on the Desmo450 MX equipped with Galfer Shark brake discs, both front and rear - "key components chosen by the team for their exceptional performance and reliability under the extreme conditions that are typical of Supercross."

Galfer's race pedigree means it is bringing a strong technical legacy to the premier American Supercross championship, with its braking technology already having been previously adopted and proven by several competitive Supercross teams and motorcycles. 

"In the United States, Galfer components have been part of high-level racing programs, such as the Rockstar Husqvarna Factory Racing team in 2022, which fielded top riders like Malcolm Stewart and Dean Wilson. Galfer components have also been proven by prominent AMA Championship riders such as Jason Anderson, 450SX Champion in 2018, and Ken Roczen, known for numerous wins and podiums in the premier class."

This direct experience with American tracks and riders has strengthened Galfer's technical expertise under the extreme conditions typical of U.S. Supercross and "represents an important precedent for Ducati's choice to rely on Galfer for its debut in the 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship. By entering such a demanding competitive environment, Galfer confirms its ability to provide elite braking solutions for the most prestigious events in motorcycle racing."

The debut of the Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing Team, supported by Galfer, at Anaheim immediately showcased the effectiveness of the Shark discs: Dylan Ferrandis finished ninth in the Main Event, demonstrating consistent pace and competitiveness on a challenging track, while Justin Barcia, despite a strong qualifying pace, was forced to retire following a crash in the early stages.

"The on-track performance is the result of the advanced features of Galfer Shark brake discs, chosen by the team to ensure greater braking power and modulation, high thermal stability, up to 30% reduction in operating temperatures, longer pad life, and a lightweight yet durable design - perfect for the extreme demands of Supercross."

www.galfermoto.com

GPR Tech

GPR Tech Titanium top case

For four years now, GPR (Milan, Italy) has been diversifying the exhaust programmes it has been known for since 1968.

Since 2022, the still family owned and operated company has additionally been active in the accessories market, principally with high-end luggage solutions for the ADV segment.

At EICMA in November 2025, brothers Mauro and Luigi Orlandi unveiled the latest additions to their well-received range of titanium top cases for scooters with a 35 litre capacity option that is already on the market for models such as the Honda SH 350 and new Sym ADX 300 and ADX TG 400.

The entire body of the top case and the side handles are made of titanium to maximise weight savings, and the model specific support plate is available in either satin stainless steel or titanium - and are available with a soft backrest included in the price.

The titanium top case is a GPR Tech exclusive, which also offers aluminum options and additional capacities for the same models.

GPR ITALIA S.R.L

www.gprtechparts.com

Gravity Sports

O'Neal 'Challenger'

European O'Neal importer and distributor Gravity Sports says the new O'Neal 'Challenger' dual shell ABS full-face with double EPS for increased safety and optimised fit features multiple air vents for optimal ventilation and cooling.

Additional features include Microlock closure, removable, sweat absorbing and washable padded comfort liner, Bluetooth ready with internal speaker cavities and rubber hoop at the back of the helmet (Bluetooth unit not included). It is Pinlock ready with clear visor plus secondary integrated sun visor and meets new ECE 22.06 test standards.

O’NEAL EUROPE

www.oneal-b2b.com

Supersprox

Supersprox, Dakar and the River Danube

The 2026 Dakar rally closed with Luciano Benevides KTM, taking victory by the smallest of margins, from Ricky Brabec Honda. Racing is tough, no matter how small the margin, there can only be the one winner. 

Those margins don't only live with riders and their teams. They affect sponsors too, especially the technical sponsors - they share the win or lose mentality.

Race preparation for Dakar in 2015

The Dakar Rally may have changed in recent years, but it remains one of the world's top challenges. Between 13-15 days of racing and navigation, with marathon stages, where the riders are not able to be assisted by the teams. 

Covering about 5,000 km (3,000 miles) of racing stages and, after 49 hours of full speed racing, in January 2026, the first and second position riders were separated by only 2 seconds. Dakar is THE test for the riders and the machines who enter and Supersprox has supported the top teams every year since their first Dakar experience in 1986. 

Was a successful undertaking for them? Judge for yourself. During that time, Supersprox hybrid sprockets were fitted on the winning bikes no less than 21 times. In a highly competitive sector, characterised by claim and counter claim [like most motorcycle industry segments] that is HUGE.

KTM and Supersprox have a total of 21 Dakar Rally victories from 2001 to this year. Starting in 2004, with Nani Roma, Supersprox has been on KTM, Honda, GasGas, Husqvarna, Yamaha, Hero and probably 95% of all privateer bikes at Dakar.

Dakar 2019

When it invented the Hybrid (dual material) sprocket in 1998, Supersprox subsequently spent several years refining and perfecting the concept, trying to work out the correct way to combine the two materials in production processes that guaranteed reliability and durability.

In early 2004, Supersprox CEO (DJ Maughfling) visited KTM to show the first 'ready to race' Supersprox-stealth sprockets. DJ says: "KTM production staff were cautious about the idea at first. They simply had not seen anything like that before. They told me that they wanted to make at least six months of tests on the concept before committing themselves. I left them 10-15 samples and thought nothing more about it. 

Cyril Despres, five-time Dakar winner with Supersprox

"You need to remember that KTM was much smaller back then and they had only started to have Dakar success quite recently at that stage - in 2001 when Fabrizio Meoni won the event. What happened was that when the KTM race team mechanics saw the sprocket they immediately thought it was a great idea. They decided to fit it on Nani Roma's 2004 Dakar bike and go race with it. 

"The result was almost a disaster for the team, with several of the sample sprockets breaking. I remember driving back to KTM after the race to collect the remaining sprockets in my car. I was so disappointed with the first result that I threw the sprockets into the River Danube before driving from Austria back into Germany.

Luciano Benevedes, 2026 Dakar winner

"We could have given up at that moment, and the hybrid sprocket would never have existed. I don't like to lose and being told that the product was not good enough, was a real motivation for me to prove that we were good enough. Being the underdog is sometimes an advantage and a big motivation. 

"The team must have thought that the concept had something going for it, because over the next 20 years, we have been providing them with race parts and using the results to improve the sprockets that we sell to our distributors and dealers. Their customers really are buying a genuine factory race sprocket. A lot of brands make that claim but with Supersprox' Stealth sprockets it literally is true."

Every common product that we take for granted has an origin story. Supersprox Stealth sprockets are no exception, and their existence is closely connected to KTM, Dakar, Rally and extreme races. The Supersprox motto is "Extend your journey". It is not only a catchy phrase. In the case of Supersprox Stealth, it is engineered into the product DNA. "It is the Stealth's raison d'etre," says DJ.

Dakar - 2004 - 2026 Winning With Supersprox 

2004: Nani Roma (ESP) - KTM Fitted with Supersprox

2005: Cyril Despres (FRA) - KTM Fitted with Supersprox

2006: Marc Coma (ESP) - KTM Fitted with Supersprox

2007: Cyril Despres (FRA) - KTM Fitted with Supersprox

2008: Cancelled

2009: Marc Coma (ESP) - KTM Fitted with Supersprox

2010: Cyril Despres (FRA) - KTM Fitted with Supersprox

2011: Marc Coma (ESP) - KTM Fitted with Supersprox

2012: Cyril Despres (FRA) - KTM Fitted with Supersprox

2013: Cyril Despres (FRA) - KTM Fitted with Supersprox

2014: Marc Coma (ESP) - KTM Fitted with Supersprox

2015: Marc Coma (ESP) - KTM Fitted with Supersprox

2016: Toby Price (AUS) - KTM Fitted with Supersprox

2017: Sam Sunderland (GBR) - KTM Fitted with Supersprox

2018: Matthias Walkner (AUT) - KTM Fitted with Supersprox

2019: Toby Price (AUS) - KTM Fitted with Supersprox

2020: Ricky Brabec (USA) - Honda Fitted with Supersprox

2021: Kevin Benavides (ARG) - Honda Fitted with Supersprox

2022: Sam Sunderland (GBR) - Gas Gas Fitted with Supersprox

2023: Kevin Benavides (ARG) - KTM Fitted with Supersprox

2024: Ricky Brabec (USA) - Honda

2025: Daniel Sanders (AUS) - KTM Fitted with Supersprox

2026: Luciano Benevides (ARG) - KTM Fitted with Supersprox

UK motorcycle registration

UK 2025 - full year motorcycle registration -19.42%

As elsewhere in Europe, the latest new motorcycle registration data available from the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) in the UK for 2025 are not good. The UK motorcycle market, still (presumably) suffering from the 2024 Q4 'pre-reg' Euro 5+ side effects as well as declining consumer confidence, is reports that new motorcycle registrations were down by -19.42% at 89,160 units for the full year (the lower since 2013).

The final quarter of 2025 saw October down by -9.36% (6,729 units), November down by - 25.56% (4,924 units) and December down by -58.26% (4,511 units).

Total PTW sales for 2025 were -19.27% at 93,418 units, reflecting how small the UK moped market is (4,258 units in 2025).

The largest single motorcycle segment in the UK in 2025 was the Adventure market, with 20,032 units sold, followed by the Scooter market (18867 units) and Naked style motorcycle segment (18,392 units sold).

Total electric unit registrations were recorded as 3,282 units, down by -12.5% compared to the 3,750 units registered in 2024. 

Spanish registrations

Spain 2025 - full year motorcycle sales +7.93%

In 2025 full year registration data terms, the one exception among the 'Big Five' motorcycle markets in Europe has been Spain - the only country to have seen market growth. At the time of publication, the most recent available data from ANESDOR (the motorcycle industry association in Spain) put full year 2025 registrations at +7.93% over 2024 (239,729 units).

In Q4, 2024 there were fewer regulation deadline-beating Euro 5/Euro 5+ pre-registrations than was the case elsewhere and, also unlike other 'Big Five' markets, demand for motorcycles and PTWs remains robust. In the past two- or three-years Spain has proven to be the best performing of Europe's major markets in overall economic terms.

The data showed October at +20.56 (24,008 units), November at +9.16% (18,189 units) and December at -24.40% (a still healthy 16,566 units) as the Spanish market lapped such 2024 year-end Euro 5+ 'pre-reg' impacts as were seen there.

In total PTW terms the Spanish market was +7.29% (252,730 units) for the full year.

Honda was market share leader with a 21.4% slice of the action in Spain (54,056 units in total, up by 11.4% on 2024), ahead of Yamaha second (14.1%), Zontes third (8.0%), Voge fourth (6.8%) and Kymco fifth (5.7%). They are followed by SYM, BMW, Kawasaki, Piaggio and QJMotor.

The Yamaha NMAX 125 continues to be the best-selling model (12,260 units/5.3% share), followed by the Honda PCX 125, Zontes 368 G, Sym Symphony 125 and Voge 900 DSX.

Italian registrations

Italy 2025 - full year motorcycle sales -19.22%

The latest data from ANCMA, the motorcycle industry trade association for Italy, show total new motorcycle registrations down by -19.22% by the end of 2025 at 134,480 units - the lowest number since 2022 and the worst percentage market decline in Italy since before 2014. 

 in the final quarter of 2025 were -10.35% in October (8,866 units), then -23.53% in November (5,992 units) and -72.73% in December (4,570 units) as sales started to lap the 2024 end-of-year Euro 5+ pre-registrations.

The total PTW picture is better, with Italy worth 331,523 units in 2025, which was only down by 

0-6.12%, overall. This reflects the stronger Scooter market performance in Italy, which was up by +5.57% in 2025 with 197,043 units sold, and did not have the same kind of Euro+ 'pre-reg' issues at the end of 2024.

As usual the top selling units in Italy are scooters, with Honda Italia's SH 125, 350 and 150 series taking the top three spots (40,621 units between them), followed by the X-ADV 750, the Piaggio Liberty 125 ABS, Kymco People S 125, Honda Italia's ADV 350, the Kymco Agility 125 S, Voge SFIDA SR16 and Yamaha's XMAX 350 and TMAX.

The top-selling larger displacement motorcycle platform in 2025 in Italy (and the only one in the top 20 best seller list), was the BMW R 1300 GS (3,977 units) in 13th spot.

Although the data for the first two months (especially) of the year is a generally unreliable guide to the year ahead, by the time of publication ANCMA data had been published for January 2026 that showed the Italian motorcycle market +16.26% (8,099 units) and total PTW's at +5.64% (18,499 units). That's not so impressive when compared to 2024, when 9,384 motorcycles and 20,084 PTWs were sold. 

German motorcycle registrations

Germany 2025 - full year motorcycle sales -36.02%

According to the latest data from the German motorcycle industry association (IVM), motorcycle registrations for the full year 2025 were -36.02% compared to 2024 at 97,699 units. This is the lowest since 2014.

This shocking decline represents the effects that the end-of-year 2024 Euro 5+ pre-registrations had on the statistical market performance in 2025, and it reflects the deeper than widely acknowledged decline in the wider German economy in the past 24-36 months.

Motorcycle registrations in October 2025 were -36.15% (5,431 units), -72.07% in November (3,149 units) and -86.21% in December 2025 as the German market lapped the distorted 2024 Q4 data. Not one single month in 2025 showed growth but the Q4 2025 collapse in sales is unlike anything seen in any market before - not even at the height of the 2007-2009 Global Financial Crises and 'Great Recession' that it triggered.

In total PTW terms the German market was -35.50% with a total of 161,744 units registered.

As expected, the BMW R 1300 GS closed out the year as the top-selling motorcycle in Germany with 8,097 units sold for an 8.29% market share. The Kawasaki Z900 was second (4,536 units/4.64% share), with the Z650 in third (2,219 units for a 2.273% share). Honda's CB 1000 Hornet was fourth (2,069 units, 2.12% share) with the CBR 650 R fifth (2,065 units, 2.11% share). They were followed by the Yamaha MT-07 in sixth, the Honda CB 750 Hornet, the Yamaha MT-09, the BMW F 900 R and their F 800 GS in tenth spot.

With 11 models in the list of 50 best-sellers in Germany, it's no surprise that BMW remains top dog in its home market, with an increased market share of 21.84% but with 7,245 fewer units sold than 2024 at 21,336.

Honda closed the gap on BMW, now only slightly behind with a 20.30 % market share (19,571 units).

Kawasaki is third with a 14.51% share (14,177 units); Yamaha fourth (7.24% share, 7,069 units) and Triumph is fifth with a 6.25% market share on 6,105 units sold. Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Suzuki, KTM and Aprilia completed the top 10 brands in Germany in 2025.

In the electric (light) motorcycles segment, Zero Motorcycles (now a Dutch globally headquartered American manufacturer) remains ahead, with a reduced 11.77% share (288 units registered - the top-seller was the DS). This was followed by Vmoto (108 units/4.41% share), Kawasaki (68 units, 2.78% share), Livewire - somewhat boosted no doubt by its 'Twist & Go' promotions are now up to fourth spot (66 units sold for a 2.70% share) and ahead of Bombardier (Can-Am) in fifth with 42 units sold for a 1.72% share. 

These are the top 5 brands in a German electric motorcycle market that was said to be worth 2,447 units in total in 2025, an increase of 41% over the 1,733 units reported as registered in 2024.

The total electric scooter market in Germany was larger, at 3,865 units, but that was down by -7.5% on the 4,179 units sold in 2024. NIU is the market share leader, followed by BMW, SEAT, Horwin and Scutum.

Regina

Regina – ZRP "one chain for all"

Regina's ZRP chain range is genuinely the Big Bikes "One Chain for All" – Sport/Performance bikes, Adventure bikes, Touring bikes and Nakeds.

Delivering "maximum strength and great durability" Regina ZRP is Original Equipment on select models including Aprilia, BMW, Ducati and KTM, among others.

Though often described as a "Sportbike" chain, the ZRP product range is specifically designed for all large displacement, high powered bikes and is not a bike-style based design but is, instead, a statement of its ability to offer exceptional performance in high performance applications thanks to its patented Z-Ring.

Indeed, ZRP chains feature renowned Z-Ring seals, a technology patented since 2003, which have a specially designed conical shape on the inner side of the seals that enhances the assembly on the bushing, and the lubricant trapped between the plates and the lobes of the Z-Ring keeps the ring lubricated - increasing its life and therefore the chain durability. 

When assembled, the Z-Ring flexes - creating a spring effect that follows the movements of the elements of the chains and their dilatation, and it guarantees a significant increase of the lifespan of the chain. 

The special Z-Ring section also limits the surface of contact between outer and inner plates, therefore reducing the friction of the entire transmission which means, at the end, a much more efficient power transfer, therefore more horsepower transferred from engine to wheel. 

"Assembled with best alloy steel pins and plates, solid bushings and extruded rollers, the combination of premium components assures excellent resistance to the kind of mechanical stresses that large displacement bikes generate."

Available in 520-525 and 530, the ZRP is Regina's 'top of the range product' in the Professional dealer and workshop segment ("Your chain, any time") - merely offered as an aftermarket product. Regina also offers a "Regina Extra" chain which is specifically dedicated to the racing segment of the market.

The combination of great power delivery performance, reliability and durability, positions the ZRP range "as a must for all bikes above 1,000 cc; but if fitted on smaller displacement platforms it will offer longer durability" says Regina'a International Sales Director Federico Gualdi. 

"Not only of the chain itself will last longer than standard chains but also for the entire transmission gear - extending the lifespan before a replacement will be needed. If you look at this in terms of dollars or euros, it is more convenient to equip the bike with a quality chain such as the ZRP. Based on the KMs ridden, it will show great savings. Just a few extra euros spent on the cost of a better chain will give the customer longer durability of the entire transmission in addition of the benefit of improved performance.

"Compared to O-Rings, all Z-Ring seal chains deliver more power from engine to wheel, without wasting horsepower. The chain creates less drag because Z-Rings create less friction when compared to O-Rings. Additionally, under the same maintenance conditions, Z-Ring chains last up to 80% longer than O-Ring chains thanks to the so-called spring-effect." 

REGINA

www.racing.reginachain.net

INTERMOT

INTERMOT to be annual in February from 2027

The IVM (the German motorcycle industry) and Koelmesse (The Cologne Exhibition Centre) have announced another change in timing for INTERMOT.

Having decided three years ago to move it to early December and (finally) accept that it needs to be an annual expo, they have now announced that it will remain annual, but now move to February each year - 12-14 February, 2027.

Koelnmesse say that it and the IVM are now to "position INTERMOT as the central, leading trade fair of the motorcycle industry in Germany". The change comes in the context of the pre-Christmas December timing simply not working, and subtle changes to the event calendar in Germany having altered the 'centre of gravity' of the events cycle in Germany.

Those changes include a rejuvenated MOTORRÄDER Dortmund now being staged slightly earlier (March 5-8, 2026) each year and IMOT (Munich, February 20-22, 2026) having moved to occupy two halls at Messe Munich (The Munich Exhibition Centre) where INTERMOT made its debut in 1998.

The date chosen for INTERMOT likely places it one week before IMOT - both IMOT and MOTORRÄDER Dortmund have started to gain increased traction in recent years, as INTERMOT has declined; in in both exhibitor and visitor number terms.

"More than an event for the motorcycle world", the organisers state that INTERMOT "is the leading national platform for the German and international industry to present its full assortment. 

"For precisely this reason, the trade fair is now being scheduled significantly earlier in the year in keeping with the decision of the extraordinary general assembly of the IVM of 10 February 2026. With the new dates from 12 to 14 February 2027, IVM and Koelnmesse are positioning the INTERMOT as the leading industry platform in Germany and are cooperating to advance further the strategic development that was begun in 2024." 

Mike Sommer, head of BMW Motorrad Germany and IVM President, emphasises the joint decision of the association and the industry. "Germany needs a strong, national motorcycle trade fair. Visitors ideally want to see, feel and smell all motorcycle and scooter brands as well as clothing, accessories, travel and experiences live at one event. 

"And, of course, have fun, take test rides and 'talk gas'. I am convinced that the INTERMOT can once again become the leading trade fair for the entire industry with the shift of the dates to the start of the season and the expansion from two to four halls." 

"BMW Motorrad will of course be there!" - which is an interesting remark because BMW Motorrad's 2020/2021 announcement that it would no longer directly support INTERMOT (in fact no longer directly support any shows) widened and accelerated the loss of confidence in INTERMOT that had started following the 2018 show. 

Both IVM and Koelnmesse must additionally have been watching the growing success of Le Salon du 2 Roues de Lyon at Eurexpo, Lyon (26 February to March 01, 2026, annual).

Former Motorrad Magazine Editor-in-Chief Uwe Seitz, who was unanimously chosen to replace Reiner Brendicke as the new Chief Executive Officer of the IVM in September 2025 (two months before INTERMOT in December 2025) is quoted as stating that this was a "strong vote for a major, central motorcycle fair for all those who share a passion for motorised two-wheelers - that was the shared wish of the steering committee and myself after I assumed office as Chief Executive Officer of the Industrie-Verband Motorrad. 

"We were successful in this. Now everyone can look forward to seeing everything revolving around motorcycling in one place in Cologne, right on time for the start of the 2027 season. This had not existed in this form in Germany in past years, and the great response of manufacturers, motorcycle producers and accessory providers shows me that the industry has understood how important this is for the economically important German motorcycle market. 

"The IVM has already begun creating a two-wheeler experience of a very special kind from this clear acknowledgment in February 2027."

MC-Massan 2026

MC-Massan 2026

Jonkoping, Sweden, January 23-25, 2026

Words and pictures by Torbjörn "Tobbe" Bergh, Cross-Center International

Having previously alternated between Stockholm and Gothenburg, January this year saw a comeback for Sweden's MC-Massan motorcycle industry expo at the 34,000 sq. m. Elmia Exhibition and Convention Centre at Jonkoping in central southern Sweden.

Backed by the Swedish motorcycle industry trade association MCRF (www.mcbranschen.se) and the Swedish Riders Group SMC (www.svmc.se), the collaboration resulted in a successful return for an event that had missed four out of the past five years since being staged in Gothenburg in January 2020 (it was also staged in 2024, at Stockholm).

Organised for MCRF and SMC by the management of the Elmia facility, the new venue has convenience stamped all over it - located in within a radius of about a radius of 350 km from the largest cities of Sweden, Denmark and Norway. Stockholm, Malmö, Copenhagen, Oslo and Göteborg are all within a 4-hour journey with car; less by motorcycle (weather and limits permitting of course).

Our thanks to Torbjorn 'Tobbe' Bergh of Cross Center International (one of Europe's leading MX wheel specialists) and our sometime IDN Scandinavian correspondent for these photos from the show.

As an exhibitor himself, and a man accustomed to casting a critical eye on what he sees going on in the motorcycle industry, he can be relied on for an impartial observation of how the show went and reports that, after a rocky period for the expo scene in Sweden, "It went well".

"Most of the importers, distributors, motorcycle clubs, parts and accessory and apparel manufacturers and vendors were there, along with other companies in the motorcycle industry, including a good showing by the custom bike market and an FMX show - there was plenty for the 36,000 visitors to see, plenty to keep them interested.

"The few companies that were missing will almost certainly attend next year once the word gets out that the show is back and in good health, and it's more than likely it will be at the same location and hopefully with an added hall and more exhibitors."

When the show was last organised (2024, Stockholm) there were a reported 30,500 visitors so it looks like the Swedish motorcycle community has welcomed the return of an annual indoor winter expo opportunity. 

"It has been a complex journey to see a version of the show come back," said Tobbe. "There's no question though that the motorcycle market in Sweden needs such an event and congratulations to the partnership that made it happen. This collaboration between expo centre, trade association and Riders Group is a good formula for market needs here in Sweden.

"As an exhibitor we certainly did well enough to want to exhibit again in the future, and our message to everyone is to buy a booth or at least visit - it's a valuable and much needed opportunity for us all to play a part in the future of the motorcycle market in Sweden."

Any inquiries for 2027 can be addressed in the first instance to MCRF General Secretary Niklas Kristoffersson (niklas.kristoffersson@mcrf.se).

Barnett Tool & Engineering

Barnett clutch kit for Yamaha YZF-R9

Ventura, California based Barnett Tool & Engineering has launched a new high-performance clutch kit designed specifically for the Yamaha YZF-R9. 

"Built for riders demanding smoother engagement, stronger power transfer, and long-lasting durability, the kit includes Barnett's premium Kevlar friction plates, tempered steel drive plates, and heavy-duty clutch springs."

The kit installs as a direct OEM replacement with no modifications required and is engineered to deliver cooler operation, improved modulation, and consistent performance on both street and track.

BARNETT CLUTCHES & CABLES

www.barnettclutches.com

GIVI

GIVI Canyon bags range expands

Designed for off-road enthusiasts who "don't want to compromise on practicality and safety", the Canyon ranged by GIVI now includes three new products - a side bag with cut-out design, an enduro backpack and a waist bag. 

The GRT727 side bag is designed for enduro and maxi-enduro motorcycles equipped with a high exhaust on the right side. Its notched shape allows it to be positioned on the frame for a well-balanced ride when both side bags are installed. Mounting is by Monokey cam-side which attached so PLOS-CAM notched side racks. 

It features impact- and abrasion-resistant materials and has a removable waterproof inner bag, roll-top closure, a removable Hypalon front flap, an internal pocket and eight load compression points. It has a modular load expansion system, consisting of side loops with the M.O.L.L.E. system, allowing the attachment of additional small loads. A Smart security lock is available separately. The volume is 25 litres, and the maximum load is 10 kg.

The GRT731 backpack is designed to accommodate the GIVI T523 HydraPak, with the hydration tube remaining secure due to loops on the shoulder straps. The front flap is made of Hypalon is easy to access, it has a sturdy mesh pocket and an extendable design. Precision positioning is ensured by shoulder straps including four adjustment points and a chest strap. It features reflective prints, has a capacity of 12 litres and weighs 4 kg. 

The GRT732 waist bag is designed for off-road use. It can accommodate a hydration device of up to 1.4 litres, with an easy to use hydration tube through two side pockets. The rear compartment is waterproof with roll-top closure. The front flap is made of Hypalon and the bag features a 3D high-density EVA panel that reinforces the back section. The overall capacity is 8 litres. 

GIVI S.P.A.

www.givimoto.com

Athena

Yamaha YZF 250 Extreme Big Bore Kit

Available for the 21-23 and 24-25 Yamaha YZF 250, Athena's new Extreme Big Bore Cylinder Kits with integrated GET Boost module expand the available applications of their Extreme Big Bore Kits lineup, now delivering the next-level performance they are known for to the ever-popular YZF 250.

"This upgrade is engineered to let the latest YZF 250 generation reach its full potential with increased displacement, increased torque and increased power across the entire power curve, without compromises."

The enlarged cylinder with forged piston increases displacement to a true 304 cc, turning the Yamaha into a fuller, more immediately responsive bike with continuous pull across the whole powerband.

"Thanks to the included, pre-configured GET Boost module, there's no need to redo mappings or modify the ECU. It is pure plug & play - install it, start the engine, twist the throttle and feel the difference immediately."

Athena says that its race development programme gives it the experience and results to build Racing Technology that is built to last. By using premium materials such as a high-silicon aluminium cylinder, co-cast steel liner, forged piston and DLC-treated wrist pin the company says it can produce an upgrade kit that is designed to "perform at the limit".

"Even under extreme conditions, the high-seal MLS (Multi Layered Steel) head gasket ensures impeccable sealing thanks to laser-cut stainless steel, delivering total reliability, even when temperatures rise and the engine is under stress.

This performance upgrade kit includes a high-grade aluminum cylinder with an oversized steel liner, a forged performance piston with pin and rings, and all necessary gaskets. Developed through Athena's extensive racing experience, "this kit ensures smooth, powerful, and progressive power delivery."

The included electronic GET Boost module is pre-calibrated for this specific setup. GET Boost installs easily without ECU or wiring modifications with seamless pre-mapped integration.

GET Boost connects directly to the injector and throttle body via a dedicated harness. The module is pre-mapped to deliver safe, reliable performance with a power curve tailored to the new cylinder.

The cylinder is made from high-silicon aluminum alloy with a steel liner fused using Athena's proprietary co-casting process, "ensuring optimal heat transfer and combustion sealing." The forged piston, CNC-machined and coated with molybdenum disulfide, "offers reduced friction and enhanced durability. The DLC-coated pin ensures maximum hardness and reliability."

The included MLS head gasket is laser-cut from stainless steel to ensure perfect sealing and long-term durability, even under extreme conditions. Bore Diameter is 85.00 mm, bore gain is +8 mm, compression ratio is 13.3:1 with 304.15 cc displacement.

ATHENA

www.athena.eu

PUIG

Puig engine and lever guards included in FIM list

Barcelon based PUIG has had its TRACK engine protection covers and brake and clutch lever guards included in the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) list of Eligible Parts for Competition use.

"The TRACK engine protection kit has been specially designed and optimised to meet the demanding safety criteria established by the FIM. This component not only protects the engine in the event of an impact - it is also designed to enhance safety for other riders. 

"In case of a crash, it prevents oil leaks on the track, reducing the risk of accidents caused by loss of grip. The design includes the mandatory wear holes to facilitate condition monitoring and ensure optimal performance throughout the competition."

Meanwhile, Puig's lever guards (ref: 3765/3877) reduce the risk of contact with other riders and accidental lever activation, while also giving the bike "a racing aesthetic". Developed with the experience gained in MotoGP and WorldSBK, these guards have been included in the FIM Eligible Parts for Competition list after meeting the highest safety standards.

PUIG/MOTOPLASTIC S.A.

www.puig.tv