ACEM

ACEM - Q1 2026 Motorcycle Registrations in Europe's 'Big-5' Markets

New motorcycle registrations the five largest European markets (i.e. France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK) reached 250,762 units during the three first months of 2026. This represents an increase of approximately +21.1% compared to 2025 (207,126 units).

The growth comes as registration statistics in Europe lap the Euro 5 'Pre Reg' affected data of Q1 2025. Some 30,000-40,000 new motorcycles were 'pre-registered' before the end of 2024 to avoid being subject to the next stage in the evolution of Europe's regulatory framework.

However, the motorcycles concerned were ultimately sold by dealers in the first three months of 2025 (mostly) but, not included in the 2025 data - distorting the apparent growth seen in this latest tranche of data. 

According to this Q1, 2026 data, motorcycle registration volumes increased in the 5-largest European markets that ACEM monitors with Germany +45.5% (45,549 units year-on-year), Spain +26.8% (58.027 units), UK +16.1% (23.079 units), Italy +14.3% (82.049 units) and France +10.2% (42.058 units).

These 'Big-5' European markets account for just over 80% of all motorcycle sales in all European markets.

Commenting on the current situation of the sector, Antonio Perlot, ACEM Secretary General, said: "The first quarter of 2026 confirms the outlook we shared at the end of last year. 

"With the Euro 5+ transition behind us, the European motorcycle market is regaining momentum. Registrations in the five largest markets rose by 21.1%, with all monitored countries reporting growth. 

"This indicates that demand remains solid and that last year's correction was mainly technical in nature. 

"This strong growth is particularly encouraging in a broader macroeconomic context that remains uncertain. Against this backdrop, the resilience of the motorcycle segment highlights the continued importance of powered two-wheelers for European citizens, both for everyday mobility, small logistics and leisure."

www.acem.eu

Distinguished Gentleman's Ride (DGR)

DGR 15th Edition - Record-Breaking Results

The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride (DGR) has wrapped its landmark 15th edition, with "dapper riders" circling the globe on Sunday 17 May 2026 in what has been confirmed as a record-breaking year for participation. 

The ride took place across 109 countries, with 1,068 rides - and fundraising for men's mental health and prostate cancer research continues to climb.

"Reaching our 15th edition is a powerful reminder of what a passionate global community can achieve together," said Mark Hawwa, founder and director of The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride. "With over $7 million raised this year, and riders in 1,070 cities for 2026, DGR proves that motorcycles, style, and purpose make an incredible impact.

"Since the event's founding in 2012, the DGR has added to a legacy built ride by ride, city by city, across more than a decade of 'dapper philanthropy'. More than $170,000 was raised by Team Triumph alone, uniting modern classic enthusiasts and Triumph fans worldwide - a reflection of the broad community that has rallied behind the cause.

"From Toronto to Tokyo, São Paulo to Sydney, more than 115,000 riders participated globally, helping continue a movement that has now raised more than $60 million for' Movember' in support of men's mental health and prostate cancer research."

www.gentlemansride.com

Polini

Polini 70 Evolution cylinder kit

Described as the "most advanced cylinder kit for MBK Booster and vertical Yamaha Minarelli engines, this comprehensive performance improving cast iron kit has been "completely redesigned with exclusive technical solutions never seen before on these kinds of engines".

The heart of the kit is a combination of parts developed to maximise the fluid-dynamic yield and efficiency. It features an improved reed valve housing, integrated into the cylinder with two dedicated ducts that feed directly into the transfers: "an exclusive solution that improves the torque and the response at low rpm".

There is a four-petal reed valve (compared to the traditional two-petal ones) supplied in the kit, to increase and speed up the air/fuel. The dedicated flow guide is designed to better canalize the flow between the manifold and the reed valve, reducing turbulence and loss of charge.

A 360° routable intake manifold is compatible with the Polini CP carburettor taking the venturi from 17 mm to 24 mm. For complete flexibility during the assembly phase, this system allows the use of either a genuine replacement or open filter.

The racing head has a copper gasket, with dual-ring piston and 0.2 and 0.3 mm base gasket to customise the squish. Two versions are available: 166.0074/E with 10 pin or 166.0074/12E with 12 pin.

With a basic setup, the Polini 70 Evolution cylinder kit delivers around 14 real horsepower, with a strong and full torque curve across the entire power output - "a major step forward compared to traditional 70 cc cast iron kits."

Optional kit component upgrades include a 19 to 24 mm CP carburettor, Polini For Race or Scooter Team exhaust system and a High-Speed transmission.

POLINI MOTORI SPA

www.polini.com

Puig

Puig D12 Winglets

The debate about the effectiveness of 'winglets' is still unresolved, but here is science behind the theory and the concept has now migrated from the track to the street and, in accessory terms, from exotic to mainstream.

The theory has always been robust, to find a way of taking racing aerodynamics and make the claims of maximised stability and control precision a reality for street riders. The Puig D12 side winglet programme does that with a "high-performance solution that is designed to push the stability and control of sports motorcycles to the limit."

Conceived and manufactured at Puig's R&D lab in Barcelona, the new D12 winglets place aerodynamics above all else. Their double-wing design with integrated side winglet, channels airflow upward over the fairing, generating up to 4.4 kg of aerodynamic downforce on the front axle. 

This downward force "significantly reduces wheelie effect, improves high-speed stability (anti-shimmie), enhances braking performance, and sharpens handling through direction changes.

"One of the key achievements of these winglets is delivering this level of performance without compromising the overall aerodynamic drag coefficient, thanks to the carefully angled, split surfaces. The result: more control, greater safety, and a superior riding experience - even on the track".

A full range of model specific applications is being rolled out to provide dealers with a programme that offers coverage for an increasing number of their customers with the aim of fitments for a wide range of the bikes currently on the market.

PUIG/MOTOPLASTIC S.A.

www.puig.tv

Athena

Standard bore Cylinder Kit for KTM EXC-F 250

Athena has expanded its product range for KTM EXC-F 250 MY 2020-2023 (as well as GasGas EC-F and Husqvarna FE) with this new Standard Bore Cylinder Kit upgrade - "the ideal solution for engine rebuilds while maintaining original specifications, with no compromise on reliability or performance".

The kit includes an aluminium cylinder with nickel-silicon plated liner for optimal heat dissipation and wear resistance; CNC-machined forged piston featuring a molybdenum disulfide coating to reduce friction and noise; pin and rings made from aerospace-grade materials to ensure smooth operation and long service life; a complete gasket set, including a laser-cut stainless steel MLS (Multi Layered Steel) head gasket for perfect sealing.

"Designed according to OEM standards, this replacement kit guarantees easy and safe installation, making it ideal for maintenance operations and professional engine rebuilds. It complements other Athena products already in our catalogue for the KTM EXC-F 250 2020–2023, including the Top End Piston and Easy Cylinder Kits.

The bore of this cylinder is 78.00 mm, with standard compression ratio, 249.00cc displacement and weighs 1.47 kg.

ATHENA

www.athena.eu

Sprint Filter

Platform specific performance components

The new BMW R 1300 GS is widely regarded as the benchmark for the latest-generation adventure segment. Since its launch the race has been on to find ways of helping riders to make the good, even better.

In announcing its complete performance air filter range - one designed specifically for BMW’s latest-generation boxer - Sprint Filter says it is not just presenting a single upgrade option, but four distinct configurations - each positioned for a precise usage scenario, from road touring to extreme off-road conditions.

The four versions, for four different use profiles, includes P08 (SM260S) - for road-focused performance; P14 (SM260P14) - for mixed use with enhanced protection; T12 (SM260T12) - designed specifically for severe environmental conditions and the P08 F1-85 (SM260S F1-85) - a specialist high-flow application.

All versions share Sprint Filter’s proprietary dry polyester filtering media, a technology that eliminates oiling procedures and simplifies maintenance. Cleaning is performed using compressed air from the inside outward - a feature that reduces service time compared to traditional oiled cotton systems.

The P08 configuration represents the most commercially accessible option, targeting road-oriented riders seeking improved throttle response and smoother power delivery over the OEM paper filter.

The P14 variant shifts the balance toward higher fine-particle retention, addressing the needs of customers who regularly combine asphalt and gravel or undertake long-distance adventure travel in dusty conditions.

The T12 is clearly positioned for markets with strong off-road cultures - including desert and sand-intensive regions - where filtration efficiency becomes a priority over outright airflow.

At the top of the range, the F1-85 version derives from Sprint Filter’s racing experience and is aimed at specialist users focused on maximising intake flow under controlled conditions.

The aftermarket implications of a multi-tiered filtration offer for dealers and workshop managers lies in segmentation. The BMW R 1300 GS customer base is notably diverse: long-distance tourers, weekend adventurers, off-road enthusiasts and performance-oriented riders coexist within the same model family.

A differentiated filter range enables targeted upselling strategies aligned with riding profile and regional conditions, while the reusable dry technology provides an additional argument in terms of lifecycle cost reduction.

With the adventure segment continuing to represent a strategic pillar for premium motorcycle brands, the availability of platform-specific performance components - particularly for high-volume models such as the R 1300 GS - is expected to play an increasing role in dealership aftermarket revenues.

SPRINT FILTER

www.sprintfilter.com