Italian PTW registrations +6.9 percent in October
MORE good news from Italy, with latest data from ANCMA (Associazione Nazionale Ciclo Motociclo Accessori), the Italian motorcycle industry trade association, showing total PTW registrations there at +6.9 percent for October (11,045 units).For the year to date, the Italian market is showing modest growth at +1.9 percent (145,942) units, compared to being -26.7 percent for the first 10 months of 2013 and -18.9 percent for the same period in 2012.
In motorcycle terms the Italian market is +3.7 percent for the first ten months of the year at 51,245 units, of which Enduro bikes (17,283 units) and naked style bikes (17,224 units) are by far the most popular sectors of the market.
Of the 145,942 total PTW registrations for the year to date in Italy (Jan-Oct inclusive), some 21.1 percent (30,837 units) were of 501cc or higher.
New stability control from Bosch
BOSCH is set to launch a new motorcycle stability control (MSC) at the end of the year. MSC Base is a new variant of its existing safety system, and is said to be the first MSC to be based on conventional ABS technology. This technology features two separate braking channels and complements the ‘MSC enhanced’ system, which is based on a composite braking system and was launched at the end of 2013.
“With MSC base, Bosch will be in a position to offer lean angle-dependent support for nearly every type of motorcycle,” said Dr. Fevzi Yildirim, Head of the motorcycle safety product group in Japan.
The corresponding hydraulic unit and lean-angle sensor will premiere in Ducati’s new 1299 Panigale. In addition to this hardware, Bosch is also supplying the lean angle-dependent brake control function, and Ducati is using the sensor data for the bend-dependent traction control it is developing. “This package of functions offers a crucial boost to safety in critical situations,” Yildirim said.
Apart from the 1299 Panigale, Ducati’s new 1200 Multistrada will also adjust braking and acceleration according to the angle of lean. Bosch is supplying the MSC- enhanced composite braking system as well as the lean-angle sensor and brake control function for this bike, while the traction control will again come from Ducati itself.
Composite braking systems can brake both wheels, even if the rider only brakes the front or rear wheel. As the braking module for this system is considerably larger and heavier, it has so far mainly been installed in very large, powerful bikes. The great majority of motorcycles fitted with ABS use hydraulic modulators with two separate braking circuits. This means riders have to apply the front and rear brakes separately. These modulators are significantly lighter and smaller, and can thus be integrated into motorcycles more easily. The two new projects mean a further rise in MSC unit volumes. “Following KTM and BMW, Ducati is now our third MSC customer,” Yildirim said.
Motorcycle manufacturers can expand MSC Base with a number of optional features. A lean angle-dependent drag torque control counteracts the critical situations that arise when drive torque suddenly increases or drops. The system can also adjust brake pressure on inclines. Furthermore, an off-road control can be integrated for rides on unpaved roads. The composite braking function in MSC enhanced offers the additional benefit of flexibly and quickly adapting brake pressure on the front and rear wheel to the riding situation. This further improves stability, and last but not least, Bosch offers a hill hold control function.
ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
Gerlingen-Schillerhöhe, GERMANY
Tel: +49 (0)7 11 8 11 0
callbosch@de.bosch.com
www.bosch.de
Riviera V2+
CABERG’S Riviera V2+ is a retro-styled, open-faced helmet designed with urban riders in mind. Unlike many open-face helmets, the Riviera V2+ has the additional benefit of integrated double anti-scratch visors (clear main and a smoked sun inner).
The new helmet from Caberg features internal air circulation, a removable liner, rain protection rims, a micrometric buckle and a quick release visor system. Additionally, the Riviera V2+ is ‘Just Speak’ wireless communication enabled, with a Bluetooth kit available as an option.
Caberg is making the Riviera V2+ available in a choice of black and white Wave, Italia, America finishes and in sizes XXS-XXL.
CABERG Srl
Azzano S. Paolo (BG), ITALY
Tel: +39 035 4203611
info@caberg.it
www.caberg-helm.com
Oset launches MX-10 Motocross bike
OSET Bikes, a company well known for its range of trials bikes, has entered a new market with the launch of its first motocross machine – the MX-10. The MX-10 is a new groun- up design created from careful analysis of the ideal off-road geometry for children aged 4-7 and complemented with components and systems to achieve optimum performance for riders in that age range.
Ian Smith, founder and CEO of Oset Bikes, said: “We knew what we wanted when we started the project, and the team is confident that the MX-10 delivers on every aspect – we’re incredibly proud of the bike we’ve produced.”
Unlike other starter motocross machines, which are petrol 50cc engine powered, the MX-10 utilises a 48V electric drive system (complete with three-dial adjustability). On traditional petrol powered bikes young riders can struggle with power delivery due to most of the power being at the top of the rev range, where many youngsters are afraid to go. Smith explains: “The MX-10 resolves that issue. The power, throttle response and top speed can all be easily altered to suit the rider. The very youngest riders can build confidence and speed safely. The linear electric power is easy for children to master and allows for parental control.
“And we’re not finished there! Electric power means no kick start – which means no more running across a track to help get the bike restarted. It also means no hot exhaust, so no one is going to be scorched accidentally. And the weight means when they inevitably slide off, they can pick the bike up relatively easy and get started on their own,” concludes Smith.
The MX-10 also features an adjustable seat height, giving even the smallest riders more confidence as they can touch the ground. When lowering the bike, the geometry alters to provide more stability for beginners. The front forks, rear shock and brakes are all designed to suit the bike and young riders. The MX-10 features a custom upside down fork built to Oset’s specifications and an adjustable oil shock at the rear. Hydraulic disc brakes, with reach-adjustable levers for small hands, provide plenty of stopping power.
OSET BIKES
Bexhill, East Sussex, UK
Tel: +44 (0)843 289 2890
info@osetbikes.com
www.osetbikes.com
Schampa "FaceFit"
OFF-ROAD and on-highway riding gear specialist Schampa has come up with what owner and designer Andy Myers describes as "the next generation in rider face-wear".
His Patent Pending "FaceFit" system takes the classic face-mask scarf and adds ergonomics and technology to how it fits. A flexible, lightweight, adjustable Neoprene internal reinforcer that "remembers" the fit contours of the face allows the rider simply to press the scarf to create a molded fit that massively improves the seal around the nose and mouth to protect against wind, dust, pollution, sand and all the other airborne hazards of riding.
Andy says that "when used in conjunction with eye-wear the effect it has on the breath even helps reduce fogging. I made some of these for myself, and have been doing tens of thousands of miles with them. Then I figured, well, if it works for me, it could work for everyone!"
SCHAMPA
Chandler, Arizona, USA
Tel: 480 899 6458
amyers@schampa.com
www.schampa.com
Daimler/MV Agusta deal confirmed
THE German sportscar and performance brand Mercedes-AMG, part of the Daimler Group, and motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta have signed a long-term sales and marketing cooperation agreement.
At the same time, Mercedes-AMG GmbH will acquire a 25% interest in MV Agusta Motor S.p.A. - no details have been disclosed about the price to be paid for the stake in MV Agusta Motor.
At a time when Harley-Davidson itself continues to be the subject of takeover rumors, Daimler's investment in the former Harley subsidiary will benefit from the hundreds of millions of dollars that Milwaukee spent on buying MV Agusta and then funding new production and new model investment before selling it on for a fraction of its spend in 2010.
Harley bought MV Agusta in July 2011 for a reported $109 million in a deal that included $70 million in assumed debt.
Harley announced its intention to sell MV Agusta at the same time that it decided to close its Buell subsidiary, in October 2009, with the recession taking its toll on investor sentiment Harley-Davidson ended up selling MV Agusta back to the Italian owners it had bought it from for a notional €3/$4 deal - and in fact paid the prior owners to take it off their hands by putting $26 million on escrow to provide the Italian company with access to operating capital for 12 months.
Although the creativity of the Motor Company's accounting practices are adept at camouflaging negative financial impact whilst still maximizing write-down benefits, making it difficult to be certain how much the total net cost of MV Agusta ownership has been for Harley, it is widely thought to have had an impact well north of $200 million, with some estimates putting it as high as $350 million.
Mercedes-AMG will appoint one member of MV Agusta’s Board of Directors; regulatory approval for the deal is expected to be granted in late November.
Giovanni Castiglioni, President and CEO of MV Agusta Motor S.p.A., commented: “MV Agusta and Mercedes-AMG are a perfect brand fit: two complementary companies that stand for design, high performance and excellence. Mercedes-AMG will help MV Agusta to further expand globally and to accelerate our growth. The uniqueness of MV Agusta will further enhance Mercedes-AMG’s leadership in the high-performance segment."
Wilko Stark, Vice President Daimler Strategy & Mercedes-Benz Cars Product Strategy and Planning said: “The positioning of Mercedes-AMG as the performance brand in the Mercedes-Benz product portfolio will be further strengthened through the strategic partnership with MV Agusta. Through sales and marketing cooperation and demographic synergies, we will be able to attract new target groups for both companies all over the world."
BMW Motorrad achieves another new all-time high in the third quarter of 2014
BMW Motorrad has again announced strong retail results in September 2014, supplying a total of 9,991 vehicles, which is up 7.8 percent on September 2013. This has taken the company over the 100,000 mark for the nine months to September for the first time.
BMW Motorrad say they "recorded retail growth in almost all sales regions during the first nine months of the year". Germany remains their most important single market, where they are once again the market leader, with 17,068 vehicles sold and a market share of just under 25%. It is followed by the USA, Italy, France and the UK in the ranking list of sales figures.
BMW Motorrad say they intend to remain "on course for growth in the upcoming season with new models. At INTERMOT three new and innovative vehicles were unveiled - the R 1200 R, the R 1200 RS and the S 1000 RR". The two water-cooled Boxer models and the new Supersport bike were said to have been "a success with show visitors", and BMW said that they would unveil two more new models at the EICMA 'Milan Show' in November.
UPDATE - Results for October show BMW Motorrad sales reaching another new all-time high of 109,052 units in the first ten months of the year. This marks an increase of 7.4% compared to the previous year (101,530). In October, 8,835 motorcycles and maxi scooters were delivered to customers - up by +5.5 percent compared to the 8,376 units sold in October 2013.
