PBR

Enlarged EK Chains range

Italian specialist PBR is offering an enlarged range of EK Chains. Produced by “higher standards of quality, Japanese EK chains offer the same technology as their famous racing chains at a convenient price/quality ratio for bikes with small, medium and large displacement engines”.

Available in different versions both road and off-road bikes, including Heavy Duty, O-Ring, QX-Ring SRX2, and QX-MVXZ2 Series, they are now also available for the new 2018 production bikes - with many models available in coloured versions.

PBR SPROCKETS
www.pbr.it

Sifam

Sifam - “first homologated MX glove”

This is the GAN095 from French distributor Sifam, described as “the first homologated Motocross glove - meeting the KP1 homologation level (EN13594: 2015 standards), which is essential for road use”.
Available in 5 different colourways in sizes from XS to XXXL “the GAN095 gives dealers a remarkable glove at a remarkably low price point,” according to the company.
Features include durable polyester and cotton Amara ventilated palm, with vented Ariaprene on the top of the glove. Ariaprene is a high-tech, ultra-durable, synthetic, ventilated and hypo-allergenic rubber with a foam core.
The glove is said to be “very comfortable thanks to inserts between the fingers with non-slip grips for a perfect feeling, and knuckle protection for added safety”.

 SIFAM
www.sifam.fr

Airoh

‘Hunter’ for touring and urban use

Airoh’s new ‘Hunter’ is a three size, high-performance composite (HPC) fibre outer shell sized Urban Jet that is said to be “among the lightest available on the market” at 1,250 g (+/- 50 g).

“The unbeatable combination of ultra-light weight, advanced safety features along with the versatility and improved comfort and fit of three shell sizes make it a perfect choice for touring and urban use”.

Those features include a retractable sun visor; scratch and UV resistant tool-free quick release extra wide main visor to which an optional Pinlock lens can be attached; hypoallergenic, removable and washable lining for “maximum breathability and comfort”; improved top and rear vents for optimised airflow and a micrometric fastening with anti-theft ring.

LOCATELLI S.P.A.
www.airoh.com

Kappa

Modular system soft bags

For dealers, this new line of modular system based universal soft bags that Kappa has added to its waterproof ‘Kappa Racer’ range delivers a big variety of make and model options with a flexible solution programme that includes a backpack/tank bag, a pair of side bags and a multi-purpose bag.

Designed for practicality they are made in UV resistant polyester with reflective elements, sealed seams, waterproof zips and inner linings. Easily installed and detached, four magnets and adjustable straps enable mounting to the rear or gas tank. The versatile M.O.L.L.E. and roll top system allows the internal volume to be adjusted with controlled and additional bags (such as Kappa’s RA317) to be securely attached - there is a removable helmet bag, a front pocket with smartphone holder, a handle for easy transportation and a set of adjustable and extendable straps on the sides for hook-ons.

Features of the RA316 universal side bags (that can also be used on a large scooter) include internal volume control roll top closure and additional side, base and front straps for adjustability and versatility.
The net pocket interior pouch can be mounted on the handlebar or on the rear rack and paired with other bags from the ‘Racer’ range using the all-round M.O.L.L.E. system.

KAPPA S.R.L.
www.kappamoto.com

Vive La Moto

Vive La Moto - Madrid, April 5-8

Jointly organised by IFEMA, the Madrid Expo Centre, and marketing and events specialist Kando I-Vents, Viva La Moto is backed by Spanish trade Association Anesdor (the Spanish National Association of Motorbike Sector Businesses, which represents over 96% of the Spanish motorbike market) and MotoGP commercial rights owner Dorna. 

The show is making a return to Madrid for the first time since 2007, and the plan is that it will now alternate between Madrid in even years and Barcelona in odd numbered years. Context for the return is market recovery “with excellent expectations in terms of success and participation”, according to IFEMA.
As of November 2017, IFEMA said that more than 16,000 square metres of exhibition space had already been reserved for a show that will combine classic expo halls with outdoor activity and motorcycle demonstration space. 

Anesdor Secretary General José Maria Riaño: “the consolidation of growth in the sector has Vive La Moto to again emerge as as the primary event for motorbike fans and industry brands and professionals in Spain”

The main motorcycle brands that make up ANESDOR’s industry membership are all confirmed for what Anesdor Secretary General José Maria Riaño expects to again become established as Spain’s annual motorcycle industry “go-to” for the new models and latest parts, accessories and apparel.
The relaunch comes at a time when the market in Spain grew by 16.1% and saw 171,304 units registered in 2016.
Riaño went on to say that “the consolidation of growth in the sector has allowed big trade fairs to come back to Spain, along with the support of brands and motorcycle manufacturers for these types of events. This trade show is emerging as the primary event for motorbike fans and industry brands and professionals in Spain”.
www.ifema.es/vivelamoto_06

News Briefs

December saw Yamaha Corporation sell more of its shareholding in former subsidiary Yamaha Motor Co. The company divested some 2.3% of the voting shares (some 8 million shares), selling to investment and securities houses for around 190m euro. Estimates at the time suggested that Yamaha Corporation will remain the single largest shareholder in Yamaha Motor Co., but with its share dropping below 10% (estimated at 9.93% from 12.22%), it will now no longer be classed as a “major shareholder” under Japanese stock market rules.

Pirelli has launched what it says is the world’s first “multi-compound” motorcycle tyre. Derived from its experience as the spec tire supplier for the FIM WSBK Championship series, their Diablo Rosso Corsa II is a high-performance sport bike tyre, said to be particularly good for riders who corner hard with greater lean angles.

Italian helmet manufacturer Nolan is now selling dealer-direct in Germany.

Italian boot maker TCX Boots has signed a multi-year sponsorship deal with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing. Team rider Mitchell Harrison (No. 30 FC250) debuted the all-new TCX COMP EVO 2 Michelin at Anaheim in January.

On November 3, Paul Liao, owner of (hitherto) Düsseldorf based chain store group Hein Gericke Europe, filed a petition for self-administration insolvency proceedings. This is believed to be (at least) the fourth time that Hein Gericke, one way or another, in one country or another, has been involved in insolvency proceedings since it was sold by founder Hein Gericke to Eurobike AG in 1987. A legal dispute is also underway in the German courts concerning the rightful ownership of certain Hein Gericke IP assets.

The long running dispute between Alpinestars and Dainese in Germany has been resolved. Alpinestars are now banned from selling its Tech Air products in Germany as it was found to have violated two Dainese D-Air patents. This is all to do with the inclusion of air bags in riding jackets and suits.

Ralf Jodl’s German scooter parts, accessory and tuning specialist SIP Scootershop is to stage its popular annual open house on Saturday, May 5th.

Even though it saw sales dip by -1.3% in 2017, BMW Motorrad’s U.S. sales of 13,546 units in 2017 comfortably beat the domestic U.S. trend which saw motorcycle sales decline by -3.2% in 2017, with December actually showing a +37.3% increase over December 2016 at 1,270 units, finishing the year with four consecutive months of growth. BMW has 153 dealers in the United States.

DID (Daido Kogyo)

Anti-Shock Performance MX race chain

Japanese manufacturer DID (Daido Kogyo) has updated its track, off-road and high-performance ER X-Ring chain programme with a next generation 520ERT3 for 2018. Based in Bologna, Italy, and established in 2004, DID Europe sells through leading distributors throughout Europe.

The new 520ERT3 features “Anti-shock Performance” - technology that reduces the process of “Plastic Elongation” caused by the momentary excessive tension load on a part of the chain that causes the chain pin holes to deform over time.
DID have shown greatly increased resistance to such deformation, by up to 25 percent, by improving the plate material over that used in their 520ERT2 - itself a well-regarded and durable product for MX applications.
DID says that the new design is some 3 percent stronger with zero increase in weight - a result of the company’s ongoing investment in materials research and advanced manufacturing technology.
Additional features include SDH (surface hardened) pin treatment, seamless solid bushing and characteristic gold finish.

DID EUROPE SRL
www.dideu.it/en