Zard

Zard for Rocket III, 765 cc Speed Triple and Tiger 900

Everyone has heard the famous expression "Go Big or Go Home", right? Well, for MY 2021, Italian exhaust manufacturer Zard really is "Going Big"!

BIG weight savings, BIG hp gains, BIG torque gains and a BIG opportunity for Zard's dealers with no less than SIX new exhaust designs available immediately for SIX of the BIGGEST selling 2021 new models on the market - backed by a BIG choice of options.

There are systems for the Ducati Streetfighter V4 and 2020/2021 Diavel, a return to the 4-cylinder exhaust sector with an all-new 4-into-2-into-1 for the Kawasaki Z900 and, seen here, three new exhausts for three of the new Triumph models.
The Zard name is closely associated with Triumph and is well known to the 'Brit Bike' riding family, so it has gone BIG with three 2020/2021 models getting Zard options - the Tiger 900, the Rocket III and the Street Triple. 

Triumph tiger 900

For the 2020/2021 Tiger 900, Zard has a model-specific slip-on with the entry level (standard version) in racing stainless steel with removable dB killer and carbon end cap and mounting support band. The Euro 5 compliant versions have either a high-temperature resistant black finish or titanium sleeve. The exhaust mounts with the side bags and the original centre stand.
For the 2020/2021 Triumph Rocket III, Zard has come up with a completely new shape for what is the largest displacement production motorcycle in the world - a triple outlet end cap for Triumph's massive triple!

 

Triumph Rocket III

This slip-on will be available in stainless steel with carbon fibre end cap and left and right covers (standard and racing versions) and delivers a +2.5 hp increase from the Euro 5 version. Options include a billet aluminium end cap, a high-temperature resistant black finish and carbon sleeves. Zard says that the design results in improved gas flow and an aggressive sound at the rpm 'sweet spot' - just right where riders like it.
For the 2020/2021 765 cc Street Triple, Zard says that the cone design comes from its slip-on for the 2004 Speed Triple and, subsequently, the market-specific Speed Trophy models sold by Triumph in Italy.

Triumph Street Triple 765

Hugely popular at the time, it was then adapted to the 675 Street Triple and still sells well today. Now Zard has updated the design for the 765 cc Street Triple line-up, with end caps and the carbon heat shields included as integral standard protective essentials, rather than the aesthetic options that many manufacturers offer them as.
The slip-on for the 765 is in stainless steel with removable dB killer, and, like all these new Zards, they are available in racing and Euro 5 homologated versions.
These exhausts were premiered on 12th February, and a full video (in Italian with English subtitles) is available at youtube.com/officinezard.

ZARD S.R.L.
www.zardlab.com

Matris

Aprilia RS 660 - suspension upgrade options

Congratulations to Matris in Italy - the first parts and accessory manufacturer to send us information about new options for the RS 660, the new twin sport bike from Aprilia.
Always quick to offer new product applications for the latest bikes, Matris has a complete range of suspension upgrade options for the much anticipated RS 660 on the shelf and ready to ship.
For the front suspension Matris is offering a complete range of hydraulic cartridge kits that allow full compression, rebound and preload adjustment. The sealed and pressurised F25SA cartridge and classic quad-valve-system F20K and F25R cartridges are proven and tested designs that have already done thousands of miles on hundreds of popular models.

F25R

Their adjustability optimises the response, feel, precision and comfort of any bike - allowing for the perfect setting for any riding style and weight set-up. The kits are fully plug & play and do not require any modifications to the original forks for a 100 percent reversible installation.
Rear shock absorber options from Matris include the three-way 'R' adjustable shock (M46R) - "a sophisticated unit developed primarily for race and track use".
It is equipped with three independent hydraulic control adjustments - high and low speed compression and rebound damping. The ride height is also adjustable, and the spring preload is by hydraulic preload unit.

 

M46R

Matris says that it uses computerised engineering systems to design and produce all the components and that only materials of high-end technical and mechanical characteristics are used - "their objectives are precision and quality, durability and reliability, reduced weight, high temperature stability and fine damping adjustment to ensure the greatest sensitivity and confidence for the rider. The difference in damping we achieve is perceptible with every click of adjustment".

MATRIS S.R.L.
www.matrisdampers.com

Givi

'Canyon' adventure bags

The 'Canyon' bags range from GIVI, the successor of the Gravel-T range, offers a variety of ways to load up luggage with a selection of 13 options. All are waterproof, feature a roll-down closure and are suitable for maxi Enduros.

The range comprises side bags, rucksacks, a waist bag, tank bags, a cylinder bag, tool bag, cargo bag and accessories. Some are already on the market, some are brand new to the line, including a pair of 8 litre (GRT722) bags, to be fastened to the engine guard with straps, a modular rear saddle base (GRT721), a useful support for different side and top loads, 25 litre side bags (GRT720, shown here), featuring the Monokey coupling/release system and a large 40 litre cargo bag (GRT712) with air release valve.
The 'Canyon' range is expected to be complete and available by the end of March 2021.

GIVI S.P.A.
www.givimoto.com

Caberg

Drift Evo full-face

Bergamo, Italy based helmet specialist Caberg has added to its full-face line-up for 2021 with an updated Drift Evo range that "raises standards for even the most demanding of sports style riders. This helmet is the result of the experience gained by the company's racing department and the riders who wear the Drift Evo in many championships around the world".
The shell is produced in two sizes that, "together with an innovative inner lining, offer the perfect balance between comfort and fit. The rear spoiler gives a sporty and aggressive look and enhances aerodynamics and reduces turbulence at higher speed.

"The cheek pads have been redesigned to offer a closer fit and different sizes can be installed and changed for a custom fit. The quick release visor mechanism allows visor self-adjustment to guarantee a close contact of visor and window beading. A spring double movement prevents manual regulation in order to avoid incoming water or air. The left side visor lever allows a 0.5 cm gap from the beading to avoid or eliminate fogging. When the lever is lifted, the visor is locked to avoid sudden opening during a ride or fall".
Features include a transparent anti-scratch visor, an adjustable Pinlock Max Vision lens and an integrated and adjustable anti-scratch DVT (Double Visor Tech) sunshade visor. There is a lower chin guard vent, top vent and rear exhaust.

Kevin Manfredi (right) with Caberg's Product Manager Andrea Donghi.

The shell is available in fibreglass or two carbon versions - the Drift Evo Carbon and Drift Evo Carbon Pro. All are equipped with removable and washable lining (including the chin strap padding), double D-ring retention and are comms ready - including the new Caberg 'Just Speak Evo' communications system.
In additional news, 26-year-old Italian European Supersport Champion Kevin Manfredi has chosen the Caberg Drift Evo for 2021. This year will see Manfredi focused on three commitments: the CIV SSP 600, World SSP 600 and the World Endurance Championship EWC.
Caberg's Product Manager Andrea Donghi said: "I have always appreciated the grit and determination that Kevin has - these same qualities are an integral part of our company philosophy, of our way we work and compete with our products worldwide. We are pleased to be able to support Kevin and are looking forward to a successful and long-lasting relationship."

CABERG SPA
www.caberg.it

Italian motorcycle registrations

Italy - 2020 motorcycle registrations -4.86% (theoretically)

According to the latest data from ANCMA (the motorcycle industry trade association in Italy (and the owner of EICMA), the Italian motorcycle and scooter markets ended a tumultuous year having recovered a lot more of the lost sales that, at one stage, looked like they were going to set the Italian market back years.

Having been +1.94% (6,502 units) in October, and massively up in November at +41.14% (5,012 Units) new motorcycle registration in Italy in December were up by +46.36% at 4,038 units to finish the year at -4.86% (94,108 units, compared to 98,917 in 2019).
However, as with the scooter and moped figures from ANCMA, and as seen elsewhere in Europe as the year ended (looking at you, Germany and United Kingdom), pre-registration of unsold Euro 4 units that do not meet the strict timescale criteria set by the EU for the end of series derogation approved in advance of Euro 5 final implementation have no doubt distorted the statistics in Italy and most of Europe's major markets.
Total PTW registrations are put at +23.98% for December (7,630 units) and +20.05%/11,012 units for November to close out the year at -5.76% (218,626 units, compared to 231,985 in 2019). Scooter sales are put at -6.43% for 2020 (124,518 units).
The top selling motorcycles in Italy for 202 have again been the Benelli TRK 502/502X (3,5693 units), followed by the BMW R 1250 GS (3,188 units), and the Honda Africa Twin (2,926 units). The top selling scooters remain the Honda SH 150, 300 and 125 range (in 1st, 2nd and 4th spots respectively), with the Piaggio Beverly 300 ABS, Liberty 125 ABS and Medley 125 in 3rd, 5th and 8th.
The Kymco Agility 125 R16 was 6th, with Yamaha's big TMAX scooter in 7th place, and the company's XMAX 300 in 10th behind the Honda Forza 300 (9th).

Honda

Honda - Q3 and nine months to December 2020

For the third quarter and first nine months of its current financial year (the period to December 31st, 2020), Honda has reported motorcycle sales revenue down by 39.3bn yen at 490.8bn for the period. "Although sales are recovering in many countries, sales revenue experienced a year-on-year decrease due primarily to decreased sales, mainly in Asia."

However, its segment operating profit was only down by 1.8bn yen at 72.7bn as a result of "cost reduction efforts and control of SG&A expenses (Sales and General Administration) - this was despite a decrease in profit related to changes in sales volume and model mix".
Total Honda Group motorcycle unit sales were 4.269 million units for Q3 (from 5.019 million in the year-ago quarter); consolidated total unit sales were 3.019 million (down modestly from 3.190 million units in Q3 2019).
For the nine-month period, Honda Group motorcycle unit sales were 10.591 million units (-29.6% from 15.038 million units for the year-ago period), with Asia responsible for around a third of that decline. 

32-year-old Argentinian Kevin Benavides claimed his first Dakar Rally win in January on his CRF450 RALLY factory bike, with 2020 winner Ricky Brabec (USA) second - giving Honda its first 1-2 victory since 1987, and its second successive win in the deserts of Saudi Arabia. 2021 marked the 43rd edition of the Dakar Rally, which was first held in 1979 (then known as the Paris-Dakar Rally). Honda first competed in the Dakar in 1981, scoring its first win in 1986 (the first of four consecutive wins) with the NXR750. The company left Dakar competition in 1990 and returned in 2013 (when the Dakar was held in South America) with the CRF450 RALLY.

 *Benavides did not compete in 2017 due to injury.
He was second overall in 2018, fifth in 2019 and 19th in 2020.

Group motorcycle unit sales in Europe were 159,000 units for the nine-month period, down by some 27,000 units from the 186,000 sold in the first nine months of 2019. North American sales were 240,000 units (up from 221,000 in 2019); domestic Japanese unit sales were also up by 1,000 units at 155,000 for the nine-month period.
Honda's largest market in Asia remains India, where sales were 2,643,000 units, some two thirds of the 2019 period.
Total global consolidated unit sales were 7.263 million for the nine-month period (from 9.732 million for the year-ago period). For the nine-month period, motorcycle segment sales revenue was 1,258,173m yen for a segment profit of 152,379m yen.

WSBK 2021

WSBK 2021 provisional calendar update

Following the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and resulting regulations, the FIM, government officials, the TT Circuit Assen and Dorna WSBK Organisation (DWO) have postponed the Dutch Round until 23-25 July.

Local authorities have determined that no major events may be held in Drenthe until the 1st of June 2021, and the Dutch Round was initially scheduled from the 23rd to the 25th of April.
"FIM and Dorna WSBK Organisation are constantly working with government officials and circuits in order to continue putting the safety of everyone first. Any further updates to the 2021 WorldSBK calendar will be communicated accordingly".