Wednesday, 7 February 2024

National Cycle

 VStream windscreens - 2021 to current Yamaha MT-07


Maywood, Illinois based manufacturer National Cycle's new VStream windscreens are available in three different sizes and tints for the updated Yamaha MT-07. This means there is a perfectly sized windscreen for almost every rider - "all will offer improved wind protection and riding comfort compared to other aftermarket windscreens, making this light but powerful bike a perfect urban commuter or short distance tourer".


VStream gets its name from its unique patented shape. The advanced “V” profile and dimensional contours push the wind vortex out and away from the rider's helmet, resulting in a peaceful, quieter riding environment.

These windscreens are made from tough 3.0 mm Quantum hardcoated polycarbonate. This high-quality material, along with its internationally recognised state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques, "provides an outstanding level of clarity, impact strength and scratch resistance that is unmatched by any windscreen maker worldwide."

Quantum hardcoated polycarbonate "is the material of choice for serious motorcycle riders". It is rated at 10 times more abrasion resistant than FMR hardcoated polycarbonate, and 30 times more than windscreens made from commonly used acrylic or "aircraft plastic”. VStream windscreens are easy to install and are protected by a three-year warranty against breakage.


NATIONAL CYCLE INC.

www.nationalcycle.com

Matris

Matris for the Yamaha XSR 900


Italian suspension specialist Matris has added to its applications list with a complete set of front and rear suspension options for the 2022 Yamaha XSR 900 naked vintage style bike.

At the front, Matris offers a full range of award-winning hydraulic, asymmetric quad-valve system cartridge kits - the 25 mm asymmetric "sealed and pressurised" F25SA, its top-of-the-range high-end cartridge; the 25 mm asymmetric "classic" quad valve F25R, its classic cartridge for race-track use, and the 20 mm asymmetric quad valve F20K - its "entry level" cartridge for sport use.


All are fully adjustable on compression, rebound and spring preload, and are 100% 'plug-and-play' fully reversible installs that replace all the stock front fork internals with no modifications required to the bike.

At the rear side, the offer includes its M46KF and M46KD shock series. Both are multi-adjustable and can be equipped with a knob-hydraulic spring preload unit for easy and fast setting changes.


As is usual with Matris suspension product designs, front and rear suspensions are available with different spring rates to allow the ride to be tuned for rider weight and use, with the rear shocks additionally available in the popular Matris 'Dark Version' with black spring.

Additional new set-up options from the Vicenza based manufacturer include for the 2023 Honda XL 750 Transalp, Suzuki GZX-8S and Ducati 800 Scrambler models, plus for the 2022 Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello.


MATRIS S.R.L.

www.matrisdampers.com


LeoVince

LeoVince - LV-14 "The shape of innovation"


Italian exhaust brand LeoVince's new LV-14 "represents the constant innovation in technology and design that has distinguished us for almost 70 years. Innovative shapes and cutting-edge materials come together to create an aerodynamic and elegant exhaust that enhances the look and riding pleasure".




Made from stainless steel, carbon fibre and titanium to make the LV-14 lighter and more durable, international competition experience and Italian design "guarantee maximum performance".

Features include a "special" packing material with high thermal resistance, which has been hand-assembled to a straight-through dB-killer internal muffler core, handcrafted TIG welding and a handmade asymmetrically cut end cap that uses a 2x2 weave carbon fibre, pre-impregnated with an autoclave vacuum cured special high temperature resistant resin.


The end cap has a matt clear UV protective coating, the sound is "deep and aggressive" and a carbon fibre bracket bolts to the muffler sleeve. "This solution guarantees excellent mechanical reliability and weight reduction". 

It is available in standard, black, carbon fibre or titanium finishes.


LEOVINCE

www.leovince.com


The LV-14 will be initially available for:

  • Aprilia RSV4/Tuono V4
  • Honda CB 750 Hornet
  • Honda Transalp 750
  • Kawasaki Ninja 400
  • Kawasaki Z650/Ninja 650
  • Kawasaki Z 900
  • Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX
  • KTM Duke 790/Duke 890
  • Triumph Street Triple 765
  • Yamaha MT-07
  • Yamaha R7


GPR Tech

GPR Tech - titanium skid plates


Leveraging its ISO 14021 certified circular economy parameter compatible production technology, Italian exhaust specialist GPR Italia has successfully diversified into the luggage market and accessories, initially focused on product designs for ADV style applications.

The latest additions to its GPR Tech programme are these engine guards/skid plates made entirely of high strength, lightweight 2 mm titanium. Super light and super strong, they are equipped with vibration dampers and are said to be able to "protect the best enduro motorbikes from any impact," according to co-owner Mauro Orlandi.

Made in Milan, Italy, the main models for which these skid plates have already been developed include the Yamaha Transalp 700, BMW R1200/1250 GS, Honda CRF1100 and Kawasaki Versys 650 - but GPR Tech are adding new applications regularly.


GPR ITALIA S.R.L

www.gprtechparts.com

Mizu

Monster 'Fly Series' license plate holders


Seen here for the Ducati Monster models from 2021 and up, this new 'Fly Series' license plate design "is a real upgrade" according to German manufacturer Mizu.


Finished in anodised matt black and equipped with E number marked license plate light and reflector, they are a simple 'plug-and-play' install for a "sporty and modern alternate to the factory design - considerably improving the look of the rear-end."

Manufactured in high-quality, sturdy aluminium they are a lighter weight construction than the factory design they replace, have an adjustable angle, are compatible with aftermarket or original turn signals, are suitable for German, Austrian, Swiss and Slovakian license plates and ship with model-specific hardware and mounting kits.


MIZU

www.mizu.de

Thursday, 25 January 2024

Bitubo

Bitubo Adds David Zemla to U.S. Team


Italian suspension specialist Bitubo has announced the next stage in the development of its plans to build foundations for increased brand profile and sales in the United States.

Having hired former Progressive Suspension, Performance Machine and Burly Brand (MAG group) Product Manager Sean Delshadi to head-up Sales and Marketing of the Bitubo brand in America, they have now hired another former Progressive Suspension and Performance Machine group man, David Zemla, as the Director of US Operations.

Product Manager Sean Delshadi, Sales & Marketing Manager; Sales & Marketing Manager Giorgia Mardollo; U.S. Chief of Operations David Zemla


Most recently Zemla held one of the more prestigious roles in the American motorcycle parts and accessories aftermarket as VP of Marketing for historic US performance parts manufacturer S&S Cycle.

At EICMA Zemla told IDN that "I've spent my entire career working with premier level aftermarket brands and am more than excited to help grow Bitubo's US operations."

Sales & Marketing Manager and fourth generation leader at Bitubo, Giorgia Mardollo shared:  "We believe the United States has been a 'sleeping giant' in sales terms. Bitubo is one of the very few motorcycle suspension manufacturers that can convincingly claim to offer a world class level of high performance suspension and with the right team in place we can bring that expertise and top shelf product to a performance hungry US market." 

David hit the ground running in October and can be reached at dzemla@bitubousa.com.


Piaggio Group

Piaggio Decarbonisation Plan 


Piaggio Group (PIA.MI) is the latest manufacturer to unveil a Decarbonisation Plan, undertaking to put concrete measures in place to contribute to the attainment of the climate goals set by the European Union.

"The Piaggio Group has always been sensitive to environmental issues and, over the years, has constantly organised initiatives to improve energy efficiency and reduce the emissions of its factories and the vehicles it manufactures.

"Between 1998 and 2022, its Pontedera factory cut Scope 1 emissions by 56.2%, thanks to investment in energy efficiency, while improvements to the new engines on the best-selling Vespa 125 cc scooter made a 29.4% reduction in Scope 3 carbon emissions possible from 2008 to 2022."

Drawn up with advisory support from the European Investment Bank (EIB), in line with the EIB PATH framework and the support of EY Consulting (engaged by the EIB), the strategy "will enable the Group to plan measures to reduce its Scope 1, 2 and 3 footprint emissions over two-time horizons: 2030 and 2050".


Vespa Primavera

"Specifically, by 2030, the Group undertakes to cut its production emissions (estimated using the Science-Based Targets initiative1 methodology and in line with the goals of the Paris agreement) by 42% compared with 2022. This ambitious target will be achieved through a range of initiatives."

Initiatives will include:

  • Restructuring of the Mandello del Lario production site in line with sustainability criteria
  • Installation of photovoltaic systems at Pontedera and Mandello del Lario
  • Installation of a new paint plant in Vietnam to enable diesel to be replaced with LPG
  • The purchase of clean energy for the factories in Italy, India, Vietnam and Indonesia
  • The replacement of company cars with more energy-efficient models

The Piaggio Group also intends to achieve a further reduction in its Scope 3 emissions through increased sales of electric vehicles, improvements to its combustion engines, developments in product design and adaptation for alternative fuels, which can already be used with the engines currently on Piaggio vehicles.

Piaggio says it has already brought to market a number of new products reflecting this commitment, such as the electric Vespa Primavera and Vespa Sprint scooters, and has announced the launch of the electric Porter NP6 project.

The Piaggio Group believes that to reach the target set by the international community for 2050 (a 90% reduction in emissions), a crucial role will be played by diversified technologies such as e-fuel and biofuels, wide use of electric vehicles, total use of renewable energy, electrification of heating systems, logistics with low environmental impact, recycled materials and product circularity.


Vespa Sprint

Piaggio says that it "does not rely on offsets to meet its emission-reduction targets" and further details on its decarbonisation goals will be published by April 2024 in the Non-Financial Disclosure included in the Piaggio Group 2023 Annual Report.

Piaggio is also making a € 250,000 donation to the "Fresh Start Fund" set up by the Pontedera Town Council in response to the territorial emergency caused by heavy rain and flooding on 2 November 2023.