“Indian motorcycle unit sales increased significantly” in Q2
Polaris Industries has reported second quarter 2017 sales of $1,364.9 million, up +21 percent, from $1,130.8 million for the second quarter of 2016.
Adjusted net sales for the second quarter of 2017, which excludes the impact from the Victory Motorcycles wind-down, were $1,358.8 million compared to $1,130.8 million in the prior year period.
Motorcycle segment sales, including its PG&A related sales in the second quarter of 2017, was $198.0 million, a decrease of -13 percent compared to $228.4 million reported in the second quarter of 2016, which included $6.2 million of Victory motorcycle unit, accessory and apparel sales versus $54.0 million of Victory sales reported in the second quarter of 2016 - driven by new product introductions and increased awareness of the brand.
This increase was more than offset by significantly lower Slingshot sales. Motorcycle gross profit for the second quarter of 2017 was $21.1 million compared to $38.9 million in the second quarter of 2016. Adjusted for the Victory wind-down costs of $8.9 million, motorcycle gross profit was $30.0 million, down from the second quarter last year due primarily to lower Slingshot volume.
“Performance improved in many parts of our business during the quarter, particularly within our international and PG&A businesses,” says Polaris CEO Scott Wine. “The powersports industry remained very competitive and headwinds persist, but we were encouraged by the return to growth in our Side-by-Side business and continued strength and aggressive share gains for Indian Motorcycles.
“In a weak motorcycle industry, Indian continues to demonstrate how a complementary combination of exciting new bikes, strong dealer execution and overall brand momentum can prevail. Dealer engagement is a corporate priority and from profitability to delivery and communications, the consistent progress we are making is augmenting our retail results. We still have a lot of work to do as we establish the foundation of a renewed growth platform.”
Off-Road Vehicle (“ORV”) and Snowmobile segment sales, including its respective PG&A related sales, were $845.5 million for the second quarter of 2017, compared with $799.3 million for the second quarter of the prior year.
Polaris’ new Aftermarket segment sales, which includes Transamerican Auto Parts ("TAP"), along with the company's other aftermarket brands of Klim, Kolpin, Pro Armor, Trail Tech and 509, increased significantly to $224.4 million in the 2017 second quarter compared to $12.1 million in the 2016 second quarter.
International sales to customers outside of North America, including PG&A, totalled $191.2 million for the second quarter of 2017, up twelve percent from the same period in 2016.
The company has increased its sales guidance and narrowed its earnings per share expected range for the full year 2017.
www.polarisindustries.com
Add pic of Scott Wine captioned:
Polaris CEO Scott Wine: “Performance improved in many parts of our business during the quarter, particularly within our international and PG&A businesses”
UK motorcycle registrations -13.41 percent January - June
The latest data released by the MCIA (Motorcycle Industry Association) in the UK still makes for disappointing reading, even allowing for the Euro 3 inventory pre-registration cross-over.
Motorcycle registrations in June were down by -13.19 percent (at 11,450 units) and were -9.64 percent in May (10,264 units). On a year to date basis, the UK market is -13.41 percent (53,137 units YTD compared to 61,363 for the first six months of 2016).
Moped sales were -28.01 percent in June and are running at -24.86 percent year-to-date (3,113 units).
In total PTW terms the UK was down -14.09 percent in June (12,059 units in total; -10.48 percent/10,792 units in May) and the UK market is running at -14.13 percent year-to-date (56,250 units YTD compared to 65,506 for the first six months of 2016).
‘Naked’ style bikes remain the most popular in the UK (16,843 units YTD, which is relative growth compared to other styles of bike at -6.5 percent in a market that is down -13.41 percent overall), followed by Adventure Sport models (10,267 units YTD, down by only -3.6 percent); the UK scooter market has seen sales drop by -25.8 percent YTD (9,483 units) and the historically dominant Supersport market is down -22.9 percent (5,668 units YTD), with custom style bikes down -18.7 percent YTD (4,477 units) and Trail/Enduro now the sixth largest sector in the UK and only down by -4.7 percent (3,106 units YTD). Touring and Sport Touring models are down by -5.5 and -16.9 percent respectively.
In power band terms, the loss is below 650cc with 651-1000cc and 1000cc+ registrations modestly up at +1.4 and +1.8 percent respectively.
The best-selling bike in June was the Triumph Bobber (272 units), followed by the BMW R 1200 GS (258 units); Honda was overall market share leader in June (motorcycles and scooters), having sold 2,309 units, followed by Yamaha (1,550), Triumph (1,325), BMW (1,297), with Suzuki (829 units) moving ahead of Kawasaki (702).
The MCIA reports that the total number of road registered motorcycles in use has continued to grow with 1.27 million registered in total in 2017 and 37,900 motorcycle tests passed in the UK last year (24,500 in 2016).
UK motorcycle registrations were +13.52 percent in 2016 (118,990 units), a fifth straight year of growth for the UK market and the best annual market performance since before 2008; in total PTW terms the UK market was +11.86 percent for 2016 at 127,702 units – a third straight year of growth and also the highest annual market performance since before 2008.
Italian made ‘Diamond’ off-roader features new shell and EPS technology
Italian off-road specialist UFO Plast has launched its ‘Diamond’ helmet, describing it as an “innovative, revolutionary helmet developed by our engineers after a long and careful search, aimed at achieving the highest level of protection and comfort, using the most advanced technologies and materials to protect and make off-road riding more comfortable.”
The outer ‘Diamond’ shell and its original ‘diamond’ shape (with stiffening ribs) is designed to optimise shock absorption and impact energy dissipation, and has been built “using the latest technology, made up of a high percentage of carbon (over 60%) and aramid fibre to maximise performance and minimise weight.”
At the heart of the “revolutionary technology” that the company says characterises the ‘Diamond’ is a Rotation Impact Absorbing System (RIAS) - in addition to dissipating compression-absorbing shocks like traditional helmets (linear impact), the helmet structure combines “innovative technology that dissipates the energy associated with rotational acceleration (rotational impact), reducing tension and providing additional protection for some types of impact. This is all possible thanks to the combined work of the different layers of material used.”
The main inner shell in high density EPS has a very compact, rigid outer surface (in contact with the outer shell). The inner surface has large grooves that offer a dual function: they provide greater airflow and differentiate impact force dissipation effectively as if the main layer had two different densities.
The inner oscillating shell, consisting of low density polypropylene foam (PPE) to provide gradual absorption, was designed to rotate inside the helmet, working in conjunction with the main inner shell. This system enables multi-directional sliding that also dissipates the energy associated with rotational acceleration, to improve protection in case of rotational impact.
It is also equipped with foam protection, located at the bottom of the chin rest and at the base of the neck. This advanced Limited Extension Anti Shock (LEAS) protection system “represents an important advance in the containment of the front and back neck flexion and in impact dissipation in the event of a fall. This system can work in conjunction with modern neck braces.”
UFO Plast has also designed an exclusive visor adjustment system, Sliding Visor System (SVS), incorporating a sliding flap in the middle that adjusts the length of the visor even when moving.
The ‘Diamond’ is also equipped with a complex AES - Airflow Extraction System ventilation design. At the top front, under the visor, there are three large air vents which, in conjunction with the other four slots underneath the facial foam, convey fresh air directly into the shell. The EPS interior is channelled “for perfect airflow distribution that is conveyed and released by four large extractors positioned at the back of the shell - two at the top and two at the bottom. This system guarantees perfect air extraction and excellent heat dissipation.”
The ‘Diamond’ has a fully removable interior for easier maintenance and cleaning - all components are fixed with Torx imprint aluminium screws (T8). The interior, mounted on the helmet by means of snaps, is made of “premium, breathable materials and offers excellent comfort. The inner padding is easy to disassemble and fully removable for washing and to ensure perfect hygiene.
“The cheek pads are also equipped with a quick removal system in case of emergency (Emergency Cheek Pads Removing/ECPR). This allows riders to remove cheek pads with the helmet still on, allowing for easier helmet removal in the event of an accident.”
The ‘Diamond’ is equipped with a chin strap closing system with double D closure in anodised aluminium with 25 mm tubular band, complete with magnetic hooking closing button. The closing band also offers comfortable, adjustable length padding.
UFO PLAST S.R.L.
www.ufoplast.it
Barkbusters offers improved hand protection for 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure
Australian specialist Barkbusters has acted quickly to bring model-specific handguard designs to market for the new 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S, R and T models.
With its award-winning two point alloy mounted handguards, Barkbusters offers riders a precision engineered part that is as visually appealing as it is tough and practical. Like every Barkbusters product, it has been specifically designed to ensure a clean fit and easy installation.
As with the rest of their model-specific and universal range, owners can tailor their handguards at their Barkbusters dealer via Barkbusters’ modular plastics system that comprises JET, VPS, STORM and CARBON style options.
Barkbusters CEO Matthew Phillpott is a KTM Adventure rider himself, and says: “Having owned more than one KTM Adventure over the past 10 years, I wanted to be sure we were immediately on the ball with the latest incarnations. No matter whether riders are using their bike on the road or in the dirt, our handguards ensure their hands are properly protected. They really complement the aesthetics of this fantastic machine too.”
RIDEWORX
www.barkbusters.net
KV29 Philadelphia jet helmet
The new KV29 Philadelphia “mix and match” helmet from Kappa is made in lightweight composite fibre with a trim running around the helmet in either gold or chrome to contrast the shell colour, while also protecting the eyes from glare with a slender design sun visor.
Its “mix and match” construction concept led to the creation of the retro style inspired jet helmet, which can be accessorised with goggles or sunglasses, and the classic city jet helmet with an elongated external sun visor protecting the face. The sleek sun visor can easily be retracted or dropped down with the push of a finger. The KV29 is “veneered” by a shell in composite fibre, comes in two sizes and weighs less than 1kg.
The contrasting trim of the shell “gives this helmet that special appeal”, which is available in matt black with a golden trim or in opaque titanium with a chrome trim. The totally black inner liner is non-allergenic and removable. Closure is by quick release with micrometric adjustment.
KAPPA S.r.l.
www.kappamoto.com
Handmade MT-10/MT-10SP sport fairing panels
British parts, accessory and styling specialist Pyramid Plastics offer dealers worldwide access to one of the largest ranges of replacement and custom options on the market – from huggers and frame infill panels to fairing lower kits and belly pans, not forgetting their unique ‘Extenda Fenda’ concept, an easy and inexpensive solution to protecting the front and back of the bike from road debris, making it easier to keep the bike clean and maintain after riding on wet and muddy terrain.
Seen here are new MT-10 and MT-10SP sport fairing panels. Available in gloss black, Night Fluo Grey and unpainted (Tech Black and Race Blu coming soon), these panels offer added protection by covering the sides of the radiator and enhancing the overall appearance of Yamaha’s popular crossplane engined 1000cc hyper naked street eater.
Handmade in fibreglass, they ship with comprehensive fitting instructions and any additional fittings that may be required (spacers, hardware etc) and decals according to the colour of the panels. Pyramid sport fairing panels install without the need for modifications of the bike.
All Pyramid designs are bespoke, precision-fit, model-specific solutions, engineered to suit each individual motorcycle. The company offers over 350 ‘Extenda Fenda’ options, and more than 15,000 items across the full Pyramid range are available from inventory at any time.
Founded in 1986 by industrial designer Ben Bowser, the company ships worldwide to over 50 countries.
PYRAMID PLASTICS
www.pyramid-plastics.co.uk
Italy - new motorcycle registrations +7.10 percent for first six months of 2017
According to the latest data released by ANCMA (the Milan based motorcycle industry trade association for Italy), the Italian motorcycle market is bucking the trend seen in much of Europe, with new motorcycle registrations up by +26.31 in June (at 10,813), and +12.32 percent in May (at 11,214 units), having been approximately flat for April 2017 at +0.13 percent (9,928 units). They are running at +7.10 percent for the year-to-date at 53,016 units (compared to 49,501 units for the same period in 2016).
Allowing for mopeds and low cc scooters, overall PTW registrations in Italy were +25.64 percent in June (29,116 units) and are running at +7.05 percent for the year-to-date at 124,789 units for the first six months of 2017.
Scooter sales in Italy are +7.02 percent for the period January to June inclusive, at 71.773 units; Honda’s SH 150/300/125 variants are the top-sellers (18,218 units YTD between them); followed by Piaggio’s Beverly 300 ABS (4,548 units), the Yamaha TMAX 500 (2,929 units) and the Xmax 300 (2,822 units).
The top selling motorcycles in Italy so far in 2017 are BMW’s R 1200 GS (2,595 units); Honda’s CRF 1000 ‘Africa Twin’ (2,055 units); and Honda’s NC 750 X (1,664 units). Yamaha’s ‘Tracer’ 900 is the best-selling Touring model (1,587 units), and the Ducati Scrambler 800 is the best-selling Naked style motorcycle (1,546 units).
In sector growth terms, the Touring bike market is seeing the strongest growth (+17.73 percent YTD at 7,829 units), and the Naked style bike market in Italy remains the largest sector by style, and is +13.73 percent YTD at 19,824 units for the first six months of 2017.
Enduro models, the second largest sector in Italy by style, are +1.73 percent for the YTD at 16,633 units.
For 2016 motorcycle registrations in Italy were +21.49 percent at 75,936 units, a third straight year of growth; total PTW registrations were +13.26 percent for the full year at 193,814 units – also a third straight year of growth (the Italian market having fallen to a low of 153,933 total PTW registrations in 2013). Scooter registrations were +117.88 percent for 2016 at 117,814 units.
