ACEM

Motorcycles -33.3% January - April in key European markets

The following statement, issued by ACEM, the Brussels based international motorcycle industry trade association in May addresses some of the issues that will affect the motorcycle market's chances of seeing the economic damage done so far mitigated by a return of consumer demand.
"Hit by an unprecedented decline in vehicle registrations due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Europe's motorcycle industry calls for support from the EC.
"Motorcycle registrations across Europe dropped steeply in March and April. With dealerships having been closed and economies grappling with the impacts of lockdown, commercial activity has been virtually paralysed.
"Total registrations in the five largest motorcycle markets (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK) fell by -39.6% in March 2020 and deteriorated even further in April when combined registrations in the largest markets fell by -74.9%.
"The moped segment was equally impacted. The largest European moped markets (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain) fell by -37.9% in March 2020 on a year-on-year basis. In April moped registrations in the same markets decreased -55.1%.
 
200,794 units YTD

"Due to the seasonal nature of the market, with sales concentrated in the spring, the timing of the outbreak has placed European motorcycle dealerships under extreme financial pressure. Dealers are now holding an excess of Euro 4 inventory, which may become unsellable due to the regulatory changes."
Antonio Perlot, ACEM Secretary General, said: "It is already clear that 2020 will be a very difficult year for the sector, with extraordinary disruptions on the activity of manufacturers, dealerships and suppliers.
"Europe's motorcycle industry welcomes the various economy-wide support measures that European national governments and the EU Commission have put in place, but the PTW industry has an important additional request - for the Commission to extend the period in which Euro 4 vehicles can be sold, to avoid dealers being left with hundreds of thousands of unsellable vehicles."
There is no doubt that such an outcome would guarantee that the long, dark economic shadow that COVID-19 is going to cast across the economies of Europe would have an extended and catastrophic impact on the motorcycle industry. One that could last long and go deep.
Perlot concluded: "ACEM and its members are working together with EU and national administrations to find a solution to the problem of hundreds of thousands of Euro 4 excess inventory. This will require reviewing relevant legislation to ensure that motorcycle dealerships across Europe can recover from the effect of the COVID-19 crisis as soon as possible."

OptiMate

OptiMate battery-saving 'insurance'

The COVID-19 pandemic is changing everyone's daily habits, except for at least one - that 'bad' habit of forgetting to charge and maintain a motorcycle battery.
It is only once the rider finds out the battery is dead that they realise they need a solution that will save their riding plans. TecMate's range of OptiMate battery saving chargers "are able to save dead-flat batteries other chargers can't - it's battery 'insurance' for rider and dealer alike".  

OptiMate lithium 4S 5 amp

In the past dealers may have been tempted to think, "why sell battery chargers able to save riders' batteries when instead I could be selling more batteries?" Well, that kind of thinking just doesn't sit well with consumers these days and, besides, there are two solid business reasons for carrying OptiMate battery saving chargers.
If a battery is still within the warranty period, there's almost always a dispute with the customer about who is at fault, and telling a customer he's been foolish never ends well. It almost always ends with the dealer having to eat the claim just to maintain goodwill.
Customers come back because of good service, so a dead battery is a golden opportunity to retail their loyalty if it is handled creatively. "My tip is to use an OptiMate PRO battery charger to bring that battery back to life and then sell a single-user OptiMate to the rider as an 'insurance policy'. You can also upsell each battery sale with an OptiMate to add value to the sale and make a customer into a friend you help to never have battery issues," says TecMate's Martin Human.

OptiMate 4 dual programme

"When it comes to saving batteries, OptiMate knows how to save AGM, GEL and STD lead-acid batteries as well as Lithium (LiFePO4) batteries - we have been doing it since 1994 and the OptiMate 3 is the most trusted battery charger for riders and motorcycle OEMs alike, able to save a 12V lead-acid battery from as low as 2 volt, with the OptiMate 4 dual programme going lower still to 0.5 volt and offering even more comprehensive recovery methods.
"When it comes to 12.8V Lithium/LiFePO4 batteries, they do need special care when voltage has dropped below 8 volt.
"The OptiMate Lithium 4s0.8A, known as the rider's charger, and OptiMate Lithium 4s5A, the PRO/dealer level charger, are able to save a Lithium battery from as low as 0.5 volt, or it will warn if that battery has suffered fatal damage.
"OptiMate's propriety 'test and save' recovery technology continuously measures the battery's reaction as it applies gentle pulsed current and, if normal, it continues charging, if not, it stops and warns that the battery is unserviceable. That's why OptiMate Lithium chargers are globally recommended by Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and KTM, and Husqvarna have their own co-branded OptiMate Lithium.
"If an OptiMate battery saving charger cannot successfully bring a 'dead' battery back to life, nothing can," says Martin.
www.optimate1.com

Spanish PTW registrations

Spain: May PTW registrations -43.85%

Having been -93.47% for April (1,074 units), the latest new PTW registration numbers from ANESDOR, the motorcycle industry trade association in Spain, show some early signs of improvement, even if the numbers themselves remain predictably depressing.
Total new PTW registrations were down by -43.85% in Spain in May at 10,972 units from +7.30% (19,542 units) in May 2019 - the best months for new registrations are generally May, June and July, which, in 2019, accounted for some 62,000 of the annual total of around 194,000 units (+12.17%).

After a good start to the year with January +13.45% and February +21.43% (at least 14,000 new PTWs sold in each of the first two months of the year), March, at -43.66% (9,128 units), gave us an insight into what two weeks of 'lockdown' meant, and the April figures showed us what a full month looked like.

Jose Maria Riano, General Secretary of ANESDOR

With only 820 new mopeds reported as registered for May, statistically, the motorcycle figures alone were not much different to the total for all PTWs at -43.68% (10,152 units).
For the year to May, the motorcycle market in Spain is -36.79% (44,190 units sold), having been +13.39% (69,911 units sold) for the first five months of 2019.
Following his participation in a transport industry wide initiative in Spain that called for Government help for the sector, Jose Maria Riano, General Secretary of ANESDOR, stated that "the commitment by the Government to invest in the recovery of the Spanish automotive industry is very important for the sector."
The Spanish Government has confirmed that a system of grants (as opposed to loans) is being made available. Riano went on to say that "it is necessary that these grants are carried out efficiently. With regard to the two wheels sector specifically, this means that the measures should address the particular circumstances of the motorcycle market, which in many respects is quite different to that of passenger cars."

The Silence S02 electric scooter is Spain's top selling PTW so far in 2020.

Speaking to the May numbers, Riano said: "The asymmetry of the de-regulation process, with the delay in opening some of the major national markets such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Malaga, has significantly slowed the process of recovery."
The top selling motorcycle above 125 cc in Spain is the Kawasaki Z900 (1,020 units YTD), and Honda remains market leader in all PTW terms, followed by Silence (whose S02 electric scooter is Spain's top selling model overall at 2,564 units YTD), Yamaha, Kymco and BMW

World Superbike series

WSBK - British and Dutch races postponed - August 2nd Jerez restart?

The Madrid, Spain headquartered World Superbike series rights holder Dorna has released a statement saying that it hoped that "progress is being made in order to have the World Superbike Championship restart under safe conditions this season".
"The 2020 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is working hard on resuming racing action for the remainder of the season amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Championship started in fine style at Phillip Island and now, Dorna WSBK Organisation would like to issue an update on the plans to get racing back underway, with the initial racing plan taking place in the month of August once permission is approved.

"The Circuito de Jerez - Angel Nieto should welcome the restart of the season on the 31st July – 2nd August, before going to the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal a week later on the 7th - 9th August. The season should then follow our current provisional schedule at the MotorLand Aragon venue on 28th - 30th. 

"The health of everybody is at the forefront of decision making, and these rounds within the Iberian Peninsula are planned to be held behind closed doors, in line with social distancing measures and medical guidelines set by the Spanish and Portuguese governments. Nevertheless, the situation is evolving, and we will adapt our protocols to the situation at the time.
"Furthermore, updates have been made to the following events: the British and Dutch rounds held at Donington Park and TT Circuit Assen respectively have been postponed. The Dutch round itself has already been re-scheduled once, from the 17th - 19th of April to the 21st - 23rd of August. However, new plans are underway with the best interests in mind, given the current restrictions in place that affect major sporting events within both the UK and the Netherlands. 

Alex Lowes, seen here testing at Jerez in January before his competitive debut for KRT left him as the one-round championship leader just before the world went into lockdown.

"Further updates for the end season calendar will be communicated soon in order to further clarify the calendar situation.
"The FIM and Dorna WSBK Organisation is evaluating the different scenarios and adapting to each situation in each of the countries we should visit on a day-by-day basis. Our gratitude once again goes to all parties involved within the WorldSBK fraternity for their continued support. However, whichever decision is reached will have the health and safety at the forefront, and that is something simply uncompromisable during these challenging times."
Gregorio Lavilla, WorldSBK Executive Director, Sporting and Organization Departments, said: “We are very positive about the future, as all the signs are pointing in a good direction to start in Jerez."
"We are looking at all possible scenarios for all three classes to race, although we continue to work hard on finding the optimum scenario for all parties. A lot will depend on the measures that various governments will implement. As for Donington Park and Assen, we are working with the circuits and governments to establish the best possible outcome for all, with the intention to hold those rounds towards the end of the 2020 season.”
Any further news will be published on the series website:
www.wsbk.com

MotoGP

MotoGP latest - British, Japanese and Australian races cancelled

The latest news about any return to the track for MotoGP involves the cancellation (as opposed to postponement) of the British, Japanese and Australian Grands Prix for 2020.
Originally slated for August 30, October 18 and October 25 respectively, it has mostly been the logistical issues that have arisen because of the postponements and multiple calendar rebuilding that have resulted in Silverstone and Phillip Island missing out this year.

This will mean no GP track action in the British Isles for the first time in the Championship's more than 70-year history, and Phillip Island has been the only MotoGP venue in Australia since 1997, having staged the very first Australian MotoGP in 1989.
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports: "We're saddened to have to announce the cancellation of these iconic events after finding no way through the logistical and operational issues resulting from the pandemic and rearranged calendar. Silverstone and Phillip Island are always two of the most thrilling race weekends of the season, with both tracks never failing in their promise to deliver some of the closest racing in our championship.
"Being the home of MotoGP manufacturers Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki, Japan is vital to the global presence and success of MotoGP - the iconic Twin Ring Motegi has been on the calendar since 1999 and always attracts some of the most dedicated and loyal fans in the world.

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports

"This will be the first time that we will not have a Japanese Grand Prix on the calendar since 1986. The MotoGP family is working very hard to be able to re-start the racing season and hold as many events as possible, and in the safest way possible.
"For this reason, the FIM and Dorna, in consultation with IRTA and MSMA, have decided that, until mid-November, MotoGP will remain in Europe to do as many European MotoGP events as we are able to."
In what is a rather confusing statement, Ezpeleta went on to state "therefore, 'overseas' events, if at all possible, would be scheduled after mid-November" - which would be too late in the year for the Motul Grand Prix of Japan to be held - though, as far as IDN can discern, Thailand is still slated for October 4 and Malaysia for November 1.
As things stand, the Czech GP (August 9) is slated to re-start the season after the one and only MotoGP round so far in Qatar on March 8. From there the series would go to Austria (August 16), San Marino (September 13), Aragon, Spain (September 27), Thailand (October 4), Malaysia (November 1), Austin, Texas (November 15) and Argentina (November 22nd) before a season finish at Valencia, Spain, on November 29.
However, the postponed Spanish GP at Jerez, French (Le Mans), Italian (Mugello) and Barcelona-Catalunya Grands Prix are still 'pending' (to be determined), but with logistical, availability and permit options to fit them into the remaining race weekend opportunities fast running out.
The Grand Prix Commission (GPC) has issued an update on MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 engine allocations for the upcoming 2020 campaign - details and all the latest series news as it develops at:
www.motogp.com

Airoh

GP 550 S - "state-of-the-art" racing helmet

The new GP 550 S by Airoh in Italy "redefines the level of performance on the road and on tracks". 

Designed in the wind tunnel and tested by Airoh's riders, the "state-of-the-art GP 550 S stands at the top of the racing segment without compromising on comfort and practical features for a helmet that is designed for intensive use.
"Innovative rear spoilers provide smooth air management at high speeds and the internally channelled structure provides effective air extraction. Three sizes of HPC (High Performance Composite) shell are offered with type-approved scratch and UV resistant 2D racing visor with quick release and eight air vents to ensure optimal ventilation.

"A Pinlock lens is included; the GP 550 S is tear-off ready and has Wind-Stop and the A.E.F.R. (Airoh Emergency Fast Release) system for the quick removal of the cheek pads in case of emergency."
It weighs in from 1,310 g (+/- 50 g), has double D-ring retention and removable and washable hypoallergenic inner lining.

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

LeoVince

LV One EVO - KTM 690 SMC R
and ENDURO R

LeoVince has developed a new version of its popular LV One EVO exhaust, designed and tuned specifically for the 2019/2020 KTM 690 SMC R and 690 ENDURO R (2019-2020).
Described by LeoVince as being "the synthesis between tradition and modernity", the LV One EVO "combines the LeoVince classic style looks and innovation with the research of the best performance and lightweight materials".
The body is made in AISI 304 stainless steel, "making the LV One EVO slim and impact-resistant, giving it a distinguished and compact look. The sleeve has a sandblasted finish for a unique, high-tech titanium look".

The temperature-resistant full carbon end cap has a matt clear coating for maximum UV resistance and an asymmetric cut - "combining the performance and lightness of the carbon fibre with characteristic 'Made in Italy' styling". The LeoVince NERO is another option for the KTM 690 SMC R/690 ENDURO
When racing finally gets underway for the 2020 season, LeoVince and SIC58 Squadra Corse will be partners again - LeoVince will once again be the official sponsor both for the team that will compete in the FIM Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix in the Moto3 class and for the team that will participate in the FIM Junior World Championship in the Moto3 class.
Roberto Morone, LeoVince CEO, said: "The 2019 season was a very positive season, both for the results obtained race after race and for the intense collaboration and synergy that has been created between LeoVince and SIC58 Squadra Corse - the team placed second in the team ranking."

Roberto Morone, LeoVince CEO (left) with Paolo Simoncelli, Team Owner & Manager

Last year also saw LeoVince sell out 58 limited edition exhausts to support the Marco Simoncelli Foundation. All 58 exhausts were sold in two weeks and the entire proceeds (some € 10,000) were donated to the Foundation.
Paolo Simoncelli, team owner and manager, said: "I am happy that LeoVince has decided to continue this adventure alongside us. I have to admit that we were both a little wary at first. Then, slowly, we got to know each other better and, race after race, I found them to be great people who repeatedly demonstrated their dedication and determination to race, and race fast.
"The limited series of mufflers engraved with the team logo was a fantastic tribute and gift for the Marco Simoncelli Foundation, and for this we thank them with all our heart - all this gives me the certainty of having made the right choice."

LEOVINCE
www.leovince.com