Oxford Products

Advanced 'Oximiser Pro' battery management system

Oxford Products has been designing 'Oximiser' battery managers for more than 20 years and focused on their 'user-centric' design priorities, it says that its advanced new 'Oximiser Pro' range has been "engineered to take 'intelligent' battery optimisers to another level".

Engineered for multiple battery types, they have been designed with built-in ergonomics such as the removable hanger, waterproof body, rubber feet, multiple mounting points, waterproof cable exit with cable strain relief and back-lit display.

An intelligent eight-stage automatic programme helps to extend the life of the battery by ensuring that the battery is correctly and safely charged to the optimum voltage, before switching into maintain-mode.

They feature multiple inbuilt safety systems and multistage automatic charging. The intelligent eight-stage automatic programme helps to extend the life of the battery by ensuring that the battery is correctly and safely charged to the optimum voltage before switching into maintain-mode.

The eight-stage cycle starts with a battery polarity test before analysing the battery condition, desulfation, soft start mode, bulk mode, absorption mode, running a voltage check and switching into maintain-mode.

The 'Oximiser Pro' range of four advanced battery managers is the product of three years of R&D at Oxford Products' UK global HQ.

There are four models in the 'Oximiser Pro' line-up, from the 0.8A/6/12V entry level Pro 900/EL201 (the only one without the desulfation feature) up to the 5.0A/12V Pro 5000/EL204. All except the 900/EL201 can charge lithium batteries. The 900/EL201 and the 1250/EL202 can charge either 6V or 12V batteries, while the larger models (2000/ELO203 and 5000/EL204) are too powerful for 6V and so are suitable for 12V batteries only. 

'Oximiser Pro' battery managers have been engineered for multiple battery types.

A range of compatible accessories is offered, including a 12V battery monitor/SAE connector with an easy-to-read traffic light LED interface, and 2-into-1 design 'Croc-O-Ring' combination crocodile/ring lead SAE connector, where each ring lead is securely clipped into a crocodile clip, saving the need for two separate wiring harnesses.

OXFORD PRODUCTS

www.oxfordproducts.com

K-Tech Suspension

K-Tech suspension components

In addition to replacement Mono and Twin shock absorbers and front fork cartridges, British suspension manufacturer K-Tech offers a wide range of suspension, service and upgrade components.

Seen here is a new WP 46 mm shock absorber body with genuine Kashima coating for reduced friction, smoother suspension action and improved wear resistance. 

Suspension service kits

K-Tech also offers front fork and shock absorber service kits offering a comprehensive solution for maintaining or restoring the performance of a vehicle's suspension system. These kits include all the necessary components for a complete overhaul, making the process simpler and more efficient for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. 

K-Tech's fully comprehensive kits are designed to ensure all components are either the same or compatible with the original equipment parts, reducing the risk of fitment issues and extending the working and service life of the product.

Kashima-coated replacement shock absorber body

K-Tech's premium replacement front fork and shock absorber springs are available for a wide range of Road and Off-road fitments with optional rates for all disciplines. They are manufactured from high-grade chrome silicone wire for durability and performance, meeting DIN 2095 grade 1 standards. Each spring, undergoes a meticulous manufacturing process.

Cold coiling is followed by precise heat-treatment, pre-setting and exact grinding to length. To ensure long-lasting protection, shock absorber springs have a corrosion-resistant phosphate coating applied, followed by a robust powder-coating finish.

Replacement shock and front fork springs

Fork springs are cold wound, pre-set after heat treatment, then precision-ground to length and polished to a flawless finish. Each spring's rate is laser-etched for easy identification.

K-TECH SUSPENSION

www.ktechsuspension.com

Bonamici Racing

Bonamici for GSX8S and GSX8R

Italian parts specialist Bonamici Racing says "unleash the performance and precision" of the Suzuki GSX8S/R with "our latest line of model-specific high-performance components". Engineered to enhance the aesthetics and functionality, Bonamici Racing components are crafted with the utmost attention to detail.

GSX8S

These adjustable rearsets with standard and reverse shift offer a versatile set-up with the option to switch between standard and reverse shifting. This adaptability ensures a customised riding experience tailored to your customers' preference and riding style. "Precision-engineered for maximum grip and control, these rearsets enhance rider comfort and performance". The rearsets can be customised with additional colours and accessories, folding footpegs, toe pegs and more.

Bonamici raised and downward-inclined clip-on handlebars are designed to ensure a more aggressive riding position, being tilted 6° downwards, allowing for tighter turns and a more agile ride and will accept a wide range of components, controls and accessories.

"Our foldable brake and clutch levers combine functionality with style. They increase the feeling for sports use. Available in a range of colours, these levers not only add a personalised touch to the bike, but also feature a foldable system that minimises damage in the event of a fall, ensuring durability and longevity. Available in three different interchangeable shapes".

Designed for improved safety, style and ergonomics, Bonamici EVO brake and clutch lever guards provide essential protection for your levers, preventing accidental engagement and adding a sleek, race-inspired look to your bike. Also available in a one-of-a-kind carbon version, finished on both sides (right side only).

GSX8R

"Our quick-release fuel cap offers both convenience and security. Designed for rapid refuelling, this cap allows for easy access while providing a secure seal to prevent fuel leakage, making it a must-have for track days and city rides. This can also be customised with various colours".

Bonamici says that its 10 ml brake fluid reservoir "represents the perfect balance between small size and excellent functionality. This design piece saves space while ensuring a practical and efficient user experience. Plus, it's available in a range of eight different colours, each featuring a black cap for an unrivalled, stylish look". 

The internal membrane acts as a "reverse expansion vessel". When there is a demand for fluid, the reservoir goes into a vacuum state, and the membrane compresses within it. This ensures that there is no loss of pressure in the system.

Finally, Bonamici standard and racing stand supports (swingarm spools) are designed to provide stable and secure lifting for both standard and racing stands. Customisable with various colours, these supports facilitate easy maintenance and repairs, making them an essential addition for any serious rider or mechanic. 

BONAMICI RACING

www.bonamiciracing.it

PIERER Mobility

PIERER Mobility posts -27% revenue decline for H1, 2024; unit sales down by -21.2% in "economically volatile and difficult conditions"

The PIERER Mobility Group generated revenue of € 1,007m (-27%) in H1 2024. Around 93% of this was attributable to the Motorcycles segment and 7% to the Bicycles segment. Around 61% of revenue was generated in Europe, 27% in North America (USA, Canada, Mexico) and 12% in other countries.

"Negative, but in line with the current [recently revised] outlook for the 2024 financial year" was the primary verdict. "At € -195m, the operating result (EBIT) in H1 2024 was significantly below the previous year's figure of € 97m. 

"The main factor behind the negative result was the Bicycle segment at € -117m, of which around € -75m was attributable to special write-offs/effects. The result in the Motorcycles segment amounted to € -78m. The Executive Board expects that the second half of the year - primarily driven by a higher-margin product mix - will turn the overall result into positive territory for the 2024 full year".

The operating result before depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of € -102m (previous year: € 179m) corresponds to an EBITDA margin of -10%. The result for the period amounted to € -172m (previous year: € 53m).

"The main drivers behind the results for the first half of the year were the decline in sales due to the economic environment (particularly in the USA), expenses in connection with the restructuring of the Bicycles segment, as well as the production and personnel costs in Europe".

H1 2024 Motorcycles segment revenue fell by 27% to € 936m. EBITDA reached € 11m (previous year: € 196m) and EBIT amounted to € -78m (previous year: € 117m).

"The macroeconomic environment remained challenging in H1 2024. In particular, high interest rates in the USA, inflation in many European countries and a slowdown in global economic growth had a negative impact on PIERER Mobility's motorcycle sales in H1 2024, which fell by -21.2% to a total of 147,496 units. 

"Around 44% of motorcycles were sold in Europe, 21% in North America, including Mexico, 22% in India and Indonesia, and 13% in the rest of the world. In H1 2024, PIERER Mobility acquired a majority stake in MV Agusta. The integration of the Italian luxury motorcycle manufacturer is going according to plan".

The development of motorcycle registrations in PIERER Mobility's core markets presented a "mixed picture in the first half of the year: a slightly positive trend in overall demand in Europe, driven primarily by the low-price segment (Chinese imports), was offset by a decline in demand in North America as well as in Asia, Australia and New Zealand. In this environment, PIERER Mobility succeeded in maintaining or achieving a market share of over 10% in each of the key markets of Europe, the USA and China".

The company says that "significant improvements expected in H2 2024" as it has "taken measures to improve earnings". Moving forward, these will additionally include "the reduction of an additional 200 employees in the overhead area. Together with the cost reductions and personnel adjustments already made in the first half of the year, this will secure and strengthen the competitiveness of PIERER Mobility AG in the long term.

"The reduction in production volumes by around 25% in 2024 is intended to relieve pressure on the product pipeline and dealer warehouses. This will lead to a significant reduction in capital commitment and therefore also in net debt.

"Another focus is on increasing efficiency in product development. The focus is on aligning and prioritising activities as part of the Group's premium brand strategy as well as streamlining and accelerating development processes. Following on from this, we are leveraging further synergies in research and development with our strategic partners".

The loss-making bicycle division is to be "systematically restructured. The realignment already initiated in the 2023 financial year, with a focus on the premium segment, will be implemented and completed in 2024".

An increase in net debt of € 1,469m was due to the negative result as well as the increased capital commitment - including "the necessary support for the global dealer network. As a result of the packages of measures, working capital, and therefore net debt, will return to a significantly lower level by the end of 2025. The necessary financing requirements have been secured".

PIERER Mobility AG: Economically volatile and difficult conditions led to a negative result in H1 2024, outlook for the full year confirmed:

• Results in H1 2024 negative, but in line with the current outlook for the 2024 financial year
• Significant improvement expected in H2
• Working capital remains at a high level, significant improvements expected at the end of 2024 and in 2025
• Increased net debt, but solid financing structure
• Motorcycle market: challenging market environment - Europe slightly positive, North America, Australia and China declining, India positive
• MV Agusta integration process going according to plan
• Bicycle market: persistent oversupply on the market necessitated value adjustments, focus on the premium segment
• Full-year outlook for 2024 confirmed

Rieju

Rieju acquires Win Life Electric Vehicles' assets

Spanish manufacturer Rieju has acquired the assets of fellow Catalan company Win Life Electric Vehicles, S.L., including its intellectual property and industrial platform. The RAY 7.7 electric scooter and future models will be manufactured and marketed under the Rieju brand.

Rieju, S.A. will manufacture the electric scooter models at its Figueres plant and will start distributing them during the current year 2024, providing spare parts and after-sales service to the brand's customers.

"Rieju, S.A. is on a robust trajectory and has successfully consolidated over more than 80 years of history. It currently manufactures more than 20,000 motorbikes annually at its facilities in Figueres and exports 85% of its production to more than 40 countries. With this acquisition, Rieju, S.A. strengthens its position in the electric segment and redoubles its commitment to sustainable electric mobility in urban environments".

Jordi Riera, General Manager of Rieju, S.A., is quoted as saying: "This agreement allows Rieju to reinforce its presence and commitment to urban electric mobility, as well as making a significant expansion of our customer base, especially with the opening of new markets.

"We are very excited about this new project. We have an extensive national and international distribution network that will allow us to continue growing in a segment that we consider strategic for the future."

www.rieju.es

Yamaha

Yamaha debuts semi-automatic MT-09 By Ben Purvis

The manual gearbox is rapidly disappearing from modern cars as manufacturers find customers increasingly opt for autos, and now there are the first indications that the motorcycle market could be heading in the same direction, with multiple manufacturers launching self-shifting bikes for 2025.

Yamaha is the latest, revealing its Y-AMT 'automated manual transmission'. It debuts on the latest version of the MT-09 triple, but is expected to be adopted across multiple bikes over the next few months. It joins BMW, which has already unveiled the 'ASA' (Automated Shift Assistant) for the 2025 R 1300 GS and R 1300 GS Adventure, and KTM, which has teased a prototype of its upcoming automatic 1390 Super Adventure. 

Other companies, including CFMoto and QJMotor in China, are also working on semi-auto bikes, and Kawasaki already uses such a transmission on its Ninja 7 Hybrid and Z7 Hybrid models.

All of these bikes are coming as a reaction to two developments from Honda. First, there's the DCT dual-clutch transmission, offered on multiple bikes since 2009, but now really hitting its stride in terms of sales - with DCTs at least matching the sales of manual models on bikes like the Africa Twin - despite a weight and price penalty for the automated transmission. Second is the new Honda E-Clutch, currently offered on the CB650R and CBR650R, but expected to come to many more models soon. It doesn't automate gearshifts, but does eliminate the need to use the clutch lever. Unlike DCT, E-Clutch has a minimal impact on cost and complexity and should be relatively easy for Honda to add to almost any bike with a conventional gearbox.

Like BMW's ASA and KTM's upcoming semi-auto transmission, Yamaha's Y-AMT is an automated version of a normal six-speed manual. Two electromechanical actuators are added externally, one to control the clutch and the other operating the input spline where the shift lever would normally attach, and there's a standalone control unit that plugs into them, taking inputs from existing sensors on the bike, including the throttle position and the IMU to control the gear shifts.

The system offers three modes. Two are fully automatic, with the bike controlling the shifts itself. 'D' mode is for normal riding, while 'D+' lets the engine rev higher before shifting up. 'MT' mode, meanwhile, gives the rider control over shifts via a see-saw paddle on the left bar. You can either use your forefinger for both up and downshifts via a trigger-like paddle - pull it to change up, push it to change down - or use the trigger for upshifts and a thumb button to change down. These controls also override the computer when the bike is in either of its fully-automatic 'D' modes.

Transmission aside, the MT-09 Y-AMT is identical to the manual version, with the same 87.5 kW, 889 cc triple and no changes to the chassis, styling or suspension. The automated transmission system adds only 3 kg of weight and should be relatively affordable. Yamaha has already said that the Y-AMT transmission will be added to multiple models in the future, across several segments of the market, so expect to see other bikes - starting with MT-09 derivatives like the Tracer 9, XSR900 and Niken - with semi-auto gearboxes in the near future.

Landport

New Landport expo booth presentation for EICMA

Following a successful powersports packaging redesign programme, Dutch battery specialist Landport says it will complete the brand positioning process with a brand-new exhibition stand at international trade shows - not least at EICMA in November: Hall 9/A68.

"Last year, we significantly upgraded our Powersports range with a fresh and modern packaging design," says Landport Proposition Marketeer Davie Klein.

"This revamp wasn’t just about aesthetics, it reflected our core values of reliability, quality and innovation. The new packaging was designed with both functionality and branding in mind, ensuring that our products make a powerful impression on the shelf in the motorcycle dealership, just as they do in the field.

"Our new exhibition stand is a natural extension of this packaging evolution. Featuring sleek, modern design elements and advanced presentation technologies, our stand offers a visual experience that aligns perfectly with the premium nature of our products. The stand is designed to provide visitors with an interactive experience, allowing them to explore the strength and versatility of our batteries and energy solutions up close."

www.landportbv.com