COMMENT:
Will Japanese made motorcycle sales ever head back towards their historic numbers? ..................Page
JUNE 2012 ISSUE #102
Piaggio’s 40% Asian revenue growth offsets European decline? .......................... Page 48
Bajaj Auto increased its KTM stake in April, but denies that it plans to take full control
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PRODUCTS Page 23
By Alan Cathcart - cathcart@dealer-world.com
NDIAN giant Bajaj Auto has further increased its stake in Austria’s KTM, and now holds 45.60% of the equity in KTM Power Sports/KPS, the controlling entity of Europe’s second largest motorcycle manufacturer; increased from the 39.30% stake it already owned. This came via a transaction revealed on April 4, after Bajaj Auto’s whollyowned Netherlands-based subsidiary Bajaj Auto International Holdings completed a further purchase of 6.30% of KPS stock from a key stakeholder, believed to be Austrian private equity investor Hofer Privatstiftung, through an open market transaction. Bajaj Auto, currently the secondlargest motorcycle manufacturer in India and third largest in the world, bought its first 14.5% stake in KTM in November 2007, and has been
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gathering more shares ever since then, as the two companies begin to develop a joint venture operation based on the manufacture in India (and indeed an increasing part of the entire development) of a growing range of KTM products aimed at providing an
Rajiv Bajaj: “KTM must always remain independent” affordable range of entry-level products for Western customers. These will also act as prestige models in developing markets, especially India and S.E.Asia. Indeed, KTM recently entered the
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Indian market successfully with the 200 Duke, deliveries of which began there on January 24, en route to forecast 2012 sales in excess of 20,000 units of a model built locally by Bajaj Auto. A 125cc version has already been successfully marketed in Europe, with more than 10,000 examples of the 125 Duke sold in Europe so far since its launch a year ago, meaning that around 12% of KTM’s 81,200 bikes built in 2011 were in fact made in India, not Austria, and represented a good part of the 14,873-unit increase in KTM sales from 2010, when the Austrian firm sold 66,327 units. Indeed, the 200 Duke is the first KTM model available worldwide, and is expected to sell well in Europe, too. A Bajaj-built 350cc version will follow at the end of this year, and as an example of the cross-fertilisation foreseen between the two companies,
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Pages 31-39
NEws ROOM 6-11, 48 TRADEZONE 44-45
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INDEX 46
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CONTENTS • CONTENTS • CONTENTS • CONTENTS • CONTENTS • CONTENTS •
IDN 2012 (#102)
PUBLISHERS & MANAGING EDITORS ROBIN BRADLEY
News ..............................................................................6-11, 48
robin@dealer-world.com
Cathcart Report: Around the world in five pages! ......13-17
SONJA WALLACE sonja@dealer-world.com
Two-time “Guild of Motoring Journalists writer-of-the-year”, Alan Cathcart's global mystery tour this month takes us to Vietnam, where Piaggio is basing R&D and engine facilities for possible Asian market Aprilia production; to the United States where Piaggio has previewed the new 1400cc Guzzi California at its US dealer convention; India, where BMW is expected to partner with TVS for production of smaller cc Husqvarnas; to Italy for the possible implications of the VAG deal to buy Ducati, and a new Desmo valve system museum exhibition; and to Jordan, where His Majesty King Abdullah II, a keen rider, has opted for Guzzi Californias as the outrider bike of choice for his security detail!
INFORMATION EDITOR SARA VINEY sara@dealer-world.com ADVERTISING & MARKETING CHRIS GOTHARD chris@dealer-world.com DESIGN & PRODUCTION MANAGER BEN OAG
Products..............................................................................20-28
ben@dealer-world.com DESIGN & PRODUCTION EDITOR TOM JACKSON tom@dealer-world.com STAFF WRITER DUNCAN MOORE duncan@dealer-world.com PUBLISHING MANAGER
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Motorcycle Fashion ............................................................31-39
BEN BRADLEY benb@dealer-world.com SHOW & DATA MANAGER NEIL BLABER neil@dealer-world.com
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Cathcart Report: Ducati Panigale Road Test ........40-43
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Panigale: Checkmate for the other current production superbike models is Alan Cathcart's verdict in reaction to riding what he describes as being “the new class benchmark that puts Ducati firmly ahead of its rivals in the influential performance stakes, including models such as the BMW S1000RR and Aprilia RSV4”...
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COMMENT • COMMENT • COMMENT • COMMENT • COMMENT • COMMENT •
Will Japanese made motorcycle sales ever head back towards their historic numbers? he simple, short answer to that question, viewed from where we are in market cycle terms, would appear to be a very loud and convincing no, they won’t. At best the answer may be “probably not”, or perhaps a more circumspect “unlikely in anything like a five year timescale”. However, as with all ‘simple’ answers to complex questions, the real truth of the matter is that we simply don’t know, that it is just too complex an issue to stand the rigours of forecasting that any worthwhile analysis demands. Whereas US motorcycle sales, Japanese manufactured bikes and others, do appear to have responded quickly to returning economic confidence, in a Source: JAMA EUROPE manner characteristic of the much more immediate nature of 2004 470,923 the US commercial and demand 2005 466,842 culture, here in Europe cycles are slower and longer term. 2006 465,427 There is no question that 2007 465,328 Europe lacks the economic recovery (be it a perception or a 2008 473,138 reality) that is fuelling a return to 2009 211,064 growth in the US, and four years on from the 2008 banking 2010 228,072 apocalypse, the indications on 2011 174,286 this side of the Atlantic are that we are probably still a long way from reaching the bottom of the ‘U-curve’, never mind poised to start climbing out of it. The reaction of electorates in France and Greece to the austerity programmes that European governments have been signing up to suggests that anybody who thought that any form of macro economic stability was on the horizon, had clearly underestimated the complexities of asking consumers to take responsibility for their debt. eaving aside that there appears to be a cultural unwillingness in Europe for its citizens to acknowledge any kind of linkage between them as consumers and the costs of lifestyle funding, especially compared to US consumer culture, our industry faces issues that stretch beyond consumer confidence, and the Japanese manufacturers in particular appear to have been caught with their pants down in terms of their product offer.
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Motorcycle industry issues include (but are not limited to) regulatory matters such as emissions, safety and training/licensing/access, while the traditional market leaders are having to belatedly grapple with a paradigm shift in riding and ownership expectations – one that has left their core product lines lagging behind the consumer appeal being achieved by their European and American rivals in our now much smaller market. While the latest statistics available at the time of writing show that Japanese motorcycle exports to Europe have grown year-on-year for five straight months (November 2011 to March 2012 inclusive, all cc PTWs), it is the historical context of that growth, regardless of how the rest of the year plays out, that makes USA “probably not” or even “no” the most likely answers to whether or 525,463 not their sales in Europe will ever 567,367 return to prior levels. ith Japanese motorcycle 595,667 exports to Europe 455,139 collapsing to 174,286 units in the three years from 473,138 in 393,531 2008, it is difficult to image 169,655 market circumstances in which prior sales levels can be achieved 88,074 by the Japanese manufacturers 164,875 any time soon. Indeed, despite their much improved market shares, sales and profits in Europe, the European manufacturers themselves are primarily looking to developing markets (ASEAN and ‘BRICS’ markets in particular) for balance sheet sanity, rather than betting the ranch on the prospects for the ‘domestic’ European market.
Japanese motorcycle exports
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Robin Bradley Publisher robin@dealer-world.com
news ROOM
Bajaj Auto increases its KTM stake <<< Continued from cover
the Indian firm’s newly-launched Pulsar 200NS uses the same engine as KTM’s Duke 200, but in carburetted form rather than with fuel injection. Under these circumstances, Bajaj Auto’s decision to raise its equity holding in KTM’s parent holding company makes good sense, even if KTM President Stefan Pierer and his partner Rudolf Knünz continue to hold a 51% stake in the business. However, in an exclusive interview Bajaj Auto CEO Rajiv Bajaj, 45, has revealed that he has no intention of purchasing outright control of the Austrian firm. “I think what’s right for KTM is that it must always remain an independent company,” he told me. Bajaj Auto CEO Rajiv Bajaj
“I don’t foresee, and have no intention, that Bajaj should ever take over KTM, or that KTM becomes a division or a subsidiary of Bajaj. “I believe doing that would compromise its future. KTM will do well as long as it is completely independent of Bajaj, at every level from R&D to marketing, so I guess 49% [of equity] would be the theoretical ceiling for us. I repeat, we do not want to own KTM outright.” Asked to expand on his reasons for acquiring a non-controlling interest in KTM, Bajaj explained further: “Our intention is that Bajaj Auto must have a world presence in the premium or niche markets where our own Bajaj products may not really be relevant. But in order to do that, there must be some back end synergy in terms of development and operations, otherwise it’s not meaningful. “My personal belief is that KTM was a very strong company even before and without Bajaj, as far as what it stands for, and what its products are. Its only disadvantage is that it doesn’t have the economies of scale, and it doesn’t have the same cost structure as its Japanese competitors do out of Asia, because it’s based in Austria.
“So frankly, the ideal role that Bajaj can play is to massage the cost structure of KTM in a strategic sense, by combining platforms. In delivering the KTM 125 Duke fully manufactured in India, its total cost is close to 35% lower than if it were developed and made in Austria. “That explains why its pricing is so competitive for the European market, and this is only possible firstly because it’s developed and sourced out of India, and also because most of the engine is shared with our future Pulsar model, which motivates our suppliers to put their best foot forward. So, KTM is actually leveraging the Bajaj Pulsar, in the same way as at the end of the day, Audi leverages VW. This is different than a Tata-Jaguar/Land Rover kind of arrangement, where I really can’t see a Jaguar engine in a Tata truck any time soon - or in their Nano microcar, come to that!. Such a relationship is more of a financial one, whereas with us, KTM and Bajaj are very much linked in terms of product.” his extra overseas investment by Bajaj Auto into KTM comes on the back of the Indian manufacturer’s highest ever annual sales during its April 2011-March 2012 financial year, when it manufactured more than four million units, including half a million three-wheeled commercial vehicles.
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KTM President Stefan Pierer
Bajaj sold 3,834,405 motorcycles ex factory during this period, a 13% yearon-year increase, with a steep 31% hike in exports to 1,579, 824 units shipped overseas – including, of course, those KTM Dukes sent to Austria for distribution in Europe and elsewhere. Bajaj is expecting a further steep rise in 2012-2013, with the imminent debut of the KTM-engined Pulsar 200NS that is enthusiastically awaited by Indian buyers.
news ROOM
FEMA and EU Parliament showcase new barrier design concept AFTER years of research and lobbying, FEMA (Federation of E u r o p ea n Motorcyclists’ Associations) edged another stage closer to securing EU Parliamentary backing for better designs of roadside crash barriers in April. The European Parliament hosted a three day exhibition to showcase a prototype motorcycle friendly road restraint system that is designed to offer better protection for
motorcycle riders. Co-funded by the European Commission, the Smart Road Restraint Systems (SMARTRRS) project has developed what FEMA describes as “an innovative road restraint system that takes the safety of vulnerable road users into account. The new intelligent barrier brings several substantial improvements to today’s EU standardized roadside barriers by proposing solutions
addressing motorcyclists’ safety issues such as shock absorption, traffic information and emergency response, three of Europe’s key road safety priorities for 2011 to 2020”. Aline Delhaye, General Secretary of Brussels based FEMA, said that “the recent decision of Sweden to start installing motorcyclist-friendly barriers in black-spot locations, joining other countries such as France, Portugal and Spain, shows that there is a lot of room for improving road infrastructure for motorcyclists. “We need to raise awareness on the issue. With the help of the European Parliament we can promote coordinated policies at national and local levels to ensure the availability of safer roadside barriers”.
www.smartrrs.unizar.es
news ROOM GERM AN REPO RT Stephan Maderner, editor of German motorcycle trade magazine Bike & BUSINESS, takes a look at the main issues currently affecting the industry in his country
German registrations down in April? ollowing the 13 months of growth from January 2011 to January 2012, it had been hoped that the March improvement in new motorcycle registrations in Germany meant that the February numbers were simply a shortterm 'blip' driven by seasonal factors. However, according to preliminary figures released by the KBA in Germany (the federal Transport Authorities) in early May, it would appear that April saw another drop in registrations of machines of 125 cc and higher (the second monthly drop so far this year!) - by 8.2 percent (compared to April 2011) at 20,375. This means that the cumulative total of new registrations for the first four moths this year, at 58,899, is a 2.1 percent decline on the first four months of 2011. sed motorcycle sales have also softened. The KBA reports 60,828 such transactions in April, which is 13.7 percent down onApril 2011; with used motorcycle sales for the first four months so far this year down 6.1 percent at 163,198. These results confirm that the German (IVM) and European (ACEM) motorcycle manufacturer associations are right to have remained cautious in their outlook for 2012, with recovery, even in terms of market stabilisation (to say nothing of actual growth) still far from certain.
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Rieju riders asked to choose name for new Sports Scooter model SPANISH bike manufactur Rieju, well known for Yamaha - powered, geared-fast 50 and 125 cc bikes are to launch a new 50cc Sports Scooter just in time for summer 2012. Continuing their “tradition of advanced designs with great power to weight ratios”, the Spanish made scooters will be powered by liquid cooled Yamaha Minarelli motors. Specification includes twin disc brakes and “aggressive sports
styling matched to top notch suspension for a rapid scoot with great handling”. They will also come as standard with a USB port to charge smart phones. Rieju is asking riders and brand followers to suggest a name for the new scooter via their Face Book site www.facebook.com/ riejumotorcycles The best names will then be polled and the most popular be used on the new production machines. www.riejumoto.com
news ROOM
Zero, Govecs and Vectrix scoop e-Motorbike & Scooter awards A THIRD annual test of ‘green’ transport solutions was held at the Zolder Circuit in Belgium in May, as part of the ‘Clean Week 2020’ programme operated in conjunction with provincial Flanders transport policy makers. For the second time awards were made to battery powered PTWs, in what appears to be a growing recognition of the part that motorcycling can play in an environmentally friendly integrated transport policy. A jury of twelve “specialised European motorcycle journalists” were asked to select from models submitted for a variety of tests by manufacturers such as Brammo, Xero, Vectrix, IO, E-max, Govecs, Dumco, Nimoto, Novox, Peugeot, Sens, Sym, Noveco, Emco and Solex.
The motorbike prize in the European E Motorbike/E-Scooter of the year awards went to the Zero S; to the Govecs Go! S 2.4 (in the 25km/h and 45 km/h scooter categories), the Vectrix VX1 (+45 km/h) and to the Nimoto City 350 in the 25 km/h moped category. Belgian national awards were also made, in which the eMove C300 dominated, scooping the best styling award among others. The tests and awards are slated to be repeated in early May 2013 and every year up to 2020 as part of a decade long programme designed as a showcase to recognize developments in the evolution of two and four wheel green transport technology. www.cleanweek2020.be
World Ducati Week DUCATI will be staging their 7th biennial World Ducati Week at the Misano World Circuit, 130 km south east of their Bologna factory, from 21st to 24th June. According to the company a “packed programme” of “highoctane fun” will greet the thousands of ‘Ducatisti’ who will descend on Italy’s stunning Adriatic Rivera, with highlights set to include the Ducati Desmo Challenge, an international single-round two-race spectacular.
Second year running, Vectrix VX1 wins FEMA’s ‘Clean Week 2020 E Scooter of the year’ award
With practice sessions on the Friday and qualifying on the Saturday, the Superbike style race 1 and race 2 format will provide an ‘Open’ and an ‘848 Superstock’ class. A Ducati Riding Experience (DRE) and special edition “Master Racing” course series will feature qualified instructors and ex-champions (such as three-time World Superbike Champion Troy Bayliss and others) sharing their experience with riders. A busy paddock, with race teams and displays, will feature a full programme throughout
the event, and the Ducati factory and museum at Bologna will host tours throughout. www.ducati.com
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INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JUNE 2012
news ROOM
New quality assurance service for UK motorcycle buyers THE Motorcycle Industry Association in the UK (MCI) has launched a new “Buy With Confidence” website to give customers clear information about the quality assurances that come with buying a new motorbike, moped or scooter from an MCI member. The scheme was set up at the request of MCI member dealers, who were concerned about some internet based vendors who compete aggressively on price, while offering unsatisfactory quality and service. A new member code of practice will protect consumers from issues which have been reported from buyers of less professional manufacturers and importers. These issues can include hidden costs, poor quality machines, expensive and limited availability of parts as well as unclear protocols over delivery, assembly and registration. Road bikes bought from MCI members will always be readyassembled and safety checked. Steve Kenward, CEO of the MCI, said ‘before this scheme was introduced, it was often difficult for buyers to spot which traders
were potentially going to give poor service and quality. The way for UK consumers to avoid problems when buying a new bike is to look for the “Buy With Confidence” logo.” www.buybikeswithconfidence .co.uk
Steve Kenward, CEO of the MCI
US retail sales up in first quarter DATA released by the MIC in the United States shows that total motorcycle and scooter retail sales were 6.2 percent up for the first quarter this year compared to 2011. Off-road bikes continue to decline, down 6.7 percent in the quarter, with on-highway motorcycles, the largest market sector in the US, up by 8.8 percent to 77,103 machines. The relatively small but growing ‘Dual Sport’ or ‘ADV’ sector, as the adventure sport model market is also
known in the US, continues to prosper, with retail sales up by 12.7 percent to 7,549 machines in the first three months of this year. Including ATV and utility off-road models (‘side-by-sides’) the US market was worth some 159,532 machines in total in the first quarter, up from 150,249 in the first three months of 2011. However, there is some indication from the March data that the rate of growth may be slowing the market grew by just 2 percent overall in March (84,882 machines in total), with on highway motorcycles up by 3.3 percent.
INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JUNE 2012
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Words by Alan Cathcart - cathcart@dealer-world.com
Piaggio R&D and engine facilities in Vietnam to produce Aprilias for Asia? ITH KTM and Triumph expected to be followed by BMW in securing a position in the fast growing Indian market, one inevitable question that arises is how Piaggio, Europe’s largest manufacturer of powered twowheelers, will respond. Under the far-sighted global leadership of its chairman Roberto Colaninno, Piaggio has so far been the leader of the European brands making significant investment in the Asia Pacific area, and aside from its existing plants in China and Vietnam, the Italian scooter specialist already has three factories in India producing the Ape three-wheeler, various industrial engines and the new Vespa LX125 fourstroke scooter powered by a specially designed three-valve engine. This has been developed by the Italian company specifically for manufacture in its freshly built factory in Baramati, which has the capacity to produce 150,000 units a year and is located 250km from Mumbai and 110km further inland from Pune, the HQ of the Indian motorcycle industry (home to Piaggio’s local rivals Bajaj Auto and Mahindra; indeed Bajaj formerly imported Vespas to India from 1960-70, assembling them locally before ending the joint venture and launching its own scooter range originally consisting of Vespa clones). iaggio’s recent steep drop in sales in its core Italian home market makes Colaninno’s decision to expand the scooter specialist’s overseas operations by constructing new factories in China and Vietnam (respectively the largest and fourth largest PTW markets in the world, with a third now open in India, the second largest) appear all the more farsighted. Piaggio’s new Vespa LX125 is being
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rolled out in April at Piaggio’s dealers in the 35 most important cities in India, priced as a premium product in the local marketplace as part of Piaggio’s plans to open up a completely new high end scooter segment, based on style as well as performance. But now Piaggio has further expanded in Asia, with the opening in March of a new Vietnamese engine factory in the Vinh Phuc industry park outside Hanoi, adjacent to its existing assembly plant. ince beginning manufacture there in June 2009, Piaggio Vietnam has already built more than 180,000 powered two-wheelers, and besides its Vespa models (where the 100,000th scooter came off the assembly lines in August 2011), the subsidiary also produces Liberty big-wheel scooters and, since February 2012, the new Fly, an innovative compact scooter available in 50, 125 and 150cc versions. Now, from May 2012 onwards, its
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new plant will build engines for these models, with an initial annual production level of 200,000 engines per year, rising to 300,000 as capacity increases. he new Piaggio Vietnam industrial complex in Vinh Phuc also houses an R&D Centre for the two-wheeler sector – the first such development centre set up by Piaggio in Asia - operating in synergy with the Group’s R&D HQ at its Pontedera base, near Pisa. The new four-stroke Vespa LX125 has been specially developed for Indian conditions with a sturdier construction and easier access to the engine, and carrying QD wheels for easier puncture repair. It is powered by a specially designed three-valve engine developed by an R&D team led by Federico Martini, the ex-Bimota and Gilera design guru who’s serving his second spell as Piaggio’s Head of Powertrain Engineering. The establishment of Piaggio’s
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Vietnamese R&D base outside Hanoi will speed-up Piaggio’s ability to bring the many new products it has under development for the Asian region to market that much quicker. Among these may well be the Aprilia 180-280cc range of dohc four-stroke, four-valve single-cylinder motorcycles which Piaggio is understood to be considering developing for production in its Indian and Vietnamese factories, two countries where such small-capacity motorcycles substantially outsell scooters. But these are still some years away, since Roberto Colaninno is understood not yet to have signed off their development into production-ready vehicles. owever, at the opening ceremony for its new Vietnamese engine plant attended by a host of local dignitaries, including the Italian Foreign Minister, Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata, as well as the Deputy Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Hoang Trung Hai, Roberto Colaninno said: “Today is a
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INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - MAY 2012
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CATHCART REPORT
< very important event, which lays the foundation for a new phase in our expansion strategy in South East Asia. The results reported by the Piaggio Group last year validate our global growth strategies, which identify Asia as the key to Group growth in the next few years, by virtue of the rapid urbanisation of the main Asian nations and rising consumer purchasing power.” Indeed, in addition to its role serving the premium sector of the Vietnamese market, Piaggio Vietnam has enabled the Group to move into important new ASEAN [Association of South East Asian Nations] markets, most notably Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan and Malaysia. “The engine plant opened today will also produce a new global range of scooter engines developed by our Group for manufacture in Italy, Vietnam
and India,” said Colaninno. “These are four-stroke, three-valve, 125cc and 150cc engines with a range of 60 kilometres per litre, whose emissions and fuel consumption are among the lowest in the world.” Piaggio’s planned investment in Vietnam over the next two years totals Euro 70 million, a substantial proportion of the Group’s total projected capital investment budget of Euro 400 million for 2012-2014 – a figure that includes its Moto Guzzi and Aprilia capital investment budgets. The Italian scooter specialist is aiming for global sales of more than one million vehicles in 2014, with Asia expected to account for 50% of Group revenues by 2014, compared with 8% in 2003, and 25% in 2009. A range of small-capacity Aprilia motorcycles would play a valuable role in attaining that objective!
Guzzi 1400cc California, the first of many new Piaggio group motorcycle models IAGGIO’S Miami dealer convention gave the stage for an American preview of its most important models due to debut in the marketplace in 2013, which had previously been displayed at their European dealer meeting, when numerous muddy images were surreptitiously photographed on mobile phones, then posted on the web. These included the new Aprilia Caponord 1200 V-twin maxi enduro, and especially the Moto Guzzi California 1400, official photos of which have now been released by Piaggio. These show the oldest model name in the current Guzzi range to be taking a radical new direction away from the retro-style Custom it’s evolved into since its debut in 1971. The muscular-looking new powercruiser with leading edge looks is clearly targeted full-on at the Ducati Diavel and Yamaha V-Max. It is powered by a redesigned version of Guzzi’s traditional pushrod V-twin engine (expected to produce over 120bhp), enlarged to 1400cc with air/oilcooling and four valves per cylinder. The California 1400 was created at Piaggio’s motorcycle design studio in the Aprilia factory at Noale, under the guidance of Miguel Galluzzi, then VP of the
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Top Piaggio Group managers at its Miami launch (left to right); Roberto Colaninno, Chairman and CEO of Piaggio Group, Leo Mercanti, Product Marketing Manager; Gabriel Galli, Director of Finance Management, Stefano Sterpone, Director of EMEA and Americas Sales, Marco Ricci, Sales Manager EMEA and USA, Miguel Galluzzi, Head of Advanced Design Center in Pasadena, Marco Lambri, Head of Centro Stile of the Piaggio Group, Tommaso Giocoladelli, Commercial Manager EMEA and USA
Piaggio Group Design Center, working first with his colleague Pietro Arru, then with Alberto Capella. It was initially presented to Piaggio management three years ago, but development was pushed back for various reasons, chiefly while they wrestled with deciding what to do with Moto Guzzi. Eventually, last September Piaggio chairman Roberto Colaninno took advantage of the brand’s 90th-anniversary
INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JUNE 2012
celebrations attracting 20,000 guzzisti to the historic Mandello del Lario factory on the shores of Lake Como, to announce a major five-year investment plan for the historic marque, committing Piaggio to ploughing 40million Euro into developing a series of new Guzzi models in the next five years. This is in addition to the 12million Euro already being spent on renovating the existing structure of the Mandello plant, and adding new buildings to
improve efficiency and production capacity. The California 1400 is the first fruit of this investment, and will be followed next year by the first of a series of models powered by an all-new twin overhead-cam 1300cc liquid-cooled engine. Unlike the pushrod 1400cc motor in the new California, which is heavily based on the current 8V Griso’s 1150cc power unit, this is a clean sheet design with compact modular chain/gear
CATHCART REPORT drive to its twin overhead camshafts, just like the 1200 V-twin engine in Aprilia’s Dorsoduro and new Caponordy which was produced by the same Piaggio design team. The new engine still retains Guzzi’s traditional across-theframe 90° V-twin cylinder format, but sees the cylinders inclined forward by eight degrees, to achieve the triple benefits of providing extra room for the rider’s knees, creating more space for the airbox, and adding weight to the front wheel, for extra grip. Piaggio engineers had reportedly hoped to incline the cylinders even further forward, by around 15º, but problems with the coupling for the shaft final drive prevented them going that far reliably, and neither belt nor chain final drive were apparently considered viable options for marketing reasons. We’ll have to wait till at least the EICMA Milan Show in November to see what models this will power.
Meantime, the now US-based Miguel Galluzzi supervised the design of the 1400 California, and is pleased with the way it’s turned out. “Last February, I was in Noale and everybody was excited about how well the prototypes are going,” he says. “The Guzzi riding experience is intact, with torque and comfort all the way, plus extra cool! In designing the bike, the first thing we did was to get the ergonomics right, which means a riding position for people of different statures - the current California is difficult for people over 5’8”, and in my case being six inches taller, I had my knees in my teeth! That’s fixed on the new one, then we got inspired by the 1970’s styling of traditional Guzzis, which had a straight line going through them, and adapted that to a modern context. Then we developed stronger surfaces to get away from the teardrop shapes that are commonplace in most cruisers – and this is the result.”
The California’s bold, modern styling is matched by its hardware, with twin radial Brembo front brakes, substantiallooking retro-style shrouded Marzocchi forks, dual gas rear shocks with no coil-over springs, distinctive multi-spoke cast aluminium wheels, and an ultraindividual twin-reflector LED headlamp, with running lights in its flanks. The production version of the bike will be launched at INTERMOT, Cologne, on October 2, with production starting soon afterwards for early 2013 deliveries. Piaggio’s decision to reveal the Moto Guzzi California 1400 in the USA not only denotes its importance as a key market for the bike, but also the growing importance of the North American market to the Group as a whole. In 2011 Piaggio sold 10,300 vehicles in the USA, an increase of 63.8% on the year before, and posted a 53.0% increase in revenues to 35.4 million Euro,
Miguel Galluzzi
while reporting a 103% increase in sales volume in the Canadian two-wheeler market. Its US scooter market share rose from 27% to 30% in a sector showing a 6% increase in vehicle registrations from 2010, as in its various versions the Vespa LX became the best-selling European-built two-wheeler of any kind in the USA, notching up deliveries of more than 5,300 units.
BMW to forge TVS/India link for Asian Husqvarnas? ITH BMW sales spiralling upwards in the German manufacturer’s traditional existing markets, Europe’s largest motorcycle manufacturer is set to follow in the tyre tracks of KTM (Europe’s No.2) by expanding into the fast-developing Indian and Asian markets, with a specially developed range of models produced in conjunction with a local manufacturer. BMW’s planned assault on these emerging markets was first revealed last year in an exclusive interview with me by BMW Motorrad President Hendrik von Kuenheim (below), and
W
was recently confirmed by him to the Financial Times Deutschland. In doing so, he stated that BMW is looking at forging partnerships which would give access to local production facilities entailing lower labour costs, and the elimination of the hefty duties which push imported bikes out of reach of the local customer – exactly the same strategy underlying the Bajaj Auto-KTM link. However, rather than risk devaluing the BMW badge on what will inevitably be relatively inexpensive, small-capacity models, von Kuenheim plans to use the Husqvarna brand name on such products to spearhead this assault. With its sales presently restricted to the USA, Europe and Australia, Husqvarna has no presence as yet in the Asian market, so this would form part of BMW’s ongoing task of rebranding its Italian subsidiary as a more youthful global brand. BMW is seeking to lift Husqvarna production to 40,000 bikes annually (from its existing 11,200 units), with the accent on road bikes as a counter to the current downturn in the Italian firm’s traditional motocross and enduro markets. “Whether the bikes are produced in India or in Europe, I don’t think that the
125cc market is one that BMW itself should be in,” von Kuenheim told me. “This doesn’t go with the brand but it could be a subject for Husqvarna, while India is a good location in which to build motorcycles, maybe even better than China. There’s an excellent education system there, they’re good engineers, they speak the English language, and they understand a technical drawing. So from that standpoint, there are a lot of advantages to build a bike in India, and I do think this could - or even will! work very well in the future for Husqvarna.” That being the case, the question is whether BMW should establish its own 100% Husqvarna operation in the sub-continent, or should link with an existing local manufacturer, as KTM has done. “We already have a plant in India building cars, so we could easily convert, say, the 650cc GS onecylinder that we have built in Brazil since 2009 to be made there,” said von Kuenheim. “But the market for this in India is at present only about 500 units a year; 125-150cc is the main volume there, and it’s growing fast. We can basically say that there are a million small motorcycles sold a month, and they are mostly all 125s up to 150s. “I was frequently in India to discuss
potential partnerships, and I have visited all the factories, including Bajaj which is partnering KTM, and Hero Honda, who of course have now separated. “I also visited TVS Motor in Bangalore, who were by far the most professional, with the cleanest production line in India - you could have eaten off that floor! They’re building a 125cc engine in a clean room like they have in Formula One, where the room is pressurised so that no dust gets in, all for a 125cc engine that is built 2,000,000 times a year – they are very committed, and very good. Some of them even speak German!” It sounds to me like we now know who the preferred candidate for building Husqvarnas in India is! The global implications of BMW’s expected Husqvarna venture in India have already been outlined by KTM’s link with Bajaj, whereby access to less costly high-volume production facilities is likely to encourage the firm to create a series of entry-level machines for Western markets, rivalling KTM’s Duke 125 and Honda’s
INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JUNE 2012
>
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CATHCART REPORT
< Thai-made
CBR250R as global products. The fact that the firm rapidly emerging as BMW’s No.1 rival in all its various market sectors, Triumph, has now been revealed to be working on a 267cc-350cc single-cylinder model range to be built in its Thai factories (for sale in India and other emerging markets from 2014 onwards), is only likely to accelerate BMW’s decision to forge an alliance in India. Currently India’s fourth largest motorcycle manufacturer, TVS, previously shared a 19-year long joint venture relationship
with Suzuki. This ended in 2001, since when it has become the flagship company in the $10 billion TVS Group, an automotive component manufacturing conglomerate based in Chennai (Madras), employing 40,000 people. The recent break-up of the HeroHonda joint venture, which previously dominated the Indian market, and Honda’s push as a standalone manufacturer to increase its slice of an overall Indian powered two-wheeler market, which has now broken the 13
million-unit barrier (rising by 14.16% to 13,435,769 units in 2011-12 from 11,768,910 units in the previous fiscal year), has seen TVS increasingly under threat as it slipped behind Honda. According to official figures released on April 9 by the Society of Indian Automotive Manufacturers/ SIAM, in the April 2011-March 2012 business year just ended, the Japanese giant’s now wholly-owned Indianbased operation sold a total of 1,996,320 units. In contrast, TVS Motor sold a total of ‘just’ 1,895,500 two-wheelers in
India during the same period, according to SIAM – albeit 7.42 % up from the 1,764,956 units it sold in 2010-11, against Honda’s 1,551,378 sales in its first year since splitting from Hero. However, while TVS Motor’s scooter sales grew by 14.13% in 2011-12, it witnessed a fall of 1.65% in the motorcycle segment, making the possibility of a link with BMW to produce a range of Husqvarna models all the more attractive, with the possibility to substantially raise its exports in doing so.
Ducati will now have the capital to diversify FTER much speculation generated by its reported period of exclusive due diligence, the seemingly inevitable has happened, with the formal announcement on April 19 that Germany’s Volkswagen Audi Group/VAG has confirmed its decision to buy Ducati. The price was not disclosed, but is reputed to involve VAG paying Ducati’s owners Performance Motorcycle (an investment grouping headed by the Bonomi family-controlled Italian equity house Investindustrial and its smaller partner BS Investimenti coupled with the Hospitals of Ontario Pension Plan) a price of 860 million Euro for 100% control of Ducati, which includes assuming responsibility for a supposed 200 million Euro of Ducati debt. Though since Ducati was privatised on December 19, 2008 when it was delisted from the Milan Stock exchange, these figures are pure conjecture, since the company’s detailed balance sheet has no longer been published since then, as it was in the past when it was a publicly owned company. For 2011, however, it has been confirmed that Ducati sold 42,233 bikes worldwide, a 17.5% increase over the 36,050 units delivered in 2010, with turnover generated by its 1,135
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employees up 22% from 392 million Euro the previous year, to 480 million Euro in 2011, the company’s highest ever. The purchase will doubtless have been pushed through by VAG chairman (and, at the age of 75, still a Ducati owner!) Ferdinand Piëch, who had previously publicly voiced his regret at not opting to buy Ducati in 1985, when the then state-owned bike company was in deep financial trouble, stating in a 2008 interview with German magazine Stern that “I would still like a small, valuable motorcycle manufacturer.” The notoriously hard-headed Piëch evidently did not want to meet the Bonomi family’s one billion Euro asking price, but VAG is paying around nine times the amount of Ducati’s 2011 94 million Euro EBITDA (the company’s profits before interest on debt and taxes are deducted). Several analysts believe that the purchase is as much a vanity acquisition as a piece of smart business. However, with a 17 billion Euro cash pile sitting waiting to be invested, VAG can afford such a luxury. The acquisition of Ducati by VAG can only be viewed positively as a major step forward for the brand. It’s no longer owned by speculative investors whose main interest in Ducati was only ever a short-term one, to sell it for
profit after making the minimum investment necessary to fatten it up in order to get the best price possible. Now it belongs to one of the world’s major automotive conglomerates, which has already proved through its spectacularly successful ownership of Lamborghini (as well as Bentley, Italdesign and Bugatti) that it’s well able to manage the ongoing development of a prestigious niche brand (as Ducati undoubtedly is) and has the necessary resources - financial, technical and human - to do so on a long term basis. Consider that in 1997, the year before it was acquired by VAG, Lamborghini sold 209 Diablos, whereas a decade later in 2007, before the global financial crisis, the company sold 2,580 vehicles – a massive increase in production volume, and quality, achieved under VAG ownership and achieved without in any way diluting the values of the brand. Ducati can expect a similar treatment. Purchasing Ducati outright does not, of course, represent VAG’s first venture into ownership of a motorcycle brand, since it has owned a 19.9% stake in Suzuki since the beginning of 2010. However, it’s interesting to note that VAG has chosen to present the purchase of Ducati as being made through its Audi brand, although Audi AG is, of course, merely a component of the wider VAG conglomerate. It can be no coincidence that Audi’s main competitor in the automobile sector is BMW, which of course has its own spectacularly successful motorcycle division. One can only expect that VAG will use Ducati to develop a range of products over
the coming years rivaling BMW Motorrad’s in terms of inclusiveness and variety, but with the crucial added element of Italian brio and sporting flair. My recent exclusive interview with Claudio Domenicali revealed certain product sectors (off-road, maxi-scooter, etc.) which he believes Ducati should be looking at entering, subject to the necessary development resources being there. VAG’s acquisition of Ducati would now make that possible. It’ll be interesting to see in light of this likely expansion of its newly acquired motorcycle brand if VAG decides to continue with development of Ducati’s proposed new factory on the much smaller site acquired by Investindustrial and its partners one kilometre from the existing factory in Borgo Panigale, the suburb of Bologna after which the company’s new 1199Superbike is named, or prefers to redevelop the existing one, which has a much larger footprint. Moreover, as a member of the VAG empire, Ducati’s long collaboration with Fiat-owned Ferrari is certain to end. However, instead of commuting 45km northwest of the Ducati factory to Maranello for consultation with Ferrari engineers, or to use their wind tunnel or other hi-tech facilities, Ducati engineers will only need to travel 25km due north of Borgo Panigale to visit the Lamborghini factory at Sant’Agata Bolognese, where a similar degree of cooperation will surely be available. Will we see a desmo Lamborghini motor in future?
CATHCART REPORT
King of Jordan opts for Guzzi Californias welcome contribution towards increasing the mere 4,600 sales of new Moto Guzzi motorcycles achieved in 2011 has come from an unlikely source, in the form of His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan, the 41stgeneration direct descendant of the Prophet Mohammad who, in 2010, was nominated by the Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought (an international NGO) as the fourth most influential Muslim in the world today. During his schooldays at Deerfield Academy in Massachusetts, and later in Britain when he studied at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst (before serving as a troop commander in the
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Hussars, then attending Oxford University), Crown Prince Abdullah (as he was then, before succeeding to the throne in 1999 on the death of his father, King Hussein) developed a passion for skydiving, rally driving – and motorcycling. Since assuming the throne he’s no longer permitted to skydive, can’t compete any more in rallies – but bikes are OK as far as his security advisors are concerned, and King Abdullah actually toured California on a Harley-Davidson in July 2010, as well as spending a week riding in South Africa in February 2008. Check out his personal two-wheeled Royal Tour of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZS HWd2N0XfI and if you ever find yourself in Amman, Jordan, be sure to visit the display of vintage American iron from Excelsior and Harley-Davidson, as well as high-end custom bikes, now on public display in the Royal Automobile Museum there, alongside the collection of Ferraris and other exotica assembled by his late car-loving father. King Hussein was also a keen motorcycle enthusiast, and during the 1980s and 1990s he kept his personal collection of bikes at BMW’s Park Lane dealership in London’s West End, and used to regularly commute incognito around Britain’s capital without bodyguards, wearing a helmet and dark visor. No doubt Piaggio chairman Roberto Colaninno and his sons Matteo and Michele, likewise Piaggio Group senior executives, enjoyed a private visit to the Museum when they visited Amman earlier this year to present King Abdullah with the fleet of 24 new maroon Moto Guzzi California 1100cc police bikes specially developed by Piaggio for the Jordanian Royal Escort brigade. The order, worth about Euro 600,000 (including the cost of training four specialist Jordanian mechanics in Italy on how to maintain the bikes) arose from the interest shown by King
Abdullah in the products of the historic Italian brand during the Jordanian monarch’s State Visit to Rome in October 2009. Then, King Abdullah expressed his admiration for the Moto Guzzis used by Italian President Giorgio Napoletano’s official escort – and that’s how the order came about. Roberto Colaninno doubtless hopes that this Moto Guzzi fleet order will act as a visiting card for the Italian brand in other countries in the region, and might also pave the way for Piaggio to expand in the Arabian market where it’s not yet present.
Desmo valve system gets a timely museum exhibition HE iconic Desmodromic positive valve control system, famously and skillfully developed by Ducati’s chief engineer Ing. Fabio Taglioni from the very moment he joined the company in 1955, is indelibly linked with the products of Italy’s most successful current sporting brand. Indeed, it’s been many decades since any motorcycle exiting the Ducati factory at Borgo Panigale, a suburb of Bologna, was not powered by an engine with desmo valve gear. To help celebrate the creation of this valve system – also used by Mercedes-Benz to win the 1954 and 1955 Formula 1 World Championships – as well as to facilitate a better understanding of its development, an exhibition dedicated entirely to the Desmo Story will open on April 28 at
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Budrio, to the northeast of Bologna just 25km from the Ducati factory. Housed in Budrio’s Museo Prunaro (www.museodellavalledellidice.it) the exhibition has been organised by Ducati’s current Technical Director Gianluigi Mengoli, a student of history in his spare time, from supervising the creation of Ducati’s latest desmodromic masterpiece, and who worked under Fabio Taglioni as a draughtsman, before collaborating with his successor Ing. Massimo Bordi to create the first fuel-injected, liquid-cooled, multi-valve desmoquattro engine, still winning World Superbike races and titles today in evolved guise in the hands of Carlos Checa 26 years after its creation. The Museum’s rooms will display unpublished technical docu-
mentation on the desmo system, including a collection compiled by Dutch engineer Henk Cloosterman of more than 850 patents for it, along with mechanical components made specially for motorcycles and cars from a number of international brands. “In the display we’ll have technical designs and other material provided by various major car manufacturers, including Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, BMW, Peugeot, Toyota and Honda, as well of course Ducati”, states Gianluigi Mengoli. “There has never been such a wide-ranging coverage of this positive control system before, and the display will demonstrate the progress made over more than a century of research on the Desmo carried out all over the world, in diverse cultures with varying production systems.”
Beginning on April 28, the exhibit will be open on the first weekend of every month until November 2012, not including the months of July and August. Special opening hours will be arranged for the weekend of June 21-24, when the WDW/World Ducati Weekend at the nearby Misano race track will attract thousands of ducatisti from all over the world to the Bologna region.
INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JUNE 2012
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Solid chain lubrication AVAILABLE from the German Schunk Group is a patented solid chain lubrication where the motorcycle chain is lubricated with a compact graphite based solid lubricant, which is permanently attached to the swingarm in a retainer. The solid lubricant provides a continuous, nearly invisible oil- and grease-free lubricant film which doesn't attract dirt or gets thrown off and keeps the chain and the motorcycle clean. Attaching solid lubricant does away with the need for chain lubrication, the company says, and to fit a new lubricant insert is all that's needed with this system. The chain continuously rubs the lubricant insert, picks up lubricant from it and transfers it to the chain wheel and gear. The specially developed material composition provides an even, thin lubricant film, regardless of the riding style, terrain and weather. In contrast to conventional viscous lubricating oils and greases, solid lubricant has the advantage that it stays where it's needed and doesn't attract dust or dirt either, which is said to make cleaning and maintenance much easier. The model-specific retainer is easy to mount to the swingarm, hardly visible and easy to replace in a few steps. SCHUNK GROUP Heuchelheim, GERMANY Tel. +49 (0)641 608 1759 kettenschmierung@schunk-group.com www.carbonforbikes.com
Triumph Tiger Explorer accessories NEW from Bags-Connection are these accessories for the Triumph Tiger Explorer, which are all made with modern, state-of-the-art 3D scan technology, delivering accessories of the highest build quality and functionality, the company says. Now available to choose from is a wide range of customised products for the Tiger, which comprise a Speedpack tailbag, footrest kit, aluminium or steel rack, a handguard kit, a Quick-Lock Evo side carrier, various pannier systems with 37 and 45l capacity in black or silver, an Aero ABS sidecase system, bar riser and headlight protection. Further available are a Hawk light mount set, crashbar, mirror extension, tankring and engine guard. SW-MOTECH Rauschenberg, GERMANY Tel 0049 (0)6425 816800 www.sw-motech.com
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INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JUNE 2012
PRODUCT NEWS
Adventure/dual sport seats THE Adventure Track seat from Saddlemen is one of the most advanced adventure touring seats on the market, the company says. Features include a hybrid design that combines Saddlemen's exclusive SaddleGel and patented Gel Channel design to provide comfort and control. SaddleGel and Gel Channel technology work in conjunction with dual density foam to reduce shock, vibration and reduce pressure on the perineum. Furthermore a weather resistant synthetic microfiber cover for the driver and a rubberised "gripper" seat cover for passenger/cargo pillion are available. The passenger/cargo pillion is designed with an integrated cargo control system that works with the soon to be released Saddlemen adventure luggage. The company has also engineered optional
heating elements into the Adventure Track seat. Desired heat level is maintained by state-of-the-art five level LED remote control and the seats also feature Saddlemen's hand-crafted, gel-coated seat pan and state-of-the-art mounting system. The Adventure Track seat is designed for aggressive adventure touring and fitments for popular adventure touring bikes will be available for BMW GS, Triumph Tiger 800, Suzuki V-Strom 650/1000, DR-Z 400, DR 650, Ducati MultiStrada, Honda XR650L, Kawasaki KLR650, Yamaha Super Tenere, KTM Adventure 990/950 and Super Enduro 950. All Saddlemen seats are made in the USA.
Adventure Track seat for BMW GS
Adventure Track cargo strap
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INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JUNE 2012
Adventure Track seat for KTM Advernture 990/950
PARTS EUROPE Wasserliesch, GERMANY Tel. +49 (0)6501 96550 sales@Partseurope.eu www.partseurope.eu
Adventure Track heat control
PRODUCT NEWS
Galfer expands range of FK metal hose kits INDUSTRIAS Galfer has added to its range of FK metal hoses by adding an orange tube and black Ergal fittings. This extends their range of tubes to eight colours and to four types of fittings. The fast, economical and easy replacement of flexible hoses results in a marked improvement in many aspects of braking, Galfer says. Its lower coefficient of expansion offers a more sensitive, precise and stable touch even under the worst conditions.This is possible thanks to its composition, which is Teflon inside and stainless steel braided PVC coated outside, suitable for sportsbikes as well as scooters.
eliminating the losses inherent to this part. The hoses come in convenient kits specific to any motorcycle model in several options: outside colour black, blue, red, carbon, yellow, clear, green or orange, and fittings in anodised Ergal from blue to black or brass and silver or gold plated.
FK Galfer kits mount directly from the pump to the brake caliper through a separate hose for each, eliminating distributors and bridges, thus providing a more direct touch and more effective braking by
Two-colour off-road grips THE new Domino off-road two-colour grip is now also available in a black/orange colour combination. This new grip has been developed in cooperation with the main cross and enduro teams and is made by using a highly advanced mix of thermoplastic materials. It stands out for its softness, assuring a highly ergonomic and comfortable hand grip, the company says. The central part of the grip has a "barrel"
profile to get the best hand grip in all race conditions. On the flange there is also a newconcept pad made of a softer material to allow a comfortable hand grip, and the fingers rest on the flange while riding. For competition, it comes with three seats for the safety fastening iron wire. The grip is 120 mm long and suitable for
INDUSTRIAS GALFER Barcelona, SPAIN Tel. +34 93 568 9090 info@galfer.es www.galfer.es
Domino off-road throttle controls. These off-road grips are now available in black/orange, black/red, grey/orange, black/green, black/grey, blue/white, black/yellow and grey/blue.
DOMINO SpA Sirtori (LC), ITALY Tel. +39 0399 211286 domino@domino-group.com www.domino-group.com
PRODUCT NEWS
Kawasaki ER6 N exhaust NEW from Italian exhaust manufacturer Zard, who is based near Turin, is this 2 into 1 steel full kit with black "Penta" aluminium silencer, available in a racing version with db killer. Carbon end cap is available on request. ZARD SRL Baldichieri d'Asti (AT), ITALY Tel. +39 0141 659239 info@zardexhaust.com www.zardexhaust.com
New Touratech comfort seats SEATS from Touratech, which are developed with German manufacturer Kahedo, are said to ensure a comfortable ride even over long distances, and are now also available for the KTM 690 Enduro/KTM 690 SMC, the Yamaha XT 660 and, from May onwards, the Super Ténéré. More models are to follow. Riders can keep their existing seats because now forms and foam are produced by Touratech themselves, but, as before, design and finish will be done at Kahedo, therefore Touratech seats are completely made in Germany. All their seats are already available for many bike models (Touratech is one of the biggest seat manufacturers in the field of travelling, touring and Enduro), and made to the
Yamaha XT 660 Z high
highest standards from top materials, specially designed to meet ergonomic demands of long-distance touring. The seats are also offered in various heights and designs. TOURATECH Niedereschach, GERMANY Tel. +49 (0)7728 9279-0 info@touratech.de www.touratech.com
KTM 690 high
PRODUCT NEWS
Copper parts Aluminium motorcases for ‘retro’ look and rear bag DUTCH specialist Motolux has added to its Highway Hawk branded line of chopper, cruiser, streetfighter and café racer accessories with a selection of bolt-on items designed to bring a ‘hint of retro’. The ‘steam-punk’ vibe of retro look, functionality and materials is alive and booming in a wide variety of markets and design contexts. In the motorcycle industry it has become popular in the custom, quasi restoration and new-build/old-look markets. Highway Hawk brushed copper finished bobber style accessories are one of several Metric Cruiser lines detailed in their latest catalogue. HIGHWAY HAWK Barneveld, NETHERLANDS Tel. +31 (0)342 490208 info@highwayhawk.com www.highwayhawk.com
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INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JUNE 2012
SB 70 rear bag
ST38 side and top bags
TWO options from Spanish brand Shad for high capacity luggage are the SB 70 rear bag and new aluminium motor cases. With the new range of aluminium urbanadventure motor cases, a concept with new materials, Shad introduces the ST38 for trailadvenure bikes. The side and top versions are rigid and robust, according the the company, combining state-of-the-art technology with lightness and strength, offering reliability, security and stability. The ST38 has a capacity of 38l, enough for a full-face helmet and accessories, with a maximum load of 8kg, and measures 35 cm long x 35 cm wide x 30 cm high. The side case has a capacity of 36l with maximum load of 8kg and measures 47 cm long x 21 cm wide x 30 cm high. Technical features include 2.5 mm aluminium thickness, hermetic sealing rubber, reinforced hinges,
high security lock system, reinforced plastic corners, additional safety lock can be fitted, carrying handle, internal fastening straps, internal damping tray, and colours are aluminium and black. The SB 70 rear bag has an innovative design, is easy to install and fits perfectly on all bikes through an eleastic strap system, Shad says. It is a soft bag with a high capacity (up to 56 l), which includes a cover against rain, waterproof zipper, additional fitting straps and a shoulder strap. NAD SL/SHAD Barcelona, SPAIN Tel.+34 935 795866 www.shad.es
PRODUCT NEWS
Arrow add 2012 Honda exhaust fitments ARROW Special Parts continue to add to their exhausts product range. Seen here, their new systems for the 2012 Honda Integra 700 and NC S/X 700 feature the Italian manufacturer’s popular EU approved ‘Race-Tech’ silencers with removable db-killer. The silencers are available in titanium, carbon, or choice of two aluminium finishes, for stock Honda original equipment or Arrow’s own mid-pipes, with Arrow’s recently introduced carbon end caps.
New mid-pipes and collectors are also available for stock Honda and Arrow’s own systems. ARROW SPECIAL PARTS San Giustino (PG), ITALY Tel: +39 0758 61811 E-mail: info@arrow.it www.arrow.it
Honda NS X
Honda NC S
Honda Integra 700
PRODUCT NEWS
Akrapovic adds 2012 fitments FOLLOWING its double success with race partner KTM in this year’s Dakar Rally – with a one-two finish for both Akrapovic Special Development exhaust system equipped KTM factory bikes – the Slovenian manufacturer continues to add fitments to its range of on-road replacement silencers and full systems. For the Honda Crossrunner their EC type approved replacement silencer features a titanium outer sleeve, stainless steel link pipe, and carbon fibre end cap for weight reductions and performance increases against the stock system. For the CBR 125R and Asian market 150R Akrapovic offers a race-specification exhaust with optional catalytic converter
Honda Crossrunner
For the Tiger 800/800XC Akrapovic is offering an EC type approved titanium alloy outer sleeve construction for the muffler body, sporty dual exit end piece, stainless steel link pipe that includes springtensioned couplings and heat resistant carbon fibre end cap. For the Kawasaki ER-6f Akrapovic has an EC type approved race-style full length replacement system including titanium-alloy outer sleeve on
CBR 125R
available for an EC type approved variant. Features include a carbon muffler outersleeve, lightweight hydroformed stainless steel pipe section and carbon fibre end cap for a claimed 6 percent performance increase over the stock system. For the Triumph Speed Triple their EC type approved replacement muffler features a carbon fibre outer sleeve for the dual muffler bodies, stainless steel 1-2 link pipe, and heat resistant carbon fibre end cap.
the muffler body, stainless steel down-pipes with performance cross tube and link section, carbon fibre mounting bracket and heat resistant carbon fibre end cap. AKRAPOVIC Lvancna Gorica, Slovenia Tel +386 (0)1787 8404 info@akrapovic.si www.akrapovic-exhaust.com
Triumph Speed Triple
Kawasaki ER-6f
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INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JUNE 2012
Tiger 800/800XC
MOTORCYCLE FASHION
Spyke Reisgenoot jacket THIS light and flexible new sport/touring jacket from Spyke is made from tough 600 denier textile and treated with 'non-stick' Teflon to resist rain and stains and features a waterproof drop liner as well as a detachable thermal waistcoat for colder days. Removable CEcertified protectors are fitted at the shoulders and elbows, and Spyke has included a pocket to accept a Spyke Level 2 back protector for riders who don't
â&#x201E;˘
G-Ride, G-Florence and G-Valencia boots use a stand-alone product. Adjustable Velcro collar, arms and waist ensure a tight fit for keeping out wind, and reflective zones on the arms and torso increase visibility in low light conditions. Reisgenoot is Dutch for travelling companion, and colour combinations are black/gun and black/white/gun and sizes XS to 3XL. SPYKE Bassano del Grappa (VI), ITALY +39 0424 513052 info@spyke.it www.spyke.it
Desmo helmet from Roof THE latest full-face helmet from Roof, the Desmo, is a modular helmet, which can also be used as a jet helmet. The helmet is made from thermoplastic composites and has a revolutionary screen mechanism, which in the closed position allows the rider to have the screen in front of the chinbar when used as a fullface helmet, and when used as a jet, the screen is closer to the face. The Desmo has an ergonomic and secure system for chinbar locking and unlocking, fast and efficient screen defog and a special screen seal technology, ensuring a perfect seal.
ISSN 1476-8747
JUNE 2012
ROOF INTERNATIONAL PĂŠgomas, FRANCE Tel. +33 (0)4 92 97 29 12 info@roof.fr www.roof.fr
THE G-Ride Aquatech from Gaerne is a technical shoe ideal for urban use and short range touring, according to the company. Gaerne says it combines key features of a touring boot in a highly comfortable shoe, which has a special breathable and waterproof inside lining. The G-Florence has a soft microfiber upper and reflective inserts. The lining is waterproof 3D Drytech material. Closure is by laces and Velcro strap and it features an anatomic and removable insole. The sole has anti-slip rupper grip. G-Valencia has a soft microfiber upper and reflective side inserts, a breathable liner and closure is also by laces and Velcro strap. The sole has an anti-slip rubber grip and the insole is removable with an anatomic fit. All boots come in black only but in many sizes. GAERNE Coste di Maser (TV), ITALY Tel. +39 0423 923169 gaerne@gaerne.com www.gaerne.com
G-Ride Aquatech
G-Florence
G-Valencia
MOTORCYCLE FASHION - JUNE 2012
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MOTORCYCLE FASHION
Stingray MotoGP inspired suit
D4Vi9A leather touring glove FROM the D4Vi9A Equipped range comes this full-length, super soft leather glove with a fully waterproof and breathable Porelleo membrane. To protect against wind chill, but also to mnimise bulk, only the back of the hands and fingers have a thermal layer. In addition a high wicking nylon liner actively removes sweat away from the skin and out through the naturally breathable leather. The gloves have Kevlar thread throughout for maximum durability. Features also include Velcro cuff closure and reinforced twist grip area at palm, thumb and index finger, plus visor wipe on both index fingers. Available in men's sizes S to XXXL and ladies sizes XS to XXL.
DAVIDA (UK) LTD. Birkenhead, UK Tel. +44 (0)151 647 2419 sales@davida.co.uk www.davida.co.uk
Energy MX outfit AFTER analysing more than 50 crashed suits returned to them by MotoGP riders, Rev'It!'s latest top of the range track suit is the Stingray. It is designed especially to let a rider walk away after a highspeed crash, and a big contributor to that goal is the Engineered Skin construction method by relocating vulnerable stitching seams to areas at lower risk for impact. The shoulders and elbows are protected with dual comp protectors, placed to maximise impact resistance while preserving freedom of movement. Due to the dual comp protector that is topped with an aluminium slider part, the knees won't function as a friction point, but merely as a sliding area, the company says. EVA foam is used at the back and hips to absorb shock, safety stitching is applied, and the Stingray has a back protector pocket custom-fit to accommodate the Knox Advance X CE back protector. The ventilated speed hump has an air inlet at the top and perforated foam on the inside, which is designed to let air flow through the garment, spreading it over the back, and the speed
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THIS is a replica outfit of Finnish Moto Cross world championship competitor Antti Pyrhoenen. Battery, energy drink market leader in Finland, supports aspiring new MX talent, and also sponsors Antti. The Energy raglan jersey with stretch collar and cuffs, vented armpit panels and drop tail is available in sizes S to hump is also prepared for a hydra bag. The removable and washable Coolmax lining is made from multi-channel polyester fibres that form a transport system moving perspiration away from the skin to the outer layer of the fabric, where it can evaporate quickly. It also features a comfort collar and cuffs, stretch lips at the shoulders, back, elbows and knees, an easy entrance zipper at the calf, a removable and replaceable grip part at the inside of the knees, which provides extra grip for ultimate control in the corners. REV'IT! SPORT INTERNATIONAL Oss, NETHERLANDS Tel. +31 (0)41 269 6757 info@revit.eu www.revit.eu
MOTORCYCLE FASHION - JUNE 2012
3XL and made of 1000D polyamide fabric, with reinforced knees, mesh liner and pre-shaped legs. The outfit is not only distinguished by its unmistakable design but also by top quality, great functionality and lots of mobility, according to the company. SINISALO Puolanka, FINLAND Tel. +358 (0)8 7196 600 sinisalo@sinisalosport.fi www.sinisalo.com
MOTORCYCLE FASHION
HX 396 Haze and HX 87 Cafe Rider helmets THE new HX 87 Cafe Rider helmet from iXS is a scooter helmet combining functionality and good looks, the company says. The lightweight helmet with a smallsize polycarbonate shell is said to be versatile, pleasant to wear and adapts to the shape of the rider's head. The front section is equipped with two large air inlets, which can be operated with just one slider. The integrated sunshield placed behind the detachable clear visor ensures that sunlight doesn't blind the rider. By removing the clear visor, the HX 87 can be converted to a cruiser helmet within seconds. The inner lining is removable, and the outer shell has a matt finish design created with the brand new NMT technology. Colours are matt black/white and plain coloured matt black. The HX 396 Haze full-face fiberglass helmet is a new allrounder. A pump system allows adjusting the cheek pads to the rider's face for a perfect fit, and the inner lining and the finish of the helmet are said to be of very good quality. The anti-scratch visor with easy-change system includes a Pinlock Antifog shield, providing a wide peripheral vision. The helmet has an integrated sun shield for easy manual handling and
HX 396 Haze
provides appropriate sun protection. Two air inlets on the front section help staying cool on hot days. The inner lining is removable and washable. A breath deflector comes as standard. Available in three colours: black/white/red, black/white/blue and black/white/silver. HX 87 Cafe Rider
IXS/HOSTETTLER Sursee, SWITZERLAND Tel. +41 (0)41 926 6111 info@hostettler.com www.hostettler.com
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news ROOM
EVS F1 roost guard THIS new roost guard is lightweight, impact resistant and of injection moulded construction. It has a Compact Form Fit design and said to be compatible with all major neck braces. Comes with adjustable shoulders and Click-Tec front closure system, which ensures adjustability and secure fit.
There is a removable back plate and plush biofoam liner, plus multiple vents and air channels offer maximum ventilation. Sizes are S/M and L/XL. EVS SPORTS Rancho Dominguez (CA), USA Tel. +1 800-229-4387 cs@evs-sports.com www.evs-sports.com
Livorno touring jacket from Germas
THIS sporty, long touring jacket has many features including being windand watertight and breathable, detachable PU protectors, detachable thermal lining, short connecting zipper, AirControl system at chest and back, several adjustment possibilities at waist and arms and Scotchlite reflectors for improved passive safety. Many pockets and stretch material for ease of movement, a soft lined collar and detachable back protection (replaceable with CE back protectors)
add to its appeal. Outer material is 100% Polyester and comes in grey/black in sizes XS to 3XL.
GERMAS Schwabach-Wolkersdorf, GERMANY Tel. +49 (0)911 635 008 info@germas.de www.germas.de
MOTORCYCLE FASHION
Freccia racing boot THE Freccia racing boot from Forma offers an excellent price/quality ratio, the company says, and has all the best features of a modern racing boot. The upper is made from microfiber, which guarantees a light but sturdy boot, and features internal mesh lining as well as internal polyurethane reinforcements. The external ankle support system and the air ventilation pockets in the ankle and heel areas are said to provide comfort even on the hottest days. The personalised gear pad protection is made from polyurethane, while the internal moulded protections are plastic. The replaceable toe slider is also made from polyurethane and the protection slider can also be replaced. The easy Velcro and zip closure ensures a snug and comfortable fit, and the TPU dual flex midsole, has flexibility in the toe area for elevated gear sensibility and
easy walking and a stiff mid/back for secure and stable foot contact with the bike pedal. The boot has a specific racing compound rubber sole and the internal APS (Air Pump System) footbed is antibacterial and can be replaced. The APS system is an innovative system which features exceptional ventilation, starting from a centralised position in the insole. When pressure is applied during walking or riding the channels within the insole expel air uniformly, permitting air circulation within the boot. Freccia is CE-certified, as all Forma boots are, designed and developed in Italy and made in the EC.
breathable. Available in black or white. Size range for both versions is 37-48, which means it can also be worn by women. The boot is also available in a waterproof version (Freccia Dry) and has personalised Forma Drytex lining, ensuring it is waterproof and
SDE MOTORSPORT/FORMA Altivole (TV), ITALY Tel. +39 0423 915335 info@formaboots.com www.formaboots.com
MOTORCYCLE FASHION
Emma by Airway and Air-Y Furygan multi-purpose jacket
THIS is a high quality leather jacket with feminine tailoring and subtle design. It has slimline D3O impact protectors in the back, elbows and shoulders, giving the best level of protection without compromising the silhouette. It is made from full grain 1.4 mm leather, which is strong but flexible. D3O homologated protectors at elbows, shoulders and back (1621-2 level 1 homologated back protector) offer full protection without restricting comfort and freedom of movement. All areas exposed to abrasion in a crash situation are reinforced with triple stitching to avoid tearing. Emma is CE homologated and features a slim fit, specifically tailored for women, and has chest and hip adjusters. It comes with a thermal padded lining with aluminium inserts for maximum protection against the cold, and further features are waterproof treated leather as well as two connecting zips mounted on an elastic belt and four pockets. Colours are black/white and white/black in sizes S to XL. FURYGAN Nimes, FRANCE Tel. +33 (04) 66 38 85 85 accueil@furygan.com www.furygan.com
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WITH the latest Rukka AirPower models, either the outer shell can be worn or the inner jacket, or both. For more than ten years Rukka has been developing the proven AirPower concept that provides two suits in one. The outer shell of the jacket and trousers can be worn alone, both being made of extremely airpermeable, very soft Cordura AFT knitwear. Passive safety is still ensured because of Cordura AFT's high abrasion resistance, reinforcements and CE-certified RVPair joint protectors that are also highly airpermeable, as well as the large back protection element. The suit protects from rain and cold when worn with the inner jacket and trousers; both are permanently windand waterproof and breathable thanks to the Gore-Tex Performance Shell. A three-layer membrane laminate, the waterproof Gore Lockout closure and a soft inner lining ensure these are fully equipped Gore-Tex leisure jackets. The Airway for men and the Air-Y for women dual jackets are available in black with red, yellow or grey graphics and the matching trousers have the same features. L-FASHION GROUP Lahti, FINLAND Tel. +358 (0)3 822 1206 info@rukka.com www.rukka.com
Premier Touring 3 helmet THE Touring 3 helmet from Premier is one of the most innovative and technologically advanced helmets on the market, the company says. Developed for naked bikes or maxi-scooters, its shell is made from DCA tri-composite fibre (Dyneema, carbon and aramidic fibres), which guarantees lightness and safety. The carbon version is very light and extremely impact resistant. A new novelty version of the Touring 3 called FZ LED features special decals, using special paint that absorbs the sun and also artificial light, which is released progressively in dark conditions, so the helmet is always visible. The LED helmet is said to be extremely safe because it makes the user more visible in dark conditions. The internal shell is moulded in different density Eps to guarantee the best absorption of energy caused by
MOTORCYCLE FASHION - JUNE 2012
oscillations at high speeds. The visor mechanism is adjustable and very simple to use and to exchange. The transparent polycarbonate visor is injection-moulded and has a thickness of 2.2 mm, featuring both anti-fog and anti-scratch treatment. Tinted visors are also available. The internal liner is made from anti-allergenic sanitised fabric and is completely removable and washable. The chinstrap has a quick release buckle. All Premier helmets are homologated to ECE 22-05 standard. an impact. Even if used an as open face helmet, it has a sophisticated ventilation system that works through two adjustable air vents on the upper part of the shell to permit fresh air in, and a lower air vent that allows exit of hot and humid air. On the lower part of the shell is a stabilisation spoiler to cancel out turbulences and consequent head
PREMIER HELMETS Lucca, ITALY Tel. +39 0583 730310 info@premier.it www.premier.it
MOTORCYCLE FASHION
Helmo Milano helmets
Stelle Strisce
FOUR new helmets from Oltremoto in Italy from their Helmo Milano range are the Otto Volante, the Stelle Strisce, the Veloce and the Anni Ruggenti. All helmets have an outer shell in two dimensions made from polycarbonate, homologated to ECE 2205 in sizes XS to XXL. Features include a quick strap with micrometric adjustment, a removable winter neck protection with removable zipper and an inner lining made from anti-allergenic and comfortable, transpiring fabric. The transparent visor is also homologated, and a smoked visor is available on request. OLTREMOTO Milano, ITALY Tel. +39 02 4398 3804 info@oltremotoitalia.it www.oltremotoitalia.it
Otto Volante
Veloce
Anni Ruggenti
MOTORCYCLE FASHION
Third limited edition TT Series helmet launched by Arai
THE third limited edition TT Series RX-7 GP TT helmet is, just as the previous TT Series, limited to a production run of 500 helmets for Europe. It is based on the highly successful, professional racebred RX-7 GP model, which is a state-of-the-art helmet which, Arai says, is the only helmet that complies with both ECE R22-05 and Snell M2010 standards. Gold, white and black are the dominant colours, together with the official TT logo with the world famous three-legged triskelion symbol. Having been developed in close collaboration with winning MotoGP and Gand Prix riders, their input can be found in the many features, including the revolutionary adjustable “Air Wing” spoiler on the back of the helmet, which reduces drag, turbulence and buffeting. Thanks to the wider aperture of the SAI visor, the rider also benefits from a wider angle of vision, and ventilation is greatly enhanced with the updated diffuser system. Revolutionary is also the new “PB SNC” outer shell (35% stronger than standard fibre) with a special belt construction
developed for Arai’s F1 helmet. Together with the unique “Emergency Release Pads”, which can be removed in seconds for easy removal of the helmet, these features are said to make the Arai RX-7 GP “a breakthrough in the upper premium helmet segment”. The helmet not only meets but even exceeds the specific requirements and approval criteria of both the European ECE R22-05 and the American Snell M2010 standards.
ARAI HELMET EUROPE Hoevelaken, NETHERLANDS Tel. +31 (0)33 254 1010 www.araihelmet-europe.com
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B y A l a n C a t h c a r t - c a t h c a r t @ d e a l e r- w o r l d . c o m
Ducati Panigale - checkmate FTER riding Ducati’s radical new 1199 Panigale around the Yas Marina Formula 1 circuit in Abu Dhabi, it looks like the Italian manufacturer has reinvented the twin-cylinder motorcycle and superseded all its rivals in the sportbike marketplace. This is the new benchmark for the Superbike category, just as MV Agusta’s F3 is the new reference point for the Supersport class ... As soon as you throw a leg over the Panigale, you realize how different it is from all Ducati V-twin Superbikes built over the past 25 years - since the first 851 desmoquattro was devised back in 1977. It’s small, but spacious – lower and more compact, even comfortable, with less weight on your arms and shoulders, making it less tiring to ride hard. It is a massive 10kg lighter than its old-style 1198 predecessor, with a lower centre of gravity. This means it’s much less physical to change direction with – get the electronics dialled in right, and it’s pinpoint accurate, even at high speeds. You can keep up turn speed better not just because the front Pirelli seems glued to the tarmac, but also because you can just flick the new Ducati from side to side, rather than having to heave it around like you did before. And no – doing so didn’t betray any of the vague front end feeling or wheel chatter that Ducati’s MotoGP star, a certain Mr Rossi, complained about last season on his Desmosedici 800 that was equipped with the same monocoque chassis as the company’s new Superbike. But that was probably because of the hyper-stiff Bridgestone MotoGP control tyres Rossi has to run, whereas on the Panigale there’s good feedback from the front World Superbikedeveloped Pirelli – the Panigale holds a tight line in turns.
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That lighter weight is a crucial factor in giving the Panigale fantastic acceleration for any bike, not just by twin-cylinder standards. This is thanks to the deeply impressive performance of the radically engineered ultra shortstroke Superquadro engine, as well as the huge range of World Superbike and MotoGP-developed electronic rider aids included as standard on the bike. owever, these need to be carefully tailored to suit each person’s riding tastes and experience – so, for example, the EBC (Engine Brake Control) programme on its default Level 3 setting initially had me, and the relatively few other journalists at the launch that were accustomed to riding big twins hard, missing the entry apexes of turns as the engine pushed you on past them, due to engine braking being reduced. Switching it to the minimum Level 1 fixed that – but also meant there was
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INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JUNE 2012
still no risk of chattering the rear wheel on the overrun, especially with help from the effective Ducati slipper clutch. That’s just one example, but there are lots more in a high-tech piece of hardware that’s just bristling with mechanical innovation and leading edge software technology (which you do however need to take time to tailor to your own needs). “We deliberately set the EBC default setting quite high, because we want to attract conquest customers for the Panigale coming from a fourcylinder bike, riders who might feel daunted about switching to a twin,” revealed Ducati’s Direttore Generale, Claudio Domenicali. “They need to be reassured that a desmo V-twin isn’t so hard to get used to, and anyone who’s already a ducatista simply has to reduce the setting, or switch it off completely!” But it’s that amazing engine that’s
the undoubted star of the show. Thanks to its 112 x 60.8 mm engine dimensions (compared to the outgoing 170bhp 1198’s 106 x 67.9 mm format). This produces an impressive 195 bhp at 10,750 rpm delivered complete with an air filter and twin-catalyst exhaust - that’s just 4bhp less than Carlos Checa’s 2011 World Superbike title-winning 1198! I was let loose on that World Champion motorcycle for 15 laps of Misano last summer, and with hand on heart, the Panigale 1199S on which I was allowed fifteen minutes of desmo delight at Yas Marina (fitted with the Ducati Performance trackday Termignoni exhaust and Pirelli Supercorsa SC2 race tyres), was indistinguishable in performance from Carlos’s bike. A true racer with lights, and with the same perfectly mapped RBW system giving comparably crisp but
CATHCART REPORT controllable pickup from a closed throttle, and the same deeply impressive top speed. Although the Panigale’s torque peak is the same 132Nm as the older long-stroke model (delivered 1,000 revs higher at 9,000), there isn’t the same big hit of muscular grunt at low to medium revs like before. Instead, getting the best from the Panigale requires a more precise riding style than with any other Ducati Superbike built so far. The new bike has adequate rather than forceful acceleration from low down, then from 5,000rpm upwards it starts to take off, and above 7,500rpm performance is deeply impressive by any standards, not ‘just’ those of a twin – it’s not explosive, but it is irresistible. Previously, riding a Ducati in something approaching anger meant you had to force yourself to use a gear higher than you might otherwise have done, simply to ride the torque curve which was the V-twin desmo’s key asset. ere, the Superquadro motor asks you to rev it right out in the gears via the sweet-action powershifter fitted as standard, to the point where the bright red surround to the much better dash starts flashing at 10,500rpm, staying fully lit from 11,000 revs to warn you of the arrival of the soft-action limiter at 11,500rpm. And you also have the option with the extra spread of revs to hold a gear and flirt with the limiter between two bends, simply to save a pair of gearshifts. There’s no undue vibration at any revs, even without a balance shaft
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which the 90º V-twin engine format renders surplus to requirements. The front wheel will lighten under hard acceleration, but it never gets out of control, thanks to the Öhlins adjustable steering damper included as stock on the 1199S. This is the first volume production Ducati model with a full ride by wire throttle. The factory Superbikes have had it for the past three years, as a useful testbed for dialing it in right on the Panigale, and the three different riding modes, Race, Sport and Rain, are each configured to incorporate preprogrammed (but adjustable) settings for the several other electronic rider aids interacting with each other. Mapping this motorcycle’s many such programmes takes some time, and Panigale owners will need lots of time and plenty of experimentation to
shake up the right mix of electronic settings to help them to get the most out of the bike’s truly enormous potential. The consequence of such digital and mechanical sophistication (worthy of a twin-cylinder MotoGP bike), is awe-inspiring but accessible and largely intuitive performance. It is addictive how fast the bike is, but the speed is delivered with a sense of control – you are in charge, ultimately, not any or all of the multiple ECUs on the bike (Ducati boss Claudio Domenicali, the man who deserves credit for conceiving and directing the creation of this new page in the Ducati Superbike history book, counted to six in all!). Trusting the Panigale to let you do things that you’d normally only dream of doing on a factory Superbike racer
is a mark of just how high Ducati has set the bar with this motorcycle. It’s not just Extreme in so much of its technology, but also in the level it’ll allow you to progress to, in terms of your own skill levels as a rider. Indeed, in the high stakes game of chess which nine different manufacturers are currently playing, to outmatch each other in producing the fastest, the sexiest looking and simply the best high performance motorcycle money can buy, Ducati has produced a ‘game-changer’ with the Panigale, by taking sportbike technology and performance to a new level of sophistication, irrespective of the number of cylinders. Checkmate?! ***** Photo credit: Milagro
Reinventing the Superbike N creating the new 1199 Panigale (pronounced Panee-gah-lay, the name of the Bologna suburb that is home to the Ducati factory), Ducati’s R&D engineers had just two prerequisites, according to the company’s Direttore Generale, Claudio Domenicali, also the head of its Ducati Corse race operation. As the board member in charge of product development, he was the man responsible for driving forward the creation of this new generation Ducati Superbike, the company code-name for the “Project Extreme”, before assuming the official Superquadro name as it enters production – as in, oversquare, which its 112 x 60.8 mm dimensions certainly are, the most of any production bike, and in fact delivering a cubic capacity of 1198cc. The two “must-have” elements
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stipulated by Domenicali were that the bike must be a desmo, and it should have a 90-degree V-twin engine – “Not because of tradition,” he says, “but because these are good technical choices. But everything else was a clean sheet of paper, and it’s rare indeed when you can start off like this.” o create the Superquadro motor, Ducati’s chief engine designer Marco Sairu and his colleagues were given the no-compromises task of developing the highest performance Superbike motor yet available in street form, irrespective of the number of cylinders (though of course as a twin, the 1200cc Ducati enjoys a capacity advantage versus the one-litre fours) with the 193bhp BMW S1000RR topping the sales charts around the world, being the obvious principal target. Besting Ducati’s fellow-Italian rival,
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To gain the 1198cc capacity the engineers at Ducati over-squared the engine with a 112mm bore and 60.8mm stroke, which gives a 1.84 ratio, which is moving towards he 2.02 bore x stroke ration used in the company’s MotoGP engines
Aprilia’s 180bhp World Superbike titlewinning RSV4, was also a key objective, for which Sairu and Co. drew
heavily on the lessons learnt in MotoGP from developing and racing the V4 Desmosedici bikes.
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CATHCART REPORT Retaining Ducati’s hallowed < desmodromic valve operation in a 90° V-twin format with double overhead cams and four valves per cylinder, meant no pneumatic valve control, but also still no valve springs. However, instead of the L-twin layout of all Ducati V-twins since Paul Smart’s Imola 200 winner 40 years ago, with the front cylinder horizontal to the ground and the rear one essentially vertical, the new engine is a ‘proper’ V-twin, with the pair of cylinders forming part of the upper crankcase casting (housing Nikasilcoated detachable aluminium wet liners) and rotated a further 6º rearwards on the still vertically-split vacuum diecast crankcases using the Vacural weight-saving process - so that the front cylinder is now 21º from horizontal. he 90° cylinder angle’s retention may have spinoff marketing benefits, but it also avoids any need for a power-consuming balance shaft to contain vibration. Moreover, rotating the cylinders backwards brings several benefits – mainly that it compacts the mass of the bike for more assured handling, and permits the Superquadro engine to be placed 32mm further forward in the wheelbase for extra front end grip via a more forward weight distribution (up from the 1198’s 50/50% to 52/48% front/rear). That’s without the front wheel fouling the lower cylinder under heavy braking, either – a perennial architectural problem with all Ducati L-twins. This also allows a 39mm longer diecast aluminium single-sided swingarm weighing 5.1kg for improved traction, with only a slightly increased 1437mm wheelbase (against 1430mm on the 1198) as the payoff for that. The Superquadro’s radical ultra short-stroke dimensions represent a significant advance from the 106 x 67.9 mm format of the current 1198. This gives a bore to stroke ratio of 1.56 on Carlos Checa’s reigning 1198based World Superbike championshipwinning bike, but while that format is already remarkable by twin-cylinder standards, the new engine’s dimensions make this look almost prehistoric, with a 1.84 ratio. ompare that with the 86 x 42.56 mm dimensions of the 989cc MotoGP-derived V4 Desmosedici RR and the 2.02 ratio that these deliver, to see how Ducati is treading down the same technical MotoGP street with its new Superbike V-twin motor – even if in F1 terms this is pretty tame, with the 98 x 38.9 mm dimensions of Ferrari’s current Formula 1 V8 motor giving a bore to stroke ratio of 2.52! Amongst current four-cylinder Superbikes, the shortest-stroke engines are the BMW
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In a break from tradition the 90degree V-twin built to power the Panigale has been rotated backwards, now putting the front cylinder 21 degrees from horizontal
S1000RR measuring 80 x 49.7 mm (1.61) – and although the ultra-potent Aprilia RSV4 engine, which measures 78 x 52.3 mm (1.49), designer Ing. Claudio Lombardi (previously Direttore Tecnico of Ferrari’s Formula 1 operation), says this was a format forced on him by the World Superbike rules in operation at the time he drew up the motor. He’d have liked an even shorter stroke. “At the time we were designing the engine, the FIM had imposed a 1.5:1 bore-to-stroke ceiling on fourcylinder machines, to protect the 1000cc twins,” he says. “By the time this restriction was removed from the SBK rulebook for 2008, to allow 1200cc twins, it was too late for us to change. But I’d have preferred a shorter stroke for more power at higher revs, while still retaining valve springs. I had experience at Ferrari of high-revving non-pneumatic valve engines, and I’d have liked to adapt this technology to the RSV4.” Well, instead Ducati has now done that on the Panigale, but with the added benefit of desmodromic positive valve operation instead of pneumatics. While revving those big 112mm-diameter forged pistons (delivering a 12.5:1 compression) up to the Panigale streetbike’s 11,500rpm limiter represents a significant technical challenge, their soup-plate size permits much larger valves to be used, with the titanium paired inlets increased from 43.5mm to 46.8mm in diameter, and the steel
INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JUNE 2012
exhausts from 34.5mm to 38.2mm. Ducati claims the use of steel rather than titanium on the exhaust valves is for ‘technical reasons’, but Aprilia were frank in admitting doing the same on the street RSV4 was to save money, and the company’s race boss Gigi Dall’Igna now declares this to have been a false economy costing the Aprilia Superbike 400rpm in peak revs. However, Ducati has avoided the need to fit two or even three sparkplugs per cylinder to burn the entire charge in such big-bore cylinders, ones which have the largest diameter of any current production car or motorcycle. hat’s a key issue in meeting emissions targets, as well as reducing fuel consumption, and obtaining extra power via a more complete burn, and Ducati has achieved this by featuring a secondary air system to complete oxidisation of unburnt hydrocarbons. This is activated by data fed to the Magneti Marelli ECU via the lambda probe and throttle potentiometer sensors, causing it to open a valve providing a flow of clean air from the main airbox to a reed valve situated in each cylinder head. This is directed into an air gallery feeding the exhaust port close to the exhaust valves, and by entering at the hottest point of the exhaust gasses, the fresh charge of air enhances the burn, thus eliminating any unburnt fuel still remaining. Those large intake valves are fed by new Marelli oval-diameter dual
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injector throttle bodies, rising in equivalent circular diameter from the 1198’s 63.9mm to 67.5mm on the Panigale, and individually controlled via separate stepper motors by the direct-action ride-by-wire (RBW) digital throttle, which does not have an intermediary cable running to the potentiometer, as on some other such systems. On the end of each exhaust camdrive gear is a centrifugal flyweight which retracts at speeds below tickover to rotate a metal protrusion from the concentric section of the cam, thus creating sufficient lift on the exhaust valves to act as a decompressor. This ingenious device enables the Superquadro engine to be started easily without requiring an oversize battery and starter motor to turn over those big-bore pistons, downsizing which has reduced overall weight on the 1199 Panigale by 3.3kg compared to if there was no decompressor system. When the engine fires, and the camshafts begin to rotate at tick-over speed, the centrifugal flyweight flicks out, retracting the protrusion back into the cam and allowing complete valve closure for full compression. Clever! Ducati’s engineers have redesigned the six-speed transmission, with larger diameter, stronger gears to transmit the enhanced power output. For the first time ever on a Ducati Superbike, a wet, oil-bath clutch is fitted - a ramp-
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Marelli are supplying oval diameter injector bodies for the Panigale, which are individually controlled by a direct action ride-by-wire digital throttle
style slipper design sourced from FCC in Japan (longtime suppliers to Honda for its factory racers) based closely on the Multistrada and Diavel equivalents, instead of the noisy, heavy-action dry clutch exclusively used on Ducati’s top of the line sportbikes until now. Its design allows much lighter springs to be used, for reduced lever effort on the Panigale. he Superquadro’s much stronger, stiffer crankshaft has bigger crankpins and larger main journals, the latter thanks to the shell main bearings replacing all previous desmo V-twin Superbikes’ roller bearings, a feature hitherto only used by Ducati on the Desmosedici RR engine. This radical new Superquadro engine design has delivered on its objectives, producing a claimed 195bhp at 10,750rpm – 2bhp more than the BMW, and a huge 25bhp up on the 1198, representing a new benchmark for Superbike engineering, with the same maximum torque as the 1198 of 132Nm/98.1 lb-ft/13.5kgm at 9,000rpm, a thousand revs higher than before. A key ingredient of Marco Sairu’s design brief was that the Superquadro motor should be capable of acting as an integral component of the Panigale’s chassis, in delivering a street version of Ducati’s GP9 frame design which won first time out at Qatar in March 2009 in the hands of Casey Stoner. He went on to win seven MotoGP races with that monocoque chassis before switching to Honda for 2011, whereupon his successor Valentino Rossi spectacularly failed to get to terms with the design, eventually persuading Ducati to discard it in favour of a more conventional twin-spar alloy frame format. But by that time the Panigale design was set in stone, and although it seems likely that the problems with the format experienced by Rossi (and others, not least Marco Melandri!) are
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tyre-related, Ducati engineers must be holding their breath on this one! he Panigale’s chassis layout consists of a diecast hollow aluminium monocoque weighing 4.2kg and doubling as the airbox – so, containing the air filter and throttle bodies – and using the Superquadro engine as a stressed member of the chassis is responsible for 5kg of the 10kg overall weight saving of the Panigale versus the 1198, says Domenicali. This structure is bolted to the front of the engine, and also incorporates the steering head in which the triple clamps rotate holding the fully adjustable 50mm Marzocchi pressurised upside down forks with
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hard-anodised lightweight aluminium sliders – not the heavier, more commonplace steel items. These weigh 6.7kg, a kilo lighter than conventional forks of the same size (a 43mm Öhlins NIX30 with electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment is fitted on the 1199S and Tricolore variants), and are set at a 24.5º rake with 100mm of trail. An offset Sachs piggyback shock with aluminium body that’s adjustable for length and thus ride height, as well as for damping and preload, is mounted on the left side of the standard Panigale for optimum accessibility for spring preload adjustment (an Öhlins TTX36 is fitted on the two more expensive models, again fully adjustable electronically), and there’s also electronic adjustment to the ratio of the rear link available on all models, depending on whether there’s a passenger being carried (in which case the link has a progressive rate ration) or not, when the solo rider has a flat rate for maximum traction. Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP rubber is fitted as stock to the black-painted ten-spoke cast aluminium wheels that are 0.5kg lighter than the 1198’s; the rear is a special bi-compound version directly developed from its World Superbike control tyres which Pirelli says doesn’t need to be swapped for race tyres for trackdays. The 1199S and Tricolore versions carry Marchesini forged aluminium wheels saving 0.4kg over previous such designs.
The aluminium rear subframe supporting the seat etc. weighs 2.1kg, while there’s a corresponding magnesium front subframe to which the headlamps (which, on the 1199S and Tricolore, are the world’s first LED units to be included on a production bike) and distinctive race-face bodywork are mounted (designed by Gianandrea Fabbro, previously the creator of the 1098/1198). The same 330mm Brembo front discs as mounted to the 1198 are reemployed here, but fitted 15mm further apart from maximum cooling, and gripped by a new design of Brembo’s four-piston dual-pad Monobloc one-piece calipers, which are 7% overall lighter than before, and are exclusive to the Panigale for the time being. inally, the aluminium fuel tank carrying 17 litres gives a saving of 2.9kg over the 1.5lt smaller tank on the 1198, while also acting as the upper cap of the sealed airbox comprised by the frame. This constant focus on saving weight during the bike’s creation – the primary drive and clutch casings, and all the outer covers are made in magnesium - enables Ducati to claim that the 1199 Panigale scales just 164kg dry (177kg with battery, oil etc – compared to the Kawasaki ZX-10R at 187.2kg, which Ducati says is its lightest Superbike rival) - or 188kg fully wet), a massive 10kg lighter than the 1198, and carried lower down, too. •
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The diecast, hollow, aluminium monocoque chassis of the Panigale doubles as the bike’s airbox and uses the motor as a stressed member
INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JUNE 2012
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TRADEZONE TRADEZONE TRADEZONE TRADEZONE TRADEZONE
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INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JUNE 2012
TRADEZONE TRADEZONE TRADEZONE TRADEZONE TRADEZONE
Distributors of TECMATE retail chargers AUSTRALIA - A1 ACCESSORY IMPORTS T. (61) 7 3806 1800 sales@a1accessory.com.au AUSTRIA -SCHUMOTO KG T. (43)(732)757080 office@schumoto.at BELGIUM - BIKE DESIGN BVBA T. (052) 453361 info@bike-design.be CROATIA - PICCILO RACING D.O.O. T. (385)(21)325677 piccilo-racing@st.t-com.hr CYPRUS - J.L. MOTORACE LTD (MOTORCYCLE) T. (357)(22)752234 motorace@cytanet.com.cy CZECH REP. - MAREK BRANDT T. (420)606 460 579 brandt@techbase-cz.cz DENMARK - CARL ANDERSEN MOTORCYKLER T. (45)(86) 946177 hjn@ca-mc.dk
Dealers only!
ESTONIA - OÜ HELADORA LLC T. (372) 5285672 rain@motopood.ee FINLAND - OY BRANDT A/B T. (358)(9)895501 ulf.bjorklund@brandt.fi FRANCE - MORACO SAS T. (33)(3)85 51 45 30 info@moraco.fr GERMANY - ECON WERKST.-AUSRÜSTUNGS T. (49)(2689) 928747 info@econ-wa.de GERMANY - HERMANN HARTJE GMBH T. (49)(42) 51 811 273 info@hartje.de GERMANY - HS-MOTORRADTEILE GMBH T. (49)(621) 105 200 info@hs-motoparts.de GERMANY - NIEMANN+FREY GMBH T. (49)(2151)55 54 20 zentrale@niemann-frey.de GERMANY - PAASCHBURG & WUNDERLICH T. (49)(40)248 277 0 info@pwonline.de GERMANY - SCHÜLLER MOTORRADTEILE T. (49)(6245)994 79 10 info@enuma.de GREAT BRITAIN - PROBIKE SHADOWFAX T. (44)(1604)660555 sales@probike.co.uk GREAT BRITAIN - MOTOHAUS POWERSPORTS T. (44)(1256)704909 sales@motohaus.com
IDN Translation Service Industry-experienced German or Italian to English marketing material translation service available from the IDN office in the UK.
Website copy, catalogues, brochures, flyers, press releases.
GREECE - TECNOPNEUMATIC A.E T. (30)(210)34 67 000 avieris@tecnopneumatic.gr
IDN's multi-lingual staff offer translations, English language re-writes and proof reading for motorcycle industry businesses, who want to improve their international marketing material
HOLLAND - HOCOPARTS B.V. T. (31)(342) 412290 info@hocoparts.com
• International press release service also available •
HUNGARY - DOVER KFT T. (36)(1)2392202 csaba@doverkft.hu
The European ‘Headquarters’ Expo for the International motorcycle parts, accessory, performance, workshop, service and tuning industry
IN 2013
Contact Sonja Wallace sonja@dealer-world.com
ICELAND - BILANAUST NITRO N1 T. (354)-535-9000 agust@n1.is IRELAND INTERCONTINENTAL DISTRIBUTORS LIMITED T. (353)(1)8344 289 andy@idl-dublin.ie
JAPAN - OKADA CORPORATION T. (81)(3)5473-0371 k.iwabuchi@okada-corp.com KUWAIT -TRISTAR MOTORCYCLES T. (965)2405194 shams@tristarkw.com LATVIA - MOTOSPORTS LTD T. (371)-7802351 lauris.ermanis@motosports.lv LIECHSTENSTEIN - RÄTIKONBATTERIEN AG T. (423) 3738010 mgraf@raetikonbatterien.li MOROCCO - SHENO T. (212) (0)5 22 35 97 16 larichimed@sheno.ma NEW ZEALAND - NORTHERN ACCESSORIES T. (64)(9)276-6453 steven@northacc.co.nz NORWAY - SPARE PARTS SERVICE AS T. (47)(64)837500 jang@sps.no PHILIPPINES - STRONGHAND INC. T. (632) 373-2311 open@stronghandinc.com POLAND - OLEK MOTOCYKLE T. (48) (33) 810 19 05 import@olekmotocykle.pl PORTUGAL - JMP EQUIPAMENTOS T. (351)(232)961841 geral@jmpequipamentos.com RUSSIA - EXLAND LTD T. (7)(812)380-3072 exlandyura@mail.ru SERBIA - MOTO-BIKE T. (99)(381)641289979 motobike@ptt.rs SINGAPORE - DWA LUBRICANTS PTE LTD T. (65) 6515-6282 dwa@pacific.net.sg SLOVAKIA - MICRONIX S.R.O. T. (421)(48) 4123779 info@micronix.eu CENTRAL & SOUTH AFRICA, OCEANIA TECMATE SOUTH AFRICA T. (27)(21)5316087 tecmate@netactive.co.za SPAIN - HESPERIA S.A. T. (34)(91)5088830 fsoria@hesperiainternacional.com
www.barnettclutches.com USA Parts Unlimited (608) 758-1111 Hap Jones (408) 432-1918 TEC Dist. (800) 356-0043 Newcomb Southeast (803) 732-5135 M.A.P. Ent. (727) 381-1151 KK Motorcycle Supply (800) 543-9638 Suncoast Cycle Ent. (727) 725-3664
Canada Parts Canada (403) 250-6611 Motovan Motorsport (450) 449-3903 Kimpex Action (519) 659-0508
Germany Grossewaechter 0049 (0)5225859256
SWEDEN - MOTOSPEED AB T. (46)(21)351925 klarkner@motospeed.se
UK
SWITZERLAND - TECHNOPOLYMER AG T. (41)(91) 683-0333 robert.maier@technopolymer.ch
P.D.Q. Motorcycle 0044 1628667644
SWITZERLAND - HOSTETTLER AG T. (41)(41) 926-6111 claudia.shumacher@hostettler.com TAIWAN - PROMO-TEC INTERNATIONAL T. (886)(2)2562-7770 pro.motec@msa.hinet.net TURKEY - VELOMOTO T. (90)(212)6061707 info@velomoto.com.tr UAE - TRISTAR MOTORCYCLES DUBAI T. (971) 4-3330659 floyd@tristaruae.com USA, CANADA, CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA TECMATE NORTH AMERICA T. 905 337 2095 sales@tecmate.com TecMate (International) SA BELGIUM
Australia Serco 07 38232833
Netherlands Motorcycle Storehouse BV 0031 (0)50 303 9771 MotoPro Sport 0031 (0)599 633 000
Japan Wellington Moto
www.tecmate-int.com
France
TEL: 0032 (0)16 805440 FAX: 0032 (0)16 805441
Bihr Racing 0033 389673639
www.dealer-world.com
ITALY - SOCIETÀ GENERALE RICAMBI T. (39)(051)722557 DelucaR@sgr-it.com
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ADVERTISING IN IDN VISIT...
ISRAEL - A.E. MOTORCYCLE T. (972)(50)271923 ae_motor@netvision.net.il
-101112-5-2013 - BIGBIKEEUROPE
Featuring ...
The first annual International Motorcycle Industry Conference
The first annual International Motorcycle Industry Awards
The European Championship of Custom Bike Building
Friday 10th - Industry Day Saturday 11th - Public Day Sunday 12th - Public Day
INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JUNE 2012
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ISSUE INDEX THIS MONTH’S EDITORIAL Akrapovic (SI) 2012 fitments ....................................................................................28 Arai Helmet (NL) Third limited edition TT Series helmet ............................................39 Arrow Special Parts (IT) 2012 Honda exhaust fitments..............................................27 This INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS INDEX is a complete listing of all the items in this edition. It includes all our advertisers and the product, feature and news items published this month. The INDEX will act as a quick reference guide, and will be useful when searching this and other editions either for contact details for a particular company, or for a specific item that has appeared. The INDEX appears in every edition of IDN.
Bajaj Auto (IN) Bajaj Auto increases its KTM stake ..................................................1,6 BMW Motorrad (DE) Cathcart Report..................................................................15-16 Davida UK (GB) D4Vi9A leather touring glove ..........................................................32 Domino (IT) Two-colour off-road grips ......................................................................23
THIS MONTH’S ADVERTISERS
Ducati Motorcycles (IT) World Ducati Week ..............................................................10 Ducati Motorcycles (IT) Cathcart Report - News ..................................................16,17
ABM (DE) Parts & accessories ..................................................................................48 ATAL (CZ) DIAG4BIKE diagnostic tool ......................................................................12 Barnett Performance Products (US) Clutch kits, distributor network........................6,45 Big Bike Europe (DE) 2013 show information ..........................................................30 Calzaturificio Antis (IT) Stylmartin boots ..................................................................39 Carat (IT) Wheels, sprockets and chains ....................................................................24 Cellular Italia (IT) Interphone F5, Conference multi-user system ................................38 DID Europe (IT) New kart racing chain......................................................................22 DNA Filters (GR) Air filters ........................................................................................21 DP Brakes & Clutches (US) Brakes & clutches............................................................24 Fehling (DE) Parts & accessories ..............................................................................44 Free Spirits (IT) New EFI controller for Triumph..........................................................28 GIVI Unipersonale (IT) Luggage................................................................................34 Grossewaechter Racing Parts (DE) CP Pistons ..........................................................45 GSG-Mototechnik (DE) Parts & accessories ..............................................................44 Ilmberger Carbon Parts (DE) Carbonparts & exhausts ..............................................10 Kappa (IT) K47 Manta top case................................................................................33 Kibblewhite (US) Valvetrain components, distributor network....................................44 Koelnmesse (DE) INTERMOT Cologne 2012................................................................5 Küryakyn (US) Parts & accessories ......................................................................18-19 MAG Europe (GB) Progressive Suspension 970 series shocks ......................................9 Motoplastic (ES) Puig Hi-Tech products ......................................................................8 National Cycle (US) Windshields and accessories ......................................................27 Premier Helmets (IT) Jet Touring 4 Allroad helmet ....................................................35 Rick’s Motorsport Electrics (US) Starters, chargers & ignitions....................................46 SBS (Scandinavian Brake Systems (DK) SBS brake pads ..............................................2 SDE Motorsport (IT) Forma racing boots ..................................................................37 SENA Technologies (US) Motorcycle Bluetooth headset & intercom ..........................29 Sito Gruppo Industriale (IT) Leovince exhausts & Carbon fiber parts ............................7 Spectro Oils of America (US) Premium-quality lubricants ..........................................26 Stylmartin (IT) See Calzaturificio Antis ......................................................................39 Surflex (IT) Clutch disc kit for Kawasaki KLR 650 ........................................................4 TecMate (BE) Optimate range, distributor network ..............................................23,45 Vrooam Powersports Lubricants International (NL) Lubricants ..................................25 Wunderlich (DE) BMW motorcycle accessories..........................................................11
Ducati Motorcycles (IT) Cathcart Report - Ducati Panigale road test ....................40-43 EVS Sports (US) F1 roost guard ................................................................................34 FEMA (BE) New barrier design concept ......................................................................7 Furygan (FR) Emma ladies jacket ..............................................................................36 Gaerne (IT) G-Ride, G-Florence and G-Valencia boots ..............................................31 Germas (DE) Livorno touring jacket ..........................................................................34 Hostettler (CH) IXS HX 396 Hze and HX 87 Cafe Rider helmets ................................33 Industrias Galfer (ES) FK metal hose kits ..................................................................23 Koelnmesse (DE) Upgrade Dealer Lounge at 2012 show ..........................................48 L-Fashion Group (FI) Rukka Airway and Air-Y multi-purpose jacket............................36 Motolux Specialties (NL) Highway Hawk copper parts ..............................................26 MCIA (GB) New quality assurance service for UK motorcycle buyers ........................11 MIC (US) US retail sales up in first quarter................................................................11 NAD (ES) SHAD aluminium motorcases and rear bag................................................26 Oltremoto (IT) Helmo Milano helmets ......................................................................37 Parts Europe (DE) Saddlemen Adventure/dual sports seats........................................22 Piaggio (IT) Cathcart Report - News ..............................................................13,14,17 Piaggio (IT) Asian revenue growth............................................................................48 Premier Helmets (IT) Touring 3 helmet ......................................................................36 Rev’It! Sport International (NL) Stringray MotoGP inspired suit ................................32 Rieju (ES) New Sports scooter model ..........................................................................8 Roof International (FR) Desmo helmet ......................................................................31 Saddlemen (US) Adventure/dual sports seats ............................................................22 Schunk Kohlenstofftechnik (DE) Solid chain lubrication ............................................20 SDE Motorsport (IT) Forma Freccia racing boot ........................................................35 Sinisalo Sport (FI) Energy MX outfit ..........................................................................32 Spyke (IT) Reisgenoot jacket ....................................................................................31 SW-Motech (DE) Triumph Tiger Explorer accessories..................................................20 Touratech (DE) Comfort seats ..................................................................................25 Vectrix Corporation (US) 2012 E-Scooter of the year ................................................10 Zard (IT) Kawasaki ER6 N exhaust............................................................................25
THE RIGHT PRODUCT - THE RIGHT FIT - THE RIGHT PRICE • Starting, Charging and Electronic Ignition components: Specifically, we offer regulator rectifiers, stators, starter motors, starter drives, solenoid switches, ignition coils, CDI boxes, brushes and brush plate kits
• Replacement pieces as well as multi-fit universal style pieces for the obscure models
RICK’S MOTORSPORT ELECTRICS 30 Owens Ct. #2 - Hampstead - NH 03841 USA Tel: (603) 329-9901 - Fax: (603) 329-9904
info@rickselectrics.com www.ricksmotorsportelectrics.com
• Specializing in Asian street bikes, ATVs, & Off Road vehicles • Quality bolt-on/ plug-in OE replacement pieces at a competitive cost
• Highest quality thermal/shock resistant material in construction • 1 year warranty on all products, excluding CDI boxes
CATHCART REPORT
Piaggio’s 40% Asian revenue growth offsets European decline
Words by Alan Cathcart cathcart@dealer-world.com
O underline the wisdom of Roberto Colaninno’s decision to focus on emerging markets, 2011 was an extremely positive year for the Piaggio Group in the Asia Pacific region, which saw strong growth compared to 2010, with 104,800 vehicles shipped (up 75.9% from 2010) and revenues of Euro 187.5 million, a 40.8% increase from the year before. Excluding the exchange-rate effect, revenue growth in this area was 55.1%. Thanks to its Asia Pacific
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operations offsetting the gloomy downturn in Europe, and especially Italy, Piaggio has revealed considerably improved results for its 2011 fiscal (same as calendar) year, reporting a substantially increased net profit of Euro 47.0 million - up 9.8% from 2010 on the back of a 2.1% increase in volume to Euro 1.52 billion. In 2011 the Piaggio Group shipped a total of 653,300 vehicles worldwide (up 4.0% from 628,400 in 2010), including 415,000 powered twowheelers (covering both its various scooters model ranges, and Moto
Guzzi, Aprilia and Derbi motorcycles) and 238,300 three- and four-wheel commercial vehicles. Especially worth noting was the steep ongoing rise in worldwide sales of Vespa scooters to more than 150,000 units shipped in 2011 – against just 50,000 in 2003 – although the other side of the coin was represented by Moto Guzzi, which sold a mere 4,600 motorcycles globally in 2011. Net Piaggio Group debt as of December 31, 2011 was down to Euro 335.9 million euro (from Euro 349.9
million one year earlier), but nevertheless in 2011 Piaggio reported a significant increase in capital expenditure – in particular for the expansion of its industrial operations in emerging markets – to a total of Euro 126.1 million, up by 31.1% from Euro 96.2 million in 2010. Of this, Euro 38.3 million was assigned to product development and R&D, an 8.9% increase over 2010.
INTERMOT upgrades Dealer Lounge with additional business services INTERMOT at Cologne this year (October 3rd - 7th) has announced a series of initiatives, opportunities and facilities designed to cater for the specific dealer and trade visitor, and to enhance the efficiency and business focus of their show experience. The existing dealer lounge is being upgraded to a full scale Business Lounge and Centre, just off the main central indoor Boulevard of Koelnmesse, between halls 4 and 5 (opposite hall 10). In addition to offering dealers and trade visitors from around the world a complete lounge experience (with free refreshments and snack food) facilities will include Internet work spaces and an integral and flexible conference and
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meeting and information area where exhibiting companies and expo partners can invite their dealers and distributors for on-site briefings and discussions on their new product programmes, promotional plans and sales opportunities for the year ahead. Previously exhibitors have struggled to be able to coordinate such activities within the expo centre itself, needing to book and use facilities elsewhere in Cologne, and often outside show hours. Now exhibitors have the opportunity to make the Business Centre an integrated part of the INTERMOT experience for their dealers
INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JUNE 2012
and distributors as a permanent in-show base for the international motorcycle trade. The Business Lounge is being sponsored and promoted to dealers all around Europe by
the leading European trade media, including International Dealer News and AMD Magazine, as an additional benefit and service for dealers and other international trade visitors.