IDN 97 January 2012 by Dealer-World

JAN ‘12 – ISSUE #97

COMMENT: The end game approaches .............Page 3

NEWS ROOM

CATHCART REPORT Page 8-11

Comeback Commando

K&N wins lawsuit against Spectre Performance Page 4

PRODUCTS Show Review

Pages 13-19 Page 20

2011 German industry awards

Page 5

Triumph posts improved 2011 sales and profits Page 48

Page 23

Racing and Passion Industry Profile

Pages 32-35

Page 42

Page 39

Pages 37-43

NEWS ROOM 4-6, 48

Page 37 Page 42

TRADEZONE 44-45

INDEX 46

•

COMMent • COMMent • COMMent • COMMent • COMMent • COMMent •

The endgame approaches EW regulations (COM 2010/542) aimed at improving the safety and environmental performance of powered two-wheelers, three-wheelers and quads, were voted through by the Internal Market Committee (IMCO) of the European Parliament on 5 December. These included measures to make ABS mandatory on PTWs with engines over 50cc (rather than 125cc, as originally proposed by the Commission), starting in 2016. MEPs also voted to introduce simple on–board diagnostics (OBD) for PTWs and extend Euro 3 standards to mopeds from 1 January 2016, with the more stringent Euro 4 and Euro 5 standards for heavy motorbikes from 2016 and Euro 6 limits to be introduced in 2020. The vote on the legislation was subject to more than 100 amendments, and crucially also included the announcement of an impact assessment on the economic costs of the changes to the industry. In an official reply 10 days later, the Commission said it had issues with the changes to its original ABS and the Euro 3 proposals, but the legislation’s Rapporteur, Wim van de Camp, said in a response to questions from motorcycling lobbying group Right to Ride EU that he did not foresee any major problems coming to a final agreement. He said EU bodies were still discussing a more sophisticated second stage of OBD, which could only be introduced after 2020, given the new technology required. On the issue of anti-tampering measures, he said that despite the new rules (on emissions and safety), owners would have the same latitude to modify their motorcycles as before, with national inspection authorities in charge of controlling modifications. This was disputed by Aline Delhaye, General Secretary of European motorcyclists federation FEMA, who said: "This regulation contains many good parts in line with FEMA thinking, such as durability requirements and improved access to repair and maintenance information for the user. But if the current text of article 18 (on anti-tampering) is finally adopted, it will mean that all the usual changes motorcyclists make for riding comfort, fuel efficiency, or simply to suit their riding style, will be illegal or will have to be checked and approved.” She added that FEMA would keep up its lobbying efforts to ensure the final text took motorcyclists’ concerns into account.

ACEM, the European Motorcycle Manufacturers’ Association, for its part welcomed the way IMCO had acknowledged the “unprecedentedly difficult market environment for the motorcycle industry” by taking into consideration more realistic lead time requirements, but said the committee’s attempts at streamlining the calendar did not deliver the rationalisation the industry needed. On the issue of compulsory ABS, ACEM said it “deplored” the IMCO vote outcome. “For light motorcycles and scooters of the 125cc class, which form the core of the EU’s ailing market and provide urban mobility and social cohesion benefits to citizens, as recognised by the IMCO report itself, ACEM regrets that safe advanced alternatives to ABS such as Combined Braking Systems have been scrapped from the proposed safety measures, wiping out years of investment in research and development.” ACEM also complained that the committee’s vote against amendments supporting international harmonisation of durability test procedures created unnecessary duplications of tests and costs both to industry and the consumer, without any measurable environmental benefits. Jacques Compagne, ACEM’s Secretary General, said in a statement: “We welcome IMCO’s decision to carry out an impact assessment on the proposed changes, and look forward to discussing its results with the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission”. IMCO’s desire to see lower PTW accident figures and improved enviromental standards is laudable, but the decision on ABS is flawed and the ramifications of the antitampering rules still unclear. The next steps will be crucial, and figures across the sector need to redouble their efforts to make their opinions heard by MEPs. So-called trilogue meetings between interested parties, and negotiations between the European Parliament and Council, will continue with the support of the Commission in the early part of 2012. The first reading and vote in a European Parliament plenary session is scheduled for 14th March 2012.

The next steps will be crucial...

Al Franck International Editor al@dealer-world.com

CONTENTS NEWS Pages 4-7, 48 US BRIEFS Page 6 CATHCART REPORT Pages 8-11

SHOWZONE Pages 30-34

2011 PRODUCTS Pages 20-28 INDUSTRY EXTRA Pages 32-35

MOTORCYCLE FASHION Pages 37-43 TRADEZONE Page 44-45

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Advertising

sAles ROBIN BRADLEY SONJA WALLACE

INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JANUARY 2012

news ROOM

Why Kevlar/Dyneema is the best

Draggin Drayko jeans

Abrasion test on arm

DRAGGIN JEANS says the multiplicity of materials used in different brands of motorcycle jeans has created confusion in the market about durability and abrasion resistance. In this vital area, the company says, not all are created equal. Popular materials for protective linings include woven and knitted Kevlar. The former is slash resistant and offers good protection when multiple layers are used within bullet proof jackets. However, when used in motorcycle safety, Draggin says, woven Kevlar does not offer the necessary abrasion protection. Knitted Kevlar offers higher abrasion protection, but the quality can vary widely between manufacturers. Draggin Jeans itself uses a combination of Kevlar and Dyneema,

designed specifically to protect riders for a minimum of 4 seconds road abrasion, the minimum time required to gain CE approval, and indeed to date the company’s jeans are the only ones to have reached minimum CE requirements under strict laboratory testing which simulate burst, tear and abrasion resistance. Independent tests conducted at Satra in the UK showed

Draggin jeans lasting 4.4 seconds in the road abrasion test, against 1.9 seconds for the second best, and even less for the other jeans tested.

www.dragginjeans.net

K&N wins lawsuit against Spectre Performance K&N Engineering, the US inventor of cotton gauze highflow air filters, has prevailed in a lawsuit for false advertising and unfair competition against Spectre Performance, an importer of Chinese-made air filters. The judgement, in a California court, awarded K&N $7.3 million in compensation against Spectre. The jury found that Spectre had intentionally made false claims regarding its air filters and air

intake systems, including false claims about the filtration, fuel savings, air flow and horsepower capabilities of its air filters and air intake systems, as well as false claims that certain of its intake systems were approved by the California Air Resource Board (CARB) when they were not. In a statement released following the trial, Steven Rogers, CEO of K&N, stated he was “pleased with the outcome of the trial which should bring a

final end to Spectre’s making false claims designed to influence consumers with misinformation dressed in the guise of tests that were not reliable, were not performed, or were not representative of the actual characteristics of Spectre’s products. It has been a two-year battle to right this wrong and we are fortunate to have the U.S. legal system to fall back on when all else fails.” www.knfilters.com

K&N CEO Steven Rogers

news ROOM

Rev’It! acquires Tryonic Rev’It! Sport International has acquired Italian protection specialist Tryonic, which has a number of patents and cuttingedge designs in its product portfolio. “The acquisition of Tryonic is – after acquiring the Gore-Tex license for apparel and gloves in 2009 – the next big moment for

our company”, said Ivan Vos, Managing Director of Rev’It! “This strategic acquisition is in line with our ambition to become the world’s leading brand in road and off-road safety products. Being able to implement and offer protection of this quality level is another big step as simultaneously,

consumer awareness related to the importance of personal protection is growing, for both track as road use”. Tryonic’s product range and development team will be fully integrated into Rev’It!’s operations in Oss, the Netherlands and New York, USA. Rev’it! Managing Director Ivan Vos says the acquisition will help the company become the world’s leading motorcycle protection company

www.tryonic.com www.revit.eu

Wunderlich takes 2011 B&B German industry award THE 2011 Bike & Business and International Dealer News Industry Awards ceremony took place at the Würzburg convention centre in November 2011. The Industry Awards honour companies in the German motorcycle sector with the best trade orientation

and internationally ambitious business prospects. The focus this year was on BMW customising specialists. The winner was styling parts and tuning company Wunderlich GmbH, based at Sinzig near Remagen, with owner and CEO Erich Wunderlich accepting the prize. Also nominated

2011 Industry Award winners were Hornig, Wunderlich and Wüdo

Erich Wunderlich (right) accepting the award from B&B Editor Stephan Maderner

were WÜDO of Holzwickede and Motorradzubehör Hornig of Cham. Wunderlich’s citation emphasised how the company has kept at the cutting edge of customer relations since its foundation in 1985, to the extent that it is now one of the largest BMW specialist service and parts providers. The company has 42 employees and a catalogue of more than 3,000 parts, with dealers in Berlin, Westphalia, Saarland, Munich, Freiburg and Vienna. The product range is distributed in

22 countries across Europe, and also in key external markets. Its catalogues are available in five languages for download on the highly interactive internet site, it has 2,000 Facebook fans and 275 subscribers on Youtube. Jury members were Robin Bradley, publisher of International Dealer News, Stephan Maderner, Editor in Chief of Bike & Business, Ragnar Lang, Project Manager at Bike & Business, and Vogel Business Media Key Account Managers Benedict Seubert and Elke Guenter.

NEws ROOM

INTERMOT 2012 N REPORT AMERICA

HARLEY-DAVIDSON has said it will cease operations at New Castalloy, its Australian cast motorcycle wheel and wheel hub subsidiary, and source those components through other existing suppliers. OFF-ROAD bike maker US Highland has announced it will build a new engineering and production facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma. OHIO-BASED exhaust specialist SuperTrapp Industries has acquired the assets of Fluidyne Powersports, a Californian manufacturer of radiators, oil coolers and accessories for the off-road and ATV markets. US helmet and riding gear manufacturer Vega has announced that it is now distributing the Belgiumbased Richa apparel brand in the USA. VIPER Motorcycle Company has signed an agreement with AMV Motorcycles of the United Kingdom for the exclusive distributorship of its motorcycle range in Europe.

THE biennial INTERMOT international motorcycle show will take place again in 2012 from October 3 to 7 at the Kölnmesse conference centre in Cologne, Germany. The organisers say motorcycles, scooters and bicycles will be merged into a unique mega-event featuring both a business platform and a fully action-packed programme. The key players of the world of

motorised two-wheelers have already confirmed their participation, including all the major motorcycle OEMs, who will be launching a number of new models. In 2010, the show recorded 1,106 exhibitors from 40 countries and around 195,000 visitors from 110 countries. www.intermot-cologne.com

Polaris buys into Brammo POLARIS Industries has taken a minority stake in Oregon-based electric motorcycle manufacturer Brammo. The investment by the powersports company has finalised a $28 million Series B round of funding for Brammo that also included contributions from repeat investor Alpine Energy and NorthPort Investments. Polaris says it will benefit from the partnership by obtaining access to Brammo’s proprietary electric vehicle powertrain technology, as well as exposure to the rapidly growing electric motorcycle market. Polaris also recently made another move into the e-vehicle market by acquiring Global Electric Motorcars (GEM). “We are excited to advance our electric vehicle capability by establishing Polaris as a business partner and part owner of Brammo, one of the most innovative and

Motorcycle Expo 2012 THE UK Motorcycle Trade Expo will take place at Birmingham NEC from 22 to 24 January 2012. The 2011 event recorded a total of 4,371 visitors, and the organisers are trying to top this figure in 2012. Special features in 2012 will include an Electric Expo section, Motorcycle Industry Association lounge and as in previous years a Knowledge Shop, giving impartial business advice and information.

www.motorcycle-expo.com

Polaris CEO Scott Wine

aggressive companies I have found in the electric motorcycle space”, said Scott Wine, Polaris CEO. “Our companies share a passion for performance, and I look forward to exploiting the numerous opportunities created by pairing Brammo’s industryleading electric powertrain technology with Polaris’s vast array of marketleading powersports products. This is a small but important investment for Polaris in an electric vehicle market that we feel is poised for significant growth.” Brammo, which currently makes four models — the Enertia, Empulse,

Craig Bramscher, founder of Brammo

Engage and Encite — says it plans to use the new partnership to help expand its product line to include highperformance sport motorcycles capable of more than 100 miles on a single charge, as well as a full line of entry- to high-performance dirt and dual-sport motorcycles.

www.polarisindustries.com www.brammo.com

Wo rd s 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 P h o t o g ra p h y : Ky o i c h i N a k a m u ra

Comeback Commando FTER some wellpublicised hiccups, Norton’s comeback seems to be gathering pace again. Stuart Garner, the Derbybased businessman who in 2008 purchased the UK’s most historic sporting motorcycle brand from its American then-owners, has finally sourced bridging finance to underwrite production of the acclaimed Commando 961. This commenced initially in April 2010 at Norton’s Donington Park plant, but problems with the quantity and quality of the ohv air/oil cooled parallel-twin engines furnished by Norton’s sub-contractor Menard/MCT, meant production ground to a halt after fewer that 100 bikes were built. Garner determined to resolve these issues by bringing engine manufacture in-house, but that took time in setting up, not helped by the fact that, like many other UK businessmen with a full order book, he’d been unable to secure any bridging finance whatsoever from a banking community seemingly more intent on re-establishing its bonus culture, than underwriting vital growth in the UK economy. This in spite of the fact that RBS, Britain’s second largest

bank, is now 83% owned by the UK taxpayer, after it was rescued from insolvency in 2008 via a government bail-out…. The situation at Norton now appears to have been righted, after a visit to the company’s Donington HQ in August by UK Business Minister Vince Cable, as part of a campaign to publicise a new government scheme aimed at promoting growth through exports. “Trade and investment are essential to driving our economy, and encouraging small businesses to export is at the heart of that,” he said in a televised interview at the Norton factory. “This iconic company, whose brand once inspired a generation of motorcycle enthusiasts, is a prime example of British business innovation. I hope that many more companies are inspired by what Norton is going to achieve through this funding.” So what’s it all mean in terms of Norton’s future prospects? Only one way to find out, and that’s to ask Stuart Garner himself, which I did recently. AC: Stuart, first of all, the story so far. How many motorcycles has Norton delivered up to date? SG: We’re not giving a precise

Norton Motorcycles owner Stuart Garner

INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JANUARY 2012

number, but though we’ve done the first few hundred, it’s less than 500 so far. AC: Why haven’t you been able to build more than that, given the fact that you’ve now been in production for two years, and have many unfulfilled orders? SG: I would ask you the question instead of how have we got into production so quickly?! We’ve taken a lot of stick for slow delivery, but in essence we got to market very fast, having got our supply chain well primed. However, we had all the well documented problems with our former engine suppliers MCT, and they’ve had a long term knock-on. We got to grips with our engine issue by taking it inhouse, and building our own first engines at the end of last year - but we had a six-month delay getting started doing that, and the lack of these stopped everything else dead in the water as far as all the other 160 odd companies in the Norton supply chain were concerned. We had to ask them all to stop making deliveries while we’d suspended production because of the engine problem. But then, having re-started production at the beginning of the year, we had to try to give our suppliers the confidence in Norton to start supplying us again. It took quite a few months to get good quantities of stock built up again, and we’ve had some problems buildplanning for components that we don’t have, while organising deliveries of them. Pretty well up until the last few weeks, we’ve been in a position of recovery, but now everything is sorted, and we’re back in full production again. AC: How many bikes does that mean you’re going to be building weekly? SG: Tens for the next few weeks, and then in October/November, that steps up to 15-20 weekly. But I'm not

going to be drawn into precise numbers, and then slip on my own selfthrown banana skin again - that’s our own internal plan, what we’re aiming to do, and what we’re priming suppliers to do. We plan to build 1,000 bikes in the next twelve months, and by the end of this year to have caught up with all of our back orders. AC: How many back orders have you got under deposit at the moment? SG: Hundreds. AC: You now have Euro 3 compliance for the Commando 961. What have you changed on the bike to achieve that? SG: We’ve fitted two lambda sensors delivering an entirely new fuel calibration process. This also dictated a new ECU, a new wiring harness, a new exhaust with two new larger catalytic converters, new fuel injectors, and new throttle bodies, but with the same diameter as previously. In achieving Euro 3 compliance, we haven’t lost any significant power or torque, because as we’ve re-mapped the engine and spent more time with it, we’ve better understood the optimum fuelling strategy. So we lost on the swings and gained on the roundabouts - the homologated performance is still 80bhp, which is what we had before. AC: If Norton now has Euro 3 compliance, now that you're in a position to start building up production, how many more British orders do you have to satisfy before you can start looking at Europe, and the USA? SG: There are only a few dozen back orders for the UK. We’ll have those sorted in the next few weeks – we’ll have bikes or, if they prefer, full refunds on their paid deposits, for all those people by the New Year. As the build plan gets under control, we’ll then start to look at overseas orders,

CATHCART REPORT starting to move on our Euro 3 markets like France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Holland and Spain first, then the USA. AC: When can people from those countries expect to start receiving bikes? SG: We’ll get to a few of the countries this year, but certainly by early in 2012 we’ll be in every one. AC: You're in the happy position of having a product that people want to buy, and yet it seems that another reason you’ve been slow to delivery is finance. SG: We’ve been looking for the past two years to get the needed financial package for Norton to drive the business forward on a long-term basis. We’ve had 11 different banks involved in discussions in the past 24 months about loaning money to the firm to underwrite its growth, but like many other small to medium entrepreneurs in the same position, we’ve failed to get any financial backing at all from the UK banking sector – I’ve had to

for export led businesses. We’d already begun discussions with Santander on the 7th January, 2010 about a business loan, and originally they were unable to help us. But we got a call from them the day after the UK government’s Business Secretary, Vince Cable, visited Norton in August this year, saw what we’re doing, and unlocked some doors for us. He’s tailored a package for manufacturing industry to give the banks the confidence to support companies like Norton that are job and export creative and in the government’s eyes can help the recovery, and made sure that Norton’s was the first such export facility to be underwritten. The Minister was very interested in our staff and our apprenticeship scheme, our export markets, and how we can get the brand generally waving the flag for Britain around the world. AC: How much is this worth to Norton? SG: It’s worth £625,000 up front almost immediately, but it’s a rotating facility, so on an annual basis it’s worth

Norton aims to build 1,000 Commandos in the next 12 months

bankroll the entire startup of the business out of my own pocket, until now. It still appears to be the case that the banks are so heavily laden with property debt, that they’re still more concerned about rebuilding their capital base than supporting startup trading and manufacturing businesses like ours. However, we’ve finally just been granted a loan by Banco Santander, which has been underwritten by the British government’s new Exports Enterprise Finance Guarantee/ExEFG scheme, which is a funding stream put together

£7.5 million sterling in terms of cash flow to the business. We will be using it to underwrite the purchase of parts so we can manufacture more motorcycles for export overseas, but of course the profits from these will underpin the build plan for British customers’ bikes, so it’s a win-win situation all round. AC: To do this, you’ll surely need to increase your workforce to produce the 1000 bikes that you're targeting per year? I guess that creating more jobs in manufacturing is a key element

in the government’s strategy in creating this scheme…. SG: Exactly so. We’re mid-30s here at the moment, but we’re looking at almost doubling that to around 60 people. The business grows exactly relative to supply in the production side, so as we hand-build motorcycles and hand-build engines, the more volume we produce - it’s a direction correlation of production to people. At the moment we have two guys who hand-assemble a given motorcycle on a single ramp, taking the bike from the bare chassis right to completing the finished product, putting the key in the ignition, and firing it up. One 8-hour shift for two guys means one motorcycle made from start to finish. So to double production, we either need to grow shifts, or grow people, and we’re permanently recruiting production staff now, so that as the volume steps up, those boys are already there. AC: How big is the existing Norton factory here at Donington? SG: We’re at about 8,000 sq. ft. right now, and we can double production numbers within the existing facility. But we’ve just agreed an expansion plan with the owners of Donington which will allow us to create the structure needed to house our next five years of growth. An entire new factory has been designed, drawn up and submitted for planning permission. The first space to go up will be another 8,000 sq. ft. so it will double our physical size. After that, we’ll grow another 8,000 sq. ft. more or less every second or third year – but

the first such addition will be constructed by the end of this year. We’re starting work on it right away. AC: Pierre Terblanche worked here at Norton for six months, but has now left. Why did he do so? SG: In essence, I think Pierre was probably ready to go his own route, and do more independent work in his own time, and in his own space. Having said that, Pierre left us an excellent legacy in the form of several exciting variants of the Commando platform. He’s told me he’ll be happy to pick up some of the design work he’s done, and see it through to completion and to prototype stage, and I promise you that you’ll see some of his sketches and designs coming to life on two wheels in the future – exciting stuff like a flattracker, a scrambler, a Dominator variant that’s a bit of an off-the-wall cruiser that sort of grows on you – stuff like that. Who’d have thought a few years ago that the Diavel would’ve seen the light of day? Well, the Dominator could be the Norton equivalent! AC: So is the Dominator a kind of musclebike? SG: Yes, but it’s just one of four or five good ideas around the Commando platform that we’re playing around with at the moment to see if we’ll go with one of them - but we do feel that there are more legs to the platform than just the existing 961 start-up model. AC: How long do you see the shelf life of the Commando 961 platform as being? SG: Absolutely indefinite. It’s not an >>>

Norton Motorcycles plant at Donington Park in Central England

INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JANUARY 2012

CATHCART REPORT

Norton Commando 961 model range <<<

engine that’s going to be outdated by the next model or iteration that comes along. Its styling is fairly classical, so by giving it a facelift every few years, it’ll surely run for a long period of time. It’s a good looking platform, with what’s turning out to be a very solid engine, and I think we’ve already got what may emerge as the core of the Norton business going forwards. AC: OK, but you’ve spoken previously on the record about creating a modern Norton motorcycle – one with more than two cylinders. Is that still your intention, or have you put that on the back-burner until you’ve ramped up production of the present neo-classic platform to significant numbers? SG: We will indeed be developing a modern Norton, but equally we’ve all been surprised by the success of the Commando. We’ve had unsolicited inquiries for distributors and dealers in just over 50 countries around the world. There's a huge awareness of the bike globally, so at first glance you’d

ask - why bother with a modern bike? The problem is that our dealer network can’t be expected to operate with just a one-bike platform with a couple of different variants. It’s difficult to give the dealer volume in bikes, and financially speaking, for him to give up his floor space to take a Norton dealership on, unless we’ve got two or three more models/platforms, and we can offer him some more volume. AC: So given that you’ve been looking at it for a year or so, what kind of modern liquid-cooled, multi-cylinder motorcycle are you going to build? SG: We’ve narrowed it down now to two engine platforms - and it won’t be a six-cylinder! AC: So it’ll be either a V4 or what - a twin? SG: It’s almost that the engine platform isn’t important, and this is why we’re happy that the Commando is doing so well, as it gives us more time to look at the marketplace to pick the platform that will provide the best basis for a new range of models. The

Garner now says the company’s teething troubles have now been sorted out and with finance in place, production will ramp up progressively over the next three years

INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JANUARY 2012

motorcycle market has changed hugely in the last 24-36 months, and the time we’ve had over the past 12 months has been time well spent looking at the changing market. AC: Rather than being in it. SG: Rather than being in it with the wrong model. What we’re looking at is - which engine platform will give us the best flexibility through different variants to adapt to the changing marketplace we certainly have now? AC: Have you given yourself a deadline for when this new generation of Nortons reaches the marketplace? SG: No, we’ve learned that deadlines don’t work! AC: What about your MotoGP project? Is that still going ahead? SG: We’re continuing to push on in just a small way, just to develop a racing platform, full stop. But the underlying objective of that spending on development costs is the Isle of Man TT, without which we probably wouldn’t be developing a race bike in the first place. The TT makes the whole thing viable - we have sponsors for that, and we actually generate income from the TT, so we’re happy to invest in a motorcycle that has positive cashflow for the company. AC: So Norton has a sponsor to support its Isle of Man TT race programme? Is that only for the TT, or is it for any other road races? SG: Yes, in depth – and the sponsorship would roll over to the other, mainly Irish, road races. AC: Does this mean that your idea of going into MotoGP next year when the 1000cc rule comes in, has been cancelled? SG: No, we continue to leave the door open to that, but the only thing against us is the clock ticking. We won’t go MotoGP racing unless it’s fully sponsored, and we’ve said that from day one. We want to do it, but

until we can get a sponsor to cover the cash cost to the company, there's no way that I'm going to gamble the Norton brand, the factory, and the jobs of its workers, on racing. We’re talking to several sponsors of the multinational size to take MotoGP on, but until a company has signed up and committed, we won’t be giving the project the green light. AC: And your TT sponsor isn’t interested in doing Moto GP? SG: No. AC: But is it true that Norton’s working on a V4 racebike? SG: Yes, it is – we’ve been doing most of it in-house. We’ve got several good partners including Primo for the engine, FTR for the chassis, K-Tech suspension and Austin exhausts. Our plan is to test the prototype this year at some point, with Chris Walker riding, and to intensify development in the New Year, ready to compete in the Senior TT in the Isle of Man next June. AC: 1992 was the last time that Norton won the Senior TT, courtesy of the late Steve Hislop on the ABUS Rotary. Will Norton be looking at commemorating the 20th anniversary by trying to win the 2012 Senior TT? SG: We’re fully committed to be there. I will tell you come April next year how competitive the bike is. AC: Norton was originally going to compete in the Senior TT with an all-new 700cc Rotary. What happened to that? SG: We’ve got the engine built all complete, but we’ve never spun it up. There are one or two technical issues to it that need to be sorted. We’ve got a good handle on doing that, but in essence I've put the brakes on that project, given the size of the Commando order book, and the delays with deliveries. This is a serious business, and we must be committed to getting that sorted first. AC: Do you now feel that Norton is now on the right road? SG: I think you'll see over the next several months that the company will grow significantly, and you'll see signs of that out in the marketplace. With the funding now in place, we’re able to move quite quickly on volumes. Now that we have a vote of confidence from a respected bank, as well as the UK government, that’s brought a whole load of interest to Norton in the past few weeks. We’re looking to capitalise on that interest in the brand, and raise more money to complement the trading facility that we now have, so you’ll potentially see some announcements going forward where we’re doing further fundraising to strengthen and grow the business more. •

CATHCART REPORT

Ducati inaugurates new plant in Thailand UNDER the direction of Mirko Bordiga, CEO of its Asian division, Ducati has completed construction of a new factory at Amata City, located just inland from the Pattaya Beach resort, 120km south of Bangkok. Amata rejoices in the nickname of ‘The Detroit of the East’, thanks to the many automotive suppliers and manufacturing facilities located there, with a deep-water port close at hand - BMW builds all its 7-series cars sold in Asian markets at Amata. Ducati’s new plant will be fully operational by the end of this year, and will initially employ 100 people, set to rise as production increases of CKD kits fully manufactured in Bologna, up to the eventual ceiling in its present form of 10,000 motorcycles per year. The first model to be assembled in Thailand is the Monster 795 two-

valve air-cooled desmodue – Ducati’s equivalent of the Triumph Bonneville, which was launched for sale in Asian markets as a Thai-assembled product on October 20 in Kuala Lumpur, on the eve of the Malaysian GP, by none other than Valentino Rossi, with the comparable Hypermotard 796 likely to follow next. That’s provided that the worst floods which Thailand has suffered from since WW2 abate soon, after three months of exceptionally heavy rain, affecting 26 of the country’s 77 provinces, shut 10,000 factories and left 377 people dead as of the end of October. This has not yet affected Ducati’s plans for the start of production in the next two months, since the new factory is located south of Bangkok, and the floods are mainly to the north.

Valentino Rossi, Ducati managers and Malaysian Tourism Minister Sri Ng Yen Yen at the launch of the Thai-built Monster 795

As Triumph has already found, establishing a Thai operation will allow Ducati to be competitive pricewise in Asian markets Thailand has free trade agreements with countries throughout the region. However, unlike Triumph, Ducati insists it has no plans to commence ground-up manufacture of any model in Thailand for sale worldwide, an issue of key interest to the powerful unions

representing its 950-strong Bologna workforce. Ducati’s owners, headed by the Bonomi family, need to keep these onside because of the proposed move of its entire Bologna operations from its existing 115,000 sq.m. factory in the suburb of Borgo Panigale, to an all-new ultramodern purpose-built plant on a 134,600 sq.m. site less than a kilometre away currently being constructed. •

Rash of Italian company closures ITALY’S world-class motorcycle industry is suffering as never before, with the current economic crisis decimating the ranks of manufacturers and key suppliers, many of them respected names outside Italy, with the expected loss of up to 6,000 jobs in the industry’s Emilia Romagna heartland around Bologna. Respected frame-maker Verlicchi, founded in 1934 and supplier to Benelli, Bimota, Husqvarna, Moto Morini, Harley-Davidson, BMW, Norton, Triumph, Laverda, Moto Guzzi, Fantic, Aprilia and Beta, and the Italian factories of Yamaha and Honda, stopped production last April. Its factory in Zola Pedrosa, on the outskirts of Bologna, has become famous worldwide as the source of the tubular steel frames manufactured there for its neighbour Ducati from the first street singles of the 1950s, through all the various World Champion desmo V-twin Superbikes,

and the currently controversial carbon fibre monocoque chassis in 2009. Verlicchi’s annual turnover peaked at E60 million in the early years of the last decade, but this fell to just E14 million in 2010. With debts rumoured to amount to more than E15 million, and the 178-strong workforce unpaid since December 2010, Alessandro Verlicchi, 50, the grandson of the founder, closed the factory last March, and supposedly sold the company, and the plant’s contents, for the princely sum of one Euro, to another company in a murky deal. When this became known, Verlicchi’s workers occupied the Bologna factory on March 25 to prevent it being cleared out, and to stop the valuable machine tools being shipped away together with their jobs. This standoff lasted for several months while tax prosecutor Antonello Gustapane, having seized Verlicchi company shares and all assets, mounted an investigation, which has now resulted in Alessandro Verlicchi

Workers occupying NV Verlicchi’s Zola Pedrosa factory

and five others being charged with fraud in relation to the bankruptcy. Their trial is set for next year, but meantime production has restarted under the supervision of liquidator Fausto Maroncelli, with 150 workers continuing to be employed under the Italian state’s cassa integrazione system, and Ducati and BMW-owned Husqvarna heading the roster of customers to whom deliveries are being made – the new Husqvarna Nuda 900 uses a Verlicchi-made tubular spaceframe. November 14 saw the publication of Verlicchi’s corporate balance sheet, anda sealed bid auction was to be held in early December, with likely bids thought to be around the E2 million level. A more orderly, decisive, but no less negative outcome has seen the closure on October 31 of Malaguti, Italy’s second largest scooter manufacturer, as well as the oldest, having been founded in 1930 by Antonio Malaguti. His grandchildren Antonino Malaguti is now President, and younger brother Marco its CEO. The global economic downturn of 2008 has combined with the ever lower prices via which Asian manufacturers have undercut Malaguti in its key home market, to force the business to close its doors. In an attempt to combat this, Malaguti signed a deal with Chinese manufacturer CFMoto for the supply of engines. However, production has steadily declined from the 50,000-plus

annual volume of a decade ago to fewer than 15,000 in 2010. Prolonged negotiations with the Mumbai-based Mahindra Group, an automotive and agricultural machinery manufacturer, came to nothing and production ceased on April 15, 2011, with final closure of the Castel San Pietro Terme factory on October 31. Some 17 of the 180 workforce have been retained indefinitely to continue supplying spare parts, and the company is being closed down with all its debts paid up, and each employee receiving a payment of E30,000. Another Bologna component supplier to close its doors has been Paioli, founded in 1911, although Indian suspension manufacturer Airtech is reportedly interested in acquiring the trademark, as well as the rights and the tooling to the current range of Paioli forks and shocks. Production of these would resume in India if a deal is done, and Airtech would reportedly re-hire 11 of Paioli’s current 55-strong workforce to maintain an R&D operation in Italy, developing new products for the Indian market. Bologna-based Galvanotecnica CNC, which specialises in the galvanised treatment of fork tubes and other components, has also just entered liquidation, but is poised to be acquired by Swedish suspension group Öhlins with 20 out of the original 44strong workforce being retained. •

INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JANUARY 2012

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Written by Al Franck - al@dealer-world.com

HE 69th EICMA International Bike and Motorcycle Show in Milan recorded more than 500,000 visitors over the six days from 8 to 13 November, according to the organisers, Italian motorcycle industry association ANCMA. This is a similar figure to that recorded at the 2010 show, but represents an increase given that previous years have included a bicycle element that was missing this year. For the first time no total figure for trade visitors was given, but the organisers say the number of non-Italian trade visitors increased on last year. There

were more than 6,000 attendees from the media, including journalists, photographers and cameramen. A total of 1,462 brands were represented from 43 countries, up from 1,104 in 2010, and total exhibition space was 58,000 sq.m., against 50,000 sq.m.the previous year. The increase in the number of companies exhibiting is partially due to the fact that the EICMA 2011 show did not overlap with the biennial INTERMOT show in Cologne, which will run again in 2012. The Motolive outdoor event area covered 80,000 sq.m, with a wide range of racing and demo activities.

STYLMARTIN: The company’s extensive boot range has a number of new items for 2012, including the new Megan brown full-size ladies’ fashion/riding boot, four new off-road models (Impact and Viper XR, MX and SC) and black leather versions of its popular Indian and Legend models. www.stylmartin.com

INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JANUARY 2012

Inside the exhibition, the Green Planet section showed an expanded range of electric, hybrid and other alternativepowered vehicles compared to last year, and the EICMA Custom section displayed cutting-edge creations from Italian and European customisers. “I am extremely satisfied with the results, especially in view of the current difficulties in the economic and political arenas” said Corrado Capelli, Chairman of both ANCMA and EICMA. “Manufacturers have provided ample evidence of their determination to react to the crisis and deploy new resources, ideas, projects and bold

initiatives to move forward and impart new vigour to the sector.” This was against a backdrop of a continuing contraction in new registrations on the Italian market, which fell 7.4% over the first 10 months of 2011 compared to the same period of the previous year, with motorcycles down 15% and scooters 4%. The general impression of attendees from IDN was that there was an aura of increased confidence from a majority of aftermarket suppliers at the 2011 show, despite the shadow Continued on page 15 >>>

FURYGAN: The 2012 leathers range, which includes the stylish new Grip jacket and Veloce ladies’ trousers, now uses D3O Xergo shoulder, knee, elbow and hip protection. Other new items this year include the Falcon Evo Vented and Dirt Evo textile jackets and Gene Sympatex Boots. Above: CEO David Segura. www.furygan.com

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PREMIER: To celebrate the 55th year of the foundation of the brand, Premier has introduced the Anniversary open-face range, designed to mix retro style and the latest technology. Also new in Milan was a Troy Bayliss replica version of the company’s top-of-the-range Dragon Evo Titanium full-face, a redesigned Dragon Evo with tricomposite shell and the urban Touring 4 Allroad open-face. www.premier.it

PBR: The Italian transmission and hard parts specialist has new MT3 kits, Supersport crash pads, handlebar weights, chain cutting kit and a 2012 street bike kit with high resilience sprockets and EK chain. The 2012 off-road kit range is available for all popular 2 and 4 stroke off-road motorcycles, with specific versions available for 2012 models. PBR also has new off-road handlebars for KTM models. www.pbr.it

BARRACUDA: Alongside the range of styling kits for European and Japanese street and naked models, the extensive range of universal parts including mirrors and indicators, including the bold Silur, Futura and Quadra models, the company exhibited new paddock stands and fuel tank cups. www.barracudamoto.it

BC BATTERY CONTROLLER: BC K900 is an innovative battery charger, maintainer and reconditioner for all 6/12V batteries with a specific programme to recharge batteries directly through 12V sockets installed on vehicles provided with a CAN-Bus system (like BMW motorcycles). BC chargers cover all 12V batteries (traditional, Gel, MF, AGM, VRLA) from 1.2 to 100 Ah and carry a three year warranty. www.batterycontroller.it

LEATT says its GPX Pro Brace is the most technically advanced brace on the market. Weighing in at 1.4 pounds, the brace has special carbon construction and is available in black/yellow and black/grey. Also new is the Ultimate Adventure jacket, the first to be designed around the Leatt brace, rather than adapted to it. Above, Marketing Manager Lenny Karsmakers on the company’s stand. www.leatt-brace.com

P&W: The German importer of Ixil silencers and Ferodo brakes also offers own-brand Shin Yo batteries and parts, and a wide range of turn signals, brakes, electrical parts, luggage, instruments, license plate supports, head and taillights and many other parts and accessories in other European markets. www.pwonline.de D.I.D says its high performance patented X-Ring for Street Bikes (ZVM-X) has half the power loss compared with normal O-ring chains and reduces friction by twisting between the side plates instead of being squashed. The company also claims up to two times longer wear resistance for the chain, which is part of the company’s extensive range covering all motorcycle disciplines. www.didchain.com

PREXPORT: The 2012 motorcycle boot collection includes a number of new models, including Spicy and Spicy S all uses, GT and Voyager for touring, Spider for road use, Aria and Ego for sport-touring and Air II for urban use, alongside new apparel and protection lines. www.prexport.com

INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JANUARY 2012

NZI: The Spanish helmet specialist is expanding its 3D helmet programme, which uses innovative technology to transfer any image directly onto a helmet shell, without the use of stickers or transfers. The NZI Tech Com communications and entertainment system now comes in basic and full duplex versions, the latter with Bluetooth, intercom between up to 6 other riders and many further features. www.nzi.es

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BRAKING: New products on display at EICMA included new enduro Batfly front and WFLO wave floating rotors, SK2 and Batfly Strada street wave rotors and OKI Batfly 280mm rotors for Yamaha applications. The OKI80 oversize kit includes a Ø240 wave disk and caliper support, and is for KTM motorcycles. www.braking.com

D3O: EICMA saw D3O launch its new Xergo impact protection range. The UK-based protection material specialist says Xergo is the first product to meet the new EN16211:2011 CE standard, due to be introduced in 2012, and will exceed the highest performance level (level 2) of the new standard. Marketing Director Mostyn Thomas (above) says that most of the larger European apparel manufacturers now use D3O in at least part of their ranges. www.d3o.com

CARAT: The Kineo range of spoked wheels continues to expand with 7000 series aluminium forged hub and rim with stainless steel spokes and light alloy nipples now available for a range of BMW, Honda, KTM, Moto Guzzi, Suzuki and Triumph models, Maxi 17 naked and scrambler series available for Aprilia, Benelli, BMW, Ducati, Kawasaki, KTM, Moto Guzzi and Triumph, and Single Swingarm series available for eight Ducati models. www.caratsrl.it

BS-BATTERY: BS-Battery is one of the largest suppliers of powersport batteries and chargers, with a wide range of both targeted at the motorcycle sector. It offers a full range of SLA Factory Activated, MF Maintenance Free, conventional and gel batteries, the latter using a special gel electrolyte developed by the company and introduced in 2011 with high power and performance. Motorcycle chargers include the 6/12V automatic BA10, 12V Smart 5-stage BS20 and 12v Pro-Smart BS40. www.bs-battery.com

CABERG: Other than the innovative Duke flip-up, new 2012 designs from Caberg include the Ego touring full-face, Hyper-X touring flip-up and Riviera jet. Duke and Hyper-X are prepped for the Just Speak wireless communication system, while Ego has the CASC (Caberg Air Safety Concept) total ventilation system, claimed to be the best on the market. www.caberg-helm.com GAERNE: The Italian motorcycle boot specialist has one of the widest ranges on the market and says its new SG-12 MX boot has many innovative features, including the patented Dual Stage Pivot System. The first pivot is attached to the “razorback” providing a rigid component that offers strong lateral support while a glideplate keeps the upper in a firm and upright position. www.gaerne.com

<<< Continued from page 13

of the global economic downturn and uncertainties over the euro and the Italian political situation. Our columnist Alan Cathcart says this upbeat air at EICMA 2011 is reflected in the recent

MAG EUROPE: The group’s brands include Küryakyn, Vance & Hines, Progressive Suspension, Performance Machine, Mustang Seats, Burly Brand, Dragonfire Racing, Renthal and Roland Sands Design, with 35,000 separate parts available from stock at its facility in Manchester, England. www.mageurope.eu

performance of European OEMs. “The sense that a corner has been turned was underlined by the record sales year being enjoyed by European industry leader BMW (on track to produce 103,000 bikes in 2011, the most ever in a single year), Triumph (48,062 built in its financial year just ended, 12.8% up on 2010) and Ducati (42,800 units projected for 2011, 20% up on last year). The fact that all three companies were joined by several other European firms in presenting significant new models at Milan demonstrated not only a growing sense of recovery, but also the fact they’d continued to invest heavily in developing new products throughout the recession – a confidence not shared by some of their Japanese rivals which had previously dominated the marketplace.” Cathcart points out that European OEMs are taking a Continued on page 17 >>>

INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JANUARY 2012

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FORMA: New boots for 2012 include the innovative Velocity in the racing segment, and Cape Horn, Ivory, Latino, Majestic, Nevada, Trace and Valley in the touring segment. The company’s range covers all motorcycle disciplines and all Forma products are designed, tested and produced solely in-house in Italy. www.formaboots.com

BIKE-LIFT: Italian workshop specialist Bike-Lift has entered the dynamometer market with the Dyna 300 SR, a 'road simulator' that has been designed to deliver as much data and information as possible. Export Sales Manager Gianluca Olivieri said: "The test results produced are reliable, accurate and fast, and they allow the user to diagnose faults and state of tune in a clear and user-friendly way. The Dyna 300 SR can be used in combination with exhaust gas analysers, Lambda probes and other instruments. It is controlled by an Eddy Current brake, is air-cooled and maintains its test setting parameters with precision and reliability." www.bikelift.net

OXFORD PRODUCTS: Oxford Essential Rider Equipment, the UK’s leading brand of motorcycle accessories, has an expanding network of dealers in Italy and other European markets, and introduced the XS range of rider backpacks in Milan. Sized from 25 to 35 litres, these feature-rich packs are robust and keenly priced. www.oxprod.com

PROJECT: New for 2012, the Black Racer is a custom helmet available in three shell sizes with XXXS to XXL fitments, and available in a number of striking graphic schemes. Other developments include new dual visor and graphic versions of the Gordon jet, and a retro limited edition Anniversary version. There are new graphics for the Flash range, including a high-visibility fluorescent yellow, compatible with the Supervisor visor, and for the Cafe Racer range new graphics, upholstery in microfibre and leather, and also compatible with Supervisor. www.projectforsafety.it

GIVI/KAPPA: GIVI’s 2012 luggage range includes the new Easy line with an innovative design made from new thermoformed materials matched with 600D PU fabrics and diamond-shaped polyester inserts, and new helmets include the X.03 Crossover, X.09 Modular and 20.5 Jet. Kappa’s Racer range of touring soft bags has been completely redesigned for 2012, and other new products include the KV2 leather and KV6 jet helmets and a polyester rainsuit. Above left: GIVI and Kappa Vice President Hendrika Visenzi. www.givi.it, www.kappamoto.com

INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JANUARY 2012

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CELLULAR ITALIA: The latest evolution of the Interphone F series is the F5, a multi-user system with 3.0 Bluetooth technology offering connectivity between up to six riders, while the new Cam HDInterphone is an ultracompact full HD action camera. Other news was the launch of accessories for smartphones, mobiles and tablets under the MOMODESIGN brand, as well as a complete range of scooter phone and GPS handlebar holders. www.interphone.cellularline.com

DNA FILTERS: Manufactured in its own facility near Athens, DNA offers a lifetime warranty on high performance 100% organic cotton filters. Founded in 2002 by Dino Nikolaidis (centre) and Maria Ralli (left), the company uses hitech, precision CAD-CAM to produce what Dino describes as "revolutionary and unique design solutions such as Full Contour design (FCd) which expands the active filtration area by up to 80%, and the factory glued, high quality EVA foam seals to ensure precise and secure sealing and ease of installation." www.dnafilters.com

ARROW SPECIAL PARTS/GIANNELLI SILENCERS: Head of R&D at the Perugiabased exhaust specialists Raffaele Rosi (left, seen here with Sales Manager Simone Lanzi) told IDN that market reaction to the Arrow Aluminium Revolution Race-Tech, Maxi Race-Tech and Street Thunder exhausts had been very positive. “Along with our new carbon end-caps and our reduced noise Race-Tech and Trophy form MX exhausts, we expect 2012 to be another good year." Arrow's MX exhausts have featured successfully with Steven Frossard (YZ450FM) and Evnegy Bobryschev (CRF45OR) in the MX1 FIM World Championship. Recent new products from Giannelli include the Vintage Line exhausts for classic-look 50, 125 and 150cc scooters. www.arrow.it www.giannelli.com

NATIONAL CYCLE: The company celebrated its seventy-fifth anniversary with new ZTechnik TüVapproved VStream aerodynamic windshields for BMW R1200R and K1600GT models and National Cycle VStreams for Ducati Monsters, Suzuki DL650/1000s and Kawasaki Z1000SXs. Also on display were new wing deflectors and mirror mount sets, and an extensive list of accessories for an ever-widening range of cruisers and street bikes. Above: Sales & Marketing Director Ann Willey. www.nationalcycle.com

NEWFREN: Set up in the late 1950s by Alessandro Barbero, this Italian brake parts and systems specialist has a modern 6,000 sq.m. ISO9002certified plant at Cirie north of Turin and claims the most comprehensive brake range available for the motorcycle sector. Other than its own brake and clutch systems, the company also distributes Ferodo pads, Champion sparkplugs, Regina chains and Beringer brakes in Italy. www.newfren.it <<< Continued from page 15

Booth of the year? AIROH: The company’s reputation for safety and innovation was further enhanced at EICMA with the introduction of safety QR codes (SQRC) on its helmet range. These are printed on the back of the helmet and give a recorded message when read by a smartphone, which can include personal contact and medical information. New 2012 offerings include the Rock Burn trials helmet and the Aviator ultra lightweight helmet, both made from carbon/Kevlar, with the latter featuring a new ventilation system and graphic options including Cairoli Replica Yellow and Monster Energy. www.airoh.com

significantly greater slice of the worldwide plus-500cc bike market, and the new models on display at EICMA 2011 should further that trend, while their Japanese equivalents fight strong exchange rates, and increasingly focus on developing markets in Asia and South America. But even here, he says, the Europeans are on the upswing, with Triumph’s three factories in Thailand now joined by a new Ducati assembly plant there, BMW’s facility in Brazil followed by MV Continued on page 19 >>>

INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JANUARY 2012

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RIZOMA: Highlights on the stand included the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s striking take on the new CR&S Duu muscle bike, the Ducati Diavel, BMW R1200GS, S1000RR and Triumph Speed Triple. The company has also introduced a new line of products, Rizoma Racing Components, bringing together years of racing experience and collaboration with top motorcycle racing teams to create parts designed specifically for track use. www.rizoma.com

XPEED: With production plants in China and South Korea, J-Techâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s helmet brand has a European HQ in Germany and an extensive offering for most motorcycle segments. The 2012 range includes 27 street, 10 off-road, 4 flipup and 3 open face models. www.xpeedhelmet.com

SENA: The SMH10 is a Bluetooth v2.1+EDR Class 1 Stereo Headset with longrange Bluetooth Intercom designed specifically for motorcycles, with handsfree Bluetooth mobile phone, stereo music and GPS functionality, and full duplex intercom communication with a pillion passenger or other riders. www.senabluetooth.com

SURFLEX: The Italian clutch specialist continues to expand applications of its specialist anti-hopping and high-torque clutch kits, while at the same time introducing new high-tech materials. Recent introductions include new aftermarket clutch kits for 2011-12 KTM 250 2T cross and enduro models, and 2012 KTM 350 4T. www.surflexclutches.com

SPYKE: Having overhauled the company logo and corporate image, the Italian apparel specialist showed its new Dynamic 360.0 design and construction philosophy, and gave a preview of its 2012 Racing, Touring and Urban clothing and accessories collection, including the new Blaster II racing suit, which is made from water-repellent 1.2 mm thick cowhide, aramid stretch fibre and ergonomic outside shoulder and knee protectors. www.spyke.it

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DRAGGIN JEANS: The company recently launched Drift for women, a boot cut jean in stretch denim with extensive embroidery detail on the back pocket, having seen the men’s version become its biggest seller worldwide. The company announced at EICMA that Axo Sport was its new distributor in Italy. Above: the Draggin and Axo teams on the Axo stand. www.dragginjeans.net <<< Continued from page 17

Agusta, KTM and soon Triumph, and KTM’s alliance with India’s No.2 manufacturer Bajaj delivering production there of the 125 Duke, an entry-level sales hit in Western markets soon to go on sale as a premium 200cc product in India and other developing markets, where annual sales are measured in the millions rather than

thousands. “The motorcycle world is changing, and Milan 2011 provided the shop window on this ongoing transformation,” he says. The 70th anniversary EICMA show is already being planned, with dates due to be announced shortly.

www.eicma.it

SBS: The company’s high profile stand featured Carlos Checa’s winning Superbike and Ken Roczen’s victorious MX2 bike, reflecting the company’s successful Championship season in 2011, which also included Cairoli’s MX1 victory using SBS 671 RSI and 791 RSI Racing Sinter brake pads. www.sbs.dk

Barnett Ducati dry clutch kit THIS second generation clutch kit for Ducati 6-speed dry clutch models from 2006 to date (916, 998, 999, S2R 1000, etc.) is now all new and improved, according to Barnett. To help eliminate clutch drag on these models, the company has now added a damper spring in place of the troublesome wave plate for smoother engagement and ease in finding neutral.

Another improvement is the addition of a single 0.125inthick steel plate, which is installed first instead of the usual two thin steel plates, for added strength and more consistent performance. Installation instructions are also included, and this kit is compatible with all OEM components and aftermarket clutch components that are compatible with the OEM spec clutch. Made in the USA. BARNETT TOOL & ENGINEERING Ventura, California, USA Tel: +1 805 642 9435 E-mail: info@barnettclutches.com www.barnettclutches.com

LeoVince carbonfibre parts line for street bikes THE LeoVince new Carbon Fiber division has been set up to provide accessories for exhaust systems (casings, straps, mounting brackets, heat shields) and is developing special components for street, enduro and cross bikes. The latest range is for street bikes such as the

Z750R, GSX-R 1000 and YZF 600 R6. All items are full carbon, which guarantees both structural resistance and lightness, the company says, and are coated in a layer of transparent paint for aesthetic and protective reasons. In keeping with Sito’s company philosophy, the whole working cycle is in-house, right from the component design stage. Carbon Fiber product line parts are pre-holed and have all the small fittings needed for easy installation. SITO/LEOVINCE Monticello d’Alba (CN), ITALY Tel: +39 0173 465 111 E-mail: info@leovince.com www.leovince.com

New Gilles Tooling bars and weights THE vb.variobar.gt2 is different to Gilles’ existing modular Variobar, having customised clamps and risers for each application to take optimum advantage of the space available, leading to the handlebar position on the the 2011 Suzuki GSXR 600/750 being raised 75mm without any modification to the fairing. Further applications will be rolled out in 2012, and all required mounting hardware is included in the kit. Universal lg.handlebarweights are available in five different designs and colours, each with an optional handlebar extension of 15 to 30mm.

INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JANUARY 2012

lg.handlebar weights

vb.virobar.gt2

GILLES TOOLING Wecker, LUXEMBOURG Tel: +352 / 267 893-45 E-mail: info@gillestooling.com www.gillestooling.com

PRODUCT NEWS

New MIVV top-end exhaust range ITALIAN exhaust specialist MIVV launched its new SpeedEdge range at EICMA 2011. Available both as a complete system and a slip-on, the company says it is poised to become the benchmark aftermarket system of its type. SpeedEdge has a “squashed” design on the inside, which means it can get as close as possible to the frame of the bike, while the hexagonal irregular section makes it possible to house a powerful catalyser. In addition to ensuring it meets the technical and emission requirements for street riding, MIVV has optimised the system for the extreme power of the latest maxi-sports models and the race track. With internal stainless steel construction, the first version has a stainless steel outer, with a carbon alternative available in 2012. Distinguishing elements are the end cap and the anchoring band made of carbon. Technical specifications include high quality titanium, carbon and stainless steel construction, top-level soundproofing and heat transmission reduction, TIG welds, dB-killer housing welded at the head, bushed connections and lasered logo. For racing applications only, at the beginning of 2012 a full titanium exhaust will also be launched. SpeedEdge may be fitted both on the right and the left side of the bike, and a “reduced” version is also being developed by MIVV’s R&D department. This second project revisits the main lines, with the objective of ensuring suitability for difficult-to-reach positions, such as undertail and underbelly

Versions for maxi-sport models and a wider application list will be rolled out across 2012. configurations, or on medium power motorcycles (and maybe even on off-road models). The first versions already available are kits for the Yamaha TMax ’08-’11 and slip-ons for the BMW R 1200 GS ’08-’11.

MIVV Sant’ Omero (TE), ITALY Tel: +39 0861 8120 237 E-mail: moto@mivv.it www.mivv.it

PRODUCT NEWS

ABM 6-piston brake caliper THIS 6-piston brake caliper is CNCmilled from high-strength aluminium and has a chrome-plated surface.

Stainless steel pistons give the best heat dissipation, according to ABM, and its high levels of rigidity and strength make for exceptional safety. Weight is 590g, and ABM also makes 2- and 4-piston calipers with similarly high production values.

ABM FAHRZEUGTECHNIK Breisach, GERMANY Tel. +49 (0)7667 94460 info@ab-m.de www.ab-m.de

Rizoma introduces new parts line

BUILT on years of racing experience, Rizoma Racing Components (RRC) are a line of components designed specifically for track use, according to the company. Based on product provided to Moto GP and Moto2, the RRC range comprises levers, pegs and rearset foot controls. The rearsetsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; design has been focused towards light weight and functionality, made from high quality alloys, up to 12 position adjustability, and needle bearings in key places for smoother operation and durability in the harshest operating conditions. The footpegs give increased grip for aggressive riding, while the new levers can be adjusted on the fly using the six position

adjuster located on top of the lever. They also feature a cut-out section to reduce the drag experienced at track speeds. Like all Rizoma components, RRC rearsets, pegs and levers are anodised for improved aesthetics and durability. RIZOMA ITALY Tel: +39 0331 242 020 info@rizoma.com www.rizoma.com RIZOMA GERMANY Tel: +49 (0)7141 6431 633 germany@rizoma.de RIZOMA FRANCE Tel: +33 (0)149 61 30 67 france@rizoma.com RIZOMA AUSTRIA Tel: +43 650 3333 051 austria@rizoma.com RIZOMA SWITZERLAND Tel: +41 32 6770 514 switzerland@rizoma.com

INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JANUARY 2012

PRODUCT NEWS

New Regina Z-ring chain for enduro REGINA has completed its range of Z-Ring chains with the new 520 ZRE, which is designed to provide excellent performance for enduro applications. ZRE chains apply Z-Ring technology to off-road use and thanks to special seal rings, guarantee a very high resistance to elongation and stress typical of offroad use. In the 2011 season, the 520 ZRE chain has been used by the KTM Enduro team. The experience gained in motorcycle racing at the highest level helped in the development of this range, which improves motorcycle performance by ensuring high fluidity and extended lubrication time, the company says. Regina has operated in the racing sector for over 50 years, and has won over 280 world

championships in all categories, from road, cross, Motard to enduro, trial, rally and ATV, and has a wide range of exclusive patents. REGINA SICC Cernusco Lombardone (LC), ITALY Tel: +39 039 9980 278 E-mail: sales@regina.it www.reginachain.it

PBR 2012 street and racing kits and parts PBR Sprocketsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 2012 catalogue includes a Moto3 racing kit developed from its experience in Moto2, Superbike, Supersport and Superstock World Championship. It consists of an EK chain, an Ergal rear sprocket with hard anodised treatment and an

Crashpads

Kit Moto3

Handlebar weights

18NC steel front sprocket. The successful existing PBR street kit has been updated for 2012 and now includes a 18NC steel front sprocket with high resilience treatment, a carbon steel or Ergal rear sprocket and an EK chain in a variety of versions and colours. Front racing sprockets Street Kit

are also available, in tempered 18NCD5 steel material, with higher hardness, duration and lightness compared to the original models. Other new products include new universal aluminium crash pads for Supersport bikes and handlebar weights for street bikes and scooters in silver, gold, black, red and blue.

PBR SPROCKETS Osteria Grande (BO), ITALY Tel: (+39) 051 946746 E-mail: info@pbr.it www.pbr.it INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JANUARY 2012

PRODUCT NEWS

Newfren Carlos Checa replica clutch

developed special friction plates with an innovative sintered facing. The core plate has also been modified using high-carbon steel, which is more resistant to high temperatures and less subject to deformation. The clutch comes in the special presentation box seen here (left).

THIS Newfren dry clutch was developed for the Ducati Althea SBK racing team and offers increased torque capacity, the company says. To ensure performance is maintained in extreme race conditions, Newfren has

NEWFREN CiriĂ¨ (TO), ITALY Tel: +39 011 9200 111 E-mail: e.quadrini@newfren.org or E-mail: info@newfren.it (see S.W) www.newfren.it

Carlos Checa Replica clutch pack

Ducati high performance clutches

INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JANUARY 2012

PRODUCT NEWS

Interphone innovative F5 communicator CELLULAR Italia says the latest version of its Interphone F5 can provide conference-style communications for a group of up to six riders on different motorcycles. The F5 is a multi-user system with Bluetooth 3.0 technology and a range of 1800m. The new model is equipped with multimedia capabilities, thanks to the FM radio with RDS, and wired connections with mp3 (iPod) with Bluetooth A2DP profile. The TTS function (Text To Speech) provides status messages and ensures maximum comfort and total safety during use, the company says, and can be attached to any type of helmet. All Interphone F series devices, including the new F5, have obtained IP67 certification, guaranteeing total water and dust protection, which is unique on the market. At EICMA 2011 the company launched its new Interphone Remote Control: a wireless system to control all functions of the F5 from the handlebar. This will be available for sale in early 2012.

CELLULAR ITALIA Reggio Emilia (RE), ITALY Tel: +39 0522 334002 international.interphone@cellularline.com www.cellularline.com

D-Version indicator mirrors THESE E-marked universal indicator mirrors from Barracuda have a distinct shape and are made of ABS and anodised aluminium with a universal bracket. They are available in black, gold and silver versions.

BARRACUDA Florence, ITALY Tel: +39 055 412 746 E-mail: info@barracudamoto.it www.barracudamoto.it

INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JANUARY 2012

PRODUCT NEWS

Profi SE-BAT laser alignment tool PROFIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S chain/belt alignment tool (CAT) range is available both for professionals and riders who want to maintain their own machines. The latest addition to the CAT range is SE-BAT. Its special design allows the alignment to be checked and the condition of a scooter chassis to be monitored in only one minute, without any time consuming disassembly of fairing parts. All Profi laser tools share the same characteristics: high precision, fast and easy use and a very economic price, the company says.

Profiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s patented tools are all developed and made in Germany.

PROFI PRODUCTS Trippstadt, GERMANY Tel: +49 (0)6306 7017 0 E-mail: info@profi-products.de www.profi-products.de

Vance & Hines slip-ons for Yamahas THE CS One Urban Brawler for the R6 and CS One Blackout for the FZ-8 take a minimalist approach to give an aggressive streetfighter style. The former single slip-on application is a dual-tip design available in matt black finish, sporting a laserengraved logo. As a cat-back fitment on the R6, the CS One Urban Brawler puts out a nice throaty growl at a moderate sound level, and optional inserts can also be added to further temper the exhaust note. Keenly priced, Vance & Hines says CS One Urban Brawler slipons are a great value and easy-toinstall upgrade that really gives the R6 a trick look. The single slip-on application CS One Blackout is available in matt black finish, also sporting a laser-

engraved logo. As a cat-back fitment on the FZ-8, the CS One Blackout is also said to give a throaty growl at a moderate sound level, with damping inserts an option. Both are designed and produced in the USA.

MAG EUROPE Denton, Manchester, UK Tel: +44 (0)161 337 43 90 E-mail: sales@mageurope.eu www.mageurope.eu www.vanceandhines.com

CS-One-Blackout for FZ8

CS-One-Urban-Brawler for YZF-R6

INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JANUARY 2012

PRODUCT NEWS

Bonneville front 4-pot caliper brake kit THIS complete kit from Free Spirits for Bonneville and Bonneville SE alloy wheel models has a 4-piston Brembo gold caliper, CNC-machined black anodised mounting bracket, fully floating front brake rotor, high-quality braking band and Ergal alloy hub and centres. The company says it increases braking power and modulation, is fast and easy to assemble with no modifications required and full mounting instructions provided.

FREE SPIRITS Carrè (VI), ITALY Tel: +39 0445 390437 E-mail: info@freespirits.it www.freespirits.it

Giannelli Shot V3 scooter exhausts THE success of the company’s Shot V2 scooter range has inspired Giannelli to bring out a new version, Shot V3. The main difference fromV2 is in the silencer, which is made from carbon fibre for V3, replacing the original anodised aluminium silencer, and in a new

mounting clamp. V3 has many of the same features as V2, a 70mm diameter silencer and increased bending radius of the pipe, linking the silencer to the muffler, to

increase torque output at low and mid-range. Shot V3 is specially designed to be used on tuned engines with higher displacement cylinders. An Acoustapack fibreglass cartridge allows the system to meet EU noise emissions requirements, making Shot V3 street legal. The new model is available for the same range of 60 models as V2 systems, including 31601V3 – horizontal engine (Minarelli); 31602V3 – vertical engine (Minarelli); 31603V3 – Piaggio engine; 31604V3 – Vertical engine 2005 (Minarelli); and 31605V3 - SR Ditech Piaggio engine. GIANNELLI Selci di San Giustino (PG), ITALY Tel: +39 0758 61081 E-mail: info@giannelli.com www.giannelli.com

INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JANUARY 2012

INDUSTRY EXTRA

Wr itte nb yA lF ran ck -

UOMY was established in 1997 by Italian engineer Umberto Monti as a race-focused manufacturer of high-end helmets, with headquarters at Lurago d’Erba, north of Milan, and a production plant at Conolio in Piedmont. Since then, the company has made a name for itself on the race track with riders such as Troy Corser, Neil Hodgson, James Toseland and Troy Bayliss, amongst many others, with Loris Capirossi riding for Suomy in the 2011 season. Suomy has won more than 19 world titles altogether, the last by Max Biaggi in World Superbike in 2010. The company’s reputation has led to it becoming an official helmet and accessories supplier to Ducati, Honda, Yamaha, KTM, Aprilia and Prada, amongst many others. Now the company employs 85 with production and office space of 7,000 sq.m. in Italy and a turnover of E19 million in 2011. Monti family members hold the key positions in the company, with founder Umberto the President, middle brother Valter R&D Director and youngest brother Mauro Production Director at the Conolio plant. Mauro, along with Communications Manager Patrizia Ragni, showed IDN round the Coniolo facility and explained the future direction of the company in the current challenging market conditions.

As a high-end helmet manufacturer, Suomy has extensive test equipment within its R&D department, where conformance testing is an important part of the new product development process. “With safety the most important consideration for the company, new shell materials, internal fabrics and locking mechanisms are all subjected to the most stringent test regimes, which will often be more rigorous than national and international homologation standards,” Mauro explains. The R&D department has machines to test impact, shock absorption, penetration, chin straps, visors and much else, with the testing process linked closely to the company’s ISO 9001 quality management system, aiming to continually improve production processes, from design and development to production and sales. The company’s product development programme relies closely on feedback from its racers. “Working closely with racing teams allows Suomy to collect valuable information and suggestions that can then be transferred to the end product. This helps both racers and road users because, unlike many other manufacturers, Suomy helmets worn on the track are the same as the models sold in stores,” says Mauro.

Suomy founder & President Umberto Monti

INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JANUARY 2012

al@ de ale r-w orl d.c om

All Suomy helmets have two years warranty from date of purchase. New materials and features on offer include the innovative sandwich structure of carbon/Kevlar and composite material launched recently at EICMA, and the company is looking at alternative inner materials to polystyrene, and new fabrics for liners. “We are also looking into joint development of new shell moulding systems for helmet shells with a German company, based on curing resins in a different way,” he adds. f the many product innovations introduced by the company over the years, one is the special visor treatment. “We are the only company which makes 90% of its visors through a thermoforming process that gives exceptional strength and quality, compared to an injected visor, which costs less and is optically inferior,” says Mauro. Each visor is made from Lexan polycarbonate and receives surface treatment from industry leader Luxottica, with fog-proofing as part of the manufacturing process.

Suomy Production Director Mauro Monti at EICMA 2011

INDUSTRY EXTRA Max Anstie wearing Mr Jump Monster

Suomy uses external design consultancy Bargy for 99% of its helmet graphic design work. “We started out and developed together. Bargy is now well-known because of his design work for Suomy. He is also a close friend!” ccording to Mauro, Suomy now has a new production and sales strategy. “Suomy is focusing more on its core business of producing helmets. In the past we were distracted by getting involved in producing apparel and other products, which meant we failed to give enough attention to introducing new helmet models and technology.” This will be remedied by the introducion of a new line every eight months or so, and expanding the range to cover all mainstream segments, including for the first time urban riders. “Traditionally we concentrated on racing and full-face, but this is a shrinking market, so we will be expanding our offer in segments with better growth potential, such as the urban sector,” he adds. “And at EICMA we introduced another open-face with special characteristics that will help us to increase our urban audience.”

Max Biaggi

The Excel, above in the Biaggi Pirata version, is Suomy’s ultimate racing helmet with an enhanced composite shell in three sizes. It is the lightest race-approved helmet available, the company says, and has sound-absorbing polymers, a thermoformed LEXAN visor with anti-scratch and state-of-the-art anti-fog coating, customisable removable hypoallergenic liner, inner padding and cheek pads, amongst many other unique features

The Apex has a fibreglass shell in three sizes and three levels of ventilation. It has sound-absorbing polymers, a thermoformed LEXAN visor with hydrophobic treatment, removable Alcantara liner and cheek pads, and race features including optional tear-offs. Above, the new Capirex limited edition design commemorates the company’s long association with Loris Capirossi, and below, Cool Red

2011 additions have included the Apex fullface, Mr Jump dirt helmet and 70s urban open-face, with the new 3logy open-face launched at EICMA, as well as a new full-face scheduled for March 2012. “Traditionally, we had relatively simple off-road helmets and didn’t do much in this market for several years, but the introduction of Mr Jump at the end of last year is helping us make up ground here. We are also moving into enduro. We have built up serious expertise in carbon/Kevlar shells, and our focus will be on making ever-lighter helmets in all segments.” In 2011, Ben Townley, Max Anstie, Tommy Searle, and Kawasaki and Husqvarna teams wore Suomy helmets in MX1 and MX2 as part of the company’s big push into the off-road sector. Because of the company’s original focus on fullface, which is relatively rare in the car market, car helmets have traditionally only represented 5% of sales, but new open-face models could do very well in the expanding car rally market. The company’s major selling point in the market is its high-quality, hand-crafted racing image. “Our helmets are all 100% Made in Italy, mainly in-house, and that is increasingly rare. The polystyrene, some components and liners are produced by outside Italian companies, but quality standards are always the highest possible and that is always going to be expensive. Continued on page 34 >>>

Loris Capirossi

INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JANUARY 2012

INDUSTRY EXTRA Production line at Suomyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Conolio plant

1. Materials cutting

Helmet manufacturing at Suomy HE manufacturing cycle starts by cutting the raw fibreglass and carbon/Kevlar material into differentlyshaped pieces based on the shell and homologation requirements. The production line currently has eight operatives with a maximum capacity of 400 helmets a day, but production levels were lower than this when IDN visited. The parts are then hand-assembled in one of eight moulds in a particular sequence, with up to 20 different parts making up a shell. Two layers of carbon/Kevlar material might be used for impact protection and resin for rigidity, for example, and then the balloon inflates to 6 bars and after 7 minutes at 70 degrees C the first step is complete. A fter removal of the shell from the mould, a fully-automated water jet cuts out the eye portal, lower border and holes for ventilation, as well as other key parts. The shell is also handsanded to obtain the smoothest surface possible before moving on to the painting stages. At each stage of production, strict quality controls take place to ensure that every component of the helmet is inspected and checked for optimum quality. After the moulding and cutting, the shells are weighed, sanded, prepared, then painted with grey paint, a good base for colour

2. Shell materials assembly in mould

paint, then are finished by hand or machine, depending on the model and specification. The automated shell painting process consists of two stages. Stage one applies the base coat so that helmet decal/graphics can then be applied. The decals are applied in a humidity- and temperature-controlled clean room to ensure their precise application free of any contaminants. E ach operative also has to apply vents as well as graphics, and needs to be particularly dextrous as some of the decals are fiddly and fit under parts such as the visor movement. Usually 40 graphic sets can be applied by one operative per day, but only 30 for more complicated designs. Stage two is the application of a UV clear coat, which prevents any fading of the helmet graphics. The helmetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chinstrap is affixed to the shell by an automated machine, while the energy-absorbing EPS liner is inserted by hand, followed by the lining and cheek pads. The visor installation process assures its correct positioning with an airtight seal and proper adjustment of the visor mechanisms. The last steps on the production line are final assembly and packaging. Once the helmet is assembled, it is then checked to ensure the highest quality workmanship. Then, before packaging, the staff carry out a final visual check. 4. Water-jet cutting

3. Shell moulding

7. Raw, complete shells 5. Surface preparation

INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JANUARY 2011

6. Quality checking

INDUSTRY EXTRA The new hand-moulded 70s urban jet has an ultra-light composite fibreglass-carbon material shell giving exceptional shock-absorbency. The removable, washable and breathable Indianapolis inner elements, which include cheek pads and lining, are fixed using a new patented system. It has a retractable sun visor, micrometric buckle and is available in ten different colours, with UK Flag and Trifolium graphic versions shown here.

8. Painting

9. Drying

Suomy’s top-end Mr Jump offroad helmet has a two-size carbon/aramadic fibre shell with ventilation points at the front, top and rear of the helmet, and an air intake on the chin guard. Removable and washable inner elements are made from Coolmax Active wicking fabric with Interpower treatment

<<< Continued from page 33

10. Graphic decal application

“We make a truly unique product that is 100% hand-made,” says Mauro. “and our new shell technology means our helmets are exceptionally light – Mr Jump, for example, weighs only 900g. “That said, as well as top-of-the-range, we also carry middle range lines such as our Apex full face.” And the company has made efforts to reduce the expense of some of its higher end offerings. The original Extreme model had a luxurious Alcantara fabric liner and hydrophobic visor with heavy metal treatment, and its current Excel version has effective but less expensive solutions to lower the price. But Mauro adds: “Safety is always our most important factor. We might simplify design or luxury, but will never compromise on safety aspects. For example thermoplastic material for us is always polycarbonate, never ABS, which is not as safe.” espite the company’s increased internal focus on helmets, it is still diversifying widely across a number of sectors in a bid to leverage its brand, but by franchising rather than through its own efforts. This so-called ‘Suomy Planet’ brand extension strategy aims to associate the Suomy name worldwide with racing, adventure and adrenalinepumping activities. This has so far taken the brand into a number of different sectors: perfumery, leather goods, luggage, clothing for children, accessories for schools, jewellery, watches, sportswear and technical apparel. There is even a Suomy-branded limited edition car, the Seat Leon Capirex 240CV. Mauro says prospects look particularly good for the children’s and technical apparel franchises, with respectively Preca Brummel (which has 450 stores across Italy) and Red Dot as partners. Parallel to this, the company has opened six Suomy Planet outlet stores where the full range of Suomy-branded products are available; five in Italy and one in Switzerland. his brand extension exercise is unique among helmet manufacturers, according to Mauro, and shows its ambition to build a true Italian lifestyle brand from the company’s racing roots. In terms of sales, Suomy makes 30% in Italy, 40% in the rest of Europe and 30% outside Europe, principally in the Americas and Japan. In Italy the company operates dealer direct, as it also does in France, Spain and Germany, where it has subsidiaries. Suomy has a joint venture in Argentina, and distributors in 70 other countries worldwide. In

11. UV clear coat application

12. Visor movement and parts assembly

13. Liner and internals assembly

the US it has an office outside San Francisco providing product support for the five distributors the company has in that country. “Some of our European competitors don’t want to get involved in the US market because of potential legal problems, and it is a big commitment,” says Mauro. “There is a completely different distribution logic there compared to elsewhere in the world, but we feel it will always be an important market for us.” A significant development in 2009 was the establishment of a joint venture in Argentina making Suomy helmets for the Latin American market, and acting as a sales hub for the continent. The company has shipped the majority of its thermoplastic shell moulds to the joint venture and provided full training to staff there, with the brand now building a solid presence in countries from Chile through Brazil to Mexico. Suomy’s range of helmets is pitched directly against high-end Japanese manufacturers such as Arai and Shoei in terms of price and features, which has not been an easy part of the market in recent years as Western economies have entered a zone of turbulence. “Sometimes bikers can be perverse,” says Mauro. “They will spend thousands on a new exhaust or styling kit for their bike, and then buy a cheap helmet. They take care of their motorcycle but not their own safety. It’s strange! “We have to redouble our efforts to communicate the importance of really safe headgear. If top racers trust them on the track, they must be very good indeed. That is the message we have to get across.” nd after a period when focus on helmets was lessened, the strategy of covering all segments with regular new product introductions should go some way to re-establish Suomy’s reputation within the motorcycling community, even as brand expansion into other areas takes place through franchising and partnerships. Mauro says alongside the new products, the new sales strategy should also bear results. “We plan to be more aggressive on a number of markets in coming years, including in North America. But the final goal will always be the same: to ensure we offer the best quality and most technologically advanced Italian-made products, which will enable us to win the next World Championship!”

SUOMY Lurago d’Erba, ITALY Tel: +39 031 696 300 E-mail: info@suomy.com www.suomy.com

INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JANUARY 2011

MOTORCYCLE FASHION

Stylmartin Megan boot

ISSN 1476-8747

January 2012

™ MEGAN is designed to blend technical characteristics of a riding boot with a fashion look. It is made of full-grain, oiled and waterproof Rio leather, and

has full ankle protection, elasticated calves and zippered closure. It comes with two fashion accessories, a metal stirrup with a leather strap and snap fastener, which can be added or removed, transforming the style, and elasticated half chaps with leather gear change protection to be worn when riding a motorcycle. This accessory is not necessary for scooter owners or pillion passengers, so it is sold separately as an option. Megan enriches Stylmartin’s Urban range and confirms the company’s focus on its female clients, and is made in Europe from hides purchased and tanned in Italy. STYLMARTIN Montebelluna (TV), ITALY Tel: +39 0423 603033 info@stylmartin.it www.stylmartin.it

Project Black Racer jet BLACK Racer is the latest customstyle fibreglass jet helmet from Project, which can be configured in f o u r d i f fe r e n t s t y l es ( s e e accompanying photo) by adding or leaving off the different dedicated visors. Another important feature is that the fibreglass shell comes in three different sizes, including the smallest on the market, and fitments go from XXXS/50 up to XXL/61. The weight is also exceptionally low ranging from 790 to 990 grammes excluding accessories. Ten colours are available, including five in special glitter style, and the removable and washable interior is made of special breathable microfibre with sanitized anti-sweat treatment. Available from February 2012.

Halvarssons men’s leathers NEW for 2012, the Jackpot BC jacket and Jiro BC trousers combine, style, functionality, comfort and safety. Jackpot is made from cowhide leather, with extra Hi-Art reinforcements in exposed areas, triple stitching, width adjustment at hem, adjustable CE-approved protectors and provision for a Converter L2, CEapproved back protector. Jiro is made from cowhide leather and polycanvas, also with extra reinforcements in exposed areas and triple stitching. It is high in the back with belt loops and has adjustable CEapproved protectors. These items can be zipped to each other or other compatible apparel items in the Halvarssons range. JOFAMA Malung, SWEDEN Tel: +46 (0)280 555 50 E-mail: office@jofama.se www.jofama.se

PROJECT Marcignago (PV), ITALY Tel: +39 0382 921772 info@projectforsafety.it www.projectforsafety.it

MOTORCYCLE FASHION - JANUARY 2012

MOTORCYCLE FASHION

Forma Valley touring boot FORMA says its new Valley model is a comfortable and versatile boot made for riders who want security and comfort in adverse weather conditions. It has a leather upper, thermoformed and reinforced ankle guard protection, personalised plastic gear pad protection and a rear reflective insert

that makes the rider more noticeable during night riding. The velcro and zip closure ensure an adjustable fit and the padded collar increases comfort at the top of the boot, with an outsole made of double density rubber. The Drytex tubular lining is waterproof and breathable while the internal TPU plastic protections are moulded in the ankle and shin area, with soft polymer memory foam

padding enhancing comfort. The anti-bacterial replaceable footbed features the Forma Air Pump System, which provides exceptional ventilation starting from the centre of the insole when pressure is applied during walking or riding. The Valley boot also has a TPU Dual Flex midsole with EVA antishock covering, a softer and flexible toe area for elevated gear sensibility and a stiff mid/back for heel protection. Like all the new models in the 2012 Forma collection, Valley is CE approved and is designed and developed in Italy and

manufactured in the European Community. Valley is available in black and in sizes 36 to 47.

SDE MOTORSPORTS / FORMA Altivole (TV), ITALY Tel: +39 0423 915 335 E-mail: info@formaboots.com www.formaboots.com

JT4 Allroad from Premier A highlight of the 2012 collection is the JT4 Allroad touring jet, which has a removable chin guard, meaning it can be used both as an open face and full-face helmet. The chin guard can be removed via two levers located on the inside of the helmet in the cheek area. The outer shell is made of tricomposite Dyneema, carbon and aramidic fibres, giving both lightness and safety, and the internal shell consists of differentiated density EPS. The sophisticated ventilation system works through two adjustable air vents on the upper part of the shell and a rear air vent, and the lower part of the shell has a stabilisation spoiler. The visor mechanism is adjustable and no instrument is required for visor replacement. The transparent polycarbonate visor has a thickness of 2,2 mm with both anti-fog and anti-scratch

treatment. JT4 also has an internal dark sun visor inside the shell that can be raised and lowered with a small red lever on the left side of the outer shell. The internal liner is made with antiallergenic Sanitized fabric and is removable and washable, and the chinstrap is equipped with a quick release buckle. Like all Premier helmets, JT4 is ECE 22-05 homologated, sizes go from XS to XXL and it is available in four different single colour versions. Options include smoke or silver tinted visors. PREMIER HELMETS Gallicano (LU), ITALY Tel: +39 0583 730310 E-mail: info@premier.it www.premier.it

Spyke Blaster II RAC racing suit AFTER a full year’s design and testing, and then its official launch at EICMA 2011, the Spyke Blaster II suit will be available at dealers from March. Blaster I was one of Spyke’s all-time best-selling suits, and the updated version gives improved fit, safety and performance, says Spyke, due to the company’s Dynamic 360.0 construction philosophy, which sees it return with an even more aggressive look. Blaster II is made of water-repellent cow leather with inserts in stretch Aramid fibre on arms, crotch and back of the knees, and inside lining in nonTaslanised fabric to improve the fit. Technical features include ergonomic outside protectors on shoulders made from composite material and TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomer); removable CE protectors on shoulders, elbows, knees and shin; pocket for HSS CE back protector; shock-absorbent padding

on sides, arms and chest; perforated area for ventilation on front side, sleeves, legs and calves; stretch leather flex zones on collarbone, sides, lumbar area and knees; inner pocket and slider as standard. Blaster II is available in eight sizes and four colour combinations: black/white, white/black, white/red and Italian tricolour.

SPYKE Bassano del Grappa (VI), ITALY Tel: +39 0424 513 052 E-mail: info@spyke.it www.spyke.it

MOTORCYCLE FASHION - JANUARY 2012

MOTORCYCLE FASHION

New Max 2012 range

Social Networking helmet

ITALIAN jet helmet specialist New Max has a number of new ECE 22-05 certified designs for 2012. These include Max Comfort, designed to provide maximum comfort against the skin with a border and neck roll and a hand-finished visor block in ecoleather. Technical details include a moulded visor in polycarbonate with anti-scratch treatment, eco-leather stitched edges, insides lined with antiallergenic fabrics, removable earflaps and chinstrap with micrometric buckle. Max Bold is a 4-season helmet with a liner made of hypoallergenic fabric, and a visor and two earpieces which are removable during fine weather. Technical details include a sunshield covered in eco-leather, moulded visor in polycarbonate with anti-scratch treatment, eco-leather stitched soft edges, insides lined with anti-allergenic fabrics and chinstrap with micrometric buckle. Both these helmets are

available in sizes XS-XL and in a range of primary colours. Slightly more unusual is the Social Network helmet. This design came from a student at the Istituto Europeo di Design in Turin, inspired by Facebook and other social networking sites, and has a white â&#x20AC;&#x153;slateâ&#x20AC;? on the back for messages the scooter rider wants to convey to other riders and friends when in transit. The helmet comes equipped with a marker and a designer sponge to wipe the slate clean and write new messages, as well as social network-themed stickers to personalise the helmet. Colours are light blue, pink, white, black and sizes are XXS-XXL.

NEW MAX Mirabello Monferrato (AL), ITALY Tel: +39 0142 64800 E-mail: info@newmax.it www.newmax.it

Max Comfort helmet

Max Bold helmet MOTORCYCLE FASHION - JANUARY 2012

MOTORCYCLE FASHION

Dover and Newport Airoh Terminator from Clover DOVER and Newport are designed for riders who want to be safe and comfortable on their motorcycle or scooter, but who also want to look smart off their vehicle. Dover WP is a versatile four-season jacket providing warmth when temperatures drop, and fully ventilated in spring and summer thanks to the built-in front and rear vents. The cut is classic, with four generous front pockets, a belt at the waist and an adjustable strap at the bottom hem. Trimmings in faux leather and discrete branding mean Dover is not immediately identifiable as a motorcycling jacket, except on close inspection. The garment is made from water repellent P-600 fabric, and a breathable Aquazone membrane makes it 100% waterproof. It also has Climacontrol lining and removable thermal padded lining. Newport Oil

Dover is sold with standard CEapproved shoulder and elbow protectors, both of which are easily removable and adjustable, and back padding can be replaced by a back protector, in addition to refractive inserts. Sizes range from S to 4XL, and it is available in black only. The restyled Newport WP jacket is an elegant four-season city jacket, manufactured in Dinotek fabric, and 100% waterproof thanks to its Aquazone breathable membrane. Newport has a removable thermal quilted lining, vented flanks and sleeves, and a hood. It has four external pockets, the upper ones zippered, in addition to a smaller waterproof internal pocket. To improve comfort it has stretch panels at the shoulders, a rear double regulating belt to adjust the fit, and adjustable Velcro closure at cuffs. The adjustable and removable â&#x20AC;&#x153;CEapprovedâ&#x20AC;? shoulder and elbow protectors are standard issue and the garment is designed to accommodate a back protector. Sizes range from S to XXXL and colours are black and oil.

CLOVER Cornedo (VI), ITALY Tel: +39 0445 446642 E-mail: clover@clover.it www.clover.it

Dover black

THIS distinctive helmet has an external shell made from carbon-Kevlar composite fibres, varnished with a UV finish, and two shells to cover sizes XS-M and L-XXL respectively. The M size weighs in at 1kg. It is fully compatible with standard neck braces, and the peak is adjustable. The interior includes washable and removable sanitized lining and cheekpads, as well as memory sponge material that fits itself to the person wearing the helmet. Cheekpads are also equipped with a quick release system in case of emergency. Ventilation includes a removable chin vent with antiintrusion net and two side vents, also provided with nets. At the front there are two upper-shell as well as two other air intakes which produce a channelled airflow inside the helmet, with two rear extractors on the back and a middle extractor on the neck trim. Terminator has a DD ring retention system, and accessories include the safety QR code which Airoh is making available for its 2012 range of helmets.

MOTORCYCLE FASHION - JANUARY 2012

Thorns graphics

Stardust graphics

2012 Track jacket from Spidi SPIDI says its Track leather jacket is a sport jacket with no compromises. Inspired by the shape of the Track race suit, the Track jacket is made from 1.2mm full grain cowhide with removable insulating liner, mesh inner liner and EN 1621-1 certified CE Force Tech protectors on shoulders and elbows. It has flex Tenax areas for a close fit, clip fastening with Spidi trousers, Clarino and Neoprene inserts in the neck area and dynamic vents on shoulders, as well as reflective areas for night riding. The Track jacket can also be equipped with the Warrior EVO back protector and with the Warrior chest protector. SPIDI SPORT Sarego (VI), ITALY Tel: +39 0444 436411 E-mail: info@spidi.it www.spidi.com

AIROH HELMETS Almenno San Bartolomeo (BG), IATLY Tel: +39 035 553101 E-mail: info@airoh.com www.airohelmets.com

MOTORCYCLE FASHION

Caberg Duke flip-up THE new Duke comes with dual jet and full-face homologation, with a lever on the left hand side of the helmet blocking the chin guard in open or closed positions. The outer is made from polycarbonate and thanks to reduced dimensions, the weight is only 1,550g (+/- 50gr), while the helmet comes equipped with the exclusive Double Visor Tech system that, thanks to the inner sun visor, ensures maximum riding safety in all light conditions. The inner sun visor has anti-scratch treatment, while the outer clear visor has both anti-scratch and anti-fog treatment thanks to the Pinlock double lens. Ventilation is via two easy-to-use vents, one positioned on the chin guard and one on top of the shell, and air is channelled through grooves in the inner liner. The breathable and hypoallergenic fabric lining is removable and washable, and the helmet also has reflective inserts at the back of the neck. Duke is offered in four monocolour versions: Metallic White, Metallic Black, Matt Black and Gunmetal as well as unpainted Black. It also comes in a sporty version called Booster, with the

graphics under varnish on a white base. It can also accommodate Cabergâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bluetooth communication system Just Speak Easy. Sizes are XS -XL CABERG Azzano S.Paolo (BG), ITALY Tel: +39 035 4203611 E-mail: info@caberg.it www.caberg-helm.com

Ixon Gallium Pro jacket THE Gallium Pro textile winter jacket by Ixon is a development of the successful Gallium high performance jacket, with improved fabrics, safety and comfort. It has removable winter lining with thermo-alu on the front, a waterproof and breathable Drymesh insert, two fluo armbands in the wallet pocket and one removable hi-viz gilet in a dedicated pocket on the back. It has CE approved protectors

on shoulders and elbows, foam padding on the back and a pocket for a back protector, flex patches on shoulders and elbows and a Neoprene high neck roll. Cuffs, sleeves, waist and chest are all adjustable. The jacket also has two zipped pockets, a waterproof wallet pocket and four internal pockets.

IXON Macon Loche, FRANCE Tel: +33 (0)3 85 32 95 95 E-mail: aemf@ixon.com www.ixon.fr

MOTORCYCLE FASHION - JANUARY 2012

MOTORCYCLE FASHION

Lazer Lumino photochromatic visor LAZER says its Lumino is the only photochromatic visor that darkens from a clear state of 90% light transmission to a dark state of 20% in 15 seconds. The visor will then lighten back automatically in function of the sunlightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intensity. This effectively means that Lumino is a complete visor, all-in-one, always giving optimal viewing Kestrel Z-Line no matter what the light Lumino Black metal conditions. Lumino visors use unique complete clearness at night. Transitions SOLFX It is more effective than an photochromic technology, internal sun visor, according with a tint range of 90% in to the company, and boosts bright sunlight down to

rider comfort by reducing glare and enhancing contrast. It also blocks 100% UVA & UVB rays. Lumino is factory fitted on all Lazer Monaco, Kestrel Z-Line Lumino and Paname Z-Line Lumino helmets, and available as an accessory on all Lazer fiber helmets.

LAZER HELMETS Mont-Saint-Guibert, BELGIUM Tel: +32 (0)10 300 300 corporate@lazerhelmets.com www.lazerhelmets.com

Emotion jacket from OJ THIS four-season texile jacket has a polyester outer and waterproof and removable padding, and is styled for urban and enduro riders. Emotion has four large pockets, all with waterproof traps, and adjustment at neck, wrists and waist. The central locking zip is protected by a large flap with buttons, and there are CE-protectors on elbows and shoulders. Back padding is removable and the pocket can fit a back protector. It is available in black, sizes XS to 4XL.

OJ ATMOSFERE METROPOLITANE Milan, ITALY Tel: +39 02 26117342 info@ojatmosfere metropolitane.com www.ojatmosfere metropolitane.com

Gaerne G-iselle Aquatech THIS new riding boot has a fashion look, and is designed according to the specific anatomy of the female foot with special attention to the metatarsals and heels, according to Gaerne. It has a full-grain leather upper part and elastic cordura inserts, is completely waterproof thanks to its Drytech membrane lining, and has a Pro-Tech ankle shield system. Other features include an easyon side closure, a soft rear heel cup, and an anti-slip Vibram rubber sole. GAERNE Coste di Maser (TV), ITALY Tel: +39 0423 923169 E-mail: gaerne@gaerne.com www.gaerne.com

MOTORCYCLE FASHION - JANUARY 2012

Contrast

Prexport Ego trousers EGO black touring trousers from Prexport are made from polyester, mesh and stretch fabric, have removable CEcertified protectors on knees and hips, and a double pocket to adjust the position of CE-certified protectors on the knees. They have stretch fabric above the knees, on the inner and outer thighs and on the crotch, fitting adjusters on the waist, double front pockets and a waist zipper to join with a jacket. PREXPORT Caerano di San Marco (TV), ITALY Tel: +39 0423 650 100 E-Mail: sales@prexport.com www.prexport.com

TRADEZONE TRADEZONE TRADEZONE TRADEZONE TRADEZONE

INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JANUARY 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

Dealers only!

DENMARK - CARL ANDERSEN MOTORCYKLER T. (45)(86) 946177 hjn@ca-mc.dk 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

The European ‘Headquarters’ Expo

GERMANY - NIEMANN+FREY GMBH T. (49)(2151)55 54 20 zentrale@niemann-frey.de

for the International motorcycle

GERMANY - PAASCHBURG & WUNDERLICH T. (49)(40)248 277 0 info@pwonline.de

parts, accessory, performance,

GERMANY - SCHÜLLER MOTORRADTEILE T. (49)(6245)994 79 10 info@enuma.de

workshop, service and

GREAT BRITAIN - PROBIKE SHADOWFAX T. (44)(1604)660555 sales@probike.co.uk

tuning industry

GREAT BRITAIN - MOTOHAUS POWERSPORTS T. (44)(1256)704909 sales@motohaus.com

IN 2013

GREECE - TECNOPNEUMATIC A.E T. (30)(210)34 67 000 avieris@tecnopneumatic.gr HOLLAND - HOCOPARTS B.V. T. (31)(342) 412290 info@hocoparts.com HUNGARY - DOVER KFT T. (36)(1)2392202 csaba@doverkft.hu 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

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 - JANUARY 2012

ISSUE INDEX Barracuda (IT) D-Version indicator mirrors....................................................................27 Brammo (US) Polaris takes stake....................................................................................6 Caberg (IT) Duke flip-up ..............................................................................................41 Calzaturificio Antis (IT) Stylmartin Megan ladies' boots ................................................37 Cellular Italia (IT) Interphone F5 for up to 6 riders........................................................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.

Clover (IT) Dover & Newport jackets ............................................................................40 Draggin Jeans (AU) Advantages of Kevlar/Dyneema ......................................................4 Ducati Motor Holding (IT) Cathcart Report - Opens new Thai plant ..............................11 EICMA (IT) EICMA 2011 show review ....................................................................13-18 Free Spirits (IT) Bonneville 4-piston caliper kit ..............................................................30

THIS MONTH’S ADVERTISERS

Gaerne (IT) G-iselle Aquatech boot ..............................................................................42 Giannelli Silencers (IT) Shot V3 scooter exhausts ..........................................................30

B&G Racing (DE) Frame & fairing protectors ................................................................44

Gilles Tooling (LU) Variobar.gt2 handlebars and new weights ......................................20

Barnett Performance Products (US) Clutch kits, distributor network ........................31,45 BS Battery Co (HK) Powersport batteries & chargers..................................................7,48

Harley-Davidson (US) Closes New Castalloy plant ..........................................................6

DC AFAM (BE) Parts & accessories ..............................................................................25 DID Europe (IT) ER series chains ..................................................................................27

INTERMOT (DE) 2012 preview ......................................................................................6

DNA Filters (GR) Air filters ............................................................................................7

K&N Engineering (US) Wins lawsuit against Spectre Performance ..................................4

DP Brakes & Clutches (US) Brakes & clutches ..............................................................12 ECON (DE) Workshop lifts............................................................................................47

Lazer Helmets International (BE) Lumino photochromatic visor ....................................42

Fehling (DE) Parts and accessories ..............................................................................44 Free Spirits (IT) Street and race parts............................................................................28

MIVV (IT) New SpeedEdge exhaust range ....................................................................22

GIVI (IT) 2012 helmet range ........................................................................................22

Holding Trophy (FR) Acquired by Perceva-Shark group ..................................................48 Jofama (SE) Halvarssons Jackpot jacket & Jiro trousers ................................................37

Mayo Media (GB) 2012 Motorcycle Trade Expo review ..................................................6 New Max (IT) 2012 Bold, Comfort & Social Networking helmets ..................................39 Newfren (IT) Carlos Checa replica clutch......................................................................26

Grossewaechter Racing Parts (DE) Tornado cams ........................................................45 GSG-Mototechnik (DE) Parts & accessories ..................................................................44

Norton Motorcycles (UK) Ltd (GB) Cathcart Report - Stuart Garner interview ............8-10

Ilmberger Carbon Parts (DE) Carbonparts & exhausts ..................................................30 KBC Europe (GB) Helmets............................................................................................39

PBR Sprockets (IT) 2012 street and racing kits ............................................................25

Kibblewhite Precision Machining (US) Valvetrain components, distributor network........44 Koelnmesse (DE) INTERMOT Cologne 2012 ................................................................43 Küryakyn (US) Parts & accessories................................................................................29 MAG Europe (GB) V&H YZF-R6 Urban Brawler Slip-on, Progressive Suspension 465-Series ....2,21 Motoplastic (ES) Puig screens & accessories ..................................................................5 Mustang Motorcycle Products (US) Road Companion bag............................................45 National Cycle (US) Windshields and accessories..........................................................31 Project (IT) Helmets ....................................................................................................41 Rick’s Motorsport Electrics (US) Starters, chargers & ignitions ......................................46 Scandinavian Brake Systems (DK) SBS brake pads ........................................................24 Spectro Oils of America (US) Premium-quality lubricants ..............................................26 Surflex (IT) Clutch disc kit for Triumph Speed Triple-Sprint GT-Tiger ..............................19 TecMate (BE) LiFeP04 battery charger and tester, distributor network ......................12,45 Vrooam Powersports Lubricants (NL) Lubricants ............................................................4 Wunderlich (DE) BMW motorcycle accessories ............................................................23

OJ Atmosfere Metropolitane (IT) Emotion jacket ..........................................................42 Peugeot Scooters (FR) Will close Dannemarie plant in 2012 ........................................48 Polaris Industries (US) Buys into Brammo ......................................................................6 Premier Helmets (IT) JT4 Allroad helmet ......................................................................38 Prexport (IT) Ego trousers ............................................................................................42 Profi Products (DE) SE-BAT scooter laser alignment tool ..............................................28 Project (IT) Black Racer jet ..........................................................................................37 Regina (IT) Z-ring enduro chain ..................................................................................25 Rev'It! Sport International (NL) Acquires Tryonic ............................................................5 Richa (BE) Represented in US by Vega ..........................................................................6 Rizoma (IT) Rizoma Racing Components range ............................................................23 SDE Motorsport (IT) Forma Valley boot ........................................................................38 Shark (FR) Acquires Holding Trophy group....................................................................48 Sito Gruppo Industriale (IT) Carbon fibre parts for street bikes......................................20 Spidi Sport (IT) Track jacket ..........................................................................................40 Spyke (IT) Blaster II RAC racing suit..............................................................................38 Suomy (IT) Industry Extra company feature ............................................................32-35

THIS MONTH’S EDITORIAL

SuperTrapp Industries (US) Acquires Fluidyne Powersports..............................................6

ABM (DE) 6-piston brake caliper..................................................................................23 Access Equip Motos France (FR) Ixon Gallium Pro jacket ..............................................41 Airoh Helmets (IT) Terminator helmet ..........................................................................40 Barnett Performance Products (US) Ducati dry clutch kit ..............................................20

US Highland (US) Will build new plant in Oklahoma ......................................................6

Triumph Motorcycles (GB) 2011 results........................................................................48 Vance & Hines (US) Yamaha slip-ons............................................................................28 Verlicchi (IT) Cathcart Report - In receivership ..............................................................11 Wunderlich (DE) Wins 2011 B&B German industry award ..............................................5

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

news ROOM

NEWS Triumph posts improved 2011 DESK sales and profits YAMAHA and Toyota are working together to develop communicationslinked next-generation vehicles, and showed a communications-linked electric commuter concept and an electrically powerassisted bicycle at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show last December. HONDA plans to shift some production of its mid-sized and large motorcycles from its Kumamoto plant in Japan to a new plant it is building in the outskirts of Bangkok, Thailand. The company will produce newly developed 400cc to 500cc models as early as October next year at the new Thai plant. KYMCO has won a contract to supply the French post office with 3,000 50cc mopeds. The head of the organisation said the Kymco Agility was 30% cheaper and more reliable than the rival put forward by Peugeot Scooters. PEUGEOT Scooters has also confirmed that it will close its Dannemarie scooter engine plant before the end of 2012 with the loss of 140 jobs. TRIUMPH says the Daytona 675, Bonneville, Speed Triple, Street Triple, Tiger 800XC, Storm, and Rocket III will be launched on the Indian market in 2012.

TRIUMPH Motorcycles Group has announced its financial results for the year to 30th June 2011, with Group turnover increased by 11% from £312.4 million in 2010 to £345.3 million in 2011 and unit sales of motorcycles by 7% from 45,501 to 48,684. The company says this increase in unit sales can be largely attributed to the introduction of incremental models to the range.

The operating profit before interest and tax grew from £15.1 million to £22.3 million due to strong sales of motorcycles and related products, benefiting from improved use of working capital and continued focus upon the cost base. This improvement was despite the global market (for motorcycles bigger than 500cc) dropping almost 50% from its peak four years ago, and

decreasing by 7% within the last year alone. Triumph remains cautious in terms of the general market outlook for 2012 due to the continued global economic turmoil and the impact upon consumer confidence, and in particular spending on discretionary consumer goods. www.triumph-motorcycles.com

Perceva-Shark acquires Holding Trophy PERCEVA Capital has acquired the Holding Trophy group, whose brands include Bagster luggage and seats, Bering apparel and Ségura leathers and apparel. This is Perceva’s second significant investment in the French motorcycle sector, having acquired the Shark helmet group in March 2011. Active in around 30 countries, Holding Trophy is the largest presence in the French motorcycle gear sector with a market share of more than 25% and turnover of €30m in 2010. The financial aspects of the takeover will involve the repayment of Trophy’s significant debts and the recapitalisation of the group, with both the HQ in Paris and plant in Normandy being retained. The exisiting UK operation, based in Abergele, North Wales, will also be retained. The medium-term goal, according to Perceva, is to boost R&D, launch new products and intensify exports.

Currently only 20% of group turnover is from export markets. The enlarged group will focus solely on motorcycle gear (apparel and helmets) and accessories (custom saddles, soft luggage, tank protectors, leg and hand grip covers). Patrick François, the head of Shark and the new President of the merged entity, said: “The addition of Bagster, Bering and Segura and their teams will enable the new group to offer clients the largest and highest quality offer on the market. The acquisition positions our group as the French number 1 and European number 3 in motorcycle gear.” Shark, based in Marseille, has its own integrated production facilities with two factories producing more than 300,000 helmets each year and sales of €30m in 2010, with 60% exported to 35 countries around the world.

Patrick François, the head of Shark and the new President of the merged entity

www.bering.fr www.bagster.com www.segura-moto.eu www.shark-helmets.com