British Dealer News December 2023

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

key business information for the UK motorcycle and scooter industry

Key business information for the UK motorcycle and scooter industry • December 2023

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FREE INSIDE THIS ISSU

2024 Wall Planner UK NEWS

Hull dealer scoops top award Suzuki launches winter deals DFT DATA

Half-yearly stats from the DfT Oxford Products issues recall WORLD FIRST

Kawasaki’s new hybrid Ninja

BDN Ex clusive

S U A H O T O M N O S E MOV orts owner p s r e w o P s u a ades, Motoh ry on page 4 o t s After five dec ll fu e h t d tires – Rea David Gath re

X-FORCE CARBON ALWAYS AHEAD

www.ls2helmets.com 01670 856342

WE DID IT AGAIN IN 2022

THANKS TO YOU! In 2022 we won not one, but three awards - an achievement that we are all very proud of.

Our customers voted First Response Finance as the ‘Best Car Finance Provider’ in the Consumer Credit Awards 2022 - for the second consecutive year.

In addition to that, we also won the prestigious ‘Firm of the Year’ award!

The second recognition came from our dealer partners, who voted us ‘Finance Provider of the Year (Sub-Prime)’ in the Car Dealer Power Awards.

We are honoured to have won this award 8 times!

Vans, cars, motorbikes - it doesn't matter what type of vehicle we’re financing, our award-winning service remains the same.

If you want to set up an account with us, email us at marketing@frfl.co.uk

First Response Finance Ltd, 5 Regan Way Chetwynd Business Park, Chilwell, Nottingham, NG9 6RZ. Authorised & Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England No. 03560611.

Contents

Contents December 2023 : Issue 269

the team

the news

HEAD OF CONTENT Andy Mayo: editorial@dealernews.co.uk FINANCIAL EDITOR Roger Willis: editorial@dealernews.co.uk PRODUCTS EDITOR/DESIGNER Colin Williams: design@dealernews.co.uk COMMERCIAL CONTENT MANAGER Maurice Knuckey: creative@dealernews.co.uk CONTRIBUTORS Roger Willis; Dan Sager; Alan Dowds; Rick Kemp; Adam Bernstein; Brian Crichton ACCOUNTS MANAGER Mark Mayo: accounts@dealernews.co.uk

4 New owner for Motohaus Powersports 6 Flagship Urban store for Enfield 8 Pierer plans MV Agusta buy-out 9 BSA signs up for the 2024 ABR Festival 10 Re-wire for Vmoto 12 Oxford Products issues recall 13 Suzuki launches winter finance deals 14 International news 18 Stafford show shines 20 Hull dealer is Bike Retailer of the Year 22 BSB paddock news for 2024 23 Ducati holds digital dealer conference 24 Electric news 25 Alternative power registration analysis 26 Off-road news

from all the team at British Dealer News www.britishdealernews.co.uk

the business 30 ACERBIS HITS THE HALF CENTURY Off-road specialist celebrates with new HQ 32 BUSINESS BEAT Garden leave – what you need to know

ADVERTISING Alison Payne: tel 07595 219093 Paul Baggott: tel 07831 863837 adsales@dealernews.co.uk

34 MARKETING MATTERS Doing a Ratner – when the joke’s on you

CIRCULATION circulation@dealernews.co.uk

36 WORLD FIRST FOR TEAM GREEN Kawasaki launches the new Ninja 7 hybrid

TAIWAN AGENCY Albert Yang, Pro Media Co: info@motopromedia.com; tel +886 4 7264437

40 THE BUSINESS ESSENTIALS Cost of living crisis and second incomes

New and used bike market data

UKCA schem e dumped

NEW 2024

MODEL INSTOCK

EVENT NEWS

& AVAILABLE NOW

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All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part by any electronic or mechanical means without express permission is strictly prohibited. Mayo Media Ltd can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by advertisers. Printed by S&G Print Group.

44 OUT TO LAUNCH TranAm showcases its 2024 line-up

D AHEA UST ER AUG AYS SEPTEMB ALW OCTOBER

Copyright © Mayo Media Ltd:

36

42 PRODUCTS The latest retail profit opportunities.

20 24

PUBLISHER Colin Mayo: editorial@dealernews.co.uk British Dealer News, 10 Daddon Court, Clovelly Road Industrial Estate, Bideford EX39 3FH

Business news

Akrapovič BDN long-term Exclusive OE deal SLOVENIAN FIRM AKRAPOVIČ has gradually been ratcheting up its presence in the OE sector, with many major manufacturers using its products. And now Triumph has joined BMW, Honda, Yamaha, KTM and more, by signing a long-term supplier agreement with the exhaust maker. The deal will see the Martin King, new owner of premium pipe benders work Motohaus Powersports with Hinckley on its adventure and roadster products, as well as fter a career spanning five decades in the transition, King spent six months as the general motorcycle industry, David Gath has made manager at Motohaus, with Gath as his mentor, unspecified ‘special projects’. the decision to sell Motohaus Powersports, imparting valuable insights. He has now assumed Nick Bloor, Triumph the company he founded in 1997. the role of managing director, eager to steer the Motorcycles CEO, said: “This Reflecting on his journey, Gath said: “I never company toward new objectives. collaboration is about offering imagined I would dedicate my life to the motorcycle King adds, “We have an exceptional team here our customers even more industry, yet I couldn’t have asked for a more at Motohaus, whom I can depend on to maintain choice. Working with Akrapovič fulfilling career. The only problem is that I have to operational efficiency while I focus on the broader to develop new exhaust systems avoid conversations about motorbikes because the strategy. At present, we are launching some exciting for our upcoming models, we truth is, apart from riding additions to the Keis Heated can give riders the opportunity 82 a dirt bike up a volcano a Apparel line for the winter to enhance the response and few years ago in Indonesia, season and anticipate an feel of their new Triumph, I haven’t ridden one for 35 announcement of a significant knowing that the two have been years!” distribution partnership early developed side by side.”

Stepping into the new next year. Stay tuned!”

Davorin Dobočnik, Akrapovič owner and managing Launched in 2009, Keis, CEO, added: “As a company, director role is Martin King, wholly owned by Motohaus, we are delighted to be entering a seasoned professional with stands as one of the leading into this new collaboration with a wealth of experience. His brands of heated clothing Triumph. We are honoured to career began as an RAF pilot in the UK and is exported cooperate with such an iconic before moving into the world across Europe. In addition to brand with a huge heritage. As of corporate finance.

Keis, the Hampshire-based companies, we share similar King shares his perspective, distributor boasts ownership values, and our engineers are saying, “Running my own of Brühl Dryers and Comfortalready working alongside business has long been an Air seats, along with longthose from Triumph to develop ambition of mine. As I am standing partnerships with systems for Triumph models, married to David’s youngest SW-Motech accessories, Sena including versions that will daughter, my close ties communications, OptiMate surprise many. This is an exciting to the family presented a chargers, and Ventura and important collaboration for unique opportunity when he luggage. us, and it is one that we are all expressed his intention of eager to be involved with to see Motohaus Powersports LARSSON-adv1-2023-210x76.pdf retiring.” what we can achieve.” 1 2023-11-16 10:58:47 01256 704909 David Gath is retiring from running Motohaus hello@motohaus.com To prepare for the

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SHORT CUTS TRIUMPH TOP IN SURVEY

TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLES HAS BEEN NAMED the UK’s most prominent motorbike equipment brand in 2023, according to a report from Salience Search Marketing, an online research firm and digital marketing company. Salience says it analysed eleven crucial performance indicators in September 2023, including year-on-year visibility, search volume trends and brand awareness, to reveal the names dominating the industry. Through analysing the number of monthly searches for each brand and calculating an owned social score which combines the number of followers and engagement rate across major social platforms for each brand, the report claims to unveil the most prominent motorbike equipment brands in the sector. Just behind Triumph in second place came Alpinestars, with Fox Racing, VR46 and Belstaff rounding out the top five. www.salience.co.uk

STERLING GOLF DAY

EIGHTY GOLFERS FROM ACROSS THE insurance industry came together to raise a record £15,000 and support those battling cancer. Insurance broker Sterling arranged its third golf competition with this year’s fundraising total being split between four UK cancer charities – one of which supports Archie Wilks, whose father Simon works for the company.

SABRE INSURANCE

SABRE INSURANCE, WHICH TOOK ON MCE’S insurance book in November 2021 claiming the deal was “an exciting additional opportunity alongside our UK private motor business”, before terminating the agreement when MCE went in to administration in July this year, has revealed that the Gross Written Premium (GWP) for its motorcycle business has fallen from £20.9m in 2022 to just £10.7m year-on-year.

Despite the near-50% reduction in revenue, Geoff Carter, chief executive of Sabre, said: “It is pleasing to see the motorcycle sector now performing at around the required level.” The loss is in contrast to the insurer’s car division, which saw GWP rise by nearly £30m to £162.2m for the period

Flagship Urban store for Enfield

T

he King’s Road might not be as trendy as it once was, since Chelsea and Fulham were all bought up by rich Middle Eastern and Chinese investors.

But it still has a touch of magic, making it a top spot for a flagship retail store.

And now Royal Enfield has just opened a new London outlet on New King’s Road, in association with Urban Rider. The store will offer the full range of Royal Enfield bikes, together with used machines, full workshop facilities, and a riding gear showroom with more than 50 brands of kit on offer. The store is also operating a partnership with Off the Kerb, a central London motorcycle training school, so customers can book motorcycle training directly from the store.

Will Starritt, co-founder of Urban Rider, said, “Partnering with Royal Enfield feels like a really natural fit since we both share the ethos of celebrating the love of riding. Over the last 15 years, Urban Rider has attracted people who value riding for the simple pleasure and joy it brings; often, the destination isn’t as important as the journey itself.

Even a daily commute can be fun on the right motorcycle. We look forward to bringing the Royal Enfield experience to the heart of the capital.”

George Cheeseman, Royal Enfield UK country manager, added, “We are so excited to be partnering with Urban Rider – bringing together two brands whose common ethos is to celebrate the joy of the motorcycling lifestyle.

We aim to bring the Royal Enfield

experience to as many customers as possible. Urban Rider’s iconic location in the heart of Chelsea, with its interactive spaces, provides a true lifestyle experience to more customers than ever.

“This is just the beginning for Royal Enfield Chelsea; we will be working hard to provide a lively calendar of events and activities from this flagship store, which will celebrate the sheer joy of pure motorcycling.”

The new store has a corner location on the New King’s Road

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Business news

Pierer plans MV Agusta buy-out

Winter sale for Fantic’s Caballero

O

sales network.

But further to this, KTM and MV Agusta have agreed a call option on the transfer of a controlling interest in the business. As the briefing document explained: “The call option granted to KTM on the basis of annual financial statements at 31 December 2025, to acquire a majority stake in MV Agusta, will be exercised in spring 2026.”

In simpler English, rather than a wooden translation from German, the agreement requires MV Agusta to successfully achieve two years’ worth of revenue and profit targets. Sardarov’s prize will then be a monumental payoff. Presumably much of this will go to his father, Russian oil and gas industry oligarch Rashid Sardarov, who financed the MV Agusta acquisition from Giovanni Castiglioni.

n 24 October, Pierer Mobility issued a regulatory investor relations briefing entitled “Deepening the cooperation with MV Agusta”. The news contained therein was much more far-reaching. In essence, it signalled an exit framework for MV Agusta owner and chief executive Timur Sardarov, as the eponymous Stefan Pierer grasps his first truly premium brand.

Initially, it reiterated the current position. Pierer Mobility’s KTM subsidiary had acquired a 25.1% stake in MV Agusta Motor in November 2022.

As part of the resulting “cooperation”, KTM took over the supply chain and purchasing for MV Agusta in October 2023. In addition, the MV Agusta product range will now be distributed through Pierer Mobility’s worldwide

BOUTIQUE ITALIAN BIKE BUILDER FANTIC HAS developed some interesting machines in recent years, helped by the supply of Yamaha engines via the Minarelli factory. And it’s just announced a price drop on its eyecatching Caballero 500 range of retro scramblers.

There’s an £800 saving for customers on the Scrambler, Scrambler Deluxe, Scrambler Anniversary, Flat Track, Rally and Explorer models purchased before 31 December. That means the top-end Explorer now costs £6849, down from £7649, and the entry-level Scrambler and Flat Track models cost £5949, down from £6749.

Fantic UK is also throwing in a two-year manufacturer warranty extension, taking the warranty to a four-year total. The price cuts are also available to buyers using the firm’s PCP and HP financing options.

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H

igh-end electric bike producer Verge has appointed another highprofile executive to its senior management team.

George Blankenship (right), formerly of Apple and Tesla, has joined as chief revenue officer and will be responsible for “developing Verge Motorcycles’ customer interface and customer journey, as well as its global store strategy”, according to the firm.

“Motorcycles have been manufactured with the same underlying format for the past 150 years,” says Blankenship. “At Verge, I was particularly inspired by its boldness to shake old habits. I see the same potential in Verge today as I did in Apple two decades ago and Tesla one decade ago.”

“We want Verge’s stores to be in exactly the right places in terms of brand awareness and sales.

George’s holistic vision, excellent networks and industry experience will make this possible,” said Verge CTO Marko Lehtimäki.

The Verge release goes on to talk about how important brick-and-mortar stores will be for its future, pointing to success at its outlet in Monaco.

Whether, as the old football pundit saw goes, they’ll be able to repeat that success selling £40k electric bikes on a wet Tuesday in Stoke remains to be seen.

BSA signs up to appear at the 2024 ABR Festival IT’S A SIGN OF THE STRONG APPEAL OF the Adventure Bike Rider Festival event that even firms without any discernible adventure product want to participate.

That certainly applies to BSA, with only one model currently in its range – the 650 Gold Star – which is very far from the rugged off-road style machines usually championed by the Festival. BSA has been teasing a scrambler model at various shows this year, though – so you’d perhaps not be too surprised to see the firm display a new offroad-style bike at the show.

The team at the ABR Festival have marked the deal by recreating a vintage BSA advert from a 1961 sales brochure. The sales brochure was originally printed and

distributed in the USA and showed riders with an assortment of BSA vehicles, in front of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon – not so far from the BSA factory itself and, coincidentally, the home of the ABR company.

Bryn Davies, ABR Festival managing director, said, ‘We’re delighted BSA has chosen the festival to showcase its motorcycles. Having a brand with such cultural and historical significance at the show will add a new depth to the event for our visitors to enjoy. It felt only right to collaborate and honour the history of both brands by recreating this iconic photograph, originally shot in Stratford-upon-Avon, with some of our team.’

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Business news

Ex-Apple exec to join Verge

Business news

Re-wire for Vmoto Electric bike specialist in it for the long haul with new HQ, lower pricing and the introduction of Pro Dealer partnerships

A

Clive Mann CEO

10 DECEMBER 2023

sk any dealer how bike sales have been going recently, and you’ll get a mix of responses, some good, some bad.

But ask how electric bike sales have been performing, and the reactions are almost universal – and not in a good way. 2023 has been an appalling year for battery-powered bike sales in Britain, which has been put down to several factors: a decline in fleet purchases after the end of the Covid pandemic home delivery boom, an increase in home working, and a general lack of money, especially amongst customers who might have considered an electric bike and are now going for cheaper (initially at least) petrol machinery.

However, Chinese brand Vmoto had a double whammy of pain after its original UK distributor hit problems earlier this year and gave up the brand. The manufacturer had to rush to put a direct importation deal in place, taking over the distribution of bikes to dealers, picking up the pieces from the old organisation, and basically starting again.

BDN visited the new premises of Vmoto in Guildford and spoke to the UK CEO Clive Mann about his plan for the brand.

The new Vmoto HQ is well located, a stone’s-throw from Guildford train station, and while it was in a state of ‘still-unpacking’ flux when we visited, it’s a wellappointed setup with offices, workshop and warehousing, training areas, and a decent-sized showroom area, packed with Vmoto and Super Soco bikes, glinting in the early Autumn sunshine. There was a line-up of 20 new Uber Eats branded machines ready to go out, visually underlining the importance of fleet sales and corporate B2B deals to the firm.

Clive Mann and sales and marketing manager Gareth Hughes showed us around,

explaining that the new base was better suited for dealer visits than the old location in Newark. The plan is to host meetings, training and other events at Guildford going forward.

As we sat down with a coffee, I asked Mann how important the UK market was to the head office in China? Particularly after the recent downturn in electric sales?

“It’s of huge importance,” Mann said. “When the company initially employed me, I was used as a point of contact with the UK importer, and the plan eventually was that we would purchase the business from them. The original timeframe was two years, but because of the distributor’s issues and setup, it was fast-forwarded.

Basically, we have full support from the manufacturer because

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

Gareth Hughes, sales and marketing manager

they see the UK as a big flagship is looking for more. “We want one market. Numbers-wise, compared in every key city, which we don’t to other electric markets, we’re have at the moment,” said Mann. still nowhere near what we want.” “A lot of the northern cities are The reasoning behind the new still slightly reluctant, so we need investment means a longer-term dealers in Liverpool, Newcastle, view. “Vmoto as a company is the Scottish cities and Wales.” looking to grow,” said Mann.

Vmoto is also planning a “It’s looking for that long-term ‘Pro’ level of dealer agreement, goal. It’s not where partner looking for a retailers will get We’ve cut quick buck right more support, now, which a lot prices, not just i n c r e a s e d of distribution margin, demo setups are. to keep up with bike support, We are trying pointwhat everyone improved to implement of-sale and our plans else is doing marketing backup for a longerin return for extra term growth but to align commitment. period.

And those prices to “The requirement we’re allowed is to be more the flexibility be competitive of a brand to adapt and ambassador for Clive Mann, CEO select which us,” said Mann. models suit the “So you’ll have UK market. Take the new Stash more bikes in the showroom, model, for example, which is and your technicians and sales coming next year. We had the staff will be up-to-date and fully option to get it in at the beginning qualified to provide the customer of this year without ABS and the with the correct service. We’re TFT dash but we thought, for the looking to create something like bike it is, we need the TFT dash the big ICE guys already have, but and we need ABS, so let’s wait and none of the electric brands have get that done and do it properly.” yet. We’ve got the product, and Another upside of going we’re building the service side to direct has been lower prices, go with it.” with Vmoto making a series There is also the promise of of discounts across its range more exciting models coming for and giving more dealer margin. next year, including a new maxi“We’ve cut prices, not just to scooter designed by Pininfarina, keep up with what everyone ‘Pro’ versions of existing models else is doing but to align those with more power and features, prices to be competitive with and the Stash model, which Mann petrol bikes,” said Mann. “And believes is an excellent fit for the we’ve also increased the dealer UK market. margin.”

Vmoto In terms of dealers, the firm salesuk@vmotosoco.com has 52 outlets at the moment but www.supersoco.co.uk

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

Call us: +44 (0)1484 641 073 or visit: www.hocoparts.com

DECEMBER 2023 11

Business news

THE UK’S NO.1 DESTINATION FOR TYRES

Business news

SHORT CUTS DAY OF CHAMPIONS!

PLANNING TO IMPROVE YOUR SCHEDULING FOR 2024? You could start by buying tickets for the Day of Champions charity event now, nine months in advance. The event, which raises money for the Two Wheels for Health charity, takes place at the British MotoGP, on Thursday 1 August next year. More info: www.silverstone. co.uk/events/day-of-champions

ELVIS WAS A TRIUMPH FAN

WHO KNEW ELVIS PRESLEY WAS A TRIUMPH fan? The Hinckley firm has apparently discovered that ‘The King’ bought nine bikes – TR6 and T120 models – for a load of pals in 1965, and the cheques are now kept in the Gracelands’ archives.

Triumph is trying to track down the bikes, and has released a one-off custom T120 Bonneville to celebrate. Know where a Presley Trumpet might be? Get in touch with the firm at elvistriumph@ triumphmotorcycles.com

NORTON

NORTON MOTORCYCLES HAS ANNOUNCED A brand-new partnership with charity Mental Health Motorbike (MHM). MHM is a free face-to-face and online mental health first aid support charity for the UK biking community, providing a network of support for bikers, by bikers. Alongside a financial donation to help the charity deliver on its wider aims, Norton has lined up an initial group of 16 employees to train as Mental Health First Aiders to provide support within the Norton community.

VENHILL GOES VIRTUAL

SURREY-BASED CABLE AND HOSE MAKER Venhill has upgraded its cataloguing system to a new interactive digital version.

In the past, the firm’s 12,000-plus fitments were organised in one PDF, but now they’ve built an online part finder on the Venhill trade user website (www.venhill. co.uk). Powered by a formatted Excel spreadsheet, the new system lets users download the fitments they need, 24/7, in an easily searched and edited format.

Bridgestone to sponsor 2024 ABR Festival

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e’ve only just finished Motorcycle Live, but the 2024 bike show season is already getting up to speed, with organisers of the ABR Festival signing up tyre giant Bridgestone as an official partner for next year. The Japanese firm returns as headline sponsor for two main feature areas of the festival: the Bridgestone Trail, and the Bridgestone Stage.

The Bridgestone Trail will offer more than 20 miles of onsite riding trails, suitable for all abilities, while the Bridgestone Stage will feature a comprehensive

speaker line-up consisting of stars of the motorcycling world.

“Having been associated with the ABR Festival since its inception in 2018, we’re delighted to confirm we’ll be back once again to partner Alun Davies and his team,” said Gary Hartshorne, Bridgestone UK’s motorcycle product manager.

“The ABR Festival continues to grow, attracting more riders, manufacturers and high-profile speakers each year. The festival gives us a superb platform to not only promote our products but to mix and talk face-to-face with

the industry and like-minded motorcyclists.”

ABR Festival managing director Bryn Davies added; “We’ve been working tirelessly to make the ABR Festival the summer showcase for the motorcycle industry. Having a market-leading company like Bridgestone back for another year tells us we’re doing something right.”

The ABR Festival’s sixth show will take place on 28-30 June 2024 at the Ragley Hall Estate, Warwickshire – more info at www.abrfestival.com.

New auctioneer for Bristol Classic NEXT FEBRUARY, THE CLASSIC SHOW SEASON starts in Bristol with the Mortons Media Classic Motorcycle Show. And established Somerset-based auction house Dore and Rees is holding its first classic bike auction at the show.

The event takes place at the Royal Bath and West showground in Shepton Mallet on 24-25 Feb, with more than 100 classic machines going under the hammer.

“The team and I are delighted that Dore & Rees will be running an auction at The Bristol Classic Motorcycle show, and we are excited for attendees to see the amazing bikes on stage,” said Nick Mowbray, event manager for show organiser Mortons Media.

Nick Wells, consultant specialist at Dore & Rees

added, “We are excited to partner with Mortons Media on our first classic bike auction at The Bristol Classic Motorcycle show.”

The annual Bristol Show brings together thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts, collectors, and club members from all over the world, and offers one of the earliest chances of the year to stock up on classic parts, spares and accessories. It’s attended by more than 16,000 likeminded enthusiasts every year.

Discounted advance tickets are now on sale at £15.

Tickets will also be available on the gate at £18 – and kids aged 16 and under get free admission. Free parking is available on-site. www.bristolclassicbikeshow.com

Oxford issues product recall for AA leggings

O

xford Products has notified the trade that it is recalling its AA-rated women’s black leggings due to a potential manufacturing fault. The recall notice to dealers relates to all waist sizes and leg lengths.

The Witney-based wholesaler is requesting that any retailers who sell or have sold the product: • Remove any remaining stock immediately from sale.

• If possible, urgently contact customers who have bought this product and

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DECEMBER 2023

urge them to stop using it with immediate effect and return it to the shop for a full refund.

• Maintain full records of those returns, including customer details, for any necessary followup.

• Box up and seal the returned items and label “quarantined stock for return to Oxford”.

• Liaise with their area sales manager to manage the onward returns process.

Oxford Products has apologised for any inconvenience caused by the recall and thanks dealers in advance for their cooperation. The company is also keen to point out that the recall only affects this one product – Product code: TW228101.

A public recall notice has been placed in Motor Cycle News and on the Oxford Products website.

For more information, contact 01993 862300 or custserv@ oxprod.com.

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

New Suzuki finance deals

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uzuki has unveiled a new package of consumer finance deals across the slightly older models in its range. The Hayabusa – including the 25th anniversary version, the V-Strom 1050 and 1050DE, the GSX-S1000, and both the GSX-S1000GT and GT+, are all now available with a 2.9% APR finance deal over four years on both HP and PCP. At the same time, it is also offering £500 off the learner-legal GSX-R125 and GSX-S125 models.

Jonathan Martin, Suzuki GB head of motorcycles, said, “The clocks have gone back, the nights have drawn in, and the temperatures have dropped, but it’s still a good time for riders to put a new Suzuki in the garage for less this winter. We understand that monthly payments remain key for our customers and by offering an incredibly low 2.9% through the winter we believe more customers will take advantage now and not wait until spring to ride away on a new Suzuki.”

RS Bike Paint approved for BSA HERTFORDSHIRE PAINT SPECIALIST RS BIKE PAINT HAS ADDED BSA to the list of major firms who have approved its products for official aftermarket supply. The Indian-owned heritage brand joins Triumph, Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki and Bimota on the list of bike manufacturers who have given RS the official seal of approval for its range of colour-matched touch-up, aerosol and spray gun products.

Phil Allen, MD of RS Bike Paint, said, “My father-in-law, Arthur, who founded the company in 1978, was an avid biker in the 50s and 60s and was deeply loyal to British motorcycles. It’s wonderful to be able to play a role in supporting the re-establishment of such an iconic brand.”

Ashish Singh Joshi, director at BSA, said, “We are very pleased to have appointed RS as our chosen paint supplier to the aftersales market. Their reputation makes them the perfect partner to help us rekindle the excitement of the Gold Star in the motorcycling world.”

Record insolvency rates hit businesses

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ccording to official data released on 31 October, corporate insolvencies in England and Wales have risen to their highest level since the 2009 financial crisis during the six months to September, with 6208 firms registered as insolvent in Q3 alone. And the number of creditors’ voluntary liquidations has reached an all-time high since the introduction of that process in 1960.

Government channels indicate these rises reflect the ending of Covid-19 support schemes, accumulation of debt postpandemic and high inflation

undermining demand. A key factor was also the surge in borrowing costs since the Bank of England started raising interest rates to combat inflation, from a record low of 0.1% in November 2021 to the current 5.25%.

Speaking to the Financial Times, restructuring and recovery services specialist Mark Ford of Evelyn Partners said: “Insolvencies have soared this year against a grim backdrop of continuing cost increases, friction in supply chains and difficult trading conditions, plus a harsh and uncertain macroeconomic environment.”

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

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Business news

BRAKE PARTS

International news

International news With financial editor Roger Willis

Growth off the menu Unveiling their latest corporate results, Japan’s four motorcycle manufacturers are now facing unpalatable economic slowdowns in some of the hitherto reliable emerging mass markets that kept them in sushi HONDA: HARDER TIMES AHEAD Being the biggest also means being hit the hardest when trading headwinds increase. So Honda’s fiscal year in its motorcycle business isn’t meeting aspirations.

On the face of it, half-yearly results to the end of September look sound. Global Honda motorcycle revenue rose by 11.3% to £8.462bn. Associated operating profit was 12.7% up to £1.363bn. Operating margin improved from 15.6% to 16.1%. However, worldwide unit sales only grew by 0.7% to 9.266 million. The results presentation glossed over this by saying: “sales exceeded the same period last year, mainly due to firm demand in Indonesia and Europe”.

Data covering six-month performance in Honda’s five largest markets painted a more complex picture. Indeed, Indonesian sales from its Astra Honda joint venture, with British-owned conglomerate Jardine Matheson, surged by 33.1% to 2.307 million.

Thailand added 6.9% to 751,000 and output from Honda’s wholly-owned Brazilian hub at Manaus was 5.2% up to to 597,000. But Indian volume from its HMSI subsidiary plants declined by 4.5% to 2.206 million and Vietnam was 13% down to 999,000.

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DECEMBER 2023

Overall, Asian half-yearly unit sales had fallen by 0.3% to 7.874 million and other emerging regions were 4.6% lower at 786,000. The developed world was much brighter. Europe stacked on a muscular 59%

How that will translate into impact on revenue and profit is unclear, particularly as main developedworld forecasts remain robust

Honda’s wholly-owned Brazilian hub at Manaus

to 229,000. North America was 15.9% up to 255,000. Japanese domestic sales increased by 7% to 122,000.

Numbers crunched in the three months of Q2 were considerably less inviting. Although the quarterly revenue portion was 10.7% up to £4.389bn, that was where good news stopped. Operating profit had shrunk by 13.5% to £509.9m and operating margin dived from 17.2% to 13.5%.

Global Q2 unit sales fell by 5.3% to 6.006 million. Among the key five largest markets, Indonesia and Brazil were safely ahead, respectively 13.6% up to 1.192 million and 11.5% up to 326,000. But India was 4.6% down to 1.254 million, Vietnam 20% in arrears at 493,000 and Thailand turned negative, losing 3.4% on 356,000. The presentation commentary stressed decreases in Vietnam and China (for which no details were supplied), due to economic slowdowns.

These, we were told, would carry through into the full-year outlook.

That annual forecast has now been amended downwards. An estimate of total unit sales in the fiscal year to 31 March 2024 reaching 19.18 million has been reduced to 18.8 million, only 0.2% higher than the actual 12-month result in Honda’s previous fiscal year. The primary culprit is Asia, where an original target has been slashed by 2.6% to 15.945 million – 430,000 fewer bikes.

How that will translate into impact on revenue and profit is unclear, particularly

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

¥-£ currency translation at forex rates applicable on 7 November

KAWASAKI: UNCERTAIN FUTURE

countries will be on the receiving end of 240,000.

Utility vehicles, ATVs and personal watercraft will add up to 95,000. However, revenue and operating profit are likely to flatline.

As geopolitical pressures mount in emerging ¥-£ currency translation at forex rates markets, Japanese motorcycle manufacturers applicable on 8 November can no longer rely on a highvolume and low-margin game plan to underwrite their ¥-£ currency translation at forex rates progress in more demanding applicable on 13 November fields. Half-year results from the recently remonikered Kawasaki SUZUKI: EASTERN PROGRESS MISSING division are Suzuki Motor Corporation’s motorcycle business powersports continues on its recovery path, but not very fast showing the strain.

For the first six months and heavily dependent on Indian input.

Total turnover spanning the first six of its 2023/24 fiscal year, months of its current fiscal year to the end revenue was only 0.7% up to of September rose by just 2.2% to £970.8m. £1.439bn. Operating profit fell Operating profit was 5.8% up to £87.3m and sharply by 17.6% to £124.6m.

Operating margin declined operating margin cruised at 9%.

Revenue from Asia as a whole was the from 10.6% to 8.7%. Increased Increased investment, R&D spend on its electrification programme, plus sales biggest contributor, improving by 4.6% to upfront investment, primarily and marketing expenses took the blame for Kawasaki troubles £484.3m. Fortunately, within that, India was accelerating R&D spend on its electrification YAMAHA: REVS YOUR WALLET 27.9% up to £307.8m. Other Asian markets programme, plus sales promotion and A mixture of wilfully passing excess costs on retreated by 20.5% to £176.3m. Europe put on marketing expenses took the blame. to developed-world consumers and sorting Turnover generated from motorcycles out semiconductor procurement to absolve 19.8% to £143.2m, although North America was 12.8% down at £125m. The Japanese aimed at the developed world grew by 3.8% to supply issues in emerging markets as much domestic market fell by 16.7% to £59.5m. as possible, plus pushing up inventory levels Most notable figure Suzuki’s overall production during the everywhere, has put Yamaha’s motorcycle period increased by 1.1% to 980,000 units. businesss in fairly rude health. was a 27% rise to Most notable figure was a 27% rise to 484,000 Consolidated revenue, across three quarters units from its wholly-owned Indian motorcycle 484,000 units from its of its 2023 calendar year, has grown by 11.9% and scooter subsidiary. Machines produced to £5.763bn. This figure constitutes 58.2% wholly-owned Indian in various other Asian factories declined by of Yamaha Motor’s entire group revenue in 15.9% to 399,000 units. Japanese domestic the year to date. Even better, operating profit motorcycle and output was 3.6% down to 53,000 units. from the motorcycle sector was 57.1% up to Global sales slipped slightly by 0.8% to £537.2m, accounting for almost half of YTD scooter subsidiary 958,000 units. India was star of the show, group operating profitability and trouncing 17.8% up at 413,000 sold. Asia, excluding £502.9m. But associated wholesale shipment cash-cow marine products leadership for the India, slumped by 13.4% to 382,000. That volume was 9.4% down to 87,000 units. first time in eons. Operating margin climbed included China, 6.7% down to 229,000, and European sales rose by 20% to 30,000 and to 9.3% from 6.6%. the Philippines dropping by 19.1% to 80,000. domestic numbers put on 7.1% to 15,000.

Biggest turnover contribution came from Among emerging markets elsewhere, Latin But the USA retreated by 26.7% to 33,000, Asia, rising by 8.1% to £3.374bn, thanks to America fell by 10.4% to 91,000. In developed Canada was 33.3% down to 4000 and Australia an uprated model mix. However, unit sales markets, European recovery stood out, 31.4% dropped by 40% to 3000. volume only increased by 1.1% to 2.912 up to 23,000. Japan was Emerging markets million. Demand was reportedly strongest in 9.9% down to 22,000 and motorcycle turnover Indonesia and India. The only complete dunce North America sank by experienced a 22.7% decline was Vietnam, where sales fell by 33%.

10.9% to 17,000. to £230.7m, with wholesale Revenue from developed markets was 13.8% The Japanese are keen shipments plunging by 38% up to £1.501bn. Among main players Europe on forecasts. But these are to 98,000. Most notably in led the charge, stacking on 25.2% to £959.2m. usually a moveable feast.

South East Asia, sales in the European sales volume was 21.4% up to Its full-year production Philippines sank by 39.8% 187,000. North America increased by 22.8% to estimate peaked in May to 62,000 and Indonesia £307.4m as volume put on 13.2% at 60,000. on 1.971 million bikes, was 52.2% down to 11,000. Japanese domestic performance was poor. was revised downwards in Taken together, Thailand, Revenue share shrank by 31.4% to £167.2m August to 1.942 million and China, Brazil and others and sales fell by 22.3% to 55,000. changed again in November were 20.7% lower at 23,000.

Latin America and other unspecified for this half-year results Revenue from utility regions prospered by 25.3% to deliver revenue statement. It currently vehicles, ATVs and personal of £886m. Unit sales data was scarce, 4.4% stands at 1.889 million. If watercraft, mostly destined growth to 450,000, but apparently Brazilian that figure is still set in stone for North America, improved volume recovered by 37%. by 31 March 2024, which is Koichiro Hirao, MD, Suzuki Motorcycle India by 19.5% to £466.6m. And Nothing approaching a full-year forecast unlikely, the brand will have reduced year-on- shipment volume was 5.1% higher at 41,000 was made available in the presentation. But a year shipments by 1.3%. units. But general-purpose petrol engine deeply inscrutable statement said: “Shipments Similarly, unit sales forecasts leap about. So revenue dropped by 6.2% to £238.5m. increased. Profits rose thanks to the effects of far, they’ve gone from 1.941 million in May to Kawasaki’s full-year forecasts to 31 March passing on prices and other measures. Premium 1.919 million in August and then 1.880 million 2024 are decidedly noncommittal. Wholesale model segment shipments are in full swing.” in November – equating to notional 1.1% annual motorcycle shipments into developed markets ¥-£ currency translation at forex rates growth and hardly burgeoning confidence. should reach 215,000 units, while emerging applicable on 9 November

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DECEMBER 2023 15

International news

as main developed-world forecasts remain robust. The European estimate of unit sales has been uprated by 6.9% to 465,000. North America is now 6.4% higher to 500,000.

Japan’s prospects have been cut by 5.6% to 255,000. Other emerging regions beyond Asia are expected to flatline on 1.635 million.

International news

Could do better!

BMW MOTORRAD: LOSING THE PLOT Confused Bavarian beancounters seem to have got their lederhosen in a twist when concocting latest nine-monthly and third quarter figures for BMW Group’s motorcycle division. Indeed, they also broke the habit of a lifetime by actually mentioning a new product in the context of monetary gain.

For the nine months, Motorrad results were somewhat less than perfect. Total revenue for the period was sluggardly, 3.5% up to £2.235bn. Retail sales volume also rose by 3.5%, with 164,908 motorcycles and maxiscooters delivered to customers worldwide.

But operating profit was 4.3% down to £267.8m and operating margin slipped from 13% to 12%.

Pre-tax earnings fell by 4.6% to £270.4m. And net profit was seriously sullied, suffering a surprise 16.3% decline to £192.1m.

Illumination of July-September data told the torrid tale. Although

Roger Willis casts an analytical eye over the first nine months’ financial results of BMW, Ducati, Piaggio and Harley-Davidson

retail performance had still been reasonable, posting a fairly marginal 0.5% rise to 52,037 units, quarterly revenue plunged by 20.9% to £564.9m. That plunge replaced an operating profit of £75.6m in Q3 2022, and

The official excuse at BMW Group’s results presentation claimed it was: “mainly due to a change in the model launch calendar from the previous year.”

Surely this didn’t stand up to scrutiny, if Motorrad was selling

Now for the bad news. Total Ducati YTD production volume fell by 18.2% to 45,987 units an operating margin of 10.6%, with a Q3 2023 operating loss of £3.5m and negative operating margin of 0.6%. Net profit was non-existent, of course, set against a bottom line of £60.8m in Q3 2022.

approximately the same model mix at the same prices as it had been in the immediately previous quarter?

Perhaps that wasn’t the case. The whole thing suggests clearing out redundant inventory at discount.

A clue comes from the following prognostication: “Market launch of the new R1300GS in the fourth quarter will be the most important product highlight of the year,” the presentation subsequently opined. “As the world’s most successful premium motorcycle, the redesigned Boxer GS with its many innovations should be one of the segment’s main profitable sales drivers.” €-£ currency translation at forex rates applicable on 3 November

The old BMW R1250 GS is being cleared to make way for the new R1300 GS

16 DECEMBER 2023

DUCATI: GETTING ITS STORY STRAIGHT? Perhaps the DesertX Rally launch and announcement of a forthcoming foray into motocross

were pre-EICMA diversionary tactics, because Ducati’s ninemonthly results to the end of September revealed a retreat in overall production and sales.

However, plump pricing still pushed profits higher.

Revenue for the three quarters of 2023 to date grew by a mere 0.5% to £764m, described by parental Volkswagen money monitors as “stable”. But operating profit rose strongly on the back of a more lucrative model mix, 28.1% up to £122m. And operating margin improved from 12.5% to 15.9%.

Within the VW Progressive Brand Group – encompassing Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini and Ducati – the latter’s operating profit contribution increased from 2% to 3%. Bentley accounted for 11%, up from 9%.

Lamborghini was responsible for 13%, also rising from 9%. Audi’s share fell from 81% to 73%.

Combined operating profit from this “luxury” sector reached a tad over £4bn.

Now for the bad news. Total Ducati YTD production volume fell by 18.2% to 45,987 units, which was blamed mainly on “optimising inventories”. In other words, the Italians had shipped far too many bikes at the back end of last year.

YTD retail sales were 4% down to 47,867. During Q3, dealer deliveries to customers actually dived by 22.7% to 12,743.

Back on a YTD basis for Ducati’s various model segments, Scrambler sub-brand production sank by 21.5% to 6711 bikes.

Retail numbers were 10.7% lower at 6347. Naked/Sport Cruiser

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But Sport dived by 43.8% to 15,849 as the Sportster range faded into history. Adventure virtually halved, 49.2% down at 4445 and clearly failing to trouble ADV sector opposition.

LiveWire shipped only 146 units, against 528 in YTD 2022.

results presentation. “Against a challenging macro and consumer backdrop, we have been able to achieve a result that preserves profitability at an industry-leading level,” he pleaded, like only a truly stressed-out German could in

€-£ currency translation at forex rates applicable on 27 October

HARLEY-DAVIDSON: ANOTHER FINE MESS With its 2023 aspirations suddenly unravelling, to the extent that investors brutally dumped Harley-Davidson shares when the company revealed its latest results, desperate measures may be in order.

Across the three quarters of 2023 to date, total revenue from all operations was 3.7% up to £3.923bn. However, combined operating profit slumped by 11.6% to £656.3m and net profit was 2.7% down to £558.2m.

Turnover from HarleyDavidson motorcycles, related products and licensing (HDMC activity) during this nine-month period rose by 2.1% to £3.322bn.

But associated operating profit was flat, 0.5% lower at £578.3m.

Revenue attributed to Harley’s LiveWire electric bike spin-off copped a 39% decline to £18.8m and the subsidiary declared an operating loss of £67.1m – worsening from its £30.9m loss 12 months earlier.

Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS) benefited from charging higher interest rates on US consumer credit and dealer inventory funding to achieve 16.7% revenue growth to £580.4m. But much larger provision for loan defaults slashed operating profit by 30.2% to £145.1m.

YTD wholesale motorcycle shipments to dealers worldwide fell by 5.9% to 150,586 units.

Taken by segments, Touring increased by 1.3% to 76,270 and Cruiser was 13.8% up at 53,876.

The new LiveWire S2 Del Mar launched in October. See page 25 for further information

Harley-Davidson remains committed to its Hardwire strategy and we will do everything possible to achieve our goals Jochen Zeitz, Harley-Davidson CEO

Nine-monthly global retail sales were 8.3% down to 132,609 units. North American volume dropped by 9.4% to 88,427. The EMEA region – predominantly Europe – was 8.6% lower on 21,884. Asia-Pacific countries almost broke even, just 0.9% in arrears on 20,190. Latin America was 10.9% adrift, shifting only 2108 bikes.

Much of the overall pain was confined to third-quarter woes.

Harley’s headline Q3 revenue sank by 6% to 1.274bn. HDMC’s portion was 8.8% down to £1.068bn.

LiveWire turned over less than seven million quid. Combined operating profit plunged by 38.2% to £172.4m and net profit retreated by 23.9% to just £163.7m. JulySeptember wholesale shipments dropped sharply by 20.6% to 57,061 units and retail sales finished 15.6% down on 49,387.

Suspicions that a Q4 cliff edge beckoned were inevitable.

No wonder Harley-Davidson supremo Jochen Zeitz was clutching at straws in his

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the circumstances. “HarleyDavidson remains committed to its Hardwire strategy and we will do everything possible to achieve our goals, while being realistic that current market conditions are complex.” $-£ currency translation at forex rates applicable on 27 October

PIAGGIO: COPING WITH GENERATIONAL CHANGE After a really strong post-Covid recovery, Piaggio Group’s growth started to soften three quarters of the way through 2023. But it’s still consistently profitable for the time being.

In the relatively few weeks since his vastly experienced and hardnosed father Roberto passed away, novice Piaggio chief executive Michele Colaninno has at least learned to waffle. A necessary skills set for explaining why the business immediately developed issues and its share price tanked as soon as Dad died has yet to emerge. Presenting his first set of quarterly results, this was the best

Colaninno Junior could manage: “Although the global macroeconomic scenario is becoming more complex from one quarter to the next, the Piaggio Group’s international expansion strategy allows us to counterbalance the temporary slowdowns in some markets against the favourable response of more dynamic areas,” he expounded.

“The improvement in customer perception of our brands and products around the world has enabled us to achieve very interesting margins, which we should consolidate in the coming years. New technologies, design and productivity are the drivers of our global growth today and above all for the future.”

Getting down to the nitty-gritty, total three-quarterly turnover flatlined on £1.421bn. Within that, revenue attributable to global sales of powered two-wheelers plus associated spares and accessories suffered a 3.4% decline to £1.131bn. Worldwide scooter and motorcycle sales volume fell more firmly by 11% to 364,999 units.

However, operating profit was 18.7% up to £139.8m and operating margin improved to 9.8% from 8.3%. Pre-tax profit rose by 13.6% to £113.5m. And net profit was a nine-monthly all-time record, climbing by 20.9% to £74.9m. Net debt at the end of September had grown to £340.1m, from £321.8m at the beginning of this year.

As usual, the company’s report subsequently shrugs off inconvenient details. Apparently turnover from powered twowheeler sales improved by 5.1% across Europe and the Americas.

A “very healthy” performance on the Italian domestic market added 13.2% and North America was 5.4% up.

European scooter market share of 23.1% “confirmed its leadership position” and the North American scooter share was 29.5%. Highlights in the scooter sector were the excellent sales performance of Piaggio Beverley and Medley highwheel models, and double-digit percentage turnover growth for Vespa scooters on Western markets. Charmed by such admirative prose, any speed reader would hardly notice: “Sales slowed in India and the Asia-Pacific region.” €-£ currency translation at forex rates applicable on 30 October

DECEMBER 2023 17

International news

(Diavel, Monster, Streetfighter) production was reduced by 20.3% to 14,748 and sales fell by 5.3% to 15,592. Dual/ Hyper (Hypermotard, DesertX, Multistrada) production was cut by 22.1% to 15,095 but sales increased marginally, 0.5% up to 16,959. Finally Sport (Supersport, Panigale) had a 3.5% production decline to 9433 and 4.7% sales shrinkage at 8969.

As for Ducati retail sales destinations worldwide, Europe’s slice of the cake expanded to 59% from 54%. The USA took 14%, improving from 13%. China, including Hong Kong, dropped significantly from 8% to 5%.

Other markets withered from 24% to 22%.

Business news

SHORT CUTS

DUCATI

BORGO PANIGALE HAS ADDED A NEW FEATURE to its factory tours: as well as seeing round the factory itself, and the firm’s heritage museum, Ducatisti can now add a look round the ‘Finitura e Delibera Estetica’ building, where final quality checks take place on production bikes.

MAG

THE MOTORCYCLE ACTION GROUP IS backing calls by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Better Roads to reinstate ringfencing of funds and multi-year settlements for local road maintenance. The proposals aim to improve road surface conditions across the UK – a matter of safety importance to bikers. MAG figures estimate that poor road conditions contribute to 74 deaths and serious injuries of motorcyclists each year.

TT DOCUMENTARY

BETWEEN THE HEDGES, THE RECENT MINIseries filmed and produced for the Isle of Man TT’s digital channel TT+ has been shortlisted in the Best Original Content category for the SportsPro OTT Awards. The award is in recognition of the best non-live sports content created for a direct-to-viewer channel or digital platform, and the series (still available for free on the TT+ website) competes against content produced by some globally known digital platforms including Warner Bros, Discovery+, Eurosport and Netflix.

GOPRO

ULTRA SPORT HAS BEEN APPOINTED AS A core distributor for GoPro across the UK and Ireland. The sporting goods and technology supply firm will supply the leading action cameras and accessories to specialist stores. “We have been delivering cutting-edge products to sports and outdoor enthusiasts for more than four decades,” said Thierry Way, director at Ultra Sport. “GoPro products are in high demand, yet have not been available in speciality stores for several years. As a core distributor, our task is to change that and ensure that the full range is available at specialist stores.” www.ultrasporteu.com

INDIAN TEAMS UP WITH RUROC

INDIAN SWEETENED THE DEAL FOR TEST RIDERS at an end-of-season demo day, by showing off the Ruroc helmet brand, and giving one Atlas 4.0 lid away to a prize draw winner. Hosted at Ruroc’s Gloucester HQ on 28 October, the event featured all four FTR models plus the Scout Rogue, Scout Bobber and Sport Chief. Riders also had the chance to grab a free Indian T-shirt for taking part.

18 DECEMBER 2023

Stafford show shine

TV motorcycle programs producer Henry Cole and his copresenters attracted strong audience interest throughout the weekend. Foreground: the main Vintage Japanese MC stand

T

he 30th Classic Mechanics Show at Stafford County Showground (14-15 October) attracted a much larger audience, significantly eclipsing the April Stafford attendance and thus reflecting the growing power of the classic Japanese bike movement. The show also reflected growing confidence post-Covid.

The basic split for the Stafford world-leading classic shows has been British bike bedrock for April and Japanese for October. Recent years have seen something of a machinery overlap as the younger Japanese-centric generation has expanded its influence, the leading club, the Vintage Japanese MC, having a presence on five stands in October.

“You couldn’t move in here on Saturday,” said VJMC vicepresident Doug Perkins, who has been with the club since its foundation in 1982. “We had people queuing both days to join the club and renew memberships – never known anything like it.”

Tireless VJMC show officer Andy Bolas, nodded his agreement on show attendance.

The first Classic Bike show was established in 1980 at Belle Vue, Manchester, by Alan Whitehead, now 78, who started as an event organiser in 1972 with the Bolton Autojumble in Lancashire. He moved the Classic Bike show to Stafford in 1988, where it became a truly international event with an allied major classic bike auction.

In 1993, Whitehead could see the potential for a second show in the £multi-million classic movement, and so introduced the Classic Mechanics Show in October of that year.

Potential buyers examine 1952 500 Moto Guzzi Falcone Sport from the Tony East Collection. It made £13,225 (including premium) in the Bonhams auction

In 2000, Mortons bought both shows, sensibly keeping founder Whitehead involved as a consultant. The Mortons show team, headed by Nick Mowbray, introduced various changes, successfully keeping the momentum up and further developing the shows.

Covid in 2020 brought a temporary halt, forcing Mortons and many other businesses to rethink their strategies.

For October, a custom section was added to broaden appeal.

Main guests were members of the Henry Cole TV team (Henry Cole, Guy ‘Skid’ Willison, and Allen Millyard). Cole is surely Britain’s most televised motorcycle man at present. The Cole men proved very popular, specials builder Millyard firing up his monster V10 8-litre Dodge-engined special to the crowd’s delight. This bike holds the two-up Guinness world speed record (183.5mph), Cole gamely riding pillion.

In addition to the indoor show bikes – many in dazzling perfection – plus indoor and outdoor autojumble, was the two-day Bonhams auction,

which reported £2.1m gross turnover, 90% sell-through, and 1100 registered bidders from 35 countries.

The top selling bike was Kork Ballington’s 1979 world championship-winning KR250 Kawasaki (£92,000 including premium).

South African Ballington, also entered a 1971 500 Kawasaki racing triple, which made £57,000, the third best seller. Twenty-two machines made more than £20,000, but there were no six-figure results this time.

The sale included machines from the Isle of Man motorcycle museum set up by the late Tony East. All 86 lots, including 16 Triumphs, selling at no reserve for a total of £414,000. Members of the East family were present in the auction hall. East had previously run a workshop equipment manufacture and retail business, ARE, based in Guildford.

While the Stafford shows have a way to go to get back to their pre-Covid pre-eminence, the enthusiasm for classic bikes and the promise of further commitment by classic fans shone through in October.

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

Business news

Hull dealer is Bike Retailer of the Year I

t’s been trading for over four decades and is the biggest bike showroom on the Yorkshire coast. And now the 5-Ways dealership in Hull has snapped up the 2023 Bike Retailer of the Year at the annual Auto Trader Retailer Awards event in London.

Based at Walton Street in Hull, 5-Ways sells new bikes from Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha and Peugeot, alongside used

machines, clothing, parts and accessories.

The 2023 Best Bike Retailer award follows a six-year consecutive run of winning the Autotrader ‘Highly Rated’ award for outstanding customer feedback.

“We were delighted to have won,” said 5-Ways director Gareth Robinson. “And Facebook engagement for this award was our highest of the year with nearly 1000 views of the video alone.”

Gareth Robinson, director of 5-Ways Motorcycle Centre, collecting the company’s award from Auto Trader COO Catherine Faiers

East Anglia car dealership takes on bike brands SUFFOLK-BASED Brandon Car Centre, has added bikes to its portfolio after losing its MG main dealer franchise. The business, based in Brandon near Thetford, had been an MG outlet since 2016, but was removed from the firm’s listings after being deemed too small to continue with the Chinese-owned car maker. It will continue to service cars, and sell used and some new models, but is now expanding into the bike world.

The dealership has taken on BSA, Niu, Benelli and Sinnis brands and will carry out bike servicing and MOTs and sell a range of bike kit and accessories.

Talking to local news site Suffolk News, owner Daniel Freeman said: “As MG

20

DECEMBER 2023

QB Displays goes up for sale has grown, they have new requirements, which means our showroom is no longer large enough. Obviously, we were disappointed as we have successfully sold new MGs to hundreds of customers since we first became a franchise in 2016.

But we are still an approved MG centre for services and warranty work and can still source new MGs.”

O

wner of QB Displays, Alex Botwright, and his long-term colleague, Dave Brown, have decided that the time has come to call it a day. They are both in their 70's and say they would like to retire properly!

As many in the trade will know already, for the last 20-plus years, QB Displays have provided glass cube display units to both trade and retail shows and dealers across the country.

With stocks of more than 2000 sheets of BS-compliant glass and relevant fixings and bases, Botwright is looking for sensible offers to sell his business.

Both Botwright and Brown would like to thank all their customers who have made QB so successful and hope a new owner can be found to ensure the continuation of this small specialist company.

Contact Alex Botwright for further information: 07710 828022 or mail@qbdisplays.co.uk.

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

Broaden Your Horizon...

Become a Suzuki Dealership Today Suzuki will continue to increase sales of its Motorcycle and Scooter ranges through an expanded dealer network in the coming year, and why wouldn`t we? With growing market share, high customer satisfaction and excellent customer retention, our existing Suzuki dealerships are enjoying a successful year. Today we have further dealer opportunities in key territories across the UK.

Being a Suzuki Dealership Gives You….

Access to our full range of 2023/24 Motorcycles & Scooters.

Access to our full range of Genuine Parts & Accessories.

Acceptable and workable franchise standards.

Professional levels of training for both sales & aftersales.

Increased levels of customer enquires and retained profit.

If you share our vision, drive and ambition and want to partner with an established, global manufacturer as a Lite or Full Franchise dealership, please send details through to mark.hallam@suzuki.co.uk today, it could be the start of a very lucrative journey.

Business news

Completely brilliant new BSB Eurogrip selected for Aprilia team sponsor THERE’S A NEW BUDGET TYRE brand on the scene, and it’s kicked off with a rather interesting OE fitment to the new Aprilia RS457 A2-friendly mini sportsbike. The brand is Eurogrip, and it’s produced

by Indian giant TVS – which explains the Aprilia fitting. TVS is producing the RS457 for Aprilia, so fitting its own in-house rubber makes a lot of sense in terms of both fast R&D and cost cutting.

The new Aprilia comes with Eurogrip Protorq Extreme radial tyres, which claim to offer great road and track performance with excellent handling thanks to a 0° steel belt, tri-polymer trad compound, and high-carbon and silica structure. The firm says the tyre was developed alongside the Aprilia development team on road and track in Italy.

And the new brand has also launched its new Roadhound sport-touring tyres, which are claimed to have outstanding durability as well as good wet performance and a low price. europe@eurogriptyres.com

T

he Completely Motorbikes retail operation has been on the rise for the past few years, expanding its chain of stores and growing the brand into one of the biggest operators in the UK. And now it’s giving more back to racing after signing a 2024 sponsorship deal with the official Kawasaki UK FS-3 BSB race team. The new partnership was announced on the Completely Motorbikes stand at the final Brands Hatch round of the 2023 season, as FS-3 announced its 2024 rider line-up of Jason O’Halloran and Max Cook.

Nigel Snook, FS-3 Racing owner, said, ‘’We are delighted to welcome Rob and James Ayland to the team.

The Completely Motorbikes logo is already a familiar sight in the British Superbikes paddock and on the track. Their ambitions are a perfect match with ours and we are excited that they have chosen to team up with FS-3 Racing and Kawasaki as they move up to support a front-running two-rider superbike entry.”

From left: Rob Ayland, Completely Motoring Group MD; Nigel Snook FS-3 Racing team owner; Ross Burridge, head of marketing and racing department at Kawasaki UK; James Ayland, Completely Motoring Group motorcycle sales director; Darren Fry FS-3 Racing team manger

Meanwhile, Rob Ayland, Completely Motoring Group managing director, said, “We have been proud to sponsor the Bennetts British Superbike series since 2020, moving onto 2024 when we also become official sponsors of the “Completely Motorbikes Kawasaki’’ team. To hopefully see Jason and Max fighting for the championship in 2024 on the official FS-3 Racing Kawasaki is a culmination of four years of successful involvement

with many riders, and at all levels of BSB. The “Team Green” headline sponsorship has all of the Completely Motorbikes group very excited, and we cannot wait for 2024 season to commence!”

Ross Burridge, head of marketing and the racing department at Kawasaki UK summed the deal up. “We are incredibly pleased that Rob and his team at Completely Motorbikes have come on board to support our official team. It’s a perfect match to be honest.”

New look for McAMS in BSB paddock

T

he McAMS name has become one of the mainstays of the British motorcycle racing scene for nearly a decade. But it looked like the name might disappear from the BSB series when the McAMS Raceways Yamaha team announced an end to BSB operations after the 2023 season.

Now, though, the McAMS accident management brand is set to continue its British Superbikes support, teaming up with Mar-Train Racing for an assault on the 2024 season, running the 2015 Moto3 world champion Danny Kent on a Yamaha R1.

McAMS first joined the British Superbikes Championship as a sponsor for the ten GBmoto JG Speedfit Kawasaki team in 2014, before moving up to title sponsorship in 2017 with Yamaha and Raceways Motorcycles. The McAMS Yamaha team would become a dominant force in BSB, winning 46 BSB races and finishing on the podium 112 times as well as becoming 2021 British Superbike Champions.

22

DECEMBER 2023

Owned by Tim and Sonya Martin, the Lisburn-based Mar-Train team has achieved great success in 20 years of racing, including nine years in the British Championship, securing two British Supersport titles with Stuart Easton and Jack Kennedy. The team stepped up to the Superbike class for the first time in 2023 with Irishman Jack Kennedy finishing tenth in the standings with a best result of fourth.

Valentina Slater, McAMS sales director, said: “I am really excited to be launching

the new-look McAMS Racing team. We were keen to continue in BSB for 2024, but it had to be with the right people as we’ve had such an incredible journey over the last seven years with McAMS Yamaha.

Tim Martin added: “Tina and the guys at McAMS are pure motorcycle racing fans and they have been huge supporters of our sport for more than a decade, so we are honoured to have them on board for 2024 and 2025 as we look to make the next step in the Superbike class. The very recognisable McAMS logo on the side of a Yamaha R1 has got quite a record in Bennetts BSB, so we will do our very best to represent them at the highest level.”

BICKERS SUPPORT THE NEW McAMS TEAM WILL ENJOY continued support from Bickers, which supplies the McAMS Yamaha team with RK chains and Supersprox sprockets and will maintain the deal with the new Mar-Train team setup.

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

JobScene/Dealer4sale

01237 422660 | adsales@dealernews.co.uk

www.britishdealernews.co.uk/jobs

Ducati holds digital dealer conference LAST MONTH SAW BOLOGNA bike maker Ducati hold its annual Global Dealer Conference online, with more than 5000 users signing in from 90 countries as the virtual event was interpreted into eight languages. Participants were invited from the factory, Ducati’s global subsidiaries, and more than 800 dealers worldwide.

According to the firm, it took the opportunity to “connect with its global dealer network, take stock of the year just past and fine-tune the activities for the following one, with particular attention to the presentation of the new models in the range and the development of the company strategy”. A big part of that centred on the new models already revealed this year: the Monster 30° Anniversario,

Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour, DesertX Rally, Multistrada V4 RS, Hypermotard 698 and Panigale V4 SP2 916 edition. It’s a strong lineup, with a wide selection of ultrapremium big-ticket models.

During the live presentation, participants were able to interact in a “virtual coffee lounge” chat room, and there was also a real-time channel opened with Francesco Milicia, VP of global sales and after-sales at Ducati. Participants could also take in a new virtual tour of the Ducati museum and factory, and the Ducati Dealer Awards were presented to the best dealers from each global region.

National meetings were held as part of the Global Dealer Conference, which let dealers discuss the latest news in their area.

Charity T-shirt on sale

S

outh coast parts specialist Wemoto/ WMD, produces a one-off charity T-shirt to raise funds for a good cause every year, and for 2023 the worthy beneficiary is the National Association of Blood Bikes.

The NABB operates nationwide, with volunteer riders giving up their time and bikes to deliver vital medical supplies – blood, platelets, samples, surgical instruments, clinical products, and even human milk – where they’re needed. The unique shirt has been designed in-house at Wemoto, and all profits from sales will go to the charity.

Buy the Wemoto charity T-shirt at: www.wemoto.com/parts/ search?q=blood&partsfilter=pattern.

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

BUSINESS FOR SALE Happy Bikes Business for Sale Trading over 30 years. A small family motorcycle business for sale on the main road, with low running costs. Good location in South London.

Selling due to retirement.

A new lease will have to be agreed upon with the landlord.

To enquire please contact Ed/Dave: 0207 252 6392.

Email happybikes@tiscali.co.uk

DECEMBER 2023 23

Looking to

Electric news

SELL UP OR RETIRE?

Electric news

Contact: adsales@dealernews.co.uk

Yamaha’s Booster blurs the e-bike lines IS IT AN ELECTRIC MOPED? IS IT an e-bicycle? Is it a prop from Dr Who? The new Yamaha Booster is a bit confusing initially; it has pedals, yet it does 30mph with its electric motor. It has a novel aluminium honeycomb frame and fat tyres – but no rear suspension.

It underlines the changes coming with new ‘urban mobility’ solutions so the Booster is a bit tricky to pigeonhole. Legally, it’s an S-Pedelec machine, so needs to be registered, insured and MOT’d, and a motorbike helmet is required when riding. It straddles both mopeds and e-bikes, and Yamaha hopes it will grab a new generation of customers looking to get about town quickly and easily without petrol.

Top speed is 30mph with pedal assist, and power comes from a 75Nm integrated Pedelec motor with a 630Wh 36v battery pack.

The new Booster costs £3 150 and is available now.

24

DECEMBER 2023

Oset updates kids’ bikes

E

lectric road bike sales are still hard work, but one notable success for battery power has been in kids’ off-road machines. Pioneered by British brand Oset, silent, clean, lightweight off-road bikes have been a big hit, allowing kids to ride on dirt with less hassle than petrol power.

Oset was taken over by Triumph back in June 2022, and now we see the first fruits of that move with two new models. The TXP range (TXP stands for Trials, Xplore, Play) has a unique two-position seat setup so that they can be used as traditional stand-up trials bikes or more conventional sitdown off-roaders. The TXP comes in two sizes, 20 and 24, with the TXP-20 aimed at seven to nineyear-olds, offering an increase in

battery capacity over the former model. Meanwhile, the TXP-24 is aimed at pre-teens, teens, and adults. According to Oset, the entire bike has been improved over the old model, with 50% more battery capacity, double the power, better handling and improved air suspension. In competition terms, the firm says the TCP-24 can match 80ccequivalent petrol trials bikes – the same as the original 20in-wheeled OSET bike did in the 50cc class.

Ian Smith, founder and CEO of Oset Bikes, said: “You cannot underestimate the work that has gone into these bikes. We have analysed every single component to ensure we reach the highest standards of excellence possible with today’s technology. From frame to forks and battery to

brakes we have researched and developed every inch of the bikes and are delighted to announce what really is a new generation in electric, off-road bikes.

“Oset Bikes is all about getting kids on motorcycles and having fun, whether they choose to compete in trials, to explore, or simply to play. We understand that a traditional trials bike without a seat can feel like an alien concept, so we offer two entry points. The same bike will suit a back garden rider or a person competing at the highest level of trials competition.

Simply dial it up or down and change the seat or trials unit to suit ability and adventure.”

The new bikes are on sale now, priced at £3695 for the TXP-20 and £4195 for the TXP-24. www.osetbikes.com

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

SOFTWARE

Alternative powered two wheeler registrations for October 2023

machines were pathetic as usual. 11-35kW offerings dived by 75%, from four units to only one, a solitary Zero Motorcycles FXE ZF7.2. Apparently, BMW Motorrad failed to sell any samples of its 15kW CE 04 maxiscooter in October. An inability to acquire insurance cover may be responsible. Above 35kW, sales improved from five to seven motorcycles.

And five of these were Harley-Davidson’s spun-off LiveWire One products occupying best-seller status.

A further 24 exempt or unknown machines padded out the numbers, rising from 13 in October last year.

For the year to date, the up-to-4kW segment has declined by 41.8% to 1541 units. 4-11kW stuff is 36.3% down to 1715, 11-35kW is 47.5% lower at 64 and over-35kW is 52.6% on 54. Ignoring exempt or unknown odds and sods, total YTD electric registrations are 38.3% down to 3567. YTD market share has fallen from 5.6% to 3.5%.

or once, the battery-electric business has something to brag about. For October, it delivered the first set of positive monthly results during the year to date. Total electrified registrations rose by 22.4% to 508 units. Market share of all PTW registrations in the month improved to 6.3% from 5.2% year-on-year. And the driving force was obviously Vmoto’s Super Soco brand returning to the fray following a restructure of its European operations.

Inevitably, the vast majority of registrations were in the up-to-4kW moped and 4-11kW “125cc equivalent” low-powered mobility segments. The former was 44.8% up to 307 units. Some 81 of these were bestselling Vmoto Super Soco CUx products. The latter was 6.6% down to 169 units, featuring Vmoto Super Soco CPx scooters – 57 of them – as best-sellers.

Beyond those contributions, quantities of larger 2023 / 2022 Registrations by power band Oct 2023

POWER BAND

Oct 2022

% Change

Year to date Oct 2023

Oct 2022

% Change

Highest registering model by power band

Oct Regs

Under 4kW

307

212

44.8%

1541

2647

-41.8%

Vmoto Super Soco CUx

81

4-11kW

169

181

-6.6%

1715

2691

36.3%

Vmoto Super Soco CPx

57

11-35kW

1

4

-75.0%

64

122

-47.5%

Zero Motorcycles FXE ZF7.2

1

Over 35kW

7

5

40.0%

54

114

-52.6%

LiveWire One

5

Electric Motion Epure Race

7

Exempt

9

5

80.0%

87

73

19.2%

Unknown

15

8

87.5%

106

135

-21.5%

TOTAL REGISTRATIONS

508

415

22.4%

3567

5782

-38.3%

THE EU COURT OF JUSTICE HAS decreed that e-bicycles – which use an electric motor to assist a rider while they pedal – are not legally motorcycles.

The judgement, handed down in October, came from a Belgian court case where an e-bike rider died in a collision with a car.

The court has adjudicated that a ‘vehicle’ must be powered exclusively by mechanical means, and the typical e-bicycle design is therefore excluded from laws around traditional powered vehicles.

The European Parliament will issue an amendment to its laws accordingly to take effect at the end of the year.

2023 / 2022 Registrations by style MOPEDS

Oct 2023

Oct 2022

% Change

MOTORCYCLES

Oct 2023

Oct 2022

% Change

Adventure

0

4

-100.0%

Adventure

1

13

-92.3%

Competition

43

51

-15.7%

Competition

51

14

264.3%

Custom

0

0

0.0%

Custom

1

0

0.0%

EPAC

4

2

100.0%

Modern classic

8

14

-42.9%

Modern Classic

0

0

0.0%

Naked

26

50

-48.0%

Naked

40

9

344.4%

Road sport

2

0

0.0%

Other L-Cat

2

2

0.0%

Scooter

112

109

2.8%

213

144

47.9%

Unspecified

0

0

0.0%

5

0

0.0%

TOTAL

201

200

0.5%

307

212

44.8%

Oct 2023

Oct 2022

% Change

Oct 2023

Oct 2022

% Change

508

418

21.5%

Scooter Unspecified TOTAL TRICYCLES TOTAL

0

6

TOTAL REGISTRATIONS

-100.0%

BEST SELLING MODELS 2023 YTD

Alternate power rolling year 1200

1. Sur-Ron Ultra Bee 2. Vmoto Super Soco CPx 3. Sur-Ron Light Bee 4. Maeving RM1 5. Vmoto Super Soco CUx

2021/22

1000

2022/23

800 600

278 243 201 194 190

400 200

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

Oc t

Sep

Au g

Jul

Jun

Ma y

Ap r

Ma r

Feb

Jan

De c

No v

Oc t

0

Registration statistics supplied by the MCIA; tel 02476 408000; www.mcia.co.uk

LiveWire confirms price of S2 Del Mar

H

arley-Davidson’s semidetached electric bike brand LiveWire has given the delivery timings and pricing info on its latest lightweight machine, the S2 Del Mar. It will cost £16,990 in the UK for the production version, with the launch edition already soldout. Those launch bikes will be delivered in the first quarter of 2024, with the main production model following soon after.

The S2 Del Mar is a more mainstream – and crucially, cheaper – machine than the original LiveWire One, with a claimed 112-mile range, 84hp peak power and 78-minute 80% charge time.

DECEMBER 2023 25

Electric news

court Registrations data Euro rules on e-bicycles F

Off-road news

LINEAR The UK’S TOP SELLING OFF-ROAD RACE WEAR 01900 873456 www.wulfsport.com

Off-road news With off-road correspondent Rick Kemp

Ducati gets dirty A

nother iconic road bike manufacturer has announced that it will be contesting the world of motocross next year – Ducati. The Bologna company has produced two dirt-style models in the shape of the Scrambler and DesertX, which cater very well for the retro street and adventure sectors, respectively, but it’s now getting serious about the motocross market.

Ducati has been working on a prototype for two years that will debut next season in the Italian Motocross Championship, aiming to validate the bike’s engineering on the track.

This is part of a multi-year project that will see the creation of a complete range of offroad engines and motorcycles. The models will gradually become part of a new off-road range of motorcycles branded Ducati, starting with motocross.

An agreement has been signed with ninetimes Motocross World Champion Antonio Cairoli as a high-performance test rider for the

new project and, thanks to his talent, speed and experience, he will give important input for the development of the new motorcycle.

A multi-year project that will see the creation of a complete range of off-road engines and motorcycles Cairoli commented: “I am extremely happy to become part of the universe of Ducati, which has always been a symbol of Italian spirit throughout the world, and to begin this exciting new adventure, in an all-Italian project. Being able to make my contribution to the development of the Borgo Panigale

[Bologna] motocross bike is a dream come true and a source of great pride for me.”

Ducati has signed a multi-year agreement with Maddii Racing, one of the most experienced teams in the motocross paddock, which will be the reference structure for the motocross racing activities. It will also take part in the 2024 Italian Motocross Championship with Alessandro Lupino, eight-time Italian Champion and 2021 MXoN winner, who is contracted to Ducati as racing and test rider.

Entering the specialist off-road sector represents an important and challenging choice for Ducati. The Ducati says its offroad project focuses on “a combination of the search for lightness, top-of-the-line components and engines characterised by a very broad power delivery curve”. The last of these factors should be possible thanks to the use of the Desmodromic system, the brand’s trademark engineering used in MotoGP.

Yamaha restructures for 2024 season IN A STRATEGIC MOVE TO BUILD A STRONG foundation for the future, Yamaha Motor Europe has announced the restructuring of its operations in the FIM Motocross World Championship for the 2024 season and beyond.

Starting in 2024, the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team will be based in Genk, Belgium, and will be managed by the Hans Corvers. With an impressive track record of success, including 68 race wins, 99 podium finishes, 35 Grand Prix victories, and the MX2 world title with Maxime Renaux in 2021, Corvers will enter his 28th year with Yamaha at the helm of the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team.

Both the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP and MX2 teams will field three riders.

26

DECEMBER 2023

Leading Yamaha's premier class efforts will be long-time Yamaha rider Maxime Renaux. Renaux will be joined on the gate by Jago Geerts, who steps up from MX2, and Calvin Vlaanderen, the best-performing satellite rider in MXGP who has earned a well-deserved opportunity to race with factory support.

In the MX2 category, the Hutten Metaal Yamaha Official EMX250 Team will step up to the World Championship in 2024 as the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team. Since its debut as an official Yamaha team in 2020, the Wim Hutten-managed outfit has celebrated significant success, including 18 race wins, 24 podium finishes, and EMX250 titles with Thibault Benistant in 2020, Rick Elzinga in 2022, and Andrea Bonacorsi in 2023.

Yamaha and the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team have retained Thibault Benistant and Rick Elzinga for 2024 and will add to their line-up this year's EMX250 Champion, Bonacorsi, as he takes the next step up the Yamaha Racing pyramid.

The restructuring is designed to strengthen Yamaha Motor Europe's presence in the FIM Motocross World Championship by providing a fresh platform to fully maximise the potential of Yamaha's MXGP and MX2 riders.

Yamaha Motor Europe thanked outgoing Louis Vosters for his dedication to the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team over the past four years. “His passion and commitment have been truly inspiring, and the company wishes him all the best with his future endeavours”.

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

Off-road news

All the rider needs

FIM support for young riders THE ‘RIDE TO THE FIM AWARDS’ series of events kicked off at Silverstone at the MotoGP British Grand Prix in August, followed by the second stage in the series held in September at the famous Matterley Basin motocross track in Winchester.

The penultimate stage took place at the NEC in Birmingham during Motorcycle Live, where four-time Superbike World Champion Carl Fogarty, two-time Superbike World Champion James Toseland, and twotime Motocross World Champion Dave Thorpe fielded questions from James Whitham on the Black Horse Stage. For the fourth and final stage, the FIM has announced that the Awards ceremony will be held in the UK for the first time, in Liverpool, on 2 December.

The series was initially launched by the FIM in 2022 to promote and celebrate past and current World Champions through a series of events addressing issues of importance for the development of motorsport.

During the second stage of the event held at Matterley Basin, a workshop dedicated to young riders recruited from the UK National Championships in the various off-road disciplines was showcased and hosted by Infront

Moto Racing at the MXGP of Great Britain in collaboration with the ACU. The theme was ‘Communication and the best approach towards the Media’.

Expert speakers from the off-road world gave advice to the more than 40 young riders, all aged between 7 and 16, who together with their parents, contributed to the debate.

The workshop was opened

by Antonio Alia Portela, FIM Motocross Commission director: “It may seem like a long journey to become Champions, but all of you will be able to reach this goal.

I recommend that you get the best you can from this workshop, always trying to express your personality in a professional and positive way, enhancing your commitment and passion for our sport.”

David Luongo, CEO of commercial rights holder Infront Moto Racing, also greeted those present: “Thank you for your participation in this workshop at one of the most spectacular tracks in the Championship. You guys are our future, we work for a championship where you can express your talents and you must work on your potential and professionalism. Today, qualified professionals will give you advice

on how to approach the media, a fundamental tool for your exposure and the popularity of our sport on a global level. I wish everyone a fruitful weekend!”

Other speakers included representatives from off-road motorcycle manufacturers, past champions and the press. All of whom gave advice on how to approach the media and how to manage social media correctly, both of which were highlighted as crucial methods for attracting sponsors.

A highly anticipated guest was the British MXGP MRT Racing Beta Team rider Ben Watson, who told the participants about his first steps in motorsport, enthralling the audience of young riders.

The workshop closed with a speech from Matthew Wear, ACU general secretary: “This has been a great opportunity for you all to be able to participate in this event. I thank the FIM and Infront Moto Racing, who hosted these very young British talents in such a provoking and spectacular setting.” This was followed by the presentation of certificates to the participants by the FIM and the ACU to all riders, who were then able to attend the last round of the 2023 MXGP World Championship.

TMX special ACU offer

A

CU Members are being offered five issues of the new TMX glossy monthly magazine for £5. As BDN reported earlier in the year, the new publication also incorporates Dirt Bike Rider, and the offer includes both print and digital versions.

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

TMX contains a stack of creative content from a writing team headed up Anthony ‘Sutty’ Sutton, the long-serving TMX editor. To take advantage of the offer, members can visit: shop.tmxnews.co.uk/ suboffer/23TMX5/source/ACUEM.

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fowlersparts.co.uk spares@fowlers.co.uk or to speak to an expert, call… +44 (0)117 977 0466

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DECEMBER 2023 27 and regular updates!!!

Off-road news

Wulfsport Maxxis continues launches as OE for Verde suit GasGas MAXXIS’ CHAMPIONSHIPwinning MaxxCross MX-ST+ tyre has been selected again as original equipment for GasGas 2024 motocross bikes, while the 2024 enduro range, including the EC 450F and EC 500F, will be fitted with the championship-winning MaxxEnduro tyre.

The MaxxCross MX-ST+ is a race-spec motocross tyre with an enhanced structure for longevity across a wide variety of motocross terrains. It is designed to provide ultimate performance on mid to soft terrain, with sizes available for mini and full-size bikes.

The EnduroGP-winning MaxxEnduro tyre pair is made up of a nimble, precise front, which is designed to offer an enhanced handling experience. The rear tyre is a reliable 140/80-18 with sharp, chunky tread blocks for a large contact patch on sheer surfaces such as rocks, and to provide effective bite into looser surfaces.

Combined, this pair of tyres offers what Maxxis says is the perfect enduro riding experience for both professional and part-time riders.

Maxxis said: “We are proud to continue the OE deal with GasGas, which has worked hard on its 2024 range to bring the very best bikes to the market, and tyres are an incredibly important part of translating this power and agility to the ground”.

W

ulfsport has released a value for money enduro suit, the Verde.

Designed for enduro and general trail riding, the jacket has all the features you’d expect in a top range suit. These include maximum comfort and weatherproofing with full adjustability thanks to side waist adjusters and adjustable cuffs and collar. The front zip comes with a storm flap secured by stud fasteners. Storage is taken

care of, too, as there are four large front cargo pockets, with an even bigger cargo pocket to the rear, ideal for a waterproof over jacket or a spare set of gloves.

The Verde trousers have jacket-matching colour panels to give the suit ‘the look’. The fabric used is breathable, water resistant and windproof, and the side waist adjusters provide good fit and

comfort. Zipped hip pockets are provided, and the front zip fastening comes with a storm flap, and drawstring ankle adjustment is integral.

The trade price is £34.95 plus VAT each for the jacket and trousers.

Wulfsport 01900 873456 stores@wulfsport.com

RFN new models

T

he RFN Rally Pro has had an excellent response, and Urban Moto, the exclusive distributor of RFN in the UK, has launched two new electric bikes to the RFN line-up: the RS Road and the RS Endurance. These new models provide riders with even more choice and enhanced features for performance and versatility on any terrain.

RFN RS Road

The RFN RS Endurance is designed to deliver the best of on- and off-road experiences.

As a road-legal bike (L1E) with trail tyres, the RS Endurance comes with impressive features while seamlessly transitioning between different riding styles.

Available in white/red and the Black Edition, notable features include a removable seat unit for trials use, a robust 74V motor for instant torque, an extended range of approximately 100 miles in Eco mode, and it’s road-legal for riders aged 16 and above with a CBT for the moped class.

The RFN RS Road is a Supermoto with 17in wheels and a direct drive to the rear wheel and can claim a 112-mile range in Eco mode. All RFN bikes feature IP67 waterproofing, ensuring riders can tackle

RFN RS Endurance

any terrain, regardless of the weather. All RFN bikes come with an 18-month warranty as standard and a removable 2590kWh LG Premium 21700 lithium-ion battery pack with a 10Ah charging time of two to three hours. Both models have an introductory retail price of £4745.

Urban Moto Distribution 01522 589461 distribution@urbanmoto.co.uk www.rfnbikes.co.uk

Norden 901 adventure updates HUSQVARNA MOTORCYCLES HAS REVEALED its new Norden 901, which offers improved performance and safety thanks to multiple technical enhancements for 2024. Carving a niche for itself in the expanding Adventure sector, the Norden 901 retains the same proven, torquey, 889cc parallel-twin engine for 2024.

Together with its light steel trellis frame, WP APEX suspension, and multiple ride modes, the Norden 901 continues to offer more of what makes it popular.

Husqvarna Motorcycles’ lean-angle sensitive Cornering Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) now offers ten different levels of rear wheel

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DECEMBER 2023

slip, which can be selected when the optional Explorer Mode is engaged. Rounding out the new features found on the Norden 901 are a new USB port, hazard warning lights, which can be quickly switched on in the event of an emergency, and a new exhaust system that meets EURO 5+ regulations. Other clever additions include adjustable WP APEX suspension with four selectable ride modes – Street, Rain, Offroad and Optional Explorer; ride-by-wire throttle with an adjustable response in Explorer mode; an up and down quickshifter, and a PASC slipper clutch.

An optional Connectivity Unit provides turn-

by-turn navigation, phone calls in/out and music selection from the rider’s smartphone. Additionally, riders can personalise their Norden 901 with Husqvarna’s Technical Accessories, which feature multiple luggage solutions.

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Off-road news

Junior Japes PIERER MOBILITY, THE PARENT company of KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas among others, obviously subscribes to the “get ‘em while they’re young” brand loyalty theory. GasGas has released the MC50 and MC65, both of which are full-on two-stroke racers. Not only are these bikes suitable for different age groups, but they can also literally grow to keep pace with their riders thanks to adjustable ergonomics allowing repositioning of relevant components.

GasGas also offers the MC-E 2 mini electric. Adjustable ergonomics are featured here too, along with zero-maintenance features such as no chain and sprockets thanks to the hub drive, disc brakes and, of course, no fiddling with the motor is required. The Li-ion battery takes an hour to recharge fully, but can

reach 80% in just 35 minutes. Safety features are built-in, and there are three riding modes which govern the top speed. Additionally, at 27kg, parents shouldn’t need to get involved every time the bike goes over.

The Husqvarna version, the EE 2, now joins the larger EE 3 and EE 5 in the 2024 range and sells for £2399.

The battery also utilises the same design as most modern power tools, making non-stop riding possible when fully charged spare batteries are available.

If mum or dad rides a KTM, then junior can do the same on the orange version with the SXE2. As with the other brands, a non-adjustable WP hydraulic fork with 90mm travel takes care of the bumps, while a preload adjustable 34mm hydraulic mono-shock takes

care of matters at the rear. The mono-shock is mounted directly to the swingarm, offering 70mm of travel, and is claimed to be perfectly matched to the front forks in terms of exceptional balance and damping characteristics.

For the competitive youngsters there are the KTM-branded versions of the GasGas models, the KTM 50 SX and 2024 KTM 65 SX. There is even a Factory Version of the 50 SX, wrapped in a Red Bull KTM Factory Racing-inspired graphics kit, with an orange, high-grip diamante KTM Factory Seat. Performance is also upped thanks to a full FMF exhaust system and Iridium FE-specific spark plug, making it the ideal choice for young up-and-coming champions.

Retail prices are: KTM 50 SX – £3999, KTM 50 SX Factory Edition – £4399, KTM 65 SX – £4999.

Battle the elements of all-season riding

New engine for Beta 300

B

eta modestly poses the question: Is it possible to improve the frame, suspension and performance of a World Championship-winning motorcycle? Well, rising to the challenge Beta has added two major innovations to its Racing 2024 models, which it claims doubles their rideability, power and fun.

Beta's flagship race bike, the RR Racing 300 two-stroke, indeed features a new engine with dual spark plugs, with most of the other RR Racing models receiving a new frame (excluding the 125 and 200).

But that's not all, because the 125 two-stroke is also getting a completely redesigned engine.

Rounding off the package are new graphics and high-level, race-ready components.

With the introduction of the new dual-spark cylinder head, the power

delivery is even more linear, and although the maximum power is increased, the vehicle's docility is improved. Other improvements include superior distribution of the fuel ignition points in the combustion chamber, providing better fuel consumption and making the system more efficient while achieving a significantly lower residue level, thanks to greater carburation stability at all engine speeds. The engine's range of use is further extended as both greater torque and more power are available. Also, the two spark plugs

are managed with a completely separate electrical system. This means that if one of the spark plugs should fail, the engine will still be able to run, although with less efficiency, allowing the race or off-road session to be completed.

The race bikes run on pre-mix fuel but can be fitted with an aftermarket oil mixer, available as an accessory from the Beta Factory Parts catalogue.

New RR Racing 2024 models, excluding the 125 and 200, feature a completely new frame. Kayaba suspension has been adopted throughout the Racing range as have high-performance Nissin brake cylinders. The four-stroke range is fitted with switchable traction control. In fact, nothing much remains from the current bikes, so expect Beta riders to be trying very hard for national podiums next year.

A sting in the trail

P

irelli has launched its Scorpion Trail III tyre for 2024, aimed at middleweight and larger adventure bikes.

Final development is still in progress, and Pirelli claims that the tyre “takes advantage of the most recent technologies, materials, and processes, as well as the

knowledge acquired by Pirelli in the ‘big enduro’ segment, to respond to the most demanding market expectations by offering first-rate road qualities”.

The Trail III claims to ensure stability even when fully loaded and works well to interact with the machine’s electronic systems. Abrasion resistance

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has also been improved, which is an essential parameter for those who venture off-road.

Initially, sizes available will be 19in and 21in for the front and 17in and 18in for the rear.

During 2024, 17in front and rear equipment dedicated to crossovers will complete the range.

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DECEMBER 2023 29

Acerbis

ACERBIS HITS THE HALF CENTURY Acerbis is a brand that the motorcycling fraternity takes for granted. It’s recognised for off-road motorcycle plastics, be it tanks or mudguards, and its clothing, helmets and accessories. What many people don’t fully appreciate is its production of clothing for other sports. Rick Kemp reports

T

he opening of Acerbis’ Milton Keynes warehouse and offices this year coincided with the Italian company’s 50th anniversary.

The story began when Italian enduro rider Franco Acerbis, who was producing replacement fibreglass mudguards in his shed, went to the USA for the ISDE and met Preston Petty, who was one of the first people to produce injection-moulded plastic replacement bodywork for off-road motorcycles. As a result of that meeting, Franco Acerbis eventually became the European distributor, offering plastic X-Duro jacket

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mudguards and number boards.

Not long after that, Preston Petty went bankrupt, so Franco borrowed some money, visited the receivers and came away with two plastic injection moulding machines and the company we know today was born. That was in 1973 – by 1975 a range of products had been developed and Acerbis Plastica Italia got off the ground.

Acerbis UK marked the opening of its new warehouse with a dealer open day, to which BDN was invited. General manager Wynn Connell filled us in on the latest plans.

“We’ve been looking to move the business to larger premises for several years, but finding the right place has been quite challenging. Last year we came across this building, and the people in it were prepared to move quite quickly. We did a fast-move deal so that we could keep continuity of supply – we only had to close the business for one week while we moved.

“Needless to say, things were pretty chaotic at first as each lorry-load of stock had to be unloaded rapidly before the next lorry-load arrived.

Over the subsequent months, we completely

Reactive Dual Road helmet

reorganised the stock and we’re now moving towards a fully bar-coded system with an integrated inventory package, to be introduced in the next few months. Picking, packing and despatch will be much smoother. Other plans in the pipeline involve our two B2B websites, one for sport and one for motorsport, both of which we’re upgrading. We will be introducing a third site for mountain biking because at present it’s a cross-over area between the two, and it needs its own platform for easier access.

MTBs and eMTBs are definitely a growth area at the moment.”

“The dealer sign-up process is straightforward. We send out a couple of forms and when they come back, we look at the business, do a few background checks and make a decision

based on that. We look for registered businesses that have proper premises. With mailorder companies, if they are investing in the business, we will invest in them.”

As an off-shoot of the Italian parent company, Acerbis UK has access to live data feeds into the main warehouse in Italy and that also means that the UK is closely connected to the development of new products. Knowing what’s happening six months down the line makes it easier for the UK company to plan ahead. There are no UK-specific products but Acerbis UK is involved in the creation of certain lines. “A little while back we suggested waterproof socks as a Northern Hemisphere product, which was taken onboard. As everything is produced in Italy, it was a line we could bring in fairly quickly and there have been other products like tyre covers and bike lifting straps that we have helped to

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“WHAT I FEEL ABOUT ACERBIS products is that the quality is second to none. I’ve had a chat with my staff and no one can remember sending anything back.

We sell the whole motorcycle range, from helmets and boots to clothing and accessories. As everything comes from Italy, there haven’t been any supply issues either. Our best-selling product sector is motocross boots – we stock the full range of sizes and colours. Also, for anyone new to the off-road scene, we do some starter kits in the form of a fully Acerbis-clothed mannequin – if they buy the whole lot we offer a discount. We also sell a lot of entry-level Acerbis handguards as we sell quads, trail, trials and enduro bikes as well as junior electric bikes. Most importantly, I don’t think we’ve ever had any customer returns.”

Dave Allen Jim Allen Motorcycles, Falkirk

develop. We see ourselves as market leaders with certain products like handguards and fuel tanks, and the Ténéré tank has been a terrific success. The new Honda CRF300L has also been particularly good for us.”

Acerbis is up there with the adventure trend. “We’ve got pants and jackets in three colourways, as well as adventure helmets, and we’re just about to introduce a new boot, which will be more green lane than motocross, with a commando sole and slightly shorter leg.

Walking a muddy lane in motocross boots is no fun.”

So how does Connell see the future? “In the short term I can see the motocross side of the market slowing down but in the long term I think it will still hold up because motocross is an extreme sport. Although it’s quite an expensive sport to participate in, plenty of people out there still want to be involved. The electric market will continue increasing but where it will be in the future is still fairly

CE Crossover glove

The new Acerbis HQ in Milton Keynes

uncertain for me. I’m not totally convinced that electric is the way forward in terms of motorcycling, or even cars and lorries. I think there’s still a long way to go yet. But I do see growth in our sports market in the UK.” On the subject of sponsorship, however, Connell is looking forward to 2024. “The World Enduro Championship is coming to Wales, and I’m very excited about that. It’s fantastic that it’s coming back to this country – well overdue. It’s going to be held where the locals are experts at delivering

Although it’s quite an expensive sport, plenty of people out there still want to be involved Wynn Connell, general manager

that kind of event and we’re already talking to the organisers about how we might be involved.

With regard to Enduro, we have quite a few sponsored teams, including some from the Forces that we’ve always supported.

“Motocross will see a bit of a change next year. Traditionally we’ve helped out Yamaha but that relationship isn’t certain for next year. There is another team, however, that we’re fairly confident we’ll be working with.

We run our own championship, Acerbis Amateur Nationals, organised by Darren Hudson on our behalf, which gives the riders access to tracks like Hawkstone Park, which they otherwise wouldn’t have. It’s a great championship and next year will be its eleventh year.

“Globally, we’ll continue with World Superbike as that gives us wide exposure. We’re sponsoring

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quite a few top non-league football clubs with sports kit and we’re talking to some professional basketball clubs at the moment – we’re going to see an increase in that area next year.”

Acerbis is even in there with women’s football, supporting Aberystwyth thanks to an introduction by Neville Evans of Cambrian Tyres. Although Connell feels that sports is definitely going to be the growth area over the next few years, motorcycling remains the company’s “soul and passion”, as Italian boss Franco Acerbis would have it, and most of the Acerbis employees come from a motorcycle racing background.

Thanks to the location of its new warehouse, the company has immediate access to most of the major logistics companies, so same and next-day deliveries shouldn’t be a problem. We can safely say that the opening of the Milton Keynes premises has moved Acerbis up a gear in the UK. 

Feature

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Acerbis, Unit 4 Dunfermline Court, Kingston, Milton Keynes MK10 0BY 01582 491076 www.acerbis.com

DEALER VIEW “I’VE BEEN IN THE MOTORCYCLE business for 33 years and I’ve dealt with a lot of wholesalers, so I can say from experience that Acerbis is a proper traditional, professional business and a pleasure to deal with. Wynn is knowledgeable on his products, and you can’t beat speaking to somebody who knows exactly what they’re selling. He makes it a pleasure to buy off him and you can’t say that about many people these days. The Acerbis products have always been quality stuff. They’re well price-pointed and easy to sell, the return rate is virtually zilch. We sell mostly accessories rather than clothing and our customers are satisfied, so it’s happy days.”

Will Thacker Speedwell Motorcycles, Manchester

bikesure.co.uk Authorised & regulated by the

DECEMBER 2023 Financial Conduct Authority31

Business Beat

Business Beat

GARDEN LEAVE IS AN ESSENTIAL CONTRACTUAL TERM

Garden leave clauses can be deployed to protect an employer’s legitimate interests

G

arden leave – many will have heard about it but not really understood what it means and what it can do.

In essence, garden leave is the usual term given to clauses in an employment contract that gives an employer the right to require the employee to work his or her notice period at home. In fact, and in reality, quite often, the employee does not work at all but is required to be available.

The reason that employers use garden leave clauses is because they want to distance an employee from customers, suppliers and colleagues to minimise the risk of poaching when the employee actually leaves. These clauses are generally used in conjunction with restrictive covenants.

32 DECEMBER 2023

WHY EMPLOYERS MIGHT NEED A GARDEN LEAVE CLAUSE Garden leave clauses are typically found in a senior employee’s or director’s employment contract. They typically entitle the employer, after notice has been given by either party, to require the employee to stay at home and not work or contact colleagues, clients and suppliers.

Doing so also removes the employee’s ability to access confidential databases, information and business-critical data (for example, contact details for customers).

An employee can be given notice and immediately put on garden leave, and their access to systems can be cut off.

Garden leave clauses are not just important for contracts for senior employees. Where

any employee has valuable and transferable customer relationships, employers can use garden leave to protect their relationships before the employee leaves. Many employees will also have access to important business ‘know-how’ and data. Garden leave can significantly mitigate the risk of data theft or misuse in the lead-up to an employee leaving.

Fundamentally, a comprehensive garden leave provision can be one of the most valuable tools in an employer’s toolkit when it comes to terminating employment. However, there are pros and cons to their use.

ADVANTAGES OF A GARDEN LEAVE CLAUSE The key advantages of garden leave are that the employee continues to owe all their

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Cloud-based Dealer Management System

with Adam Bernstein www.abfeatures.com contractual duties, including implied terms such as the duty of trust and confidence, to the employer; it can allow for a useful handover period; a paid period of noncompetition may be more palatable to an employee than an unpaid period; and garden leave clauses are much more easily enforceable than restrictive covenants such as a non-compete clause.

DISADVANTAGES OF A GARDEN LEAVE CLAUSE There is no real disadvantage to having the clause in the contract – it will always be up to the employer whether to implement it or not. If it is implemented, the flipside and key disadvantage is that the employer needs to continue to provide all contractual pay and benefits during the period of garden leave.

However, the employer can expressly exclude the obligation to provide benefits in the employment contract (although this is not commonly done, it is usual for benefits to continue).

Another disadvantage is that for garden leave clauses to be most effective they generally require a minimum three-month notice period – and often longer – to be included in the employment contract. In the main, employers often do not want to pay expensive employees to sit at home and do nothing while being paid. However, it is open to the employer to implement the garden leave clause for part only of the notice period.

It needs to be said that employees have a right to work. So, in the absence of the garden leave clause, an employer might not lawfully be able to place an employee on garden leave. Isolating an employee or failing to provide them with work without the express power could be regarded as a breach of contract, depending on the circumstances.

This would entitle the employee to resign and claim constructive dismissal on account of the employer’s breach of contract. This can enable the employee to avoid any restrictive covenants owing to the breach of contract.

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

Phone 020 8541 4131 Web deepbluesystems.com Email sales@deepbluesystems.com

This is a complex area, and specific advice should always be taken before doing anything.

GARDEN LEAVE CLAUSES ARE OFTEN COMBINED WITH RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS As noted above, garden leave clauses are often used in tandem with restrictive covenants. And the reason is simple – employees often acquire confidential information such as trade secrets and knowledge of sensitive business interests.

These include the identity of key customers and their requirements, pricing and profitability, supplier details, and future strategic and marketing information.

The protection provided by putting an employee on garden leave may need to be combined with restrictive covenants applying post-departure It can be tempting for employees to use information acquired through their employment after their employment has terminated, either in business for themselves or to further the interests of their new employer, who may be a competitor.

So, the protection provided by putting an employee on garden leave may need to be combined with restrictive covenants applying post-departure. Also, the lack of comprehensive protection in employment contracts can make it more difficult to sell a business.

The advantage of a garden leave clause is that it is not subject to the same requirements for enforceability as a covenant, which can only be enforced in so far as it goes no further

than is reasonably necessary to protect the legitimate interests of the employer.

THE EMPLOYEE BREACHES GARDEN LEAVE Where an employee refuses to comply with garden leave, clauses can be enforced with a court injunction, often preceded by a ceaseand-desist letter. But this is expensive. The remedy is also discretionary, but a court is highly likely to enforce a contractual garden leave clause, whereas a restrictive covenant is usually much more arguable. The strength of a garden leave clause usually means that an employee will comply when threatened with an injunction and offer undertakings to comply.

EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS SHOULD BE KEPT UNDER REVIEW Ultimately, employers should have appropriate garden leave and restrictive covenant clauses in their employment contracts for key staff. These clauses should be regularly reviewed, with such reviews taking place when an employee moves to another role or is promoted.

Failing to write good contracts with appropriate clauses can prove to be very expensive. 

ALEX KLEANTHOUS Alex Kleanthous is a partner and employment solicitor in the dispute resolution and commercial litigation team of Gannons.

DECEMBER 2023 33

Business Beat

DeepBlue CloudDMS

Marketing Matters

MARKETING

MATTERS

Expert adv ice to improve how you promote and sell you r products or services

DAN SAGER FOUNDED THE FAB-BIKER PR agency in 1996 and has been advising businesses in the motorcycle industry on marketing matters ever since. Here he shares some of the most important lessons he’s learned during that time. fab-biker.co.uk

DOING A RATNER – WHEN THE JOKE’S ON YOU

It is said that those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. In a new six-part series, Dan Sager investigates some famous public relations failures and asks what could have been done to avoid them?

G

erald Ratner was one of Britain’s most successful and high-profile businessmen in the 1980s. He had built his family’s chain of jewellers from 130 shops to 2500, including a thousand stores in the USA. Today we would describe him as a ‘disruptor’. Jewellery was traditionally marketed as a high-value product, but Ratner piled it high and sold it cheap. You could always find bargains in his showrooms, no matter how modest your budget.

Back in April 1991, he was invited to give a speech to the Institute of Directors at the Royal Albert Hall. He included a couple of jokes, which had worked well at previous events, including one that a pair of his earrings was cheaper than a prawn sandwich from Marks & Spencer, but “probably wouldn’t last as long.” Also, when asked how he could sell a cut glass decanter and glasses for just £4.95, his answer was that they were “total crap”.

They say that the secret to comedy is timing, and Ratner’s could not have been worse. The UK economy was in recession, with interest rates around 10%, and there was a lot of public unrest about ‘fat cat bosses’. Although his audience in the Albert Hall enjoyed the gags, the Daily Mirror sensed that his customers would be outraged and splashed with the headline “You 22-carat mugs” the following morning.

Other media channels quickly picked up on the story and the ensuing flurry of bad publicity spooked investors. The stock price

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DECEMBER 2023

of Ratners Group plummeted, losing half a billion pounds in value within weeks. Ratner hired a new chairman to try and calm the markets and divert attention from himself, but the damage was done, and 18 months later he was dismissed from the business that carried his family name.

Such is the longlasting impact of this story that ‘Doing a Ratner’ has become shorthand for harming your reputation by making ill-advised remarks Such is the long-lasting impact of this story that ‘Doing a Ratner’ has become shorthand for harming your reputation by making illadvised remarks.

In some ways, this is slightly unfair. Gerald

Ratner had made those jokes several times before, without any fuss, because those audiences were mainly business people. His mistake, if I may be so bold, was failing to take into account that a speech in the Royal Albert Hall was going to attract a lot of outside interest including, the tabloid press, who had an agenda. Rather than addressing the 6000 men and women in front of him as purely business people, he should have imagined he was talking to his customers and then maybe he’d have chosen some different gags.

This lesson could be summed up as it’s not so much what you say as where you say it. And that is especially true on social media, where a supposedly humorous comment made on a friend’s post can be taken out of context and come back to haunt you. 

NEXT MONTH Crisis communications – you can run but you can’t hide.

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Kawasaki Ninja 7 hybrid

Team Green launches the new Ninja 7, the world’s first ever hybrid motorcycle. Game changer or dust gatherer?

BDN sent Alan Dowds along to the launch to find out 36

DECEMBER 2023

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Feature

U

Part of that weight gain is down nsure about electric to the 13kg battery pack under bikes? You’re not alone. the seat, which is charged by a Spend any time online generator in the petrol engine. or speaking to bikers in real life, This recaptures otherwise wasted and the majority view is not all energy when you brake or slow that positive. Difficulties with down and stores it in the battery. performance, range and price It’s the same basic principle as the compared with petrol are real, hybrid technology, which has been yet it also seems that even if a halfway-house to full electric battery power could resolve power in the car world for a while. these issues, there would still We rode the new Ninja 7 for a be resistance from some. Bikers day and a half around Barcelona are a conservative bunch, with and its surrounding motorways, a demographic heavy in old A-roads and twisting mountain men, often set in their ways.

B-roads. And we got Meanwhile, recent a taste of an entirely sales figures have We got a new way of powering a confirmed that taste of an bike. Kawasaki makes battery-powered a few claims about its two-wheelers aren’t entirely new machine: firstly, hitting the spot for dealers either. But new way of the firm says it has the road performance with a seemingly powering a of a 650 or 700cc inexorable drive machine – hence away from petrol, bike Ninja 7. Engineers tell what is to be done? us that it has better Kawasaki reckons fuel consumption than a Ninja it has a big part of the answer with 250. And we’re shown a video the new Ninja 7. It’s the world’s of the Ninja 7 beating a ZX-10R first-ever hybrid bike that has both superbike off the line for about 50 a small 12bhp electric traction metres before the mighty 205hp motor and a modest battery pack, Ninja catches it. The PR guys combined with a 59hp 451cc then tell us that the Ninja 7 is parallel twin petrol engine based actually three bikes in one, thanks on the new Eliminator 500 motor. to an urban battery-only mode, This novel powertrain, which has an Eco mode with automatic a cunning automatic gearbox and transmission, and a Sport mode clutch to make the most of both with manual gearshifts and an motive units, has a peak output ‘E-boost’ button, which dumps of around 69hp, and is matched the entire output of the electric to a sporty road bike chassis, very motor into the gearbox for an similar to the brand’s Ninja 650, instant hit of extra grunt. and it all weighs in at 227kg wet. 

Current world champion Dominique Aegerter WorldSSP

#77

sales@hocoparts.com +44 (0)1484 641 073 info@hocoparts.co.uk

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DECEMBER 2023 37

Kawasaki Ninja 7 hybrid

The first part of the day is spent getting to grips with all these modes and tech. There’s no clutch or gear levers at all, but the lefthand switchgear is crammed with buttons, including up and down gearshift paddles. We get a quick tutorial, starting with the batteryonly EV mode. This is limited in speed to 60kph/38mph, and has a ‘restricted’ range, depending on how much charge is in the battery. Next up is the Eco hybrid mode: this uses the petrol engine, so it has full power and a very decent range – more than 230 miles thanks to a 14-litre tank and claimed 77mpg consumption. The bike turns the engine off completely when you come to a halt and uses the electric motor to start you off when you open the throttle again, kicking in the petrol engine once rolling, saving fuel in stop-start urban conditions. Eco mode has both automatic and manual gearbox options, letting you cruise along in twist-and-go fashion or click up and down the six-speed box as you fancy.

The final mode to explore is the Sport hybrid mode. Here, the petrol engine runs all the time, and the electric motor is used as a performance enhancer more than a fuel-saving tool (though it does that too: claimed consumption in Sport mode is still an impressive 70mpg). The motor kicks in along with the engine under acceleration, and if you press the ‘E-boost’ button on the right-hand bar, it gives full torque and power from the EV motor. This is the mode that beats a ZX-10R off the line, and it is pretty sharp when we try it out later.

Lessons over; we finally hit the streets to see how it all goes. And pretty well is the answer.

The little Ninja is good fun once you adapt to the weird feeling of no manual clutch or gear lever and get your head around the mode settings. In the city, the EV mode works better than I expected, getting up to speed fairly sharpish and with a usable range from a fullycharged battery. It’s nice to sit at a red light with kids crossing, engine off, no heat belting out from under the fairing, and silently glide away when the lights change. Eco mode is nearly as good, with the start-stop function keeping you cool and quiet again, and the petrol engine kicking in as you pull away.

Once out of town and into the hills, the Ninja’s sporty side shows. Now, it’s very much a bike in the mould of the Ninja 400 or 650, rather than a ZX-4R or ZX-6R. The unadjustable front fork and preload-adjust

rear shock are a bit on the soft side and would be a handful pushing hard on a track. Ditto the brakes: the sliding twin-piston Nissin calipers and 300mm dual discs have sufficient stopping power but, like the suspension, are a bit soft and squidgy. But on the roads we’re riding up towards Montmelo, the chassis is perfectly fine. That 227kg, which looks like a worry on the spec sheet, doesn’t faze at all, and the Dunlop Sportmax rubber grips well on the warm, dry Spanish asphalt.

The Ninja 7 lives up to its claims then and with an RRP of around £12,000 when it arrives in spring 2024 we think it will sell well. It’s got decent middleweight road performance, powers off the line quickly, and has three modes which work well in their respective environments. The hybrid design means you never need to worry about running out of charge, with 230+ miles of range from the petrol side. Yet it has extensive green credentials for use in town – and to satisfy lawmakers. One question I had was why they put it in a Ninja chassis first: a Versys 7 Hybrid would make more sense and probably sell better.

I would not be surprised to see one soon. Could the Ninja 7 and other bikes using this new tech settle our minds about electric power? I reckon it just might. 

NINJA 7 TECH ENGINE

TRANSMISSION

The petrol engine is pretty conventional: a parallel twin DOHC 8v liquid-cooled unit with ride-by-wire throttle. The weirdness begins at the alternator, though: the Ninja 7 has an integrated starter/generator on the left side of the crank, which both charges the 48V traction battery pack and starts the petrol engine when needed.

The ECU on the bike controls both the six-speed gearbox, either automatically or with manual override, and the main clutch. This is a crucial part of the hybrid system, letting the Ninja 7 disconnect the petrol side and turn it off at any point. However, the oil pump stays driven from the electric traction motor to keep the transmission lubed.

TRACTION MOTOR The same 12hp electric motor as on the Z e-1, but with water cooling. It drives the gearbox input shaft via a chain behind the main clutch drum, so is continuously connected to the rear wheel, freewheeling when not in use.

38 DECEMBER 2023

DIAGNOSTICS Kawasaki says that dealers will get diagnostic kit and there is on-board diagnostics on the bike, making servicing and fault finding no harder than conventional bikes.

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Business Essentials

CATALYST

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0116 230 1500 | sales@catalyst-uk.com | www.catalyst-uk.com

The Business The latest news and views in the world of business

Cost of living crisis and second jobs Employees struggling with their finances are increasingly taking on second jobs. But can employers stop them?

A

s the cost of living increases put extra strain on household finances, more employers are having to decide how to deal with employees who have taken a second job. There is no legal prohibition on anyone having more than one job, and most employers will take a pragmatic, reasonable view towards those who need (or want) to earn additional income. However, there are boundaries beyond which employees are expected not to step, not least in the fulfilment of all their obligations under their primary contract of employment.

EXPECTATIONS OF EMPLOYEES For Tina Chander, a partner and head of employment law at Wright Hassall, the starting point is that no matter what transpires, employees are expected to be available to fulfil their contractual hours for their employer as per their contracts of employment. She says that “as well as adhering to their contractual hours, employees are expected to dedicate their full attention to their role during these hours, and a failure to do so may result in their employer considering taking disciplinary action against them.”

Notably, she comments that “many contracts of employment state that employees

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are expected to work additional hours, as and when, to fulfil the demands of their job. If it becomes apparent that an employee is unable to work the additional hours necessary to complete their primary duties, it may indicate that they have taken a second job.” She says that if this is the case, an employer has the right to investigate and may, as a result, start a capability or disciplinary process with any employee who has failed to complete their work as required.

Another consideration that Chander highlights is that employers need to be mindful of the limitations imposed by the Working Time Regulations, which limits

employees’ working hours to 48. On this, she says that “if an employee’s working hours are likely to exceed this limit, employers can ask them to sign an opt-out to protect against any claims arising from breach of this limit.” And where the employer knows that the employee has another role, it is strongly recommended that the latter is asked to sign the opt-out even if their position with the company does not exceed 48 hours per week.

MOST CONTRACTS WILL REQUIRE PERMISSION Chander knows from experience that contracts of employment for more senior members of staff are likely to contain

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provisions which prevent them from taking secondary employment. That said, more junior staff are likely to need permission from their employer before accepting another role alongside their current employment. This provision enables employers to monitor how many employees have other jobs.

In her view, “such permission should not be unreasonably withheld, for example, where it is clear that the role is not with a competitor or will impact negatively upon the employee’s ability to undertake their current role.” She also thinks that an employee requesting such permission “provides a good opportunity to establish an informal, open dialogue with their employer regarding their current, contractual obligations as well as the impact that any additional role(s) may or may not have on those obligations.”

REFUSING PERMISSION TO TAKE A SECOND JOB In essence, employers should try and maintain a balance between allowing employees to undertake additional work for other businesses while protecting their legitimate business interests by preventing employees from working for direct competitors. Those employers that require employees to seek written approval before they undertake additional work have the opportunity to check that there is no conflict of interest. However, Chander says that “this insight should not be used to prevent employees from seeking other employment which is not with a genuine competitor of the business. If an employer refuses permission and is seen to do so unreasonably, an employee could bring a claim of constructive unfair dismissal.”

CASUAL WORKERS Unlike employees, casual workers will not usually be restricted from seeking work from other businesses outside their contracted hours. Casual workers normally have a contract or agreement with a business that only requires their services on an irregular basis.

with Adam Bernstein www.abfeatures.com

Businesses often use casual workers because they need the inherent flexibility of employing people as and when required and are not obliged to provide them with work (as would be the case with an employee). By the same token, Chander says that casual workers are not obliged to accept any work offered, and when they do, they should not be expected to do so on an exclusive basis. In fact, she warns that “businesses must be careful to avoid exercising a degree of control over a casual worker that could be interpreted as something more akin to an employment relationship which brings additional rights and/or

Employers that require employees to seek written approval before they undertake additional work have the opportunity to check that there is no conflict of interest payments not available to casual workers.”

Here she reminds that “casual workers are not usually entitled to minimum notice periods, protection from unfair dismissal, the right to make flexible working requests, reasonable time off to deal with a family emergency or statutory redundancy pay.”

THE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL IMPACT OF WORKING TWO JOBS Of course, working two or more jobs can have a detrimental impact on employees’ health and well-being, leading to increased fatigue and potentially health concerns. This reckons Chander, “may become an issue in the

workplace and may be manifested by lower productivity or health and safety concerns.

Given that employers are responsible for protecting the health and safety of their employees, they should raise their concerns with the employee in order to establish if they can provide any additional support.” She recommends that, where appropriate, “an initial, informal conversation to discuss the issues should be held with the employee first rather than plunging straight into a formal capability or conduct procedure.”

SUMMARY The disruption to ‘normal’ working patterns caused by the pandemic and the current cost of living crisis has meant that second jobs have become much more common.

Understandably, most employers would prefer their employees to devote all their energies to their primary job and, indeed, could ensure this is the case by careful wording of their employees’ contracts of employment. However, where someone’s role is unlikely to be adversely affected by taking a second job and where there is no conflict of interest, an employer should consider giving consent. 

All-in-one Business Management Soſtware for Motorcycle Dealers Complete Business Solution. Easy to Use 0116 230 1500 | sales@catalyst-uk.com | www.catalyst-uk.com www.britishdealernews.co.uk

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DECEMBER 2023 41

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Products

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The latest products for your showroom

Puig sump guard 5

CFMoto 800NK Advanced CFMOTO HAS LAUNCHED A NEW ADVANCED VERSION OF ITS MIDcapacity naked 800NK. The Advanced takes the standard Sport model and upgrades it with some of the latest motorcycle tech, including keyless start, a quickshifter, Apple CarPlay and new lighting modes.

The quickshifter is a two-way version, allowing clutchless up- and down-shifts, and is paired with a F-SC slipper clutch to limit rear-wheel slip when changing down. The new tech controls can be activated or modified using an 8in TFT screen and the brand’s RIDE mobile app, and the new headlamp arrangement automatically adjusts to conditions.

For those who like a little hint of bling on their bike, the new ambient light changes colours depending on the state of the bike. The Advanced tops out the 800NK range with an on-the-road price of £7499, and comes in Zircon black or Nebula white.

CFMoto; www.cfmoto-motorcycle.eu

OWNERS WISHING TO GIVE THEIR BMW F750/850 GS IMPROVED OFFroad protection, or to at least make it look like it might actually venture offroad, can fit Puig’s new sump guard. It’s made from 4mm thick aluminium and protects the underside of the engine and the exhaust headers from damage from debris and rocks. The flat-bottomed design also provides a handy jacking point, and it has been designed to allow access to the oil filter without removal. It comes in a matt silver anodised finish, with black powder-coated brackets and rubber mounts.

Puig; 0034 938 49 06 33; info@puig.tv

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The kits come in Road and Sport versions, and can produce 110W at idle, making lighting far more effective at a standstill, and are able to provide enough power for other components, such as an electrical fuel pump, USB port, or heated clothing. The one-piece 1650g flywheel has timing marks to simplify installation and provides variable ignition timing on the Sport version, or standard static timing on the Road version. The kit also includes CDI, fan and rectifier/regulator. Available in AC and DC versions, Sport kits are £390 SRP and Road kits are £380 SRP. VE (UK); 01159 462991; sales@ve-uk.com

STYLMARTIN DESCRIBES ITS IRON WP RANGE AS “SNEAKERS”, AND while some variants may resemble casual trainers, the new Bronze model is a much swisher proposition for the metropolitan man (or woman) about town. The full leather uppers are dyed and then hand brushed to give a worn “bronze” effect for a vintage look, while the black sole is made of natural rubber for all-weather grip. Said to be comfortable for both on-bike use and for walking, the Iron Bronze features a waterproof and breathable lining and a perforated insole. PU protectors are fitted on both sides of the ankles, and there is leather reinforcement for the gear shift area. The Iron Bronze comes in unisex sizing from EU36 to EU47 (UK 3-12) for an SRP of €199.

Dot4Distribution; 0203 514 2413; info@dot4distribution.com

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Product news

Oxford Henlow 5 OXFORD’S NEW HENLOW AND HENLOW AIR GLOVES ARE traditionally styled leather gloves ideal for custom, bobber and retro riders. The Henlow has a windproof bonded leather palm and back of the hand, along with some foam padding for comfort. Amara reinforcements on the palm provide extra grip, and there is a rigid PU knuckle protector to help it reach the required CE level 1 standard. An elasticated wrist with hookand-loop fastening and a touchscreen compatible forefinger and thumb complete the spec. It comes in men’s and ladies’ sizes in black or brown for an SRP of £39.99. If more ventilation is required, the Henlow Air perforated leather version adds airflow without changing any of the rest of the spec. SRP is also £39.99.

Oxford Products; 01993 862300; info@oxprod.com

DNA filters

LS2 Strobe II IT IS COMING UP TOWARDS EIGHT YEARS SINCE LS2 INTRODUCED ITS original Strobe flip-front, so it would be hard to argue that it isn’t due for a thorough update. Bringing the specification up to modern expectations means a new KPA shell in three sizes, which is lighter despite the added strength required to be ECE 22.06 compliant. Homologated for on-road use in both the open and closed positions, the Strobe II switches modes in a couple of seconds, and features a drop-down sun visor, hypoallergenic liner and the visor is Pinlock-ready.

The Strobe II comes in sizes from XS to 3XL in four solid colours for £99.99 SRP or four graphic options for £119.99.

LS2 Helmets UK; 01670 856342; ukservice@ls2helmets.com

THERE HAS BEEN A RUSH OF new filter fitments across the desk at BDN towers this month, with multiple new models for Benelli, CFMoto and Honda machinery arriving from manufacturer DNA. All the new fitments use DNA’s Full Contour Design, which is claimed to have 98-99% filtering efficiency thanks to its four-layer cotton construction.

For the Benelli TRK and TRK-X models (2023-2024) the bespoke filter promises an improvement in airflow of 15.3% for its €80 SRP; CFMoto’s 800NK sporty naked gets an 86.7% boost compared to the stock filter for €83 SRP; the Honda CT125 Trail – which was not an official UK model, but has been a popular grey import from Europe – has its airflow bolstered by 63.3% for a price of €68; and the Honda Dax (2022-2023) improves its airflow by 48.6% for just €60.

DNA Filters; info@dnafilters.com

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Product news

Schuberth C5 Carbon

TranAm

Out to launch

T

ranAm has been inviting the great and the good of the motorcycle industry down to its headquarters in deepest Hampshire for years now, the annual fashion show provides a launchpad for new additions to the ranges and also gives inspiration to dealers in setting up outfits for different biking scenarios or types of customer.

This year’s event followed a familiar pattern, but with the twist of a pair of new brands being on show for the first time, a rare occurrence for a company that likes to maintain long-term relationships with all its suppliers.

The new brands come to TranAm courtesy of its new owners, the Finnish distribution brand Duell, which took over TranAm earlier this year. Halvarssons and Lingstrands have been under the control of Duell since it bought out UK distributor Jofama in 2018, and have been distributed to a loyal dealer network on a direct-order basis.

This worked well in the pre-Covid times, with dealers’ orders arriving from European warehouses within a few days. Unfortunately, post-Brexit changes to customs and import processes added extra time and costs,

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and somewhat scuppered that method of distribution. This is what led to Duell initially approaching TranAm as it looked for a UK business to distribute, and more importantly stock, the ranges. Discussions eventually led to not only a distribution deal, but Duell actually buying the TranAm business in its entirety.

PERFECT FIT The addition of the Halvarssons and Lingstrands clothing brands has led to a bit of a re-jig of the showroom and warehouse to make space for the new ranges, with them now nestling alongside Rukka, Bering, Segura and PMJ. Halvarssons’ range fits perfectly into TranAm’s portfolio, with prices for its textile jackets ranging from £229 up to £639, and its leather range topping out at £619 for the Racken jacket. The Racken is part of the so-called “professional” range and is chosen by many police and security riders, due to its AAA CE-rating and yearround usability. It is made from water-repellent leather with triple-stitched Halvarssons seams and CE level 2 Gruven armour, with Hi-Art reinforcement on

Bering Davis King Size

Lingstrands Sunne

the shoulders and elbows and a Dryway+2.0 waterproof and breathable drop liner. Hi-Art is Halvarssons’ own-brand abrasion-resistant material which is fitted between the armour and the outer material layer and adds up to 500% extra strength. The Racken is airbag compatible, and also has pockets for a chest protector. To make it more suitable to summer usage, there is a special TFL Cool System coating which reflects 80% of heat radiation, resulting in the surface temperature for the leather being up to 20oC cooler. A ladies version – the Viksand – is also available, as are matching trousers in both men’s and ladies’ fitments.

In Halvarssons’ textile collection, top of the range is the AA-rated Mora, which is an adventure touring style mid-length jacket with a Dryway+2.0 waterproof membrane and an Outlast temperature-regulating liner, both of which are removable. Nubuck is used along with Hi-Art to reinforce the shoulder and elbow areas, and level 2 flexible armour can be supplemented with an optional back protector. The Mora comes in black, black/ blue or black/green options for an SRP of £639, and the matching Malung trousers come in black for £479. For customers looking for something a little lighter in weight, the Gruven jacket is made using a two layer laminate fabric with Hi-Art

Lingstrands Bergby

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Returning to more familiar TranAm brands, Halvarssons Arvika Schuberth has launched a carbon version of its C5 flip-up touring helmet.

The C5 Carbon is handmade at the firm’s car helmet division by the same team of technicians who make lids for racers including current F1 champion Max Verstappen, resulting in a superlative finish and an extremely light helmet – under 1500g including the drop-down sun visor, fitted Pinlock and the pre-fitted antennae and speakers to accept a comms system. Obviously this level of technology and hand-finishing doesn’t come cheap, but its £1099

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SRP is competitive with its rivals.

Scorpion’s sole new model, apart from a profusion of new colours and graphics across the range, is the flip-up Exo-Tech Pro, which is a development of the topselling Exo Tech Evo lid but with a composite shell which results in a slight weight reduction for its £339 price tag.

RUKKA DEVELOPMENT TranAm’s other headline brand has to be Rukka, and the premium Finnish brand kept itself busy over the Covid years developing an own-brand waterproof material to partner the hard-to-get-at-the-time GoreTex fabric. The fruits of its labours have now been unveiled to the public, with the first suit to use the new AWS Pro membrane being the Kemi jacket and pants.

This brings together all the spec you expect of a Rukka suit, with the three-layer laminate material supplemented with lots of stretch panels, Keprotec reinforcement and level 2 armour with a level 1 back protector. The Kemi doesn’t come with a thermal liner, but instead can be paired with the Lahti thermal jacket, which helps to keep the price down to a £749 SRP, making it an ideal entry point into the brand. Matching trousers are £599.

Bering and Segura have both been treated to a rebrand, with all new outfits now featuring either Bering’s new reflective detailing and logo, or a more retro-inspired offering to match Segura’s streetscene image. Waterproof liners throughout the range are now made from Repreve material, which is made entirely from recycled plastic bottles retrieved from the seas and oceans. Bering also has a new Austral GoreTex suit to top its range, with the adventure styling accentuated by large patch pockets and an offset zip. It comes in blue/grey/red colour scheme that should suit the GS/Africa Twin crowd admirably. SRP is £769 for the jacket and £624 for the trousers. For larger-framed bikers Bering has the Davis King Size and Lady Davis streetwear-style jackets, which have been carefully designed to be bigger in all the right places. The stretchy softshell material keeps things looking sleek and not big and bulky, and a fixed BWTech waterproof liner and removable thermal inner jacket mean that they are practical too. The men’s comes in camo or plain black in sizes up to W4XL (which is a 63in chest), with the ladies in plum or black, for an SRP of £269.

So, 2024 promises to be a year of development for TranAm, with its dealer network being introduced to exciting new brands and a wide range of new and updated apparel from its long-term suppliers.

TranAm 01425 620580 www.tranam.co.uk

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reinforcement and an Outlast lining. It also has level 2 armour, which can be supplemented with a stand-alone airbag. The all-black colourway will be kept in stock, but there is also a natty dark blue available for special order, for an SRP of £599. Or if even that is too heavy for the summer days, the Arvika jacket provides plenty of ventilation thanks to large mesh panels on the chest and back.

Despite its lightweight construction, it is still AA-rated and includes Rukka Kemi Hi-Art reinforcement and level 2 armour. It comes in silver or dark grey for £229 SRP. Ladies versions of these three jackets are also available for the same prices.

For the more casual rider there are the AAArated blue Rogen and black Nyberg jeans, which are regular and slim fit respectively. They are both made from stretch cotton denim with the addition of X-ARD abrasion resistant material and CE level 2 soft armour at the hips and knees. Available in mens’s and ladies’ sizes for £199 SRP. Lingstrands’ range is slightly cheaper, and slightly more lively in its styling and colour choices than Halvarssons’ (although this is relative … it is still a typically understated Swedish brand after all), with jackets starting at £149 and topping out at £499 for the adventure style Sunne. The AA-rated Sunne is made from two-layer laminate fabric with a waterrepellent coating and a Dryway+ membrane, and as with its sibling brand it used Hi-Art reinforcement in vulnerable areas. The removable thermal liner is made using Innoborne lightweight insulation material and it can be turned inside-out to turn it into a regular jacket for off-bike use. SRP is £499 with the matching trousers, in two leg lengths, at £369. Both Halvarssons and Lingstrands also offer a wide range of gloves, with the most notable being the £110 SRP Bergby, which is a full-length goat leather glove with CE level 2 certification thanks to an aramid-fibre reinforced kangaroo leather palm and hard protection across the knuckles.

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Product news

SHORT CUTS

CARDO SYSTEMS

CARDO HAS UPDATED ITS SOFTWARE TO ALLOW seamless connection of Cardo DMC and Sena Mesh units into the same group, making it easier for users of different systems to communicate with each other. It is a free update, and Cardo users can simply download the latest software from their Cardo Connect app to activate the functionality.

Pama & Co; 0161 494 4200; cardo@pama.co.uk

Bridgestone Battlax S23 BRIDGESTONE HAS LAUNCHED A NEW BATTLAX Hypersport S23 tyre, an update to the S22 model. The S23 is a sport-oriented radial tyre designed for street use on high performance bikes, and claims to offer exceptional dry and wet grip performance thanks to a new compound and an updated tread pattern.

The new compound is moulded onto the edge of the tread for extra grip when leant over, while the new tread pattern incorporates Pulse Groove Technology, which helps with grip in wet and tricky conditions. The Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 will be available from January 2024 in a single 120/70ZR17 size for the front wheel, and a choice of five rear sizes up to 200-section wide. Prices to be confirmed at launch.

Bridgestone UK; 01926 488500; www.bridgestone.co.uk/motorcycle-tyres

CST TYRES

CST TYRES HAVE BEEN CHOSEN AS OE fitment on the new Honda CB125F. The C910 front (80/100-18) and the C6011 rear (90/9018) are classic city-style rubber suitable for small and commuter-style bikes.

Bickers; 01394 604040; www.bickers-online.co.uk

Stealth for Speed Triple 5

MIRROR EXTENSION BRACKETS

R&G HAS LAUNCHED NEW MIRROR WIDENERS for a wide array of popular motorcycle models with handlebar-mounted mirrors. They come in various M8 and M10 thread sizes and pitches, and in two size options – increasing height by 50mm or 35mm, and the width by 45mm. They come in black with a white logo for an SRP of £29.99 per pair.

R&G; 01420 89007; info@rg-racing.com

OXFORD JEANS

OXFORD PRODUCTS HAS increased the range of sizes available for its AAArated jeans. Both the slim and straight fit versions come in larger 42in and 44in waist sizes and a new longer leg length of 36in. Available in blue or black for £169.99 SRP. Oxford Products; 01993 862300; info@oxprod.com

RIZOMA’S STEALTH MIRRORS HAVE BEEN AROUND FOR A WHILE, providing a rear view mirror that doubles as a downforce-producing wing.

They are CNC-machined from billet aluminium and have a model-specific adaptor, with the latest model to be kitted out being Triumph’s Speed Triple 1200 RR and RS. The mirror has a convex glass to provide a wider viewing angle, and with a simple twist can be rotated for aerodynamic performance when a mirror is not needed. The Stealth comes in a choice of silver, grey or black anodised finishes for an SRP of £499.

Performance Parts; 01327 706139; enquiries@performanceparts-ltd.com

Shark colours FRENCH HELMET MANUFACTURER SHARK HAS announced a raft of new colours for some of its best-selling lids. The Skwal i3, which features a sensor-activated rear brake light and LED running lights on the front, is given a new Hellcat graphic in five colours – black/white/blue, black/white/silver, black/white/pink, black/white/red and black/white/ Skwal i3 Hellcat bronze – for an SRP of £309.99. For those preferring something a bit more subtle, there is a Dark Shadow edition in plain grey which comes with an additional dark visor in the box for an SRP of £279.99.

The D-Skwal 3 gets several new graphic options including a floral design called Mayfer and the more aggressive Blast-R design in four different colour options.

All are £219.99 SRP. The Dark Shadow is matt black and comes with an additional D-Skwal 3 dark visor for £199.99.

Mayfer Nevis Marketing; 01425 478936; info@nevis.uk.com D-Skwal 3 Blast-R

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Brühl wall mount NOBODY LIKES TRIPPING OVER A carelessly discarded motorcycle dryer, so Brühl has created a wallmounted storage unit to keep its MD2800 Pro neatly out of the way.

Made from powder-coated steel, the unit has recessed holes for the dryer’s rubber feet and a webbing strap to hold it firmly in place. Clips to secure the flexi hose and power cord are included, and the low-profile design folds up so you won’t walk into it too often.

SRP is £25.

Motohaus; 01256 704909; info@motohaus.com

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Product news

Weise Ion gloves IN THE DEPTHS OF WINTER, having warm hands on a ride can be an absolute essential. Cold fingers are uncomfortable, painful and the lack of feel leads to reduced finesse with the controls.

Heated grips can help, but they still leave the back of the hand exposed to the chill. Bar muffs are an effective solution to that, but they come with their own compromises of not being able to see or feel handlebar switches, and at speed the wind force can cause them to press against the levers, either applying the brake or slipping the clutch… not good.

So, a better way to keep the blood flowing is a pair of heated gloves. Good ones should be no bulkier than standard winter gloves, allowing control and feel to be maintained, and the all-round heat application means fewer cold spots. One downside can be the fiddle of plugging them into a wiring loom for connection to the bike’s battery, but the new Ion gloves from Weise neatly sidestep that problem by being entirely self contained. The power for the heating elements is provided by a pair of 2200mAh rechargeable batteries secreted into the cuffs, which are enough to power the gloves for up to four hours. A compact USB charging cable is provided.

There are three levels of heat settings, selected by a large and tactile button on the cuff which changes colour to indicate the level of heat chosen. The heat feels most concentrated on the back of the hand and the fingers – the most exposed areas when riding.

The Ions are made from a combination of full grain leather and polyester, with a wind and waterproof membrane. Thinsulate insulation is fitted, with a 200gsm layer on the back of the hand and a thinner 100gsm layer on the palm which helps to maintain feel of the controls. To ensure a draught-free integration with a wide range of jackets, the storm cuff has a two-layer design, with an elasticated inner layer and a hook-and-loop adjustable outer cuff to make a nice tight over/under cuff junction.

Safety features haven’t been skimped on, with TPU rigid knuckle armour, padded finger panels and dual-layer leather on areas of the palm and scaphoid areas for added protection all adding up to a CE (and a now-defunct UKCA) accreditation.

On the bike the Ions feel sturdy and suitably tough to withstand the elements during winter rides. Durability will have to prove itself over the months ahead, but first impressions are good, with no loose threads or uneven stitching. In low-double-digit temperatures, they proved to be adequately warm without having to activate the heating elements, but once the sun went down and the air temperature plummeted being able to switch them on and continue in comfort was a boon.

Weise Ion gloves come in sizes S-3XL for an SRP of £199.99, including two batteries, charging cable and, like all Weise clothing, they’re covered by a twoyear warranty.

The Key Collection; 01179 719200; sales@thekeycollection.co.uk

Daytona heated grips 65 BIKE IT HAS TAKEN ON THE UK DISTRIBUTION OF DAYTONA HEATED grips. Designed in Japan, the Daytonas have four levels of heat output, all controlled by a single button on the left grip which also incorporates an LED light which changes colour depending on the level of operation.

A quick-heat function gets them up to temperature in a hurry, and a memory function means they will resume operation at the last setting used. The grips are sized to fit 22mm diameter handlebars and are 120mm long, so will fit the majority of models. They are also openended to allow the use of bar end weights. SRP is £137.99.

Bike It; 02380 658700; tradesales@bikeit.co.uk

LS2 4X comms system

&

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IT’S BEEN TEASED SINCE EICMA 2022, BUT LS2 HAS FINALLY confirmed that its bespoke 4X comms system is finally available in its Vector II, Advant, Advant X and Advant X Carbon helmets. The 4X has been developed by Cardo Systems and can connect up to four riders via Bluetooth with an operating range of up to 1.2km. The unit is fully waterproof, and offers voice operation, Open Bluetooth intercom (OBi) and uses JBL speakers. The system is also available for retro-fitting into the majority of other LS2 models.

LS2 Helmets UK; 01670 856342; ukservice@ls2helmets.com SEE THE FULL RANGE AT OXFORDMINT.CO.UK

DECEMBER 2023 47

Product news

In with a Bull-it

B

ull-it jeans took over one of the brick-lined railway arches of Shoreditch’s ultra-hip Bike Shed Moto Co for the launch of its 2024 range.

Beyond the busy tables of the restaurant and bar area, and the rails of denim, leather and waxed cotton apparel lining the walls of the retail store, Bull-it’s designated archway provided a suitably stylish backdrop for assembled journalists to be thoroughly briefed on the new range.

Evolution, not revolution, is said to be the guiding principle behind the new range, with the team of designers aiming to improve the fit and comfort of all the jeans with an array of tweaks and adjustments.

Bull-it’s jeans are all made from Covec, a super-strong material designed to overcome weaknesses in other commonly used cut- and abrasion-resistant fibres: Kevlar can retain moisture and degrades under ultraviolet light, so while it may provide protection when new, after months of outdoor use it may not maintain its performance; and nylon-based threads such as Dyneema can melt at relatively low temperatures – the sort

www.alexhampton.photography

48

DECEMBER 2023

of temperatures generated by friction when sliding down the road on your arse. Covec’s low thermal conductivity also means that in a similar situation, the heat generated won’t transfer through the material to potentially cause burns to the rider’s legs.

Apart from a couple of products, all the jeans in the 2024 range have received AA certification and are made from a combination of Covec and Lycra T400 stretch material. T400 provides stretch for a better fit, and is more durable than Elastane, resisting going saggy for far longer.

Also, new for 2024, all products use RE ZRO armour at the hips and knees. RE ZRO is a lightweight, flexible armour that has been created to provide high levels of protection along with high levels of sustainability – see the box-out.

The new range is made up of both ladies’ and gent’s styles, all with new styling and fitment tweaks. The gent’s jeans have been given an extra bit of material around the thighs and posterior areas to improve comfort, and a redesigned yoke to stop gaping at the lower back

area. Ladies’ jeans also benefit from a new rear yoke shaped to smooth the transition from the waistband and give a more cinched waist without the material puckering, and the leg seams have been given a more pronounced “twist” to give a sculpted fit over the calf and avoid a baggy lower leg. The front of the jeans have also been given a lower rise, with a bit more height added to the rear, which deftly avoids the issue of ‘builder’s bum’ when a rider is tucked in on the bike.

On the styling front, there have been a couple of low-key changes to make the look even more subtle, with a small ‘Built to Ride’ badge on the rear pocket featuring half a Union Flag embroidered in the same colour thread as used for the stitching on the jeans, the bull’s head logo embroidered onto the front pocket area, and an inner leg seam given a reflective finish to add a bit more visibility when the jeans are worn with a rolled-up bottom hem.

At the top of the jeans range sits the Guardian, in both men’s and ladies’ sizes, which thanks to new Oneskin denim is 700g lighter than the previous AAA-

rated Covert jeans. It is also upgraded to Re Zro’s level 2 armour at the hips and knees, which provides even more weight saving.

And the ladies also have the option of the Fury – a superstretchy skinny-fit jean in black or Acid blue which is only A-rated, but has the advantage of coming in smaller sizes down to a UK4, and an extra-short leg length perfect for a petite pillion (or rider).

If jeans aren’t your thing, then the Coyote and Jackal provide combat pant styling, pairing the Covec material with adventurebike friendly cargo pockets and accordion-style stretch panels at the knees. A zip at the ankle makes it easier to fit them over bulkier off-road style boots.

To make things simple on the pricing, all jeans retail at £174.99 – deftly quashing the “ladies’ premium” that some brands are guilty of – except the higher-spec Guardian, which is £199 for both men’s and ladies’ versions.

Bull-it 01489 582707 info@bull-it.com

Bull-it founder Keith Bloxham

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RE ZRO ARMOUR RE ZRO’S RANGE OF CE LEVEL 1 and CE level 2 armour is designed to be as impact resistant, and as thin and flexible, as the best of its competitors, but also to have a lower impact on the environment through the life of the product.

RE ZRO CCO Alex Yellowley was at Bull-it’s launch event with a team of tech experts and sponsored riders. “It’s about building circularity,” he said. “Our protectors are made from TPE, which has a

low waste manufacturing process as rejected mouldings can simply be returned into the process as new material. It is also far easier to recycle than the competition.

Used protectors can be completely recycled and used to make new ones or, if discarded into landfill, the materials we use will break down through microbial action in an estimated three to five years*, leaving nothing behind.” www.re-zro.com

*Independently tested for biodegradability according to the standard test method ASTM D5511 & ISO 15985-2014

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TEXA UK Ltd 32-34 Churchill Way, Lomeshaye Industrial Estate, BB9 6RT Tel: 01282 606787

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Product news

Heron (L) / Ajax (M) Steel Blue / Washed Blue Grey stitching Slim, Straight & Easy fit Short, Regular & Long leg lengths

Product news

Polini Race exhaust

Puig combi bar end45 A NEW CONCEPT FROM PUIG IS THE COMBINED BAR end mirror and lever guard bracket. They come as a left and right pair to protect both clutch and brake levers, and are made from a CNC machined aluminium billet, anodised black with a choice of anodised colours for the reach adjustable lever protection bracket: black, orange, blue, red, green, silver or gold. It’s a simple swap in for existing bar end weights, and it weighs 215g. UK pricing is yet to be confirmed.

Puig; 0034 938 49 06 33; info@puig.tv

ITALIAN PERFORMANCE BRAND POLINI HAS developed a new Race Muffler to fit small frame Vespa Primavera models with 125-150cc cylinders. In fact, the design of the flange allows it to be installed on almost all Vespa models, and it is adaptable to most performance cylinders on the market. The system has been built with the aim of increasing performance at both medium and high revs, allowing the engine to rev at up to 10,000 rpm compared to the 7000rpm allowed by the Polini Original exhaust.

Fitment is described as “plug and play” as it is possible to mount it to the original body, with any type of tyre, and even to keep the original toolbox on Vespa ET3 models. SRP is £255.

VE (UK); 01159 462991; sales@ve-uk.com

Tru-Tension sealant 5

Dax screen PYRAMID PLASTICS HAS DESIGNED A NEW FLY SCREEN FOR HONDA’S DIMINUTIVE ST125 Dax. It comes colour-matched to the bike’s paintwork, and simply bolts on behind the headlamp, offering improved rider protection and a marginal gain in aerodynamics. It is currently available in Pearl Nebula red, with more options to follow. SRP is £159.99.

Pyramid Plastics; 01427 677990; sales@pyramid-plastics.co.uk

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A NEW TYRE SEALANT MADE WITH CARBON FIBRE and graphene, two buzz-word materials that whet a biker’s appetite, Tru-Tension Motorcycle Tyre Sealant is injected into the tyre where it will plug holes and prevent pressure loss during rides. The carbon and graphene formulation is said to work more quickly than competitor’s products, and is capable of plugging bigger holes up to 4mm in diameter. The 750ml bottle has an SRP of £17.99, or a 250ml bottle is £9.99. The amount used will depend on the size of the tyre, but full instructions are included.

Bike It; 02380 658700; tradesales@bikeit.co.uk SEE THE FULL RANGE AT OXFORDMINT.CO.UK

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Product news

Kappa Transalp 5 ITALIAN ACCESSORIES BRAND KAPPA HAS BROUGHT OUT A RANGE OF parts for Honda’s new XL750 Transalp enduro adventure bike. Obviously, given the bike’s adventure heritage, there is a bespoke luggage mount system. The side-case mounting frame is made from powder-coated 18mm tubular steel which can be equipped with an optional quick-release mechanism, and the steel rear rack can be fitted with a range of plastic or aluminium adapter plates to allow fitment of a Monokey top box. Kappa recommends its K’Mission aluminium side and top cases, which have been updated with a new Wirelease System to allow removal with a twist of a conveniently located knob. Another bespoke fitting bracket has also been made to allow fitment of a lockable tool box.

A pair of screens are also available – a smoked one 11.5cm taller than OE, and an even larger clear screen 21.5cm taller than OE – and to further increase rider comfort there is a technopolymer black hand guard set. And to make sure it doesn’t all come down in an ignominious heap when parking up, there is an aluminium and stainless steel extended sidestand foot to improve support on soft ground.

Hoco Parts UK; 01484 641073; info@hocoparts.co.uk

AJS Barletta 125 THE MOPED-LICENCE FRIENDLY AJS BARLETTA 50 scooter was launched earlier this year, and now it has been joined by a larger-engined version to make it more suitable for commuting. The Barletta 125 combines retro styling with modern features such as LED lighting, a USB charging port and a high-security ignition lock. The Euro 5 compliant air-cooled 125cc motor pumps out 6.2kW (8.3hp in old money) and, thanks in part to the svelte 113kg kerb weight, is capable of 122mpg.

Storage under the seat provides a place to stash a helmet, and there is the rear rack, which doubles up as a grab handle for pillion riders. It comes in orange, white/blue or white/black for an SRP of £2099 +OTR. AJS; 01264 365103; sales@ajsmotorcycles.co.uk

Touratech GS accessories 3

Sport crash bar

Fairing crash bar

Rear rack Engine crash bar

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IT’S BARELY ARRIVED IN DEALER SHOWROOMS, BUT the new BMW R1300 GS has already been given a series of accessories by Touratech to make it even more adventurous. First comes protection for the bike in the form of a new €264 SRP Sport engine crash bar made of tubular steel with a integrated slider, or there is the more traditional option of a crash bar made of 25mm stainless steel tubing and 3mm stainless steel plate for €309.

Bodywork protection comes from a €309 SRP stainless fairing crash bar, and there is a quick-release headlight guard.

To allow the fitment of aluminium luggage to the bike there is a new stainless steel rear rack made from lightweight 18mm tubing with machined lugs. It allows the fitment of Touratech Zega range (or, presumably, other brand’s rigid aluminium panniers and top boxes) and it measure just 50cm wide to keep the rear of the bike as narrow as possible.

Touratech; +49 7728 9279-0; info@touratech.de SEE THE FULL RANGE AT OXFORDMINT.CO.UK

DECEMBER 2023 51

Product news Zard Triumph 5 THE TRIUMPH STREET TRIPLE IS CONSIDERED BY MANY TO BE THE benchmark mid-capacity sporting naked, but that doesn’t mean it is perfect. Italian exhaust maker Zard, for instance, thinks the Triple would be improved by fitting its stainless steel full system, as it provides a claimed 7% more power and weighs less (although exactly how much, Zard is keeping a secret). The system comes with a gloss finish carbon fibre cap on the end can, and includes an aerodynamically designed heat shield.

It comes in stainless finish for £1497 SRP or black coated finish for £1888 SRP. A road-legal version is also available which includes a catalytic convertor and a pre-silencer box, which is £1873 and £2043 SRP respectively.

Performance Parts; 01327 706139; enquiries@performanceparts-ltd.com

Weise Nashua 5 ADDING A SPLASH OF COLOUR TO BRIGHTEN THE WINTER GLOOM, the AA-rated Weise Nashua jacket is a women’s specific design with a flattering cut in sizes 8-24. Accordion panels down each side provide stretch to ensure a snug fit, there are adjustable straps at the waist, sleeves and cuffs, and a longer-length rear hem to ensure that the rider’s back remains covered when crouched over. A waterproof and breathable membrane keeps the rain out, and a 75g thermal liner keeps body heat in. There are also vents to allow more airflow for hotter days. The Nashua is available in blue or Wine for an SRP of £199.99 and comes with a two year warranty.

The Key Collection; 01179 719200; sales@thekeycollection.co.uk

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Richa Inferno A NEW HEATED GLOVE from Richa, the Inferno features Gerbing’s Xtreme Microwire system which puts heating elements throughout the glove, including the fingers, for all-round warmth.

Three power levels are available, all controlled by a single button on the cuff, with the mode indicated by a coloured LED. The Inferno comes as standard with a wiring kit to connect direct to the bike’s battery, but an optional kit can be purchased for £119.99 which provides a pair of rechargeable cells which fit into pockets on the cuff and will power the gloves for up to 4.5 hours.

The Infernos are made from Cordura with Spandex stretch panels and a goatskin palm. There’s an Aquashell LTZ waterproof and breathable membrane, plus D30 knuckle armour and a palm slider. They come in sizes S-4XL for an SRP of £219.

Nevis Marketing; 01425 478936; info@nevis.uk.com

HONDA’S TRANSALP IS CREATING PLENTY OF ATTENTION IN THE aftermarket, and Mivv is not going to miss out, with the Italian exhaust firm adding the latest twin-cylinder XL750 model to its portfolio, which already includes systems for older XL650 and XL700 Transalps.

For the 2023 bike, Mivv has the Dakar and Oval slip-on silencers available. The Dakar is a high-mount, off-road style end can made from tough 304 stainless steel in either natural or ceramic black finishes. Fitting the Dakar should add an extra 2hp and 2Nm of torque to the motor’s output, while shaving just over 1kg from the weight. The Oval fits at the standard height to allow fitment of side cases, and is also made from 304 stainless steel, this time in natural, ceramic black or satin black with carbon end cap. It adds 1hp and 1Nm to the performance figures, and saves 2kg in weight compared to the OE exhaust.

Moto.GB Distribution; 01706 212102; mivvgb@gmail.com

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DECEMBER 2023 55

DfT statistics

Half-yearly stats January-June 2023 new

registration figures from the DfT

Best selling models 1.

Honda PCX125

1791

2.

Yamaha NMAX 125

1631

3.

Honda CBF125

1188

4.

Triumph Street Triple

982

5.

BMW R1250 GS Adventure

883

6.

BMW R1250 GS

871

7.

Triumph Tiger 900

807

8.

Honda NSC 110 (Vision 110)

729

9.

Royal Enfield HNTR 350

585

10.

Honda NSS125 (Forza 125)

536

11.

Honda CB750 (Hornet)

533

12.

Triumph Tiger 1200 GT

531

13.

Yamaha MT-09

518

14.

Yamaha Ténéré 700

509

15.

Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX

506

16.

Honda SH125

499

17.

Honda NC750X

491

18.

KTM 125 Duke

483

19.

Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

474

20. BSA Gold Star

453

A

ccording to the government department responsible for vehicle registration across the UK, the DfT, new PTW registrations for the first six months of 2023 fell by 4.3% compared to the same period in 2022. The only capacity category to see an increase was the 650-1000cc sector, which rose by nearly 18% thanks to some popular new and updated models. Electricpowered machinery took a well-publicised pasting, with a near 50% reduction overall and similar levels of disappointing performance for many of the brands that operate in that area of the PTW industry.

A few, however, bucked the trend, with the off-road style Talaria and trendy retro Maeving ePTW brands both improving significantly.

The top-selling models overall were, yet again, the triumvirate of learner-friendly models – Honda’s PCX125, the Yamaha NMAX 125 and the Honda CBF125. The best selling ‘proper’ bike was the Triumph Street Triple, with BMW’s R1250 GS and

GS Adventure siblings close behind and making a good showing in their run-out year before they are replaced by new R1300 models.

Honda still tops the manufacturer’s chart, but the best performance among the major brands came from Suzuki, whose updated 125cc range of scooters and commuter-friendly sport and naked bikes hit the ground running, helping the Japanese giant to sell an extra 948 units.

KTM and BMW also had a good first-half of the year, piling on significant increases in terms of unit sales. Biggest loser was Lexmoto, which lost more than 1300 sales over the six-month period.

The biggest improvements came from some brands that didn’t have an established dealer network, or at least weren’t actively selling, in the early months of 2022. Chief among these was the resurrected Indian-owned BSA brand, whose sole Gold Star retro naked model has been flying out of showrooms as quickly as supply allows.

Top 10 brands by capacity Electric

0-49cc

50-125cc

126-650cc

1. Vmoto............................... 276 2. Sur-Ron..............................271 3. Maeving............................. 116 4. E-Max.................................87 5. Yadea..................................87 6. Talaria.................................79 7. Piaggio................................ 74 8. Niu.....................................69 9. Horwin...............................50 10. BMW..................................44

1. Lexmoto............................200 2. Peugeot.............................156 3. Sym...................................152 4. Yamasaki............................133 5. Piaggio............................... 112 6. Neco...................................96 7. Aprilia.................................86 8. AJS......................................80 9. WK Bikes............................. 76 10. Jiajue.................................. 57

1. Honda............................. 5768 2. Yamaha...........................2890 3. Lexmoto........................... 1355 4. Suzuki............................... 853 5. Keeway............................. 708 6. Benelli............................... 707 7. KTM................................. 597 8. Sym..................................588 9. Piaggio..............................564 10. Aprilia...............................489

1. Honda.............................2984 2. Royal Enfield................... 2564 3. Kawasaki.......................... 1072 4. KTM............................... 1006 5. Suzuki............................... 595 6. Beta.................................. 473 7. Husqvarna.........................463 8. BMW................................ 385 9. Yamaha.............................384 10. Piaggio.............................. 303

Highest registering models

Highest registering models

Highest registering models

Highest registering models

1. Sur-Ron Light Bee...............135 2. Maeving RM1..................... 116 3. Sur-Ron Ultra Bee...............102 4. E-Max VSA..........................84 5. Vmoto Super Soco CUX........ 75

1. Peugeot Kisbee 50............... 112 2. Lexmoto Echo Plus 50...........89 3. Aprilia SXR 50......................86 4. Sym Mask 50....................... 77 5. Yamasaki YM 50-10..............63

1. Honda PCX125.................. 1791 2. Yamaha NMAX 125............ 1631 3. Honda CBF125.................. 1188 4. Honda NSC110 (Vision 110).. 729 5. Honda NSS125 (Forza 125)... 536

1. Royal Enfield HNTR 350..... 585 2. Royal Enfield Super Meteor.. 474 3. Honda CB500X..................436 4. Royal Enfield Classic 350..... 395 5. Honda NSS 350 (Forza 350).363

Total: 1736

Total: 1542

Total: 17811

Total: 11637

2024 TRADE DIRECTORY 56

DECEMBER 2023

Get Listed Be Seen www.britishdealernews.co.uk

2024 TRADE

ly £99

DIRECTORY 18000

REGISTRATIONS BY CAPACITY

Brand

14000

12000

10000

>1000 651-1000 126-650

8000

51-125 <50 Electric

6000

4000

2000

0 Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

650-1000cc

Over 1000cc

1. Triumph.......................... 3287 2. Yamaha........................... 2988 3. BMW............................... 1918 4. Honda..............................1583 5. Ducati............................... 976 6. Kawasaki........................... 955 7. KTM.................................824 8. Suzuki................................791 9. BSA.................................. 453 10. Aprilia............................... 358

1. BMW.............................. 3070 2. Triumph...........................1924 3. Harley-Davidson............... 1227 4. Honda..............................1022 5. Ducati............................... 837 6. Kawasaki...........................698 7. KTM.................................666 8. Suzuki............................... 359 9. Indian................................315 10. Moto Guzzi........................ 211

Highest registering models

Highest registering models

1. Triumph Street Triple..........982 2. Triumph Tiger 900............. 807 3. Honda CB750 (Hornet)....... 533 4. Yamaha MT-09...................518 5. Yamaha Ténéré 700............509

1. BMW R1250 GS Adventure. 883 2. BMW R1250 GS...................871 3. Triumph Tiger 1200 GT........531 4. Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX......506 5. BMW R1250 RT.................. 334

Total: 15154

2024

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shdealern

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k

Top manufacturers 2023 vs 2022

16000

Jan

2024

TRADE DIRECTOR Y

DfT statistics

12

MONTH PROMOT S’ from on ION

Total: 10500

1. Honda 2. Yamaha 3. BMW 4. Triumph 5. KTM 6. Kawasaki 7. Suzuki 8. Royal Enfield 9. Ducati 10. Lexmoto 11. Harley-Davidson 12. Aprilia 13. Piaggio 14. Husqvarna 15. Benelli 16. Sym 17. Keeway 18. Beta 19. Moto Guzzi 20. BSA 21. Sinnis 22. Gas Gas 23. Royal Alloy 24. Zontes 25. Indian 26. Peugeot 27. Vmoto 28. Sur-Ron 29. Mutt 30. AJS 31. Neco 32. WK Bikes 33. Jiajue 34. Herald 35. Yamasaki 36. MGB 37. Kymco 38. Fantic Motor 39. CCM 40. Maeving 41. Norton 42. Rieju 43. Bluroc 44. Mondial 45. E-Max 46. Sherco 47. Yadea 48. Talaria 49. Niu 50. Voge

2023 Regs

2022 Regs

11357 6282 5417 5235 3097 2980 2598 2564 1813 1612 1301 1103 1053 885 849 753 747 527 516 454 452 421 403 396 315 297 276 271 269 250 196 190 181 156 146 144 139 134 130 116 94 93 92 91 87 87 87 79 69 65

11710 6230 4712 5081 2478 3016 1650 2890 1703 2939 1416 1232 1290 788 927 940 783 573 333 9 676 308 601 610 300 338 799 297 487 305 195 323 2 66 135 330 178 178 180 n/a n/a 75 162 121 304 198 170 48 353 40

Regs change

% Regs change

-353 -3.01% t 52 0.83% s 705 14.96% s 154 3.03% s 619 24.98% s -36 -1.19% t 948 57.45% s -326 -11.28% t 110 6.46% s -1327 -45.15% t -115 -8.12% t -129 -10.47% t -237 -18.37% t 97 12.31% s -78 -8.41% t -187 -19.89% t -36 -4.60% t -46 -8.03% t 183 54.95% s 445 4944.44% s -224 -33.14% t 113 36.69% s -198 -32.95% t -214 -35.08% t 15 5.00% s -41 -12.13% t -523 -65.46% t -26 -8.75% t -218 -44.76% t -55 -18.03% t 1 0.51% s -133 -41.18% t 179 8950.00% s 90 136.36% s 11 8.15% s -186 -56.36% t -39 -21.91% t -44 -24.72% t -50 -27.78% t 116 n/a s 94 n/a s 18 24.00% s -70 -43.21% t -30 -24.79% t -217 -71.38% t -111 -56.06% t -83 -48.82% t 31 64.58% s -284 -80.45% t 25 62.50% s

2022 Market Share

% Change Market Share

19.45% 10.76% 9.28% 8.97% 5.30% 5.10% 4.45% 4.39% 3.11% 2.76% 2.23% 1.89% 1.80% 1.52% 1.45% 1.29% 1.28% 0.90% 0.88% 0.78% 0.77% 0.72% 0.69% 0.68% 0.54% 0.51% 0.47% 0.46% 0.46% 0.43% 0.34% 0.33% 0.31% 0.27% 0.25% 0.25% 0.24% 0.23% 0.22% 0.20% 0.16% 0.16% 0.16% 0.16% 0.15% 0.15% 0.15% 0.14% 0.12% 0.11%

0.25% s 0.54% s 1.55% s 0.63% s 1.24% s 0.16% s 1.74% s -0.35% t 0.31% s -2.06% t -0.09% t -0.13% t -0.31% t 0.22% s -0.07% t -0.25% t 0.00% t -0.04% t 0.34% s 0.76% s -0.33% t 0.22% s -0.30% t -0.32% t 0.05% s -0.05% t -0.84% t -0.02% t -0.34% t -0.07% t 0.02% s -0.20% t 0.31% s 0.16% s 0.03% s -0.29% t -0.05% t -0.06% t -0.07% t 0.20% s 0.16% s 0.04% s -0.11% t -0.04% t -0.35% t -0.18% t -0.13% t 0.06% s -0.46% t 0.05% s

1 2 M

*Data does not include vehicles registered in Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands

More than 650 trade suppliers listed Distributed in the May 2024 issue of British Dealer News Alphabetically listed – Easy reference to the best suppliers in the industry In print and online Published by your only monthly trade magazine

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On the Money

On the Money T

ending towards climatechange tolerance rather than outright denial, I’ve always been circumspect about future dependence on batteryelectric vehicles (BEVs). So news that the BEV honeymoon has quite literally begun to go up in a puff of smoke held no surprises.

Steely-eyed insurance actuaries, and the underwriters who employ them to assess risk, are duly noting that perhaps replacement of internal combustion engines with electrical devices that are prone to cataclysmic external combustion wasn’t such a good idea after all. Therefore, as the raging inferno risk factor mounts, two and four-wheeled BEVs are becoming potentially uninsurable. Some apparently already are.

On-line motoring forum www.pistonheads.com recently featured woes from the aspirant owner of a BMW CE 04 electric maxiscooter, who wanted to tackle at least three 50-mile round trips into central London each week. He had selected this steed as a well-reviewed commuter with all the options, including a fast charger. It was bought and delivered from Dick Lovett Motorrad in Bristol.

But he was then obliged to cancel his purchase and return the bike within the fortnight’s statutory cooling-off period

after contacting more than 35 insurers and failing to find cover at any price. One refusal allegedly came from Devitt, in its BMW Motorrad Insurance disguise.

Some comparison websites did actually offer quotes. But when he tried to accept the cover, these were referred to underwriters and promptly withdrawn.

Probing other rejections, the aggrieved punter said it seems there was an issue with the CE

from around £750 to long thousands.

This had been variously justified by the insurer as owing to a recent spate of lithium-ion battery fires; exceptionally higher parts and labour costs for BEVs than conventional motorcycles; and the batteries in particular being prohibitively expensive to replace.

A much wider picture of massive BEV insurance premium

Perhaps replacement of internal combustion engines with electrical devices that are prone to cataclysmic external combustion wasn’t such a good idea after all 04 having a disproportionate number of claims relating to total losses through fire. A Bennetts rep was apparently more specific, about those with the fast charger fitment turning into toast while charging.

Of course, it’s difficult to factcheck essentially anonymous forums. And there is often exaggeration creep. But some of it has the ring of truth. Another Pistonheads contributor picked up on the theme anecdotally, regaling fellow forum members about a work colleague who’d got rid of his Zero SR after an insurance renewal had morphed

inflation – and an increasing number of insurers exiting the market – is definitely valid, though. National newspaper reports on the subject are coming in thick and fast.

Naturally, the leftie Guardian opened on virtue-signalling nonsense: “Driving an electric car should be a win-win, saving money and the planet,” reporter Zoe Wood simpered, before being shocked by the fate of a Teslaowning reader.

When his Model Y insurance was due for renewal, Aviva had refused to cover this unfortunate individual again. It transpired

that Privilege, Vitality, Axa and Adrian Flux were also among brokers declining to insure him and other minted £45,000-plus Model Y owners. And when he did manage to secure a new deal with Direct Line, his annual premium rose from £1200 to more than £5000, once interest on monthly instalments was factored in.

Wood’s Guardian piece highlighted victim Alex Gerlis too, a Smart EQ Forfour driver who abjectly failed to refresh his John Lewis Financial Services motor policy, underwritten by Covéa. Gerlis wasn’t alone. A statement from John Lewis Partnership explained: “Our underwriter has temporarily paused offering new policies and renewals on fully electric vehicles, while it analyses the risks and costs entailed.”

The Daily Telegraph weighed in on the John Lewis angle as well, but without token climatechange greenery now whatever rump Tory PM in Downing Street has become keen on desperate genuflection to petrolhead voters.

Automotive risk intelligence company Thatcham Research has a lot to say on this subject of significant challenges to BEVs, most of it negative. Key points are the cost of batteries, their vulnerability in accidents and propensity for fire risk.

According to recent Thatcham

International Share Prices USA – SHOWTIME OVER After New York listings had rallied for eight consecutive sessions, the US Federal Reserve stepped in to remind investors that it had no plans to reduce interest rates. Poor demand during an auction of US government debt in the bond markets mid-week helped to reintroduce a measure of gloom too.

Most Wall Street market indices hung onto acceptable weekly gains. The S&P 500 closed 1.3% higher and the Dow Jones Industrial Average was 0.7% up. NASDAQ Composite techies held their ground best with 2.4% growth.

Only S&P’s MidCap 400 disappointed, falling by 1.6%.That was a reflection of Q3 results grief among consumer-facing MidCap enterprises – not least leading powersports players. Most notably, Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle parent

58 DECEMBER 2023

Polaris started to bleed value once again, as did all the electrified PTW purveyors.

EUROPE – TEMPERED MOOD SWING European consumer stocks took a beating on the back of various weaker Q3 performances.

Frankfurt’s Xetra Dax clung onto a marginal 0.3% weekly rise, and Milan’s FTSE MIB ended 0.6% down. The Wiener Börse ATX in Austria was positive to the tune of just 0.5%. All four bikerrelated listings across Europe were losers.

JAPAN – A TALE OF TWO DIRECTIONS Japanese business confidence revolved around the yen sinking closer to a level where analysts think the Bank of Japan will intervene to support the currency. Overall, the

Nikkei 225 spanning Tokyo and Osaka reflected associated sentiment with a 1.9% weekly gain.

Quarterly reports from Honda, Yamaha and Kawasaki revealed pressure on sales in China and some South-East Asian countries, owing to slow economic recoveries in these markets. A “morning after” knee-jerk reaction, following their results releases, briefly wiped 7.2% off Honda’s share value, 5.8% off Yamaha and 9.7% off Kawasaki.

But all three rebounded within 48 hours.

Suzuki was less exposed, because both its Asian motorcycle and microcar sales are predominantly dependent on India, and were generally positive, so it made a solid advance without any flip-flop.

INDIA – CELEBRATING LIGHT Mumbai’s S&P BSE Sensex stock index made a second consecutive

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

Contact 01237 422660 or adsales@dealernews.co.uk research, BEV accident claims are currently about 25.5% more expensive than ICE equivalents and can take 14% longer to repair. Road collisions representing minor damage for an internal combustion engined vehicle can be catastrophic for a BEV’s sensitive battery array.

Implications remain unquantified on specialist repair capacity, training and skills, so many BEVs are often deemed irreparable, leading to premature write-offs. Besides, the cost of a replacement battery is often more than the vehicle’s used value after only one year.

Although data is inconclusive on whether BEVs are innately more liable to catch fire, it’s accepted that there are special risks when they frequently do. They can burn for days and reignite after flames have

been extinguished. A burning lithium-ion battery produces intense heat and toxic fumes.

Firefighters are now considering total immersion as the safest

on average during the past year, from brokers and underwriters still prepared to offer them.

Petrol and diesel vehicle premiums have gone up by just

A burning Lithium-ion battery produces intense heat and toxic fumes. Firefighters are now considering total immersion as the safest answer 29% in the same time-frame.

On the Isle of Man, which isn’t part of the UK, BEV aficionados have been hit much harder.

The largest indigenous Manx underwriter Tower, a subsidiary of multinational insurance giant RSA (formerly Royal & Sun Alliance), has recently raised BEV premiums by

answer. Government guidelines suggest damaged BEVs awaiting repair should be quarantined in zones fifty times larger than the parking space for a conventional car.

Confused.com figures indicate that UK insurance premiums for BEVs have risen by 72%

A snapshot of share performance across key manufacturers and markets weekly gain, this time of 0.8%, as investors forgot their troubles and went into Diwali festival mode.

Every major motorcycle manufacturer boasted share price rises of varying degrees, in what amounted to a suddenly optimistic silly season.

Hero’s announcement of an entry into the European market, at EICMA, didn’t come early enough to thoroughly massage its share price.

CHINA – SLIM PICKINGS Chinese market indices continued to make very slight weekly advances.

This time around, Shanghai’s SSE Composite rose by just 0.3% and the blue-chip CSI 300 covering both Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges added an almost non-existent 0.1%. Out of ten listed Chinese motorcycle manufacturers, only two accrued value in the past five sessions.

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Price

Week

Month

USA (dollar) Harley-Davidson Polaris Industries Textron Ideanomics (Energica) Niu Technologies LiveWire

26.86 87.66 76.00 1.99 2.17 9.20

-7.1% -5.4% -2.0% -21.0% -10.0% -4.8%

-9.8% -9.7% -2.9% -16.0% -6.1% +19.2%

Europe (euro) BMW Volkswagen Pierer Mobility Piaggio Group

91.18 114.80 56.00 2.64

-1.9% -2.1% -1.1% -1.5%

-6.7% -5.5% -9.4% -9.3%

Japan (yen) Honda Yamaha Suzuki Kawasaki

1586 3709 6434 3266

+0.8% -0.1% +8.3% -1.1%

-5.7% -4.5% +8.0% -11.2%

150%, to counter spiralling claims costs and issues with salvage and shipping.

Leaving aside the odd Nissan Leaf terminal conflagration, it cites the requirement to ship many BEVs off-island for specialist repairs, voyaging unaccompanied on Isle of Man Steam Packet ferries. If that costs burden wasn’t enough, a tightening of the Steam Packet’s criteria for handling BEVs, with onerous additional safety requirements, is pertinent.

The ferry line has just acquired its biggest-ever flagship blessed with fully enclosed vehicle decks and room for more than 900 passengers. A sharp focus on fire risk is vital for the well-being of both.

And the insurance industry’s eagerness to escape a fiery cul-desac of torched net-zero ambition is absolutely understandable too. 

Price

Week

Month

India (rupee) Hero MotoCorp Bajaj Auto TVS Motor Eicher Motors Mahindra

3105.20 5392.05 1631.95 3540.75 1524.10

+0.5% +0.4% +2.1% +3.3% +3.8%

+0.2% +6.7% +1.9% +1.9% -2.5%

China (yuan) Qianjiang Zongshen Sundiro CETC (Jialing) Lifan Loncin Linhai Guangzhou Auto CFMoto Xinri E-Vehicle

13.40 6.41 2.69 15.00 3.75 5.31 9.56 9.89 99.12 13.86

-0.6% -0.6% +5.5% +5.9% -1.6% -4.3% -1.0% -2.1% -2.6% -1.1%

-4.6% -6.4% +14.5% +1.7% +1.4% -8.3% +6.3% -4.1% -26.7% +0.2%

Share performance as of 10 November 2023

DECEMBER 2023 59

On the Money

Market analysis with financial editor Roger Willis

New registrations

UK registrations New scooter and motorcycle registrations for October 2023 2023 / 2022 Registrations by style MOPEDS

Oct 2023

Year to date Oct 2022

% Change

Oct 2023

Oct 2022

% Change

Highest registering model by style

Nov 2023 registrations

Moped Naked

70

47

48.9%

475

536

-11.4%

Vmoto Super Soco TSx

17

Moped Other

91

84

8.3%

934

1017

-8.2%

Talaria TL4000

15

Vmoto Super Soco CUx

81

Moped Scooters

478

462

3.5%

3358

4779

-29.7%

TOTAL MOPEDS

639

593

7.8%

4767

6332

-24.7%

Adventure

1227

1075

14.1%

19018

18807

1.1%

BMW R1250 GS Adventure

80

Competition

543

441

23.1%

5366

4948

8.4%

GasGas EC300

57

MOTORCYCLES

Custom

481

442

8.8%

6978

6912

1.0%

Keeway Superlight

54

Modern Classic

537

883

-39.2%

10079

10825

-6.9%

Royal Enfield Hntr 350

49 126

Naked

1557

1729

-9.9%

22862

21079

8.5%

Honda CBF125M

Road Sport

584

530

10.2%

8199

7882

4.0%

Yamaha YZF R125

67

Scooter

2296

2040

12.5%

21454

23714

-9.5%

Yamaha NMAX 125

657

Touring

136

212

-35.8%

2362

2653

-11.0%

Honda NT1100

33

Unspecified

12

1

1100.0%

183

85

115.3%

7373

7353

0.3%

96501

96905

-0.4%

TOTAL MOTORCYCLES TRICYCLES Other

22

34

-35.3%

339

286

18.5%

BRP Can-Am Ryker 900 ACE

10

Scooter

32

23

39.1%

430

438

-1.8%

Piaggio MP3 300

12

TOTAL TRICYCLES

54

57

-5.3%

769

724

6.2%

8066

8003

0.8%

102037

103961

-1.9%

TOTAL REGISTRATIONS

2023 / 2022 ICE Registrations by capacity ENGINE BAND

Oct 2023

Oct 2022

Year to Date % Change

Oct 2023

Oct 2022

% Change

Highest registering ICE model by capacity

Nov 2023 registrations

0 – 50cc

332

381

-12.9%

3226

3685

-12.5%

Lexmoto Echo 50

48

51 – 125cc

3308

3322

-0.4%

33137

35662

-7.1%

Yamaha NMAX 125

657

126-500cc

1271

1125

13.0%

14925

15756

-5.3%

Hond ADV 350

66

501 – 750cc

656

725

-9.5%

12217

11463

6.6%

Multiple items

49

751 – 1000cc

1022

890

14.8%

18089

14332

26.2%

Honda CB750 Hornet

69

over 1000cc

969

1145

-15.4%

16876

17281

-2.3%

BMW R1250 GS Adventure

80

TOTAL REGISTRATIONS

7558

7588

-0.4%

98470

98179

0.3%

Registration statistics supplied by the MCIA; tel 02476 408000; www.mcia.co.uk

International registrations

60

DECEMBER 2023

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

New registrations

Top Ten Manufacturers October 2023

October 2022

1. Honda. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1463 (-5.0%) 2. Yamaha. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1266 (45.9%) 3. KTM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 519 (56.3%) 4. Triumph . . . . . . . . . . . . . 477 (-3.2%) 5. BMW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 410 (-2.8%) 6. Kawasaki . . . . . . . . . . . . 311 (13.9%) 7. Suzuki. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287 (n/a) 8. Royal Enfield . . . . . . . . . 279 (-14.9%) 9. Lexmoto. . . . . . . . . . . . . 271 (-22.1%) 10. Vmoto. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204 (n/a)

1. Honda 2. Yamaha 3. Triumph 4. BMW 5. Lexmoto 6. KTM 7. Royal Enfield 8. Piaggio 9. Kawasaki 10. Ducati

1540 868 493 422 348 332 328 280 273 206

Rolling Year Comparison 20000 18000 16000 14000 12000 10000 8000 6000

2021/22

4000

2022/23

2000

Oc t

g Sep

Jul

Au

Jun

r Ma y

Ap

Ma r

Feb

Oc t No v De c Jan

0

For registration statistics for alternative power two-wheelers, see page 25

Registration statistics supplied by the MCIA; tel 02476 408000; www.mcia.co.uk Motorcycle and moped registrations data from Poland Polish new and used THE POLISH AUTOMOTIVE Industry Association represents more than 50 companies in the car, truck and PTW sector, and also publishes industry-relevant statistical data.

Its annual data sets covering motorcycle and scooter registrations show that the market has been consistent over the past five years, and that sales pretty much follow the seasons, peaking in late spring, ready for the summer.

The stats also carefully separate new machines and those that have been imported into the country and registered for the first time

there. This import market is an important one, and has been growing each year, to the extent that it now represents more than two thirds of registrations.

In terms of brands, the biggest sellers are familiar producers …

Honda, Yamaha, BMW, Suzuki … but there is also a smattering of home-grown brand names taking significant market share.

Junak, Romet and Barton – which take historic, and in some cases long dead, Polish motorcycle and scooter brands and revive them using Chinese-sourced underpinnings.

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

Registrations on hold OCTOBER’S REGISTRATIONS gain of just 0.8% to a total of 8066 units plated will have attracted almost zero applause throughout the industry. BDN financial editor Roger Willis was one of the throng who didn’t join MCIA supremo Tony Campbell in his solitary handclap.

Motorcycles fell by 4.4% to 5077.

Scooters were 12.5% up to 2296.

Mopeds added 7.8% to 639. Trikes were 5.3% down to 54. Petrolhead products in total retreated by 0.4% to 7558. However, batteryelectric bikes posted their first monthly advance this year, with a 22.4% increase to 508.

Among petrolhead ascendancy, the up-to-125cc mobility and delivery sector was 1.7% down to 3640 but benefited from 657-strong Yamaha NMAX 125 scooter input that almost certainly represented fleet purchases. Mixed mobility and entry-level enthusiast products in the 126-500cc range took honours as the second-largest performer, 13% up to 1271. Then 501750cc machines declined by 9.5% to 656. The increasingly popular 751-1000cc slot put on 14.8% to 1022, appropriately led by Honda’s best-selling CB750 Hornet. Over1000cc kit sank by 15.4% to 969.

Honda dominated the top-ten brand rankings as usual, although monthly sales were 5% down to 1463. Honda’s CBF 125M and NT 1100 respectively topped Naked and Touring style category numbers, while its “all-terrain” ADV 350 scooter ruled the 126-500cc roost.

Runner-up Yamaha surged by 45.8% to 1266, mainly thanks to the aforementioned hordes of NMAX

125 scooter fleet fodder – which accounted for more than half of the brand’s entire monthly sales. KTM climbed onto the last podium step, 56.3% up 519 bikes sold.

Triumph was the next alsoran in line, 3.2% down at 477.

BMW followed, 2.8% in arrears on 410 sales. Some 80 samples of Motorrad’s now-obsolete R1250GS Adventure bargain proposition were best-sellers in the 1000ccplus sector. Sixth-placed Kawasaki, now armed with plenty of stock, boasted a 13.9% sales increase to 311. Suzuki crept into seventh spot after selling 287 machines, definitely more than it shifted in October last year, when the brand failed to make a top-ten chart appearance.

Royal Enfield’s headcount dropped by 14.9% to 279 in eighth place. And the only accolade it earned was best-selling Modern Classic for the Hunter 350. Lexmoto dived by 22.1% to just 271 sales.

Finally, Vmoto’s pioneering Super Soco battery-electric brand has returned, after disappearing for most of this year, with 204 sales putting it on the last rung of our top-ten ladder. Vmoto products were also best-sellers in the upto-4kW and up-to-11kw electric equivalents of the AM Moped and A1 Restricted 125cc slots.

For the year to date, overall registrations are 1.9% down to 102,037 units. The gasolineguzzling steeds we love are positive by 0.3% at 98,470. Battery-electric numbers have plunged by 38.3% to 3567. Motorcycles are 2.5% up at 75,047, scooters have fallen by 9.5% to 21,454 and mopeds are 24.7% lower on 4767.

Honda dominated the top-ten brand rankings as usual, although monthly sales were 5% down to 1463 units

DECEMBER 2023 61

New registrations

October sales encouraging says NMDA

“I

t is really encouraging to see sustained growth in the figures for October. In particular, it is great to see the current market is catching up with last year as we get closer to the year-end,” said Symon Cook, head of the NMDA, commenting on the latest MCIA registration figures.

“In October, there was a 0.8% increase in registrations, rising from 8003 to 8066 units.

However, the year-to-date figure is still lagging by -1.9%, with 102,037 units registered so far this year, compared to 103,961 at the same point in 2022. Nevertheless, this indicates that the market is gaining considerable ground, as it is an improvement from -2.1% in the previous month.

Total moped and motorcycle sales have also increased, by 7.8% and 0.3% respectively.

“Various bike models continue growth. The ‘unspecified’ category rose from 1 unit to 12, equating to a 1100% increase for October. Yearon-year this is now a 115.3% change, an increase of 85 to 183 units. Those motorcycles designated as unspecified are those brands/models which have gone through the V55/4 registration and which MCIA have been unable to find information for. Naked models increased by 8.5%, rising from 21,079 to 22,862 units, while competition models grew by 8.4%, climbing from 4948 to 5366 units.

“For ICE-powered PTWs, the year-to-date figures reveal a substantial 26.2% increase in 751-1000cc motorbikes, rising from 14,332 to 18,089 units, with the Honda CB 750 Hornet remaining the leading model in the category.

“ICE motorbikes remain dominant over their battery-powered counterparts, with electric registrations at just 3567 for the year-to-date, a decrease of 38.3% compared with 2022.

However, October saw a noticeable increase in electric registrations, rising 22.4% from 415 units in 2022 to 508 units in 2023.

“Honda remains the top-selling brand overall, with 1463 units sold. Yamaha is second with 1266 units, followed by KTM with 519 units.

Electric brand Vmoto takes the final spot of the Top 10 with 204 units, seeing Ducati drop out.”

Cook concluded: “Despite the confusion surrounding the recent government announcement to push back the deadline for the phasing out of ICE vehicles from 2030 to 2035, it is positive to see an increase for electric scooters after having been on the decline for most of the year. The upcoming Autumn Statement will provide a great opportunity for the government to build on this momentum. We hope to see strong performances for powered two-wheelers as we reach the end of the year and enter the new model launch season.”

Glass’s motorcycle market overview Following an uplift in registrations in September, data published by the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA) showed that registrations continued to grow in October, increasing by 0.8%. This reduced the year-to-date deficit to just 1.9% behind last year.

Whilst this is positive news, dealer feedback suggested that enquiries in October were generally behind last year. However, following two strong seasons, it was not unexpected that demand might ease.

That said, some dealers have suggested the market has been more buoyant than it was in the pre-pandemic period in 2019, which is a positive.

The Honda Hornet has been a strong seller, whilst the newly launched BMW R1300 GS is generating significant interest.

Dealers and manufacturers will be hoping that the 2023 Motorcycle Live show at Birmingham’s NEC will boost interest for the forthcoming season.

new machines being more readily available.

Although demand remains consistent across the board, larger sports machines are struggling. An ageing riding demographic has led to some dealers observing an increasing number of consumers part-exchanging their larger and heavier machines for something lighter and more manageable. That said, larger adventure machines remain desirable, particularly for couples looking to travel overseas for riding holidays.

Dealers continue to see a strong influx of offers from the public, with some being offered more than they are selling. This has likely been reinforced this year as consumers choose to sell their machines as a result of financial constraints.

Some dealers have suggested the market has been more buoyant than pre-pandemic

USED MOTORCYCLE FEEDBACK Used sales and enquiry levels have been more suppressed recently, partly due to

OUTLOOK Following a very wet October, November started in a similar vein and now the clocks have gone back, daylight hours are nearing their minimum.

Taking this into account and elevated stock in the market, Glass’s expects values to continue to ease during the coming weeks.

Paul McDonald Leisure vehicles editor

The Honda CB750 Hornet was the top-selling model in the burgeoning 751-1000cc sector

NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE DEALERS ASSOCIATION

62

DECEMBER 2023

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Used bike data

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Used bike data What’s hot and what’s not in the used-motorcycle world

ADVENTURE BIKE POPULARITY INCREASES AS THE WEATHER HAS TAKEN A NOSE-DIVE towards stormier conditions, the popularity of adventure bike reviews on MCN has increased, and it’s new metal that people are keen to read about – adventure bikes account for one in five of all reviews read on the website in the past month. Royal Enfield’s Himalayan claimed top place.

In sports bikes, the BMW S1000 RR being most popular isn’t much of a surprise, but the CFMoto 450SR weighing-in in second spot raised a few eyebrows.

Aprilia’s RS660 rounds off the top three.

Triumph’s Trident 660 is the most popular naked bike, followed by a brace of Yamahas – MT-07 and MT-09 respectively.

Over on our bikes for sale section, once again it’s a Honda lockout, with the top three most popular bikes this month being the NC750X, the Gold Wing and the Africa Twin respectively.

GARETH EVANS Online editor, MCN

Bikes for Sale

2022

Trail

Retro

Classic

Touring

0%

Supersport

5%

Sport/Tour

10%

Scooter

15%

Naked

CN Bikes for sale ws by sector/type

2023

20%

Custom

1. Honda NC750X 2. Honda GL1800 Gold Wing 3. Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 4. Honda CB500X 5. Harley-Davidson Fat Boy 6. Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade 7. Yamaha R1 8. BMW R1250 GS 9. Royal Enfield Himalayan 10. Kawasaki ZZR1400

Percentage of views by type

25%

Adventure Sport

Most viewed models

MCN Reviews

2023

20%

2022

Supermoto

Trail/Enduro

Retro

Touring

Supersport

5%

Sport/Tour

10%

Scooter

15%

Naked

Review views by sector/type

Percentage of views by type

25%

Custom

1. Honda___________ 18.0% 2. Yamaha___________ 11.7% 3. Suzuki____________ 10.6% 4. BMW____________ 10.4% 5. Kawasaki__________ 8.8% 6. Triumph___________ 7.7% 7. Ducati_____________ 6.4% 8. Royal Enfield________ 4.5% 9. KTM______________ 3.8% 10. Harley-Davidson_____ 2.8%

Adventure Sport

Most viewed brands

0%

Top 5 Bike Reviews by type

Naked

Sports

Adventure Sport

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

2021 Triumph Trident 660 2021 Yamaha MT-07 2013 Yamaha MT-09 2017 KTM 390 Duke 1996 Suzuki GSF600 Bandit

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

64

DECEMBER 2023

2019 BMW S1000 RR 2023 CFMoto 450SR 2020 Aprilia RS660 2022 Yamaha R7 2018 Honda CBR1000RR

2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan 2024 Suzuki V-Strom 800RE 2014 Honda NC750X 2024 BMW R1300 GS 2023 Honda XL750 Transalp

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

Used bike data

LATEST MARKET INTELLIGENCE REPORT FOR USED BIKES

T

September, maintaining a volume comparable to August. As observed in previous months, riders displayed a strong preference for motorcycles that are up to three years old along with adventure and naked bikes playing an important role in driving overall performance.

he number of visits to Auto Trader Bikes increased by 10% compared to September 2022. This resulted in a cumulative year-todate growth of 6% in the number of visits compared to the same period last year. Despite interest rates rising, buyers are still looking at finance to purchase their next bike, with the proportion of leads related to finance accounting for over one in four enquiries.

Used bike sales grew 3% year-on-year in

LEWIS NORTON Insight manager, Auto Trader Bikes

USED BIKES SOLD 100 90

MARKET HEALTH YOY Demand for used bikes in September was slightly ahead of the previous year, but growth in supply continued to outpace it, resulting in a negative market health of -7% on a year-on-year basis. Demand remained marginally higher overall, with newer bikes (up to one year old) seeing the biggest improvements, although with the market bouncing back from supply constraints, these have also seen the biggest increases in supply.

(Indexed to January 2019)

80

Used bikes sold

70 60

Demand YOY

50

Type

40

30%

Supply YOY 10%

10%

30%

Market health YOY 50%

70%

Adventure

30

Classic

20

Custom cruiser

10 Sep 23

Jul 23

Aug 23

Jun 23

May 23

Jan 23

Mar 23

Nov 22

Jul 22

Sep 22

May 22

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Jul 21

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Jan 21

Mar 21

Nov 20

Jul 20

Sep 20

May 20

Jan 20

Mar 20

Nov 19

Jul 19

Sep 19

May 19

Jan 19

Naked Mar 19

0

50%

Roadster/retro Scooter

MEDIAN DAYS TO SELL

Sports tourer

90

Pre-pandemic trend line

SLOWER

80 70

Super moto Super sports Tourer

60

Vehicle age

50

Up to 1 year

40

1 - 3 years

30 20

3 - 5 years

QUICKER

10

5 - 10 years Sep 23

Aug 23

Jul 23

Jun 23

May 23

Mar 23

Jan 23

Nov 22

Sep 22

Jul 22

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Sep 20

Jul 20

May 20

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Mar 19

0

With dealers replenishing stock quickly as used sales increased, supply continued to grow and outpace demand, resulting in used bikes on average taking eight days longer to sell than in September last year.

Even with this slower speed of sales, used bikes still sold notably faster than pre-pandemic levels (on average 10 days faster). The fastest-selling bike in September 2023 was the Yamaha Ténéré 700, which took an average of just nine days to sell.

10 - 15 years 15 years +

Fuel type

The fastest selling bikes on Auto Trader in Sept

Average number of days advertised before sale 1. Yamaha Ténéré 700___________ 9 2. Suzuki GSX-R125____________ 12 3. Ducati Diavel_______________ 15 4. Yamaha XSR125____________ 15 5. KTM 790 Duke_____________ 15 6. Honda CBF125____________15.5 7. Honda CB500X_____________ 16 8. Yamaha MT-125____________ 16 9. Triumph Scrambler 1200______ 17 10. BMW S1000 R______________ 17

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11. Suzuki GSX-R750____________ 19 12. Triumph Street Twin__________ 19 13. Yamaha MT-07_____________ 19 14. Honda CBR125R___________19.5 15. Honda CB125F_____________ 20 16. Honda CBR650R____________ 20 17. Honda VFR800F____________20.5 18. Suzuki GSX-S750____________ 21 19. Honda CB125R_____________ 21 20. Triumph Street Triple 675______ 21

Petrol Electric

Biggest electric brands Advert views by brand September 2023

1. Super Soco______________________ 21% 2. Sur-Ron________________________ 17% 3. Zero Motorcycles_________________ 12% 4. NIU_____________________________9% 5. Talaria___________________________5% 6. Piaggio___________________________5% 7. BMW____________________________5% 8. Lexmoto_________________________4% 9. Silence___________________________3% 10. Horwin__________________________3%

DECEMBER 2022 2023 65

Market Watch

Market Watch

Trade & industry report with cap hpi motorcycle editor Alan Elsworth NEW MARKET ACCORDING TO OFFICIAL FIGURES FROM THE Office of National Statistics (ONS), the UK economy stagnated in the three months ending September 2023, as GDP remained unchanged from the previous three months. This was slightly better than the 0.1% contraction forecast by economists, although in line with expectations from the Bank of England, who, looking ahead, have also predicted that the economy will be flat in 2024. However, those figures mean that the UK has outperformed Germany and posted growth similar to France, so some positives can be taken from that.

More to the point, is this going to affect our industry? Of course it will, and conversations had during our research point to a continuation of what has been seen for most of the year, in that it’s not been easy for dealers.

Even for this time of the year, it’s not easy, and some say there is little chance of improvement moving into next year.

The latest figures from the MCIA covering October’s registrations show a total of 8066 units, an increase of 0.8%.

However, this has had little effect on the year-to-date figure, which is still in a slightly negative position, 1.9% down, registering 1924 units fewer than the 103,961 units at the same point in 2022.

To put this year’s position in context,

and to highlight PTW supply, we can look back at the most recent pre-Covid/pre-war year that could be classed as “normal”: 2019. October 2019 saw a total of 7126 registrations, or 88% of this October’s figure. And concerning longer-term year-to-date figures, the good old days returned 96,409 units, compared to this year’s 102,037 units, or 94% of the current.

As the used market is proportionate to the new market, the new bikes sold on finance agreements just as Covid-19 started to hit are now reaching the end of their contracts and are returning to the used market as trade-ins. So, the suggestion is that the current market is slightly larger than it was.

AUCTION OVERVIEW

USED MARKET IT IS LARGELY A CASE OF CUT-ANDpaste from the last few months as far as the used market goes. Feedback has been fairly universal, with dealers saying that showroom traffic has been down, as are conversions to buyers. The Christmas adverts appearing on television are an indication, as if it was needed, of the low point of our sales cycle, but they are harder to take this year as they are amidst an economy-induced lull.

It will come as little surprise that there is a lack of willingness to buy stock, as

Over the 2020 to 2023 time period, total numbers increased. There was also a larger proportion of sub-125cc machines. The similar totals, but fewer large-capacity bikes sold, means that, yet again, there is the potential for largecapacity bikes to be thin on the ground compared to demand.

A bit of a surprise that popped up in the October figures is that the decline seen for some time in the moped sector has had a slight turnaround of 46 units. However, there is no suggestion that this is a real improvement as the market settles back to pre-Covid levels.

The touring and modern classic sectors are the big losers for the month, but they account for a relatively small number of actual units in the grand scheme of things. Scooters had a better month with a 12.5% increase compared to 2022, but in a month where most sectors are significantly different from the bigger picture, we cannot read anything into it.

Again, there was an obvious “glitch in the matrix,” with the electric sector increasing by 22.4% for the month. That sounds like an appreciable number, but it represents fewer than 100 actual units. However, it is a complete turnaround from the virtual collapse we have seen throughout the rest of the year.

dealers report the levels they already have are sufficient. This has had a knock-on effect of lowering prices yet again, which has been reflected in this month’s data.

Usually, as the industry prepares for the new season, there is a shift to increasing values. Signs currently indicate that this year the move will happen later than has been the case in the recent past, as dealers fall in line with the rest of the country, if not the world, in thinking that 2024 is going to be a slow year with little chance of growth.

T

his last research period at the auction halls suggests very little different from the pattern seen since July.

Prices continue to be lower than the reported CAP figures, and the low sales conversion rates seen over the last four months seem set to continue. This position has persisted for longer than has been seen in many years.

Considering the amount of excess stock, and the time of year, it will be another couple of months before there is any sign of improvement.

Little else can be said, but it is worth noting that some European buyers have been paying significantly more than our domestic buyers.

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