British Dealer News December 2024

2025 TRADE DIRECTORY

• More than 650 trade suppliers listed

• Distributed in the April 2025 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

the team

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/DESIGNER

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

ADVERTISING

Alison Payne: tel 07595 219093

Paul Baggott: tel 07831 863837 adsales@dealernews.co.uk

CIRCULATION circulation@dealernews.co.uk

TAIWAN AGENCY

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

PUBLISHER

Colin Mayo: editorial@dealernews.co.uk

British Dealer News, 10 Daddon Court, Clovelly Road Industrial Estate, Bideford EX39 3FH

the knowledge

Southern expansion for Superbike Factory

Rumours that the business was up for sale were confirmed on 19 November with the news that P&H Motorcycles, Crawley, West Sussex, has been sold to used motorcycle specialist Superbike Factory. The purchase brings Superbike Factory’s rapidly expanding showroom tally up to six and follows recent showroom acquisitions in Milton Keynes and Bristol.

Its new Crawley site will offer more than 400 used bikes, an extensive range of accessories, and servicing and MOTs. Customers will also be able to access the Macclesfield-based Superbike Factory group’s entire stock of more than 3500 machines, with options for part-exchange and flexible financing available.

Armitage said: “The new showroom in Crawley will enable us to better serve riders across Sussex and nearby areas. Its prime location, with excellent transport links, will help us reach new customers between London and Brighton and meet the demand we’ve been experiencing for bikes in the South.”

Paul Denvers, a director of Superbike Factory’s Enact private equity fund backer Endless, added: “Since our investment in late 2023, we have been proud to support the business and its management team as they execute their growth strategy. This additional investment underscores our commitment to accelerating these plans through strategic mergers and acquisitions. We’re confident that the business is well-positioned for continued

SQUEEZED TO DEATH

FOLLOWING THE SALE, AND TALKING to BDN, Paul Searle (below), the owner of P&H Motorcycles, voiced the concerns of many established dealers (P&H commenced trading in 1980) whose businesses are now being squeezed to death by the major importers’ ever-morecostly demands on dealers for increased investment at a time of massively increased overheads and static big bike sales.

“2023 was a challenging year, and this year has been torrid,” said Searle, who has genuine concerns for the future of an industry he has been a well-respected part of for more than 45 years.

“If manufacturers and suppliers continue on the same path, I foresee more dealers closing – not just over the winter months but in the mid-term. Manufacturers, in particular, need to re-evaluate dealer network profitability, which has steadily been eroded. Running a large-scale dealership, especially in the South East, has always required a strong work ethic to remain profitable, but with the volume targets tied to bonuses and the investments needed to fulfil franchise agreements, it is simply no longer viable.”

SCOTTOILER KITS FOR EVERY BIKE

THE JOAN SEELEY MEMORIAL Pain Relief Trust, founded 45 years ago by manufacturer Colin Seeley (1936-2020), has closed after raising £200,000 for nearly 50 UK hospitals and hospices.

Maeving co-founder Seb InglisJones, left, receiving the Simms Medal from Ben Cussons, chairman of the judges on the Royal Automobile Club Technical Committee

Seeley Trust signs off Simms Medal for Maeving

Run since 2020 by Colin’s second wife, Eva, the Trust was set up in memory of Colin’s first wife, Joan, who worked as a secretary at the AJS-Matchless-Norton factory in Plumstead, London.

When main production ceased in 1966 Colin Seeley bought the race shop and went on to manufacture machines using 14 different engine makes from AJS to Yamaha until 1980. For Honda, he provided frames and bodywork for four-cylinder road and single-cylinder trial models.

His grand prix involvement included making the first 500cc GP Ducati frame (1971). That year, he introduced a limited run of Seeley Condor 500 road models powered by overhead cam Matchless engines.

Eva Seeley continues to offer a Seeley machine authentication service using Colin’s sales ledger. Fees are donated to charity.

Contact: 0208 3027627; eva_colin@btinternet.com

The Royal Automobile Club recognised British-based electric bike builder Maeving last month, awarding the firm its Simms Medal at the Club’s Pall Mall, London, headquarters.

The Simms Medal – named after Frederick Simms, one of the RAC’s founder members – recognises outstanding contributions to motoring innovation and is only awarded when the judging committee feels there is a worthy winner. Previous winners include Williams Advanced Engineering and the Ariel Motor Company, and achievers such as Richard Parry-Jones CBE.

Maeving was set up in 2018 to build two-wheeled electric urban mobility bikes and is Britain’s first electric motorcycle manufacturer. It has focused on in-house technical development and has signed up a talented group of engineers and some former Triumph workers, including Hinckley’s head of product, Graeme Gilbert. Its RM1 and RM1S machines have carved out a unique spot in the market, and the firm is also building up an international export operation across North America and Europe.

Seb Inglis-Jones, who co-founded Maeving in 2018 with Will Stirrup, said winning the medal was a more involved process than he expected. “I was told we’d have adjudicators coming along, and suddenly seven members of the RAC Technical Committee turned up, older gentlemen, very knowledgeable, very experienced, with their clipboards, and they gave me a proper grilling for three hours. They wanted to see everything around the factory, every quality process and all the prototypes. I understand that their decision was unanimous. For me, many awards are just PR crap, but this is a really special one. It means a lot to the technical team too.”

Ben Cussons, chairman of the judges on the Royal Automobile Club Technical Committee (which awards the Simms Medal), said: “Maeving’s achievement in designing and building an attractive and innovative electric motorcycle in the UK is a project that Frederick Simms would have been proud of. The business exudes the passion of its founders, but has the financial backing and commercial nous that will help it achieve its ambitious aims.”

London Yamaha dealer appoints new operations director

Clapham Yamaha dealer Capital Moto, has announced the promotion of store manager Dhillon Parajiea to a new director role overseeing operations. With years of motorcycle industry experience and a passion for customer service, Parajiea will now lead all aspects of bike sales and services at the dealership.

Parajiea’s career at Capital Moto began in 2015 when he joined as a workshop apprentice. He originally planned to spend just a gap year there before heading to university, however, according to the firm, his passion for the industry and drive for excellence quickly became evident. After qualifying as a technician, he moved to a weekend sales role before gaining promotion to assistant manager, then store manager, and now director.

“Dhillon’s commitment to our customers and the motorcycle business has made him an invaluable part of the team,” said Rob Puttick, MD of Infinity Motorcycles, sister branch of Capital Moto. “We’re thrilled to see him take on this new leadership role

JAPANESE

TYRE MAKER

and we’re confident that his energy and vision will continue to drive success for the dealership.”

“I’m excited to this new opportunity and incredibly grateful for those who believed in me when I started, fresh out of A-Levels with little experience,” said Parajiea. “My team has been amazing, and we have big aspirations to take Capital Moto to new heights.”

DF Capital donates to Blood Bikes

SPECIALIST BIKE FINANCE

bank DF Capital, has partnered with Ducati Manchester to support the Greater Manchester Blood Bikes charity. DF Capital has donated a brand-new Multistrada V2 S, supplied by Ducati Manchester, to the organisation, which provides a volunteer courier service to the NHS for blood, plasma, platelets, samples, vaccines and donor breast milk across the North West region.

The Multistrada will join the charity’s fleet to be used by volunteer riders for its

service to hospitals and other healthcare sites. DF Capital also provided accessories and a cash donation of £1500 towards the first year’s running costs.

The bank was introduced to Blood Bikes through its partnership with The Milk Bank at Chester, a charity which provides donor breast milk to the NHS.

The bike was purchased through long-standing DF Capital customer Ducati Manchester Group, which supplied the bike at a discount. Handing over the new bike,

Carl D’Ammassa, CEO at DF Capital, said: “Manchester Blood Bikes provides a much-needed transportation service for blood, plasma and, importantly to us, donor breast milk. We’ve been thrilled to work with The Milk Bank at Chester, so donating a brandnew Ducati motorcycle to bolster the blood bike fleet is a natural extension for us.”

The new bike was presented to Russ Harrison, chair, and Ric Clark, fleet manager, of Greater Manchester Blood Bikes at Ducati Manchester’s showroom in Sale.

Bridgestone has launched its latest sport-touring tyre fitment, the Battlax T33. Due to hit dealers in January, the new tyre is claimed to be a “next generation” design, giving better performance while also adding almost 50% to the mileage provided by its predecessor, the T32. Bridgestone says the T33 employs a newly-formulated compound with an optimised tread pattern and construction to increase mileage while delivering reliable handling performance. Both front and rear fitments benefit from a new tread pattern, with optimised land-sea ratio and pattern stiffness, alongside a continuation of the T32 shape for improved grip, stability and handling. The front tyre applies a new cross belt, while the rear adopts an “MS” belt –both engineered with flexible construction and suitable for light and heavy bikes. The rear tyre has also been engineered with a newly developed compound, applying a highstrength, wear-resistant polymer compound that resists cutting of the long polymer chains.

The new Bridgestone T33s will be available across four front and six rear sizes, with five additional sizes due to arrive in 2026.

www.bridgestone.co.uk

From left: Alan Arnold (sales director), Ashley Bavastock (director), Rob Puttick (MD), Dhillon Parajiea (director), David Holloway (director) and David Watkins (finance director)

PARTS EUROPE FESTIVAL OF LIGHT

PARTS EUROPE HAS SIGNED UP HIGHend LED brand Denali to its distribution portfolio. The distributor is now selling the premium lighting range, with a full line of lamps, brackets, control electronics, and accessories on offer. Full range information can be found at: www. partseurope.eu/en/brands/denali.

IAM’S BUDGET WISH-LIST ROAD SAFETY CHARITY IAM ROADSMART

issued a wish list before last month’s budget. It included a cut in VAT on bike airbag vests and a reduction in the premium insurance tax on riders who take extra training. Rachel Reeves announced neither. The charity did get one win, though – it asked for a continued freeze on petrol duty!

RECORD CHARITY GOLF DAY

AUTOMOTIVE INSURANCE BROKER

Sterling Insurance, has helped raise more than £17,000 for cancer charities. Sterling, part of the Bikesure/Adrian Flux group, organised the Sterling Cup golf event, which saw 84 players participate at the Manor of Groves Golf Club. The day raised £17,500 to support cancer charities Archie’s Journey, Helen Rollason, Macmillan and Maggie’s. It was the latest competition organised by Sterling and beat the previous best haul, which collected £15,000 and involved 80 golfers. Next year’s event will be held on the 11 September. To get involved, visit: sterlingcup.co.uk/ index.php/register.

MAG FIGHTS BIKE PARK CHARGES

THE MOTORCYCLE ACTION GROUP (MAG) has pledged to fight “underhanded motorcycle parking policy changes” in Leeds, which will see bikes charged to park in city car parks for the first time. MAG Leeds and Bradford branches say the decision contravenes current policy to allow motorcycles free parking throughout the city. MAG’s Marcus Houlden said: “This is extremely disappointing. The documents in this proposal make no reference to motorcycles. They concentrate on car use. The Highways and Transportation department has always treated parking for motorcycles separately. I have been assured in numerous meetings with traffic planners that motorcycle parking would remain free of charge.” MAG also says it will be using “every possible avenue to get this covert policy change on motorcycle parking overturned.”

Another southern dealer group closes

Marsh Holdings Ltd, the four-store multi-franchise retail group based in the South West, has been put into administration, ceasing operations on 19 November. The group comprises dealerships in Exeter, Plymouth, and Southampton, including Yamaha, Triumph and Harley-Davidson franchised showrooms.

The company cited multiple factors for its collapse, including economic stagnation, challenging weather conditions, vehicle oversupply, and the impact of the recent budget. A statement from the group highlighted its efforts to remain operational but acknowledged its “untenable” position.

“We are devastated to announce that we have had to cease trading with immediate effect,” said a company statement. “After a difficult period marked by economic uncertainty, persistent poor weather, oversupply, and stock issues from our manufacturer partners, compounded by the recent budget impacts on

businesses, we find ourselves in an untenable position, like so many others.”

Founded in 2008, Marsh Holdings Ltd operated in five key locations, including two sites in Marsh Barton, Exeter, and two in Plympton, Plymouth. The group also included a Harley-Davidson showroom in Southampton, which it acquired from Dockgate 20 Harley-Davidson in 2011 after it fell into administration. The company most recently launched a solus Yamaha showroom in Exeter in late 2023.

FINANCIAL PRESSURES

The company’s financial struggles are evident in its most recent accounts, which reported an operating loss of £852,399 for the previous year. A profit of £27,526 was only achieved after a £1.2m payment from the sale of its Taunton Kia franchise to Howards Group in August 2023.

Despite this, the group faced ongoing challenges, including price increases affecting its HarleyDavidson dealerships and broader economic pressures.

In its 2022 annual report, the company warned of difficulties ahead due to rising inflation, high interest rates, and declining consumer confidence.

Marsh Holdings employed 62 staff and reported sales revenues exceeding £30m in 2023. Administrators from Westcotts Business Recovery in Exeter are overseeing the administration process and have asked interested parties to register by contacting Will Mudd at will.mudd@ westcotts.uk. The company has assured customers that efforts are underway to resolve outstanding matters, asking for patience during a difficult period. Customers and creditors with concerns are asked to contact Westcotts directly on 01392 288555.

Marsh Holdings has been trading for more than 22 years; its closure highlights the fragility of the retail sector in the face of economic and operational challenges. It adds to the growing list of businesses affected by shifting consumer demands and broader economic headwinds.

Nevis takes on new trio

NOLAN IS A WELL-KNOWN helmet brand across much of Europe, although it hasn’t enjoyed any significant recognition in the UK in recent years. Now this is set to change, as Nevis takes over as the UK importer for Nolan, replacing previous importer Motogear. According to Nevis managing director Scott Empson (pictured above), this change is part of an efficiency drive initiated by Nolan’s French parent company, 2Ride Group, which also owns Shark helmets. Nevis has been the importer of Shark helmets for nearly 20 years, so it makes sense to consolidate the distribution under one company.

Empson explained: “It’s a 2Ride amalgamation of brands; that’s fundamentally what caused it. After acquiring Nolan, 2Ride immediately started discussions with us. They wanted to unify the brands under one roof, and this is the first step in that process.

“It’s about streamlining their operation. They want one partner in the UK for all brands. There was no unpleasantness, they simply wanted to amalgamate the brands, and we were obvious partners, as we’ve been distributing Shark since 2005.”

Empson believes the two helmet marques will be good for Nevis. “It’s a perfect fit. We do both their brands now,

and while Shark is very racy and aggressive when you see the new 2025 Nolan range, they’ve gone in a completely different direction. They have separated the two brands, so they don’t compete with each other. Nolan has very classy, elegant and bold geometric

It’s about streamlining their operation; they want one partner in the UK for all brands

graphics; it’s an entirely different look from any other helmet brand.

“They’re trying for the fashion look. Their EICMA stand was like an art gallery; they’re going down the Aston Martin or Louis Vuitton look, which is very stylish. Everything is produced in Italy; it’s the only helmet brand where everything is produced and made in one factory: shells, visors, etc, are all made in the factory in Bergamo.”

Nevis is set for a smooth transition with Nolan, as logistics are straightforward.

“The products will fit perfectly with our current sales team,” said Empson. “We’ll maintain substantial stock levels,

provide helmet repairs, and have spare parts readily available. Our dealers will receive exceptional service, and we’re planning a proper launch with strong marketing initiatives for 2025.”

Additionally, Nevis is now the distributor for high-tech security brand Hiplok. Known for their advanced D-locks and angle grinder resistant ground anchors, Hiplok is a relative newcomer to the market, launching its motorcycle range of locks in 2021.

Nevis has also become the UK distributor for ROKiT, which offers a new line of bike care products and has gained recognition as the title partner of the championship-winning ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK team. Its range includes a helmet care kit, a motorcycle cleaning kit, a Premium Ceramic pack, and the new Premium Winter pack, as well as ROKiT UP digital tyre pumps.

“We’re extremely pleased to be working with ROKiT and bringing its range of products into the market through our dealer network. We feel that the brand complemented our portfolio and like the variety of options available in the product line-up. We look forward to working with them!” added Empson.

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

Scott Empson, Nevis Marketing MD

Kawasaki to lead the TdF peloton

There’s never really been a ‘proper’ modern French motorcycle maker, which must stick in the craw of the notoriously parochial Tour de France organisers! But needs must, and the massive pedalling festival has now signed a three-year deal with Kawasaki to provide the official motorcycle for the main Tour and a long list of other events: 22 races in all.

Next year will see 45 examples of the new 2025 Versys 1100 used as the nominated Tour machine. Kawasaki is rekindling a relationship with the

world’s most famous cycle race stretching back to the mid-1980s, when bikes such as the GTR1000 and 1400GTR featured.

The updated Versys 1100 will fulfil a number of essential roles in terms of organising and controlling the races, including road opening and key event support functions across the Tour de France and other European events, including the iconic Paris-Roubaix, La Flèche Wallonne, Liège-Bastogne-Liège and La Vuelta. Across the agreement’s first year, each machine is expected to cover

an average of 20,000km.

Speaking of the new partnership, Kawasaki Motors Europe president Shigemi Tanaka, said the company was delighted at rekindling a historic partnership. “Kawasaki has traditionally been associated with the colour green, and this aligns perfectly with our drive towards carbon

neutral, clean, green energy, alternative fuels and cuttingedge innovations. The Tour de France – plus these 21 other incredible events we will be part of – represent a global showcase for human endeavour.”

MCN London Show gets new live events

As we go to press, the NEC show in Birmingham is still in full swing – but it’s already time to think about the UK’s second big bike show – the Excel MCN London Motorcycle Show, sponsored by Devitt Insurance. The show takes place over St Valentine’s weekend (14-16 February) and includes more live-action events, new features, and the latest 2025 bikes from major manufacturers are part of a revamped package. New attractions include an indoor purpose-built flat-track circuit, where race stars like John McGuinness and Peter Hickman will compete.

At the other end of the action scale, TV stalwart Henry Cole and engineering partner Allen Millyard will be doing live bike fettling on stage, with GP personality Steve Parish also holding court. Charley Boorman’s Adventure Base Camp stage, sponsored by Oxford Products, returns and is set to entertain and inspire across the three-day event. Add in the MCN

World of Bikes stage, featuring talks by Motor Cycle News journalists and other special guests, and loads of new bikes, kit and accessories, and it’s a solid day out in the capital. Just get the mortgage application in now for a pint! www.mcnmotorcycleshow.com

Henry Cole, Allen Millyard, Steve Parish and Charley Boorman (right) will host a series of new events for MCN’s 2025 London Show

Reeves’ £40bn tax heist adds to cost of labour

Ever since the election in July, the government has come across in the media as being overly pessimistic about the state of the UK’s finances. So much so some have suggested that its rhetoric put off investors and frightened the chattering classes into financial decisions they’ll come to regret.

The big news – that taxes overall are to rise by £40bn – was nothing new. It had been leaked for some time; the budget was the biggest tax grab since 1993, and with it the government will take close to 39% of the economy’s value.

EMPLOYMENT

For employers, the news that their National Insurance bill will rise from 13.8 to 15% from April 2025, along with a lowering of the threshold at which it’s paid – from £9100 to £5000 – is less than good.

Some believe that it could very well lead to job losses as marginally profitable businesses close or, alternatively, employers curtail hiring or don’t replace departing staff. It’s also possible that employers decide that they want more “self-employed” workers instead of fulltimers to save on National Insurance liabilities.

The only saving grace for employers, if it can be put that way, is that the Employment Allowance – which allows eligible small employers to reduce their National Insurance bill by £5000 per year – is to be increased to £10,500 per year from April 2025.

Naturally, employees will be pleased

that their National Insurance bills won’t rise and that the lower rates introduced by the previous Conservative government won’t be reversed.

Similarly, the rise in the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage from next April will not do much for an employer’s balance sheet.

For employees, there’s a little glimmer of light, as chancellor Rachel Reeves stated that the freeze on income tax thresholds will end in 2028/29. Thereafter, they will be uprated in line with inflation. But that’s years away and won’t come into effect until around the time of the next election. In the meantime, fiscal drag will bring more people into the tax regime and/or take them into higher tax brackets.

BUSINESS

Businesses and private individuals will be pleased that the expected end of the 5p per litre cut in fuel duty has been postponed, and the planned increase in line with inflation for 2025/6 has also been cancelled.

Those with premises in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors will be a little happier that there’s to be £1.9bn in support through 40% relief on business rates from 2025-26 – up to a £110,000 cap. The Small Business Rates Relief was untouched, and the Small Business Tax Multiplier will stay at 49.9p. Naturally, these businesses would still be happier if business rates were reformed to increase the playing field between traditional and online outlets. Maybe, that’s a task for another time.

While the last government increased corporation tax on taxable profits over £250,000, Reeves said the current regime will stay at 25% until the next election. The Corporation Tax Small Profits Rate and marginal relief at the current rate and thresholds are also being left as is.

Turning to those selling businesses, they may want to get their skates on as Business Asset Disposal Relief will remain at 10% this year but rise to 14% from April 2025 and 18% from 2026/27.

However, Business Property Relief, which provides relief to business assets on death, is to be reformed from April 2026. To help protect businesses, the 100% rate of relief will continue for the first £1m of business assets but will be lowered to 50% thereafter. This will effectively introduce a 20% tax on unrelieved amounts.

In general terms, those with assets with a capital gain will be ‘glad’ that the already lowered exempt amount hasn’t been lowered any further. However, they will now – from budget day – be paying more with 18% on gains if they pay Income Tax at the basic rate or 24% if they pay at higher rates.

SUMMARY

The budget could have been a lot worse. Typically, governments raise taxes at the start of a new term and lower them nearer the next election. This budget was no different. But it will be more than interesting to see how the public and business views Labour’s antics over time.

New Norton senior management team

It’s all change at the top for Solihullbased Norton Motorcycles. The Indian-owned firm has announced the departure of Dr Robert Hentschel as CEO, who will step back but assume a nonexecutive director role within the company. At the same time, new executive director, Nevijo Mance, has been appointed to look after “upstream business operations”.

Hentschel has been at the helm of Norton since 2021, and it’s understood his departure has been in the pipeline for some time. Norton say Hentschel has been instrumental in strengthening the firm’s foundations, guiding the company through crucial stages of its growth plan and establishing a solid operational base. It also says he’s fostered a strong, synergistic relationship with its parent, TVS Motor.

Nevijo Mance, who has worked across

senior management at Jaguar Land Rover and BMW, joins Norton as part of a new leadership structure. He’s joining as executive director, overseeing all upstream business operations, leading product design, development and engineering, manufacturing, procurement, quality control, and supply chain management. Mance’s focus on these areas will, the firm says, ensure it maintains high standards of craftsmanship, quality, and innovation. Meanwhile, executive director Richard Arnold – appointed in June this year – will manage downstream business operations, including marketing, brand management, sales, distribution, customer relationship management, after-sales service, product management, and PR. His role will enhance customer experience, expand Norton’s market reach, and strengthen the brand’s presence across global markets.

Enfield sells 110,574 bikes in October

IT’S FARED BETTER THAN many brands in the UK this year with its value-driven middleweight range. And now Royal Enfield says it’s broken its monthly record for total bike sales worldwide.

The Indian brand says it sold 110,574 bikes globally in October, the highest-ever monthly sales figure in its history. That means a massive 31% growth year-on-year after 84,435 motorcycles were sold in October 2023. Royal Enfield exported 8688 motorcycles during the month compared to 3477 during the same period in 2023.

Announcing news of the

record performance, B. Govindarajan, CEO of Royal Enfield, said: “The month of October has been truly remarkable for Royal Enfield; we have broken records with a whopping 100,000plus sales in a single month! This is our biggest and most significant festive season sale, surpassing all our previous sales performance records. Last month, we announced our debut in the Bangladesh market, and the response from the riding community has been incredible. All our new and existing motorcycles have continued to perform well, and we are confident

that with our upcoming launches, we will be able to sustain this growth momentum. As we are soon to unfold our next chapter in sustainable mobility, we are excited to shape the future of motorcycling while remaining committed to delivering the essence of pure riding experiences.”

The news came as Enfield launched two new 650 models – the Bear 650 Scrambler and the Classic 650 Twin retro roadster. The firm commenced operations in Bangladesh, with a new factory producing 350cc models and a flagship retail showroom.

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Richard Arnold (left) and Nevijo Mance

SHORT CUTS

LUCKY 13 FOR COLE!

HENRY COLE AND THE TEAM HAVE returned for series 13 of The Motorbike Show, featuring a new restoration project with engineering guru Allen Millyard. The show includes rides along the best biking roads, motorcycle tests, and visits to exciting locations. Cole will also celebrate iconic bike anniversaries and meet special guests. After setting a two-up world speed records in the previous series, Cole and Millyard may try for more! The new one-hour episodes air weekly on ITV4 at 9pm, and started on 27 November.

NEW SHARP RATINGS RELEASED

THE UK GOVERNMENT’S SHARP motorcycle helmet safety rating scheme has released another five ratings. The scheme tested the £99 LS2 Stream 2, £180 Scorpion EXO 930 EVO, £420 X-Lite X803 RS, £379 Arai Quantic and £89 HJC C10 models. The Scorpion received a three-star rating (out of five) because of high energy transmission at the maximum-speed impact test. The other four helmets were awarded four stars, again losing one star for slightly lower protection levels on the high-speed impact tests. www.sharp.dft.gov.uk

GARDNER AT NEWARK SHOW

THE ORGANISERS OF THE CLASSIC BIKE Guide Winter Classic Show (11-12 January) in Newark have announced a genuinely legendary guest. No less a star than Wayne Gardner, Australian 500GP ace from the 1980s and 90s and 1987 world champion, will be at the show. The ‘Wollongong Whizzkid’ will be sharing stories and memories from his fantastic career on stage with host Steve Plater and will also be at the fireup area where a number of race and road machines will be started and run. www.classicbikeshows.com

CYBER CHANGE

BOB HEATH VISORS HAS UPDATED ITS email address to sales@ bobheathvisors.co.uk, effective immediately. The company will no longer have access to the previous email address and sincerely apologises for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the change contact 01922 614747.

Transport secretary reveals e-scooter plans

Parliamentary select committee meetings are often grey affairs, but red-haired transport secretary Louise Haigh (below) livened up the transport select committee on 13 November when she revealed that her department is working on legalising the use of private e-scooters on UK roads.

At the moment, the only e-scooters that are legal for road use are the those in corporate rental schemes, available in limited areas of the country. Any other powered scooter is classified by Britain’s Victorian-era highways laws as a motor vehicle, in the same class as a Ducati superbike or Range Rover SUV, with the same need to follow construction and use regulations, MOT tests, insurance, licence, VED and number plate rules.

But as anyone living in a big city will know, the law is being made an ass of by widespread flouting of those rules: e-scooters aren’t illegal to sell or own – it’s their use on the public highway which is unlawful. And they’re being sold by unscrupulous sellers, then used on the roads everywhere by owners either ignorant of the law or indifferent to its application. A legal basis for their use could offer a fillip to the bike trade, with a proper market opening for the ethical sale of e-scooters, servicing, spares, protective kit, and even training, as part of new government rules.

Louise Haigh told the select committee that

introducing proper regulations fit for use on e-scooters is definitely required and backed their use as part of a modern transport infrastructure, where they could be a “really effective part of an integrated transport strategy.”

But there’s no timeline for the changes as yet, and they don’t seem to be imminent. “We’ve not got parliamentary time in this session or a relevant Bill that could be used to regulate e-scooters,” said Haigh. “But we will look to legislate, absolutely. It’s clearly required. It’s not good enough that it’s been left in this situation for too long.”

Cambrian adds Mitas

Cambrian Tyres has announced that it can now offer Mitas tyres and mousses to trade customers. Established in the 1930s, Mitas is known globally for its expertise in motorcycle tyres, especially for off-road applications, and the new partnership should help further establish the brand in the UK through Cambrian Tyres’ extensive distribution network. Initially, the focus will be on the adventure and enduro markets, with plans

to expand the range into other areas in early 2025.

Steve Smith, Mitas Moto UK sales manager, said: “We are excited to partner with Cambrian Tyres, who are the recognised industry specialists with a wealth of experience in the UK motorcycle tyre market. Working with such a knowledgeable and respected distributor will allow us to develop the Mitas brand further, offering riders greater access to our range of products and

supporting their riding adventures.”

01970 624004

info@cambriantyres.co.uk www.cambriantyres.co.uk

DF Capital secures BDN Trade Directory sponsorship

DF Capital has once again partnered with British Dealer News as the headline sponsor of our 2025 Trade Directory. The Directory features more than 650 suppliers, distributors, and service providers in an easy to use format. The 100-page supplement, available in both print and digital formats, is designed for easy navigation and quick access to the information and contact details industry professionals need. The supplement is also hosted on www. britishdealernews.co.uk for year-round trade reference.

In response to demand from the trade, next year’s Directory will be distributed earlier in the season and will be mailed with the April issue of BDN

Angela Goulding, managing director for powersports at DF Capital, expressed her excitement about sponsoring next year’s Directory. She emphasised its importance adding: “DF Capital is committed to being a different kind of specialist bank and prides itself on giving that bit more. We work in partnership with motorcycle dealers, distributors and manufacturing businesses, offering dedicated account

management to help ensure they have the necessary stock funding facilities when they need it. Since our inception, we’ve provided more than £4bn of funding across a variety of sectors, and we currently collaborate with 90 manufacturer partners and around 1250 dealer customers.

“Our award-winning finance solutions can help dealers fund stock and showroom vehicles, which can free up working capital and protect cash flow. We aim to be a trusted partner for the industry, providing guidance, knowledge, and expertise and so it’s great to once again support British Dealer News and the wider industry through sponsorship of the 2025 Trade Directory”

The bumper 2024 edition was seen by a larger audience of trade professionals than ever before, with a combined record reach of more than 12,500 users in both print and digital formats. Andy Mayo, head of content at British Dealer News, was pleased with its performance.

“The team here put a big effort into last year’s Directory, enhancing the design and expanding its online presence as well as the platform it sits within. Our

High Five for TranAm

TRANAM HAS ADDED ANOTHER HIGHend brand to the portfolio of premium motorcycling clothing it distributes through its network of UK dealers. Five gloves is a specialist maker of motorcycling handwear based in Avignon, France. It only makes gloves, concentrating its efforts on making what it says are “the best possible products at the best possible price”.

Five was previously distributed in the UK by defunct distributor Factory Agencies, and has been taken on by TranAm to replace the Racer range of gloves, which has been dropped as

TranAm felt the brand was heading away from its target market of premium buyers.

Five’s range is huge, covering everything from lightweight motocross gloves to heated winter versions. The £450 RFX Race claims to be “the most protective glove on Earth”, while the £359 HG Prime GTX (right) is the only Gore-Tex heated glove on the market.

The RFX Race is worn by MotoGP and WSBK riders and uses thermoset carbon composite for extra abrasion resistance, while the Prime GTX features singlehand controls, whereby the buttons on

comprehensive marketing focus ensured the Directory remained visible and accessible throughout the year, and we are delighted with the outcome and results. The supplement’s average read time was nearly five minutes, and it received more than 125,000-page impressions online, with the count still rising.”

It’s easy for suppliers to highlight their company’s entries by adding full contact details and logos or by running a full profile feature. Advertising space is also available at very competitive rates that benefit from a long 12-month shelf life, offering customers a unique opportunity and wide reach to a targeted audience of industry professionals.

Getting listed in the 2025 BDN Trade Directory is straightforward. To secure your spot, simply call 01237 422660 or email adsales@dealernews.co.uk

the right hand operate both gloves, meaning you don’t need to let of the throttle/brake while changing settings.

Chris Lippett, marketing manager at TranAm, said: “We’re delighted to have signed up Five gloves, as they are superb quality and will appeal to buyers of our existing brands.”

cap hpi promotion for Hanlon

CAP HPI HAS APPOINTED

Dionne Hanlon as the senior editor for commercial vehicles and motorcycles, succeeding Julian Pullen. Hanlon, who has spent 12 years at cap hpi and has 20 years of experience in the automotive sector, will lead a team of experts to expand the company’s reach.

Previously, Hanlon worked as an LCV database specialist and as the commercial vehicle forecast manager. She also has experience at Carcraft and Harratts dealerships.

“I’m excited to work with a talented team during this time of significant technological change in the automotive industry,” Hanlon said. “Staying ahead of innovation is key as we navigate these advancements.”

Derren Martin, director of valuations, noted that Hanlon brings a fresh perspective and strong problem-solving skills that will enhance existing and new relationships within the team.

cap hpi is part of Solera Holdings Inc., a global leader in vehicle lifecycle management.

New operations heads for Opteven

Vehicle warranty and breakdown cover

specialist Opteven, has appointed two new heads of operations, each with a specific remit, replacing the previous operations director. Neil Mobey is now head of operations at the firms Birchwood branch, looking after the claims management teams for Opteven UK’s key corporate partners. Emmanuel Pallot is the new head of operations at the Thame branch, overseeing warranty claims management

for Opteven’s retail brands.

Neil Mobey joins after working for 16 years with Renault Retail Group UK, his last position being national sales centre manager. Mobey said: “Opteven is an ambitious company with a track record of success combined with a desire for growth and a drive to be the best. Having met members of the senior team, it’s clear that the company shares my passion for delivering consistent results while

Paul Day now at Klim

Top US clothing brand Klim has announced a new sales representative for the UK and Ireland, starting on 1 January. The Idaho-based company, which specialises in high-end adventure riding gear, has appointed Paul Day (right) to the role, replacing John Lagerway, who has retired. Day has nearly 30 years of experience in the motorcycle industry and is well-known throughout the country, having spent a decade with TranAm and, most recently, at Furygan. He can be contacted in the new year on 07563 243906 or at pday@klim.com

New race manager at Yamaha

NICCOLÒ CANEPA HAS BEEN APPOINTED AS THE road racing sporting manager within the Motorsport division at Yamaha Motor Europe, taking over from Andrea Dosoli, who has moved to become division manager for Motorsport.

Having raced in MotoGP, WSBK, Moto2, WorldSSP, and MotoE and the most successful Italian EWC rider in history, Canepa boasts an illustrious career of World Championship motorcycle racing spanning more than 20 years.

placing employees at the heart of its achievements.”

Emmanuel Pallot has worked in the truck industry for 25 years, including two decades with MAN UK.

“Opteven continues to grow its UK operations,” he said. “And there are some really exciting product developments in the pipeline.”

The two appointments follow the promotion of former operations director Madjid Hadj-Amar to head of operations in France.

Canepa announced his retirement from professional racing earlier this year, participating in his final EWC race at the Bol d’Or and contributing to Yamaha’s victory in the EWC manufacturers’ championship. His new position will allow him to oversee the sporting side of Yamaha Motor Europe’s WorldSBK and EWC efforts, while Riccardo Tisci (YME motorsport road racing technical manager) will continue to manage the technical side of the projects, with both reporting to Dosoli.

Neil Mobey Emmanuel Pallot

Madjid Hadj-Amar

James Hillier about to launch his Oxford Products-backed Celeres Racing Ducati 888 off the line

The Classic TT returns next year

After a less-than-stellar 2024 Manx GP event this summer, the organisers at the Isle of Man government have relaunched the Classic TT for 2025 as a separate – but overlapping – event alongside the Manx next August.

The Classic TT, which last ran between 2013 and 2019, took its inspiration from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s – putting it right in the sweet spot in terms of nostalgia for the current demographic of bikers. Seeing the likes of John McGuinness, Michael Dunlop, Bruce Anstey and Michael Rutter riding iconic Suzuki XR69s and GSXRs, Yamaha YZR500s, Honda RC30s and Kawasaki ZXRs with modern tuning modifications was a big hit. And the organisers will no doubt be hoping to revisit that success.

The event will feature races for 1990s superbikes, two-stroke GP machines and historic racing bikes from the 1960s and 70s. The organisers are promising fans a spectacular event.

Qualifying for the Classic TT will get underway on 20 August 2025, with a five-race schedule from 27-29 August. Racing for the Classic TT will start on Wednesday 27 August, and three races will be scheduled: the Formula 1 TT, followed

by the Lightweight TT, and then the Historic Junior TT.

On Friday 29 August, the prestigious Historic Senior TT will open, and there will be a second Superbike outing – the Senior Classic TT – bringing the curtain down on the highspeed Mountain Course action. The race programme will be supported by various nostalgic events and attractions away from the course. Qualifying for the Classic TT will run in tandem with the 2025 Manx Grand Prix on Sunday 17 August through to Monday 25 August.

Paul Phillips, head of motorsport, Isle of Man TT Races said: “The Classic TT captured the imagination of fans when it ran previously, and we are excited to bring it back to celebrate some of the most iconic decades in TT history. The 1980s and 1990s, in particular, were a time of intense rivalries, iconic machines and record-breaking racing, and this event will be a place where fans can reconnect with those unforgettable moments. The Classic TT will not only honour the great riders of those eras but also provide a chance to see some legendary machines roar back to life on the Mountain Course, piloted by the best riders of the modern day.”

Field Account Manager For ALL OF IRELAND

After a successful career over many years our Northern Ireland and Eire Field Account Manager, Roger Gillespie, has decided to take a well-earned retirement.

Bike It are therefore looking to recruit his successor. These are big boots to fill as Roger has successfully developed the region into a growing and profitable area of our business.

The Role:

The candidate will need to have very strong B2B sales, relationship building and negotiation skills set, preferably in the motorcycle sector. However, other vehicle accessory sector experience would be considered.

What we offer:

The positions comes with a strong salary and exciting motivating commission structure plus company vehicle.

To apply: please email full CV and covering letter to recruitment@bikeit.co.uk

Please quote “Field Account Manager” in the subject header. (all applications will be treated in the strictest confidence)

Just some of the brands we work with....

WORKSHOP MANAGER

An exciting opportunity has become available for a Workshop Manager to operate the service desk in our busy Bedfordshire based Yamaha dealership. The successful candidate would be tasked with booking work in for our technicians, managing the flow of work through the workshop and ensuring that the correct parts & supplies are always available. The ability to work under pressure is a must, as is a thorough technical understanding of motorcycles and the ability to work with part numbers & diagrams whilst providing excellent levels of customer service.

For further information & to apply, please visit: www.flitwickmotorcycles.co.uk/jobs

SHORT CUTS

TRIUMPH FOR CALL OF DUTY

TRIUMPH HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED AS the official motorcycle partner for the massive Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 video game (ask the grandkids). The game will feature Triumph’s new as an in-game drivable vehicle, allowing players to ride it dynamically, enjoying knee-down corners, jumps and skids during pursuits.

MOT FEES STAY PUT

THE INDEPENDENT GARAGE ASSOCIATION asked for help from the budget – this time, a rise in MOT test fees. However, Rachel Reeves didn’t oblige, and no rise is on the cards.

MAG WELCOMES NEW TASK FORCE

THE MOTORCYCLE ACTION GROUP has cautiously welcomed the government’s task force to reduce motor insurance costs, after confirmation that it will look at the bike market as well as cars. MAG raised the issue with the DfT, which confirmed bike cover would be within the task force’s remit.

NEW WEBSITE FOR PUTOLINE OIL

PUTOLINE OIL HAS LAUNCHED A BRANDnew website which, it says, incorporates the latest online technology to offer unique features and a user-friendly experience. The enhanced search function is more intelligent, and the site includes a barcode scanning feature, a new knowledge section, and a smart product recommendation tool. Check it out at: www.putoline.com.

ELK 2025 SHOW SCHEDULE

CLASSIC BIKE AND JUMBLE organiser Elk Promotions, has released its 2025 calendar of events following a successful 2024 season. The full show line-up is: South of England Classic Show & Bikejumble (30 March), Ashford Classic Motorcycle Show & Bikejumble (18-21 April), Ashford Classic Motorcycle Show & Bikejumble (24-26 May), Romney Marsh Classic Bikejumble with Ride-In Show (29 June), Summer Classic Bike Show & Autojumble (27 July), Romney Marsh Classic Bikejumble with Ride-In Show (21 September) and South of England Classic Show & Bikejumble (26 October). Further information can be found at: www.elk-promotions.co.uk

Any colour as long as it’s orange!

When you think of orange in biking, it’s usual to think of KTM. But there’s another team orange in the motorcycle world, based in Croydon rather than Austria: D3O, the firm behind some of the most innovative motorcycle body armour products in recent years. Alan Dowds went along to its South London HQ to learn more

Iwas welcomed into a large modern building full of professional-looking, keen young workers, then taken to a product showroom its walls lined with the company’s products. The firm makes a range of foam protective armour products, which protect humans (and machines, from smartphones to F1 cars) from excessive vibration and impacts. It uses clever non-Newtonian

polymer materials, and patented production methods with special ingredients, to absorb impact and vibration. It’s seen primarily in the bike trade as body armour, of course, with the polymer material cast and moulded into elbow, knee, shoulder, chest and back protectors. It’s also used in a bespoke fashion, for example, for a boot maker to incorporate into a crash-proof sole or

a glove maker into a palm protector. In that respect, it’s similar to a brand like Gore-Tex, which supplies its materials and know-how for third-party manufacturers to incorporate into their products.

Away from bikes, which make up 25% of the firm’s turnover according to chief marketing officer Mostyn Thomas, we can also see D3O products featured in industrial PPE for construction and manufacturing workers, gloves, safety boots, and helmets, as well as protective kits for winter sports, American football, mountain biking, ice hockey –anything taking big impacts, in other words. It’s even built into smartphone and tablet cases.

There’s also a display of military products, such as ballistic helmet liners, knee pads, and other armour. D3O has a defence and law enforcement arm named Delta Three Oscar, which supplies customers including the US Army, French Gendarmerie,

Chief marketing officer Mostyn Thomas was joined by ex-racer Steve Plater at D3O’s HQ for the technical conference

D3O scientist show how small batches of R&D armour are produced for in-house testing

The firm has 3D printing, mould making and testing facilities all in-house

Croatian SWAT teams, plus many others.

Mostyn Thomas takes me through the firm’s history: set up by serial entrepreneur Richard Palmer in the early 2000s, its first project was to supply protection for the American Winter Olympics team in 2006 in Turin, Italy. From there, Stuart Sawyer expanded the company after Palmer moved on to new projects. CEO Sawyer is responsible for commercialising D3O technology and expanding the business. Now, the firm has its main HQ in Croydon and two other offices in the US, a defence sales office on the East Coast and a consumer office on the West Coast – in Orange County, California, appropriately enough! The American offices are essential to sell to the US military; indeed, the firm has to physically produce its materials in the US to comply with defence spending regulations. The firm is presently a privately run operation, with private equity backing from Elysian Capital. “We have great investors,” says Thomas.

I asked Thomas about the firm’s plans for the future. It currently supplies some of the big names in bike clothing: Furygan, Belstaff, TCX boots, Held, Rukka, Richa, Triumph, HarleyDavidson, Ikon, Klim and Sidi. Would D3O consider making its own end-user products, as other armour firms like Knox have done in the past?

The answer is a definite no: “We don’t want to do that: all we’d do is cannibalise our own business and upset all our own customers. What

D3O’s testing anvil in action measuring how much energy is transmitted through a back protector

we have really works, and we have more than enough growth opportunities doing what we do. That’s a whole new business; you start to lose focus on what you’re about and why you’re here in the first place.”

Company profile over, we go into the main part of the building to see some proper materials science. The firm carries out its main R&D in Croydon, just down the road from Costco and a stone’s throw from Ikea. I see some sample material being mixed up and formed in a casting mould. The labs have limited production facilities to make small runs of new materials and next door; there’s a testing lab where they drop weights onto anvils to measure how well the armour absorbs impact energy – its ultimate job when it comes down to it. We finish off the day with a chat about the role of body armour and a look at some of the new Diablo armour the firm launched at the Milan show. It’s lighter and thinner than before to suit more casual clothing fitments, yet still complies with the CE Level 1 impact testing regs. As you’d expect, it’s also in very bright orange! www.d3o.com

FUEL INJECTOR & VALVE CLEANER 150ml

Highly effective for cleaning the entire petrol injection system. Keeps injectors, valves and combustion chambers clean, maintaining optimal engine performance.

FUEL STABILIZER 150ml

Effectively preserves and protects against corrosion and deposits caused by oxidation products like E10 fuel during periods of winter storage.

E10 FUEL FIGHTER 250ml

Developed to protect the fuel system against the harmful effects of E10 fuels.

New 2025 Diablo armour

The inaugural Fuze MotoFest ticketed event took place at RGS Motorbikes, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, on 19 October. The social mediapromoted event attracted riders from London, Wales, Somerset, and many local Midlands counties. It was notable for three of the four outdoor stand holders being recently-created businesses, started by enterprising talents in their 20s and early 30s. Hamish Ross (25) and Greg Owen (27) are the business

Fuze MotoFest debut at RGS Motorbikes

partners behind MotoFest.

“This is our first big event, it’s a tester, and it’s turned out better than we expected,” said Owen, who started a series of organised monthly rides in March.

On one of the rides, Owen met Ross, whose 50,000 Instagram followers gave the new venture a head start. The duo aim to rapidly move up to hosting bigger events. These include talks with the country’s main drag strip at Santa Pod, Bedfordshire, for a stand-alone motorcycle event in 2025.

“We are trying to create a new bike scene,” says Owen, who comes from the IT world. “We have the concept. We would like to work with more dealers and bigger scale companies. There’s definitely potential for a lot more growth.”

A year ago, Ross, formerly in dance theatre on cruise ships, started an Instagram and YouTube presence, making motorcycle videos. He and Owen are both keen motorcyclists.

Fuze sold 70 pre-event tickets (at £14.99 each) and also took entry money at the gate. The event included music by DJ Hayward from Bedford, refreshments, a slow race over a short distance, and dyno runs handled by RGS Motorbikes mechanic Callum

Dowling at £15 a time. The most powerful bike on the day was a Yamaha R1M with 176hp at the back wheel.

First-time standholder Joe Cramer (31) from Shoreditch, London, started Flip’n’Dip three years ago, making 3D printer-generated tail tidies. The business took off, and he now has them made in metal in China. His range is up to 90 different types, and he sells worldwide. His main export markets include Australia and America.

Attending his first public promo event at Fuze MotoFest, Cramer said: “As well as Australia and the US, we also have a stockist in Dubai and we deal with some shops in the UK. 50% of our sales are overseas.

“Fitting a tail tidy is one

RGS Motorbikes mechanic Callum Dowling ran 19 machines on the RGS rolling road dyno. The best the dyno has ever recorded was 220hp at the back wheel of a BSB BMW RR

Up and running with their first bike show, Greg Owen (left) and Hamish Ross, partners in Fuze MotoFest, run various website promotions, including raffles, competitions and Fuze clothing

First-time stand holder artist Ella Brereton of Tip Toe Bikers on her 250 Kawasaki with friend, helper, and fellow motorcyclist Katie Holsten (Honda CBR300), who sells new Vauxhalls for Drive of Leicester

of the first things people do on bikes because the originals are so ugly. We also sell helmet holders. All sales are online and this year has been amazing. We are now thinking of taking a stand at MCN’s London Excel show next year.”

Ella Brereton (22) from Northampton is an artist who specialises in designing T-shirts and hoodies, posters and general promo designs. She also specialises in the motorcycle market. She passed her motorcycle test in 2023 and currently rides a 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250R, to promote her graphic arts business, Tip Toe Bikers.

We have the concept. We would like to work with more dealers and bigger scale companies. There’s definitely potential for a lot more growth

“It was my first event with a stand. I had some lovely conversations, took some orders, and will definitely be at future Fuze MotoFest events,” she said.

RGS Motorbikes boss Brian Ausden, who provided the location for the inaugural Fuze MotoFest, said he was pleased with the attendance and how it was run. Ross of

THEFT BUSTER BIKETRAC

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER JULIE Emmitt, promoted BikeTrac security products at Fuze MotoFest and commented that the dramatic rise in insurance costs is, in effect, killing the two-wheel industry.

“Insurance costs are now so much more for new bikes, and the level of theft is quite scary,” said Emmitt, who has been busy giving talks on anti-theft products and the the size of the problem, to the TRF, IAM and RoSPA.

BikeTrac, based at Silverstone Circuit, also provides security products for the car and ATV world and is about to enter the electric bicycle sector, which is also experiencing alarming theft rates.

Vehicle theft and the dramatic rise in insurance costs have prompted the government to launch an inquiry and create the Motor Insurance Taskforce. Though motorcycles and scooters have so far not been mentioned, it is hoped that the inquiry will embrace the PTW market.

Insurance cost escalation almost wiped out the motorcycle racing scene in Ireland last year.

Greg Owen, Fuze MotoFest

Fuze handled the microphone announcements, while Owen kept order.

During the summer months, RGS has been holding bike nights on the first Monday of each month, making the dyno available and including stunt riding at some meets. Fuze MotoFest was the first event of its type hosted at RGS.

Business development manager Julie Emmitt, promotes BikeTrac’s anti-theft products. A keen rider, she annually clocks up 10,000-12,000 miles touring the UK and Europe, currently riding a 650 Kawasaki Ninja

This was a massive shock, as the Irish are the most avid of road race fans. A compromise was reached, but it was a close call. Some events were cancelled and the Irish race scene hasn’t been the same since.

Loads of buzz at the Fuze MotoFest

International

With financial editor Roger Willis

Rising sun riding ahead

SUPERLATIVES SURROUND HONDA

Six months into its fiscal year to 31 March 2025, Honda’s huge motorcycle business will soon be ready to resume a unique “world’s greatest” mantle, selling more than 20 million bikes annually again.

At the half-way mark, sales revenue had risen by 15.1% to £9.153bn. Operating profit was 28.6% up to £1.647bn and operating margin improved from 16.1% to 18%. Global sales volume had grown by 12% to 10.382 million units.

As usual, Asian performance led the way, 12.5% up to 8.861 million. Within that, Honda’s wholly owned HMSI Indian subsidiary was the star turn, boasting a 30.6% surge to 2.881 million. The Astra Honda Indonesian operation, a joint venture with British-owned conglomerate Jardine Matheson, was in hot pursuit, as its sales rose a more modest 6.4% to 2.453 million. Economic recovery in Vietnam also produced an 11.5% increase there, to 1.113 million. Only Thailand, still in a recession, was a disappointment, 8.9% down to 684,000.

Other emerging regions posted 12.8% growth to 887,000. Honda’s Manaus hub in Brazil played the biggest role in that, 8.6% up to 648,000.

Among developed markets, Europe put on 15.7% to 265,000 and North America was 5.5% up to 269,000. However, the Japanese domestic market declined by 18.1% to 100,000.

In Honda’s latest full-year forecast makes headline news with total estimated sales are set to improve by 7.3% to 20.2 million. Asian input has been revised upwards from 16.905 million to 17.17

Studiously avoiding the market instability entrapment currently afflicting Western challengers, Japanese motorcycle brands are doing what they do best –

selling lots of bikes for lots of money

million. Other emerging regions should now reach 1.83 million. In the bigger ticket developed world, Europe is billed for 475,000, North America for 525,000 and Japan for 200,000.

-£ currency translation at forex rates applicable on 12 November

TWO WHEELS GOOD FOR KAWASAKI, FOUR WHEELS VERY BAD!

For a second year running, an infatuation with its North American ORV market has cost the Kawasaki Powersports and Engine division dearly, as yet another big recall related to the Mule Pro 1000 series and replacement of defective products had temporarily eaten into revenue and profits. It’s a shame, because the division’s motorcycle business is doing rather well.

In the first half of its fiscal year, divisional turnover declined by 5.2% to £1.283bn. Operating profit plummeted by 35.5% to £75.5m. Operating margin dropped from 8.7% to 5.9%.

But the revenue picture for PTW segments was very different. Motorcycles for developed countries delivered a 6.1%

rise to £501.8m, with volume increasing by 4.6% to 91,000. Wholesale shipments into Europe were 10% up to 33,000. North America was 16.2% higher at 43,000. Other more minor destinations, led by Australia, were flat at 3000. Japanese domestic wholesale was 26.7% down to 11,000.

Turnover from motorcycles for emerging markets increased by 11.4% to £241.6m, while volume grew by 20.4% to 118,000. The Philippines were top of the pile, 38.7% up to 86,000. Indonesia rose marginally to 12,000. Latin America flatlined on 5000 and other regions, namely China and Thailand, shared a 31.6% slump to 13,000.

Conversely, ORVs, ATVs and personal watercraft mainly destined for North America were a burden. Unit sales volume sank by 43.9% to 23,000 and associated revenue was 29.7% down to £307.9m.

Qualifying its lucrative developedworld motorcycle business status, Kawasaki’s six-monthly statement said US street models remained firm but the off-road market had softened, owing to aggressive product supply from competitors intensifying. In Europe, it said the retail market and market share is growing due to recovery of supply capacity and new model launches.

-£ currency translation at forex rates applicable on 13 November

SUZUKI ON A MISSION

Suzuki Motor Corporation’s motorcycle business is definitely on a mission. Half way through its current fiscal year, total revenue had grown by 11% to £1.022bn.

Asian turnover as a whole amounted to £536.8m, rising by 18.6%, with revenue from India 25.5% up to £360.9m. European turnover fell slightly by 2.4% to £121.8m. North America was 8.6% down to £102.6m. Operating profit was 43.6% up to £114.7m. Operating margin came in at 11.4%.

In the six months to date, global production had increased by 5.7% to 1.035 million units. Suzuki’s Gurgaon plant in India was the biggest contributor, with output rising by 15.9% to 561,000. Beyond that, various other Asian factories together made 379,000, although their total represented a 5% drop. Japanese domestic production fell by 20.8% to 42,000.

Worldwide sales during the period were 6.7% up 1.022 million. Again, the Indian market dominated, rising by 20.1% to 496,000 bikes sold. Strong performances from the Access 125 scooter and V-Strom 250SX got most of the credit. Sales elsewhere in Asia declined by 8.9% to 348,000. In developed markets, North American sales improved by 5.9% to 18,000 while European numbers flatlined on 23,000. Japanese domestic consumption declined by 18.2% to 18,000.

Full-year forecasts have now been amended upwards. An original annual

production target has been increased by 6% to 2.003 million units. Some 1.817 million of these will be made in Asia, obviously including Indian output. 91,000 will be manufactured in Japan, destined for developed and domestic markets.

The global sales volume target has been elevated by 6.2% to 2.008 million units. 1.672 million of them should be sold in Asia, including India. Emerging markets elsewhere will account for a further 228,000. Suzuki anticipates North American sales will be 3% down to 32,000. European volume is set to reduce by 2.5% to 39,000. Japanese domestic sales will decline by 2.6% to 37,000.

-£ currency translation at forex rates applicable on 11 November

YAMAHA UP TO SPEED

Boasting the simple expedient of maintaining sound unit sales, allied to improving its range of premium models, has led to steadily increased revenue and profits for Yamaha’s motorcycle business in the nine months of 2024 to date. Celebration of optimistic full-year forecasts coming to fruition will surely follow.

Three-quarterly financial results at the end of September flagged up 13.5% growth in revenue to £6.158bn.

Operating profit soared by 33.9% to £657.8m. Operating margin improved from 9.1% to 10.7%.

The company split its motorcycling turnover gains into three segments. Developed markets put on 15% to £1.632bn. Within that, Europe rose by 13.5% to £1.018bn and North America was 28.8% up to £373.4m. Japan’s domestic contribution rose by 3.1% to £168.5m. Asia increased by 6.8% to £3.392bn, supported by notable input from India and Indonesia. Latin America and other regions, with Brazil to the fore, stacked on 36.5% to £1.134bn.

Global unit sales during the period increased by 3.8% to 3.786 million motorcycles. Asia’s share was 0.7% up to 2.931 million of these. European volume grew by 9.2% to 189,000. North America put on 13.3% to 68,000. Japanese domestic sales declined marginally by 1.8% to 54,000. Other regions combined climbed by 20.7% to 543,000.

Yamaha’s latest full-year 2024 forecast for its motorcycle operations predicts a 12.2% revenue rise to £8.025bn. Operating profit is expected to increase by 20.3% to £764.1m.

-£ currency translation at forex rates applicable on 14 November

Premium product problems

BMW MOTORRAD ON THE BACK FOOT?

BMW Motorrad management in Berlin and Munich broke its usual collective vow of sworn quarterly silence for a brief bleat about the difficulties they are currently facing. Enlightening detail proved to be meagre, though.

For the nine months of 2024 to the end of September, Motorrad revenue had declined marginally by 0.3% to £2.134bn. But operating profit was a more punitive 21.1% down to £202.3m. Operating margin dropped from 12% to 9.5%. However, the brand’s worldwide retail motorcycle and scooter deliveries in the year to date were apparently robust, losing just 0.9% on 163,436 units. The UK contribution had retreated by 2.5% to 7809.

Pre-tax earnings came in at £203.2m, falling by 21.5%. And more pertinently, consolidated three-quarterly net profit had fallen by 23.5% to £140.8m.

The Q3 July-September picture featured some remarkable differences. BMW Motorrad global retail sales had shrunk by 3.2% to 50,364 in the quarter. Here in the UK, they were 10.4% down. On a brighter note, revenue had risen by 8% to £585.2m. That contrasted with an operating profit of a mere £22.5m –versus an operating loss of £3.3m in Q3 2023 – and the operating margin dropped to only 3.8%. Q3 pre-tax 2024 profit was £23.3m (against a £1.7m pre-tax loss in Q3 2023) and net profit stood at £14.2m.

Confusion reigned, perhaps until we

On both sides of the Atlantic, the crème de la crème of developed-world motorcycle manufacturers are faced with a witch’s brew of high interest rates and other economic pressures, steadily undermining consumer confidence and therefore sales. Nine months into their current financial years, a winter of discontent now looms

factor in the aforementioned obtuse managerial intervention. “Volumes and pricing in the motorcycle segment are being impacted by a challenging market and competitive situation in core markets, which include China and the

Ducati’s revenue registered a 9.7% decline to £664.4m. Operating profit during the period plunged by 31.9% to £79.7m

USA,” it explained. “Deliveries in this segment are therefore expected to be in line with last year’s level. The operating margin is expected to be between 6% and 7%, and the segment RoCE [return on capital employed] between 14% and 16%.”

Is this a new-wave harbinger of focus on the budget motorcycling firmament?

The pre-EICMA unveiling of an almost production-ready BMW Concept F450GS,

promising a modest 48bhp and an undoubtedly wallet-friendly price point, might suggest that’s the cunning plan. Toprak Razgatlıoğlu promoting entrylevel BMW M125 RR delivery scooters will surely follow … €-£ currency translation at forex rates applicable on 6 November

DUCATI AMONG THE DUNCES

Assailed by challenging market conditions, supply constraints and fierce competition, the majority of Volkswagen’s Brand Group Progressive premium product participants – in which Ducati is the solus powered two-wheeler representative – had become steadily weaker as the year progressed.

For the nine months of 2024 to date, Ducati’s revenue registered a 9.7% decline to £664.4m. Operating profit during the period plunged by 31.9% to £79.7m. Operating margin shrank from 15.9% to 12%. These were hailed as “solid financial figures” by some deluded Teutonic beancounter, contributing to the results statement by polishing turds.

The brand’s global retail motorcycle sales volume was 8.5% down to 43,772

units. Any growth was exclusive to the Dual/Hyper segment covering Hypermotard, Desert X and Multistrada models, with deliveries to customers rising by 11.6% to 18,913. The Scrambler sub-brand deteriorated by 23.3% to just a questionably sustainable 4865. The Naked/Sport Cruiser segment, harbouring Diavel, Monster and Streetfighter kit, fell by 21.3% to 12,264. And finally Sport, spanning Supersport and Panigale models, was 13.8% lower on 7731.

Nine-monthly production ran to a similar rhythm, retreating in total by 2.9% to 45,010 units. Dual/Hyper was 26.2% up to 19,090. Scrambler was 26.5% down to 5196. Naked/Sport Cruiser and Sport respectively dropped by 12.7% to 12,869 and 16.7% to 7855.

Ducati’s global quantitive retail divide saw Europe account for 62%, improving from 59%. China, including Hong Kong, fell by 1% to 4%. The US market contribution also lost 1% to 13%. A final 22% slice of the complete pie filled by more minor unidentified destinations remained static.

In VW Brand Group Progressive terms, Ducati belonged on the lowest rung of dunce ranks. Most shameful and biggest member was Audi, with car sales 10.9% down to 1.236 million and operating profit slashed by 69.6% to £843.6m. Bentley sales were 26.6% down to 7380 limousines, while operating profit dived by 40.7% to £250.1m. Ducati tucked in quietly behind that. Lamborghini, on the other hand, was a stand-alone bathed in glory, boasting sports car sales 8.6% up to 8411 and operating profit climbing by 9.8% to £564.9m.

€-£ currency translation at forex rates applicable on 5 November

HARLEY HARDLY HOGGING THE LIMELIGHT

Harley-Davidson’s 2024 nine-monthly and third-quarter results constituted yet another grim read. Inevitably, Harley chairman and chief executive Jochen Zeitz, got his long-winded story straight first. “We have worked diligently to mitigate the impact of high interest rates, and macroeconomic and political uncertainty, that continue to put pressure on our industry and customers, especially in our core markets,” he opined, no doubt pausing for breath. “We are optimistic about our ability to make sound progress in the new year, and we are expecting further interest rate reductions and improved consumer confidence will provide the industry with a needed tailwind.”

For the nine months of 2024 to date, revenue from its HDMC business – mainly

responsible for motorcycle and related products output – was 8.7% down to £2.848bn. HDMC operating profit for the period declined sharply by 30.3% to £378.3m. Year-to-date wholesale motorcycle shipments from HDMC to dealers worldwide dropped by 10.4% to 134,852 units.

We are optimistic about our ability to make sound progress in the new year

Jochen Zeitz, Harley-Davidson

Harley’s notionally stand-alone LiveWire electric motorcycle operation had even less to shout about. Its revenue fell by 30.4% to £12.3m, although wholesale bike shipments more than doubled to 374. LiveWire’s operating loss grew by 2% to £64.4m.

However, some better news came from the HDFS consumer credit and dealer inventory funding arm. HDFS turnover increased by 10.5% to £602m and operating profit rose by 14.3% to £155.5m, presumably associated with reduced provision for bad debts.

Consolidated operating profit for the company as a whole was 23.8% lower at £469.6m. Pre-tax profit, bolstered by investment and other income streams, nevertheless fell by 20.3% to £529.4m. Bottom-line net profit attributable to Harley-Davidson Inc retreated by 15.9% to £440.7m.

Harley’s three-quarterly global retail motorcycle sales weren’t exactly prospering either. Overall, they were 5.3%

down to 125,569 units. North America (the US and Canada) more or less broke even, 1.7% in arrears on 86,896. But the EMEA region, dominated by Europe, sank by 11.7% to 19,333. And Asia Pacific was also seriously in arrears, falling by 14.9% to 17,188. Latin American dealers managed to sell 2152 bikes, a mere 44 more than in the equivalent period last year.

Within all of that, Q3 performance had been altogether more painful. Quarterly HDMC revenue plunged by 32.4% to £678.7m, owing to a 39% reduction in wholesale bike shipments as dealers adjusted their inventory levels to fit with an increasingly desperate retail environment. Related operating profit dived by an extraordinary 68.5% to just £42.7m. Again, this was offset to some degree by strong revenue and profitability at HDFS. But Q3 consolidated operating profit was still dire, 49.4% down to £82.2m, and net profit sank by 40.1% to £92.5m.

Understandably, Harley’s full-year 2024 financial outlook is now in ruins. HDMC revenue is now expected to drop by 14% to 16% and its operating margin will only be somewhere between 7.5% and 8.5%. At least the HDFS operating profit contribution should be 5% to 10% higher. Oh yes, and LiveWire’s annual operating loss should be somewhere around £81.6m to £89.3m.

$-£ currency translation at forex rates applicable on 31 October

STRETCHING REALITY AT PIAGGIO

Hiding behind the usual dose of Italian waffle, Piaggio Group was yet another turd polisher, trying to make out that its clearly struggling year-to-date

performance somehow concealed firmer promise. The truth, of course, was endemic difficulties currently shared by all major Western powered two-wheeler brands.

Nine-monthly consolidated sales revenue fell by 16.2% to £1.129bn. Then Piaggio chose to bang its corporate drum on the subject of EBITDA – earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation – which is widely denigrated by financial analysts as “bullshit profit” because it’s so easy to manipulate. While EBITDA had actually sunk by 13% to £194.2m, the associated EBITDA margin improved from 16.6% to 17.3%. This was hailed as its highestever level and a great achievement. However, the far more trustworthy operating profit yardstick was 19.2%

down to £107.3m and operating margin fell to 9.5% from 9.9%. Pretax profit plunged by 30.1% to £75.3m and net profit executed a 27.4% dive to £51.5m. The Group’s net debt at 30 September 2024 was £337.2m, up from £359.8m on 31 December 2023. Capital expenditure during the period grew by 13.2% to £97.3m.

Piaggio’s powered two-wheeler sales volume over the three quarters in question declined by 20.5% to 290,300 units, although this tally reportedly encapsulated a 4.4% increase to the nice round number of 40,000 motorcycles. Resultant revenue posted a 17.9% reduction to £878.9m, including a turnover contribution from spares and accessories.

Information on performance in various

A LITANY OF EXCUSES AND LACK OF FIGURES FROM PIERER

EUROPE’S LARGEST

motorcycle manufacturer Pierer Mobility, traditionally ignores the opportunity to publish nine-month and Q3 financial results. And in the latter half of this year the company had particularly strong grounds to hide down the nearest rabbit hole. All previous guidance issued for 2024 prospects was cancelled, the executive boardroom was stripped of under-performing senior management and a bitter blame game ensued instead.

We were told by the survivors that difficult macroeconomic conditions are lasting longer than expected. The European economy is stagnating, with the important German market especially in recession. In the USA, consumer purchasing power remains low due, to

the high cost of living and an extended period of expensive consumer credit. The US motorcycle market as a whole therefore declined and Europe was losing momentum.

For Pierer, the second half of the year is generally characterised by a high-margin product mix, especially in the off-road segment. However, available registration data for the US motorcycle market, covering the nine months of 2024 to date, illustrated a 6.3% decline. September was also the weakest month with a 14.6% sales retreat, so recovery cannot be imminent.

In Europe, motorcycle registration data for the same period apparently remained at the previous year’s level. But this was due to increases in lowerpriced products and these also

markets was scarce. In Europe, Piaggio claimed a 21.3% share of the scooter segment and a 3.9% share of the over50cc motorcycle segment, combining into an overall 11.6% share of the European powered two-wheeler market. Its share of the North American scooter market was allegedly 27.5%. The state of play in extensive Asian operations was obviously too embarrassing to warrant a mention.

Commenting on the bleedin’ obvious, Piaggio Group managing director and chief executive Michele Colaninno said: “The current economic situation has affected the purchasing power of global consumers. And sales trends in the first nine months of 2024 are a direct consequence.”

€-£ currency translation at forex rates applicable on 8 November

indicated a slowdown. So despite a slight reduction in inventories, further destocking remains an important objective – presumably reflected by the recent rabid discounting frenzy of KTM and Husqvarna dust-gathering wares witnessed in the UK.

However, Pierer claims to be clearly committed to supporting dealers and suppliers as a strategic partner in these difficult times. As a result of measures taken in this regard, working capital and consequently the company’s net debt and interest expenses have grown.

As for Pierer’s beleaguered bicycle business, we were told that restructuring is in full swing, destocking continues and balance sheet restructuring will be completed this year. But it will involve additional extraordinary impairments that are higher than originally assumed. Reduction of cost structure in the core business, with a reduction in headcount and consolidation of all R&D activities for group brands, has already been implemented to a large extent. Re-dimensioning the entire bicycle division will be systematically continued in 2025. The aim is to operate the bicycle division profitably with a business model focused on niches and premium.

As a result of such circumstances, Pierer says it

will fall short of expectations in terms of revenue and earnings, as well as with regard to the reduction in working capital and net debt in the current financial year, and has therefore revoked annual guidance. A new review of non-cash value adjustments will also be carried out by the end of the year.

Finally, blood on the executive boardroom floor began in July, when chief financial officer Viktor Sigl was summarily dismissed without replacement. Of the remaining six board members, four more were subsequently shown the door in October. Company veteran Hubert Trunkenpolz was the most notable victim, as the man whose family name originally featured in the historic KTM acronym of Kronreif & Trunkenpolz Mattighofen. He had also taken command of Pierer’s MV Agusta acquisition as chief executive earlier this year. The other departures were Florian Kecht, Alex Pierer and Rudolf Wiesbeck. The eponymous Stefan Pierer and his recently recruited sidekick Gottfried Neumeister now share the chief executive officer role.

During October, when these various revelations emerged, Pierer Mobility’s share price on the Austrian Wiener Börse halved in value, down to €12.50 on 1 November.

Global share prices

A snapshot of motorcycle and ATV industry share performance across key manufacturers and major global markets as the trading week closed on Friday 15 November 2024. BDN financial editor Roger Willis reports

USA – TRUMP RALLY FADES

The tremendous post-election surge for US stocks came to a juddering halt, after investors were startled by Trump’s more bizarre nominations to senior roles in his forthcoming administration. These included vaccine sceptic Robert F Kennedy Junior as Health Secretary and anti-woke former National Guardsman Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary – a candidate with a chequered military record facing a string of sexual misconduct allegations – who immediately promised to sack most of the Pentagon’s General Staff.

Wall Street market indices reflected their disquiet. The blue-chip S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average respectively retreated by 2.1% and 1.3%. NASDAQ’s tech-heavy Composite closed 3.1% down and S&P’s MidCap 400 fell by 2.7%. The five MidCap powersports listings we follow all delivered weekly losses.

To make matters worse, latest US inflation data showed an uptick and Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell promptly indicated a delay in further interest rate cuts.

EUROPE – WINTER BECKONS

Eurozone stocks struggled after the European Commission downgraded 2025 growth forecasts. Gas prices also hit fresh highs for the year following news that Russian supplier Gazprom was due to cut off supplies to Austria. In Germany, Frankfurt’s Xetra Dax index slipped by 0.2%, but Italy’s Milan’s FTSE MIB remained comparatively strong with a 1.1% weekly gain.

Pierer Mobility’s stock price continued to slide, as its executive board urgently negotiated with Indian shareholder Bajaj Auto to increase liquidity of KTM’s main Austrian manufacturing operation. In Italy, Piaggio’s share-price negativity was also uninterrupted as the scale of Q3 underperformance became inescapable.

JAPAN – ENTHUSIASM PETERS OUT

Applause for Japanese motorcycle brands faded as stock-pickers became more selective and the key Tokyo-Osaka Nikkei 225 index turned to close 2.2% down, reacting to concerns about future tariffs on exports to the US. However, Honda’s stock decline, provoked by its Asian car sales slump, ameliorated once investors realised motorcycle business was racing ahead.

INDIA – SOUR TASTE

AS NEW YEAR NEARS

Mumbai market indices slumped further, with S&P’s BSE Sensex 30 and the NSE Nifty 50 respectively falling by 2.4% and 2.5%. Royal Enfield parent Eicher charged ahead on its own, making a solitary gain fuelled by new models in receipt of top billing by overseas markets.

CHINA – BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME?

The previous week’s $1.4 trillion government economic stimulus package proved to be remarkably ineffectual. Investors voted with their feet heading towards stock exchange exits. Market indices turned firmly negative. Shanghai’s SSE Composite and Shanghai-Shenzhen CSI 300 blue-chips posted respective weekly losses of 3.5% and 3.3%. Nine of the ten Chinese listed biker stocks recorded losses. Only Guangzhou Auto Group, trading as Wuyang Honda on two wheels, made a minor gain.

SHARE

PERFORMANCE 15 NOVEMBER

Europe

Japan (yen)

India (rupee)

Motorcycles steady, mopeds in trouble

Registrations across Europe’s five biggest markets (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK) just about maintained parity with 2023, overall rising by 1.3% to 885,500 units over the first nine months of the year.

Best performing nation was Spain, which has seen some market resurgence since the end of the summer, although the recent flooding there may put a dent in quarter four figures.

Italy managed to keep numbers positive despite a slowing of the market

France

in August and September, while France and Germany both continued a slow but steady decline. Bottom of the pile was the UK, with ACEM reckoning our motorcycle market was down by 4% for the year to date, not helped by a near 15% fall in September.

The moped sector across the biggest markets (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain) continued its decline, with the overall total down by 14.3%. All the major moped markets suffered: France, Germany, Netherlands

Germany

and Spain were all down by more than 15% while Belgium and Italy were relatively buoyant, only dropping by 8.6% and 4.2% respectively.

Electric motorcycles and mopeds fared poorly across all markets, with e-motorcycles down by 25% overall for the year-to-date. The only market not to suffer double-digit percentage reductions in sales was France, which managed to gain 2%. Worst hit was Germany, where sales dived by more than 45% compared to the first nine months of 2023.

Italy

Spain

Records smashed at EICMA

The 81st Milan International TwoWheeler Exhibition, which has an impressive history spanning 110 years, saw a record 600,000 visitors during the six-day event held between 5-10 November in Milan, an increase of 40,000 compared to last year’s exhibition. The event hosted 770 exhibitors from 45 countries, showcasing 2163 brands. Notably, 26% of these companies were first-time exhibitors. Total exhibition floorplan area exceed 330,000m 2, with exhibitors stands filling 10 exhibition halls.

coverage, and races featuring international riders and motorsport legends. The area also showcased a special exhibition titled “EICMA: 110 Years of Two-Wheel Design,” which displayed 36 historical and modern motorcycles to celebrate the event's anniversary.

Notably, 26% of these companies were first-time exhibitors

More than 38,000 industry professionals from 126 different countries attended, along with 8000 journalists and content creators from 74 countries, a 13% increase compared to 2023. In an outdoor MotoLive area, attendees enjoyed a variety of entertainment, including motorcycle shows, trials, eight hours of live television

CONTROL CABLES

EICMA president Pietro Meda and CEO Paolo Magri said the show’s impressive numbers were the best way to commemorate the milestone of EICMA’s 110th anniversary. They added: “Since the interruption due to Covid, we have continued to invest in the future of the event, implementing services for companies, enhancing content, promotion, and visitor experiences. We take great pride in the return of all the manufacturers, and seeing the pavilions filled with young people and families brings us immense joy.”

EICMA is next scheduled to take place from 4 to 9 November 2025.

Zero reveals new strategy

US ELECTRIC BIKE MAKER

Zero has revealed a new product strategy, with two new lightweight machines and the promise of six new models priced below £9k before 2027, plus a two-year drive to make electric riding accessible to all.

Zero has suffered from the slump in electric twowheeler sales this year, but it says its new strategic plan will help it turn the tide. The first phase involves two new X-Line models, the XE and XB, which come with removable batteries, long-travel suspension and lightweight construction. The mopedequivalent £3710 XB has a 28mph top speed and 47-mile range, while the 21hp, £5410 XE has a 53mph top speed and 65-mile range.

Over summer next year there will be a drive to expand Zero’s dealer and service network worldwide to support the planned expansion of the product range.

Vmoto unveils new fleet battery ecosystem

It’s already top of the class when it comes to electric scooter fleets. Now, Chinese/ Australian firm Vmoto has launched a battery and charging ecosystem it says will drive the next generation of clean urban mobility vehicles for business. The Electric Mobility Solution (EMS) system is designed for fleet users and corporate “last mile” operators, to help tackle challenges with charging, range and fleet management, as well as improving performance, efficiency and sustainability.

The new EMS system is based around seven key new components: a 74V battery for better range, available in 30Ah and 45Ah capacities, plus a new rapid-charging system that can charge in 30 minutes. There’s a new Swapping Station, designed to minimise battery stock at dealerships, together with a Super-Fast Charging Station, designed to minimise charging times, featuring a pair of Type 2 connectors for simultaneous charging of two vehicles. Fleet management is improved by Vmoto Fleet Platform, software that monitors each vehicle’s charging, movements and maintenance. And Vmoto is also launching a financial consulting and business development service to support companies in planning and managing electric fleets. There are also plans for specialist bikes designed for business needs.

Charles Chen, CEO of Vmoto, said: “We are

proud to launch our Electric Mobility Solution, an innovative response to the challenges of electric mobility. EMS is a comprehensive ecosystem that optimises operations, reduces costs, and improves fleet efficiency. We invite businesses to discover how EMS can support their growth, making electric mobility a sustainable choice and the most advantageous one, thanks to a ready-to-use, yet highly customisable, package.”

“Vmoto’s goal is to prove that electric vehicles are already the solution for getting around in large urban centres,” said Graziano Milone, president and CMO of Vmoto. “The seven pillars of EMS are proof of this: Vmoto is ready with concrete solutions that meet the needs of users.”

Registrations data

October couldn’t conceal one of the worst battery-electric registrations performances in 2024. Volume plunged by 43.5% to just 287 units. Electricpowered motorcycle and moped market share sank to a negligible 3.7% from 6.3%.

The vast majority of this shrivelled headcount was confined to the low-powered 11kW sector. Within it, up-to-4kW mopeds fell by 67.8% to a mere 99 units. A hotch-potch of machinery produced no identifiable bestsellers. The 4-11kW range of broadly 125ccequivalent PTWs was firmer, just 3.4% down on 172 units. Of these, 49 were Super Soco CPx scooters from the

resurgent Vmoto brand. Activity entered the wilderness above that point. The 11kW-plus to 35kW arena was occupied by only five machines, four of which were Zero Motorcycles DSR (dualsport) middleweight trailies. Over-35kW representation came from a solitary Zero Motorcycles SR/S ZF15.6 model. The “exempt” category flatlined on nine machines, eight of which were Stark Varg 80 trail bikes. One lonely item of unknown provenance completed the total.

The Stark VARG 80 boasts an impressive 80hp in a bike weighing only 118kg . A recent price cut from £11,999 to £10,200 may have helped to boost sales figures

For the year to date, battery-electric products are 8.5% down to 3264 units. Market share has declined to 3.3% from 3.5%.

LiveWire and Kymco plan maxiscooter

US HARLEY-DAVIDSON spin-off electric bike maker LiveWire and Taiwanese bike/scooter maker Kymco have extended their strategic partnership. The two firms have said they will produce the world’s first electric maxiscooter, due to hit the market in less than 18 months.

The new machine, set to be launched in the first half of 2026, will combine Kymco’s extensive scooter knowledge with the fastevolving LiveWire batterypowered S2 Arrow powertrain technology. The design will also use Kymco’s experience in swappable batteries with its Ionex powerpack design. This new agreement is an extension of the existing 2022 arrangement after Kymco invested in LiveWire.

“The belief and recognition that we could create a classleading maxi-scooter using our S2 Arrow powertrain has been a constant. Kymco sharing their expertise has changed that belief into reality, and we are excited to commence on this journey with such a globally recognized leader in the category,” said Karim Donnez, CEO of LiveWire.

“LiveWire is an iconic leader in electric solutions for urban mobility. We are excited to partner with them as LiveWire embarks on the development of a S2-based electric maxiscooter,” said Allen Ko, Kymco chairman.

Parts Europe at the Motocross of Nations

THE PARTS EUROPE TEAM, in collaboration with Infront Moto Racing, planned and organised the 77th Motocross of Nations at Matterley Basin in October. They welcomed more than 200 dealers, where they enjoyed a signing session with Thor riders and a guided tour at the starting gate led by sports director Glen Dempsey.

“Welcoming dealers and media partners to our hospitality suite during the most thrilling motocross race of the year is always a privilege. Dealers travelled from all over Europe, and it presented a fantastic opportunity to engage with them on the track and celebrate the conclusion of the 2024 season,” said John Taylforth, Parts Europe country sales manager for the UK.

Off-road news

With off-road correspondent Rick Kemp

Noyce will star at the Classic Dirt Bike Show

The Classic Dirt Bike Show, sponsored by Hagon, is set to feature British motocross icon Graham Noyce as star guest for the event, which will take place at the Telford International Centre during the weekend of 8-9 February next year.

As the first 500cc world motocross champion for Honda and a key figure in the sport during the late 1970s and early 1980s, Noyce has firmly established his place in motocross history.

Visitors will have the opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of Noyce’s career as he engages in a conversation with host John McCrink.

The organisers are offering discounted tickets at £16 for adults, if purchased in advance; tickets at the door will cost £20.

Under 16s can attend for free.

www.classicbikeshows.com

Farleigh Castle Vets MX

SINCE 2009, THE FARLEIGH CASTLE VETS MX event has been a highlight on the motocross calendar. In 2025, the event will take place on 1314 September. Set at the scenic Somerset circuit, it features EVO racing and celebrates motocross culture, providing unforgettable experiences for riders and spectators in September. Rider entries will open in early February, with details on spectator and camping passes coming soon. For more information on sponsorship and trade space applications, contact the event secretary at : hello@farleighcastlevetsmx.co.uk.

Rieju reveals new engine at EICMA

Designed for its enduro bikes, Rieju has fitted a new fuel-injected 293cc single-cylinder motor into its MR range that claims to take performance and efficiency to previously unseen levels. The new 33hp engine, developed by Loncin, incorporates the latest technological advances, maximising power and allowing riders to tackle challenging terrain.

Jordi Riera, CEO, Rieju, said: “We are excited to launch this engine that not only elevates the performance of our bikes but also enhances the rider experience. We believe this development will transform the future of our range.”

Graham Noyce in action back in the 1980s

UK Parts Europe country manager John Taylforth (left) with Gareth Porter, owner of Quad Bike Wales

Venhill upgrades for Kawasaki’s KX450

Venhill, in collaboration with the MXGP team Bike-It DRT Kawasaki, has introduced the Powerhose Plus brake hoses, featuring a DuPont Teflon core for efficient fluid flow and high heat resistance. A marinegrade stainless steel braid protects the core from damage and pressure expansion.

hose kit – £62.09 SRP, rear brake hose kit – £43.19 SRP, clutch hose – £43.19 SRP, and upgraded throttle cable kit –£45.53 SRP.

Venhill offers front and rear brake lines, a clutch hose, and throttle cables, all made at their UK factory. The throttle cables utilise a ‘bird-caged’ process for a stronger bond, reducing the risk of breakage.

Prices are: front brake

These components are compatible with the 20242025 KX450F and X models, available in various colours and extra lengths for enhanced layout flexibility.

Venhill Engineering 01306 885111 sales@venhill.co.uk

HUSQVARNA MOBILITY HAS INTRODUCED AN UPDATED version of its electric EE 5 for 2025. This new model features water-cooling technology, which increases the average battery life by 30%, providing more stable power delivery throughout its runtime. The EE 5 also showcases redesigned bodywork that is scaled down from the full-size motocross line-up, complete with distinctive graphics.

The bike is powered by a 907Wh lithium-ion battery and a 5kW electric motor, allowing it to compete in 50cc ICE competition. Riders can customise power delivery to match their skill levels by choosing from six riding modes. Depending on the selected mode, riding time can range from 30 minutes to two hours. The EE 5 is easy to recharge with its worldwide charger, which can connect to any 110V or 230V socket. An 80% charge can be achieved in 45 minutes, and a full recharge takes 70 minutes.

Designed for junior racers, the EE 5 comes equipped with features such as a height-adjustable chassis, WP suspension both front and rear, hydraulic disc brakes, a chromiummolybdenum steel frame, Neken handlebars with ODI grips, and Maxxis tyres. Additionally, there is a complete range of Kids’ Railed Gear available, including helmets, goggles, shirts, pants, gloves, and Flame boots made by Sidi.

Kove Moto UK support for Hillier at the Dakar

Kove Moto UK has announced its support for James Hillier and WTF Racing in its 2025 Dakar programme, backing the 39-year-old TT racer in his second attempt at the world’s most gruelling off-road race. Previously, he finished the two-week-long race with a broken shoulder in the Originals by Motul class.

Lee Westbrook of Kove Moto UK commented: “We are delighted to join forces with James and the WTF Racing team for Dakar 2025. James has proven his pedigree already in the Dakar in the toughest class, where he was maintaining his own bike. For 2025, with the support of WTF Racing and Kove, he can now truly focus on the job with full backup and support throughout. We wish James the very best of luck.”

Provisional dates for the 2025 British Enduro

THE ACU HAS ANNOUNCED provisional dates for the 2025 British Enduro Championship, which will kick off in Scotland on 19-20 April. Dates and venues are:

• Rounds 1-2, 19-20 April: Lossiemouth, Scotland – Hosted by the Highlands Enduro Club

• Rounds 3-4, 18-19 May: Brechfa, Wales – Hosted by the Dyfed Dirt Bike Club

• Rounds 5-6, 7-8 June: Hafren, Wales – Hosted by the Hafren Dirt Bike Club

• Rounds 7-8, 12-13 July: Catterick – Hosted by Raw Enduro

• Rounds 9-10, 20-21 September: Venue TBC – Hosted by Army Motorcycling

All dates are provisional and may be subject to change. More information can be found on the British Enduro Championship’s Facebook page.

Racing the Kove 450 Rally EX, Hillier has already been testing, using the recent ISDE event in Spain to gain valuable riding time ahead of the main event, which kicks off on 3 January in Bisha, Saudi Arabia. He will continue testing, including road-book training, before the bike and race trucks head to Barcelona for scrutineering.

Hillier said: “Clearly, the aim, first and foremost, is to finish, but now that I have proper backup and support, I can focus on the riding and not conserving energy for the work between the stages. Thanks to Alan and Paul at WTF and Kove’s support in the build-up and with the factory when we get to Saudi Arabia, I feel more ready for the challenge than ever. I can’t wait to get started and see what we can do.”

BOSS appointed AODES distributor

BOSS ORV has announced its appointment as the distributor for AODES Off-Road Vehicles in the UK and Ireland. AODES, established more than 30 years ago and headquartered in Shandong, China, is a multi-national brand that sells in more than 100 countries. In 2012, the company opened a research, development, and distribution centre in California, USA. After decades of focusing on the power sports industry, AODES introduced the Pathcross ATV Series in 2021. These ATVs have V-Twin engines in 525, 650, and 1000cc displacements.

“We are very excited to have a new ATV/ Quad in our product portfolio,” said BOSS ORV MD Phil Everett. “The wait has been worth it, as we have finally found a high quality and price competitive product to suit our challenging market. We will announce more details over the coming weeks.”

The Pathcross ATV will be on show for the first time on the BOSS ORV stand at the LAMMA agricultural show in January 2025 at the NEC in Birmingham. 01785 561046 sales@bossorv.co.uk www.bossorv.co.uk

James Hillier with his factory supported Kove Dakar 450 Rally

Pictured at EICMA with Mr Wang, the Shandong ODES founder and owner, are some of the BOSS team, Neil Everett, Phil Everett, Matt Richardson and AODES global and Italy team

Business Beat

ADAPTING STRATEGIES TO EMBRACE FLEXIBLE WORKING

Recruiting staff in a new environment requires a change of tactics

The recent changes in flexible working legislation that came into effect in April this year, have redefined workplace dynamics and reshaped employee expectations. As a result, employers must adapt their recruitment strategies to meet the growing demand for flexibility and maintain a competitive edge in attracting the best workers.

The Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023 made several changes. It removed the requirement that an employee have 26 weeks’ continuous service before they can make a formal flexible working request; the right to request flexible working is now a ‘day-one’ right.

Further, employees can now make two flexible working requests every 12

months, a change from the former single request per 12-month period. The Act also reduced the time limit for employers to deal with flexible working requests from three to two months, although this can be extended if the employee agrees.

Employers must now consult with employees before refusing a request. In contrast, the new legislation removed the need for employees to explain or justify the impact of the proposed change on their working arrangements.

All of this means that recruitment strategies will have to change if employers are to be able to continue recruiting in a tough jobs market.

ATTRACTING TOP TALENT

With new flexible working rights in place, employers embracing and promoting flexible options will gain a competitive edge in attracting the best; research underscores the priority job seekers place on work-life balance and seek out

employers offering flexible arrangements.

According to Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Remote Work Statistics[1], 71% of workers view a flexible working pattern as important to them when considering a new role, while 69% say the ability to work remotely is important. Further, another survey found that if flexibility to work remotely were taken off the table, one in three (31%) would start to look for a new job and 6% would quit[2].

Yet another poll found that a lack of flexible working would drive almost half of applicants to reject a job offer[3] Similarly, 75% of employers were very or somewhat concerned about staff attraction and retention, with almost a third (29%) of workers indicating that they are apprehensive about the impact of heavy and increased workloads on peer retention.

The direction of travel is very clear, and as a result, providing these perks and publicising them in job postings

[1] www.cipd.org/uk/knowledge/reports/flexiblehybrid-working-2023

[2] pumble.com/learn/collaboration/remote-work-statistics

[3] workplaceinsight.net/half-of-people-would-rejecta-job-with-no-flexible-working

[4] www.cipd.org/uk/about/press-releases/4-millioncareer-changes-flexibility-issues/

[5] www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/article/1826848/ majority-employees-ready-walk-companies-notembrace-hybrid-working-report-reveals

could be pivotal for recruitment success. Acknowledging the surge in interest in remote work, alongside other flexible options like flexible hours or compressed work weeks, shows an understanding of modern workforce preferences and needs, thus appealing to a diverse range of candidates.

EXPANDING THE TALENT POOL

Flexibility in working arrangements enables employers to tap into a wider talent pool encompassing parents, caregivers, and those living in remote locations who may otherwise be barred from traditional 9-to-5 positions.

Employers can overcome challenges in filling specialised roles by eliminating geographical constraints and other limitations and ultimately appoint higher-quality candidates.

This flexibility facilitates recruitment efforts and contributes to a more diverse workforce and nurtures an inclusive and accommodating workplace culture, resulting in increased productivity, enhanced employee satisfaction, and improved retention rates.

STREAMLINING RECRUITMENT PROCESSES

As flexible working becomes increasingly prevalent, an employer’s recruitment processes must evolve accordingly. This

will mean revising job descriptions to incorporate flexible options, educating managers to discuss and negotiate flexible arrangements, and utilising technology for virtual interviews and onboarding.

While this will require some extra work, these simplified processes can result in faster hires and enhanced candidate experiences overall.

RETENTION AND EMPLOYEE SATISFACTION

While flexible working arrangements play a crucial role in attracting top employees, they are equally vital to retention and the overall success and stability of the employer.

71% of workers view a flexible working pattern as important to them when considering a new role

The CIPD has reported that a lack of flexibility is prompting job and career changes for some, with an estimated four million employees having changed careers due to a lack of flexibility at work[4]. One study found that three-quarters (77%) of employees would actively look for a new job or be willing to consider one if their company’s flexible work policies were to be reversed[5]

Therefore, by fostering a work environment that prioritises employee satisfaction through flexibility, employers can mitigate the risk of losing skilled and experienced staff members, reducing turnover rates and the associated recruitment costs.

FLEXIBILITY TIPS

What are some practical tips for managers looking to become more outwardly flexible? The first step is to train the team. This means equipping managers with the knowledge and tools to handle flexible working requests effectively. Training can help them understand the legal requirements and manage requests fairly, effectively, and consistently.

Next, it’s important to promote flexibility in job listings. This means being explicit about the flexible working options available in job advertisements. This transparency can attract candidates who might otherwise overlook your company.

Thirdly, successful employers are those that foster an inclusive culture. They encourage a culture that values flexibility and inclusivity. This goes beyond policy and touches on day-to-day operations and attitudes within the workplace.

Lastly, employers need a clear policy to properly implement flexible working. During interviews, candidates often inquire about company culture and flexibility, so having a solid policy in place can be a decisive factor in their decision-making process.

SUMMARY

Like it or not, flexible working is here to stay. This means employers who want to stand out in a tight recruitment market must use every tool at their disposal. 

Danielle Fargnoli is a Recruitment Specialist on the HR Consultancy team at WorkNest

DANIELLE FARGNOLI

MATTERS MARKETING

Expert advice to improve how you promote and sell productsyour servicesor

FACEBOOK IS STILL WAY OUT IN FRONT

Facebook offers you a much wider audience, but do it properly, otherwise you are wasting your time

Facebook is now 20 years old and has grown from a student directory into a multinational corporation, with nearly three billion monthly users worldwide.

There are 56 million Facebook users in the UK alone – that’s 80% of the population! And to those who say that “young people don’t use Facebook”, I’d point out that the largest user group is aged 25-34, making up a quarter of all those with accounts.

If your objective is to reach as many people as possible, Facebook is a good place to start. However, before jumping in with both feet, there are some important factors to consider:

1. You need to create original content using high-quality images or videos and a description that will encourage a response

2. Posts should be relevant to your target audience and made regularly 3. It is essential to monitor your page constantly, responding to comments and messages promptly

This is why you often find pages with tens of thousands of followers getting only a handful of likes for each post – hardly anyone is seeing them

In other words, you need to commit. This is not something you can dabble with when time permits. Social media requires constant attention. Apart from the obvious fact that it doesn’t look good if you don’t respond to people who are trying to contact you via your Facebook page, there is also the issue of the Facebook algorithm.

This is a complex system that ranks posts based on various factors to determine what shows up in users’ news feeds. There is a common misunderstanding

that Facebook will automatically share all your posts with every person who follows your page, but that’s not how it works. In reality, only around 5% of followers will see your posts. And that’s on a good day!

The algorithm is designed to prevent users’ news feeds from getting clogged up with irrelevant things that won’t interest them. It prioritises posts with more likes, comments, and shares than average. As a result, pages with content that gets high levels of engagement enjoy their posts being shared more widely. On the flip side, if your posts tend not to generate a reaction, the algorithm will punish you, sharing them with fewer people. This is why you often find pages with tens of thousands of followers getting only a handful of likes for each post – hardly anyone is seeing them.

Facebook constantly updates the algorithm, so it’s not always easy to predict what will perform best or game the system. It’s best to focus on creating content that will get a positive reaction from your followers.

You can reach a much wider audience on Facebook than through other marketing channels, but remember, you must make time to commit and if you can’t, either find someone to do it for you or forget it! 

NEXT MONTH

We’ll take a look at Instagram, highlighting how it differs from Facebook and why you might choose to use it for marketing your business

Huggy’s

When the price is right so are sales.

Huggy’s proves the point at its Mallory Park Speed Shop and autojumble. Brian Crichton went for a rummage

Put the cost of living into reverse and you will find it works like magic!

Huggy’s Speed Shop, based at Mallory Park Circuit, Leicestershire, has done just that and transformed its monthly autojumble/ show/open days into a truly feelgood experience, attracting people in droves to the shop.

First-time visitors are surprised and delighted because there’s no other dealer like it in the country. Huggy’s is a bit like a biker-

themed, shabby chic, Old Curiosity Shop.

Where else would you find a Zundapp tank badge and main jet in its wrapper on the second-hand book shelves?

It’s a confusion profusion of all types of motorcycling bangles and baubles.

Father and son proprietors Paul and Mitch Gaskin were thinking of tidying the place

A good idea, which in theory was a winner. But it never really took off.

You feel better after you’ve been to this event with its good atmosphere. Doctors would do well to prescribe it!

up. “No. No! Don’t do that!” said the customers. The random nature of bikes and collectables is such an antidote to the impersonal corporate approach that customers love this house of fun.

Huggy’s is a celebration of motorcycling and its history as well as a thriving retail operation.

MALLORY AUTOJUMBLE

In October 2021 Mallory manager Stuart Hicken introduced the first stand-

John Solloway, stall holder

Last year Stuart Hicken and Paul Gaskin were discussing the autojumble’s future. Paul and son Mitch, who in 2020 had moved Huggy’s from Atherstone, Warwickshire, to larger premises at Mallory had what might be considered a radical idea.

Cut the autojumble pitch price from £15 to £5 (yes, £5), charge only 50p for tea and coffee, and £3 for a bacon cob (it’s a cob in this area of the country, not a

let the public in free.

Mallory boss Hicken, who also runs a BSB team – Hawk Racing, based at Mallory –was taken aback at the sheer audacity of the low price approach. In a world of costs rising at a stupid pace, it was too contrary to contemplate. But Paul and Mitch were persuasive, and Stuart who loves bikes and racing, let them go ahead.

So this year Huggy’s Speed Shop took over the autojumble adding live music, outdoor and indoor catering, and a bike and car show. Held the first Saturday of the month (May to October) word spread and the series has been such a success that Huggy’s now plans to run during offseason months, weather permitting. The event is held outside the shop and in a

Memorabilia from the Hanks family sidecar racing dynasty

Autojumble day and it’s busy. Foreground machines are Huggy’s imports from USA. Prices range from £2000-£15,000

Diner –open six days a week, Huggy’s

neighbouring field rather than within the circuit.

Huggy’s is on the right when entering the circuit complex and there’s plenty of room. This arrangement has resulted in a casual, relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

At the end of an autojumble people seek out Paul and Mitch to thank them for a grand day. Autojumble stallholder John Solloway (74) from Tamworth, Staffordshire, even argues that Huggy’s days are of great therapeutic benefit!

“You feel better after you’ve been to this event,” he says. “With its good atmosphere, doctors would do well to prescribe it! There’s an endless number of interesting people to meet here…”

A former road racer, Solloway’s autojumble wares on the day of interview included two sets of leathers worn by TT rider Davo Johnson. He had bought them from Huggy’s shop!

Huggy’s Mallory autojumble has become a great social event that encourages riders to get their bikes out and ride them. You see anything and everything in the rows of parked customer bikes, from brand new to pre-war,

customs and cruisers.

“We want everyone to have a good time at little expense,” says Mitch.

IMPORT STOCK

Huggy’s stock is mainly Japanese imports from America. Paul Gaskin flies out at least four times a year to scout for bikes and arrange shipping. Each visit is planned to fill a 70-bike container. Sometimes two visits per container are required.

For 15 years Huggy’s had a full-time spotter in the States, Brian Chakedis, working out of Sacramento, California. Sadly he died last year.

Huggy’s also goes to Italy and Germany for bikes and parts and is considering

Step inside and enter a different world

other horizons. At present 80% of its stock comes from America and 20% from Europe and the home market.

In addition to shop stock – usually about 50 bikes of all types, plus parts and period paraphernalia – Mitch reckons to have 10,000 items on eBay.

“We have a go at anything,” adds Mitch who says revenue is a 50/50 bikes/parts split. Would Huggy’s consider a franchise? “No,” says Mitch. “A franchise is not on the cards. People like Huggy’s because it’s not a franchise. It’s a unique set-up.” 

Huggy’s Speed Shop 01827 712906 huggysspeedshop@yahoo.com www.huggysspeedshop.co.uk

HUGGY’S: HOW IT STARTED AND WHEN

1989 Paul Gaskin and brother Mark start Govnors Bridge Motorcycles, Atherstone, Warwickshire. Huggy’s Speed Shop created as racing section

1992 Gaskin brothers take over John Harris & Sons (ex-BSA employees) motorcycle shop, Coleshill Road, Atherstone. Paul Gaskin starts road racing (350 Honda K4 twin). Races at least once every year since. Used bikes imports from USA begin

2000 Huggy’s sponsors Tristan Palmer who goes on to BSB (2008). Racing includes six trips to Daytona, USA

2008 Mitch Gaskin joins Huggy’s/Govnors full time

2009 Full-time bike sourcing agent appointed in USA

2020 Huggy’s relocates to bigger premises at Mallory Park. A boom year because of Covid lockdown. Freda’s Diner open six days a week. Wednesday morning biker social gatherings. Govnors Bridge Motorcycles now separately run by Mark Gaskin near Atherstone

2023 First Vincent owners day and Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride-out

2024 Huggy’s takes over Mallory Park autojumble. Staff: four full-time, two part-time. 12 staff on event days

interested in stocking rusty stitches products?

www.rustystitches.com

Freda’s

computer ace Tom Clark at the counter

The Business

The latest news and views in the world of business

Avoiding personal liability when a company fails

Firms regrettably fail. The problem for owners is how they manage their position

When firms fail and cannot be resurrected, their assets are sold off to repay creditors. Others fail but re-emerge in another guise, often preserving the jobs of employees. There are always losers in either situation, and a bitter taste is left in the mouth. For directors, such situations mean particularly choppy waters to navigate.

DEFINITION OF INSOLVENCY

Jamie Leader, a partner and head of Insolvency and Restructuring Disputes at Enyo Law LLP, explains that English law recognises two forms of insolvency: cash flow insolvency, which results from an inability to pay debts when they fall due, and balance sheet insolvency, which results from an excess

of total liabilities over total assets.

He points out, “A company is technically insolvent if it meets either test. So, a company with a balance sheet surplus may nonetheless be cash flow insolvent if its assets are illiquid, and a company that currently has sufficient cash to pay its debts when due may be balance sheet insolvent on a longer-term view.”

Paul Taylor, a partner in Fox Williams’s corporate department, adds more flesh to the bone. He says that while the technical wording of insolvency is set out in the Insolvency Act 1985, a company will also “be deemed to be unable to pay its debts by a court if it fails to comply with a statutory demand or satisfy enforcement of a court judgement debt awarded against it.”

DIRECTOR’S DUTIES

When business is upbeat, the primary duty of directors, according to Taylor, is to “promote the success of the company for

Get Listed Be Seen

the benefit of the shareholders and other stakeholders.” However, when storm clouds appear, with the potential for insolvency, he warns “the primary duty of the directors is to minimise the losses of the company’s creditors.” As a result, directors should “not do anything in the course of trading that would be deemed disadvantages to creditors.”

In this situation, Leader’s advice is clear: directors need to consider their actions very carefully, particularly in regard to the effect of their decisions on creditors. He says this because if directors “don’t take proper account of the interests of creditors, they will be at risk of personal liability if the company does fail.”

Good corporate governance is critical. Once a company encounters financial distress, it should hold regular board meetings and prepare detailed minutes to record the reasons for the directors’ decisions. Such evidence, in Leader’s view, will be invaluable in defending against

2025 TRADE DIRECTORY

Essentials

any future allegations of breach of duty. It goes without saying that if directors are in any doubt about what to do, they should seek professional advice.

CONTINUANCE OF BUSINESS

The obvious question at this juncture is whether an insolvent company can continue to trade? Here Leader says that they can – “in appropriate circumstances, but it is risky.”

And Taylor agrees: “The risks of continuing to trade include wrongful or fraudulent trading, and/or misfeasance, which is where a director is found guilty of breaching their fiduciary duties.”

He thinks it critical that directors recognise the actions they take while the company is insolvent will be fully scrutinised by a liquidator or administrator.

He cites section 214 of the Insolvency Act 1986: “A director can be personally liable to pay towards the assets of a company if the director allows the company to continue trading at a time when the director knew (or ought to have known) that there was no reasonable prospect of the company avoiding insolvent liquidation – this is known as ‘wrongful trading’.” He adds that if this is proven, directors can be held liable to “pay compensation equivalent to the estimated loss incurred by the company, calculated from the point that the directors knew, or ought to have concluded, the insolvency of the company to the point of formal insolvency.”

However, Leader reckons that where directors have good reason to believe that a period of cashflow insolvency is

only temporary, it may be in everyone’s interests that the company trades on to restore itself to solvency. In fact, he believes that “to liquidate the company in those circumstances might be highly value-destructive for all stakeholders.”

On a tangent, Leader cautions firms looking to raise funds that asset sales are a particular area of risk. This is because, as he details, “in the event of an insolvency, any sales of substantial assets that took place in the period before the company collapsed will inevitably be closely scrutinised and may be challenged.”

CVAS AS AN OPTION

As to options, directors can put the company into administration or liquidate it, which entails ‘winding up’ – this results in the company being closed down and its assets sold/distributed to creditors. They can also contact the company’s creditors to see if they can enter the company into a Company Voluntary Agreement (CVA).

Here Leader explains that a CVA allows a struggling company to make a proposal to its creditors to restructure its liabilities that include delaying payments and/or reducing the amounts due. If a majority of the creditors accept the proposal, it becomes binding on all of them.

He adds that CVAs aren’t perfect and don’t always succeed. This is because when preparing a proposal, it can be hard to strike the right balance between cutting hard enough to address the company’s financial difficulties and proposing terms that most creditors will support. As a result, he says that approved proposals still see some

companies fail later on. Nonetheless, he reckons that “CVAs are an invaluable part of the insolvency practitioner’s toolkit and, when used well, can deliver excellent results.”

REMOVING AN INSOLVENT COMPANY FROM COMPANIES HOUSE

Lastly, some directors think that striking their company from the Companies House register removes personal risk. However, as a general rule, Leader thinks that although it may be the only practical option for very small companies, “the better approach in most cases will be to use a formal insolvency process so as to ensure that the company’s affairs are properly dealt with.”

In fact, he’s of the view that “directors who use dissolution to seek to avoid engaging with the company’s creditors are likely to increase their risks of personal liability or disqualification.” Worse, if they intentionally avoid notifying creditors of the dissolution process, they could even commit a criminal offence.

Taylor points out an essential requirement of voluntary strike off –that the company must be under no threat of liquidation which “Could result in the director(s) being found guilty of misconduct and could result in them being held personally liable for the debts of the company.”

SUMMARY

Business failures happen. That’s life. However, directors of afflicted firms must not ignore the law and act incorrectly. If they do, they risk personal liability and possible disqualification for quite some time. 

MAINTAIN WITH MINT

All the latest products, with Colin Williams

Dainese Super Adventure Absøluteshell

THE SUPER ADVENTURE ABSØLUTESHELL IS A NEW ADVENTURE-STYLE SUIT said to be ideal for long trips and variable weather. Made from Duratex fabric combined with breathable ripstop, the Super Adventure has a modular system, with a removable windproof gilet which features ventilation zippers on the chest and back to control airflow and a removable Absøluteshell membrane which can be worn over the jacket to protect against rain, or inside it as an additional barrier against the elements. It stows in the rear cargo pocket when not in use.

For protection, the jacket comes with CE Level 2 shoulder and elbow protectors and there are pockets for a type G back protector and Pro-Armor Chest 2 PCs chest protectors. It also has stretch panels so that it is compatible with Dainese’s Smart Air airbag system. The matching pants have CE level 2 armour at the knees and level 1 on the hips. They also feature washable leather inserts that mean off-road boots can be worn over or under the trousers.

The jacket comes in a choice of two colours – Glacier grey/ Iron Gate/red or Tarmac/black/fluo-yellow – and retails at £649, with the matching pants at £429. Nevis Marketing; 01425 478936; info@nevis.uk.com

Making Triumphs Rapid 3

Dunlop SportSmart Mk4

RAPID’S BIKE SMART MODULE KIT IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR Triumph 660 models. This module modifies the lambda sensor signal to prompt the stock ECU to adjust to a richer carburetion. It optimises the air/fuel ratio and injection values throughout the rev range, claiming to give smoother power delivery and improved throttle response, as well as undefined “benefits to overall performance”. It’s plug and play installation and has Bluetooth connectivity to allow adjustment via a smartphone app. SRP is £315. Performance Parts; 01327 706139; enquiries@performanceparts-ltd.com

DUNLOP HAS LAUNCHED ITS LATEST ROADfocused hypersport tyre, the fourth iteration of the SportSmart. The new SportSmart is said to represent a substantial improvement over the previous version thanks to a new compound which improves wet weather performance, providing a 20% gain in traction on low grip surfaces and an 18% improvement on medium grip surfaces. The new MultiTread compound features a new polymer blend along with high surface area silica, wet and dry grip resins and ‘Fine Carbon’ technology. Together, these help to improve grip, reduce warm-up time, and reduce rolling resistance to improve efficiency.

The rear tyre has a durable centre combined with softer shoulder compounds, while the front tyre uses the softer compound across its whole tread width.

Dunlop has also made the most of its race experience, bringing across technology from the track: Dynamic Front Formula on the front tyre helps to balance steering effort, grip, stability and feel, and the Carcass Tension Control System helps to optimise the tyres’ footprint for low-effort direction changes and neutral behaviour in corners.

The SportSmart Mk4 will be available in a 120/70ZR17 front fitting and a number of rear sizes from 160/60ZR17 to 200/55ZR17 from launch, with more sizes to be added later. Dunlop; www.dunlop.eu

Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX

THE NINJA 1000SX HAS CONSISTENTLY BEEN KAWASAKI’S best-selling model, so replacing the jack-of-all-trades sports-tourer is no trifling matter. The most obvious upgrade of the new model is an increase in capacity to 1100cc, which promises more power and better efficiency, but numerous other changes lurk beneath the surface: there are new gear ratios to give more relaxed highspeed cruising, a revised quick shifter that operates even at low engine speeds, and a larger rear brake disc for improved stopping power. For the first time, there will be an SE version of the SX, which adds Brembo brakes, Öhlins rear shock and heated grips.

The base model Ninja 1100SX comes in grey/black for £12,249, while the SE version, in a choice of emerald green/black or grey/ black, retails for £13,999.

Kawasaki; 01628 856750; www.kawasaki.co.uk

Touratech Sport 5

A NEW RACK-MOUNTED TAILPACK FROM GERMAN adventure accessories maker Touratech, the Sport bag is an addition to its Extreme series of soft luggage. As with the rest of the Extreme range the 5-litre Sport is fully waterproof, being made from a three-layer laminate fabric that is also abrasion and tear resistant. The fabric is fully welded, avoiding the potential of leaky seams, and a double-ended waterproof zip keeps everything secured. The interior is lined in bright yellow to make stored items easy to find against the contrasting colour, and a lid-mounted mesh pocket provides storage for small items. SRP is £109.05. Touratech; +49 7728 9279-0; info@touratech.de

Keis bodywarmer updated

KEIS HAS UPDATED ITS B601RP UltraFlex heated bodywarmer just in time for the winter frosts.

is that branding and badging is slightly more discreet, but beneath the surface more significant upgrades have been made. The cables connecting the four micro carbonfibre heating panels (two front, one rear, and another in the collar) have been rerouted to be more comfortable, and the UltraFlex material used to make the bodywarmer has been reformulated to give a more tailored fit without bunching up. Ultraflex is made from 85% Chinlon and 15% Spandex, making it both lightweight and four-way stretch, and it also wicks away moisture.

The bodywarmer is now suitable for dual power – either the motorcycle’s 12V system or a 5000mAh Keis battery (sold separately), can be used to provide the necessary watts.

Available in sizes 2XS to 3XL, the Keis B601RP UltraFlex has an SRP of £180 which includes a lifetime warranty on the heating panels and a two-year warranty on the rest of the jacket. Keis; hello@keisapparel.com

NEW CORROSION CONTROL

Designed to protect your bike from existing and new corrosion. This product is easy to apply, and once used it forms a thin film that creates a protective barrier against corrosion.

New frontiers for Oxford Products

Whenever you visit Oxford Products’ huge Witney headquarters and warehouse complex you can always be sure that there will be a profusion of new things to see. A recent trip during the firm’s Dealer Days presentations, when they welcomed dealers from across the UK and beyond to show them the latest developments, revealed that new MD Henry Rivers Fletcher and his team had been busy rearranging the showrooms to create a new layout that concentrates all the brands into their own areas: one for Oxford’s ownbrand motorcycle products, one for its cycling range, one for Alpinestars and one to display helmets from HJC, MT and Simpson.

The biggest of these display areas is, of course, the showroom stuffed full of Oxford branded clothing and accessories, all of which are displayed on Oxford-designed point-of-sale racking, with Oxford-produced signage and probably Oxford light bulbs and flooring too! This showroom is split roughly in half, with one end filled with an extensive clothing range and the other half packed with a huge range of accessories. Among the clothing, the one and two-piece leathers range launched last year is said to be selling well, especially in Eastern Europe, where the

sportsbike scene is still alive and kicking. Its a healthy reminder that Oxford trades internationally on a significant scale. In the UK, jeans are the biggest sellers, evidencing the move by bikers to buying more urban and retro style clothing. So, added to the 2025 range is a new casual leather jacket, the Walton, designed to take the brand to the next level in terms of quality and finish. It’s made of soft and supple cow leather with lots of highspec detailing, and is AA rated with CE level 1 shoulder and elbow armour for its £219.99 SRP. There are also a new pair of wax cotton jackets: the new £279.99 SRP Sterling has traditional four-pocket styling and comes in both men’s and ladies cuts, and the £249.99 Hardy 2.0 is an update to Oxford’s best-selling jacket from its urban range. Both are now AA rated for abrasion resistance and have CE Level

2 armour fitted at the shoulders and elbows, plus a pocket for a back protector.

In Oxford’s core range of textile adventure-style suits, the new Toronto brings a sportier edge with a shorter-length jacket and matching pants. Underneath the AA rated high-density polyester outer layer there are a Dry2Dry waterproof membrane and a detachable thermal lining. The jacket will come in digital camo or green colourways for an SRP of £149.99, with the pants in black only for £129.99.

CANVASSING OPINIONS

Where Oxford’s R&D centre has been busiest is working on the ever-expanding range of accessories, some of which are improvements of existing products and ideas, while others are

ventures into new sectors. An example of the latter is the Micro Tent, which is the first time Oxford has gone under canvas (or in this case, ripstop polyester). The light grey colour has been chosen to keep the inside of the tent cooler under the summer sun, and to keep the weight and volume to a minimum it is sized strictly for one person plus kit, which means no partying with friends but the upside is that it only weighs 2.5kg and fits into a compact 7-litre bag, including poles. SRP is £220. More of a natural fit in the range is the new Nomad range of low-cost, lightweight soft luggage aimed at the enduro adventurer, but suitable to be attached to almost any bike thanks to four adaptable harnesses that strap to the fuel tank or seat. The array of Nomad pouches, bags and bottle holders can then be secured using a Molle strap system. The range includes weatherproof (not waterproof) 1-litre, 2-litre and 4-litre zip-up

A Honda CRF fitted with most of the Nomad luggage range takes to the grass, with Oxford’s new Micro Tent behind

The Hardy 2.0 has big shoes to fill, as it’s an update to Oxford’s best-selling urban jacket

Bike covers have gone premium with the launch of two new versions.

Right: The heavyweight Beast disc lock

pouches, an insulated cool bag, a large open-top drop-in sack for easy access, plus single and double bottle carriers for fuel and/or water.

Aside from luggage, another sector that Oxford is known for is security, so there is a new disc lock which completes the heavyweight Beast range. Also (loosely) security related are the new Aquatex Pro and topof-the-range Stormex Pro bike covers. The Stormex features a soft stretchy fabric liner for a snug fit with a heavyweight waterproof 600D polyester outer layer for high levels of weather protection. New hold-open vents ensure that ventilation is maintained to reduce condensation.

Never ones to waste an opportunity, or miss the opportunity to cut waste, the design team noticed that valuable 3K carbon fibre offcuts were being binned during the making of helmets. So they decided to reduce the amount going to landfill by developing a carbon brake lever guard and aerodynamic carbon winglets that use up some of the waste material and turn it into saleable products. Both designs are universal fit, and come in a choice of matt or gloss-finish carbon.

Mint, Oxford’s range of sprays, cleaners and lubricants, is always expanding in scope, and is bolstered for 2025 with a new Corrosion Control spray developed in-house from scratch. It is

said to outperform its bigbrand rivals when it comes to protecting a stored machine over the winter.

HELMET HAVEN

A new helmet showroom has been built to show off all the HJC, Simpson and MT lids in one well-lit location. For the first time in a while there will be a raft of new designs from MT, many of which were yet to arrive at the time of BDN’s visit. HJC also has several new models for 2025, with the most eye-catching being the new RPHA 60, which is a highend adventure style lid with an aerodynamic PIM shell, a peak designed to minimise drag and maximise stability at speed, and all the bells and whistles you’d expect for £469.99.

Obviously, this little lot barely scratches the surface as far as all the upcoming clothing and accessories are concerned. Oxford’s R&D centre at Witney is constantly buzzing with new projects. We’ll keep you updated with the best of them over the coming months.

Oxford Products; 01993 862300; info@oxprod.com

Scrambler Rizoma 5

DUCATI HAS TEAMED UP WITH FANCY ITALIAN ACCESSORIES maker Rizoma to create a limited edition Scrambler to celebrate the model’s 10th anniversary. The Scrambler Ducati 10° Anniversario Rizoma Edition is limited to 500 units, each featuring an exclusive Metal Rose finish on various bits of the trim. It’s pretty monochromatic, with Stone white paint and components and exhaust finished in black. The rose-hued metalwork is reserved for the highlights of flyscreen, clutch, belt cover plus a few other bits and pieces.

You won’t get hold of one just yet, as they don’t arrive from the factory until next March. Pricing will be confirmed closer to the launch date.

Ducati; www.ducati.com

Daytona heated grips

PYRAMID HAS UPDATED ITS DAYTONA HEATED GRIPS WITH improved controls and better performance. The new controls are built into the left-hand grip to allow changes to the settings without having to let go of the bars, freeing up space on the bars no longer taken up by a separate controller.

The grips are constructed from double-layer rubber, and obviously they are waterproof. There are four heat levels, with colour LEDs displaying the level selected. There’s also a quick-heat function, which delivers rapid warmth at the start of a ride.

They fit 22.2mm handlebars, and are open-ended to allow fitment with bar end weights or handguards. SRP is £113.99, including a fused and sealed wiring loom.

Pyramid Motorcycle Accessories; 01427 677990; support@pyramidmoto.co.uk

Each gap on the shelving denotes a new upcoming MT helmet

New HJC RPHA 60 in Dakar colours

SHORT CUTS

CARDO DUO

CARDO’S PACKTALK EDGEPHONE ORV system for helmet-free communication and entertainment is now available in a convenient twin-pack. Ideal for use on off-road quads or buggies, the systems comprise a Packtalk Edge, headphones and a built-in boom microphone. They can provide voice comms at a range of up to 5km, ideal for locations where phone signal is non-existent. Price is $949.95 for the pair.

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

KTM DUKE COVERS

GBRACING HAS developed a set of its well-known secondary protection covers to suit the 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R. The new covers protect the alternator and clutch, and include revised bushings and fixings to suit the muscular Austrian machine. The clutch cover has an SRP of £91.02, the alternator cover is £104.30, or the pair are available for £185.56 SRP. GBRacing; 020 8275 2630; enquiries@gbracing.eu

Akrapovič for mid-range Triumphs 5

AKRAPOVIČ HAS ADAPTED ONE OF ITS RETRO STYLED SYSTEMS to create a new exhaust for the Triumph Scrambler and Speed 400 models. The end-can design was introduced by Akrapovič thirty years ago and has undergone numerous updates over the years, but the core design has remained the same with a sandblasted titanium outer sleeve, and stainless steel link pipe, end caps and heatshield.  Performance improvements are modest: power and torque from the 398cc single-cylinder engine improve by 0.9hp and 1.0 Nm at 8000rpm respectively. Throttle response is said to have been improved, and the lightweight construction shaves 39.5% (1.3kg) off the weight compared with the stock system. It is EC/ECE type approved and Euro5 compliant, and the straightforward plug-andplay installation means no remapping is needed. It fits both the Triumph Scrambler 400X and the Triumph Speed 400 and has an SRP of £642.

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

Kappa Garda Lite cases

KAPPA HAS ADDED A new Lite version of the Garda luggage range to its catalogue to provide a more economically-priced set of cases.

FAST II GETS GOLD

LS2’S MOTOCROSS FAST II HELMET has been given ACU Gold approval, so now carries the requisite sticker to make it eligible for off-road competition events. It comes in black for an SRP of £79.99 or in numerous graphic options for £89.99. LS2 Helmets UK; 01670 856342; ukservice2@ls2helmets.com

Axor Apex

Aimed at adventure and “maxienduro” riders, the range consists of three models: a 52-litre topcase plus 33- and 46-litre side cases. The two side cases have different capacities as the one is shaped to fit around a high-level exhaust. They are made from fibreglass-reinforced technopolymer. The top case includes a carrying handle for off-bike use. SRPs are £210.61 for the top case, £198.73 for the smaller of the side cases, and £203.21 for the larger side case.

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

VMC Venturi 4

FOR ANY ENGINE TO CREATE POWER IT NEEDS FUEL AND AIR, the more of each the better. The Venturi VMC airbox is designed to maximise airflow into the engines of Vespa 125, 150 and 200cc large frame models, by using a smooth air venturi and a larger volume aluminium body, resulting in better acceleration and top speed. A choice of air filters to fit within the casing is offered to optimise efficiency. SRP is £118.

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

BIKE-IT’S NEW BUDGET priced ECE 22.06 sport touring helmet, the Axor Apex, is low on price but high on features. The ABS shell includes an integrated aerodynamic spoiler, D-ring fastening, and dual top air vents, a chin vent and a rear exhaust port provide ventilation. Inside there is a removable and washable liner, a chin-guard wind stopper and a breath deflector. The spring-loaded visor mechanism ensures a good seal, there’s a drop-down sun visor and the scratchresistant visor comes with a Pinlock 30 anti-fog insert –plus there is an extra smoked visor included in the box. It comes in sizes XS to XXL, at £89.99 for matt black or gloss white, £124.99 for any of the six graphics options. Bike It; 02380 658700; tradesales@bikeit.co.uk

TriedTested&

S100 cleaning products

Tested by Colin Williams

MOTORCYCLE CLEANERS ARE A CONSISTENT seller for dealers, as customers search out the quickest and lowest-effort way of getting their bike gleaming. German chemical specialist Dr Wack has new additions to its S100 range of cleaners, so how do they measure up?

To give S100’s finest a tough test I used my own bike, which bears the scars of many a commuting winter and rarely sees a sponge. For the new formula Moto Wash (£17.99 SRP) I followed the instructions, spraying it liberally onto one half of the bike and left it to work its magic while I tried out the Power Bike shampoo (£19.99) on the other half. The shampoo was diluted in warm water and applied using a wash mitt, so had an element of agitation before I rinsed the bike. Results were impressive, the dirt could be seen running off in the foam, leaving the bodywork ready for a quick wipe with a pillowysoft S100 microfibre cloth (£9.99). The Moto Wash cleaned painted surfaces and the screen brilliantly, but required some agitation with a brush to remove heavier soiling on the swingarm and the leading edge of the forks, but this was not unexpected.

On to the wheels, and Dr Wack’s Rim Cleaner (£14.99) also promised a spray-on, rinse-off application. Its bright pink gel formation stuck to the wheels and was left to do its stuff for the recommended 10 minutes before rinsing with a hose. Its effectiveness was immediately apparent, as the bits I’d missed with the spray stood out a mile. A quick second spray and a bit of a wipe round with a wheel brush soon sorted that out.

The S100 range covers leather and fabric care, helmet cleaning and chain treatments, as well as a wide selection of bike washing formulations and accessories. It is not a cheap brand, favouring concentrated formulae and scientific testing, but it does an excellent job of making cleaning a bike a minimal effort job.

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

The Before

The During

The After

SHORT CUTS

JETEX LAMBRETTA CARBS

JETEX’S SH2-22 CARBS WERE ORIGINALLY designed for Indian-made Lambretta GPs, and are a copy of the now-unavailable Dellorto SH2-22. For classic scooter enthusiasts, they are suitable to provide original looks with improved reliability. There are two versions of the SH2-22 –one for 150cc motors, the other for 200cc machines. They can also be fitted to other Lambretta models by swapping the inlet manifold. SRP is £69.95.

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

SUZUKI DEALS

THE 125CC MARKET HAS TAKEN A BIT of a dive since January, down by more than 20% compared to 2023. In a bid to bolster sales and corner a larger chunk of the market, Suzuki has given its sporty naked GSX-S125 a makeover with two new colour schemes – black/grey with black wheels, and black/red with red wheels. The GSX-S125 has also, along with its faired GSX-R125 sibling, been given a £650 price chop to encourage A1 licence holders into showrooms. Suzuki; www.bikes.suzuki.co.uk

RK XRE CHAIN

RK’S XRE CHAIN RANGE IS THE SUCCESSOR to the XSO series, with added motorsport development. It utilises XW rings, which seal the chain at six separate points to prevent loss of lubricant. Lubrication “pools” are created to reduce wear and friction, and to exclude debris, greatly improving durability. To add a stylish touch, the XRE comes in traditional steel, gold, gloss black with gold rollers, or coloured finishes including blue, green, orange and red. It’s available in 428, 520, 525 and 530 pitch making it suitable for bikes from 125 to 1400cc, and can be used on- and off-road. Prices start from £42.74 SRP.

Larsson UK; 01536 265633; info@larsson.uk.com

RevampTranAmat

TranAm’s Hampshire HQ has had a busy 12 months following the firm’s buyout by Finnish giant Duell. The new ownership came with two in-house clothing brands – Halvarssons and Lindstrands – which necessitated a bit of a revamp in the showroom area.

The remodelling project has now been taken a step further with the building of a dedicated presentation and training room, known as the Engine Room. Styled with lots of fluted black panelling and subdued lighting, it is decorated with a selection of racing memorabilia along with crash-damaged and cutaway garments to illustrate the technologies used that can often be hidden away.

Having had a seasons’ worth of experience with the brands, TranAm has decided to make the split between Halvarssons and Lindstrands clearer. Ongoing, Lindstrands will be the “budget” option, with prices maxing out at £349, while Halvarssons

will be the premium range. There will also be more input from TranAm into the design process, helping to create a range better suited to British riders and conditions. Other brand changes include dropping Bering and Segura clothing, and Racer gloves, and signing the Five gloves brand to the portfolio (see page 15).

HIGH-END HELMETS

Schuberth isn’t known for doing things by halves, as illustrated by its new E2 Carbon flip-front helmet. It is made in Italy, in a factory that makes helmets for MotoGP riders and Formula 1 drivers (Max Verstappen chooses a Schuberth, despite not being sponsored by them). Each shell is laid-up by hand, then baked in an autoclave for 30 minutes, 10 times longer than mass-produced rivals, before being trimmed by high-pressure water jet and hand lacquered, resulting in a lightweight aerodynamic

lid that is certified for road use in both open and closed formats. Obviously all these exotic materials and hand production don’t come cheap, but there is definitely a market for it even at £1199.99 SRP. Slightly lower down the price range, but still in premium territory, is the £429.99 J2 jet style helmet. This benefits from Schuberth’s acoustic wind tunnel expertise making it as quiet as a C5 full-face lid. Slightly counter-intuitively for an open-face lid there is a thin detachable chin bar that is said to make it offer the same levels of protection as a full-face lid.

Another development for Schuberth is that from next year it will offer Bluetooth comms systems from both Sena and Cardo to fit into its helmets, allowing users to pick their favourite to match with their mates’.

For those without mates to talk to, there will also be a comms system that comes without mesh capability, making it ideal for rider-to-pillion chats. It’ll be around £100 cheaper than the full system.

TranAm’s other helmet brand is Scorpion, which features the new Exo-GT SP

Air, a carbonshelled touring helmet said to be the world’s first in having both an aspherical visor and an aspherical dropdown sun visor. It also has a plush interior finish, and is very quiet, in part thanks to the brand’s signature air-pump inflating cheek pads. It comes in loads of colours and graphics, with prices starting at £359.99.

PREMIUM JACKETS

Rukka has been TranAm’s headline act for a number of years, and for next season there are two additions to the range, each targeting very different weather conditions. The Air Karvik is a summer jacket with large mesh panels alongside Cordura and stretch fabric, fitted with D3O’s oversized XTR armour all round. It only comes in black at an SRP of £499.99. For all-year use, the Rukka Hybrid-R is an AArated Gore-Tex Pro laminate jacket with temperatureregulating Outlast and lots of venting. Ideal for touring the unpredictable climes of Northern Europe, it has an SRP of £1499.99. Matching trousers are £1099.99, making for a highly protective suit at a premium price point.

Rukka Hybrid-R jacket and trousers

Left: Schuberth E2 Carbon. Above: Scorpion Exo-GT SP Air

Swedish firm Halvarssons has been making motorcycle clothing since the 1940s, protecting bikers from injury and the Scandinavian weather. Its new jackets for the 2025 season include the Dalen and Vinvallen. The Dalen is an AA-rated, 20k waterproof, 20k breathable all-season adventure jacket with a thermal gilet, CE level 2 armour and provision to be used with an airbag. Particular attention has been paid to seam taping accuracy to ensure that it all remains watertight, as this can be a weak point on many brands’ jackets. The Dalen comes in green or black for an SRP of £649.99, with matching black trousers at £479.99. The AArated Vinvallen is a traditional touring jacket with a drop liner, Outlast and a thermal gilet. Level 2 armour is fitted at shoulders and elbows. It has an SRP of £489.99 and the matching trousers are £399.99.

For Lindstrands the new AA-rated laminated Storbo will be the brand’s top-level suit, with level 2 armour and a thermal gilet. The price point of £289.99 for the jacket and £239.99 for the trousers (both men’s and ladies’) will take the fight to some well known mass-market brands.

FIVE-STAR BOOTS

The launch of a new Daytona boot is a rare occurrence, but the German perfectionists have revealed a new vented mid-height boot for 2025–the Arrow Pro Air. Hand made from punched leather and Cordura, backed by a GoreTex membrane, the Arrows are a waterproof summer boot for £359.95.

Italian boot maker Falco has been creating new models to bolster its range, and has said that it will relocate manufacturing back to Italy from its Eastern European factories to improve quality and to speed-up the design process. The new £319.99

Avantour 3 full-height touring boot features a Sympatex waterproof membrane under its leather uppers, while the £189.99 trainer-style Reddyx occupies the opposite end of the market with its walking boot styling, perforated uppers and dial fastening.

TRAINING DAYS

With all these new developments TranAm is showing that Duell’s ownership hasn’t changed its focus on the top end of the motorcycle clothing market, and in fact it is doublingdown with new training and marketing facilities, built to make it easier to keep dealers up to date on new products and the best ways to educate their customers.

TranAm; 01425 620580; sales@tranam.couk

Touratech Endurance

TOURATECH HAS ADDED A splash of colour to its Endurance side bag, with new Lava red and Pacific blue options. Made from heavy duty laminated fabric, the Endurance bag fits on to the bike with a simple latching system, and can be quickly dismounted to be used off-bike, where a shoulder strap adds to practicality. The 30-litre bag is fully waterproof thanks to a roll-top closure. SRP is £335.62 for a pair. Touratech; +49 7728 9279-0; info@touratech.de

BMW caliper repair kits 4

LARSSON HAS NEW JMP CALIPER REPAIR kits to rejuvenate the braking on a range of BMW models. The kits include pistons, seals, dust covers, pad pins, clips, bleed nipples and various rubber parts. Each kit has sufficient parts for one caliper.

Models covered include BMW C series scooters, F series singles and twins, plus G, K,R and S series models – even some of the rare HP models are included. Front and rear fitments are available, and prices vary according to model – a K1200/1300 kit is £73.26 SRP, and an S1000 RR is £117.22 SRP, for example.

Larsson UK; 01536 265633; info@larsson.uk.com

Reddyx summer boots

THE GILLES FXR2 RACING REARSET KIT FOR DUCATI PANIGALE

V4, S and R models has been specifically designed for use with a quickshifter, and it can be set up for reverse GP or standard shifting patterns. Machined from high-grade aluminium, the FXR2 is adjustable in multiple directions, including six positions for the footpegs, plus adjustment for the levers, toe pegs and shift travel. It is homologated for race use, so can be used on track as well as on road. Weight is 1048g. SRP is £684. Performance Parts; 01327 706139; enquiries@performanceparts-ltd.com

Gilles rearsets

Left: The Halvarsson Dalen adventure suit comes in black, but also in what many are saying will be the “big”colour for biker clothing in 2025 – green. The large front vents can be unzipped and clipped open to allow through ventilation

Below:Falco

Desert Fox bladders 5

DESERT FOX EMPLOYS THE SORT OF PEOPLE who treat crossing the Serengeti like popping down to the shops, so you would trust them to have the experience and know how to create products to survive everything from a day exploring the Welsh mountains to a crosscontinent adventure. Whatever the extent of the ride, you want to make sure you have enough fuel to get there, but traditional jerry cans are big, bulky and heavy, making them problematical to carry on a bike. Instead, Desert Fox has developed a set of 3-, 6- and 20-litre folding fuel cells made with a tough Cordura outer and a leak-proof nylon bladder. They have loops to connect to the bike, but can be folded away when not required. A carrying handle and extending filling spout make the refuelling process quick and simple too. They only come in a traditional khaki colour, with the 3-litre version costing £46 SRP, the 6-litre £49 SRP, and the 20-litre £55 SRP.

Nippy Normans; sales@nippynormans.com

AWARD WINNING PRODUCTS

Merlin Borderlands

A NEW JACKET AND TROUSERS COMBO FROM MERLIN adds another string to the brand’s Explorer Collection of adventure clothing. The AA-rated Borderlands jacket is made from a lightweight and moisture-wicking Invista Tactel laminated nylon shell with 10k/10k waterproof/ breathability performance. For colder weather there is a removable 125g thermal lining featuring an overlapping front wind breaker. Protection is provided by D3O CE level 1 shoulder and elbow protectors, with pockets to fit optional D3O back and chest protectors. Twin chest vents and forearm air-intakes provide through-ventilation thanks to a three point rear venting system. The Borderlands is available in granite or moss colourways, in sizes S-4XL, for an SRP of £299.99.

To complete the ensemble there are matching in-boot trousers which have the same laminated Invista Tactel material for the outer shell with the addition of leather panels on the inner knees. The trousers feature an active-fit pre-curved knee, elasticated waist with a highrise back coverage and a 125g removable thigh-length thermal liner. D3O level 1 adjustable armour is fitted at the knee along with pre-fitted CE level 1 hip protectors. They also come in granite and moss colourways, plus ever-popular black. They are available in sizes S-4XL in two leg lengths for an SRP of £229.99.

Merlin; 01543 270299; info@merlinbikegear.com

Givi Trekker 5

GIVI’S TREKKER RANGE OF RIGID ALUMINIUM ADVENTUREstyle luggage has been around for more than a decade now, going through numerous updates, restyles and redesigns. The latest addition to the range is the new 35 litre Trekker Lite case, which keep the rugged off-road styling of the rest of the Trekker ranges, but is made from thermoplastic, rather than aluminium, to make it a little more wallet-friendly. The construction has the added benefits of making the case lightweight and the styling more streamlined, as well as keeping it watertight so your lunch doesn’t get wet. The Trekker Lite can be used as both a side case or top case, fitting to a suitable Monokey rack from Givi’s extensive range.The Trekker Lite comes in black or black/grey for an SRP of £155.50.

Givi UK; 01327 706220; info@givi.co.uk

Husqvarna Vitpilen 801

FOLLOWING ON FROM THE LAUNCH OF THE SVARTPILEN 801 earlier in the year, it comes as no surprise to find that Husqvarna has now shoehorned the parallel twin motor into an equivalent Vitpilen 801. The Vitpilen is the more stylish urban brother to the scrambler-style Svartpilen, but uses the same tubular steel frame and WP Apex suspension as its more rugged sibling.

The compact 799cc motor produces 105hp and helps the bike achieve a dry weight of 180kg. There are multiple electronic rider aids, including four ride modes, one of which is customisable, plus cornering ABS, a slipper clutch and cornering traction control.

At the front end, there is a 5in TFT dash with a mineral glass display to reduce glare and reflections. This can be connected to Husky’s app on a linked smartphone to provide navigation and comms controls .

Pricing is yet to be confirmed, but the bike should be in showrooms by the end of the year.

Husqvarna; 0344 225 1540; www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com

TRADE CLASSIFIEDS

On the Money

This month’s tangled tale of wickedness is in danger of becoming a soap opera, before it even gets off the grid!

EPISODE 1: A NEW TARGET

Way back in March this year, I introduced Episode One. This detailed, in the wake of the Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) mis-selling scandal which cost Britain’s banking industry more than £40 billion in compensation, how the Financial Conduct Authority had since identified another ripe target worthy of torment.

It involved motor and motorcycle point-of-sale finance provision, whereby lenders and dealers were involved in questionable joint procedures mutually lining their pockets. A “discretionary commission” model from lenders incentivised dealers to persuade their consumer credit applicants to choose higher interest rates on loans, obviously to the latters’ detriment and lenders’ pecuniary advantage.

The FCA dithered for around four years, before taking action. But eventually plans to eliminate such commission arrangements were formulated and the FCA also added new disclosure obligations to inform credit applicants about any remaining commissions in play. The original “discretionary” commissions were finally banned and commission disclosure rules imposed in January 2021.

But the angst didn’t stop there. An FCA probe soon highlighted profiteering on inflated interest rates, relating to historic commissions agreements. They dated all the way back to 2007 when the Financial Ombudsman Service had assumed responsibility for overseeing consumer credit. So, PPI-style claims management companies soon piled in to represent aggrieved consumers and the likely costs to lenders multiplied exponentially.

As my Episode One drew to a close, City analysts had already reckoned that Lloyds Banking Group’s Black Horse Motor and Motorcycle Finance operations could be on the cusp of a £1.8bn compensation hit. Familiar names like Santander, Close Brothers and MotoNovo were in the firing

line too. Headline compensation estimates accelerated rapidly, from £4bn to approaching £13bn. I opined in conclusion that just like PPI mis-selling, flexible measurement of compensation scale would probably depend on the “how long is a piece of string?” thesis.

EPISODE 2: HITTING THE FAN

Then in a dramatic turn of events, motor and motorcycle finance lender Close Brothers abruptly “paused” the provision of new loans through dealerships at the end of October. Its decision came as an immediate response to an approach to the Court of Appeal, after several claims brought in the county courts had failed, and its subsequent ruling.

Plans to eliminate such commission arrangements were formulated and the FCA also added new disclosure obligations to inform credit applicants about any remaining commissions in play

Egged on by consumer rights activists, disgruntled plaintiffs had complained that dealer commissions – “discretionary” or otherwise – had been paid without their knowledge and they were not in a position to give fully informed consent. Senior Court of Appeal judges Lady Justice Andrews, Lord Justice Birss and Lord Justice Edis agreed with them. Their adjudication delivered on 25 October said that, to give such consent, customers would need to be informed about the amount of commission paid by lenders and how it was calculated, which hadn’t happened in the cases reviewed. So essentially, it had become strictly unlawful for dealers to receive commissions from finance providers unless the payments have been formally disclosed and consent given. And dealer sales personnel now have a “fiduciary duty” to inform customers about bonuses, commissions and fees they receive from lenders.

Most pointedly, the Court of Appeal verdict found that: “Burying relevant information in the small print which the lender knows the borrower is highly unlikely to read will not suffice.”

Opinions of the verdict from lawyers with clients in the finance sector were characterised by remarks like “the worst possible outcome” and “significant implications for lender liability”. Freshly estimated compensation pay-outs in any redress scheme under consideration by the FCA, spanning between 2007 and the 2021 discretionary commission ban, now stand in the region of £16bn – potentially the financial services industry’s most costly burden since multi-billion PPI settlements. Unsurprisingly in these circumstances, Close Brothers said it intends to take an appeal to the Supreme Court, while its services to dealers remain dormant and its share price valuation has more than halved.

Close Brothers wasn’t alone, however. Spanish bank Santander delayed the release of its UK quarterly results, as the parent sought to quantify the court decision’s possible cost if some commissions paid to dealerships proved to have been unlawful. One quick-off-the-mark analyst quoted in the Financial Times suggested that Santander was already looking at a £1bn charge.

Lloyds’ Black Horse arm acted with remarkable speed, abolishing bonuses paid to dealers and introducing a “no commission” contract ensuring fees will not be paid to them. Lloyds chief of finance William Chalmers hosted an urgent briefing for investors, according to the Daily Telegraph. Explaining the situation, he reassured them that the bank wanted to stand by its customers and the UK economy to carry on lending. Lloyds has reportedly now set aside £450m to meet potential claims.

Apart from Close Brothers, a notso-orderly queue of other motor and motorcycle finance lenders felt forced to pause activities and consider pulling out of the market altogether. They included Mann Island, MotoNovo, V12, Zopa, Secure Trust and Northridge. Honda Financial Services also took the decision to pause funding while it assessed the court ruling. A solus Honda motorcycle

dealer on BDN’s grapevine phoned us after being told to sit on almostcomplete finance deals until some clarification emerged.

When it did, a statement from Honda said: “We apologise for any impact that this may have had on our customers and retail partners. We have now had time to review the situation and have been able to put in place interim measures to allow us to resume the funding of all finance business.”

EPISODE 3: FROZEN FUTURE?

Chaos at dealerships throughout the country has ensued and everybody involved is frantically trying to avoid a collapse in the car and motorcycle markets, owing to a point-of-sale funding famine – especially given both

Chaos at dealerships throughout the country has ensued and everybody involved is frantically trying to avoid a collapse in the car and motorcycle markets

automotive markets are currently in dire straits. Government treasury ministers have sat down with the FCA regulators who set this ball rolling and the Finance & Leasing Association representing lenders, in the perhaps forlorn hope that a compromise can be achieved that doesn’t involve widespread bankruptcies in either the financial services industry, or among motor and motorcycle retailers.

FCA chief executive Nikhil Rathi’s attitude is hardly encouraging. He is simply waiting for the outcome of a potential Supreme Court ruling on the judgement before taking further action. “We need clarity on whether this is the courts’ final word on the issue,” he said.

Unfortunately, nobody’s likely to rein in the hordes of grasping lawyers and rapacious claims management operatives intent on enjoying a winwin Christmas bonanza of mis-selling rewards. Effing jingle bells for some. 

WHILE MOST OF US HAVE barely had any cold weather yet, the seasons march on relentlessly, and we’re now into the thick of winter events: EICMA, Motorcycle Live and the Devitt Insurance MCN London Motorcycle Show in February.

The MCN website has been buzzing with news of all the new bikes, and our reviews

Used bike

section reflects some of the changes, too. Naked bikes make up a whopping 26% of all sessions in bike reviews, and the latest is the most popular read: Husqvarna’s Vitpilen 801.

The most popular new adventure bike is the new Kawasaki Versys 1100, with that sector accounting for 19% of sessions, while sports bikes

make up 15% of sessions, and BMW’s popular S1000 RR remains in the top spot there. Over in Bikes for Sale, adventure bikes now account for a fifth (20%) of traffic, nipping on the heels of naked at 21%. There’s been a change in the three most popular bikes for sale, too, with Honda’s NC750X in the top spot, followed by

BMW’s R1250 GS Adventure (presumably in the wake of the launch of the R1300) and then Honda’s Africa Twin.

GARETH EVANS Online editor, MCN

Enfield Himalayan

9. Kawasaki Versys 1000

10. Kawasaki Versys 650

1. 2025 Husqvarna Vitpilen 801

2. 2021 Triumph Trident 660

3. 2013 Yamaha MT-09

4. 2009 Yamaha XJ6

5. 2024 Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450

2019 BMW S1000 RR

2024 Kawasaki ZX-6R

2024 Honda CBR600RR

2011 Suzuki GSX-R750

2019 Honda CBR650R

Sport 1. 2025 Kawasaki Versys 1100 2. 2014 Honda NC750X

2024 CFMoto 450MT

2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan

2020 BMW F900 XR

END-OF-YEAR BOOST SEES USED TRAFFIC ROCKET

AS WINTER BEGINS TO tighten its grip on the British weather the average number of days to sell bikes on Auto Trader Bikes’ website was slightly quicker than the same period last year. This is thanks in part to an increase of 29% overall in the number of visits to the site.

The good news continues when we look at market health, with this being up by a staggering 9.1% year-on-year – the highest level since 2022. This is mostly due to a massive 17.4% increase in demand, combined with the supply of suitable machinery only growing by 7.6%.

The fastest selling bikes on the site are again 125s, with learner-friendly kit taking up three quarters of the top 20 places. Honda’s CRF300L was the most in demand “big” bike, taking, on average, 11.5 days to leave showrooms. Of the largecapacity bikes to break into the top 20, four were adventurestyle machines, with the only outlier being the cruiser-style Indian Scout.

EDDIE BAHN Account director, Auto Trader Bikes

USED BIKE MARKET HEALTH

Fastest selling bikes on Auto Trader in October

UK registrations

Enfield shines in autumn gloom

WITH MOTORCYCLE AND SCOOTER registrations virtually flatlining, just a marginal 0.7% up to 7424 units, and October’s overall monthly numbers 2.5% down at 7861, reasons to be cheerful were very thin on the ground. However, one remarkable ray of sunshine found its way through the dense autumnal cloud base.

Consummately budget brand Royal Enfield confounded the market with an extraordinary surge, registering 874 motorcycles. This tally represented 11.1% of all registrations in third spot, closely chasing behind market leader Honda’s 15.1% and Yamaha’s 12.9% shares. Royal Enfield’s new Scram 411 model and its Continental GT650 twin thereby earned respective best-seller status in the 126500cc and 501-750cc categories. Some 99 samples of the brand’s Meteor 350 model also claimed the best-selling Custom style accolade.

Then good news pretty much petered out. Petrolhead ICE products stood at 7574 units, an extremely narrow 0.2% increase. At least it dwarfed the battery-electric culde-sac, which plunged by 43.5% to a mere 287 units.

Up-to-125cc mobility and delivery fleet sector declined by 10.1% to 3274 units. Star turn was a fleet of 450 NMAX 125 scooters, comprising 44.5% of entire October registrations for Yamaha. Aided by aforementioned Royal Enfield input, the

126-500cc bargain basement and 501-750cc slots fared better, respectively adding 17.4% and 55.3%. In both cases they posted more than a thousand units.

Bigger bikes followed the congenitally weak performance we have come to expect. The 751-1000cc sector fell by 7.3% to just 947 units, headed up by Triumph’s best-selling Tiger 900 GT Pro. 1000cc-plus premium stuff was worse, 13.1% down to 842. BMW Motorrad’s R1300 GS ruled

Royal Enfield confounded

the market with an extraordinary surge, registering 874 motorcycles. This tally represented

11.1%

of all registrations in third spot, closely chasing behind market leaders Honda and Yamaha

the best-seller roost, 85 of them, distantly pursued by 45 R1250RT tourers.

Needless to say, the MCIA’s bestselling brand chart was mostly grievous. Honda slumped by 18.8%. Yamaha was 20.1% down. And then arch disruptor Royal Enfield elbowed its way in with a

Royal Enfield’s Scram helped the brand to surge ahead

sensational 213.3% increase. Triumph followed, with a small increase of 2.3%, its fast-selling 400cc single platform still keeping the firm’s sales figures just about in the black.

BMW Motorrad put on 13.2% and must be fervently hoping that R1300 GS Adventure shipments are on their way to put icing on aspirant customers’ Xmas cakes. KTM retreated by 29.3%, suggesting its urgent inventory destocking may have stumbled over the chocolate camshafts obstacle. Lexmoto was among the cheerful few. Kawasaki wasn’t, dropping by 19%. And neither was Suzuki, 20.9% down. Finally, MotoGB’s SYM brand closed the stable door, replacing last October’s shortlived visit from electric scooter vendor Vmoto.

Total YTD registrations are currently 3.7% in arrears on 98,267 units. The usual flurry of pre-registrations for dealer bonus massage purposes should just about push us over the 100,000 mark in the last two months of 2024, with a bit of luck.

ROYAL ENFIELD ENJOYED SPECTACULAR SALES success in October, according to the MCIA’s figures, more than doubling its registrations for the month, and topping three style categories.

But Enfield’s success is not just a flash in the pan. The Indian brand has been a presence in the top ten manufacturers chart since 2021, and prior to that it enjoyed a long period of registrations growth. It managed to double sales for two years running, going from 491 in 2017, to 1240, and then 2757 in 2019. Since then it has steadily risen to a peak of 4871 in 2022 – a near tenfold increase in just five years.

This is mainly attributable to the constant development of new models, starting with the Continental GT and Interceptor twins which launched in 2019 and culminating in the latest Guerilla and Shotgun models, which have made the brand far more appealing to younger and more trendy riders.

Royal Enfield

October sees fifth consecutive month of sales contraction

Continuing the trend seen throughout the year, the motorcycle market experienced another decline in October, with total registrations dropping by 2.5%. The market has faced persistent challenges in 2024, and this marks the fifth consecutive month of contraction,” says Symon Cook, head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA), commenting on the latest MCIA figures.

There was a 2.5% decrease in total registrations in October, from 8066 to 7861 units. Total motorcycle sales grew slightly by 0.7% from 7373 to 7424 units, while moped registrations declined by 38.2% to 395 units. Year-to-date figures show a decrease of 3.7% for total registrations.

Glass’s motorcycle market overview

The various categories of motorcycles exhibited a wide range of performances; modern classic surged by 112.7% for the month to 1142 units. Adventure also rose by 16.6% to 1431 units. Scooters saw a decrease of 19.5% from 2295 to 1847 units.

Electric motorcycles dropped 43.5% from 508 to 287 units. Year-to-date electric figures remain below last year’s corresponding period, down 8.5% from 3566 to 3264 units.

Of the different ICE capacities, the 126500cc category witnessed growth (17.4%), whereas bigger capacity bikes decreased, with 751-1000cc contracting by 7.3% and over-1000cc contracting by 13.1%.

Honda was again the best-selling brand of the month, with 1188 units sold, followed by Yamaha (1011) and Royal Enfield (874), whilst SYM rounded out the top ten with 203 models sold.

Cook concluded: “Electric models appear to be struggling, and have been consistently trailing behind last year’s figures for most of this year.

“Aside from briefly mentioning vehicle excise duty rates, motorcycles were largely overlooked in last month’s Autumn Budget. The NMDA will continue collaborating with the government, urging it to address these concerning trends.”

DATA PUBLISHED BY THE MOTOR Cycle Industry Association (MCIA) showed a decline in October, with registrations 2.5% behind last year. However, compared with September, when registrations declined by nearly 6%, this is an improvement. Within the style catagories modern classics increased by 112.7%, adventure rose by 16.6%, and the competition and custom sectors also saw increases, of 3.1% and 2.7% respectively. Year-todate registrations to the end of October were 3.7% behind last year.

this time last year, with some dealers comparing the market with 2008, when times were also challenging. While some dealers saw a boost in September sales because of late-season promotions, activity has eased in recent weeks.

The overall message remains one of a challenging retail landscape

CHALLENGING CONDITIONS

Feedback from dealers in October was mixed, but the overall message remains one of a challenging retail landscape. Following a disappointing September, some manufacturers introduced stronger incentives to help boost lateseason sales. However, activity remains very price driven.

After several months of speculation, last month’s budget should give the country a clearer insight into what lies ahead, which may help boost consumer confidence.

The autumnal show season should also help. With lots of new models previewed for 2025, this should help aid interest for the forthcoming season.

USED MOTORCYCLE MARKET

Sales activity for used machines in October was reportedly down on

Mid-range machines, especially lower-priced models, are generating the most robust demand. However, Yamaha’s MT-07 and the Triumph Tiger 900 are particularly buoyant with a rapid turnover. Larger adventure machines continue to be less popular, with a high number in the market.

Stock is plentiful, with many offers from the public. As a result, some dealers are turning offers away because they are already well stocked. Traders are also reluctant to purchase machines currently, and are consequently offering low prices.

OUTLOOK

October was a mixed month with some fair riding conditions, and November has started on a dry and mild note, albeit lacking in sunshine. The clocks have now gone back, and daylight hours are nearing their minimum for the year. Taking this into account, the suppressed market and high stock levels, Glass’s expects residuals to ease across many segments during the coming weeks.

Paul McDonald Leisure vehicles editor