British Dealer News Feb 2022

www.britishdealernews.co.uk British Dealer News

key business information for the UK motorcycle and scooter industry

Key business information for the UK motorcycle and scooter industry • February 2022

+PLUS+ Muc-Off goes dealer direct

MCN London Show revived Plug pulled on plug-in grants Export woes Arrowhead expansion

LOSS OF A LEGEND

Sad passing of Tony Jefferies.

Full tribute page 16

February 2022

new graphics INDUSTRY LEADING TRADE MARGINS

Ducati London Vauxhall opening DfT nine-month registrations figures New and used sales data Honda sets new world record

WWW.LS2HELMETS.COM | 01670 856342 7

WE’VE WON! Within a month we’ve won not one, but two awardsan achievement that we are all very proud of.

Our customers voted First Response Finance as the ‘Best Car Finance Provider’ in the Consumer Credit Awards 2021.

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

Cars, motorbikes, vans- it doesn't matter what type of vehicle we are financing, our award- winning service remains the same.

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

Contents

Contents February 2022 : Issue 247

the team

the news

HEAD OF CONTENT Andy Mayo: editorial@dealernews.co.uk tel 01237 422660; 07780 857693

4 8 10 14 16 18 20 22 24 26

FINANCIAL EDITOR Roger Willis: motobusiness@icloud.com PRODUCTS EDITOR/DESIGNER Colin Williams: design@dealernews.co.uk DESIGNER Maurice Knuckey: creative@dealernews.co.uk CONTRIBUTORS Roger Willis; Dan Sagar; Alan Dowds; Rick Kemp; Adam Bernstein; John Featherstone; Brian Crichton ACCOUNTS MANAGER Mark Mayo: accounts@dealernews.co.uk ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE/AGENT Alison Payne: tel 07595 219093 Paul Baggott: tel 07831 863837 adsales@dealernews.co.uk CIRCULATION circulation@dealernews.co.uk

26

2021 registrations review Muc-Off goes dealer direct Plug pulled on plug-in grants New distributor for Gulf Oil Tony Jefferies – Loss of a legend Export woes – Red tape and border disruption International – LiveWire floats away from Harley International – Arrowhead expansion Ducati London Vauxhall opening Off-road news – Classic Dirt Bike Show to go ahead

18

TAIWAN AGENCY Albert Yang, Pro Media Co: info@promedia.com; tel +886 4 7264437 PUBLISHER Colin Mayo: editorial@dealernews.co.uk

the business

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

32 NATIONAL MOTORCYCLISTS COUNCIL Biking in the corridors of power

Copyright © Mayo Media Ltd:

36 BUSINESS BEAT Debt recovery across borders

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

38 MARKETING MATTERS A measured approach to social marketing

the knowledge 56

40 THE BUSINESS ESSENTIALS Staying current with currency

DfT STATISTICS Nine-month registrations analysis

58 ON THE MONEY Market analysis by Roger Willis 59 INTERNATIONAL SHARE PRICES A snapshot of global performance 60 NEW REGISTRATION DATA MCIA statistics, NMDA and BDN reports 62 USED BIKE DATA From Auto Trader, Glass’s Guide and MCN

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

42 THE ART OF ALCHEMY A new approach to motorcycle accessories

32

44 PRODUCTS Retail profit opportunities

advanced copy 2022 Mar Issue 7 Feb

deadlines 2022 Apr Issue 7 Mar

2022 May Issue 11 Apr

FEBRUARY 2022 3

Business news

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nalysis of UK powered two-wheeler market performance over the past year poses more questions than answers as we go forward into 2022. BDN financial editor Roger Willis reports.

Inevitably, the industry breathed a massive sigh of relief following alleged solid recovery from pandemic punishment in 2021. But when we crunch registration numbers versus our pre-Covid position in 2019, the picture is not so pretty.

Sure, there was a “what might have been” element of underlying demand many dealers couldn’t satisfy. Their inability to adequately refresh stock in the face of supplychain seizures, component shortages and manufacturing interruptions has yet to be resolved. More headwinds are undoubtedly on the way. And whether they can be overwhelmed is a moot point.

At a glance, exceeding 2019’s total by 6.5% to achieve 114,371 registrations looks

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Muscular growth was also evident in the 51-125cc sector, 20% up to 40,664, the vast majority still petrol-powered. Primary driver didn’t come from industry pundit fantasies NEW Inability to about personal mobility seduction, though. A huge boom in fleet scooter sales to delivery adequately refresh STRATUS STRATUS GALEaccident claims management STRATUS PLAYER firms STRATUS and Black Red Silver Blue Red White Black Matt Black Red Silver Blue H-V Yellow Blue H-V Yellow Red White Black operators was largely responsible. Sustainable? stock in the face 10353 45 32 10353 45 02 10353 10353businesses 45 4632 25 10353 10353 60 54 If hospitality fully reboot and45 the02 of supply-chain appeal of meals on wheels declines, maybe not.

Across the same timeframe, more seizures, component profitable 126cc-plus products oriented towards leisure and enthusiast pursuits shortages and suffered in comparison to 2019, falling by manufacturing 5.1% to 63,333. The 126-650cc sector was 2.1% down. 651-1000cc bikes lost 5.8%. Overinterruptions has yet 1000cc machines fell by 7.7%. So much for solid recovery. to be resolved NEW NEW NEW NEW

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fine. But devilry is in the detail. The 0-50cc sector stacked on a splendid 53.4% to 10,374 machines. However, according to MCIA

Overall Registrations by YearWHAT’S 2019/2020/2021

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www.britishdealernews.co.uk

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WHAT’S WHAT’S IN INTHE THEBOX? BOX? TRADE HOTLINE 01670 856342

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Business news

maintained market leadership throughout, but it has yet to fully regain losses, ending 2021 in arrears by 9.2% against 2019 headcount. And much of this partial recovery was dependent on small-capacity sales.

Yamaha approached the Covid era on a losing streak anyway, from which the brand has staged a notionally remarkable 16.9% bounce-back. The cost was a seriously weakened model mix, though. More than a third of Yamaha’s entire annual registrations in 2021 consisted of fleet-friendly but margin-starved NMax 125 scooters.

BMW Motorrad fared a lot better over this period, pulling back to finish only 3.1% down on its tally two years ago. And considering the R1250GS platform’s large-capacity motorcycle market hegemony, as part of a predominantly premium-priced range, nobody in the company will be losing much sleep about the difference.

Like Yamaha, Triumph became a clear winner on volume, a 2021 resurgence beating 2019 by 6.7% and recovering mightily from 2020’s harsh dip. But similarly, there was a cost to this success. Triumph’s new entry-level 660 Trident achieved best-seller status at a budget price point. Competing with Royal Enfield is harder work than coffer-filling premium focus.

Despite that, the brand appears to have coped with supply-chain bottlenecks more adeptly than competitors also sourcing the bulk of their wares from the Far East.

The same cannot be said for principal Chinese flag carrier Lexmoto. Having been

Both factory-gate and consumer price inflation – the latter heading rapidly past a 6% marker in the UK and elsewhere – are set to push up the cost of credit in coming months star of the show in 2020, adding impressively to a big advance in 2019, Lexmoto’s luck blatantly ran out in 2021. Already saddled with a four-figure surplus of preregistered Euro 4 machines to sell through at the beginning of last year, problems were compounded by maritime container shipping

terminals around Shanghai and Shenzhen repeatedly grinding to a halt. With a quantity of no-mileage “used” stock to shift first and then a paucity of new machines, Lexmoto plated 4325 fewer bikes in 2021, its total also 10.9% down on 2019.

The final pair of brands we can quantify in our charts were obviously victims of global supply issues as well. KTM, which ships smaller road models from India, ended last year 14.2% behind its conclusion in 2019. Kawasaki, dependent on Japanese manufacturing, dropped by 23.8%.

NO RESPITE FOR MANUFACTURERS Such economic challenges worldwide, along with the pandemic, haven’t gone away. And new threats are emerging. Both factory-gate and consumer price inflation – the latter heading rapidly past a 6% marker in the UK and elsewhere – are set to push up the cost of credit in coming months as central bankers desperately seek to respond by progressively raising interest rates. In addition, already soaring energy prices, led by natural gas, are undermining consumer confidence and spending power throughout Europe. While business optimism is still resilient, we could be in for a roller-coaster ride in 2022.

CHARTING WINNERS, LOSERS AND ALSO-RANS MCIA DATA SUPPLIED TO THE press only includes registration figures for the top ten brands each month – so for any manufacturer placing outside of the top ten we don’t know the number of bikes finding new homes. This means that, come the end of the year, we can only provide annual totals for marques which have been high in

the charts every single month.

The same seven brands have featured consistently over the past 12 months and previous two years in MCIA top-ten ranking data made available to us. Among also-rans, Royal Enfield only missed one monthly appearance in 2021, so we know the brand registered at least 4044 bikes and are confident

TOP BRANDS 2021 Honda Yamaha BMW Triumph Lexmoto KTM Kawasaki

TOP BRANDS 2020

19,119 12,941 9019 8642 5897 5550 5392

+12.6% +25.3% +17.7% +22.5% -42.3% -16.2% -15.5%

Honda Yamaha Lexmoto BMW Triumph KTM Kawasaki

Honda

BMW

Other

Triumph Lexmoto KTM Kawasaki

FEBRUARY 2022

16,982 10,332 10,222 7664 7052 6626 6307

TOP BRANDS 2019 -19.4% -6.6% +54.5% -17.7% -12.9% +2.5% -10.9%

Honda Yamaha BMW Triumph Kawasaki Lexmoto KTM

21,061 11,067 9311 8098 7079 6617 6465

Honda

Other

+4.6% -11.1% +3.3% -4.6% +0.8% +45.8% +11.8%

Honda Yamaha

Yamaha

6

times and informed us separately of annual registrations amounting to 2941.

Harley-Davidson, Suzuki and Keeway had three entries each, SYM appeared twice and Vmoto and Sinnis each made solitary guest visits to the manufacturers league table.

that it finished in eighth spot. That contrasts with information from the company of 2988 registrations in 2019, indicating growth of more than 35% – a substantial success story in its own right.

Piaggio made eight appearances in the top ten during 2021, adding up to 1766 machines, for what that’s worth. Ducati appeared five

Lexmoto

Yamaha Other

BMW

BMW Triumph KTM Kawasaki

Triumph KTM

Kawasaki Lexmoto

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D

DEALERS WANTED!

CONTACT: UK 01429 650555 IE 353 469017700 www.MotoMondo.com

Dealer credit terms available.

Business news

Muc-Off goes dealer direct

L

eading motorcycle care brand Muc-Off has brought to an end its deal with Oxford Products as its UK distribution partner after a year relationship and is now offering independent motorcycle retailers the opportunity to open direct accounts.

“Our Dealer Direct programme will transform how independent retailers can benefit from stocking Muc-Off products and will include a wide range of incentives as well as access to products and promotions historically limited to specialist retailers,” explained Muc-Off chief executive Alex Trimnell.

“As a company of motorcycle fanatics we have an emotional connection to independent retail, largely because that’s how the Muc-Off journey began  years ago. The industry's landscape is evolving rapidly, and we want to continue supporting the best specialist retailers in the business. And we’re confident that the new savings and incentives that we are offering will give these stores the best chance of success.”

The programme is split into three tiers with varying levels of support available, depending on the degree of collaboration to which retailers are willing to commit.

At the top are Ambassador Stores. Their benefits include extended credit terms, stock rotation to avoid clearance, and even free product for staff. They will also be the first stores to receive new products when they launch.

For more information, contact  ; ukorders@muc-off.com

MCN London Show revived

A

fter Covid enforced cancellation in 2021, the Carole Nash MCN London Motorcycle Show will return to the ExCeL Centre venue in London’s Docklands on 11-13 February.

Apart from some of the latest bikes from leading manufacturers, the event will be hosting a special tribute to motorsport icon Valentino Rossi. On display will be six of his championship-winning machines – four MotoGP Yamahas from 2004, 2005, 2008 and 2009, plus 125cc and 250cc Aprilias from the 1997 and 1999 seasons.

There will also be live-action racing featuring

TT, BSB and Superstock stars, and a classic auction with more than 100 rare bikes going under the hammer on Saturday 12 February. In addition, there will be a Travel and Adventure stage offering regular chats with some of the most intrepid explorers, who will be sharing their tips and advice.

Tickets are on sale now at a discounted price of £19 in advance for adults (£23 on the door), or £17 for senior citizens and students.

Children under 15 can get in for free, and the show offers free parking for those visitors arriving by bike. For more information, visit: www.mcnmotorcycleshow.com

2022 headwinds in spite of 2021 success Despite Covid-19 continuing to make its presence felt, 2021 was a successful year for new motorcycle sales in the UK, with 113,397 new machines registered. If it was not for three months of lockdown at the beginning of the year and consistent supply constraints, registrations would have been even greater.

According to the MCIA, the full-year tally for 2021 was 9.4% ahead of 2020 and 6.3% up compared to 2019’s pre-pandemic total. Although registrations in December declined by 24% compared to 2020, they grew by 19.3% compared to December 2019,

8

FEBRUARY 2022

further highlighting the industry’s resilience throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

Recent feedback from dealers suggests that demand in early January was fairly buoyant, at least on a par with last year, if not stronger. There is concern that the cost of living is increasing which may hinder consumer spending moving forward, but there is currently no sign of this.

The main challenge facing dealers in 2022 continues to be stock supply. Whilst Q1 is expected to be the most difficult, long lead times will remain an issue for much of the year. Despite this, most dealers remain optimistic that 2022 will be another successful

year due to strong enquiry levels for 2022 model year machines.

Paul McDonald, Leisure Vehicles Editor Engine band highest registered models December 2021 Power Band

0-50cc 51-125cc 126-650cc 651-1000cc Over 1000cc

Model

Lexmoto Echo 50 Honda CBF 125 M Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Yamaha YZF R7 BMW R1250 GS Adventure Data courtesy of the MCIA

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

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Business news

Plug pulled on plug-in grants The electric bike trade has been left reeling after pre-Christmas slashing of government grants

T

he week before Christmas is, of course, a good time to hide bad news. And the UK government grabbed its chance, announcing on December 15 that it was slashing the purchase grants to consumers for electric bikes and cars. It was presented as a move to focus help on the most affordable vehicles and spread the cash more widely amongst those who need it most. But the move saw the grants available for electric bikes cut by two-thirds, to a maximum of £500 from £1500, on bikes under £10,000. The cut was even harsher for mopeds – the cheapest possible electric vehicles – which saw the grant drop by 90%, from £1500 to £150. “These changes will allow the scheme’s funding to go further, helping more people and businesses to switch to an electric vehicle,” said Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Trudy Harrison MP, as she announced the changes in Parliament.

told the same story. “They called me at 7:15am on the day of the change and the online portal was frozen immediately. The lack of notice and consultation have caused significant annoyance to customers and dealers.”

Alec Sharp of specialist electric bike dealers English Electric Motorcycle Company had a little more notice – 15 minutes. “We were told by email that as of 7.00am that same morning no more PIVG was to be offered.”

And Jeremy Boorer at London dealership green-mopeds.com

HEAVY IMPACT

also reckons the changes should have had more warning. “We had absolutely no warning and I don’t think the MCIA did either.

It’s been badly handled by OZEV [the Office for Zero Emissions Vehicles] and at the very least they should have given it as a warning to, for example, the new registration year.”

“We have a dealers’ Whatsapp group,” said Jason Brunt of Birmingham-based Zero Motorcycles dealership Streetbike. “I saw all the texts coming through that morning and then we got to work and checked the government site. It was pretty obvious that someone made the decision and it just got pushed

The impact has been savage and immediate, and dealers and manufacturers alike have told BDN of their anger and dismay at the changes.

Their first complaint is that there was no notice given of the changes coming to the grant scheme. “We received the same notice that everyone else received, which was none,” said Dan Frost, senior operations manager at Super Soco. “This was very frustrating as we had spent nine days promoting the products at Motorcycle Live the previous week, at different prices.”

Jamie Masterman, from SurRon distributor Urban Moto

10

FEBRUARY 2022

through really quickly without any discussion with the industry.

It feels that way anyway.”

Dealers were left high and dry, unsure if pending bike sales were affected. Jason Brunt again: “It meant that deals we’d done previously, on that day we didn’t know if they were going to be good deals or not. Zero themselves, they’re trying to help our customers, which shows a lot of commitment.”

Brunt thinks the effect is less pronounced at the top of the market though. “Some of our

We received the same notice that everyone else received, which was none. This was very frustrating as we had just spent nine days promoting the products at Motorcycle Live at different prices Dan Frost, senior operations manager, Super Soco

customers, they’re buying with cash, and the extra £1500 isn’t going to be a killer. I don’t think it will hit the Zero SR/F and SR/S models so much, because pricewise they’re at the top end of the scale – the rider who buys one of them probably has a Tesla on the driveway, too.”

Jeremy Boorer saw the effect straight away though. “It had an immediate impact, with lost sales that very week. If you suddenly uplift a price by at least £300, but in the worst case £1000, customers will buy a petrol powered model instead.”

Robert Grace, director and founder of London-based electric bike firm Stirling Eco reckons

the change means the grants are now almost not worth the time and effort to do the paperwork.

“When we first started this, the grant was £1250, and now it’s almost not worth going after.

We’re not relying on it as the time it takes to get the application in to get a £300 grant back is barely viable.”

And Grace is scathing about the government’s online grant processing portal. “The portal is a nightmare, it’s like writing an essay on nuclear physics. They just don’t want you to have it.

And then they move the goalposts slightly and suddenly you’re noncompliant, and you have to reapply. It takes three months to get any kind of response. We’ve had absolutely no help from the government whatsoever.”

SAVING THE PENNIES Despite their anger, dealers do realise that government cost savings perhaps had to be made – and believe they are the main driver behind the decision. “Cost saving would be the obvious conclusion. We imagine the pandemic has been far more costly than anyone could have anticipated,” said Dan Frost.

“My speculation is that it’s a knee-jerk reaction to finding money lost because of Covid,” said Alec Sharp. “The people employed to look at the uptake of EVs in general will have seen it as an obvious opportunity to claw back some money in a market that, on paper, has seen significant increases in sales and, in their eyes, has been given all the incentives it needs for now.”

But the industry is critical of how the change has been managed.

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

Business news

“We expected the grants to run for at least another two years,” said Jason Brunt. “I do get the fact that the government is spending on a lot of things, but they’re also making a lot of claims about trying to get pollution down and this seems a backwards step. They just walked out of the [COP26] Glasgow conference, they had a Zero police bike there, and then next thing they’re knocking the grants on the head. If they’d put it out there a month beforehand, anybody that was interested in a Zero would have had a month to get the deal sorted.”

“The government’s stance is to spread it around to more people,” said Jeremy Boorer. “But with electric sales more than doubling this past year, it had to end at some point. Other countries, such as Italy, are offering 30% off and then an extra 10% if trading in a petrol bike, and I envisaged a scrappage scheme would have come about as well as, or instead of, the grants.”

Meanwhile, the National Motorcycle Dealers Association also gave a comprehensive thumbs-down to the changes.

Patrick O’Connell, head of the NMDA told BDN, “The government’s decision to reduce the availability of the Plug-in Motorcycle Grant was extremely disappointing as this move could derail the progress our sector has made in decarbonising transport, and it sends the wrong message to consumers and will adversely impact less-affluent riders who are seeking a transition to a greener method of transport.

“Cutting the grant strongly disincentivises new rider ePTW adoption across the UK as a

‘greener’ approach to mobility.

This, in turn, will exacerbate the unequal regional EV uptake gap.”

And the NMDA pointed out a series of harsh practical impacts the changes will bring to the trade. “The sudden cut to the grant penalises those customers who were in the midst of choosing an electric bike but have not yet ordered and will now see a price rise overnight. Without prior notice, dealers now need to go quickly through all of their systems and advertised prices/marketing materials to change prices to ensure they keep customers satisfied. And dealers will be left holding stock that overnight has become more expensive for the consumer.

“The NMDA will maintain communications with the Department for Transport to outline our concerns and we will continue to liaise with the government on this issue. We encourage our members to contact us if they require any assistance or clarification.”

Commenting on the announcement, MCIA CEO, Tony Campbell, said: “It is with great disappointment we hear the government has today decided to drastically cut the level of support for mopeds and motorbikes typically emitting zero or low levels of emissions.

The announcement comes as a hammer blow to consumers and businesses up and down the country which were, and are, fully behind the drive to zero-emission vehicles and a net-zero future.

The MCIA will continue working on behalf of its members with government to ensure the right incentives are in place to ➔

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

FEBRUARY 2022 11

Business news

ensure the full realisation of our sector’s many benefits”.

NMC ANGER The National Motorcyclists Council’s Craig Carey-Clinch also hit out at the government over the change. “This reduction in the subsidy is hardly the actions of a government looking to support a shift towards zero emission motorcycles. There needs to be proportionate investment and subsidies for new technologies for motorcycling as has already been delivered to four wheeled vehicles. The plug-in grant for motorcycles was introduced six years later than the grant for cars and was proportionately lower than the grant for cars, meaning there has been a disproportionately lower investment in encouraging decarbonisation of the motorcycle sector.”

And Carey-Clinch suggested some more fundamental changes that need to be made to the grant scheme. “Longer term, the NMC would like to see the grants evolved to encompass a technology-neutral approach to decarbonisation. Manufacturers have made it clear that battery electric should be considered only a partial solution for motorcycles.

It therefore makes sense to apply subsidies and incentives that allow all technological avenues to be promoted, including hydrogen and carbon-neutral liquid fuels.

Subsidies should also encourage reduced full lifecycle carbon reductions across all transport segments, not simply tailpipe emissions. The recent ZEMO study shows that motorcycles outperform battery electric cars for lifecycle analysis in most scenarios.

This should be recognised by policy makers and exploited.”

WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS Like it or not though, the policy

Jason Brunt

12

FEBRUARY 2022

has been changed – and with the current state of flux at Westminster, it seems unlikely to be the focus of much government energy in the short or medium term. How does the trade see the impact of the grant cut?

“The new values for electric mopeds are less than 10% of the original grant,” said Jamie Masterman. “This will have an immediate negative affect on sales. With increasing distribution costs and the weakening pound against the US dollar, the loss can’t be covered by importers’ margins. The scale of the change is very difficult to understand, although electric mopeds were showing great progress yearon-year. This change will no doubt force many customers to reconsider the available options and cancel or delay plans.

“Our only saving grace is that

Robert Grace

fluctuating already for our competitors due to container price increases, it’s possible that consumers may be able to tolerate the slightly higher prices.

However, the electric market overall will suffer as a result. We made the decision to sacrifice our margin to try and ensure that we

The amount of people who finance the bikes has been pretty small but now Zero has 0% finance to try and encourage new bikers in. But if the price goes up £1500, even with the 0% finance, it sounds even more expensive now. I think it’s going to hit the commuter market Jason Brunt

demand for enduro mopeds in particular continues to be very strong and they still offer some unique advantages over ICE machines. Lightweight electric machines will continue to be in demand, especially for the recreational enduro and trail rider, but without the higher state subsidies the market’s expansion will now be considerably slower than we initially saw.”

“It’s too early to tell,” said Dan Frost. “With most prices

remain competitive and achieving sales moving forward.”

Alec Sharp is sanguine though.

“Will it affect sales? Short term, yes – long term, I believe no. It now makes it a level playing field with ICE bikes – plus the fact that people are looking to leasing schemes to ride electric means that £1500 over a sufficient term makes little difference to the monthly payments. Around a third of our sales are of used machines which have already had the grant taken off; another third is offroad, to which the grants are not applicable; and the final third is on-road and applicable for the grant.”

“Some importers had already increased their prices due to supply chain challenges,” said Jeremy Boorer. “And then they basically passed on the decrease of the grant as a corresponding increase in prices. A couple are holding their prices till February 2022, but margins don’t allow for this to be absorbed by us.”

“This was a setback,” said Jason Brunt. “We were looking at 2022 being our year to kick on with Zero, but there’s no fault from Zero. From the government side it happened very very quickly, without any notice. We won’t feel the full effects until the summer comes, as that’s when we sell the bigger bikes. The amount of people who finance the bikes has been pretty small but now Zero has 0% finance to try and encourage new bikers in. But if the price goes up £1500 then, even with the 0% finance, it sounds even more expensive now. I think it’s going to hit the commuter market.”

But Robert Grace is scathing about the entire approach of UK and local government to electric motorbikes. “We’ve had absolutely no help from government whatsoever. No one turned up to COP26, and no one seems to be leading or taking the bull by the horns. We’ve been in touch with the London Mayor’s office about the grant, but also about Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, asking why they’re allowing pedestrians and cycles through but not electric vehicles – which are actually more qualified because we have safety kit, insurance and registration plates, so it’s creating unfair competition. And they refer us to TFL and then they refer us to the mayor’s office, and then back again. It’s like the Wild West, no one knows what’s going on.

“They’re all into the idea of green technology, but no one does anything about it. And they’re missing a trick. Look at E-scooters, they’re absolutely illegal to ride yet they’re not policing it: there were 155 taken off the roads last year, but thousands have been sold. E-bikes sail past you here in London at 20mph-plus because they’ve been de-restricted. And they’re much more dangerous because they’re unpoliced.” ■

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

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Business news

90 on the clock for Padgett PETER PADGETT, WHO COfounded legendary Yorkshire dealership Padgetts of Batley way back in 1958 with brother Don, celebrated his 90th birthday on 28 December. All of us at British Dealer News send him our congratulations.

Peter and Don took on the Yamaha franchise in 1959, followed

by Honda in 1960 and Suzuki in 1963 – commercial relationships which have prospered mightily without interruption ever since.

Across the intervening years, Padgetts built up an incredible racing pedigree too, sponsoring many of the greatest names in motorcycle sport. Peter and Don, as well Peter’s sons Clive and Gary, contributed to that heritage with their own racing endeavours.

New distributor for Gulf lube

G

ulf Oil Supply, a subsidiary of Gulf Oil International, has appointed Rossmore Lubricants to represent the Gulf lube range as sole importer and distributor throughout the UK and Ireland. Rossmore is a new company, set up by its Cork-based parent Walsh Distribution to handle the Gulf account. Walsh also distributes Castrol products in the Irish Republic.

Commenting on the deal, Rossmore director John Walsh said: “We are extremely excited to have been given the opportunity to represent Gulf. Our team has a strong background in sales and distribution of premium lubricant brands, and we have established this business to give Gulf the sole focus and attention we feel is required to succeed over the long term.”

Gulf Oil Supply commercial director Ayham Ammora added:

Gulf is an iconic brand with more than a hundred years of history, inextricably linked with motorsports excellence “Gulf is an iconic brand with more than a hundred years of history, inextricably linked with motorsports excellence.

We are delighted to welcome Rossmore to our global network of partners and look forward to

working with it to promote Gulf in these key markets.”

For trade opportunities, contact Rossmore general manager Dave Woodman on 07734 559228 or email: sales@gulf-lubricants.co.uk.

A new world record for Honda

A

Honda RCV-S has achieved a new world record, becoming the most expensive Japanese motorcycle sold at auction.

Auctioned by specialist automotive marketplace Collecting Cars, the  RCV-S sold for £,.

The rare superbike has never been ridden and is housed in its original flight case, with just one mile on the clock.

The RCV-S is a road-legal MotoGP bike, built around a hand-fabricated aluminium frame with carbon-fibre body panels and titanium fasteners, resulting in

a dry weight of kg.

Powered by a cc four-stroke V engine, the  model also features the full HRC Race Kit, including a recalibrated

ECU, a titanium exhaust system, a front ram duct, a race-pattern quick shifter, a data logger and a remote-control cable for the front brake lever. These upgrades reduce the bike’s total weight by kg and increase power output from hp to hp.

Edward Lovett, founder of Collecting Cars, commented: “Honda’s RCV-S is a thrilling, exquisitely crafted machine, and this example attracted global attention and extremely competitive bidding on Collecting Cars. We are proud to have achieved yet another world-record sales price.”

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Business news

OBITUARY

Tony Jefferies 1948-2021

B

ritain’s top BMW dealer and three times Isle of Man TT winner Tony Jefferies died on 29 December 2021 aged 73.

An engaging personality with a ready smile, Jefferies was steeped in the motorcycle trade. The family business was started by his grandfather Joe in 1917.

Resilient and forward looking, Tony suffered terrible tragedies as well as top flight business success in his personal, racing and busy business life.

In 1966, aged 18, he joined BSA as an apprentice and also worked at the Triumph factory. This provided a firm foundation for a life in the trade and inspired him to take up road racing in 1968.

Not a fan of growing unionisation at the Triumph factory he left in 1970 to join his father Allan at Allan Jefferies Motorcycles in Shipley, Yorkshire.

That year he scored his first significant road race win at Scarborough. In 1971 he hit the headlines with two Isle of Man TT race wins – the 350 Junior (Yamsel) and the inaugural Formula 750 TT (Triumph Trident). He was second in the 750 production TT (Triumph Trident), and third in the 350 Ulster GP. At the start of 1971 he had been appointed a works rider for Triumph and was a member of the victorious British team in the inaugural Easter AngloAmerican Match races. This new glamour series for F750 machines kickstarted a colourful era in British road racing. Jefferies – tall, easy-going and good looking – had

16

FEBRUARY 2022

acquired hero status aged 23 by season’s end.

On the business front Tony added BMW to the Jefferies’ multifranchise portfolio in 1971 ... and was given the sack! His staunchly patriotic father Allan – recognised as Britain’s finest off-road rider in the pre-war era and twice runnerup in the Clubman’s TT (1947 and 1949) – did not approve.

They came to a truce and time would prove the prescient nature of Tony’s BMW decision. Meanwhile, in 1972 Tony was again a member of the winning British team in the Anglo-American series and was second in the F750 TT. In 1973 his part in the Easter series British success was repeated, and he scored his third TT win, the 750 production on a Triumph Trident that he had so comprehensively mastered. He was also third in the F750 TT. But this blazing glory was to end in a crash at Mallory Park. Tony suffered a broken back, aged 25, which left him in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. But it didn’t break his spirit. He concentrated on business, taking on Japanese marques and keeping pace in rapidly changing times.

Father Allan died in 1978, but his name would be perpetuated by Tony at the business reins assisted by younger brother Nick who would also become a TT winner and maintain the Jefferies family high profile.

A brilliant all-rounder Nick rode the Island Mountain Course spanning 1975-2017 scoring 18 podium places and two wins: 1983

Tony Jefferies collecting his 2017 British Dealer News Lifetime Achievement Award with daughter Louise, presented by Awards host Steve Parrish. A standing ovation from the audience ensued

Manx GP Senior (Suzuki) and 1993 F1 TT (Honda).

Tony’s son David also took up road racing becoming a top flight competitor. He won nine TTs by scoring triple wins in 1999, 2000 and 2002. But another tragedy was waiting in the wings. David was killed during 2003 TT practice.

The next blow was the passing of Tony’s wife Pauline in 2008.

In 1995 Tony further committed to BMW by opening a solus agency in Otley Road, Shipley. Never out of the top ten BMW dealers since then, Jefferies would become lead BMW dealer, daughter Louise taking over as general manager and director in 2000 and spurring the business on in its fourth generation of the Jefferies family.

Tony maintained his interest in Allan Jefferies BMW as it went from strength to strength, opening a new £1.7m state of the art premises in 2010 in Baildon, West Yorkshire, and selling more than 500 new BMWs in 2015 and 2017.

In 2018 a second Jefferies BMW dealership was opened in

Rotherham, formerly Rainbow Motorrad.

Suffering a series of ailments from 2019 including sepsis, pneumonia, aspiration and a broken leg, Tony was more or less bed ridden but regained strength briefly in 2021, the 50th anniversary year of Jefferies BMW, the country’s longest serving BMW dealer.

Tony Jefferies took adversity on the chin and steered the great Yorkshire Jefferies motorcycling dynasty to success with an everpresent smile. “He was the eternal optimist and had the constitution of an ox,” said daughter Louise who gave Tony two grandchildren, Megan and Thomas. “He was very brave with lots of new ideas,” added brother Nick.

The funeral will be held at St Peter’s Church, Moorhead Lane, Shipley, BD18 4JH, on 9 February at 12 noon. The service will be followed by a private cremation at Nab Wood Crematorium.

Refreshments at the Bankfield Hotel following the service.

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Freshly minted moneyspinner AFTER HAVING ITS LONG-TERM UK trade distribution deal with motorcycle cleaning and care brand Muc-Off terminated recently, Oxford Products has confessed to the simple expedient of having a competing in-house range ready for launch.

“It’s time to let Mint loose on the world,” says Oxford marketing director Henry Rivers Fletcher.

“Mint products are engineered to a defined specification in order to fulfil our promise to make life on bikes better. And having done what it says on the tin, they celebrate their success by smelling minty fresh.”

Rivers Fletcher is eager to stress that Mint gets all the support that comes with any Oxford product – marketing, store displays, strong margins, stock availability and seasonal stock rotation. And, pointedly, he gets his retaliation in first as regards the opposition: “Dealers should be especially excited because, unlike Muc-Off, Oxford does not sell to the end user, nor to discount supermarkets, third-party platforms or other market disrupters,” Rivers Fletcher adds. “And also unlike Muc-Off, Oxford has a real-world pricing structure, so dealers know what they – and the consumer – should pay for the product. In short, consumers always get a good deal and dealers retain their margin.”

For more details see the new Mint website – www.oxfordmint.co.uk JMC-twinair-210x76.pdf 1 11.01.2022 14:53:04

Export woes?

A

year ago, the news was full of stories on how the UK economy was about to implode following Brexit while Covid was an Extinction Levelling Event.

At the start of the New Year Covid hasn’t yet been beaten into submission, but the world of healthcare has made great strides in neutralising the worst of it. As for the economy, especially for those involved in export to the EU, the reality has been just as difficult.

Back in January 2021, a week after the Transitional Period had ended, European news agency Politico warned businesses to “wake up to hard truths on tariffs” and that the “‘tariff-free’ deal does not mean British businesses won’t face new duties.” As the story highlighted, for tariff free entry into the EU, goods had to be predominantly made in the UK. Politico’s concerns were echoed by the Guardian a month later. It commented that “half of British exporters to the EU are facing difficulties with mounting Brexit red tape and border disruption.”

Citing data from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), the story reported that 49% of UK exporters in a survey of 470 firms had suffered problems with postBrexit arrangements since the start of the year.

As a result, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) reckoned

that by late March 2021, 25 percent of 1400 small exporters surveyed had halted sales to the EU; many had suffered either shipment delays or loss of goods.

Delays are an irritant to many producers (and customers to be fair), but they’re deadly to businesses where goods are perishable. As ITV News highlighted in June, quoting data from the Food and Drink Federation, sales to non-EU countries made up 55% of all UK food and drink exports in the first three months of 2021, compared to less than 40% a year earlier.

But this rising proportion doesn’t mean a boom in exports to nonEU countries – those exports only rose by 0.3%. What the data really illustrates is that sales to the EU fell – by £1.4bn. Overall, exports of food and drink stood at £3.7bn compared to £5.1bn a year earlier.

Even the Office for National Statistics saw a 23.1% decline in first quarter 2021 trade with the EU in data published in late May 2021.

Fast forward to October and the BCC noted some improvement for exporters but saw little to celebrate. Another of its surveys, this time of 2600 UK exporters, found “that the recovery in export sales had largely stalled in Q3 and that the proportion of firms reporting increased sales rose [marginally] to 30% from 27% in Q2.”

As to the causes, survey respondents detailed worries over the supply chain crisis and Brexit related problems as the main causes of difficulties with export sales. Some had even ceased exporting to the EU altogether because of red tape and delays at borders. But other factors impacting export sales included the surging cost of shipping as well as the shortage of haulage drivers.

For some, the only solution is to setup a distribution network or hub within the EU. But this move is remarkable as before Brexit many firms found shipping to Europe easier and less expensive than shipping to remote parts of the UK. Take Antos, a Scottish dog chew producer. It, according to DW.com, had spent seven years or so cultivating business in Europe. However, Brexit forced the company to move the entire export side of its business to Europe.

It acquired a large warehouse in France and now has barrier free access to Europe.

Are there any other solutions?

For the FSB there are two options: Increase the threshold to £1000 at which tariffs and taxes for imports and exports apply; and sign new free trade agreements with fastgrowing economies around the world, including the US, that include dedicated small business sections chapters. Beyond that firms need to hope for a fair wind.

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International news

International news With financial editor Roger Willis

LiveWire floats away from gas-guzzling Harley

H

arley-Davidson’s share price briefly jumped by 19.5% on the morning of 13 December, and then closed a healthy 4.7% up that evening. This sudden surge came after Harley revealed its LiveWire electric bike operations, having been siloed into a stand-alone division, are to become an entirely seperate listed business with a proforma enterprise value of about $1.77bn.

LiveWire is now in the process of being reversed into a blank-cheque special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) already listed on the New York Stock Exchange, with which it will merge. Use of a SPAC is the latest ploy for avoiding onerous due diligence required by the US Securities & Exchange Commission for an initial public share offer. Once the merger is complete, it will simply assume the LiveWire moniker and have a NYSE listing in place.

The SPAC in question is AEA-Bridges Impact Corporation, set up by a pair of private equity firms and domiciled in the Cayman Islands. It has a dedicated environmental sustainability focus, hence the interest in electric vehicle investment participation. Presumably its relationship with Harley-Davidson over LiveWire has been in gestation for some time.

TAIWANESE INVESTMENT Privately-owned Taiwanese motorcycle manufacturer Kwang Yang Motor Company

Harley CEO Jochen Zeitz with a newly-independant electric-powered LiveWire

(Kymco), in possession of advanced EV technology oriented towards urban mobility, has joined Harley in the deal, with each inserting capital of $100m to ensure smooth delivery. But the latter will reportedly retain 74% of total equity.

Commenting on the announcement, controversial Harley-Davidson supremo Jochen Zeitz said: “LiveWire is set to become the first publicly traded electric motorcycle company in the US. LiveWire’s mission is to be

the most desirable electric motorcycle brand in the world, leading the electrification of the sport.

“This transaction will give LiveWire the freedom to fund new product development and accelerate its go-to-market model.

LiveWire will be able to operate as an agile and innovative public company while benefiting from the at-scale manufacturing and distribution capabilities of its strategic partners, Harley-Davidson and Kymco.”

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International news

O A tale of two Triumphs THE LATEST ANNUAL RESULTS TO 30 JUNE 2021 for Triumph Motorcycles display a remarkable degree of recovery from the Covid pandemic’s early depredations. But the brand may have done even better. BDN financial editor Roger Willis reports.

According to the Triumph Motorcycles directors’ report, overall turnover during this 12-month period grew by 25.8% to £502.3m.

Within that, the UK revenue contribution was 18.7% up to £69.9m. The rest of Europe yielded a 27.3% rise to £234.1m. North America added 58.4% to £116.5m while the rest of the world fell by 1.1% to £81.8m.

Global yearly motorcycle sales volume stacked on an impressive 44.6% to 70,838. Some 86.1% of these machines were sold overseas.

But distribution and admin costs still overwhelmed a gross profit of £50.2m to result in an operating loss of £6.5m and net loss of £7.9m – recovering from a horrendous operating loss of £44.2m and net loss of £35.8m in the previous fiscal year.

DIFFERING FIGURES However, the annual strategic and directors’ reports covering the same period for Bloor Investments, the ultimate parent of Triumph Motorcycles plus large-scale house construction and plant hire businesses, tell an entirely different story.

This version of events kicks off by saying: “The year’s profitability to 30 June 2021 has been primarily driven by the £95m turnaround of the

Bologna gets bragging rights ALTHOUGH IN-DEPTH 2021 ANNUAL FINANCIAL results are still some way off, Ducati chief executive Claudio Domenicali couldn’t resist wallowing passionately in absolute record sales figures and “a magical year” for his brand.

Global Ducati retail sales reached 59,447 motorcycles in 2021, 23.7% more than in 2020 and 11.8% higher than 2019’s pre-pandemic level. Recovery from Covid’s deleterious impact in 2020 was evident in every market worth mentioning.

The USA regained leading status, bouncing back by 32% to 9007 bikes sold. Italy was 23% up to 8707, Germany added 11% to 6107, China put on 21% to 4901 and France rose by 12% to 4352. There was even a Brexit dividend as the UK bought 30% more to register a tally of 2941.

Outright best-seller was the Multistrada V4 adventure range with 9957 delivered to customers.

Scrambler 800 variants followed on 9059 units and the Monster family came third on 8734.

However, Ducati vice president Francesco Milicia cautioned against a surfeit of exuberance: “These results were achieved despite an unpredictable situation generated by the supply crisis that has been on-going for some time. It’s still a very volatile situation and is destined to continue further.”

His boss Claudio simply noted the obvious: “The pandemic, in addition to generating so much suffering, has also made activities more complex.”

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Triumph business from a loss off £40m to a profit of £55m.”

All the numbers for what is identified as Triumph Motorcycles Group are variant. In this version of events Triumph’s turnover apparently climbed by 27.8% to £613.2m, delivering a pre-tax profit of £50.1m – against a loss of £40m a year earlier. Sales volume was 40.5% up to 76,438 bikes and 88.6% of them were purchased overseas.

Presumably such figures came from inputs to which nobody outside the enigmatic John Bloor’s inner sanctum is party. Could they be associated with recently migrating to an offshore tax jurisdiction? As of August 2021, Bloor senior relocated from rural Wales to take up residence in Guernsey.

Arrowhead back on the expansion trail

B

ig-league US aftermarket distributor Arrowhead Engineered Products, which took over leading British motorcycle hard parts trade source Hi-Level seven years ago, has just swallowed a domestic competitor.

Minnesota-based Arrowhead acquired Western Power Sports (WPS) for an undisclosed sum. WPS serves a nearly ,-strong American dealer network via more than  sales reps on the road and seven US distribution centres. A newly appointed chief operating officer, Steve Lester, has replaced former WPS owner Craig Shoemaker at the helm.

“This acquisition is an important step in our growth strategy and aligns with our mission – to be the largest off-road aftermarket parts supplier in the world,” said Arrowhead chief executive John Mosunic, after the deal’s completion.

“WPS has a tremendous reputation and I’m thrilled to have its team lead our powersports segment. It’s a strong strategic fit with a complementary product offering. The combined power of WPS with Arrowhead’s additional brands, global distribution footprint and best-in-

New COO Steve Lester will be running WPS

class supply chain network gives dealers a wider selection of products.”

Global powersports brands developed

by Arrowhead include those under the All Balls Racing Group banner – All Balls Racing, Vertex Pistons, Cylinder Works, Hot Cams, Hot Rods, Pivot Works, and Tiger Lights.

They will join brands owned or exclusively distributed in the US by WPS – Fly Racing, Sedona Tire & Wheel, Open Trail, Shinko Tires, Fire Power, HardDrive, Highway , SP, LC, GMax, Rale, ScorpionExo, Alpinestars and POD.

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Business news

Ducati London opens in Vauxhall

D

ucati has reinforced its UK presence with a new central London store, in Vauxhall’s Albert Embankment railway arches.

Ducati London joins Ducati Croydon as part of the InMoto Enterprises dealer chain, and has been the subject of a significant investment to achieve a high-profile presence in the capital’s heart.

As well as enough display space for the full range of Ducati and Ducati Scrambler models, along

with associated apparel and accessories, there is a workshop at the rear of the premises which accommodates servicing, repairs and accessorising.

Commenting on the latest addition to the network, Ducati vice president for global sales and after sales Francesco Milicia said: “I am really glad to know that finally we have a dealership that reflects our values of style, sophistication, performance and trust in the UK capital. I want to thank

Off the

CUFF

InMoto Enterprises for being a partner in this great new project. It is a modern and well-positioned dealership, representing an important

milestone within a network expansion plan that will see us appear in other international strategic locations throughout .”

way – scouring through local ads produces a better quality and margin. So its onwards and upwards as we go into the New Year! ‘Efficiency’ is definitely a key word for us.”

PASSBIKE TRAINING

IAN BURRELL AND FAMILY RUN THIS BUSY TRAINING AND SALES FACILITY IN ROCHFORD, SOUTHEND. “It’s not all bad – the test waiting times here in Essex seems to be easing. While riders are opting for a two-wheel commute and more delivery riders are taking CBT. We are looking forward to the arrival of the A2 250cc test soon that the training industry pushed the DVSA for. The workshop and showroom are keeping us busy with a range of entry level bikes.” Burrell closes with a thought provoker: “E-scooters are here to stay, and we believe they will be unclassified below a certain power level and treated as pedal cycles (EAPC) because this is the easiest government route to take. But consider this…will EAPC riders fancy upgrading to a proper PTW?”

SPEEDWAY MOTORCYCLES

A snapshot of comment and opinion from around the trade

“IT’S BEEN ANOTHER GREAT TWELVE MONTHS AND we sold more than a thousand new bikes last year.

This year will massively depend on restrictions and prices. The 30% increase in RRP for some machines will be felt as old stock is replaced, but on a positive note, if ‘holiday money’ is spent at home again then it’s a plus.” These thoughts from Matt Plested at the family-run multi-franchise business in Cannock. He adds: “Electric bike sales are still slow, with the majority of monthly registrations being fleet not actual dealer sales. An example would be the top selling CPX Super Soco – we have not sold one in the last 12 months! Other than that, it’s about staying proactive and keeping ahead. I’m still looking for a new showroom of 1500sq.ft or above as we are desperate to expand.”

OAKLEY MOTORCYCLES

ULTIMATE MOTO

“WE HAVE 12 BRANDS, INCLUDING ELECTRIC”, SAYS PAUL BLAIR IN MAIDSTONE. BUT THE UNEXPECTED change to the plug-in grant seems to have left some suppliers confused about what to do. Price increases seem imminent. “In January last year we had a flurry of activity with customers looking to avoid public transport and some wanting to spend money on something other than a holiday, but this year it’s been different. Our best guess is a ‘wait and see what will happen with Covid’ situation. Little or no support and no furlough payments. Guess it all needs to settle down before some form of normality returns. Ongoing supply of parts is now becoming a problem.”

SHIRLAWS

“WE ARE FINDING THAT CUSTOMERS THINK THEY CAN STILL JUST WALK IN AND BUY BECAUSE manufacturers’ messages to the public makes it look that way. They don’t mention the pre-order and delivery situation and that needs to filter through.” This from Craig Shirlaw in Aberdeen, who adds some optimism: “Used stock has been key for the past 18 months and we are retaining good margin on new and used. We’re looking forward to opening our new store in the near future.”

NIGHTINGALES MOTORCYCLES

“IN OCTOBER WE ARE CELEBRATING 50 YEARS IN business. We opened in Rugby in 1972, but we’re no longer selling new bikes. We reluctantly had to exit our Suzuki small bikes franchise due to the lack of supply and Euro 5 wiping out most of the below-400cc range.” Gavin Nightingale adds: “Now we’re concentrating on quality, almost exclusively Japanese and Triumph, but used bikes are increasingly difficult to source. It’s now so easy for the public to sell online at little or no cost and that’s not helped by the ‘we buy any vehicle’ type operations hoovering up, cherry picking and then trading out leftovers to dealers at unrealistic prices. We’re not giving in to that. We find stock the old-fashioned

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MARK TURNBULL AT BOLDON COLLIERY IN THE NORTH EAST SELLS USED BIKES: “SHOWROOM SALES ARE down, but online remains strong, with the more inspirational bikes in demand. Perhaps the biggest challenge this year will be staff shortages if Covid remains strong. We are only a small team and staff being away puts a strain on what we can achieve.”

CREWE HONDA CENTRE

“WHAT DOES 2022 HOLD FOR US? IT COULD BE A GOOD YEAR IF STOCK ARRIVES TO MATCH THE TARGETS set, used bike prices regain normality and quality low mileage stock becomes more available.” This from Roger Morris at his long-established solus Honda family dealership in Cheshire. “There’s lot of interest in the new Honda range, and we hope to turn it into actual sales when stock arrives. The bigger challenge will be recovering footfall and getting potential customers back through the door – virtual buying does not help clothing, accessories and general after sales in the showroom.”

Give BDN your “Off the Cuff” thoughts. They might just make a difference! e: editorial@dealernews.co.uk t: 01237 422660 e: john.featherstone1@hotmail.com t: 07541 998290 www.britishdealernews.co.uk

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Off-road news

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

SHORT CUTS

NEW ABR FESTIVAL SITE

Off-road news With off-road correspondent Rick Kemp

Classic Dirt Bike Show to go ahead

THE ABR FESTIVAL, TO BE HELD OVER THE weekend of 24-26 June, will combine all aspects of adventure biking with music, food and drink, camping, water sports and manufacturer ride outs, all set in the parkland of Ragley Hall in Warwickshire. It now has it’s own website where potential exhibitors and visitors can get a taste of what’s to come, including a full rundown of the 20km-long AX41 Adventure Trail.

If you fancy a pitch at the 2022 ABR Festival, contact will@adventurize.co.uk.

OPPORTUNITIES AT HAWKSTONE

THE SALOP MOTOR CLUB’S SEASONopening Hawkstone International MX meeting will be back with a bang on 13 February with headline sponsors Ashbrook Plant Hire and Toughsheet Building Products. And the club says there are plenty of other promotional and commercial openings still available. The team can offer a variety of sponsorship packages, starting from £40 for signage space and extending to a presence in the entire pre-event PR with logos and links on www.hawkstoneinternationalmx.com .

For more sponsorship details, contact: carlyrathmell@icloud.com.

There should be no shortage of footfall for traders at the event, because Hawkstone has always been a massive crowd-puller thanks to its line-up of top racers. For 2022, current world champion Jeffrey Herlings will be joined by a host of MXGP stars and top British riders. Trade stand enquiries should go to Martin Beddoes on beddzee17@yahoo.co.uk.

AFFORDABLE SHOT PULSE

THE NEW SHOT PULSE MX HELMET IS DESIGNED to be affordable without skimping on features making it suitable for a wide range of customers.

It features a ventilation system with six intakes and four exhausts, making it suitable for track or trail use. The hypoallergenic liner features “Morpho-conforming” technology which not only makes it removable and washable but also gives it comfort benefits.

The ABS shell is ACU-gold rated and is finished with hard-varnished polyurethane for improved durability. Available in four different coloured graphics for £99.99 SRP (£59.99 trade) and matte black for £94.99 SRP (£54.99 trade).

Available from Bike It. Contact: 02380 658700, tradesales@bikeit.co.uk.

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FEBRUARY 2022

C

lassic Dirt Bike Show organiser Mortons Events has confirmed that the event will be going ahead as planned, albeit with strings (or should that be masks) attached.

As anyone involved in publicfacing events is now aware, Covid infection rates can dictate changes at the last minute, but the Hagon Shocks-sponsored event is scheduled to go ahead at Telford International Centre over the weekend of 12-13 February.

There will be strict rules in place, according to Mortons Events planner Nick Mowbray.

“We will need proof of two vaccinations as well as identification, otherwise visitors will be turned away. A one-way route will be in place as soon as people enter and masks will have to be worn. At the end of the day, we’re trying to make it a safe experience for the visitor and this includes limiting overall numbers on the two days.”

Mortons Events has been affected, like many other companies, with staff shortages due to isolation and some people having too much time to think during furlough. The popular Classic Bike Guide’s Winter Classic Motorcycle Show at Newark Showground was cancelled because of uncertainties around large gatherings and the

fact that it was close to the festive period. However, other specialist events certainly seem to be holding their own.

“The autojumble events are going really well.” according to Mowbray. “Newark and Stratford are buzzing, and Kempton Park is ticking over nicely. The Bristol Classic Bike Show, also coming up in February, was sold out within a week of our e-shot to the clubs.”

The Stafford Classic Bike Show, the biggest in the world, will have a special feature in April this year.

“We’re looking to do something a bit different. We’re going to have a Hailwood collection, bikes and cherished memorabilia.”

WHAT’S ON AT TELFORD So, what will be attracting visitors over the second weekend in February to Telford, where they can hand over their hardearned at all the trade and club stands?

Well, the season’s opener will feature four offerings from wellknown eccentric Peter Hannis, founder of the Crazy Toyz Workshop in Gloucestershire, whose initial fame was as a result of a Reliant-based, roadlegal speedboat which received national coverage and a Tango award for the Most Eccentric Brit. First up is his 1940s cement mixer-engined special, finished

in steam-punk fashion. Next is a Bultaco trials bike, powered by a 700cc two-stroke racing sidecar engine. Then we have a fourcylinder CBR 600 F3 dirt bike with an RMZ 450 Suzuki front end, converted to twin-shock specification. This was built for the Blue Grass Scramble at Little Comberton, Worcestershire, and it also took the honours at the Helter Skelter Hill Climb in Dorset as the CBR simply flew up one of the steepest hillsides in the country.

Finally, Hannis’s latest project is a 750cc off-road trike, powered by a Suzuki Katana four-cylinder motor with a Yamaha Tri–Z rear axle and off-road wheels. This machine has been particularly successful in Malle Mile off-road sprint races.

Another new stand for Telford, arranged by show consultant Alan Wright, is for Royal Enfield.

Wright has gathered nine Bullets and Crusaders, including the Bullet put together by the late and much missed Jim Pickering.

The Black Country’s John Richardson put together two Enfield Bullets, one original and the other highly modified.

Advance ticket sales for the Classic Dirt Bike Show have been brisk and it’s fully expected that despite Covid limitations the show will be a sell-out.

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Off-road news

Ducati’s “Adventour” DesertX HARD ON THE HEELS OF TRIUMPH’S launch of its Tiger 1200 (see BDN Jan 2022), and doubtless no coincidence, comes the Ducati DesertX. This new ‘Adventour’ category looks set to be a thriving sales sector for manufacturers. A nimble tourer with a high degree of ability when it comes to unmade roads and tracks, it’s a go anywhere big boy with a full suite of tech features.

The DesertX uses the 937cc liquid-cooled Testastretta 11-degree Desmodromic valvetrain engine as found in the Monster and Multistrada V2 models. It delivers 110hp at 9250 rpm and maximum torque of 92Nm at 6500 rpm in Euro5 configuration. In addition, this version has a compact eight-plate clutch which, together with other modifications,

reduces the weight of the motor by 1.7kg. To aid its off-road performance the internal gear ratios have been altered to create a wide-ratio box with top gear (sixth) being something of an overdrive to help the fuel consumption when in tarmac mile-munching mode.

Speaking of modes, there are six riding modes: Enduro, Rally, Sport, Touring, Urban and Wet. These work in combination with four power modes: Full, High, Medium and Low. That’s a load of modes. Then there’s the various electronic controls: Engine Brake Control (EBC), Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up and down and three levels of Cornering ABS. In Enduro and Rally modes the ABS can be deactivated.

Suspension is supplied by Kayaba and

comprises a 46mm diameter upside-down fork with 230mm travel and a Kayaba monoshock. Both are adjustable for compression, rebound and preload. Brembo stoppers are provided at both ends and the wheel sizes are 21-in front and 18-in rear.

The DesertX has a full complement of LED lighting including a flashing brake light if the pedal is stamped on. A full range of Ducati Performance Accessories is also available including a multi-media system and turn-byturn navigation.

The DesertX will be available from May 2022. It will also be available in a restricted version for A2 license holders. The factory is offering the “4Ever Ducati” warranty, valid for four years with unlimited mileage in selected markets.

Polaris teams up with Zero U

S quad, side-by-side and off-road utility vehicle manufacturer Polaris has partnered with Californian electric specialists Zero Motorcycles to produce the Ranger XP Kinetic.

The new model’s electric powertrain imbues it with some ideal workhorse power characteristics. Polaris claims industryleading horsepower and torque figures, but says that’s not the whole story.

As with any electrically-driven appliance from a handheld mixer to a Tesla Model S, maximum power and torque are available from zero RPM. This means that an

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electrically powered UTV is superior to its ICE (petrol or diesel powered) brethren at towing and pulling. Also, as Polaris points out, the XP Kinetic’s quiet running has advantages around livestock and hunting applications.

The Ranger XP Kinetic has all the options and sophistication of the XP  but without the servicing downtime and expense. It also offers a V cargo box outlet which is conveniently located for powering accessories. A new gear-shift design includes high, low, neutral and park positions, but now also features an integrated switch for forward and reverse so customers can change

direction at the flip of a switch, making tasks like ploughing fast and efficient.

The Ranger’s specification includes a dashboard mounted cm infotainment screen powered by Ride Command technology that gives customers the ability to see estimated remaining range and the battery’s state of charge. Full charge from % can be achieved in five hours as standard. With the available accessory onboard charging system, rates can be boosted for up to % faster charge times.

Delivery is expected in the summer. Prices weren’t available at the time of going to press.

FEBRUARY 2022 27

Off-road news

Dakar win for GasGas

T

he  Dakar Rally, which took place between  and  January, was held in Saudi Arabia, the third time it has been based in the Gulf State. It was centred around the sandy desert terrain of the Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter) and included the cities of Jeddah, Ha’il and Riyadh.

GasGas-mounted Sam Sunderland achieved his second motorcycle class win, although it was a first manufacturer victory for the GasGas brand.

Sunderland didn’t have it all his own way as the results testify. The winning margin was  mins  secs, the slimmest since . The first week was spent trading places with his GasGas teammate, Australian Daniel Sanders. On stage seven Sanders had an accident on his way to the section start in Riyadh, which resulted in a fractured elbow and wrist putting him out of the event.

NEW BRANDS SHINE

The Dakar also gave a couple of new brands a chance to shine. Featuring in the top five for almost the entire first week, Spaniard Lorenzo Santolino, piloting his Sherco, was a hopeful until the big boys got serious in the second week but nevertheless he finished in a very credible th place. Hero Motorsports and Joaquim Rodrigues got their maiden win on stage three.

For off-road manufacturers, be they of bikes, quads, cars, trucks, buggies, specials or classics, the Dakar still carries the greatest kudos of any international event. This year, the top ten motorcycle finishers comprised the lone GasGas, no fewer than four Hondas with Pablo Quintanilla’s in second spot, three KTMs and a pair of Yamahas.

If the old trade adage of “Win on Sunday, sell on Monday” still applies, it’s time to stock up on GasGas.

Husky’s new Rockstars HUSQVARNA MOTORCYCLES IS RAISING its game for 2022 with Rockstar Editions of its FC250 and FC450 motocross models. These models have new motors and frames, in fact the only thing that they share with the old models is the name.

The FC250 features a punchy DOHC engine, delivering class-leading power and torque. The FC450 is powered by an SOHC unit with a new multifunctional map switch which allows selection between power delivery modes. It also activates the traction and launch control features, as well as engaging Easy Shift for clutchless upshifts of the revised-ratio, five-speed gearboxes. Both engines are lightweight and positioned in their frames for optimal mass-centralisation.

These models come with a completely revised chassis, featuring a new hydroformed chromium molybdenum frame designed for improved anti-squat behaviour.

The new die-cast aluminium swingarm provides optimal rigidity with low weight. A durable, aluminium-polyamide hybrid subframe is designed for specifically calculated rigidity.

Suspension is from the top of KTM Group stablemate WP’s range and each Rockstar Edition is equipped with adjustable offset split-clamp Factory triple clamps.

The new machines

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are already available in the USA and will be available in this country in the near future.

SMALL ADVENTURE KTM has updated its 390 Adventure with a fresh look and some key upgrades for 2022 that bring it more in line with the largerdisplacement KTM Adventure machines.

The single cylinder four-stroke Euro 5 motor develops 43hp and 37Nm of torque and the new model’s extensive list of electronic features has received the addition of Street and Off-Road modes for the traction control. Selecting Off-Road will give the KTM a degree of rear wheel slip to aid its use in loose or wet terrain.

For more information, visit www.ktm.com.

Join the Club

M

uc-Off has announced that it will become a co-title sponsor for AMA Supercross team Muc-Off FXR ClubMX for the  season. The team will be competing in both the East and West coast US World Championship, the Monster Energy AMA Supercross for the first time as well as the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship later in  with a six rider line-up.

Muc-Off will be supplying the team, including riders and mechanics, with a range of products from its Clean, Protect and Lube systems. These include the bright pink Nano Tech Bike Cleaner – Muc-Off’s flagship product that launched the brand back in . Muc-Off will also be working with the team to develop new off-road products.

Custom Muc-Off helmets will feature throughout the season, designed by the in-house creative team at Muc-Off. The team will be racing in a distinctive new range of team apparel backed

by FXR Racing.

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JobScene

Contact Alison on 01237 422660 or adsales@dealernews.co.uk britishdealernews.co.uk/jobs

DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER

MOTORCYCLE TECHNICIAN

This is a great opportunity to join one of the UK’s leading high-end motorcycle parts distributors. The role will involve managing all marketing activities across the various digital platforms.

With an interest in motorcycles and having a marketing or digital based background, the successful candidate will possess the required skills to succeed in digital marketing across all channels, both paid and organic.

On offer is an attractive package including a competitive salary, company pension, flexible hours and 30+ days holiday.

Please apply in writing with CV to andy@perfomanceparts-ltd.com

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RE BEFO RUARY 28TH FEB

2022 TRADE DIRECTORY

Get Listed Be Seen

Call 01237 422660 or email adsales@dealernews.co.uk SPONSORED BY:

SELL MORE BIKES 0115 946 6260 bike@frfl.co.uk

Due to our continued growth and success we are looking for a fully qualified, experienced Motorcycle Technician to join our workshop team on the Wiltshire/Dorset border, in our premium multi-franchised dealership.

Moto Corsa Motorcycles is an official dealer for KTM, MV Agusta, Aprilia, Royal Enfield and Moto Guzzi.

IDEAL CANDIDATE The suitable candidate should ideally be qualified to NVQ level 3 or C & G equivalent or higher and have a minimum of 3 years mechanical experience - either automotive or motorcycle.

ESSENTIAL You should be able to work unsupervised in a safe and timely manner to high exacting standards.

You must have technical experience of modern motorcycles and be able to use current diagnostic equipment.

From time to time you may also be required to talk to customers and as such you must be able to communicate clearly and provide technical explanations in a way that can be easily understood.

You will be responsible for diagnosing, servicing and repairing customers bikes and preparing new and used bikes for the sales team, as well as fitting and fixing accessories and aftermarket spares for customer orders ready for collection or delivery.

A full bike and car licence is essential.

If you are a qualified MOT tester that would be advantageous although not necessary but you must meet the criteria to become an MOT tester.

Occasional nights away from home will be required for factory training with our suppliers abroad.

BENEFITS A very competitive salary and benefits package will be awarded to the successful candidate which will fully reflect both qualifications and experience.

To apply, please email:

David@MotoCorsa.co.uk with a covering letter, CV and your contact details and we will be in touch.

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FULL-TIME CLOTHING, PARTS & ACCESSORIES ADVISOR Jim Allan Motorcycles are looking for a full-time Clothing, Parts & Accessories Advisor to join the team at our busy Falkirk Branch.

You will be responsible for demonstrating and selling a large range of products from some of the industry’s leading suppliers of Accessories, Clothing, On-road & Off-road Parts.

We would expect the successful candidate to have a love of bikes and biking, a good understanding of the motorcycle clothing and accessories market, solid communication skills, flexibility, and a positive outlook, be IT literate, and have the ability to deliver an outstanding level of customer service.

Applications by Post or Email with your CV to Dave Allan: Jim Allan Motorcycles, 208 Grahams Road, Falkirk FK2 7BX Email ; jimallanmotorcycles1@gmail.com

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FEBRUARY 2022

motorcycle technician We are looking for a motorcycle technician for our busy official Yamaha and Suzuki dealership at Leigh on Sea in Essex.

Duties will include preparing new and late used motorcycles, servicing mainly Yamahas and Suzukis and other late Japanese brands.

Experience of working within a franchised motorcycle dealership is preferable although ongoing manufacturer updates and training will be provided.

We are a friendly, professional team within an established dealership.

Gross salary will be dependent on experience and very competitive, of course, for the right candidate.

This position is for a 5 day week including Saturdays. We are closed Sundays. We offer 20 days holiday PLUS bank holidays and an Aviva pension.

Please email your CV to jasonalphasales@gmail.com or call Jason on 01702 479979

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Cheaper | Reliable | Green

£27,000-£32,000 per year | 40 hours per week

The GreenMo group is Europe’s largest provider of electric two-wheel mopeds, motorcycles and e-bikes, providing over 35,000 to fleets across the UK and Europe.

You’ll be joining a team of technicians at our GreenMo workshop based in SE1, although the depot is soon moving to North London.

The workshop supports our operations team to ensure our mopeds are serviced and maintained.

You will be required to service mopeds and motorcycles predominantly in and around London, although some fleets will be elsewhere in the UK. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES • To carry out routine servicing or maintenance on fleet mopeds and motorcycles • Conduct diagnosis of any found or reported faults, carrying out repairs as required • Completion of appropriate documentation • Carry out road tests to confirm correct operation and stability following service/repair • Operate stock control and manage the parts ordering process • Ensure workspace and tools/equipment is maintained to an acceptable standard • Provide great customer service and offer advice to drivers and their managers • Understand and comply with health and safety standards • Attend training courses to update personal skills and knowledge

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED • Full clean UK driving licence is essential • Minimum 3 years post-qualification experience as a mechanic • Skills and attributes • Good attention to details, with a focus on accuracy • Organised approach to work and effective time management • Excellent communication skills, demonstrating an ability to develop effective and professional working relationships with colleagues, customers and suppliers • Professional approach, providing a positive influence to other members of the team • Ability to develop and contribute to process and systems improvements • Keen to learn and improve own performance • Will go the extra mile to fulfil customers’ needs • Has a ‘can do’ attitude to work • Enjoys working effectively as part of a team BENEFITS • Yearly bonus • Company pension • Employee discount • Sick pay • Holiday is 20 days per year + bank holidays • Full uniform and PPE are supplied

Please send your CV to: richard.jordan@vmoto-uk.com

MOTORCYCLE TECHNICIAN We are looking for a experienced Motorcycle Technicians to join our thriving dealership.

• The candidate will need to have knowledge of PDI, Service, Repair and MOT testing on both new and used motorcycles and across the on and off-road sectors.

• Experience of working within a franchised motorcycle dealership is preferable.

• Knowledge of working on ATV’s would be beneficial.

• A full UK car and motorcycle licence must be held.

Competitive package offered to the right candidate, please check out our website for full details www.colwynbaymotorcycles.com and email your covering letter and CV to natalie@colwynbaymotorcycles.com

50%

North Wales, Cheshire, Cumbria, Lancashire, Western Scotland

Motorcycle Parts, Accessories and Tyre Sales Bickers, a leading supplier of aftermarket Motorcycle parts and accessories, is looking for the next member of its Sales Team...

• Manage and develop sales across North Wales,

RETAIL DEALER OFFER

Contact Alison on 01237 422660 or adsales@dealernews.co.uk

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AREA SALES MANAGER

Cheshire, Cumbria, Lancashire, Western Scotland • Develop new and existing sales opportunities • Increase sales of motorcycle parts, accessories and tyres

To learn more please visit: www.britishdealernews.co.uk/jobs or to apply please send your CV and cover letter to recruitment@maxxis.co.uk FEBRUARY 2022 31

JobScene

Motorcycle Technician

NMC

Taking biking into the corridors of power

The National Motorcyclists Council launched last year with the aim of providing a new voice for motorcycling, speaking directly to government. BDN finds out more

M

arch 2021 was a pretty hectic time. The UK was in another hard lockdown, a massive wartimelevel vaccination effort was under way and the motorcycle trade was just about holding on after enduring 12 months of a global pandemic. So you could be forgiven for missing the launch, at Westminster, of a new motorcycle campaigning organisation.

Dubbed the National Motorcyclists Council, the new body claimed that “UK motorcyclists will now gain additional power in Government and Parliament on motorcycling issues.”

The NMC was set up as an ‘umbrella’ body, bringing together a number of existing bikers’ organisations under one banner with the aim of presenting government, MPs, councils and civil servants with a single unified voice on the issues motorcyclists are concerned about. At the launch, its membership was made up of five founding organisations: the Auto Cycle Union, the British Motorcyclists Federation, IAM RoadSmart, the Motorcycle Action Group and the Trail Riders Fellowship. Since then, the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) has also joined up, adding a trade voice to the NMC’s remit.

The executive director of the NMC is Craig Carey-Clinch, who’s been lobbying politicians about motorcycles since the early 1990s and is known as “Mr Motorcycling” to certain MPs in Westminster. BDN spoke to CareyClinch about the NMC just before its first birthday, and he took us through the creation of the new body.

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COMING TOGETHER “At the start of the Covid crisis, a loose organisation of 15 motorcycling groups formed, with the idea to come up with Covidsafe guidelines for riding bikes depending on how the rules changed. It drew together a lot of players, and they asked me to come on board. Then we thought, if we can agree on this, why can’t we agree on other stuff when life gets back to normal?”

So the idea of the NMC was born early on in 2020. But as Carey-Clinch told us, the name had been used before. “Back in the 1990s, when I worked with MAG and MCIA, I was part of a group also called the National Motorcyclists Council. The work we did by combining forces around one or two clear messages was enough to get the UK government to work towards the first ever national motorcycle strategy in 2005.”

The turmoil from the global financial crisis of 2008, plus the change of government in 2010 meant that 2005 strategy never really fulfilled its promise, and the separate motorcycling groups went back to campaigning on an individual basis. Fast forward a decade though, and there’s a new NMC that is attempting to change how motorcycles are seen by those in power.

Carey-Clinch is keen to emphasise that the NMC doesn’t replace the work done by its member groups though. “I see it as rather like a trade association between user groups.

We have all the different strengths and facets of the members brought together on issues where we all agree. We don’t replace what the members do on their own lobbying but

complement it where we agree.”

The NMC isn’t an ‘end-user’, grassrootstype organisation either. “The NMC’s not for consumers to join. Our message is, if you want to help the NMC, join one of the riders’ groups.”

What about the industry side? What’s the role of the trade in the NMC? “In terms of the industry, I think NMC sits well alongside the supply side representations so there are two very powerful lobbies both working to achieve results that are good for motorcycling, rather than one very powerful lobby (in the shape of the MCIA) and a whole load of fragmented organisations representing users.”

What about dealers at the coal face?

“Dealers can engage directly via the NMDA, and locally through their local rider groups.

MAG and BMF often have local meets at dealers, so it’s worth keeping an eye on our news, and getting involved with the key issues of the day.”

NEW VOICE OF MOTORCYCLING So, that’s what the NMC is. But what’s it planning to do with its new voice? It’s fair to say that the last year hasn’t been in any way normal. And you could see how government wouldn’t be concentrating too much on biking, what with the Covid-19 pandemic still pressing, Brexit hangovers, supply chain woes, soaring inflation, and labour shortages.

But the NMC has identified a number of areas where it has made a difference already.

Carey-Clinch again: “The achievements so far?

We’ve shifted the dial and improved the credibility of motorcycling organisations. ➔

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NMC

We’ve held some events, including a mayoral hustings in London, where we got everyone except Sadiq Khan to attend, and had a debate in Parliament led by Sir Bill Wiggin MP. In terms of how motorcycling is viewed by the establishment, we’ve replaced fragmented voices with one unified voice. The aim is to change how motorcycling is viewed by the establishment.”

There are some big tasks ahead for the NMC too, with immediate challenges including proposed anti-tampering laws which could prevent riders modifying their bikes with non-standard parts, ‘net zero’ plans that could phase out petrol engines for bikes, and ongoing problems for riders shipping their bikes into the EU for trackdays.

There’s also the wider issue of the future of transport, giving motorcycling its proper place within an overall plan for transport going forward.

And the NMC is already representing the biking world to government across all these areas. “Immediate challenges relate to antitampering,” said Carey-Clinch. “We need to have certainty on that. Our policy is to reject the government proposals as they stand. On net zero, we’re challenging the thinking. Why is the UK government hell-bent on going towards a zero CO2 option for motorcycling, when the rest of the world is looking at net zero from an evolutionary series of multiple tech-based approaches over a period of time? The fear is they force the pace on a single set of battery technologies, instead of innovations like synthetic fuels or hydrogen, and all you get is a massive market shock, because the UK is such a small part of the overall global motorcycle market.”

BREXIT STUMBLING BLOCK On the difficulties with riders shipping their bikes into the EU for track events, off-road riding, or other activities, the NMC is looking to work with its sister organisation in Europe, FEMA – though resolution seems some way off. “I do talk to FEMA regularly,” said CareyClinch, “and one issue at the moment is this bike shipping problem. The UK government is completely behind us on this, but the problem is that there’s very little movement on the other side of the Channel.”

NMC executive director Craig Carey-Clinch

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BACKING THE PLANS WELL-KNOWN ACCIDENT CLAIMS management, crash repair and mobility solution provider Plantec Assist backed the National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) with both sponsorship and participatory assistance, in a move that will undoubtedly strengthen its widening representative role.

Welcoming the company’s involvement, NMC executive director Craig Carey-Clinch said: “Plantec will also join the NMC’s growing membership base, so further extending the reach and authority that member organisations have created since the NMC was founded.

“Plantec is involved in key motorcyclist-facing areas and is able to support the NMC’s work through the knowledge it has gained by working with individual riders. We look forward to making further progress on motorcycling issues with its support.”

Garry King, head of sales and development at Plantec Assist, added: “We are very pleased to be working alongside the National Motorcyclists Council and all of its members to share our knowledge, provide support and encourage change in order to ensure safe and sustainable motorcycling for the future.”

A big downside from Brexit then, but Carey-Clinch reckons there’s one possible benefit when it comes to motorcycle licensing in the UK. “After Brexit, opportunities are there, and one is to evolve the licensing regime to something more suited to the domestic environment and needs. It’s not about making the test easier, that would be silly. What we need to do is maintain standards in testing and training, to make what’s there work better.”

The biggest challenge though is a more fundamental one. The NMC wants to make motorcycling more visible to those in power, as a solution to the problems of transport in the 2020s, rather than just being seen – as it often is – as a road safety problem.

“Future of transport is the major game,” said Carey-Clinch. “Where does motorcycling sit in terms of city access and mobility, equality of opportunity, access to work and environmental stuff? Motorcycling has such a huge and key role to play. So instead of trying to deal with consequences of problematic policy, we’re really trying to get to the core of it by looking at a national strategic policy for motorcycling. That’s the only way we break through this logjam of biking being ignored.”

Who supports motorcycling in Westminster then? Does biking have many allies amongst the MPs and peers? “There’s Bill Wiggins, Steve Baker, a handful of peers, Fabian Hamilton, Chris Law, Stuart Hosie, Ian Paisley and Sammy Wilson, so we have genuine cross party support in Parliament,” said Carey-Clinch.

“In government, you won’t find support identified on paper, but we are finding an increasing number of allies across

government departments.”

It’s not just politicians though: the NMC aims to work with civil servants and other stakeholders in government too. “It’s about good relationship building, which, long term, results in positive policy. Working with officials is important: dealing with government isn’t just about talking to minsters: ministers may decide, but officials are generally in charge of formulating policy, so I like to make sure they’re comfortable with what we put forward.”

And what about the British prime minister? Boris Johnson has been seen riding motorcycles in the past – his wife Carrie bought him a Yamaha dirtbike in Christmas 2020. But is he a friend to motorcycling?

“Boris rides but we can never draw him on it. I do know Johnson slightly actually, I worked with him on the “bikes in bus lanes” campaign when he became mayor of London and opened up bike and bus lanes permanently to motorcycles. At the time, I was chatting to him in a couple of meetings, and he sort of ‘got’ motorcycling. But he didn’t really get its potential when it comes to public policy. He was always very friendly – not the buffoon he pitches himself to be a lot of the time – and was quite in charge of what he was doing at the time.”

What would the NMC – and Carey-Clinch – say to Johnson, if they get the chance while he’s prime minister, then? “I would say it would be good if the PM could remember the fun and joys of motorcycling and empower his transport secretary to take us more seriously.”

THE NMC HAS A NUMBER OF EXCELLENT policy papers and other thought-provoking material on its website, especially on licensing proposals: www.uknmc.org

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Business Beat

Business Beat

DEBT RECOVERY ACROSS BORDERS A sale is only a sale once it’s been paid for and while most pay according to terms, for those that refuse to play by the agreed rules, there’s the law

D

ebts in the UK are relatively easy to recover, but the matter becomes more complex when an overseas business is involved. And one question to resolve is which country’s law will apply to disputes, and by extension, which court will have jurisdiction.

NOTE THE JURISDICTION Assuming it is better for you to apply English law and jurisdiction, the best way to ensure that it applies, and the courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction to deal with any dispute, is to specify just that in contracts signed by both parties.

Further, terms must be incorporated properly into the contract or included in a

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separate agreement. If the terms are not incorporated properly, jurisdiction rules could be disputed and rectifying that later can be very expensive.

And if a debt is claimed and the debtor resides outside the UK issuing proceedings in England and Wales can be difficult; in fact, before proceedings are started in the UK, a court’s permission must be obtained.

ACT ON WARNING SIGNS When warning signs appear, taking early action is important – this means having established procedures in place beforehand.

Plan for things to go awry. Have good UK lawyers on board that have established

connections with other law firms in the jurisdiction where your customer is based; this will speed up the resolution of any disputes. Be mindful that it is one thing to be able to start proceedings here in the UK against an overseas client, and subsequently obtain judgment, but it’ll be pyrrhic victory if the judgment cannot be enforced. So, thought should be given to the length of time that a case will take to resolve, it’s cost and the effectiveness of any enforcement process. Be certain, therefore, to establish if lawyers that are to be engaged have the international links they claim.

Also, clients need to know that you are more than willing to chase debts to create a

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Cloud-based Dealer Management System

with Adam Bernstein www.abfeatures.com precedent in the industry.

Consider the situation where a client had to deal with an Indian debtor. To successfully enforce the debt, it was necessary to deal with a Delhi based director of the debtor company upon which the instruction was to recover a significant sum. It was found that the best approach was to maintain a dialogue and working relationship with the director who often travelled to London to deal with company matters. Through dialogue and the newly made connection, the debtor was met in London and an amount to settle the debt was agreed. The director was insistent upon only paying the amount that he decided that he wanted to pay in the circumstances.

It transpired that there were other UK companies, apart from the client, involved in chasing this debtor; meeting the director was the main and most important approach which eventually recovered payment.

The case also highlights that if a harder line was taken, and enforcement was pursued through the English courts and a judgment enforced in India, the debtor would delay and tie the matter up in Indian law for quite some time. In other words,

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

knowing the debtor and having a proper dialogue is important to overseas collection as much as it is key to collections in the UK – perhaps more so. However, when it comes to enforcement, having contacts in the debtor’s jurisdiction is essential and researching how to extract payment in advance should also reduce risk.

When warning signs appear, taking early action is important – this means having established procedures in place beforehand IT TAKES TIME TO WIN In the UK it can take time to obtain a judgment if a matter is defended and the claim is in excess of the small claims limit – sometimes it can take eighteen months to two years to bring a case to trial. And with the court delays occasioned by Covid, there are significant delays to most cases in the UK at present and it’s mostly the same throughout Europe and indeed, worldwide.

This means that determining the choice of jurisdiction and researching which jurisdiction is best suited to a particular product or service is important.

The cost of acting in the English Courts is, for example, much higher in terms of court issue fees (the amount paid to start proceedings to the courts; this separate from lawyer’s costs). In Holland, in comparison, court fees are less expensive. And in other jurisdictions, the cost of obtaining satisfaction or a judgment will vary wildly too.

There is no way to determine whether a case can be won quickly or if it could take

years to conclude. But when comparing, say, EU jurisdictions to England and Wales the best approach is to agree a suitable mediation process followed by an arbitration process depending on the value and the nature of the claim. If, however, the situation involves a debt that has gone bad and the debtor is struggling to pay, no matter the jurisdiction chosen by contract or is chosen to pursue the debtor, ultimately it may be appropriate to write the debt off rather incur the expense, delay and additional time involved in pursuing the matter.

It’s also worth noting that enforcing a judgment obtained from an overseas jurisdiction in the courts of England and Wales is possible. The High Court frequently recognises judgments in this way.

Allied to this, establishing which private international law regime applies to the judgment debt is important. For instance, whether the debt will fall within any of the applicable statutory regimes or, if enforcement will take place by relying on the established common law principles to recognise the judgment.

IN SUMMARY Post Brexit international debt recovery has become much more complex as creditors have to navigate a matrix of international conventions and law. The best solution is to seek legal advice at an early stage. 

CHRIS ELSE Chris Else is a litigation and debt recovery specialist at Else Solicitors.

MARIA MULLA Maria Mulla is a barrister at No5 Chambers specialising in international dispute resolution and insolvency.

FEBRUARY 2022 37

Business Beat

DeepBlue CloudDMS

Marketing Matters

MARKETING

MATTERS

Expert adv ice to improve how you promote and sell you r DAN SAGER FOUNDED THE FAB-BIKER PR AGENCY IN 1996 AND products or has been advising businesses in the motorcycle industry on marketing matters ever since. In this brand-new series, written exclusively for BDN, services Dan guides us through the maze of social media. fab-biker.co.uk

MAINTAINING A SOCIAL LIFE: A MEASURED APPROACH Benchmarking is one way of measuring your social media performance against competitors, but what do you measure, and how do you do it?

T

here’s no getting away from it, if you don’t measure, you can’t manage.

That applies to social media just as much as any other aspect of your business performance.

The only questions are, what to measure, and how to do it, both of which will depend on what you hope to achieve.

At the most basic level, being on social media is about getting noticed. It makes you more visible online and increases the likelihood of people finding you. Clearly the more followers you attract, the greater the impact you are making.

To benchmark your progress, look at your competitors and track your following against theirs. Check when they started on social media and how many followers they now have, then you can calculate how many they attract each month. For example, if they currently have 1200 Facebook followers and they created their page 12 months ago, you can see they add 100 people per month on average.

Whatever you do, don’t build unrealistic expectations, because it will only end in disappointment. There are some brands out there that have invested heavily in social media and built huge followings, often employing people specifically to work in that field. Unless you match them – in time, budget and expertise – you’ll struggle to get close to their numbers. An independent high street coffee shop is, to a degree,

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competing with Costa Coffee, Starbucks and the other big chains, but they’re unlikely to match their clout on social media so, for a useful benchmark, it’s better to compare performance with other similar local cafes.

Being on social media is about getting noticed. It makes you more visible online and increases the likelihood of people finding you For those seeking a deeper understanding, take a look at your Page Insights (for Facebook and Instagram, Twitter moves in its own mysterious ways).

These will reveal the Reach of your posts – the number of people who actually see them. Put simply, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter ‘ration’ your posts among your followers. Typically, only 5% of the people who like your Facebook page will see your posts on their timelines; this rises to 25% on Instagram. Twitter calculates “Impressions” and these need to be tracked through Twitter Ads, which is a whole extra level of complication. Generally, if more

than 20% of your followers see a tweet you’ll be doing well.

Getting your posts and tweets seen is one thing, but it’s even better if people react to them so you know they’re making an impact. Whether it’s a thumbs-up on Facebook or a heart on Instagram/Twitter, if people like what you’re saying or showing, you know you’re doing something right. It’s well worth comparing your most and least successful posts over the course of a month to see what hits the spot and what misses the mark.

It’s even better when those people share your post (or retweet it) so that their friends see it too, thereby increasing your reach still further. When measuring reach, it is helpful to see whether sharing is contributing to it.

Comments are often the icing on the cake, especially when they include buying signals (e.g. “How much are these?” or “When are you open?”).

Sometimes it’s simpler to lump likes, shares and comments together and simply measure overall “engagement” to track your performance on social media. 

NEXT MONTH We’ll wrap up this series in our next column, aimed at the image conscious, when we discuss the size, shape and impact of pictures and highlight a few things to avoid.

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Business Essentials

CATALYST

The Business Staying current with currency A Constellation Software Company

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

Buying and selling on good currency terms can be as important to the bottom line as making sales in the first place. But with such volatility, can firms protect their position?

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The latest news and views in the world of business

A

s business becomes increasingly global, especially where products are sourced for retail, the issues surrounding foreign exchange management become ever more pressing. While many retailers only buy and sell in sterling, the effects of currency changes will be an issue for manufacturers and distributors and by extension, retailers too. Anyone watching the slide of sterling in the runup to the Brexit vote in June 2016 will have seen import prices rise while exports

became more competitive. And the same happened as the UK went into lockdown in March 2020. So how does the currency process work and what can be done to fix a commercial exchange rate?

There are undoubtedly all manner of ways to complicate things and while there are as many variations on currency products as there are permutations on a lottery ticket, there are also some straightforward steps that businesses can take to manage currency risk.

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PLANNING David Johnson, a director of Halo Financial, a foreign exchange broker, says that a conversation about currency risk generally starts with minimising exposure and that gambling on exchange rates can be a recipe for disaster. “There are,” he says, “risk management tools which can be utilised.

Anyone who claims to be able to pinpoint exactly where an exchange rate will be at a certain point in the future is deluded.”

Johnson adds that a market with millions of participants which transacts $6.6tn a day is not something which can be forecast with any level of certainty.

MANAGING RISK For those that are entirely risk averse, as soon as they have an identifiable currency risk, they might choose to purchase all their currency requirements. If cash flow allows, they may wish to do that and hold the proceeds of the contracts on currency accounts pending payment requests. They will have removed exchange rate variation from their planning and have the flexibility of cash at hand in the correct currency when they need it.

Johnson says that if cash flow doesn’t allow for that and this is the more likely scenario, they can still cut all risk using forward contracts which use today’s exchange rate upon which to put a contract in place while delaying the final settlement of that contract for up to two years. This generally requires a part payment/deposit initially, but it aids cash flow by keeping the bulk of funds available as working capital.

“The other advantage of forward contracts”, notes Johnson, “is that, if payment is required more urgently or if the payment needs to be delayed, the forward contract can be flexed to either draw down for early delivery or extend (roll over) to a late settlement date if necessary.” It appears that many companies find that forward contracts are the tool of choice for payment of invoices

on 30-, 60- or 90-day terms as they provide exchange rate certainty for the whole credit period. Forward contracts are also used where goods are received on consignment or where letters of credit are required.

A firm that wants to see if the exchange rate is moving in their favour, and who wants to wait to see if there is some advantage to be taken from that trend, should consider a stop loss order (SLO).

“This device is placed into the foreign exchange market with a market maker to guarantee a minimum exchange rate. The

It appears that many companies find that forward contracts are the tool of choice for payment of invoices on 30-, 60- or 90day terms as they provide exchange rate certainty for the whole credit period order sits as a latent instruction but isn’t actioned until the market moves in such a way as to trigger the order,” explains Johnson. He illustrates the point with an example: A distributor needs to buy US dollars and the current market exchange rate is $1.35 (at the time of writing) but the trend looks like it is heading higher, they may be tempted to wait for a better level.

Obviously, the ever-present risk is that the trend changes and the pound slumps through to $1.25, wiping out any profit.

Let’s assume they cannot make a return on the contract unless they can achieve at least $1.30 or better. In these circumstances, they could place a SLO at $1.30 to

guarantee that rate as the worst-case scenario while leaving the opportunity to buy at higher levels if the pound continues to rally. Essentially, even if the pound collapsed, as soon as the sterling – US dollar exchange rate fell to $1.30, the order would be triggered, and they will have bought their US dollars.

There is another alternative to the SLO – options. Johnson says these are used by many companies, especially where they have sizable requirements and/or longterm projects. He cautions that they can be expensive because plain vanilla options, as the basic form is termed, require the payment of a non-refundable premium yet they serve the same basic purpose as an SLO. The flexibility in an option is in the right not to exercise the right to buy at the option level unless needed.

USING VOLATILITY But automated orders can be used in another way. A limit order can be used to target an advantageous exchange rate which is above the current level.

According to Johnson this works because the foreign exchange market doesn’t rest.

Trading begins on Sunday night UK time and continues around the clock until the US markets close on Friday night.

“One by-product of this is that some of the most volatile periods occur when individual markets are opening or closing.

This volatility can be captured by placing automated limit orders at pre-determined exchange rates. As long as the market trades to the nominated level, the order will be filled.” Clearly firms need to plan ahead.

PLANNING, PLANNING, AND PLANNING To a large extent, planning is the key to every aspect of success in managing currency needs. If you ask all your questions in advance, dot all the ‘i’s’ and cross all the ‘t’s’ you will suffer fewer shocks and avoid nasty surprises. 

In tune with the industry, leading All-in-one Business Management Soſtware through innovation and expertise for Motorcycle Dealers Complete Business Solution. Easy to Use 0116 230 1500 | sales@catalyst-uk.com | www.catalyst-uk.com www.britishdealernews.co.uk

CATALYST

A Constellation Software Company

FEBRUARY 2022 41

Business Essentials

s Essentials

with Adam Bernstein www.abfeatures.com

Alchemy Parts

Alchemy Based in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, Alchemy Parts describes itself as ‘the motorbike accessory specialist’.

These aren’t just any old accessories – think Bike Shed, brat, urban retro, scramblers, cafe racer or those customers eventually getting round to that restoration

I

’ve never seen a year quite like last year,” says Alchemy director Roy Aaronson.

“Given that we’re retailers, we had a very busy start to 2021 to the point where we were running out of key lines. Then halfway through the year we started receiving calls via the website for trade account applications and also from existing trade customers.

The orders went up from bits and bobs to serious numbers.

Alchemy director Roy Aaronson

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“What’s fascinating about the industry is that the demographic is changing. As it’s harder to afford a bike when you’re in your 20s, it’s now the over 40s who’ve got the disposable funds.

Our retail customer profile is that of the guy who’s got a few bikes and wants to do the building himself on a Saturday.

With the trade side, on the other hand, it falls into three camps. Firstly, the bike builders who will buy

items to complete the various builds over a period of time. Then the retail shops like specialist clothing and lifestyle and finally you’ve got the specialist bike dealers like Royal Enfield and Urban Rider in London.”

Aaronson bought into the business ten years ago. Prior to that he was selling custom parts for Japanese cruisers, but that market took a dive. An enthusiasm for motorcycles began for Aaronson some 30odd years ago. “A friend of mine said to me, ‘Ride this’, pointing to an MZ ETZ 125 that he’d just bought. So I rode it and within 30 seconds I thought, this is it. One way or another I’ve always worked with motorcycles – God forbid the day I need to go out and do a proper job.”

His approach with the business is to make sure that an element of exclusivity is maintained: “What I don’t want to do is to have every single product in every dealership all over the country because that will devalue the brand.”

Value items include head and tail lights, indicators and, surprisingly,

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EXPLORE, DREAM AND DISCOVER www.britishdealernews.co.uk

He is further encouraged by the fact that just up the road in Potters Bar is Mini Spares, the largest European parts distributor for classic Minis, which is still going strong.

At any point in time Alchemy has about 1500 lines in stock; dealer margins are described as generous, given the prices. Minimum value trade order is £150. For stocking, dealers’ margins improve over £1000 and more usually those dealers take between £2000 and £3000-worth of stock.

Interested dealers can go to the trade account area on the website or phone expressing an interest in certain lines.

Alchemy’s main dealer message is if you need to diversify, this is a profitable avenue, but it’s got to be done properly. Offer a fitting service (all parts are universal), have a demo bike available and if you need to order, remember the last-minute days are gone.

Alchemy 01707 659777 info@alchemyparts.co.uk

Journey

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T 0117 971 9200 E info@thekeycollection.co.uk W www.thekeycollection.co.uk

FEBRUARY 2022 43

Alchemy Parts

out that Alchemy’s business “With handlebars you can never has its own season – things get it right and you can never start to pick up in January and get it wrong, because there will this goes through until June as always be someone who doesn’t owners, enthusiast builders and want what you’ve got and then customisers want to have their there will be someone who bikes ready for summer. wants more than one pair and in As far as dealerships go, there different colours,” says Aaronson. is no substitute for a demo bike, “Bar-end mirrors quite often according to Aaronson. “You can go with a new set of bars, as do have stuff up on the wall all day grips. We do headlight mounting long, you can have buttons to brackets as well, which don’t press that make the lights come just go with a new headlight – someone may want to reposition an existing light.”

What I don’t want to Heat shields are quite popular, particularly for bikes do is to have every with underseat exhausts. single product in These also crossover into the car market for owners of every dealership all Caterhams and Westfields. over the country As well as its direct to consumer and trade outlets because that will Alchemy also sells through devalue the brand Amazon, mainly for the benefit of its European on, but nothing sells product like customers and reduced having it on the bike. The second paperwork, as all that product someone goes on a test ride or is homologated and E-marked. sits on the bike in the showroom, In fact, about half of Alchemy’s turns on the indicators, looks at product goes abroad. Aaronson the head light and tail light, feels says that the growth area lies the bars, the comfortable grips, with owners of a Chinese 125 looks in the mirrors with a blue or 250 from brands like Mutt, Mash, Herald, Sinnis and Keeway. tint, they know that’s what they aspire to.”

“Their quality is getting a lot Alchemy has a global better but they still cut corners marketplace that includes on ancillary parts. The trend Europe, the USA, Australia and seems to be that because the bike even Polynesia. Aaronson is isn’t expensive in the first place, convinced that, because all these owners are prepared to spend a markets have older bikes, they few hundred pounds upgrading help to future-proof the business. and personalising their bikes with our products.”

Alchemy also gets quite a few phone calls from end users who’ve bought items online and are not happy with the outcome and are seeking product advice. This is another area where dealers can benefit – if their customers can come in to the shop and feel the goods, then a sale is more likely. Aaronson points

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Akrapovic for MV

Alpinestars Venture XT 5 A LIGHTWEIGHT ADVENTURE TOURING JACKET AND TROUSERS, THE Venture XT is made with a durable outer shell, which is treated for water resistance and has PU film reinforcements for extra protection in exposed areas. The jacket has large opening vents on the sleeves and on the front chest panel to adapt to warmer weather. Nucleon Flex Plus armour is fitted at the shoulders and elbows, with pockets for optional chest and back protectors. The jacket can also accommodate a Tech-Air 5 airbag system. It comes in black, desert or urban camo colours in sizes S-4XL for an SRP of £269.95.

The matching pants come in a choice of over-boot or in-boot leg styles and include a reinforced seat area and stretch fabric in critical areas to improve freedom of movement. Thigh vents provide ventilation and synthetic leather inner knee inserts improve durability. Available in black or desert colours in sizes S-4XL for an SRP of £229.95.

Alpinestars; 0039 0423 5286; sales@alpinestars.com

Jekill & Hyde Bomb CRUISER AND CUSTOM EXHAUST MAKER JEKILL & HYDE HAS launched a new version of its classic Jekill Bomb twin outlet system for Euro 5 versions of the Harley-Davidson Softail range. Depending on the Harley model, the exhaust can be fitted to the OE headers or J&H’s own V-Strike header.

To comply with Euro 5 rules, the electronically adjustable exhaust has been fitted with an O2 sensor in an extender between the body and end cap of the system. Available for Softail, Softail Slim, Street Bob, Low Rider S, Fat Boy, Breakout, Heritage and Fat Bob models in black, chrome or satin chrome finishes with a huge choice of end cap styles to suit all tastes. Prices start at £2445 SRP. Dr Jekill & Mr Hyde; +31 (0)77 308 10 70

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2022 TRADE DIRECTORY FEBRUARY 2022

WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MV AGUSTA, Akrapovic has developed a new slip on exhaust for the 2021 F3 RR. The Slip-On Line is a Euro 5-compliant exhaust which the manufacturer claims will add more than three extra horsepower, as well as weighing almost half as much as the OE item. There is also a race-only kit available, which gives even more power and weighs even less, but isn’t ECE-approved.

The system is made from titanium with a carbon fibre end cap and heat shield, which come in matt or gloss finishes. Pricing hasn’t been announced, but you can be confident that it won’t be cheap.

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

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R&G R7 range 5 YAMAHA’S RECENTLY REVEALED MID-RANGE R7 SPORTS BIKE HAS BEEN treated to a thorough going over by protection specialists R&G. Included in the range are impact protection items such as Aero crash protectors (£74.99 SRP), bar end sliders, fork protectors, engine case covers (£74.99) and swingarm protectors (£37.99), as well as some accessories such as Second Skin tank and dashboard kits (£25.99), carbon lever guards (£133.99), tank traction grips (£28.99), a tail tidy and a radiator guard.

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

RST Paragon 6 5 A TEXTILE JACKET AND JEANS COMBO, RST SAYS THE PARAGON 6 IS ITS best performing wet weather gear. Made from ballistic reinforced MaxTex material coated with a hydrophobic water repellent coating, the jacket is lined with a removable thermal lining and a fixed SinAqua Pro waterproof lining. Zipped openings on the chest, shoulders and sleeves provide ventilation, and waterproof cargo and map pockets provide storage. CE level 1 armour is fitted at the shoulders and elbows and there is a pocket to take an optional back protector.

Available in black or black/fluro yellow colour options at an SRP of £199.99 for the jacket and £159.99 for the matching trousers.

MotoDirect; 01773 864420; sales@moto-direct.com

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Accossato calipers A NEW RANGE OF ITALIANmade Accossato brake calipers are now available via UK distributer Larsson.

The brand’s forged radial mounted four piston calipers are suitable for road and track applications and claim to offer light weight alongside maximum rigidity. They come in two versions – 100mm bolt spacing, 30mm offset and 34/38mm diameter pistons or 108mm bolt spacing, 22.5mm offset and 34mm pistons – which suit a wide range of European and Japanese models. They come fitted with sintered pads.

Also available from Accossato are CNC machined aluminium twin-piston calipers that are a radial version of the Brembo 20B85270 with 60mm bolt spacing, 23.7mm offset and 34mm pistons. They come fitted with a choice of organic or sintered pads.

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

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Call 01237 422660 or email adsales@dealernews.co.uk Malossi gearsets 5 IN ORDER TO MAKE THE MOST OF PERFORMANCE SCOOTER ENGINES, Italian tuning firm Malossi has now added transmissions for the Vespa PX range to its range. The new kit is based around a billet-machined 18NiCrMo5 steel shaft with a new design of spring bracket, and a coupling closure system which has a screw-in spring containment plate to make spring replacement quicker and easier. Other improvements include lightened gear wheels with precision ground teeth which are available in standard ratios or can be custom-selected to suit specific engine characteristics. All the parts are available individually, or as a complete transmission.

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

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SHORT CUTS

PUIG BOX KITS

FOLLOWING ON FROM THE LAUNCH OF ITS NEW range of top boxes aimed at the commercial delivery markets (see BDN Jan 2022), Puig has now created kits to easily attach the boxes to scooters. The kit consists of a metal base and fittings to attach it to the original rack. Models covered so far include the Honda PCX125 and Vision 110, and the Sym Symphony SR50.

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

Super Soco CU Mini 54

SUZUKI

SUZUKI HAS UNVEILED EURO 5 VERSIONS of its GSX-R and GSX-S 125 models. As well as the updated single cylinder engine, the learner friendly models come in new colours for 2022 – the GSX-R in MotoGP blue or black/grey with red wheels, and the GSX-S in blue/black/silver, black/grey or white/black with red wheels.

Suzuki GB; 08085 011959; bikes.suzuki.co.uk

SUPER SOCO ALREADY SELLS THE UK’S MOST POPULAR ELECTRIC scooter – the CPX – so will be hoping for a strong showing from its new CU Mini. As the name suggest, the CU Mini is a smaller and lighter machine which is speed limited to 25mph to ensure it complies with moped regulations. The 600W motor is controlled by a twist-and-go throttle, while braking is taken care of by 130mm front and rear disc brakes. The 7kg battery provides a range of up to 40km when fully charged and is removable for easy off-the-bike charging, making it an easier ownership proposition for those without driveways or garages. Adding to the easy-to-use design is the built in alarm and tracking system, as well as a keyless ignition system. It comes in a choice of red, white, dark grey or Nardo grey for an SRP of £1699.

Super Soco; 0800 133 7304; sales@supersoco.co.uk

Z2 MIRRORS

DESIGNED TO REPLACE EXPENSIVE OE MIRRORS on a huge range of bikes, Puig’s latest Z2s are a universal design suitable for handlebar or fairing fitting. The 132mm x 78mm mirror head is fitted to the steel shaft via an adjustable ball joint finishing in a choice of M10 or M8 thread handlebar fixings thanks to included adapters.

Alternately, the fairing fixing will fit anything with bolt centres of 22-57mm.

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

RST hoodie

Brühl MD1900+ KYMCO DT X360 125

KYMCO HAS LAUNCHED A NEW SMALLER version of its DT X360 (BDN Dec 2021).

The learner-friendly 124cc version of the “adventure crossover” scooter has a 13hp Euro 5 single-cylinder motor, front and rear disc brakes, mixed terrain tyres and LED lighting.

Kymco; 01656 645755; sales@kymcouk.co.uk

NEED TO PUT A FRESHLY-WASHED BIKE AWAY IN A HURRY? Then the Brühl MD1900+ can dry a bike or scooter in a matter of minutes. The 1600W single turbine blower is equipped with a 500W heating element to allow it to blow warm filtered air at a velocity of up to 80m/s, blasting water from inaccessible areas.

The flexible hose extends from 1.5m to 3.5m for easy operation and it comes with interchangeable wide angle or more targeted nozzles. SRP is £135.

Motohaus; 01256 704909; info@motohaus.com

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FEBRUARY 2022

FOR CASUAL URBAN RIDING, RST HAS produced the X Kevlar Tech zipped hoodie.

The Kevlar-reinforced cotton material provides abrasion resistance and the CE level 1 Hexa armour fitted on the shoulders and elbows offers impact protection, plus there is a pocket for an optional back protector. Other than that, it is standard hoodie fare – drawstring hood, elasticated cuffs and hem, and a pair of handwarmer pockets. Available only in black in sizes 3850 for an SRP of £119.99.

MotoDirect; 01773 864420; sales@moto-direct.com

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Ducati Atacama C2 jacket

Ducati suits DUCATI HAS LAUNCHED ITS 2022 range of apparel and accessories, including two new textile suits aimed at the touring and adventure markets designed by Valentino Rossi’s helmet designer of choice, Aldo Drudi.

The C4 jacket is made from a lightweight Cordura exterior fabric with a H2Out waterproof membrane, plus there’s a removable down-filled thermal liner which can also be worn as a stand-alone casual jacket for off-bike use. Impact protection is provided by CE-certified armour on the shoulders and elbows and there’s a pocket for an optional back protector. It comes in a choice of black or red/black in sizes S-3XL at an SRP of £399. The matching C4 trousers are £269 SRP in black only.

The Atacama C2 jacket is also a three layer design, with removable thermal and H2Out waterproof layers which can be worn separately as required. A novelty in the design are the zip-off detachable sleeves, presumably for improved comfort in warmer climates. Multiple vents also provide a blast of fresh air for hot days on the road. Available in black/grey/ red in sizes S-3XL for an SRP of £529, with matching trousers at £399 SRP. Ducati UK; 08456 718500; www.ducatiuk.com

Ducati C4 jacket and trousers

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Check our website for more information: www.motopromedia.com or contact us to get a free copy of MBG Be sure to mention MBG when contacting manufacturers for more information.

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THE TRU TENSION LUXURY Motorcycle Bundle is a complete suite of motorcycle cleaning and maintenance products. It consists of a 1-litre bottle of Monkey Juice bike cleaner, a pack of Monkey Juice concentrate sachets to refill the bottle in an environmentally friendly way, a chain cleaning brush and 500ml aerosols of chain cleaner, chain lube, TT78 maintenance spray and Primeshine brake cleaner. It all comes in an eye-catching cardboard box for an SRP of £49.99.

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

X-M5 Twin

Oxford Expedition

D e lt aR ac

e

Mivv exhausts 5 A QUARTET OF NEW SLIP-ON EXHAUST END CANS TO TITIVATE THE Euro 5 version of the KTM 1290 Super Duke R have been revealed by pipe-bending specialists Mivv. As the OE manifold (complete with catalytic converter) is retained, no extra catalyst is required. The Delta Race system comes in carbon or pearl effect stainless steel finishes and claims to increase power by 2.2hp and weigh 1.7kg less than the standard system. The X-M5 is available in single can or twin underseat configurations, but both have the same streamlined central body made from grade 1 titanium with a 3K twill carbon end cap. A removable protection grille on the outlet pipe of the silencer hides a dB killer noise suppressor. Mivv claims a 2.9hp power increase and a 1.7kg weight reduction over OE. Moto GB Distribution; 01706 212102; leovincegb@gmail.com

DESIGNED TO BE WORN AS A INSULATION LAYER UNDER A motorcycle jacket, the Expedition MS jacket will keep riders warm whether they’re trekking through the Andes or negotiating the North Circular in December.

Cut with a slim fit silhouette to fit easily under an outer jacket, it is made with windproof and breathable fabric and has “thermally mapped” insulation to maintain minimum bulk. A fur-finish interior fleece liner adds extra warmth while stretch panels on the back, arms, cuffs and hem ensure a snug fit.

The jacket comes in sizes S-3XL in black for an SRP of £79.99.

Matching trousers are £69.99.

Oxford Products; 01993 862300; info@oxprod.com

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FEBRUARY 2022 49

Product news

Cleaning Bundle 4

Product news Tucano 4Stroke jackets 5 A HIS-AND-HERS MATCHING PAIR OF FOUR SEASON JACKETS HAVE BEEN RELEASED BY Milanese clothing company Tucano Urbano. The 4Stroke and 4Stroke Lady are mid-length textile jackets made from a combination of Oxford polyester and polyester softshell materials. Inside, there is a breathable windproof and waterproof liner with taped seams and a removable thermal liner. The installed shoulder and elbow armour means the jacket achieves a class A CE rating, plus there is a pocket for an optional back protector and an Airscud universal airbag vest can also be connected.

Features include a zipped chest vent and a waterproof cargo pocket plus other internal and external pockets for storage. The 4Stroke comes in sizes S-4XL, and 4Stroke Lady in sizes XS-3XL for an SRP of £179.99.

Tucano Urbano; 07799 626635; info@tucanourbano.com

Stylmartin Pearl Rock

Viper RSV95 TATTOO STYLE ARTWORK ADORNS THE LATEST graphic options for the Viper RSV95 helmet. The two skull-based monochrome designs are available in black or red on a matt grey base, or in gold on a matt black base. Available in sizes XS-2XL for an SRP of £89.99, the ACU Gold-approved RSV95 features a drop-down sun visor and twin crown vents, along with a chin vent and an exhaust vent at the rear.

Motohart; 01916 030020; info@motohart.com

A NEW LADIES’ BOOT FROM Stylmartin mixes protection, practicality and styling that Suzi Quatro and Status Quo fans will get very excited about. Exuding more than a whiff of 1970s rock chic, the Pearl Rock boots combine a waterproof full grain leather upper with polished stud detailing and a 4cm heel. Inside are a waterproof membrane and PU internal protectors on the ankle, plus there’s a leather reinforced gearshift area and an anti-slip outer sole. Fastening is by zip with a Velcro tab. Available in black in UK sizes 3.5-8 for an SRP of £174.

Dot4Distribution; 0203 514 2413; info@dot4distribution.co.uk

Kovix ground anchor 3 THE KOVIX KGA GROUND ANCHOR HAS A TRICK – IT CAN secure a motorcycle without a padlock. Made from corrosion resistant steel and zinc alloy, the KGA can be fitted indoors or outside, mounted to the floor or a suitably beefy wall.

Once unlocked, the lid can be lifted off allowing both chain ends to be placed inside and secured with the sliding 14mm locking pins. It will accept chains of 10, 12 or 14mm diameter.

Available in black or green finishes, the 112mm diameter KGA comes with a fitting kit and three keys for an SRP of £99.99.

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

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FEBRUARY 2022

Exhaust fragrances RETRO RACE FANS MAY GO ALL DEWY-EYED ABOUT the evocative scent of Castrol R, but bikers wanting to smell more exotically perfumed can now choose from more than 60 fragrances from US manufacturer Wild Willy. The additive can be added to any type of fuel, and a 4oz bottle treats up to 16 gallons of petrol (or diesel, should you so wish) and is simply poured in to a tank of fuel where it self-mixes. Scents include bacon, beer, chocolate, honey, X-Girlfriend and cinnamon.

SRP is $4.99 for a 4oz bottle.

Wild Willy Fuel; info@wildwillyfuel.com

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Gori Lambretta parts 56 VE (UK) HAS STRUCK A DEAL TO DISTRIBUTE A RANGE OF performance parts for classic Lambrettas made by engineering brand Gori.

Gori started as a Lambretta dealer and modifier of scooters in the historical Italian city of Florence in the 1950s, and has been making high-performance machines and parts ever since.

The Gori 190/200cc kit for Lambrettas has a NicaSil coating for its aluminium alloy cylinder, along with a new type of radial head with flow guides which help to improve the cooling effect to the motor. The piston ring is L-shaped for an improved seal to improve combustion chamber compression. The kit includes necessary gaskets and can be fitted in both 58mm stroke (190cc) or 60mm stroke (200cc) configurations. It is also available complete with a 30mm intake manifold. SRP is £442.63.

The Gori Racing crankshaft, which is available in 58mm and 60mm versions, is fitted with copper and Teflon inserts for precision balancing. The 107mm forged and CNC machined connecting rod is chrome plated and is supplied with a silver roller cage. The crankshaft has a large flywheel cone to suit Lambretta 200cc models, but can also be fitted to 125cc and 150cc models. SRP is £247.84.

To make the most of the extra horses released by the bigger capacity engine kits, the Gori Pulsar electronic ignition system has variable advance to optimise performance. It includes a resincoated stator which is resistant to high temperatures, improving reliability. The 1.8Kg flywheel is heavier, providing greater inertia, and the CDI has an oversized coil to provide higher voltage to the spark plug.

All this is topped off with a nylon fan. The ignition system is available in both small and large cone flywheel sizes at an SRP of £351.73.

To tame all that extra power Gori has developed a close ratio four speed gearbox to suit. The spacing of the gears has been designed for a smooth gear change, keeping the engine in the correct torque range. The tooth profile is optimized for noise reduction and engine power transmission with minimum load losses. The kit includes 50, 41, 38 and 36-tooth secondary gears and the cluster with 10, 12, 15 and 17-tooth gears. SRP is £389.60.

There will be more details of other new Gori performance parts next month.

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

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Shot clothing THE 2022 SHOT COLLECTION HAS BEEN REVEALED. THREE SETS OF MX clothing are included – Aerolite, Raw and Contact.

Aerolite is at the top of the range and features pre-curved sleeves on the jersey and pre-curved legs on the pants. Vented mesh panels provide cooling ventilation and poly-stretch fabric provides comfort and flexibility. The pants have reinforced knees and heatproof leather panels. Matching gloves are also pre-curved and have silicon prints for grip, Liteprene cuffs and perforated panels. Jerseys are £59.99, pants £189.99 and gloves £39.99 SRP. The Contact jersey also features vented panels as well as a long back to keep it tucked in. The Contact pants are pre-curved and have polystretch fabric in the crotch, backside and knee areas for ease of movement. Leather panels and a reinforced saddle panel aid durability while the vented liner and mesh panels provide ventilation. Matching Contact gloves are said to offer improved fit thanks to a redesigned palm and Elastane finger gussets.

Jerseys are £34.99-£42.49, pants are £119.99-£134.99 and gloves are £29.99-£34.99 SRP. The most affordable range is Raw. The lightweight jersey has a tailored cut and includes mesh panels for ventilation. The ultra-lightweight pants are made with 600D polyester with Spandex at the crotch and knees for flexibility. The saddle panel is reinforced and the non-slip waist has a micrometric buckle for security. The Raw gloves have abrasion resistant inserts on the thumb and silicon print on the fingers and palm for grip.

Jerseys are £22.49, pants £77.49 and gloves £24.99 SRP. Bike It; 02380 658700; tradesales@bikeit.co.uk

Skidmarx screen 4 DESIGNED TO FIT THE 2021 YAMAHA TRACER 9 and GT, this new screen is 10cm taller than the original, providing significantly more protection from the elements. Made in the UK from 4mm acrylic for maximum rigidity, the screen fits onto existing mounting points using the original fasteners.

Available in clear, light grey and dark grey tints, the screen is 63cm tall and has an SRP of £99.95.

Skidmarx UK; 01305 780808; sales@skidmarx.co.uk

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CFMOTO 800MT CHINESE BIKE MANUFACTURERS’ AMBITIONS HAVE BEEN GROWING OVER THE last few years, seeing them starting to produce larger capacity motorcycles targeted at the lucrative European and US markets. The latest entrant at the more premium end of the market is the CFMOTO 800MT, an adventure sport style machine featuring a 799cc twin producing 95hp and 77Nm of torque. A bi-directional quickshifter is fitted to operate the sixspeed gearbox and a slipper clutch is fitted to smooth downshifts. Cornering ABS takes control of the J.Juan radial disc brakes. Other features include cruise control, a colour TFT display and digital tyre pressure sensors.

The Sport is fitted with aluminium wheels whereas the Touring is equipped with cross-spoke laced rims for strength and durability. Both Sport and Touring models come with three-piece aluminium luggage, KYB adjustable suspension, integrated protective bars and a 19-litre fuel tank. Prices will start from £9500 including a four-year warranty.

CFMOTO; 01507 523900; sales@cfmoto.co.uk

BMW hugger

Oxford Zero-G THE NEW ZERO-G RANGE OF PADDOCK stands from Oxford Products includes the paddock-friendly aluminium Zero-G Lite in front or rear versions (£119.99 SRP each); a tubular steel headstock stand (£139.99 SRP); and steel front, rear and single-sided rear stands for the home or workshop (£99.99 SRP each) which will lift up to 300kg.

Oxford Products; 01993 862300; info@oxprod.com

PYRAMID PLASTICS HAS JUST launched a new colour matched hugger for the BMW R1250 R naked in the Style Sport colours of light white, racing blue metallic and racing red. This latest addition to the range uses Spanish moulding specialist Puig’s R1250 R hugger as its basis, which is then painted to match with the OE colour scheme. SRP is £289.

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

Merlin Monty 5

Duchinni Jago DUCHINNI’S JAGO IS A FULLY-SPECCED motorcycle jacket aimed at younger riders.

Designed specifically for children, it is CE AA-rated for safety and features removable CE-approved shoulder and elbow armour, the same as used in Duchinni’s adult jackets, as well as front and rear reflective piping. To give better longevity, the sleeves have a zipped 3cm extension so the jacket can grow with the wearer. Front, rear and arm vents with waterproof zippers make the Jago usable in all seasons. It comes in junior sizes XS (32in chest) to XL (38in chest) in a choice of five colours for an SRP of £89.99.

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

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FEBRUARY 2022

TOP OF THE NEW EXPLORER RANGE FROM MERLIN IS THE Monty, a waxed cotton jacket featuring a full seven-piece set of D3O armour. Made with a 12oz Halley Stevensons waxed cotton outer with a removable Reissa Active waterproof membrane and a 125g thermal liner, riders can don a Monty for any weather conditions. D3O LP1 armour is positioned at the elbows and shoulders, with a Viper Stealth back protector and a pair of chest protectors also pre-fitted.

It comes in two colours – black or olive – with leather trim at the top of each pocket and a magnetic fastening to stop the collar flapping when it’s pinned back. Sizes are S-4XL and the SRP is £379.99.

Merlin; 01543 270299; info@merlinbikegear.com

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HARD PARTS AND SPARES

Dft statistics

Nine month data Jan-Sep 2021 new registration figures from the DfT Best selling models 1. Yamaha NMAX 125

3985

2. Honda CBF 125

2277

3. Honda PCX 125

2124

4. BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

1402

5. Honda SH 125

1372

6. Triumph Tiger 900

1322

7. BMW R 1250 GS

1146

8. Triumph Trident

1088

9. Royal Enfield Interceptor INT 650

1039

10. Honda NSC 110 (Vision 110)

995

11. Lexmoto LXR 125

827

12. Vmoto CPA (Super Soco CPX)

821

13. Royal Enfield Himalayan

814

14. Yamaha MT-09

802

15. Keeway Superlight 125 E4

786

16. Honda NSS 125 (Forza 125)

771

17. Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX

766

18. Triumph Street Triple

755

19. Kawasaki Z 900

744

20.KTM 125 Duke

723

I

t’s a case of not much change at the top in the manufacturers table, as the entire top ten continued their tenure, the only change being a swap in positions between Lexmoto and KTM. Honda remained king of the hill, while Yamaha’s delivery fleet favourite NMAX scooter helped to deliver a healthy wedge of extra sales to secure the brand second position. BMW retained third place, but is coming under increasing pressure from a revitalised Triumph.

As mentioned in BDN’s annual roundup of the MCIA’s registration stats (see page 4), comparisons with 2020 figures are a bit of a lottery, but however you slice it, Lexmoto is having a nightmare with sales dropping by more than 2000 units compared to 2020, and it still more than 500 down compared to 2019. HarleyDavidson is also suffering – on the face of it a drop of 246 registrations isn’t horrendous, but it means a fall of more than 40% compared to the same period in 2019. The

recent splitting-off of the LiveWire brand (see page 20) won’t exactly worry dealers though – the battery-powered cruiser only registered 22 in the first 9 months of the year, four fewer than in 2020, despite a burgeoning electric sector.

Lower down the rankings strong performances were in evidence from Vmoto, Horwin, Zontes, Zhongneng and Askoll, all of which compete in the commuter and urban transport category.

Another brand on the up is GasGas, which is presumably seeing the fruits of increased production capacity thanks to investment from majority shareholder KTM. Model mix is narrow across the board.

The top 20 best selling models table is still dominated by 125cc scooters and commuters, with a smattering of adventure machines and mid-sized nakeds the only other sectors getting a look-in.

The sportsbikes and cruiser models that made the 2020 list are merely notable for their absence.

Top 10 brands by capacity Electric

Total: 4128

0-49cc

Total: 2920

50-125cc Total: 31617

126-650cc Total: 15074

1. Vmoto............................. 1199 2. Niu .................................. 754 3. Sur-Ron.............................291 4. Askoll................................216 5. Lexmoto............................133 6. Zero.................................. 131 7. Horwin ............................ 109 8. Yadea............................... 104 9. Artisan ...............................78 10. Silence ...............................68

1. Lexmoto...........................504 2. SYM.................................346 3. Peugeot ........................... 259 4. Piaggio..............................213 5. Neco.................................213 6. AJS................................... 169 7. Sinnis............................... 144 8. Longjia..............................127 9. Motorini............................125 10. Kymco .............................. 112

1. Honda.............................8701 2. Yamaha .......................... 5580 3. Lexmoto......................... 3592 4. Keeway ...........................1823 5. SYM................................1296 6. Sinnis..............................1242 7. Benelli............................ 1088 8. Piaggio........................... 1064 9. KTM ................................ 734 10. Mutt ................................ 681

1. Honda............................. 3717 2. Royal Enfield .................. 2903 3. Kawasaki.........................1482 4. KTM ............................... 1145 5. Yamaha ............................ 652 6. Suzuki.............................. 619 7. Piaggio............................. 616 8. Beta ................................. 529 9. Husqvarna........................448 10. BMW ...............................443

Highest registering models

Highest registering models

Highest registering models

Highest registering models

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Vmoto CPA (Super Soco CPX).821 Sur-Ron Light Bee .............286 Niu NQi GT Pro cargo.........281 Niu NQi GTS .....................251 Askoll 02 ESPRO 70 ............212

Lexmoto Echo....................251 SYM Mask 50..................... 211 Peugeot Kisbee 50.............. 171 Lexmoto Echo Plus 50.........167 Motorini Misano 50 ............111

Yamaha NMAX 125.......... 3985 Honda CBF 125.................2277 Honda PCX125 .................2124 Honda SH 125 .................. 1372 Honda NSC 110 (Vision 110) 995

Royal Enfield Interceptor ..1039 Royal Enfield Himalayan .... 814 Honda CRF 300 L .............. 707 Kawasaki Versys 650 ......... 570 Honda CB 650 R ............... 554

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DfT statistics

REGISTRATIONS BY CAPACITY

650-1000cc Total: 17531

1. Triumph ......................... 4148 2. Yamaha ..........................4008 3. BMW ............................. 2463 4. Honda.............................1453 5. Kawasaki.........................1338 6. Ducati.............................1092 7. KTM ...............................1030 8. Suzuki.............................. 607 9. Moto Guzzi ......................384 10. Aprilia .............................. 365

Over 1000cc Total: 15587

1. BMW ..............................4321 2. Triumph .........................2989 3. Harley-Davidson ..............1953 4. Ducati.............................1345 5. Honda.............................1320 6. KTM ............................... 1091 7. Kawasaki.........................1045 8. Indian .............................. 592 9. Suzuki..............................586 10. Aprilia ...............................315

Highest registering models

Highest registering models

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Triumph Tiger 900 ........... 1322 Triumph Trident .............. 1088 Yamaha MT-09 .................802 Triumph Street Triple......... 755 Kawasaki Z 900 ................ 744

BMW R1250 GS Adventure1402 BMW R1250 GS................ 1146 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX......701 BMW R 1250 RT ................693 Ducati Multistrada V4........ 619

Top manufacturers 2021 vs 2020

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

31.

32.

33.

34.

35.

36.

37.

38.

39.

40.

41.

42.

43.

44.

45.

46.

47.

48.

49.

50.

Brand

2021 Regs

2020 Regs

Regs change

Regs change

2021 Market Share

Honda Yamaha BMW Triumph Kawasaki Lexmoto KTM Royal Enfield Ducati Suzuki Harley-Davidson Piaggio Keeway SYM Benelli Sinnis Vmoto Aprilia Royal Alloy Husqvarna Mutt NIU Zontes Indian Beta AJS Peugeot Bullit Neco WK Bikes Moto Guzzi Gas Gas Kymco Motorini Sur-Ron Fantic Motor Lambretta Sherco Herald Askoll Wangye CCM Mash MV Agusta Mondial Rieju Zero Longjia Zhongneng Horwin

15191 10266 7230 7155 4428 4351 4005 2903 2437 2229 2109 1947 1885 1664 1470 1408 1199 977 884 875 761 754 634 627 569 511 494 481 439 405 385 384 321 307 291 241 224 219 218 216 214 211 211 163 156 143 131 127 125 109

13825 8024 6207 5657 5008 6413 4792 1973 1830 3254 2355 1950 1486 1262 953 1242 259 645 892 913 519 395 181 453 410 599 556 361 285 259 283 33 211 296 154 142 111 150 132 3 133 322 106 129 110 75 111 96 15 21

1366 2242 1023 1498 -580 -2062 -787 930 607 -1025 -246 -3 399 402 517 166 940 332 -8 -38 242 359 453 174 159 -88 -62 120 154 146 102 351 110 11 137 99 113 69 86 213 81 -111 105 34 46 68 20 31 110 88

9.88% s 27.94% s 16.48% s 26.48% s -11.58% t -32.15% t -16.42% t 47.14% s 33.17% s -31.50% t -10.45% t -0.15% t 26.85% s 31.85% s 54.25% s 13.37% s 362.93% s 51.47% s -0.90% t -4.16% t 46.63% s 90.89% s 250.28% s 38.41% s 38.78% s -14.69% t -11.15% t 33.24% s 54.04% s 56.37% s 36.04% s 1063.64% s 52.13% s 3.72% s 88.96% s 69.72% s 101.80% s 46.00% s 65.15% s 7100.00% s 60.90% s -34.47% t 99.06% s 26.36% s 41.82% s 90.67% s 18.02% s 32.29% s 733.33% s 419.05% s

17.49% 11.82% 8.32% 8.24% 5.10% 5.01% 4.61% 3.34% 2.81% 2.57% 2.43% 2.24% 2.17% 1.92% 1.69% 1.62% 1.38% 1.12% 1.02% 1.01% 0.88% 0.87% 0.73% 0.72% 0.66% 0.59% 0.57% 0.55% 0.51% 0.47% 0.44% 0.44% 0.37% 0.35% 0.34% 0.28% 0.26% 0.25% 0.25% 0.25% 0.25% 0.24% 0.24% 0.19% 0.18% 0.16% 0.15% 0.15% 0.14% 0.13%

Market Share Change

-0.33% 1.47% 0.32% 0.94% -1.36% -3.26% -1.57% 0.80% 0.45% -1.63% -0.61% -0.27% 0.25% 0.29% 0.46% 0.02% 1.05% 0.29% -0.13% -0.17% 0.21% 0.36% 0.50% 0.14% 0.13% -0.18% -0.15% 0.09% 0.14% 0.13% 0.08% 0.40% 0.10% -0.03% 0.14% 0.09% 0.11% 0.06% 0.08% 0.24% 0.07% -0.17% 0.11% 0.02% 0.04% 0.07% 0.01% 0.02% 0.12% 0.10%

t s s s t t t s s t t t s s s s s s t t s s s s s t t s s s s s s t s s s s s s s t s s s s s s s s

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

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01422 358 525 FEBRUARY 2022

57

20/05/2021 15:59:10

On the Money

On the Money F

or want of much else to bullshit about this early in the year, favoured 2022 silly-season subject seems to be hailing renaissance for quasiBritish “heritage”motorcycle brands. Impetus for such wallowing in patriotic past, present and potential future glories came from the recent unveiling of a shiny new Norton factory in the Greater Birmingham suburb of Solihull – incidentally just down the road from where Velocette once lived and died.

Norton’s reincarnation for the eighth, ninth or perhaps tenth time (even reputable historians have lost count) qualified for eulogistic multi-page spreads in MCN, showcasing these posh manufacturing facilities destined to churn out hand-crafted luxury motorcycles.

It had previously been paralleled by a fanfare relaunch for BSA at the National Motorcycle Museum and Motorcycle Live (widely reported by both BDN plus lesser publications), the latest model from Brough Superior and revival of Manchester’s relatively unlamented Dot brand. And they are all set against the more convincing second-generation achievements of Triumph and Royal Enfield in similar gushing prose.

Where to begin putting

the boot into all this bollocks mounts quite a challenge. Almost the only thing they have in common is their history of serial bankruptcies.

For starters, genuine Britishness is thin on the ground.

Triumph gets closest. At least it’s been wholly owned by an English and also now expatriate entrepreneur, since going belly up in 1983 and relaunched in 1991. However, virtually all of his wares are currently manufactured

notionally home turf.

Both Royal Enfield and Triumph redeem themselves by maintaining British-based R&D facilities, respectively at Bruntingthorpe and Hinckley in Leicestershire. And Norton can be credited with the same in Solihull, one supposes. There’ll be plenty of spare floor space available. One-on-one assembly of utterly premium superbikes like the now re-engineered V4SV and latest V4CR prototype, with

Almost the only thing they have in common is their history of serial bankruptcies at Chonburi in Thailand and will soon be augmented with contract production of smaller motorcycles by Bajaj Auto in India.

The original Royal Enfield enterprise ceased British motorcycle production in 1970 and was completely defunct by 1971. The brand now belongs to India’s Eicher Motors with production centred in Chennai.

Eicher’s controlling shareholder is Siddhartha Lal, who has a 49.3% equity stake. Undoubtedly the largest “heritage” operation worldwide producing around 800,000 bikes annually, mostly for Indian consumption, Royal Enfield UK sales volume is about half that of Triumph’s tally on

prices in the extremely niche £30,000-£40,000 league, will never fill a factory purportedly capable of an 8000-machine annual output.

I suspect Britishness won’t stretch much further. Norton’s new proprietor TVS Motor is the fourth largest bike manufacturer in India, after Hero, Honda and Bajaj. A high-caste Brahmin dynasty founded by lengthilynamed Thirukkurungudi Vengaram Sundram Iyengar runs the show. Current reigning scion is his grandson Venu Srinivasan, with Sudarshan Venu as joint managing director.

The latter has opined that Norton would “become the real global force that its legacy

deserves”. So playing around with corporate baubles will inevitably be succeeded by an urgent desire for mass manufacturing paydirt. The screws will soon be on Norton’s German chief executive Robert Hentschel to revive its Garnerera 650 twin engine platform and crank up the volume. Cost considerations will guarantee production in Southern India rather than Solihull.

Funnily enough, the forthcoming BSA Gold Star lookalike could beat them to it. This bike is fronted through Classic Legends, a subsidiary of Mahindra, the world’s largest tractor manufacturer. Armed with a modern DOHC liquidcooled Rotax single concealed behind external retro bells and whistles, it hits the performance and budget price point of Royal Enfield’s best-selling Interceptor 650 twin right on the nose.

Eponymous Mahindra boss and billionaire Anand Mahindra has paid lip-service to Britishness by establishing a BSA R&D facility in Coventry, which apparently developed and tested the rolling chassis, but a promise to manufacture in the West Midlands has yet to reach fruition. His not-oldie Goldie is already in production – in India, of course. Other models are reportedly in the pipeline, including a UK government-

International Share Prices USA – CONFIDENCE MELTDOWN A week that began with the NYSE closed in remembrance of Martin Luther King, swiftly degenerated into slash-andburn behaviour. Led by a collapse in the tech sector, the fear factor quickly spread to other areas.

In what proved to be the worst slump in several months, the blue-chip S&P 500 and S&P’s MidCap 400 respectively dived by 5.7% and 6.8%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average finished 4.6% down.

Tuesday’s opening session slashed 6.1% off Harley’s share value. A relatively minor decline of 0.9% followed on Wednesday, before the pace of retribution accelerated again. Losses of 3.4% on Thursday and 2.6% on Friday concluded severe punishment, adding up to a weekly 12.4% plunge. But Harley didn’t suffer alone. Nearest home-turf powersports competitor Polaris

58

FEBRUARY 2022

Industries took a similar severe spanking.

largesse from a state-subsidised institution.

EUROPE – STIFF UPPER LIP

JAPAN – NO RESPITE FROM GLOOM

Putin playing Russian roulette with the Ukraine and fabricating an associated energy crisis for European gas consumers understandably got quite a lot of attention. But so did the impending corporate reporting season. Overall, the market mood was negative, only without the sort of abject panic going on across the Atlantic.

Frankfurt’s Xetra Dax and Milan’s MIB indices fell in unison, 1.8% down at close of play. Every European bike-related stock dropped in value except one. Piaggio announced yet another sweetheart deal with the Italian Post Office, to supply it with a large fleet of Porter lightweight delivery trucks. Investors appreciated such

The Bank of Japan finally lifted its inflation projections, pretty much confirming what investors already knew. Negative sentiment continued unabated. Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 dropping for a third consecutive week, 2.1% down this time. All four indigenous motorcycle manufacturers lost value.

INDIA – HERO BUCKS TREND With India’s Omicron infection headcount now reaching a third of a million every day and curfews being enforced throughout the country, most investors are running scared.

This grim background sank Mumbai’s BSE Sensex 30 index by 3.6%, on the back of sell-off surges.

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View the latest vacancies page 30 or www.britishdealernews.co.uk/jobs

Contact 01237 422660 or adsales@dealernews.co.uk funded electric PTW. And most pertinently BSA has started the crucial process of recruiting dealers.

Brough Superior is hardly worth the bother. A niche luxury brand made in Nottingham during its first apparition, when First World War anti-hero Lawrence of Arabia was a regular customer, Brough vanished in the late 1940s. Reappearing about 70 years later as – you guessed it – a niche luxury brand, Britishness doesn’t get past the moniker.

Miniscule quantities of bikes are built by a French bloke called Thierry Henriette in Toulouse, a city best known for making sausages. His latest effort is a faux Arabian desert sled, picking up on the Lawrence connection for a mere £52,000.

As for Dot, it swerved in and out of motorcycle manufacturing repeatedly. After lasting from 1907 to 1932, the company was sidelined by the Great Depression

and then WW2. Bike production resumed in 1949, focusing on off-road products, until supplies of the Villiers two-stroke engines upon which it depended dried up. A brief 1978 swansong went nowhere. Rights to the brand are now in the hands of Anthony Keating, who is offering

has the capacity to produce about 60 machines per year in their appropriately Mancunian workshop. Swivelling around either side of a £20,000 marker, these 649cc parallel twins are not cheap. Don’t hold your breath waiting for yet another phoenix to rise from the ashes.

The only reliable yardstick to whether any “heritage” brand is going places commercially has to be the swift creation of a viable dealer network Kawasaki-engined Dot Reed Racer and Dot Demon models, built to order.

The former gives a nod to Dot founder Harry Reed, who won the 1908 twincylinder Isle of Man TT. The Demon is a street scrambler honouring Dot’s post-war dirt heritage. Keating’s sixstrong team

A snapshot of share performance across key manufacturers and markets But Indians still look for silver linings in every cloud. So while the index and most motorcycle manufacturers were sinking, an upbeat full fiscal year performance estimate from market leader Hero MotoCorp got investors bucking the trend and piling into its shares.

CHINA – CLUTCHING AT STRAWS China’s National Bureau of Statistics kicked off the week by claiming that the Chinese economy had expanded by 4% year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2021. This exceeded economists’ expectations but still marked its slowest pace of improvement for 18 months.

Investors weren’t impressed. Shanghai’s SSE Composite index flatlined, while the blue-chip CSI 300 added 1.1%. Nine of the 11 Chinese motorcycle producers saw their share prices decline.

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

I reckon the only reliable yardstick to whether any “heritage” brand is going places commercially has to be swift creation of a viable dealer network and the ability to feed it consistently with a wide enough range of

Price

product. The pivotal move for John Bloor was head-hunting supremely talented Bruno Tagliaferri from Honda as national sales manager when he relaunched Triumph, and then letting him get on with it.

My cynicism about Norton centres on it not being able to tick enough boxes in that department. And it’s worth remembering Bloor initially rejected following the retro route to born-again Bonnevilles, until he had a diverse range of modern motorcycles to occupy showrooms.

Retro has only so much mileage, and hardly any if electric advocates win the joust.

Back when I was a kid in the truly retro 1950s, Unigate and Express Dairies never had any two-wheeled versions of their classic electric milk floats. But in desperation for cues, I bet somebody will pretend they did.

Fancy whirring along city streets with several pints of gold-top rattling in your pillion crate? 

Week Month

USA (dollar) Harley-Davidson 33.44 Polaris Industries 105.78 Textron 71.61

-12.4% -11.0% -6.6%

Europe (euro) BMW 95.56 Volkswagen 259.40 Pierer Mobility 88.90 Piaggio Group 2.91 Energica Motor 3.11

-3.8% +7.2% -6.4% -1.7% -1.0% +0.2% +1.7% +3.2% -1.0% +3.7%

India (rupee) Hero MotoCorp 2750.10 Bajaj Auto 3419.80 TVS Motor 631.10 Eicher Motors 2711.10 Mahindra 875.20

+7.0% -0.4% -4.2% -3.9% -0.7%

-7.7% -0.5% -5.7%

+14.9% +8.5% +3.4% +11.2% +7.7%

Share performance as of 21 January 2022

Price Japan (yen) Honda Yamaha Suzuki Kawasaki

3437 2763 4668 2267

Week Month -1.0% +7.9% -3.1% -2.3% -2.7% +5.9% -2.2% +9.1%

China (yuan) Qianjiang 14.15 +1.0% +2.1% Zongshen 6.68 -5.2% -8.5% Sundiro 2.70 +10.2% -2.2% CETC (Jialing) 14.17 -7.5% -9.1% Lifan 5.54 -6.7% -11.1% Loncin 5.05 -6.8% -2.1% Linhai 8.22 -3.2% -2.8% Guangzhou Auto 14.56 -2.0% -3.1% CFMoto 163.34 -5.7% -0.3% Xinri E-Vehicle 15.96 -4.6% -5.9% China (HK dollar) Jianshe 5.78

-4.6%

-0.9%

FEBRUARY 2022 59

On the Money

Market analysis with financial editor Roger Willis

New registrations

Registration data New scooter and motorcycle registrations for December 2021 2021 / 2020 Registrations by Style MOPEDS

Dec 2021

Year to Date Dec 2020

Change

Dec 2021

Dec 2020

Dec 2021 Registrations

Highest Registering Model by Style

% Change

Moped Naked

52

102

-49.0%

728

1166

-37.6%

Yamasaki F31-50

8

Moped Other

58

56

3.6%

857

596

43.8%

Sur-Ron Light Bee

32

Lexmoto Echo 50

26

136

Moped Scooters

381

608

-37.3%

5457

5364

1.7%

TOTAL MOPEDS

491

766

-35.9%

7042

7126

-1.2%

MOTORCYCLES Adventure

1110

1055

5.2%

19761

16516

19.6%

BMW R1250 GS Adventure

Competition

545

547

-0.4%

5888

5660

4.0%

KTM 300 EXC TPI

60

Custom

394

335

17.6%

8551

7037

21.5%

Royal Enfield Meteor 350

86

Modern Classic Naked Road Sport

464

504

-739%

10717

9672

10.8%

Royal Enfield Interceptor INT 650

46

1117

1867

-40.2%

24398

23419

4.2%

Honda CBF125M

167

395

710

-44.4%

8399

9767

-14.0%

Yamaha YZF R7

51

Scooter

1285

1916

-32.9%

26154

22264

17.5%

Yamaha NMAX 125

120

Touring

116

101

14.9%

2363

2057

14.9%

BMW R 1250 RT

39

10

7

42.9%

124

147

-15.6%

5436

7042

-22.8%

106355

96539

10.2%

Unspecified TOTAL MOTORCYCLES TRICYCLES Scooter

34

57

-40.4%

430

532

2.3%

Multiple models

7

Other

27

33

-18.2%

544

415

3.6%

Bajaj RE Compact 4S

10

TOTAL TRICYCLES

61

90

-32.2%

974

947

2.9%

5988

7898

-24.2%

114371

104612

9.3%

TOTAL REGISTRATIONS

2021 / 2020 Registrations by Capacity ENGINE BAND

Dec 2021

0 - 50cc

Year to Date

Dec 2020

% Change

Dec 2021

Dec 2020

Highest Registering Model by Style

% Change

Dec 2021 Registrations

735

893

-17.7%

10374

8212

26.3%

Lexmoto Echo 50

26

51 - 125cc

2135

3472

-38.5%

40664

38897

4.5%

Honda CBF125M

167

126 - 650cc

1461

1421

2.8%

21978

20077

9.5%

Royal Enfield Meteor 350

86

651 - 1000cc

877

1149

-23.7%

21913

19713

11.2%

Yamaha YZF R7

51

over 1000cc

780

963

-19.0%

19442

17713

9.8%

BMW R1250 GS Adventure

136

5988

7898

-24.2%

114371

104612

9.3%

TOTAL REGISTRATIONS

Alternative power registrations December 2021

Brands Chart Top Ten Manufacturers

Alternative power registrations data is also included in the overall market data shown in the tables above

December 2021

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

2021 / 2020 Registrations by Capacity

Honda............................................976 Yamaha ..........................................537 BMW .............................................524 Lexmoto.........................................327 KTM ..............................................310 Triumph .........................................274 Royal Enfield ..................................213 Kawasaki........................................179 Piaggio...........................................165 Sinnis.............................................136

POWER BAND

Dec 2021

Under 1kW

Year to Date

Dec 2020

% Change

2

Dec 2021

Dec 2020

% Change

0.0%

97

2

4750.0%

1-4kW

283

238

18.9%

4789

1711

179.9%

4-11kW

38

9

322.2%

233

104

124.0%

0.0%

12

6

16.7%

42

62

-32.3%

11-15kW

2

15-35kW

7

Over 35kW Unknown TOTAL REGISTRATIONS

0.0%

5

10

-50.0%

133

97

37.1%

76

15

406.7%

722

475

52.0%

413

278

48.6%

6028

2451

145.9%

2021 / 2020 Registrations by Style MOPEDS Adventure Competition

Dec 2021 Dec 2020

Change

0

0

0.0%

32

24

33.3%

EPAC

0

1

-100.0%

Naked

20

13

53.8%

0

0

0.0%

120

135

-11.1%

0

0

0.0%

172

173

-0.6%

Other L-Cat Scooter Unspecified TOTAL

MOTORCYCLES

Dec 2021 Dec 2020

Change

TRICYCLES

Dec 2021 Dec 2020

Change

Adventure

3

2

Other L-Cat

7

3

133.3%

Competition

9

9

Scooter

3

1

200.0%

TOTAL

10

4

150.0%

Naked Road Sport Scooter Unspecified TOTAL

7

0

30

26

0

6

181

59

2

1

232

103

Dec 2021 Dec 2020 TOTAL ALTERNATIVE POWER 413 278 REGISTRATIONS Includes 3 Diesel PTWs Includes 3 Diesel PTWs

Change 48.6%

Registration statistics supplied by the MCIA; tel 02476 408000; www.mcia.co.uk 60

FEBRUARY 2022

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

THE FACT THAT MCIA STATISTICS FOR December 2021 turned sharply negative really didn’t mean much, given the contrast with an underogated Euro 4 preregistrations frenzy a year earlier and the stretched Yuletide festivity schedule this time around – which shuttered many businesses for up to a fortnight, from “Black-Eye Friday” on 17 December through to New Year’s Eve. BDN financial editor Roger Willis reports.

Total registrations for the month plunged by 24.2% to 5988, theoretically 1910 fewer. But in December 2020, Lexmoto alone had preregistered considerably more than a thousand machines.

Point taken? For the record, motorcycles were 19% down to 4151. Scooters fell by 32.9% to 1285.

Mopeds were 35.9% lower at 491. And trikes lost 32.2% to just 61.

In capacity classes, the 51-125cc range was the biggest loser, 38.5% down to 2135. 126-650cc machines laid sole claim to positivity, adding 2.8% to 1461. Royal Enfield products were to the fore, with the Meteor 350 both highest-registered bike within that band and topping the Custom style category. Its Interceptor 650 brother led the Modern Classic firmament.

Larger bikes were on the back foot, though.

The 651-1000cc range sank by 23.7% to 877, fronted by a fairly modest quantity of Yamaha’s new YZF R7 sporting twin – probably all that are available to dealers through a tight supply chain. Over-1000cc stuff dropped by 19% to 780.

BMW’s cash-cow R1250GS Adventure, fully loaded with bells and whistles, was by far the biggest fish in that small pond.

At least Yamaha found enough fresh NMAX

Rolling Year Comparison

125 supplies to reclaim its scooter market hegemony. Electric machines, meanwhile, put on 48.6% to 413, equating to 6.9% of overall monthly registrations.

Brand performance was led, as usual, by Honda. Yamaha came a fairly distant second, although both posted dramatic improvements on

The fact that MCIA statistics turned sharpy negative really didn’t mean much, given the contrast with an underogated Euro 4 preregistrations frenzy a year earlier the previous December, respectively 41.2% and 41.3% up. BMW in third spot pretty much held station on a slight 2.1% rise.

As numbers got progressively thinner down the pecking order, Lexmoto took fourth place, an 82.6% volume slump exposing its aforementioned 2020 mass preregistration surge. KTM followed in fifth, diving by 29.5%.

Triumph exactly flatlined

May

Mar

The percentage of the overall market made up of scooters

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

Sur-Ron’s electric powered Light Bee was the best-selling moped, outselling its petrol-sipping competition for the second month in a row

MOTORCYCLE SALES GROW IN CHALLENGING 2021

W

Scooter Market Performance

in sixth, only 61 bikes ahead of rising star Royal Enfield. Kawasaki’s supply agonies were once again reflected by a 19.4% monthly decline in eighth, closely pursued by Piaggio in arrears by 22.2%.

Chinese-sourced Sinnis made a rare guest appearance as tail-end charlie, which may have been associated to preregistering any left-over derogated Euro 4 stock – all of which needed to be wearing plates before the New Year dawned.

Best news saved until last – 2021 proved to be a solid year that saw annual registrations rise by 9.3% to 114,371 versus 2020 and improve by 6.5% against pre-pandemic 2019.

ith 2021 plagued by Covid related lockdowns, staffing issues and restricted supply, we should nonetheless enter 2022 with optimism after a 9.3% increase in Powered Two Wheeler (PTW) registrations compared to 2020”, said Paddy O’Connell, head of the NMDA. “December’s registration figures from the MCIA show PTW sales rose by 9.3% in 2021 compared to 2020, from 104,612 to 114,371 total units.

“Despite the yearly increase, yearon-year figures for December were below those of 2020, experiencing a -24.2% (1910 units) decrease. This can be attributed to manufacturer supply constraints made up of a variety of issues concerning supply of materials, components and logistics in general.

“One sector that continues to grow is that of ePTWs, with year-on-year growth of 48.6% to 413 units – 283 of which were registered in the 1-4kW category.

This power output is most comparable with 0-50cc internal combustion engines (ICE) which achieved 735 units for the month, so it is interesting to note that ePTWs made up almost a third of the total.

“December saw the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure claim the position of second highest registering bike, with 136 units, pipped on this occasion by Honda’s stalwart, the commute and first-bike friendly CBF 125M which registered 167 units. Honda once again retained top spot for the most registrations with 976 units for the month.

O’Connell concluded: “On the whole, PTW dealers have continued to innovate and invest in digitisation, and as a result are reporting good levels of footfall and forward orders, and used PTW sales continue to perform strongly.

“With more ePTW product readily available, the NMDA continues to represent the voice of retailers regarding the government’s plans for transport decarbonisation. It is encouraging to see this uplift in ePTW sales which may indeed indicate not solely the move towards zero emission PTWs in urban areas for last mile delivery and commuting, but also a potential way to attract new riders.”

NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE DEALERS ASSOCIATION

FEBRUARY 2022 61

New registrations

DECEMBER REGISTRATIONS SWANSONG

The Fleet Auction Group

Used bike data

Professional Vehicle Auctions For Professional Vehicle Buyers

STRICTLY

TRADE ONLY

Motorcycle Auctions Every 3rd Thursday of every month @11.00am Entries invited

fleetauctiongroup.com 01530 833535

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

HONDA DOMINATE USED BIKE ROSTRUM

T

his month we look at the fastest selling used bikes on Auto Trader, based on the median number of days each model was on site. The analysis looks at bikes sold between 1 November 2021 and 20 January 2022.

Honda’s range of 125cc bikes are proving to be incredibly desirable, with the Japanese giant’s quarter-litre machines taking up all the top four places, and another three A1-compliant bikes from the brand feature in the top

Due to this high level of demand, pricing remains very strong with the average price of a used bike listed at 5% more than it did in December 2020 30. The list was topped by the NSS125A Forza scooter, which were selling in an average of just seven days.

With eight models making the top 30, Honda and Yamaha tied to be the most sought-after brand, with Suzuki the next most popular with five entries on the list. Triumph managed four, KTM and Kawasaki each had two and Keeway completed the roster with a single entry.

The average speed of sale overall for motorcycles on Auto Trader Bikes was 38 days during December 2021, whereas it was 43 days the same month in 2020, and

51 days two years back, so used bikes are selling faster than ever.

Due to this high level of demand, pricing remains very strong with the average price of a used bike listed at 5% more than December 2020 and 10% more than December 2019. Volumes of used bikes listed on Auto Trader are 17% up on last year.

PAUL EDMONDSON Product lead, Auto Trader Bikes

The fastest selling bikes on Auto Trader Average days advertised before sale

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Honda NSS125A Forza__________ 7 Honda PCX125 ______________ 11 Honda SH125 _______________ 14 Honda CBF125 ______________ 15 KTM 390 Adventure___________ 17 Keeway Superlight ____________ 17 Yamaha NMAX ____________ 17.5 Triumph Street Twin_________ 17.5 Triumph Street Scrambler _______ 18 Honda CB125F ______________ 18

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

Yamaha MT-125 _____________ 18 Suzuki GSX-S750 _____________ 19 Triumph Tiger 900 ____________ 19 Honda CRF250L______________ 19 Kawasaki Vulcan______________ 20 Yamaha WR125 ______________ 20 Suzuki Burgman 400 __________ 21 Yamaha MT-10 Touring Edition __ 22 Triumph Speedmaster 865 ______ 22 Yamaha YZF-R125 ____________ 22

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

Suzuki GSXR125 ___________ 22.5 Suzuki GSX-S125 ___________ 22.5 Honda CB125R ______________ 24 Suzuki Address_____________ 25.5 KTM RC 125 ________________ 26 Yamaha TMAX _____________ 26.5 Yamaha X-MAX ______________ 27 Yamaha YS125 _______________ 27 Kawasaki ER-6N______________ 27 Honda CBR125 ____________ 27.5

PROACTIVE STOCK SHORTFALL APPROACH AS WAS THE CASE WITH NEW machinery, the used motorcycle market proved to be impressively resilient throughout 2021, with new stock supply issues boosting demand further. Recent feedback from dealers suggests that used activity in January is buoyant for the time of year and, given the lack of new stock and long lead times, is expected to maintain strength throughout 2022.

Stock availability remains a challenge, with dealers needing

Sold, Sold, Sold at Auction FEBRUARY 2022

3rd Thursday each month, entries invited

62

to be proactive and creative in sourcing stock to make up for the lack of trade-in machinery due to the shortfall in new machines.

OUTLOOK We are now mid-way through winter, when daylight hours are limited and there is the constant threat of adverse weather conditions. Despite this, the meteorologial conditions so far have been fairly benign compared to last year, with little snow and ice

for much of the country making for some reasonable riding conditions.

This means that bikers have been out and about, including visiting dealerships.

Taking into account strong market prices and dealers stocking up in preparation for the season ahead, values have been marginally increased across most sectors for Glass’s February edition. The exception to this is for machines in the off-road sector, where values have been held.

Honda CB650 F 18 (18) 1,400 miles

Suzuki DL V-Storm 21 (21) 650 miles

Sold Jan 22

Sold Jan 22

£4,850

£7,850

PAUL McDONALD Leisure vehicle editor, Glass’s

Honda SP Fireblade 18 (68) 4500 miles

£12,550

Sold Jan 22 www.britishdealernews.co.uk

Used bike data

NAKED BIKES REMAIN THE MOST POPULAR IT’S A BRAND-NEW YEAR, AND PEOPLE ARE already shopping for a brand-new bike. In the Bikes for Sale section of the MCN website, we’re seeing Honda’s CB500X and NC750X the most popular with visitors, with Kawasaki’s Z900RS coming in third. Sports bikes continue their resurgence, now third behind adventure bikes and nakeds as the most popular styles of motorcycle searched for on the site.

We’re still in the midst of launch season too, with Triumph’s new engine-sharing Trident 660 and Tiger

Sport 660 duo being the most popular new reviews in the naked and adventure sectors respectively. But it’s clear readers have also been lusting after slightly more expensive sports bikes, too, as Ducati’s Panigale V4S and the Triumph Speed Triple RR have been the two most popular road tests over the past month.

GARETH EVANS Online editor, MCN

Bikes for Sale

Trail

Retro

Touring

Supersport

Sport/Tour

Scooter

Naked

Custom

Adventure

1. Honda CB500X 2. Honda NC750X 3. Kawasaki Z900RS 4. Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade 5. Harley-Davidson Fat Boy 6. Yamaha YZF-R1 7. Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 8. Honda VFR800 9. Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa 10. Honda GL1800 Goldwing

Classic

Percentage of views by type

Most viewed models

MCN Reviews

Electric

Retro

Trail

Touring

Supersport

Sport/Tour

Scooter

Custom

Naked

Percentage of views by type

Adventure

1. Honda _____________ 18% 2. Triumph ____________ 17% 3. Yamaha_____________ 11% 4. Ducati_______________ 9% 5. Kawasaki_____________ 8% 6. BMW _______________ 7% 7. Suzuki_______________ 7% 8. KTM ________________ 4% 9. Royal Enfield__________ 3% 10. Aprilia_______________ 3%

Top 5 Bike Reviews by type

Naked

Sports

Adventure Sport

1.

2021 Triumph Trident 660

1.

2022 Ducati Panigale V4S

1.

2022 Triumph Tiger 660 Sport

2.

2021 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS

2.

2022 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR

2.

2021 Honda CRF300 Rally

3.

2021 Yamaha MT 07

3.

2020 Aprilia RS660

3.

2019 Honda CB500X

4.

2017 KTM 390 Duke

4.

2022 Yamaha R7

4.

2018 Royal Enfield Himalayan

5.

2019 Honda CB650R

5.

2019 BMW S1000RR

5.

2022 Honda CB500X

KTM 890 Duke 21 (21) 12 miles

£7,100

Sold Jan 22 www.britishdealernews.co.uk

Honda CRF Africa Twin 18 (68) 5,700 miles

Honda SH300 18 (68) 504 miles

Sold Jan 22

Sold Jan 22

£8,300

£3,500

FEBRUARY 2021 2022 63

Mopeds

Scooters

Geared 125’s

3 Wheelers

Quads

A2 Licence Bikes

Adventure Bikes

Classic Scooter

Classic Bikes

Cycles & Electric Cycles

Electric Scooters

Electric Motorcycles