British Dealer News July 2021

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 • July 2021

FREE INSIDE BDN’S 2021 100-page TRADE DIRECTORY

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E-SCOOTER STORM Unregulated death traps? Or killer opportunity? See page 16

Tippetts closes its doors Dealers’ views in Trade Talk Triumph dealers awarded Bihr’s latest aquisition Used bike data

July 2021

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July 2021 : Issue 240

the news

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

4 6 10 12 14 16 20 24 25 26 30 32

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; Adam Bernstein; Dan Sagar; Rick Kemp; John Featherstone; Alan Dowds

Tippetts closes its doors Last lap for Mick Hemmings Trailblazer’s push for apprentices Benelli hits 110 Glass’s market summary e-scooter storm Trade Talk Californian Superbike School goes green Triumph dealer awards On the Move – Hackshall joins West Coast International news – Bihr buys again Off-road news – colourful cables

FREE IN THIS ISSUE 2021 TRADE DIRECTORY Produced by your only monthly trade magazine.

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Contents

Contents

2TR0A21 DE

DIRECTORY SPON SORE D BY:

TALK TO US TODAY. 0115 946 6260 bike@frfl.co.uk

www.frfl.co.uk

ACCOUNTS MANAGER Mark Mayo: accounts@dealernews.co.uk WWW.BRIT ISHDE ALER

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

the business

CIRCULATION circulation@dealernews.co.uk

36 REACTION The trade’s viewpoints

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

38 BUSINESS BEAT Managing managers

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

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.

the knowledge

40 XERAMIC SPARKLE MotoMondo launches1 new consumables range

40

44 MARKETING MATTERS Top tips for astute advertising 46 THE BUSINESS ESSENTIALS Trading Standards 48 PRODUCTS Retail profit opportunities 55 BDN TRADE CLASSIFIEDS Small adverts, big opportunities

58 ON THE MONEY Brussels, not Boris…

59 INTERNATIONAL SHARE PRICES A snapshot of global performance 60 NEW REGISTRATION DATA MCIA statistics, NMDA and BDN report 62 USED BIKE DATA From Autotrader, Glass’s Guide and MCN

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

NEWS .CO.U K

advanced copy

48

deadlines August Issue 12 July 2021 September Issue 9 August 2021 October Issue 13 September 2021

JULY 2021 3

Business news

Pyramid goes cyber UK BODYWORK SPECIALIST Pyramid Plastics has launched a new website specifically for dealers and trade customers of the Puig, Ermax, Customacces and GBRacing brands it distributes, as well as its own-brand accessories.

The new trade portal will allow customers to log in and search for accessories by bike model or SKU, view stock levels, purchase at trade prices and arrange drop ship orders. They can also review their previous orders and use the new Live Chat function, which provides technical support on the fly.

Stock data, pricing, image URLs and product details are also available in CSV format so that dealers can quickly and easily include Pyramid products on their own websites. trade.pyramid-plastics.co.uk

End of the road for Tippetts Motors A gainst a background of tragic family illness and surrendering its treasured Honda franchise, the historic Surbiton-based dealership Tippetts Motors finally closed down on 31 May after completing the successful sale of the property.

Owner Mark Alexander announced this decision “with great sadness and a heavy heart” in a statement on social media.

“It has been a great pleasure to service the motorcycle community for 60 years as a Honda main dealer and another 20 before as a British motorcycle dealer,” he said. “We would like

to thank all our customers, past and present, for their custom and the great wonderful times that we had.”

Alexander went on to tell BDN: “We are looking forward to launching a new venture very soon”.

Digital transformation for dealers

A

new white paper from iVendi is designed to help dealers complete digital transformations that will make their businesses fit for the postpandemic used motorcycle, car and van markets. Connected Retailing: Addressing the Challenges of Digital Transformation is available for anyone to download and covers a wide range of emerging trends and their potential technological solutions.

“With the end of the pandemic now hopefully in sight, we’ve been spending considerable time examining how it has changed our understanding of the ways in which technology can best be used by dealers,” explains iVendi chief executive James Tew. “Some of these are quite obvious and should be apparent to all dealers but others are relatively subtle. However, taken as a whole, we believe there has been something approaching a DID-VR46s-210x76.pdf 1 07.06.2021 14:38:59 fundamental shift.” ivendi.com/whitepaper

VALENTINO ROSSI IE ES ES UREE SERIIES ATUR NAT NA SIGN

Ardonagh loss on Bennetts forced sale ALTHOUGH NEW OWNER RIGHT CHOICE SAID IT had acquired leading specialist motorcycle insurer Bennetts for “an undislosed sum”, reluctant vendor Ardonagh Group has now admitted that the business was sold at a discount.

Ardonagh’s first-quarter accounts reveal that Right Choice paid £22.75m for Bennetts. Ardonagh had previously bought the broker from Saga for £26m last year, before the Competition and Markets Authority deemed the deal out of order and forced a disposal.

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Business news

From left: Keith Huewen, Angie Hemmings, Steve Hemmings, Tim Abbott, Tracy Jones and Aubrey Manning

SHORT CUTS DUNLOP

GERMAN MOTORCYCLE magazine PS has declared Dunlop as the top brand in its comparison test of slick track tyres. Using a Honda Fireblade SP fitted with Dunlop KR106 and KR108 tyres at the Circuit de BarcelonaCatalunya the PS test crew were able to lap the circuit up to 3.126 seconds faster than with other tyres tested. PS also declared Dunlop as the best tyre for stability, precision, grip, braking and behaviour at the limit.

SHED AND BURIED RETURNS

THE NATION’S FAVOURITE SHED SUPREMOS Henry Cole and Sam Lovegrove are back on TV, searching for yet more automotive treasure lying dead in the nation’s sheds, outbuildings and garages. In ten brand new 30-minute episodes, Henry and Sam travel across the country on a quest to find neglected motoring gems on two, three and four wheels, as well as automotive memorabilia, which they hope to fix up and sell for a tidy profit. Shed & Buried series 3 started on screen on Quest on Tuesday 8 June, but fans can catch up or binge watch all ten episodes on Discovery+.

MOTONOVO FINANCE

SILENCE, THE LATEST ELECTRIC POWERED TWOwheel brand to enter the UK market majoring on the 4-11kW (50-125cc equivalent) sector, has selected MotoNovo Finance as its consumer credit partner to fund sales of its scooter-style range of four models. According to Silence UK founding partner Mike Rose, affordability is a central part of his company’s proposition and he was keen to ensure that point-of-sale finance was part and parcel of this. “More than 90% of new cars rely upon POS funding and the situation for us is no different,” says Rose.

“As the first finance provider to introduce a risk-based pricing approach, MotoNovo is our ideal partner. With risk-based pricing, we aim to help most of our customers to access affordable finance tailored to their credit status.”

Hemmings’ last lap N orthampton dealer and road racer the late Mick Hemmings completed his final lap of Silverstone, his local circuit, in a coffin in the back of a private ambulance on Friday 4 June.

At the wheel of the black Transit was Hemmings’ best friend from the world of shooting, Tim Abbott, accompanied by Hemmings’ son Steve and former MotoGP commentator and British road race champion Keith Huewen.

Thirty years ago Hemmings and Abbott made a pact at a clay shoot that the first to go would be taken for a final lap of Silverstone. Abbott, Steve Hemmings, and Mick’s wife Angie were keen that this pact should be fulfilled.

Getting the lap organised was another matter, and so they asked fellow Northamptonshire resident Huewen for help and advice. The former Suzuki factory rider, Hemmings’ customer and friend since the 1970s, used his influence and network of contacts to set up the lap.

Silverstone staff were more than helpful. The lap was organised by motorsport co-ordinator Jo Ikin who granted permission for use of the full GP circuit. And Kevin Matthews Funeral Services of Northampton agreed the use of their private ambulance for the lap, driven to the circuit by Aubrey Manning.

Before the lap started celebrant Tracy Jones said a few words in tribute to Hemmings who had made his Silverstone debut more than 50 years before and had won races there spanning 1971-2002.

Angie Hemmings flagged the foursome off and, as an unexpected bonus, they were able to complete two full laps.

“I still can’t believe it happened,” said Abbott, a specialist in vintage car engine and gearbox preparation, plus the odd motorcycle engine.

“It’s a good job we’re all mad,” added Angie Hemmings.

Thanks to the generosity of Silverstone and Matthews Funerals it was an amazing final fling for the former Suzuki and

British bike dealer-racer who had opened his first motorcycle shop in Northampton in 1974.

The funeral took place at Northampton Crematorium on 7 June, what would have been Hemmings’ 77th birthday. Those attending included Velocette specialists Ivan Rhodes and Manx GP winning son Grahame, former Suzuki GB works rider Stan Woods, nine times Manx GP winner Bill Swallow, former Motor Cycle News head of advertising Peter Archer, and Terry Potter of Precision Motorcycles, Newport Pagnell.

Eulogies were given by Peter Wright, who raced Manx Norton powered cars, and Keith Huewen.

Said Huewen: “When Mick opened his shop it became a hub for race talk and cups of tea in an atmosphere heavy with cigarette smoke and the smell of Castrol R. He had the sharpest wit and an instant comeback. He was a unique friend.”

See BDN June 2021 for Mick Hemmings obituary and BDN June 2018 for feature looking at Mick Hemmings’ career.

Industry relevance key to TT revival PLANS FOR THE RETURN OF ISLE OF MAN TT racing in 2022 major on encouraging competitive involvement from a wider range of manufacturers.

Although an at-a-glance programme for the 2022 event spanning 29 May to 10 June contains the usual roster of eight races, significant content changes to promote industry relevance have been made to two of them.

The Lightweight TT, which has been dominated by Kawasaki and Kawasaki-engined Patons in recent years, gets a new name – the Bennetts Supertwin TT – and a new rulebook.

Regulations will now permit twin-cylinder machines up to 700cc, such as the Aprilia RS660, Yamaha MT-07 and Yamaha YZF-R7. So both Aprilia and Yamaha products will be able to

6

JULY 2021

compete in this category for the first time.

Furthermore, Sidecar TT contenders will be permitted to use 900cc parallel-twin engines such as those currently found in the KTM 890 Duke and BMW’s F900R. In what will be the biggest shake-up in the class for three decades, these powerplants will run alongside the 600cc four-cylinder and 675cc three-cylinder motive power that has long been the mainstay of sidecar racing on the Island.

Additional changes proposed for 2023 feature a ten-race programme. There will be a pair of Superstock TT events, enhancing long-held status as the industry’s favoured showcase for superbike models running in close to normal street trim in a real-roads sporting environment.

The Supertwin TT will also double its presence.

And following the British Supersport Championship’s forthcoming move away from purely 600cc fours and 675cc triples to encompass other machines graded on a comparable “power to weight ratio” basis, we are likely to see a similar approach to Supersport TT rules in the near future. Again, this will potentially create an opportunity for more manufacturers to participate.

The Isle of Man Government’s Department for Enterprise, as TT promoter, is also making a concerted effort to build a truly global fan base through the launch of its own digital TV channel, streaming live race coverage online to a worldwide audience – accessible to nearly four billion internet users – plus documentary material throughout the year.

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

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Business news

T

he NMDA will be holding a virtual meeting in August for members to discuss the standards for its Motorcycle Trailblazer Apprenticeship in order for it to remain relevant and up to date.

In 2018, following three years of intense work, the government signed off the Motorcycle Trailblazer Apprenticeship standard and “end-point assessment”, which was designed by a group of dealers who formed a Trailblazer Team for the development of the apprenticeship.

“Following a turbulent 2020, the NMDA is keen to get apprenticeships back at the forefront of its agenda”, said Paddy O’Connell, head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association.

The need for a new employerdriven technician apprenticeship became apparent following the government’s plans to increase the number of young people learning a skill or craft in all industries, rather than either going to university or into a manual job without trained skills and, possibly, with limited prospects for the future.

O’Connell added, “The NMDA

New push for apprenticeships achieved this milestone which allows colleges and providers to use the scheme to train

see that the government has just announced that incentive payments for hiring a new apprentice will The NMDA is keen to get be available through to apprenticeships back at September the forefront of its agenda 2021. A nonrepayable sum young people to be fully skilled of £3000 will be paid to support organisations’ costs, including motorcycle technicians.

“It is also encouraging to uniforms and apprentice salaries.

“We are looking forward to moving things forward this year and securing a stable workforce for our sector as well as offering exciting opportunities to the new generations”.

The virtual meeting is open to all interested stakeholders.

Contact Paddy O’Connell on 07436 404102 to join the Microsoft Teams meeting at 10am on 10 August 2021.

RMI Academy opens in Lincoln THE RETAIL MOTOR INDUSTRY FEDERATION (RMI) has opened a new training facility in Lincoln.

The new site joins three existing locations in Southam, Runcorn and Winchester, and is the first of a number of additional academies planned as part of the trade body’s wider strategy to provide training for garages on a more local basis.

A wide array of MOT and technical courses will be available when the site opens this month.

The opening of the fourth training academy

is part of the RMI’s stated mission to provide affordable, high-quality training for the automotive sector, including the motorcycle industry.

“We are delighted to announce the opening of the new RMI Academy of Automotive Skills training facility in Lincoln, broadening the reach of its high-quality automotive training,” said Paddy O’Connell, head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA), which represents motorcycle dealers in the UK. The

NMDA is a federated association of The Retail Motor Industry (RMI).

O’Connell added: “The expansion of the RMI training facilities is positive news and will be of benefit to NMDA members and all of those in the region who require Class 1 and 2 motorcycle MOT training.”

The Academy will be running its next courses for Class 1 & 2 motorcycle MOT tester training at Southam on 12 July 2021. Call 01788 538399 or visit www.rmitrainingacademy.co.uk for details.

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ACERBIS AND DORNA WSBK Organization (DWO) have announced a new agreement to carry on their collaboration up to and including the 2024 season.

Acerbis has been an official sponsor of the Motul FIM Superbike World Championship since 2013. The new agreement will see Acerbis feature on trackside banners during the next four seasons, benefitting from the worldwide exposure.

Guido Acerbis, CEO of Acerbis Italia, commented, “The sharing of values with Dorna WSBK Organization is part of an international growth path in the two-wheel sector that continues to provide us with stimuli and inputs of fundamental importance.”

Francesco Valentino, WorldSBK commercial and marketing senior manager, added: “We are thrilled to continue the historical partnership between Acerbis and DWO for the next four seasons.

They are a key partner of the Championship and a valuable technical partner providing top quality uniforms for all the WorldSBK staff.”

Benelli celebrates longevity

C

urrently enjoying its third significant revival since it was founded in 1911 by six eponymous brothers, Benelli is to mark its 110th anniversary with a new logo and a series of special events.

The events will be concentrated around the Benelli Museum in the Italian town of Pesaro, where the brand – now a Sino-Italian enterprise owned by Chinese bike manufacturer Qianjiang – still has its headquarters. The museum features a collection of more than 200 historic Benelli and Motobi motorcycles, housed in part of the original factory.

The high point of these festivities will be Benelli

JULY 2021

Week 2021, which will be held in Pesaro on 1319 September. Organised by the Registro Storico Benelli and the Tonino Benelli Moto Club, with the company’s full collaboration, Benelli Week attracts thousands of enthusiasts from all over the world every year.

Commenting on the planned programme of events, Benelli QJ chief executive Yan Haimei said: “We are really proud to celebrate our 110 years of history – a story made up of values, intuitions and dreams, but also of men, ideas, talent and genius.”

Presumably she also meant to include women in that mix.

Langen gets MSVA recognition

T

he limited-edition Langen Two Stroke project has come much closer to fruition, after a prototype bike successfully achieved Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) certification on  June.

Langen Two Stroke chassis number  is now approved for UK road registration, leaving a clear VIN slate for the planned -strong production run destined for customers.

Langen owner and founder Christofer Ratcliffe took the bike down to the test centre himself, following two years of development by his team to create a new two-stroke machine capable of such roadlegality.

Understandably pleased,

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Ratcliffe said: “Getting the MSVA pass is a massive step forward for us and it means a huge amount of progress has been made on the engineering.

We are now in the process of

registering the bike and getting final preparations done for it to appear at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Then we should be able to arrange some media testing after that.”

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Business news

Unfaltering demand

Following a significant bounce-back in registrations during April, data published by the Motorcycle Industry Association shows that registrations grew significantly again in May compared to last year, by 149.2% HOWEVER, THE UK WAS IN TOTAL lockdown last year, with dealers closed.

Therefore, significant growth was inevitable.

Comparing May 2021 registrations with May 2019’s pre-pandemic total, there was still impressive growth of 23.1%. It will be interesting to see how June’s registrations compare to last year, bearing in mind that dealers reopening across the UK in June 2020 following Lockdown-1, with the market experiencing an impressive bounce back.

NEW MOTORCYCLE MARKET Two months have now passed since dealers began reopening across the UK as Lockdown-3 restrictions eased and demand has remained buoyant with little sign of the market slowing down. However, as in recent months, stock supply of new machines remains an issue for many dealers, with deliveries now expected in July, August, and September, following original Engine band highest registered models May 2021 Power Band

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

Model

Vmoto Super Soco CPX Yamaha NMAX 125 Royal Enfield Interceptor Int 650 Triumph Trident Multiple items Data courtesy of the MCIA

lead times of March, therefore crucial periods of the season have been missed.

Since its launch, the Triumph Trident has been in strong demand and the Yamaha Tracer 900 GT is also proving to be a popular machine. However, as with recent months, demand remains strong across the board.

WHAT CAN THE INDUSTRY EXPECT MOVING FORWARD?

Some dealers have reported selling in excess of 60 new and used machines (combined) per month, which underlines just how strong current demand is.

STOCK Stock shortages continue to be the main challenge for the industry with little sign that will improve anytime soon. In addition, long lead times for new machines are delaying part-exchanges and while some dealers took some in early, they have now sold. As a result, competition within auction channels remains very high, with strong hammer prices.

Stock shortages continue to be the main challenge for the industry with little sign that will improve anytime soon

With demand showing little sign of slowing down, the outlook is optimistic.

However, stock supply is likely to prevent the 2021 season from being as strong as it could have been. Hopefully, stock issues will ease in time for the 2022 season. However, as has been the case since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, caution is advised as the near future remains uncertain, with potential economic challenges hindering consumer spending.

USED MOTORCYCLE FEEDBACK The market for used machines is showing little sign of slowing down either. Low availability and long lead times for new machines will likely boost used demand even further throughout the summer. Demand is strong across the board with Triumph and Japanese brands particularly sought after. As has been the trend in recent years, sports machines are the least popular but a market for them still remains.

RIDING CONDITIONS

May was a cool and wet month, with late spring sunshine in short supply.

However, the weather in the early weeks of June has vastly improved with predominantly warm and sunny days, making for fine riding conditions once again as summer solstice nears.

Taking into consideration ongoing strong market activity and stock shortages, values have been moderately increased across most sectors in Glass’s July edition, except where trade feedback or evidence from the marketplace indicated models required specific adjustments.

Paul McDonald Leisure Vehicles Editor

Bioethanol increase

T

he standard petrol grade in the UK will become E this summer.

Currently, UK petrol is E, meaning it contains up to % bioethanol. E petrol will see the amount of bioethanol increase to %.

Most motorcycles and petrol cars manufactured after  are E compatible, says the DVLA. However,

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JULY 2021

around % of vehicles made before  will need to continue to use E petrol which will remain available as the super grade petrol option at the pumps.

Continued use of E in an incompatible vehicle could damage engine parts, the DVLA says. If in doubt, use the online checker at: www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-e-petrol.

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

ARE YOU READY TO RACE?

KTM DEALERS REQUIRED We’re looking to expand our KTM dealer network into some key territories in the UK to continue our success. We sold more new bikes in 2020 than 2019, increasing our market share in the process, and we can see potential for more growth. Sales increases will come, of course, from our extensive class leading ranges of motorcycles – but also by reaching more customers. That’s where you come in.

If you can dedicate 200m2 for a KTM showroom, sell the whole KTM range (including Street, Offroad and PG&A) and create a real destination dealership to attract KTM customers in your territory then we can offer you all the advantages that Europe’s largest manufacturer holds – starting with the most exciting motorcycles on the planet.

The following open points offer genuine and calculated opportunities of up to 300 units for dealers that share the same drive and ambition as KTM. Please contact mike.parker@ktm.com to discuss these opportunities further.

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Photo: Rob Gray (Polarity Photo)

Business news

Scooting up a storm

A perfect storm is brewing in towns and cities up and down the UK. Step-on batterypowered e-scooters have exploded in popularity amidst a morass of worries about safety and regulation – together with mixed messages from the authorities. BDN takes a look at what’s going on – and how it might affect the motorcycle trade, for good or ill

E

veryone has a story about e-scooters nowadays. Your mother-in-law nearly knocked one down driving along the local bypass the other night. The postman has to dodge them every day on the pavement.

Your barber almost got in a fight after being cheeked by a gang of kids riding them outside his shop. And, of course, you’ve seen them yourself – two-up, weaving through traffic, crashing through red lights, bumping up on the pavement. They’re new and have exploded in popularity since last year’s Covid-19 lockdowns, with people looking for new ways to get about in urban environments without using crowded, possibly infected buses, trains, trams and tubes.

As part of the so-called ‘micro-mobility revolution’, they have a lot to offer – in theory at least.

Having a zeroemissions (in use), efficient, b a t t e r y p o w e r e d e le c t r ic vehicle that can move

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commuters the last few miles between work or home and a train station makes a lot of sense.

It’s certainly a better option than one person driving a massive Chelsea tractor. You can ride to your local suburban train station, fold your scooter up, take it on the train to Waterloo or

As part of the socalled ‘micro-mobility revolution’, they have a lot to offer – in theory at least Waverley station, then unfold it, ride the three or four miles to the office and recharge it under your desk. Then at home time, do it all again, in reverse. Advances in rechargeable battery technology, compact high-power motors, and Chinese mass production means that a fairly light step-on scooter can be made and sold for as little as £400. The cheapest models are less than £200.

But there are, it seems, fundamental problems with the design. As Dean Clements of Clements Moto points out, the small wheels

and a top speed of around 15mph means that e-scooters aren’t really suitable for use either on the road or on the pavement. “My main reservation about the step-on-scooter, beyond the legality, is how and where it is used,” Clements told us. “The product isn’t conducive to mixing with either pedestrians or cars.”

As Clements points out, there is a possible answer in the form of the cycle lane network – but it’s not good enough in the UK at the moment. “At present the only safe place I see them being used is in cycle lanes, of which we have far too few.”

But it’s the vague government regulation of e-scooters that seems to be causing most problems. On the one hand, the law is clear: private use of e-scooters is illegal in public places – parks, roads, pavements, cycle lanes, pedestrian shopping areas – and anyone doing so is committing a crime. In the UK, a powered vehicle and its user needs to comply with a whole range of laws around insurance, MOT testing, road tax, construction and use regulations, registration plates and licensing.

There’s a loophole around electrically assisted pedal cycles or e-bikes which legally can only ‘assist’ a rider with 250 watts of extra power while they are pedalling, at speeds

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

properly-designed, high-quality commercial scooter designs. These have larger 10-12” wheels, are solidly-built, and contain smart GPS-enabled control software which controls

You could easily buy a container of cheap no-name scooters from AliBaba.com, pile them high and sell them cheap maximum speeds and can keep the scooter within a set area (so-called ‘geofencing’).

Users are also linked to the scooters during the hire, so any rule-breaking, like riding on the pavement, can lead to punishment. Users have to undergo training (generally watching a video online), and also need to have a driving

licence (though just a provisional licence is sufficient). Plus, riding an e-scooter while drunk is treated exactly like drink-driving in a car or motorbike.

The result of these two changes – unfettered private scooter sales plus trial rental schemes – was perhaps predictable. People see that there are ‘official’ e-scooters in use, and haven’t the foggiest idea about Department for Transport regulations. They see cheap e-scooters on an internet site for a few hundred pounds.

They put two and two together and get five (hundred watts of scooter power), and within a few days, they’re out on the road/pavement/ park/shopping centre. Then, other people see them out and about – they must be legal? – and more sales ensue, with the snowballing effect we see now. The government, admittedly with its eye off the ball and attention taken up by a once-in-a-lifetime global pandemic, has let the genie out of the bottle. And getting it back in will be tough, since it’s now scooting

THE TRIALS LAST SUMMER, THE UK GOVERNMENT set up rental e-scooter scheme trials with a number of firms including Spin – a micro mobility firm owned by automotive giant Ford. Spin is operating its e-scooters in a series of trial sites in the UK, including Milton Keynes, Basildon, Chelmsford and other towns in Essex.

We spoke to the firm’s UK and Ireland Country Manager, Steve Pyer, and asked him how it’s been working out. “The trials have gone really well for us. We’ve had over 250,000 journeys since we launched in Milton Keynes in August last year. Essex is also really strong – we have 12,00013,000 people riding in Essex.”

Is it essentially a young person’s thing?

“There’s a fairly even split, and it’s no surprise that 18-30 is the biggest age group.

One and a half percent of riders are over 80 though! But yes, riders are predominantly young, under 45.”

What about safety concerns – stability with small wheels, use on pavements, scooters going where they shouldn’t? “We have 10-inch wheels on the Spin, and the scooters we have are big and solid – they’re designed to be on the road. They can take impacts from falling over, they’re IP67rated so they can be out in all weathers.

Some have suspension, and the tyres have some give. They’re not as good as a motorcycle, but they are designed to be used on the street.

“We have geofences and go-slow zones as well, and we can reduce the maximum speed to 10mph where there’s busier footfall. In Basildon’s central shopping area, you’re not allowed to ride bicycles or scooters on market day, so we’ve geofenced that area and you can’t ride there. And across Essex, some people complained that 15mph was too fast, so we reduced speeds to 12.5mph.”

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

So, a successful regulated trial, from Spin’s point of view. Does Pyer see the trials continuing and rental use becoming fully legal?

“I think the trials are going to be extended till next March, according to the DFT, assuming the cities want to continue.

After that, I don’t really know, and there’s a hiatus in theory between the trials ending and legislation coming in. But there are so many people employed in this industry, and I think it would be very difficult and very harsh if the DFT said ‘we’re going to stop it until we have legislation’.

“Parliament has to approve changes to the law, so I think, realistically, we’re looking at next summer, when parliament reconvenes, and we have the Queen’s speech. I’m looking forward to Her Majesty saying e-scooters are now going to be legal!”

What about private use? Can Pyer see that as the endpoint? “I think it makes sense. It’s not illegal to buy or sell e-scooters, You can buy these things at many retailers, and they should all stipulate that you can only use them on private land. But you see them everywhere, and I think the cat is out of the bag. I think legislation is inevitable since it’s impossible to put the cork back in that bottle (to mix the metaphors). And, if you get proper legislation, you’ll have scooters like in our rental scheme: big, solid, robust, and limited within the rules like an e-bicycle.”

But Pyer is aware that not everyone will be pleased with that, initially at least.

“E-scooters aren’t for everyone, and it’s like the bicycle debate, people are for and against it. But we have a massive section of the community across Essex who love them! They really enjoy it – but it’s not for everyone. I do think people will become used to them.”

Spin UK country manager Steve Pyer enjoys a ride on a fully-legal trial scooter

JULY 2021 17

Business news

up to 15.5mph. But in essence, if you have a self-powered, wheeled machine, it has much the same legal requirements as any car or motorbike.

There are two problems surrounding this, though. First, while it’s illegal to use a private e-scooter, it’s not illegal to sell them. And both online retailers and bricks-and-mortar businesses like Halfords are willing to sell the machines, with a disclaimer that they’re only for use on private land with the landowner’s permission. If the government had banned them from being sold to the public – like black race visors, battery acid or cannabis – they would be much harder to get hold of.

The second problem arrived last summer, when the UK government agreed to allow a series of e-scooter rental trials across the country. These are tightly regulated setups, with firms providing the infrastructure, insurance, and control over where and how the scooters can be used – as well as using

Business news The trials are in full swing across many towns and cities, but some riders don’t stick to the rules

about at 15mph on the pavements, in silence, without any PPE on…

So far, so what? Why are you reading about this in your favourite motorcycle trade bible? Well, there are two ways of looking at the e-scooter trend – as a threat or as an opportunity. Apart from the obvious threats to road safety, and pressure upon law enforcement, a lot of e-scooter riders could well have been your customers. If you were a

young commuter on an FS-1E in the 1970s, a Honda MB-5 in the 1980s, or a Piaggio Typhoon in the 1990s and beyond, you’re probably learning to wheelie an e-scooter right now. The faff around CBT, insurance, helmet, road tax, A1 licencing – it’s all gone.

Add in the influence of social media, and the potential for hilarious but dangerous TikTok videos, and you can see why e-scooters seem like catnip to modern youth. And youth is

something that the motorcycle market definitely needs more of.

There is an obvious opportunity. You could easily buy a container of cheap no-name scooters from AliBaba.com, pile them high and sell them cheap, no questions asked. You could even do the job properly, and buy robust, higher-quality scooters from a proper firm like Xiaomi, insist that users buy a helmet at the same time, and make a big deal out of the fact they’re not for use on the road. If Halfords is doing it, why not join them – and point any disgruntled customers who’ve had their scooters confiscated by the police to the small print on the invoice.

It’s a choice of course, and who could blame retailers for trying to get money in the door after the misery of the pandemic.

But Paddy O’Connell, head of operations at the NMDA suggests it’s not one that many dealers are interested in. “I’ve not had any reports of anyone actually selling e-scooters yet. George Dennison of MotoDen is quite a vocal member of the NMDA, and because of where he’s based in London, he’d be one of the primary beneficiaries of this. But his

IMPORTER’S VIEW DEAN CLEMENTS OF CLEMENTS Moto spoke to BDN about the scenario the firm faces with e-scooter retailing, and how it’s addressing it.

“Just last week we had a distribution presentation from Fantic, who will be launching two step-on-scooters next

Clements Moto MD Dean Clements thinks e-scooters could be part of his business’s future offering when legislation has been finalised

18 JULY 2021

month. My personal preferences are irrelevant, and I have to consider what we do with this commercially. Fantic has introduced the product to quench demand coming from the retail outlets stocking our eBikes.

Since introduction, eBikes have very quickly become intrinsic

to our business with Fantic and whether due to pandemic or underestimation in general, the performance curve of this has outperformed both mine and Fantic’s business plan.

“In many countries there’s no question to ask and the scooters will be launched. In the UK, I have the benefit of being in a position to make the decision. Fantic understands that in the UK, as with some other countries, the product is not legal when used in the public domain. We could take the Halfords approach and retail beside a disclaimer. But as things stand, we will not introduce it until the situation is legalised or circumstances change to make me think again.”

Clements also has some thoughts on how the sector – and its regulation – will develop over the medium term. “As I understand, the official tests are still under government review.

How that review will find is up

for speculation, but either way it won’t be instantaneous and it will take time to pass legislation.

My view is there are too many ‘tests’, with too much investment made, for central government to decide they will just outlaw it in all forms. I think more likely there will be legislation passed that will require displayed serial numbers, (if not registration numbers), insurance and some form of rider ID/Licencing, but unlikely to be full CBT. “I would expect this to be part of a bigger shift in government changes to micro mobility and that this will include eBikes and specifically speed pedelecs restricted to 45km/h.

Incidentally, Fantic have two urban eBikes pending type approval and nearing launch in this category. This in my opinion is better fitting for our current business, as it bridges the void between our eBikes and motorcycles.”

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

Business news

opinion is he’s not going to sell could be extended into a mini these until they’re legal. And he’ll ‘CBT’ type test – and our dealers could run that training. Then, stick to that.

“It also feels like that it would if it was a two-year provisional be taking away from the main e-scooter licence, what happens business because it’s such a low- when you’re 16? You’ll be back in margin item. Why get involved the motorcycle showroom …

“I think we until things are do see it as an sorted?”

The NMDA is opportunity, as Rather, the a gateway into NMDA is pushing pushing the PTW, and the the government government electric bikes of in a different the future. But way – towards in a different need to be regulation way – towards they regulated; we schemes that need the safety could include regulation regulations PTW dealers. and also the Which could schemes that roadworthiness then have a could include of the users too. positive effect on That needs to the powered two- PTW dealers be part of the wheeler market by acting as a gateway towards process, written down in stone.”

It’s an intriguing possibility – ‘proper’ motorcycles and scooters.

Paddy O’Connell again; “We and could be a really good next think the minimum age for chapter to the e-scooter saga. e-scooters should be 14, and As it is, it looks like there will people should have to do an online be plenty of scary stories about course to get a mini-licence. That e-scooters for quite a while yet.

We want your views

Extended e-scooter coverage from BDN will be reported online and in the August issue of the magazine.

Your thoughts and opinions are welcome. Are they killer scoots, or is it time for the trade to fill their boots? editorial@dealernews.co.uk

My personal preferences are irrelevant, and I have to consider what we do with this commercially www.britishdealernews.co.uk

JULY 2021 19

Business news

WHO IS FEATHERS? LIFE LONG BIKING ENTHUSIAST JOHN FEATHERSTONE (KNOWN as Feathers to his many friends in the trade) joined Suzuki GB in 1972 as a sales representative in the North then joining Vespa in the eighties and later Aprilia.

Although “retired”, John retains a keen interest in the industry and keeps his ears close to the ground to compile this quarterly sampling of what the UK’s dealers are really thinking.

You can contact him on 07541 998290 or john.featherstone1@hotmail.com

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A dozen dealers covering the country from Perth down to Hayling Island produced almost as many different viewpoints for this month’s Trade Talk. However, a common thread running through is that workshops are very busy and used bike sales are buoyant.

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John Featherstone

Skinner Motorcycles

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Perth, Scotland e do anything and everything here in Perth. Eighties Japanese bikes are especially interesting to source and look after. “‘Workshop based’ is how I would describe us,” says Mike Skinner who, with son Rory as mechanic, has relocated this mainly repair and service business from Dundee where he started in 2004, and is now seeing rapidly increasing Keeway and Sym sales.

Rory, 19, needs no introduction, winning the British Supersport Championship last year and this season moving up to race in BSB with Kawasaki.

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Colwin Motorcycles

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Sittingbourne, Kent

Beechdale Motorcycles

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Nottingham

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aul Stewardson heads this family run Nottingham dealership, which started trading in 1996.

He says MOT, repairs and servicing have always been the core business, but adds: “In recent months we have done exceptionally well with Kymco and Sinnis as demand in Nottingham for commuter and leisure transport has increased. What we do have is a good working relationship locally with Roadcraft Motorcycle Training, and this has been a big boost for us.”

I

t has been a record few months for us right across the board,” said John Clarke, who runs this Sittingbourne-based used bike specialist dealership with son Kyle.

“We have developed country wide sales and delivery of machines over several years, and that has paid off very well. The Benelli franchise complements our used bike choice.”

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JULY 2021

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

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Alexander Motorcycles

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Ashford, Kent

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Hayling Island, Hampshire

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Stockton, County Durham

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’ve never been busier, and we are turning repair work away all the time here in Stockton and don’t like doing it. That includes the unfortunate internet-supplied customers, coming in with an e-scooter or badly assembled fun bike and asking for our help to put it together! What can we do other than advise them to send it back to the supplier?”

But there is some good news. “Our off-road sales have been great, although we have little to sell at present. Encouraging news from John Lampkin is that the first Beta 2022 range of X Trainer and other bikes will arrive soon.”

P&P Motorcycles

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lex Cadenhead is Kent based, with showrooms in Ashford and Margate.

He asks: “Why are two wheels not being taken seriously as a transport solution, especially over the last 12 months? My local council has a closed mind attitude to motorcycle retail premises and is vindictive towards any attempt to allow motocross tracks in the Ashford area for much needed sport and leisure.

“The other issue I have is probably the oldest ongoing discussion in the trade, the determination of some manufacturers to reduce the necessary up front margin and thereby dilute a progressive relationship with a dealer.”

ather and son Peter and Adam Alloway, based in Hayling Island near Portsmouth, like many others are always on the lookout for classic Japanese bikes, especially for the 50 years-plus customer.

“We are fortunate to get supplies of bikes from several large local franchised dealers, while many of our commuter sales go into the Greater London area where demand is often very different to that of local riders.

Legislation has almost taken the youth market out of it. Getting a full bike license is far too complicated and that really needs to change”.

Whatever you or your customers ride Motorex has you covered CARE PROTECT MAINTAIN Visit bickers-online.co.uk www.britishdealernews.co.uk

or call 01394 604040

JULY 2021 21

Business news

Graham Charlton Motorcycles

Business news

Swaffham Motorcycles

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Total Triumph

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Taunton, Somerset

Newcastle upon Tyne

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oncentrating on used bike sales since 2009, owner Graham Sutcliffe says that adventure bikes are still topping sales in his area of Norfolk, with sports and race-style bikes no longer the customers’ first choice.

“We have had a resurgence of interest in anything for green lane riding, but in particular eighties or nineties Japanese bikes, especially those we can convert or with MX styling,” says Sutcliffe. “We know that franchise dealers have had new machine supply problems and we are finding similar problems sourcing spare parts in the last few weeks.”

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s reported in BDN (page 25) this Taunton-based dealer has been named Triumph Dealer of the Year and also won the award for best clothing dealer. Outstanding all-round performance and customer satisfaction were given as being the key factors behind the awards.

Gabby Harverson, general manager at Total Triumph said: “It’s fantastic for us to win Triumph Dealer of the Year for the third time, after what has been an extraordinary twelve months, the repercussions of which look like being with us for a long time.

Thankfully, Triumph continues to produce amazing bikes and we look forward to sharing in what’s to come.”

he photo from Newcastle upon Tyne shows ‘The Likely Lads’ are still in charge. Well, that’s what they tell me!

Neil Hamilton at this family-based North East dealership reports on the positive side of the recent e-scooter trials in the city and the unfortunate incidents relating from illegal use.

“We have taken on Super Soco electric bikes and doing very well but we have been highlighting safe legal use. So e-scooter accidents, pavement riding and bad publicity we’ve turned to work for us. Yes, it’s been a customer talking point in the shop, but so many are seeing the benefits now of battery power for future legal commute and leisure safe riding.”

Hamilton adds an interesting point. “The whole customer attitude towards us, from new riders to regular customers, is extremely friendly, especially over the last six months, and for us that has been very satisfying.”

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BETA UK Imports

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KBR Motorcycles

Skipton, North Yorkshire

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Pontypridd, South Wales

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Ipswitch, Suffolk

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e’ve been doing this for 34 years now and there is no point in getting stressed with not having any bikes to sell at present. That’s how it is at the moment, but we will get there,” says John Lampkin at the Skipton based importer of the Beta off-road range.

He went on to say: “It’s been a very hit and miss year for supply, but the interest from end users is certainly continuing for enduro and trials bikes. And we do have some good news! The arrival of the new 2022 Beta model range is imminent, and we expect to be receiving bikes into stock by the end of June.”

Orwell Motorcycles

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enny Boyd Smallman and brother Gareth have taken over the former KTM dealership of Wayne Mounter Motorcycles in Pontypridd, South Wales.

Concentrating mostly on off road, they are now trading as KBR Motorcycles but they’re not currently seeking a major franchise. The plan is to expand the hard parts, accessories and clothing, with Kenny continuing in the workshop role he has been for the last 22 years.

“We will not be selling new KTMs, but we do have the parts and knowledge,” says Gareth. “Something will crop up for us but we are being realistic, and do not agree with over estimating sales to hit the market share expectations of some manufacturers.”

his long-established dealership in Ipswich has recently added KTM to its range to run along its Kawasaki and Suzuki franchises.

Co-director Dave Willis says they have been busy since reopening on the 12 April, despite the changeable weather in May. “Used bike sales have been dominant due to obvious issues with manufacturer delivery, and its not been easy to maintain our usual 70 or so used bike stock,” he said. “KTM has been a good franchise addition for us, allowing us to step into the off-road scene. The 1290 Superduke GT been an exceptional seller.”

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Business news

FRESH FROM R&G

California Superbike School goes green

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awasaki UK has announced that the California Superbike School has chosen to go “Team Green” with a fleet of brand-new Kawasakis for both instructor and hire bikes.

Since its launch in 1980, the training school has helped over 130,000 riders worldwide enhance their track skills. For 2021, customers will now be able to hire a range of Kawasaki machinery, from the Ninja 650 to the ZX-10R. The school has various dates on offer across the summer, taking in some of the most famous circuits in the UK, including Brands Hatch, Donington Park and Cadwell Park.

Ross Burridge, head of the marketing and racing department at Kawasaki UK, said: “When it comes to track day tuition, the California Superbike School is the pinnacle, so it is fantastic to be able to partner with it for 2021.

Their passion and knowledge are second to none, and our Ninja 650, Z900, and Ninja ZX-10R machines are perfect for helping riders of all experience levels enhance their track skills.

“We are confident that every customer will be able to enjoy the benefits of the Kawasaki range and the 2021 calendar has a fantastic option of circuits to choose from, so we can’t wait

Muc-Off keeps Moto Rapido shiny side up LEADING MOTORCYCLE CARE AND MAINTENANCE UNGUENTS brand Muc-Off has established a promotional relationship with Hampshire-based Ducati dealer team Moto Rapido Racing and its rider Tommy Bridewell – competing in the British Superbike series under an Oxford Products Ducati banner.

V4 Panigale-mounted Bridewell will be sporting the Muc-Off logo on his helmet. And Muc-Off will be supporting the team with a full armoury of its Clean, Protect and Lube systems, including its flagship product Nano Tech Motorcycle Cleaner.

“I am really pumped to be working with Moto Rapido for 2021,” enthused Muc-Off chief executive Alex Trimnell. “BSB leads the UK superbike charge and it’s awesome to add another Ducati team to our roster. Tommy Bridewell has shown he has some serious skill on track and we are looking forward to seeing that develop.”

Moto Rapido team manager Iain Hopcroft added: “I am super-excited to have Muc-Off in our corner for the 2021 season. The passion the whole company has for our sport is unparalleled and its products are second to none. I am really looking forward to creating memories that spark a lifetime partnership.”

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JULY 2021

to see customers out enjoying themselves!”

Gary Adshead, chief riding coach for California Superbike School UK, added: “We are immensely proud to be working with Kawasaki UK, and it is a real privilege to work with an equally driven and committed team of professionals. Our coaches are thrilled with the news that they will be operating on a Kawasaki platform to demonstrate our world-famous riding technology.

We literally cannot wait for our valued customers to see and experience the stunning green machines at their fullest potential!”

FOLLOWING OFF THE BACK OF the new partnership with Kawasaki, crash protection specialist R&G confirmed that the company would also be continuing its long-standing relationship with the California Superbike School.

Hampshire-based R&G first partnered with the School in 2002 and has helped protect machines at both the UK and USA schools.

R&G will be helping the California Superbike School protect its array of track machines, providing them with the essential products needed should the worst happen. This includes R&G Aero crash protectors, fork protectors, and engine case covers. In addition to this, R&G will also be supplying the instructors with its Aero knee sliders.

R&G UK sales manager Alan Garrett commented: “We are excited to be partnering with the California Superbike School again for 2021. We have enjoyed a fantastic relationship, partnering with multiple branches of the school across the globe.

Gary Adshead, chief riding coach at the California Superbike School UK, commented: “We are proud to have R&G continuing as a partner for 2021. We continually recommend R&G products to our community for the ultimate peace of mind when on the road or on track. We are looking forward to the R&G products adding heaps of protection to our new Kawasaki fleet in the usual stylish way that only R&G products can.”

Yuasa’s power up star

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attery brand Yuasa has confirmed that it will sponsor -year old motocross star of the future, Olivia Reynolds. The Northampton bred maestra will be competing in numerous championships for the  season, including the Bridgestone British Masters Championship and Girls Nationals.

Reynolds is currently competing in the British Masters Motocross Championship, Girls Nationals and MX Masters Kids in the cc class on a KTM and will also be jetting off to the USA to ride the ramps with her hero Travis Pastrana. Having been so impressed with her skills and courage, Pastrana has invited Reynolds to his house in Davidsonville, Maryland.

Jon Pritchard, general sales and marketing manager at GS Yuasa Battery Sales UK said: “We are delighted to support Olivia for the  season. We have seen her previous achievements and success, so we know for a fact that she will be a star of the future.

Reynolds added: “My dream is coming true, and I can’t thank Yuasa enough. I can’t wait to beat all the boys!”

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

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riumph UK’s annual retail network awards event has hailed Total Triumph Taunton as its Dealer of the Year.

The Somerset-based dealership took top spot following high scores across several key areas, including outstanding performances for customer satisfaction, sales volume, servicing, marketing and accessories. In addition, Total Triumph claimed a second victory when it also scooped the Clothing Dealer of the Year award.

Among individual honours, Mick Byrne from Youles Blackburn was declared Dealer Technician of the Year.

Andrew Lee from Destination Solent took home the Dealer Apprentice of the Year award.

Triumph Newcastle and

JS Gedge secured Best Sales Experience for their respective regions, with Staffordshire Triumph and Bevan Triumph awarded Best Service Experience gongs on a similar geographical basis.

Speaking after the awards ceremony, Triumph UK and Ireland general manager Devron Boulton said: “Our  dealer awards event was once again a great success, albeit virtual and from the comfort of our own homes this year. It is a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our dealer partners throughout the UK. “Congratulations go to the team at Total Triumph for their deserved Dealer of the Year award, as well as to all the winners on the night. We look forward to continued success in the year ahead.”

Devron Boulton, Triumph UK and Ireland general manager

THE RESULTS IN FULL A TOTAL OF 15 AWARDS WERE ANNOUNCED DURING triumph’s annual awards event, with the winners being chosen based on a scorecard encompassing key performance indicators.

Here is the full list of winners: y Dealer Technician of the Year: Mick Byrne, Youles Triumph, Blackburn y Dealer Apprentice of the Year: Andrew Lee, Destination Solent

y Tristar Dealer of the Year: Triumph Essex

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EPIC ELBOW PAD

y Best Service Experience North: Staffordshire Triumph y Best Service Experience South: Bevan Triumph y Clothing Dealer of the Year: Total Triumph y Accessories Dealer of the Year: Phillip McCallens y Service Excellence Dealer of the Year: Triumph London y Marketing Dealer of the Year: Edinburgh Triumph

y Approved Pre-Owned Motorcycles Dealer of the Year: Carl Rosner Motorcycles y Best Sales Experience Newcastle EVS - FREE Epic Elbow BDNNorth: 1-4pg Triumph BANNER OFFER B.pdf

y Best Sales Experience South: JS Gedge

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CONTACT RACE FX FOR DETAILS TEL: 01254 311222 SALES@RACEFX.CO.UK www.britishdealernews.co.uk

JULY 2021 25

Business news

Top gong for Total Triumph Taunton

Business news

Hackshall joins West Coast

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est Coast Harley-Davidson has announced the recruitment of David Hackshall as managing

director.

West Coast Harley-Davidson is recognised within the industry as being one of Scotland’s top biking destinations, having been crowned MCN Dealer of the Year in 2017 and 2019, and its £2.5m showroom in the Hillington area of Glasgow is a testament to that reputation.

Hackshall has many years’ experience in the industry, having run a Harley dealership early in his career before progressing to work at Harley-Davidson’s UK head office in Oxford, developing its business throughout the UK and Europe. Most recently he was the country manager for Harley-Davidson

Canada, having held the same role in the UK for almost nine years.

Owner and current MD of West Coast Don Rutherford is particularly pleased: “David knows our business like no other and I’m sure our customers and staff will give him a very warm welcome indeed. David joins at an exciting time for both West Coast and Harley-Davidson. Having celebrated our 20th Anniversary in 2019 and topped it off as Harley-Davidson Dealer of the Year in 2020, we have got the reputation and experience, and with David’s appointment we have upped our game and now have more resources on hand to match the exciting new products on tap from Harley in the coming years.

“We’re really looking forward to have him

ON THE MOVE

join us here in our award-winning dealership in Glasgow.”

“I’m very excited to be part of this dynamic team and look forward to meeting as many of our customers as soon as possible. There’s some really exciting times ahead of us all,” said Hackshall.

K-Tech expands marketing K-TECH SUSPENSION HAS added two new members to its marketing team in a move to improve brand perception and increase the quality of the content sent out to its global distributor and dealer network.

Joining the business are Oscar Lumley, as the firm’s new marketing administrator, and on a consultancy basis, Andrew Horner Glister, managing director of Nzime Digital agency.

Glister is a self-confessed motorcycle petrolhead and has worked with K-Tech over the past 10 years. Lumley has previously worked at Miltek Sports exhausts.

Stafford Classic Bike Show is go

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he Stafford Classic Bike Show, normally held in April, will instead be held on  and  July at the Staffordshire County Showground in line with the latest government guidance.

Ticket numbers are limited for both days and

visitors are urged to secure tickets as quickly as possible to avoid disappointment. Tickets will not be avalailable to buy on the day.

Checking www.classicbikeshows.com for further updates.

Visit page 28

50% Contact Alison 26 JULY 2021

DEALER DISCOUNT OFFER

Monthly print exposure to 7830 industry professionals Vacancy pushed out to more than 6000 newsletter subscribers weekly Live advertisement on www.britishdealernews.co.uk

on 01237 422660 or adsales@dealernews.co.uk www.britishdealernews.co.uk

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Job Scene

Be Part of a Global Brand

Be Part of a Global Brand

Customer Service Coordinator An opportunity has arisen within our After Sales department for a Senior Customer Service Coordinator to join our head office in Woking, Surrey.

Reporting to the Manager, Aftersales the successful applicant will be responsible for team leading and conducting performance reviews with one other Customer Service Coordinator in order to produce the highest levels of customer service for improving the experience to end users of Yamaha products.

Aside from our Dealer Network, our Customer Contact Centre is the main touch point for our consumers aftersales product enquiries and issues; part of this roles key accountabilities will be to ensure that it delivers against contract, their performance is monitored and operational improvements are delivered.

You will be expected to liaise with colleagues internally as well as with our business partners within our extensive dealer network to create positive relationships for bringing issues to their conclusion, with the customer needs always in mind with every action and in each communication. Types of customer interactions can take on all forms and be related to product recalls, warranty, technical, used machine or marketing retail campaigns etc.

This position will be expected to take the day to day responsibility of managing workload in regards to customer service enquiries and its related administration. Applicants should be able to demonstrate strong organisational skills and examples of where they have previously implemented processes to improve efficiency.

Warehouse Coordinator An opportunity has arisen within our After Sales department for a proactive and process driven Warehouse Coordinator who will always strive to improve the efficiencies of the warehouse operations of the business.

Reporting to the Workshop & Warehouse Supervisor the successful applicant will be required to balance each departments long standing and last minute requests by prioritising accordingly.

You would be expected to send out a variety of parcels, normally containing Yamaha genuine parts, to numerous business partners and customers, or to our colleagues at our central European head office in the Netherlands on a daily basis. Taking receipt of incoming deliveries to produce credits for our dealer networks as well as accepting parcels from suppliers is included in this roles main accountabilities.

This position will have to work closely with the Sales Admin team to assist with managing the requirements of key commercial customers to ensure packing and despatch is in line with the contracts special terms agreed and delivery lead times. Accurate stock control for these accounts is a must so candidates should have an organised approach and be able to demonstrate this.

We anticipate that the successful applicant will have an understanding of health & safety protocols for such working environments and it will be a further requirement of the role to oversee and ensure implementation of such necessary measures, assessments and checklists for both the warehouse and workshop areas that includes but is not limited to fork-lift trucks pre-checks, racking inspections, COSHH assessments etc.

Those that apply should expect to receive regular training on our products and Consumer Law regulations and will need to take their own responsibility for keeping such knowledge up to date to ensure success within the role.

An understanding or previous experience of dealing with contact centres will be considered an advantage when being reviewed for this position.

Previous experience of working in a similar role will be considered an advantage and you should be within a reasonable commuting distance of Yamaha UK’s HQ near Woking.

This is an office based role and you should be within a reasonable commuting distance of Yamaha UK’s HQ near Woking.

Occasional travel including assistance with logistics at national shows and other promotional events will be expected. A full car licence is essential as well as a current fork lift certification.

Occasional travel including assistance at national shows and other promotional events will be expected and you should hold a full car licence.

In return we can offer you a competitive salary, enrolment onto an attractive defined contribution pension scheme and private health cover after a year as well as other unique benefits.

If you believe you are ready for the challenge then please send your up to date CV with a covering letter (including your salary expectation) to: Personnel Dept., Yamaha Motor Europe NV, Branch UK, Unit A2 & A3 Kingswey Business Park, Forsyth Road, Sheerwater, Surrey GU21 5SA

You will need to have effective communication skills, be a team player and hold basic computer literacy to be considered for this position.

In return we can offer you a competitive salary, enrolment onto an attractive defined contribution pension scheme and private health cover after a year as well as other unique benefits.

If you believe you are ready for the challenge then please send your up to date CV with a covering letter (including your salary expectation) to: Personnel Dept., Yamaha Motor Europe NV, Branch UK, Unit A2 & A3 Kingswey Business Park, Forsyth Road, Sheerwater, Surrey GU21 5SA or Email: personnel@yamaha-motor.co.uk

or Email: personnel@yamaha-motor.co.uk Closing Date Monday 12th July 2021

No agencies please

Closing Date Monday 12th July 2021

No agencies please

No agencies please

w w w.yamaha-motor.eu/uk

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50%

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JULY 2021

DEALER DISCOUNT OFFER

No agencies please

Monthly print exposure to 7830 industry professionals Vacancy pushed out to more than 6000 newsletter subscribers weekly Live advertisement on www.britishdealernews.co.uk

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

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

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

Be Part of a Global Brand

Area Sales Manager Motorcycle & Scooter North of England & Scotland An exciting field based opportunity has arisen within our Sales & Marketing Division for a dynamic sales person to become an Area Sales Manager for all Motorcycle and Scooter related products. Reporting to the Manager, Motorcycle & Scooter Sales you will be responsible for representing the Yamaha brand in the North of England and Scotland Territory as well as at relevant industry events.

The key accountabilities of this role are to visit our extensive dealer networks to maintain and strengthen the relationships which exist as well as to seek out new sales opportunities to maximise our selling opportunities and Yamaha’s presence within the related markets. You will need to be self-motivated and be able to plan routes effectively to achieve multiple dealer visits each day .

Based from home and living on the patch of your territory, you will also need to plan time each week to allow for administration days where relevant.

Every stage of the customers journey with Yamaha must align with our brand values so it is an important part of the role to lead our dealers on the benefits of this unified approach and to work with the Dealer Development and Trade teams on ensuring the success of our visual identity projects at the showrooms to allow growth for all stakeholders within the business partnerships.

Being one of three Area Sales Managers for one of our key market sectors requires working with colleagues in the rest of the sales team as well as marketing colleagues to achieve the targets required both in your own territory and on a national level. Performance reports for each region as well as ideas will be discussed and collaborated on at regular sales meetings at our head office down in Woking, Surrey where you will need to be in attendance.

Applicants should have relevant sales experience with a passion for these products, plus the energy and enthusiasm to meet the challenges and opportunities available to maximise sales wherever possible. A full motorcycle license is essential at the point of application.

In return we can offer the successful candidate a competitive salary, company car, laptop and mobile phone with auto-enrolment onto an attractive defined contribution pension scheme.

If you believe you are ready for the challenge then please send your up to date CV with a covering letter (including your salary expectation) to: Personnel Dept., Yamaha Motor Europe NV, Branch UK, Unit A2 & A3 Kingswey Business Park, Forsyth Road, Sheerwater, Surrey GU21 5SA or Email: personnel@yamaha-motor.co.uk Closing Date Monday 12th July 2021 No agencies please

w w w.yamaha-motor.eu/uk

No agencies please

MOTORCYCLE TECHNICIAN / MOT TESTER REQUIRED Please send your CV to Derek Baker: derekbaker@lambamotorcycles.co.uk or Lamba Motorcycles, 120 High Street, Carshalton, Surrey, UK, SM5 3AE

MOTORCYCLE TECHNICIAN

Ritebike are the largest used motorcycle dealership in Bradford, Yorkshire, with over 800 motorcycles in stock!

Due to expansion, we are currently recruiting a full-time Motorcycle Technician to join our friendly team in our workshop.

Contact 01274 670787 or email CV to info@ritebike.net

Contact 01237 422660 or adsales@dealernews.co.uk

Long established East Midlands dealership for sale. Independent so no manufacturers shackles.

BUSINESS FOR

Prominent three storey showroom on busy road.

30 space car lot included and currently let out.

Great customer base and plenty of potential for growth. Superb 2500sq.ft fully equipped workshop and very capable experienced staff.

The site has a flexible lease and would suit an investor or a hands on owner.

Ill health forces reluctant sale.

£50,000 + SAV

All applicants treated in the strictest of confidence Please email juliaatkinson83@gmail.com

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

JULY 2021 29

Job Scene

50%

DEALER DISCOUNT OFFER

International news

International news With financial editor Roger Willis

Dunlop parent buys Avon THE DUNLOP AND AVON motorcycle tyre brands have been joined in corporate matrimony, after US rubberware giant Goodyear, which owns Dunlop, completed its acquisition of Cooper Tire & Rubber for £1.77bn. A merger agreement, announced on 22 February, was subsequently approved by Avon parent Cooper’s shareholders, allowing the takeover to be confirmed. The business will be run from Goodyear’s global HQ at Akron, Ohio.

Celebrating this done deal, Goodyear chairman and chief executive Richard Kramer said: “We are excited to officially bring Goodyear and Cooper together and unite our shared focus on customers, innovation, highquality products and solutions.

This combination strengthens Goodyear’s ability to serve more consumers globally and provides increased scale to support greater investments in new mobility and fleet solutions.”

Bihr swallows Paaschburg & Wunderlich

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rench aftermarket giant Bihr, now indisputably the largest European distributor of spares, accessories, riding apparel and tyres for motorcycles, scooters and quads, has struck again. Its latest acquisition target is leading Hamburg-based German parts and accessories trade purveyor Paaschburg & Wunderlich.

Following similar takeovers in the UK of MotoDirect and its headline RST apparel brand in 2019, and then more recently Lancashire off-road specialist Race FX, Bihr plans to leverage P&W’s particular talents across all of the markets in which it operates.

Bihr chief executive Christophe Piron explained: “The expertise of P&W and its team is a real asset for both Bihr and its customers.

In addition, our networks are complementary and the strong presence of P&W in Germany will not only allow us to deploy our parts and accessories offer but also to accelerate the development of our rider equipment brands there.

“This buyout pursues a threefold objective. It will allow P&W

Former Paaschburg & Wunderlich managing director, Oliver Moosmayer (left) and Christophe Piron, Bihr chief executive

customers to benefit from Bihr’s parts catalogue. And it will accelerate the deployment of P&W brands in our 15-country distribution network. But, above all, P&W is already established in the US and will therefore allow Bihr to distribute its own brands, like RST, on North American markets.”

Former Paaschburg & Wunderlich managing director and majority stakeholder Oliver

Moosmayer has joined the Bihr organisation as chief product officer, with a mission of developing the group’s own parts and accessory brands.

“Being able to ensure our growth by relying on the Bihr network is a unique opportunity,” Moosmayer added. “With a distribution network of more than 15,000 active resellers, the group will have an unmatched strike force on the European market.”

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International news

el

Pierer showcases its plugged-in credentials

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o emphasise the extent to which it has climbed onto the electrified bandwagon, KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas parent Pierer Mobility recently unveiled a KTM Motohall exhibition entitled “The Future of Electric Mobility” at the group’s Mattighofen HQ. According to eponymous Pierer Mobility chief executive Stefan Pierer, this exhibition offers an indepth illustration of current and future products that will shape the electric mobility world. And it reflects his view that the existing European motorcycle and scooter market in the 50-125cc equivalent (4-11kW) category will become predominantly electric within the next ten years.

Apart from current electric products from KTM’s Freeride-E onwards, and a host of pedelecs, featured machines on display are the conceptual spawn of Pierer’s dedicated new electric competence centre at Anif on the outskirts of Salzburg. Presented under the Husqvarna banner, these comprise an E-Pilen 8kW motorcycle, a conventionally configured Vektorr 4kW scooter

China exports inflation Pierer Chief marketing officer Hubert Trunkenpolz

and – most controversially – a Bltz stand-up scooter.

Commenting on this promotional initiative, Pierer Mobility chief marketing officer Hubert Trunkenpolz said: “The exhibition offers a clear insight into our vision to lead the way.

Developing new technologies, while utilising our 30 years of powered two-wheeler business experience, we have ambitious plans to rapidly expand our position within the electric mobility sector. All of our brands, through established distribution channels, will offer innovative and enjoyable products to meet consumer demand.”

THE ECONOMIST MAGAZINE HAS JUST FLAGGED UP SERIOUS concerns about inflationary pressures now being exerted by Chinese export goods on Western markets. BDN financial editor Roger Willis reports.

Business surveys carried out in China have revealed that domestic factory-gate prices climbed at an average annualised rate of 9% during May, the biggest increase in more than a decade. A principal driver was the soaring cost of raw materials, led by steel and copper.

Post-pandemic Chinese economic recovery has centred on an investment surge for large-scale residential and infrastructure construction projects, requiring vast amounts of steel. But this hike in demand coincided with China’s government cutting steel production to meet climate-change targets. At the same time, Covid lockdowns have disrupted supplies of copper to China from dominant global mining sources in Chile and Peru.

The consequence has been a significant rise for the input price of both metals to Chinese industrial users. Obviously, indigenous automotive and motorcycle manufacturers are heavily dependent on them and in no position to absorb these increases. So, they are being passed on to overseas customers.

This inflationary effect is also compounded by an exponentially mounting cost of shipping goods in the currently chaotic worldwide maritime logistics situation. And to make matters worse, the Chinese yuan has grown in value by nearly 10% against the US dollar over the past year, reaching a three-year high in May. It has also strengthened considerably versus the euro and sterling.

Bosch warning over microchip famine

E

urope’s largest supplier of electronic and electrical components to automotive and motorcycle manufacturers has told its customers they will have to “put money on the table” if they want to beat current microchip shortages disrupting their output.

Speaking to the Financial Times at the opening of a new £m Bosch semiconductor plant in Dresden, Bosch director Harald Krüger stressed that manufacturers can

no longer make last-minute purchase decisions based on fluctuation in demand, given the long lead times in chip production.

“The only way to get out of the recent crisis is to have a different level of commitment,” said Krüger. “The commitment needs to be rock solid that parts will be bought with money

on the table.” Effectively, he was signalling an end to just-in-time procurement as regards essential electronic components and a return to stockpiling.

Elsewhere, the FT reported that the spread of Covid- in Taiwanese electronics factories, a major hub of the global semiconductor supply chain, is likely to exacerbate chip shortages.

Bike industry begs for end to tariffs ACEM AND USMMA, RESPECTIVELY representing European and US bike manufacturers, have issued a joint transatlantic statement pleading for the removal of retaliatory tariffs on American motorcycles imported into Europe. Their cap-in-hand message is addressed to a forthcoming summit meeting between US president Joe Biden and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen.

These tit-for-tat tariffs were imposed after the US sanctioned steel and aluminium exports from Europe with punitive duties, and were

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due to be doubled soon. Having rejoiced when the EC suspended that increase for six months, subject to negotiations, ACEM is also begging for a quick resolution to the steel and aluminium dispute itself.

Without pausing for breath or much in the way of punctuation, ACEM secretary general Antonio Perlot said: “ACEM calls upon the transatlantic leadership to ensure that negotiations to tackle steel over-capacity concerns be concluded without delay and not to wait six months, during which time hundreds of millions of euros of unrelated sectors’ money

will be spent on unwarranted tariffs, instead of on investments and essential research and development for the rebuilding and greening of both EU and US economies.”

His efforts will almost certainly be futile.

Biden has been lobbied in advance by the powerful United Steelworkers trade union, members of which have benefited mightily from protectionist measures introduced by Biden’s predecessor Donald Trump. And as a Democrat on America’s political left wing, Joe Biden is very keen on promoting employment recovery for American blue-collar workers.

JULY 2021 31

Off-road news

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

Off-road news With off-road correspondent Rick Kemp

Colourful controls

V

enhill Engineering, a familiar name in the industry and so it should be after 50 years, has a new pair of hands at the helm and they belong to Simon Kennedy. Unusually for our industry, the new man at the top isn’t from the next generation of the family, or from a rival company.

Kennedy (pictured right), by his own admission, had a pretty conventional corporate career up to his mid-forties. “I’d got to the point where the idea of working for a corporate business, with nose to the grindstone and little work satisfaction, had lost its appeal and I wanted the next phase of my life to be more entrepreneurial, allowing me to be in control of my own destiny.”

Why Venhill? Kennedy wasn’t specifically looking for a business in the motorcycle sector or for a fastbuck, turnaround opportunity.

“I wanted a well-established, well-run, stable business that produced a good quality product and focussed on its customers.

That search ultimately led me to Venhill’s door.”

The agreement was made at the end of last year and Kennedy finally got the keys in April 2021. Existing and prospective customers shouldn’t be concerned

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about any sudden changes in trading arrangements or range and stock. Kennedy takes the long view. He wants continuity to be key and has adopted the ‘if it ain’t broke’ approach.

As you’re no doubt aware, Venhill’s product strength lies mainly in its control cables and hydraulic hoses. The company started out catering for the offroad sector but now supplies cables and hoses for motorcycles, quads, karts and cars, and industrial applications that we’ve never heard of. Venhill’s road-bike catalogue was established in 2017, which paid dividends during the pandemic lockdown periods as bike restoration was a popular activity in many a man cave.

The extra good news is that, thanks to increased demand, Venhill now operates two eighthour shifts so it can now produce twice as much from the same premises. Venhill’s ISO 9001 certification assures its quality management systems. In addition, these safety products merit TUV and DOT approval. Venhill’s own hose testing policy involves nitrogen pressurising each hose to 1500psi, that’s 50 times higher than most bike hydraulic systems experience under full braking.

There’s one more aspect to

Venhill’s range of hoses and cables, and that’s colour. No other manufacturer offers such a wide range. Off-roaders like their bling and who could resist matching brake hoses and throttle cable?

Venhill is a supplier to various teams and riders including Rob Hooper Racing (Yamaha) in the British Motocross Championship, JM Honda Racing in MX GP, DRT Racing also in MX GP (with Courtney Duncan) and Smiley Racing in Speedway and Grasstrack. Venhill has a refreshing policy regarding sponsorship – it provides teams with what they need but no money changes hands, in either direction.

Aside from its own cable and hose, model-specific and bespoke applications, Venhill is a distributor for Magura braking products and Cruz Tools from the US including specialist offroad and Adventure tool rolls.

For dealers, the website was rebuilt at the end of last year, making selection and ordering simpler and quicker. There is also a team looking after dealers. “If you’re ordering standard product to fit the bike from the catalogue it’s straightforward,” explains

Kennedy. “The team will support new dealers during the early stages. We are signing up new dealers weekly, who inevitably require a little more in terms of guidance.”

There are still a few open points around the country that Venhill is keen to fill, Underpinning Venhill’s reputation are three basic tenets: “We believe in testing, workmanship and the quality of raw materials,” says Kennedy. tel 01306 885111 sales@venhill.co.uk www.venhill.co.uk

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22/01/2021 16:01:18

Off-road news

Dualways offers recreational value

Kwakers for ’22 KAWASAKI WILL OFFER EIGHT off-road machines in its 2022 range, from first two-wheeler and junior MX bikes right up to MX2 and MXGP-class racers, plus two enduro/trail mounts. The entry-level machine is the four stroke KLX110 which has a semiauto gearbox, kick and electric start systems and a tutor-friendly adjustable throttle stop.

Junior racers can kick off with the KX65 two-stroke and when they’ve outgrown that, move on to the KX85 in small and big wheel versions. Moving up the range, there are two quarterlitre offerings, the KX250X enduro/trail with its refocused suspension, bash plate, electric start and side stand and the motocross KX250 which borrows a lot from the KX450, including hydraulic clutch and Ninja tech in the shape of finger followers in the valve train, allowing more consistent high rev performance and increased lift for the camshafts.

At the top end, the green team will offer a two-machine range in 2022 with the KX450X and KX450. Here again the X factor turns the motocross KX450 into the enduro/trail KX450X. Prices start at £3099 for the KX65 rising up to £8199 when you get to the KX450X.

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JULY 2021

T

he 10TEN range of pit bikes from UK distributor Dualways continues to develop and expand in 2021, with the affordable, high-specification junior, youth and adult machines now offered in a striking new black/fluorescentorange colour scheme.

The Junior range provides electric start, auto and semi-automatic models in 50 and 90cc versions.

Moving up, there are the 10TEN 125R and 140R with a variety of wheel sizes and the 140R Supermoto qualifies for Minibike Supermoto racing. The largest capacity machines in the 10TEN stable come in the shape of the 250R and 250RX. The 250R is equipped with a powerful air-cooled 223cc engine. The 250RX is housed in a larger Chromoly steel frame. This is a full-size, adult off-road machine with a surprisingly low-price tag.

The ten-model range of 10TEN machines is available now. SRPs start from £749 for the 10TEN 50R with incremental increases through to £2190

for the 10TEN 250RX. The machines come with the assurance provided by a well-established distributor, six-months parts and labour warranty and a full spares back-up service.

Dualways also offers a range of quads from Taiwanese manufacturer SMC. The three-model, two-stroke range comprises the Cub 50 twist ’n’ go starter quad, the intermediate Scout 90 which can be derestricted, and the larger-framed Hornet 100.

Prices are £1199, £1499 and £1899 SRP respectively.

Dualways tel 01623 708607 www.dualways.com

KTM still Ready to Race

P

erhaps the highestprofile brand in off-road sport and recreational riding, KTM is testament to the old adage that ‘standing still is going backwards’. The Austrian factory continues to develop and innovate with its comprehensive  range.

Across the new line-up there are two key upgrades. All new models receive updated WP suspension settings aimed at offering a firmer and even more planted feel. The second is the addition of new Maxxis MaxxEnduro tyres.

The new tyre combo is said to give improved durability and puncture-resistance.

Innovative Transfer Port Injection (TPI) engineering

Registration not required

means KTM EXC two-strokes meet the increased demands of the modern off-road rider. The  EXC TPI being the flagship model is designed to satisfy any Hard Enduro ambition.

The  KTM  EXC TPI features revised : gearing designed to help the quarterlitre in terms of traction and front end lift on the most technical sections.

The four-stroke KTM EXC-F models continue to impress with the  considered as the definitive off-roader with its combination of power, torque, weight and handling. KTM continues its Six Days range for , most of the changes are cosmetic but some race extras are now included as standard.

IN 1994, THE DVLA INTRODUCED a voluntary scheme to register off-road motorcycles. That scheme was extended in 1996 to include all mechanically-propelled vehicles which are used off-road. Questions had been asked of the Department for Transport of the potential merits of making the DVLA’s off-road registration scheme mandatory for off-road motorcycles and whether the scheme could be rolled out at no cost to the user.

However, all that was knocked on the head during Parliamentary Question Time on 24 May, when it was confirmed by Rachel Maclean MP that there is no legal requirement for vehicles that are used off-road to be registered.

ACU Chairman Roy Humphrey commented: “As we gradually get back to normal after the last year or so, the confirmation that there are no plans to make the registration of off-road vehicles mandatory is welcomed. We do have the threat of illegal off-road riding that blights the image of our sport, but disciplinary action in the form of a licence suspension is taken against anyone notified by local police forces to the ACU for riding illegally off-road.”

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P

olaris UK has announced the first edition of Polaris Camp – the largest three-day off-road event in the UK dedicated to Polaris ATV and SXS, in association with Nora  Ltd. Initially introduced to Polaris customers in France over  years ago, Polaris Camp has grown to become an internationally recognised off-road annual event amongst ATV and side-by-side enthusiasts.

Taking place from - September, the event will be held at Bodrhyddan Hall, Wales, a beautiful stately home surrounded by acres of gardens, woodland, and green lanes.

Richard Coleby, national sales manager at Polaris Britain, said: “Polaris Camp is the perfect opportunity for our customers to enjoy all things off-road. We’ve planned the event to cater for every type of rider – from scenic ride-outs in the beautiful Welsh countryside, to high-speed courses that will allow riders to push their vehicles and get the adrenaline flowing. Not only that, we wanted to make it accessible for everyone – including families – so we’ve got great entertainment, shopping opportunities, workshops, and lots of other fun activities planned so it’s an event not to be missed.”

Tickets for Polaris Camp are now available via the Nora  website, with prices starting at £ for one Polaris adult member entry with one machine. For more information, please visit www.nora.com/ event/polaris-camp- or contact office@nora.com.

Off-road news

Polaris Camp 2021

Race success initiates tyre launch

T

yre maker Maxxis had such a successful weekend at the Russian leg of the MXGP Championship in June that it brought forward the launch of its new Maxxcross MX-ST+ tyre. Racers Alessandro Lupino and Jeremy Van Horebeek placed fourth and ninth respectively in the top-tier event, while the MX2 races saw Simon Lagenfelde make it three top-ten finishes for the Asian brand.

The MX-ST+ is a dual-compound update of the MX-ST which offers improved turning, jumping, acceleration, traction, braking, straightline stability and mileage compared to its predecessor, making it ideal for hard packed surfaces. Contact; 01394 604040; www.maxxis.co.uk

Sherco: back to blue SHERCO’S FOUR-STROKE ENDURO RANGE FOR 2022 HAS BEEN announced. Most obviously, the colour scheme has reverted to blue, including the frame, but the graphics are definitely 2022. Features include new diamond pattern grey seats, KYB closed-cartridge suspensions units, redesigned expansion tank and radiator fan, AXP skid plate and Galfer front disc.

The motors have received new exhaust systems. The 250/300 4T gets an Akrapovič titanium system and its bigger 450/500 4T relatives have Sherco Factory pipework with an Akrapovič silencer.

For information contact: MRS 01423 772885, info@msrltd.co.uk

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JULY 2021 35

Reaction

Reaction

Your thoughts and opinions on the trade’s top topics

Your thoughts and opinions on the topics that make the trade tick are welcomed: editorial@dealernews.co.uk BDN, 10 Daddon Court, Clovelly Road Industrial Estate, Bideford, EX39 3FH

Mick Hemmings –an exceptional man

F

ollowing Brian Crichton’s very informative obituary (BDN, June) for Mike Hemmings, I’d like to add some further comments concerning this exceptional man, whose unexpected death last month creates an unfillable void; not only for hundreds of consumers within the Norton community in general, but especially for his wonderful wife, and work partner, Angie, who helped Mick establish a truly remarkable techno emporium.

I first knew Mick in his MCN Ad Rep days; an occupation at which he was good and in which he was popular with his customers.

After starting a shop in Northampton he enjoyed being reminded that although he had worked for MCN … he had survived!

Mick achieved a great deal during 60 plus years in the trade, enhanced by the fact that for more than half of that period he was forever clocking up countless road race wins and podiums, highlighted perhaps after twice beating Barry Sheene in Goodwood’s prestigious international Revival series, that began in the late 1990s. He was by then in his mid-fifties, riding his own selfprepared McIntyre/Potts Matchless.

I once asked in what field he thought he had best excelled? His typically modest [and surprising] response went something

like this: “Early on while working with Joe Glazebrook, we were located near a number of boot and shoe factories. At knockingoff time a lot of factory personnel, who’d sustained a mouthful of shiny tacks whilst on the production line – while heading for

We want your

Views Your thoughts and opinions on the topics that make the trade tick are welcomed: editorial@dealernews.co.uk BDN, 10 Daddon Court, Clovelly Road Industrial Estate, Bideford, EX39 3FH home – would then spit out those nails onto the road. As Joe’s “lad” my main job was fixing a constant stream of punctures, brought in by dozens of bicycle riders and motorcyclists. After a few months of this, even Joe reckoned I was the quickest

puncture repairer in town!”

In the mid-1970s, and with his new shop gaining momentum, Mick began selling our 50cc Easy-Rider moped, which he “subbed” from the town’s main Norton Triumph dealer. His sales of the moped rapidly exceeded theirs, thus qualifying for a direct account. You can therefore imagine his jubilation after NVT regained the right to re-manufacture genuine Norton spares, bearing in mind Mick was successfully racing his own rather special Norton, and already undertaking repairs for local Norton street bike owners.

During my thirty years of selling factory-built motorcycles [Greeves/AJS/ Norton/Triumph/MZ etc] one naturally develops a fulfilling relationship with those outlets which are particularly active and/ or conscientious. My Bakers Dozen list includes some really fine traders … in Texas, San Francisco, Barcelona, Devon, Derby, two in London, Northampton, and so on.

Whether I was standing before a firing squad, or simply being questioned during a press interview, I’d not hesitate stating that Mick Hemmings was top of that list…

Mike Jackson, Romsey, Hampshire

Good fortune and many smiles

I

s it that time already?

Today is my last day with the MCIA and indeed, my last day of work.

Almost exactly 47 years ago, aged sixteen and unsure about what I wanted to do with my life, I fell out of Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School in Sutton Coldfield, having squandered my time there, jumped on to my Fizzie and set off to seek fame and fortune.

I can’t claim to have achieved much fame,

but I have had the great fortune to work with some fantastic people in a number of great organisations, not least during my time in the two-wheeled world at Triumph, Piaggio Group and the MCIA. Ordinarily, today would see the nursing of sore heads after a mammoth leaving gig, but in this strange world, I’ll have to settle for closing the virtual office door quietly behind me via this email.

I will now spend my time continuing the renovation of the former mill in Normandy that I call home, as well as thrashing the local lanes on bikes and in cars that, like me, are from another era.

Thanks for adding laughs and smiles to this wonderful industry and making my wo rking life easier!

All the best.

Nick Broomhall, Normandy

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JULY 2021

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Business beat

Business beat

THE MANAGEMENT OF MANAGERS There are countless examples of poor management. One, Robert Maxwell, the late publisher and owner of Mirror Group Newspapers, was well known for being both demanding and domineering. He created an empire, but it fell apart in scandal

W

e all have come across the individual who really shouldn’t be a manager. They may be technically competent, but they don’t have the people skills to be able to command respect.

APPOINT ON MERIT So how should managers be helped to be successful? One solution is to appoint the right people and so a sensible recruitment process should outline the

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JULY 2021

role, responsibilities and crucially, the competencies required to fulfil the role. If this is done, then often firms will appoint a good candidate.

Managers should be appointed on their ability to manage rather than their seniority or their technical expertise. Their job is to facilitate others to succeed and in order to do this they must understand people.

The problem is that experts in a given field are often promoted to a management

Managers should be appointed on their ability to manage rather than their seniority or their technical expertise position based solely on their expertise or seniority. Some are appointed purely on the basis that they are available. These accidental managers often have no management skills, or little to no training opportunities; they are unintentionally set up to fail and tend to quickly ‘leave’ the organisation.

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Cloud-based Dealer Management System

with Adam Bernstein www.abfeatures.com This is expensive with the cost of recruitment – twice, fall-out resulting from the individual’s lack of management skills, loss of morale among those being ‘managed’, loss of business performance, and the cost to the wellbeing of the manager concerned.

LEARN FROM COMMON MISTAKES Inexperienced and accidental managers make mistakes, many of them common and they all tend to revolve around relationships. The failure to communicate effectively is by far the biggest; they often work on the basis of “I tell you what to do and you do it”. Managers must not lose sight of the fact that they need to listen and build trusting respectful relationships with the people they manage.

But inexperienced and untrained managers can also believe that they are either experts or know everything.

Some corporate cultures enhance mistakes and normalise them. Managers can also forget that they are there to organise and support others and manage by consent; a manager that overlooks the fact that staff are not bound and can leave for other jobs is a fool.

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

unless there is a good reason not to.

But while managers should be outgoing and inclusive, they also need to be reflective to understand the impact they have on others while looking at their strengths and weaknesses and being certain that they recognise what levels of power they hold and how they utilise that power. Misuse of power will take time to repair team spirit.

grade courses have been rebadged to take advantage of apprenticeship levy funding – employers should be careful to ensure that courses are fit for purpose.

Not all training is equal, and organisations need to consider why they are training individuals, what training everyone requires, and what the expected outcomes are. They also need to be able to demonstrate the value of any

Inexperienced and accidental managers make mistakes, many of them common and they all tend to revolve around relationships

BUILD RELATIONSHIPS Management is all about relationships, trust and respect which takes time to build. No one will trust a manager simply because of their position – they need a reason to do so.

To build trust means delivering on promises, supporting staff – both when they succeed and when they fail, demonstrating personal and organisation values, communicating, and demonstrating empathy, consistency, and clarity.

Communicating with honesty and integrity will pay dividends. Staff need to understand what their objectives are and why, how they are to be met, and what the outcomes are likely to be. Inexperienced or ineffective managers can fall into the trap of only communicating good news or treating communication on a needto-know basis. Managers could do worse than taking the view of telling everyone everything

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REMEMBER TRAINING There is one option that not many firms consider – apprenticeships for managers.

These can form individuals in the mould of an organisation while training staff internally.

Off-the-job training must be included else replicas of existing staff who follow tired and out-of-date processes, procedures, and policies will result.

Training is something that firms should undertake as, done well, it is very valuable.

Trained managers perform better, deliver results, facilitate others, and achieve better outcomes for all.

Training isn’t necessarily just for boardlevel appointees, but for any level of a business where there’s a supervisory role. It’s important to note that some management

training they are requiring staff to undertake.

Training should be seen as continuous development and investment both in the success of the individual, and in the wider organisation. It is not a singular process, but a series of iterations which build one on the other, each developing the individual according to both personal and organisational need.

Ultimately, as managers receive training, so the organisation should be willing to look at new ways of working.

TO FINISH Management is both a skill and an art. Firms that take the ‘warm body’ approach to an appointment are letting the individual and the business down. Time and thought are essential for success. 

JULY 2021 39

Business beat

DeepBlue CloudDMS

Xeramic

O T Y D A RE

E L K R SPA

Xeramic may be a new brand of motorcycle care and maintenance products in the UK but in its home country of the Netherlands it will be celebrating its thirtieth anniversary next year

P

etromark Automotive Chemicals BV was originally formed in 1992 to produce automotive fuel and oil additives which it still does under the Petromark brand.

Xeramic was launched two years later at the Frankfurt Automechanika Trade Fair.

“At the time,” says company CEO Ton Koebolt, “we were the first in the world to introduce an oil additive based on ceramic material. At that time Slick50 was the most popular product. I didn’t want to name such a high-tech product Petromark so that was the beginning of Xeramic. I wanted to make it look different so for the trade fair the bottle was put in a presentation box making it look more like a bottle of brandy.”

We all know how important presentation is when it comes to new products. It wasn’t long before the Xeramic motorcycle range was established, borrowing and fine tuning some of the automotive products and developing motorcycle-specific items like chain lube. All product development is done in house by liaising directly with the relevant additive manufacturers.

In other markets the workshop angle has worked well where the service manager tells the customer that the bike has been given a complementary treatment of Xeramic Injector Cleaner

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JULY 2021

Modern fuels will begin to degrade after 8-12 weeks and will leave deposits in carburettors and injectors Fuel additives are becoming ever-more relevant and popular as the composition of modern fuels alter to accommodate the global petrochemical industry’s greenwashing. As Koebolt explains, modern fuels will begin to degrade after 8-12 weeks and will leave deposits in carburettors and injectors as well as other places. This is more relevant in northern European countries where leisure riding tends to be abandoned over the winter months.

Xeramic is the best-selling brand in its domestic market, as well as in Spain. It is also a supplier to Yamalube and other own-label suppliers. When asked where would he pitch Xeramic in the marketplace, Koebolt replied, “The whole range is high quality and pricewise our products are in the middle. Our motto is always high quality for an acceptable price.

This applies to our automotive side as well

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Xeramic

as motorcycle. We are a specialist additive producer – unlike some, we don’t also do lubricants.”

Ceramic Synthetic Chain Spray is one of Xeramic’s most successful products. “All the products we make available are tested for six months by our distributors in different countries and different climates. Making a chain spray is quite complicated. Several years ago I was asked by a top kart driver why

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we didn’t make a chain lube for karts.

I hadn’t really thought about it but the differences in sprocket sizes and chain length are considerable with the chain on a kart being more stressed. Plus, kart engines frequently rev to over 20,000rpm. After one lap the chain is red hot.”

It took the company 18 months to come up with a solution, Ceramic Synthetic Chain Spray. The resulting formula ensures that

the spray doesn’t fling off and that it’s heat resistant. In fact, Xeramic has a kart division which is now a world leader, and it all started with a chain lube. As we know, many F1 champions started on karts and Xeramic has had some impressive brand ambassadors including Kimi Raikkonen and Max Verstappen. There is no doubt the motorcycle range has benefited from the product punishment dished out by karts. 

JULY 2021 41

Xeramic

I wanted to make it look different so for the trade fair the bottle was put in a presentation box making it look more like a bottle of brandy

Kart engines frequently rev to over 20,000rpm. After one lap the chain is red hot The connection with MotoMondo came about because the bosses of both companies are Dutch and enthusiasts of the (old) MV Augusta marque.

As a result they have been friends for many years, so when MotoMondo UK was set up, Xeramic was deemed a good fit. Across the water Xeramic is distributed by Hoco Parts. There are no hard and fast expectations or targets in the UK. The UK brochure has been produced and circulated to the trade. Plus points will include novelty value, customers are up for trying something new. In other markets the workshop angle has worked well where the service manager tells the customer that the bike has been given a complementary treatment of Xeramic Injector Cleaner and it’s also available in the showroom.

Andy Davidson, MotoMondo’s UK sales

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director is pleased with Xeramic’s early progress, “We have just launched the UK catalogue and price list and are committed to promoting the brand in the UK over the long term. We appreciate we are the new kids on the consumables block and we are going head-to-head with some well-established, big brands but we have a strong dealer network with both the Mash and Rieju brands and we are finding the Xeramic product price competitive, with a handsome margin for the dealer. It’s a strong range and it will take time to develop but, like the bikes, once dealers have an account with us they are reassured by the set up and service we offer, both in store and in the workshop.”

The best-selling product in Europe is the injector cleaner followed by the chain lubes, particularly the Ceramic White Chain Spray. As always, according to Koebolt, the best sales aid, is customer word of mouth and that takes time to gather momentum. But that’s okay because Xeramic isn’t target driven and nothing is sold

Xeramic CEO Ton Koebolt

directly by Xeramic so the dealers’ hands aren’t tied in any way.

The product range includes; Chain Maintenance, Cleaning Products, Instant Gaskets, Maintenance Products (Sprays and polishes), Air Filter Products, Thread lockers and Superfast Glue, Fuel System and Engine Cleaning.  MotoMondo/Xeramic tel 01429 650555 andrew.davidson@motomondo.com www.xeramic.co.uk

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Marketing Matters

MARKETING

MATTERS

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

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

THE GOOD THE BAD AND THE UGLY

Advertising – paying for a space to promote a product or service. Whether it’s on a page, a billboard, a screen or the airwaves, someone has paid good money for that space, so they should fill it with something that encourages consumers to part with their hard-earned cash. That’s a (good) result.

Unfortunately, sometimes brands get it wrong, sending out a message that leaves potential customers feeling cold (which is bad) or actually upsets them so badly they actively avoid the brand altogether (an ugly situation)

S

hould’ve gone to Specsavers – a campaign that was so effective it’s actually become a popular saying. The short-sighted shepherd shearing his sheepdog and the myopic vet struggling to find a pulse on his nurse’s furry hat are humorous reminders that our eyesight is important.

Now, whenever we think of poor vision, there’s one name that springs to mind, and that’s what makes this simple message so powerful.

THE BAD In this context, a ‘bad’ advert is one that fails to generate a response. Pretty much every fragrance advertised on television would fall into this category. Whether it’s a Hollywood A-lister driving around the desert, digging up random objects, or a supermodel giving a falconry demonstration on a girder bridge, can you recall the brand of perfume being advertised? If not, what’s the point? Cillit Bang salesman Barry Scott might have been annoyingly over-enthusiastic, but we can all remember what he was selling, (mainly because he kept repeating the name very loudly).

THE UGLY Rare, but by no means unique, ‘ugly’ campaigns are so poorly judged, or targeted, that they cause customers to question the integrity of a brand or, in extreme cases,

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avoid the product or service altogether. Earlier this year the government ran an advert on social media urging people to “STAY HOME. SAVE LIVES”. The image beneath the headline showed women at home caring for children and doing the housework. The only man depicted was sitting on a sofa! There was, unsurprisingly, an immediate and very noisy backlash, accusing

Many bad adverts are highly creative and often beautifully made, but frequently lack relevance to the product the government of stereotyping women and being sexist. In the uproar, the message was drowned out, the government lost credibility and the advert was withdrawn, wasting the money spent creating it.

WHAT LESSONS CAN BE LEARNED FROM THIS? Perfectly good adverts can turn ugly in the blink of an eye if you use words or images that stereotype people. How many times have we seen ‘bikers’ presented as men with beards and leather waistcoats chugging

around on cruisers and thought “they don’t have a clue about us”?

Many bad adverts are highly creative and often beautifully made, but frequently lack relevance to the product. You may have sponsored an Olympic gymnast, but what’s that got to do with your small city car? And which brand is it anyway?

Good adverts tend to be refreshingly simple. We all know that a Mars a day “helps you work, rest and play” and that Carlsberg is “probably the best lager in the world”. There’s nothing complicated about either statement and it’s easy to remember which brand is being advertised. 

#

M h a w E m T b e

NEXT MONTH The good, the bad and the ugly PR campaigns.

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

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The anti-scratch mirrored visor, smoked inner visor that can be raised with a touch, and the micrometric strap complete this excellent, sporty motorcycle helmet.

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Business Essentials

CATALYST

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

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

Handling Trading Standards inspections It’s easy to fear the knock on the door when Trading Standards officers appear.

With a number of powers, they have the ability to disrupt business operations.

However, understanding their role, what they can do and how they work can smooth the visit

A

s described by Stuart Ponting, a partner and regulatory law specialist at Walker Morris LLP: “Trading Standards Officers (TSOs) advise on and enforce laws that provide protection to consumers and govern the way goods and services are bought, sold, rented and hired.”

He says that “TSOs are most likely to be checking for product safety compliance and ensuring that the business is trading fairly.

This might include confirming that retailers are selling products at a fair price and checking that items for sale display have the right descriptions together with any safety or product usage warnings.”

But TSOs might also be interested in whether the business is infringing intellectual property laws by selling counterfeit goods and ensuring that it is not selling age restricted products to underage purchasers.

TSOs visit businesses for a number of reasons, but from experience Ponting knows that they usually check that the business is complying with the law and investigate

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any non-compliance: “Most inspections are routine and are not generated because of a specific complaint or issue so there is no reason to be alarmed by the presence of a TSO.”

WHAT ARE THE TSO’S INVESTIGATION POWERS? TSOs have wide powers to conduct criminal investigation: Powers to request information – TSOs have the power to issue a written notice at any time requiring the retailer to produce certain information. “If one of these notices is received,” says Ponting, “it should specify the reason why the TSO wishes to obtain the information. It may be that they are

investigating an alleged breach of legislation.”

The notice may require the retailer to put information together for the TSO. Receiving a notice, advises Ponting, requires careful consideration of its contents and the production of an appropriate response.

But where the retailer does not comply with the notice, Ponting draws attention to the fact that “the TSO can apply for a court order to require compliance, and so in most cases it can be helpful to provide the information at the time it is requested, provided the firm can do so.” That said, he adds that it should be borne in mind that any information provided could later be used to bring enforcement action.

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TSOs don’t have the power Powers to enter premises to close a business down and and act as “a consumer” formal enforcement action – Another power to note can be avoided where firms is a TSO’s ability to enter agree to fix any potential premises during normal hours breach. This can be done to observe the business. by way of an undertaking, TSOs can also make test “which,” says Ponting, purchases and test products, “is essentially a promise to check, for example, to comply with the law whether the goods being sold going forward, and/or to are counterfeit. As Ponting provide enhanced consumer explains, “this is a common measures which are focussed way for TSOs to establish on achieving redress whether or not the retailer for affected consumers, is conforming to consumer improving compliance and protection legislation.” giving consumers more Powers to enter premises information.” to carry out inspections But where the retailer or conduct on-site is unable to agree to an investigations – Lastly, a TSO TSOs can inspect products and services undertaking or where the can visit a firm’s premises, but as Ponting points out, offered for sale, break open containers TSO considers it suitable, Ponting says that “TSOs “they need to give two days’ or access USB devices or computers to can ask the court for an notice unless they can show order requiring that providing notice would obtain information, and seize any such enforcement the business to comply with be inappropriate. This might the law going forward, and/ be where there is an imminent products or documents that they have or to provide enhanced risk to safety, where giving found for use in their investigation consumer measures.” notice might tip off those And of course, in the engaged in unlawful activity, most serious of cases, businesses can be where they suspect that a breach of the ENFORCEMENT POWERS prosecuted for breaches of certain consumer law, or where they are conducting market While many TSOs will offer support and laws. As Ponting has seen first-hand, surveillance.” He adds that if a TSO wishes to guidance, where TSOs find breaches of “those that are prosecuted for a breach of enter a home or they feel they may need to consumer law, they can bring enforcement consumer law, personally or as a business, use force, they will need a court warrant to action. However, this is unusual for minor may be given a criminal record, ordered to do so. isolated breaches. pay an unlimited fine or be sentenced for Once a TSO has entered, Ponting says Ponting explains that “the exact nature up to two years in prison. On top of that is that they “can inspect products and services of that enforcement action will depend on the potential to be ordered to pay costs and offered for sale, break open containers or the specific circumstances; it is likely to provide enhanced consumer measures.” access USB devices or computers to obtain include the TSO seeking an undertaking information, and seize any such products or that the retailer will not breach consumer documents that they have found for use in law further, or an enforcement order from IN SUMMARY their investigation.” He reminds that TSOs a court requiring the same.” As a last resort Consumer rights are not something to be can also require the retailer to assist them in and/or in the most serious of cases, TSOs blasé about; enforcement does happen, and their investigation and it is a criminal offence can also bring a criminal prosecution which action is taken for breaches. The best advice to intentionally prevent a TSO from carrying can result in imprisonment and unlimited is to seek advice; don’t risk damage to a out his duties, punishable by a fine. fines. reputation or official action. 

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

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JULY 2021 47

Business Essentials

s Essentials

with Adam Bernstein www.abfeatures.com

2021

Product news

DIRECTORY

The latest products for your showroom

2021 TRADE DIRECTORY

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THIS ISSUE

ERNEWS.C O.UK

Givi ST610 AS SPORTS AND NAKED BIKES GET EVER-MORE compact and lighter in the pursuit of performance the cubbyholes and underseat storage that used to provide such machines with a modicum of day-to-day usability have disappeared, leaving riders nowhere to store all the bits and pieces – keys, phone, wallet, sunglasses – essential to modern life. To overcome this problem, Givi has launched the ST610, a fairly standard-looking 10-litre semi rigid saddle bag. Made of 1200D PVC polyester with PU inserts thermoformed EVA, the bag’s novel feature is the quick-release fixing mechanism that straps securely to the bike’s seat and allows the bag to be fitted or removed in a matter of seconds. The ST610 has an SRP of £101.50 and the base is £24.50.

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

CST RideMigra A NEW SPORT-TOURING RADIAL MOTORCYCLE TYRE from Chinese manufacturer CST is available now. The RideMigra CM-S1 is available in 120/70 R17, 160/60 R17, 180/55 R17 and 190/50 R17 sizes. The medium compound is claimed to give a perfect balance of high-grip and durability while the deep tread pattern provides reliable water dispersal for stability and safety in the wet.

Bickers; 01394 604040; sales@bickers-online.co.uk

Xeramic fuel products

RST District 5 THE DISTRICT IS A WAXED TEXTILE jacket from RST which uses Kevlar fibres to provide abrasion resistance and protection. The classic-styled outer has a soft-touch brushed cotton lining, two exterior and two interior pockets and side seam vents. Button fastenings on the front match the style of the jacket and are used to hide a concealed zip. It is available in a choice of graphite grey or olive green for an SRP of £149.99.

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

NO ONE LIKES UNCOVERING THEIR BIKE from its winter hibernation for the first ride out of the year only to find that stale fuel means it either won’t start or it hesitates and splutters like an MP on Question Time.

To counter this, Xeramic has developed two new fuel additives which it claims reduce oxidation, discolouration and corrosion in the fuel system.

Moto Fuel Stabiliser, which is said to keep the whole fuel system clean, comes in a 125ml bottle suitable for tanks of up to 25 litres for an SRP of £5.99.

Xeramic Fuel Stabiliser & Conditioner can also reduce the deterioration of fuel during storage periods, but it also can help to protect the injection system or carbs. It comes in a special 250ml dispensing bottle which is enough to treat up to 125 litres of fuel for £9.99.

MotoMondo; 01429 650555; andrew.davidson@motomondo.com

F900R accessories 5 PYRMAID PLASTICS HAS ADDED TO ITS RANGE OF add-ons for BMW’s F900R naked sportster. The new fly screen provides both the TFT dash and the rider with some protection from the elements. It is currently available in matt black for an SRP of £65, colour matched options will follow. For the rear of the bike there is a new Shock Shield – a rubber flap mounted on the bike by a powder-coated bracket which is designed to protect the shock and bearings. SRP is £29.

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

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Nitro helmets 4

BILLED AS A DO-IT-ALL SOLUTION TO BATTERY CHARGING, the new Optimate Duo will charge motorcycle, car and van batteries whether they are conventional lead acid or lightweight lithium ion type. The Duo automatically detects the type of battery and alters its charging program to suit, delivering up to 2A of current. It can handle wet, AGM or sealed lead acid batteries of up to 96Ah and Li-ion batteries of up to 24Ah and has an SRP of £67.99.

Motohaus; 01256 704909; info@motohaus.com

2TR0A2D1E

ECTORY 2021

Optimate Duo

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BICKERS, OWNER OF THE NITRO brand of helmets, has introduced three new models of road helmet for 2021. The Nitro 302 is an entry-level helmet with minimal features – a chinbar vent, rear 2 exhaust vents and a washable o 30 Nitr liner – which is available only in plain black or white colourways for an SRP of £49.99, whereas the more feature packed Nitro 540 adds more ventilation points and has a drop-down sun visor for its SRP of £79.99 for plain colours or £89.99 for graphics.

Finally, the F440 is a flip front helmet which features a drop-down sun visor 540 behind its Pinlock-ready Nitr Nitro o 44 extra-wide angle 3D 0 injected visor. It also has a removable and washable liner and it comes an a range of solid colours, including Safety Yellow, for and SRP of £129.99.

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

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Alpinestars GP Force Phantom ANOTHER NEW LEATHER ONE-PIECE SUIT from Alpinestars, the Phantom is made from cow leather with perforated panels and stretch inserts in vital positions for fit and comfort. The stretch material also allows the fitment and correct deployment of an optional Tech-Air 5 self-contained airbag system. GP impact protectors are placed at the shoulders, elbows, knees and tibia, with Nucleon Bio-Flex protectors on the hips and DFS Lite abrasion-resistant protectors on the shoulders. There is a pocket to take an optional Nucleon chest protector. The suit comes in black/white and black/red in sizes 48-60 for an SRP of £769.99.

Alpinestars; 0039 0423 5286; sales@alpinestars.com

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DEA LER NEW S.C

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Take care of your fina nce

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Cardo Packtalk Black 6 THE CARDO PACKTALK BLACK INCLUDES “EVERY feature imaginable” according to the manufacturer, and it has certainly crammed-in plenty of selling points.

The compact and lightweight device features a comms range of up to a mile (which is twice the range of the competition, according to Cardo), DMC Mesh technology to maintain connections, an FM radio, auto volume based on ambient noise, audio sharing, up to 13 hours of talk time, smartphone connectivity, voice operation and a set of 45mm diameter JBL speakers. SRP is £349.98.

Pama; 0161 494 4218; sales@pama.co.uk

R&G chain guard 5 R&G HAS UPDATED ITS CHAIN GUARDS WITH A NEW lengthened design which gives additional protection to the rear sprocket. Made from a lightweight combination of nylon, glassfibre and aluminium, the new guards are pre-drilled for ease of fitting. They come in Kawasaki ZX-10R and 10RR fitment or a universal fitment for other 40 brands at an SRP of £39.99.

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

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ince we opened An Award-Winni the doors to our ng Finance Compan y Nottingham We’ve been a part of The office back in 1998, Sunday Times Best Com panies we quickly esta blished for 10 years now, moving from ourselves as one the small to large of the companies leading and awa category as we have rdgrown winning finance over time. It’s been great to companies in the see our progressi on in the non-prime veh rankings and we icle have been sector for cars using our score each , vans, year as a benchmark to and motorbikes focus . Over on areas for cont the years, we hav inuous e improvement as expanded from a company. our Being rated as one original Notting of the ham UK’s best companies location to two to work more for is testimony of how our locations in Glas gow company culture of improving and Leigh, and we now and developing our people is employ almost truly extraordinary, 300 this in turn people in a ran is reflected in the ge of service we roles including offer our customers Sales, and dealer achie Underwriting, ved the gold stand partners. and ard in customer expe Customer Exp Feefo Platinum rience for erience three consecutive to Account Award: This years. is given to Aside from our Management.

We businesses feedback culture, have grown to this which have as a company we extent so that we pride ourselves can offer an awa rdon the continuous winning service to our improvements we dealer partner s and strive to make in customers. all areas of the business. Having a service such as Feefo allows us to get a clear idea of how well our customers respond to what we think we do best. This also allows

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Product news Tucano Urbano Airscud 6

Piaggio One

IN A COLLABORATION WITH FRENCH innovators In&motion, Italian clothing and accessories manufacturer Tucano Urbano has created Airscud, an autonomous airbag system. The system has been designed for everyday use, rather than optimised for track applications, and uses three accelerometers, three gyroscopes and GPS, all of which are used to detect whether the airbag needs to be activated. Once initialised, inflation of the airbag takes less than 60 milliseconds and leaves it protecting the chest, neck abdomen and spinal areas.

The waterproof and breathable Airscud vest is made from Taslan polyamide and can be worn over any outfit, or under a motorcycle jacket if preferred, but it also comes with zipon sleeves with D3O protectors at the elbows and shoulders which turn it into a CE-certified jacket in its own right. Inside is a 3D mesh liner to aid ventilation, and a transparent window on the back allows easy operation and monitoring of the airbag control box. A number of algorithms are available to optimise the control box’s operation depending on where it is being used – Street mode for everyday riders; Adventure for off-road adventures and Track for fast-paced riding – which can be selected via the In&motion App. Available in sizes from S-3XL, the Airscud vest has an SRP of £399 or £479 including the sleeves.

Tucano Urbano; 07799 626635; info@tucanourbano.com

IS THIS THE PTW THAT WILL BRING ELECTRIC POWER INTO THE mainstream? Piaggio’s latest new model sees it targeting the non-biking youth market, with much of the marketing extolling the new One’s simplicity of operation and the fact that it “charges just like a mobile phone”.

The lightweight One is designed to provide low-cost urban transport with green credentials, using technology to make it appeal to its target audience – the One allows keyless operation, has a colour dash which adapts to ambient lighting conditions and there are two performance maps for the electric motor.

Charging the removable battery is via a regular 13A socket, making it more convenient for flat-dwellers and charging in the workplace.

Other than that, details on Piaggio’s latest e-venture remain elusive despite the model’s imminent arrival on the roads. Pricing is expected to start from £2500 for the basic model, but more information on performance and range are expected before the One becomes available in the UK at the end of July.

Piaggio UK; www.piaggio.com

Oxford Hinterland THESE NEW TRILAMINATE TROUSERS FROM Oxford promise high levels of waterproofing, tear strength and abrasion resistance. The Hinterland jacket has been available for a while, but the introduction of matching pants means a complete go-anywhere outfit is now available. The pants are made (like the jacket) from Dry2Dry Trilaminate material, which is waterproof rated to 10,000mm, combined with four-way stretch material to improve comfort without compromising abrasion resistance. There is also a WarmDry removable thermal liner, and other features include AquaGuard zips, CE level-1 knee protectors and a natty set of braces. They come in black in sizes S-5XL in three leg lengths for an SRP of £249.99.

Oxford Products; 01993 862300; info@oxprod.com

SW Motech Yukon 5 NEW FOR 2021, THE PRO YUKON WP IS A 6-LITRE TANK BAG WHICH fits via the PRO quick-release tank ring system. The bag is made from TPU thermoplastic with a waterproof EVA vinyl lid which overlaps the body of the bag to prevent water from running in. It is secured magnetically, making it easy to open and close with a gloved hand, and inside there is a waterproof viewing compartment for a smartphone or map. On top of the lid is a MOLLE attachment web, which can be used to fit other accessories or bags. The PRO Yukon WP has an SRP of £128.30, with bike-specific Tank Rings starting at £25.66.

Motohaus; 01256 704909; info@motohaus.com

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Product news

D.I.D Rossi Signature chain 4 AS REPORTED IN BDN’S MAY issue, chain manufacturer D.I.D has signed multiple World Champion Valentino Rossi as a brand ambassador and to co-develop new products. The first fruit of this union is the VR46 chain, which features patented X-rings for higher durability and lower friction, solid bushings and MotoGPdeveloped Direct Energy Transfer technology which makes the chain more rigid and therefore improves throttle response and reduces power losses. It also has VR46 logos embossed into the silver and gold-finished links for a bit of detail bling.

The VR46 chain is available in 520 and 525 pitch to suit a wide range of machines from 125-900cc. Example trade prices are £64.95+ VAT for a Yamaha R6 or £58.37+ VAT for a KTM SMC690R. Larsson UK; 01536 265633; info@larsson.uk.com

Shad Terra Black SHAD HAS ADDED A STEALTHY BLACK FINISH OPTION FOR ITS adventure-spec Terra aluminium luggage.

The Terra Black TR37 top box and TR36 panniers are both made from forged aluminium and have a double-profile rubber gasket to make them waterproof. Fastening is by an integrated stainless steel compression handle with a double locking system. The £319.99 SRP TR37 has a capacity of 37 litres and a 10kg maximum load, while the matching panniers can each hold 35 litres and up to 10kg and have an SRP of £346.99 for the righthand side, and £319.99 for the left.

Pure Moto; 03333 448252; hello@puremoto.co.uk

Ventura luggage 6 THREE NEW BIKE-SPECIFIC FITMENTS FOR VENTURA’S EVO LUGGAGE system have been announced for Yamaha’s MT-07 Tracer and MT-10, and Honda’s Africa Twin. The luggage system uses bike-specific L-brackets, which are permanently attached to the bike, along with a slot-in Evo Rack and a slide-on Evo Pack which comes in five different capacities ranging from 10 to 60 litres. Prices vary depending on model and size, but a kit comprising brackets, rack and 22-litre pack is £375 SRP for the Tracer, £347.68 for the MT-10 and £364.62 for the Honda.

Motohaus; 01256 704909; info@motohaus.com

Enhanced version of Mitas SPORT FORCE+ Multi Compound Tread Technology (MCTT) Road legal tyre for track days

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Product news

PRODUCT SHORTS

ICON

US HELMET BRAND ICON HAS ADDED ANOTHER seven distinctive designs to its Airform helmet, taking the total designs available up to 27. The entry-level Airform features a polycarbonate shell with a drop-down sunvisor and a removable Hydradry interior liner.

Parts Europe; +49 650196 951035

LS2 Pioneer Evo 5 FOLLOWING ON FROM LAST-MONTH’S UPDATE OF THE VALIANT II COMES ANOTHER SET OF NEW GRAPHIC options, this time for LS2’s dual-sport Pioneer Evo helmet. The new colour schemes have been designed to complement the latest adventure bike liveries – the Saturn in red/black matches with the Honda Africa Twin or NC750, the Master in matt titanium blends with several of BMW’s GS range, while the blue/silver version goes well with the Yamaha Ténéré as well as the latest Suzuki V-strom (see Product Shorts).

The Pioneer Evo is made from Kinetic Polymer Alloy (KPA) in three shell sizes and has a drop-down sun visor, Pinlock-ready visor, washable hypoallergenic lining and an emergency release system. It comes in sizes 2XS-3XL for an SRP of £119.99.

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

SUZUKI

SUZUKI HAS ADDED A NEW COLOUR option for its adventure sport V-Strom 1050XT models. The spoked-wheel XT now comes in a steel grey and blue livery complete with blue and grey seat alongside an updated motocross-inspired yellow. DR750-inspired orange and white and all-black colourways are also available. bikes.suzuki.co.uk

Oxford Quartz 5

Hostile gloves MRS IS THE NEW UK IMPORTER FOR HOSTILE GLOVES FOR motocross, mountain biking, enduro and other sports. Coming in a wide range of graphics and colours, the gloves are made from sublimated Spandex with a synthetic leather palm and come in two styles – Exclusive Series, which has an elasticated wrist strap, or Strapless Series, both at an SRP of £28.99.

MRS; 01423 772 885; info@mrsltd.co.uk

K-Tech Aprilia 6 WK SCRAMBLER

FOLLOWING ON FROM UPDATING THE 125CC version of its Scrambler, WK BIkes has now launched a 50cc version. The new mopedspec Scrambler keeps the same chassis and bodywork as its bigger brother but with a fourstroke single cylinder 50cc motor. It comes in two colour options – matt black or grey – and features LED lights front and rear, along with digital instrumentation and braided brake lines.

SRP is £1999 +OTR. WK bikes; 01507 523900

SEALEY

SEALEY HAS A NEW 2021-22 catalogue and price list. Weighing in at 1372 pages, the new tome features almost 12,000 products for the trade, with 2800 new listings including tools, storage and workshop equipment as well as a new section devoted to the brand’s 10.8v “one battery fits all” range of power tools. www.sealey.co.uk

APRILIA’S RS660 HAS BARELY HIT THE ROADS AND YET K-TECH HAS already turned its attention to improving the front-end suspension of the Italian sportsbike for racing purposes. The DDS front fork cartridge is a pressurised damping system using 20mm pistons to create a high flow of oil through the 31mm control valves for precise damping control. The system has 30 clicks of both rebound and compression adjustment, as well as 18mm of spring preload adjustment. It comes with three pairs of different-rated springs, along with the tools needed to swap them over.

SRP is £1710.64 K-Tech Suspension; 01283 559000; enquiries@ktechsuspension.com

Muc-Off Drivetrain Cleaner THE PINK COMPANY GOES GREEN! MUC-OFF, famous for its distinctively-hued cleaners and lubricants, has launched a biodegradable drivetrain cleaner designed to clean grime, mud and oil build-up from chain and sprockets on both on- and off-road machines. Once applied and agitated, the trigger-action spray can be rinsed off with water. A 500ml refillable bottle is £19.99 SRP. Muc Off; 01202 307799; sales@muc-off.com

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OXFORD PRODUCTS HAS updated its Quartz motorcycle disc lock to make the latest XD version.

The new model boasts an updated twin-spar construction and a antipick multi-disc keyhole. It comes in two versions – with a 6mm hardened locking pin for scooters and classics or 10mm pin for most modern motorcycles. It comes in a bright yellow finish with three keys and a reminder cable for £36.99 for the 6mm or £39.99 for the 10mm.

Oxford Products; 01993 862300; info@oxprod.com

Switching scooters VE(UK) HAS BROUGHT IN A NEW range of essential electrical switches for both classic and modern scooters. The range covers Lambretta, Aprilia, Vespa and Chinese scooters and includes single use (such as indicator) and multi-use (such as combined light, horn and dip switches).

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

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Product news

Wulfsport WV Racer Pack goggles5 Duchinni Strike MADE FROM 1.2-1.4mm COWHIDE, THE DUCHINNI STRIKE IS A traditionally-styled casual leather jacket designed to be equally at home on modern street bikes or retro classics.

Perforated chest panels provide some ventilation for the hot days, and there is a removable 120g thermal vest for cooler journeys. It is fitted with bronze colour YKK zippers and popper fastenings, with a neoprenetrimmed collar and a belt system at the waist to adjust fit. Protection duties are taken care of by CE-approved armour at shoulders and elbows, plus a pocket for an optional CE-approved back protector.

The Strike is available in sizes 40-50in chest, in a choice of black or brown, for an SRP of £229.99.

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

Naked spoiler PUIG HAS DEVELOPED A new aerodynamic front wing for Yamaha MT-09 2017-20 models. Fitted just below the headlamp, the new wing is made of 3mm-thick ABS and is claimed to help direct extra air into the radiator ducts as well as creating up to 2kg more downforce over the front wheel.

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

WULF WV RACER PACK GOGGLES ARE DESIGNED TO MAXIMISE VISION for any offroad sport. The wide port lens allows improved peripheral vision and is anti-fog and anti-scratch coated,with a triple-layer anti-sweat foam pad for comfort.

They come fitted with a wider 36mm roll-off system for muddy conditions and the adjustable fitting strap is silicon-backed to prevent slipping. They come in eight colours for a trade price of £21.82+VAT. Wulfsport; 01900 873456; stores@wulfsport.com

Vcan 128 VCAN’S LATEST V128 IS A BUDGET-PRICED FULL-FACE HELMET WHICH isn’t short on features. The lightweight shell is vented at chin and crown and has a quick-release moulded anti-scratch visor teamed with a new easier to operate drop down tinted visor. The removable and washable liner has also been updated with new transpiring material. It comes in three graphic options – Helvet, Mohawk and Mordhi – in a total of nine colourways for an SRP of £89.99.

Midwest Marketing; 01527 574422; info@rayven.co.uk

LeoVince for Z900 4

Skidmarx tank top 5 SUITABLE FOR KAWASAKI ZX-10R MODELS FROM 2016on, Skidmarx’s new tank covers provide protection against scrapes as well as providing extra knee grip. The fibreglass version is £119.95, or the fibreglass with Kevlar mounts version is £149.95 SRP – both in a plain white finish.

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

LEOVINCE HAS DEVELOPED A NEW LINE OF CARBON fibre exhaust systems for the Kawasaki Z900. The new LV-10 Carbon Fiber exhaust maintains the compact and lightweight design of the rest of the LV-10 range and is made using a prepreg, double-layer matt-finish carbon sleeve with a carbon bracket all finished off with a stainless steel endcap with sandblasted finish.

Retail price is €289+VAT. Moto GB Distribution; 01706 212102; leovincegb@gmail.com

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10TEN ElectricBIKE BRAND

PIT MOTOCROSS AND its first all10TEN has launched 10TENMX-E. It electric model – the and novice riders, is aimed at junior settings to restrict so has two power is capable speed until the rider full max of the enough to unleash to power the 1000W. This is enough of 45km/h.

MX-E up to a maximum battery can The removable lithium for a fullybe rapidly swapped ent, and can charged replacem 5 in four to six nose ph recharged be Trium then including SPECIALIST PYRAMID UK BODYWORK hours. SRP is £999 new its and labour Plastics has just launched a six-month parts nose fairing with Triumph Speed Twin warranty.

The nose 708607; specialist colour match.

Dualways; 01623 with a cockpit screen s.com fairings come fitted drew.m@dualway the Speed Twin

by Puig, and fit onto ion to the bike. The without modificat and are UK the in fairings are painted MX1 Roost Guard6 k Triumph’s paintwor SMART Kit Bike designed to match Rapid r5 look! Available in body SMART seRAPID BIKEarmou Daine NEW perfectly for an OEM ’S MX1 SRPs start THE DAINESE Silver, ARE Ice ly designed 2021 and FOR NEW both Korosi Red s fuelling kit is specificalbody protector performance of Euro MX2 Roost the Guard and at £155. to improve fuel/ enduro.

01427 677990; s and les by enrichening the motocros for 5 motorcyc Pyramid Plastics; 4 and a The compact-sized features range.

Guard rev lastics.co.uk Roost the ut MX1 ramid-p The sales@py air ratio througho lambda by controlling the this(certified r back protector Pro-Armo SMART module does from the operation 1) made to modify Level in order EN1621-2 tosensor signal andon the for comfort effect rubber module’s nitrile The ECU. expanded of the stock (Level increased or reduced , plus a chest be protector flexibility lambda signal can s (Level 1),Bluetooth and , shoulder app connected via 2), a freeprotector using defence delivery, an all-round power s forsmoother protector hip promises it and nts of up to 20% and entsadjustme impact. Velcro against torque improvem ventilated 5hp. fit, and the ately a tailored allow boosts of approxim cool in , power riders plug and play operation toakeep helps simple n is structure Installatio in R1250GS, R1250GS ion. Available BMW’s of competit models it fits are the current andthick the only, R1250RT. in blackand .com R1250RS or L-XXL) sizes, XXS-M rformanceparts-ltd Adventure, R1250R, of £219.99.

01327 706139; colin@pe SRP Parts; has an nce MX1 Performa a similar The MX2 model has the Pro-Armor with but , structure out for a more back protector swapped

Shoei NXR2 5

Product news

ByCity RoadsterDESIGNS OF 1970’S

TO THE HARKING BACK face Roadster is a full racing lids, the ByCity F1 based on the JPS helmet with graphics shell era. The carbon fibre livery of the same comfortable fit, and is ovalised for a more sity impact absorbing multi-den a is th undernea a wide aperture opening inner shell. There’s a visor which gives for the thermoformed e and inside is a removabl vision, of field better D Closure is by double and washable interior. for an comes in size XS-XL buckle. The Roadster SRP of £229.95. ; 020 3514 2413; Dot4Distribution ution.com info@dot4distrib

r Terra Force rubbe MITAS IS

5 HJC RPHA 90SHELMET FROM HJC IS SAID TO

THE NEW FLIP FRONT the brand’s RPHA , taking cues from be “race inspired” comes in n means the the 90S 11. The track inspiratio and lightweight keep it as compact three shell sizes to to aid has a wide visor opening as possible, and it spired features include touring-in More vision. peripheral in the open or (so it can be ridden dual homologation locking visor, centre Pinlock-equipped closed positions), buckle fastener quick-release micro visor, sun n drop-dow Bluetooth accept HJC’s SMART for and it is ready to It comes in solid colours communication system. carbon for £479.99 for £449.99, plain graphics £399.99, for £499.99 SRP. or carbon with graphics s; 01993 862300; Oxford Product info@oxprod.com

Leovince

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room

cts for your show

The latest produ

BRAND SLOVENIAN TYRE to its extreme adding junior sizes Designed for enduro tyre range.

50 to 85cc, the motorcycles from new rubber company claims the and filters high levels of grip OF Malossiensures EXTENDED ITS RANGE excellent MALOSSI HAS stability, along with scooters. suitable for nce air filters forthem high performa handling, making the OE filterriders. range replacescompetitive The standard both novices andflat sponge in either 70/100-19 and comes element and The fronts come in filtersMX MH panel Force or as dedicated sizes in Terra Both configuration90/90-14 of maxi scooter.

Super compounds for certain models Super and C-21which can remove and a fine sponge ely. Rears are 90/100-16 styles utilise respectiv whilst filterMX MH than the OEForce smaller dirt particle 90/100-12 in Terra flow rate of air. Soft. higher Soft and C-20 Super maintaining aSuper te filters incorpora 066142; Red sponge The DoubleMitas Tyres; 0038 642 remove to layer finer, sponge itas-tyres.com a second, evensales@m an extra particles to provide dust pic microsco n. level of engine protectio 2991; VE (UK); 0115 946 m sales@ve-trade.co

A NEW SPORTS HELMET FROM SHOEI, THE NXR2 IS the lightest ECE22/06 certified helmet in the Japanese manufacturer’s range. Successor to the NXR, the new design is said to be lighter and quieter than it predecessor. The new shell comes in four sizes and is made from AIM – a blend of organic and multi-composite fibres – with a multi-density EPS liner. It has a new visor with a Pinlock Evo and improved sealing, as well as an improved ventilation system with a bigger outlet vent.

The NXR2 comes in sizes S-3XL in a wide range of designs and colours for an SRP of £429.99 for the plain options or £539.99 for graphics.

Feridax; 01384 413841; info@feridax.com

iral 5 Muc-Off Anti-vSHOT

ONE THIS ANTI-VIRAL canister of Grenade is a single-use It can be used compressed sanitiser. the inside in vehicles (to sanitise or indoors of a van, for example) rooms, staff in rooms (changing showroom). main a even or rooms can filled with It’s a compact 150ml m compounds quaternary ammoniu is said to kill and alcohol which as well as 99.99% of bacteria gs OF THE To use, simply Adjustable footpe MODIFICATION enveloped viruses.

RS WHICH ALLOW are the can A NEW SET OF ADAPTO in a matter of minutes trigger and leave footpegs r the press passenge and few minutes to do position of both rider in the room for a es manufacturer Puig. with a available from accessori adaptor together its thing. model-specific footpeg has an can be used for The system uses a the 20mm shifter A twin pack of canisters 40mm displacer – only. choice of 20mm or shifter is for pillion SRP of £14.99. r while the 40mm multiple allowing ts 307799; both driver and passenge 01202 incremen 15o Muc Off; be rotated 360o in om The displacer can sales@muc-off.c perfect fit . positions to get the ig.tv 49 06 33; info@pu Puig; 0034 938 MX2 Roost Guard

everyday item. or copper It comes in black same sizes as the colourway, in the SRP of £179.99.

MX1 version, for an Bike It; 02380 658700; .co.uk tradesales@bikeit

on 01237 Contact Alison

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36 FEBRUARY 2021

Tank film 5

ED A NEW RANGE R&G HAS LAUNCH film to prevent of tank protection k damage. scratches and paintwor non-yellowing Made from a tough the kits suit a wide polyurethene film, £19.99. machines. SRP is range of popular R&G; 01420 89007; racing.com alan.garrett@rg-

on 01237 Contact Alison

Pyramid’s Ninja bits PYRAMID PLASTICS SAYS ITS NEW REAR HUGGER FOR THE KAWASAKI Ninja H2 SX is bigger than the OEM guard and improves protection to the shock. It has also developed specialist 3D-printed GP Wings which it claims help with downforce as well as giving a racy look. Prices start at £140 for the hugger in matt black finish and £85 for the wings unpainted, with colour matched options for both coming soon.

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

for Africa Twin

EXHAUST ED A NEW LINE OF LEOVINCE HAS DEVELOP which comes in CRF1100L Africa Twin systems for the Honda and Titanium.

Steel, Black Edition three finishes – Stainless ed AISI 304 is made of TIG-weld The stainless exhaust has been treated the black edition stainless steel, while ceramic-based black tant heat-resis to several coats of sleeve and version has an outer paint. The titanium All models TIG-welded titanium. bracket made from carbon , and feature a dual-flow . are ECE approved for UV resistance a matt clear coating fibre end-cap with models are €589 are €559, black stainless Stainless models €699. is and the titanium tion; 01706 212102; Moto GB Distribu il.com leovincegb@gma

THE RST ADVENTURE-X IS A rugged boot designed for tackling anything from mountain passes to motorway miles. It features a large twin buckle closure system which makes it easy to put on and take off, while hook and loop fasteners allow the boot to fit around a range of calf sizes. A waterproof and breathable SinAqua Pro membrane keeps feet dry and fresh, and a walking boot style sole is fitted for grip when off the bike.

Available in black for an SRP of £129.99.

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

.co.uk es@dealernews 422660 or adsal

37 FEBRUARY 2021

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Scorpion systems 46 Send us the information we need, and we’ll put them in the mag and online. Remember, dealers need to be informed before consumers.

We need trade relevant information about the item, retail pricing and up to date contact details. Plus good quality imagery.

Send your information and images to: products@dealernews.co.uk or British Dealer News, 10 Daddon Court, Clovelly Road Ind Est, Bideford EX39 3FH

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JULY 2021

SCORPION HAS RELEASED A PAIR OF NEW SYSTEMS FOR two of the UK’s most popular 125s.

The new Red Power system for the Honda MSX125 is made from T304 stainless steel and comes with a choice of silencer in brushed stainless steel or black ceramic finishes. Scorpion says the lightweight system requires no remapping or tuning, but will still improve throttle response and increase power. The system with a stainless steel silencer is £369 SRP, and with the black ceramic silencer is £399.

For the more sporting 2021 Yamaha YZF-R125 there is a new full system made from T304 stainless steel pipework with a choice of Red Power or Serket silencers, each in brushed stainless steel, titanium or black ceramic finishes. Like the MSX125 system, there is no requirement for a remap to get the system working at its optimum – Scorpion says it will sharpen response and increase power straight out of the box, as well as offering reduced weight and a sportier sound.

Prices with a Red Power end can start from £329 and with a Serket end can from £359.

Scorpion; 01773 744123; sales@scorpion-exhausts.com

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On the Money

On the Money Market analysis with financial editor Roger Willis

I

t would be wrong to assume mounting tension over the Northern Ireland protocol has no connection whatsoever with motorcycle industry issues. On the contrary, they are completely intertwined, highlighting the fallacies inherent in our supposed return to stand-alone national sovereignty.

This protocol was established as a key element of Britain’s withdrawal agreement from the European Union, eagerly signed by Boris Johnson in December 2019. To avoid the possibility of a hard border once again dividing the Irish people, potentially undermining the 1998 Good Friday peace accord that ended 30 years of intercommunal ultraviolence, it kept Northern Ireland within the EU single market for goods by simply moving a theoretical UKEU border into the middle of the Irish Sea. Prior to Johnson scrawling his signature on the deal, he had placated the outrage of Ulster Unionists by insisting that there would be “no forms, no checks, no barriers of any kind” – promising unfettered access for goods moving in either direction.

This was, of course, blatantly untrue. So when customs declarations, inspections and the mountain of bureaucratic paperwork that goes with them

(to which he’d actually agreed) began to surface, a blame avoidance game ensued.

Increasingly strident rhetoric featured on both sides.

Johnson’s abrasive Brexit minister Lord Frost claimed that the EU’s firm stance as regards application was disrespectful, onerous, disruptive, etc. His opposite number, European Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic, said EU patience was “wearing very thin” over the UK’s perceived failure to

with EU food and agriculture standards like Switzerland, even temporarily while a far more comprehensive free trade agreement was negotiated, the need for border restrictions at Northern Irish ports would virtually disappear. That went down like the proverbial lead balloon, provoking a Brexiteer mantra about how he’d failed to understand cherished sovereignty meant Britain was no longer an abject rule-taker from Brussels.

He had placated the outrage of Ulster Unionists by insisting that there would be “no forms, no checks, no barriers of any kind” implement basic parts of the protocol. Johnson added one of his faux-Churchillian threats, saying he would “do whatever it takes to protect UK territorial integrity”. Irish prime minister Micheál Martin riposted that “unilateral deviation” from the protocol was a line that couldn’t be crossed. And even US president Joe Biden, an avowed Irish-American, rattled his rusty sabre at Boris, for daring to do anything that might damage Ireland’s peace process.

Sefcovic, meanwhile, had pointed out the bleedin’ obvious. If Britain aligned

But, as the British bike business knows well, exemption from EU rule-taking is utter nonsense. Personal protective equipment for bikers, riding apparel typically carrying the CE logo on labels to denote a quality and efficacy standard complying with European regulation EN 17092, is a good example. Manufacturers are now obliged to use a UKCA mark for garments sold here, inevitably sitting alongside CE. The standards are, to the best of my knowledge, identical. And they will remain so, updated in parallel going forward, because

manufacturers and distributors understandably want to access every available market with the same products. If proof of kosher or halal status was required, they would cheerfully add those appropriate symbols too, just not on pigskin products.

In a similar vein, once the current Euro 4 derogation period expires, all British bike dealerships will be selling motorcycles and scooters boasting full Euro 5 emissions, safety and security compliance – as decreed by Brussels, not Boris and his buddies at the DfT. The small handful of new bike manufacturers on British soil will also continue to homologate their products through European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA), thereby achieving accreditation throughout the EU and acquiring authorisation to issue Certificates of Conformity for every machine made.

Amusingly, Her Majesty’s Vehicle Certification Agency still recommends ECWVTA as “the best approval option” on its website, based on test methodology outlined in the relevant European Commission instrument, rather than pushing any whizzbang Bonzo Boris remonikered alternative. So much for “taking back control” of our destiny.

Way back in January, when

International Share Prices USA – INFLATION CONFIRMED Confidence in the US Federal Reserve’s assertion that rising inflation was a temporary feature of economic recovery began to crumble. And these fears were stoked when the Fed flipped mid-week, admitting that interest rate increases were imminent to ameliorate such pressures.

New York traders began to run for cover and the Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped to its worst week for four months, closing 3.4% down. While the blue-chip S&P 500 index fell by 1.9%, S&P’s MidCap 400 was hammered by a 5.1% loss.

Biker stock performance was written in mixed degrees of red ink. After an indecisive start, Harley-Davidson’s losing streak throughout June thus far accelerated. Monday saw a 0.8% fall, but 1.3% recovery followed on Tuesday. However, as

58

JULY 2021

NYSE market indices settled into uninterrupted negativity, value declined at a greater pace.

Its share price dropped 2.5% on Wednesday to $46.42, then sank by 3.8% to $44.64 on Thursday.

On Friday, a further 2% retreat ensued, inflicting Harley’s lowest valuation since mid-April – and 15.8% down on the YTD peak of $51.96 in May.

EUROPE – SAME STORY Fresh data bolstered concerns about inflation across Europe too.

Having flat-lined across the previous five sessions, Frankfurt’s Xetra Dax index dropped by 1.6%.

Germany’s two motorcycle-related automotive giants shed value at a much faster rate, more than doubling that woe. And although limited liquidity confined KTM parent Pierer to smaller increments, it lost ground for a second week.

In Italy, a run of multi-session growth in the past few weeks ended a bit more firmly, as Milan’s FTSE MIB index declined by 1.9%. Piaggio finished slightly ahead of the loop. But Energica, as an inevitably volatile SmallCap stock, dived.

JAPAN — GLASS HALF EMPTY Japanese exports during May achieved their sharpest rise in 41 years, but the chances of good fortune continuing in an inflationary curve made investors nervous. So Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 index never really got its motor running and closed up by just 0.1%. Among biker stocks, only Yamaha stayed shiny side up.

INDIA – COVID HANGOVER In the aftermath of India’s devastating Covid second-wave infection, bike

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

the UK finally abandoned neighbourly aspirations, I have to admit making an erroneous suggestion on the subject of a potential Brexit bonus, which it later transpired didn’t exist.

This involved inclusion of the EC Directive that had created our A1, A2 and A multi-tiered motorcyclists’ licencing regime, which had been embedded into UK law, in a bonfire of legacy European red tape. Once eliminated, I floated the idea of replacement by a single highstandard riding test available to every candidate of 17 years or older – and hoped that after licence acquisition was thus simplified, we’d be selling a lot more bikes.

A better-informed colleague, familiar with the corridors of power in both Brussels and Westminster, spotted a crucial flaw in my concept immediately.

The UK adheres to international and also specifically European conventions on mutual licence

should the UK government actually attempt a reform in the direction I had sketched out, British touring bikers could find themselves excluded from continental roads owing to suddenly invalid licences.

By the time you read this,

Safety and security compliance — as decreed by Brussels, not Boris and his buddies at the DfT recognition. Arbitrarily changing a shared test format developed with British EU member state input, back in the days when we were officially rule-takers, invites the risk of retribution. So

A snapshot of share performance across key manufacturers and markets manufacturers have now fully resumed production but are faced with weakened domestic demand.

Mumbai’s BSE Sensex 30 stock index fell into marginal 0.2% negativity. All five motorcycling majors booked weekly losses. Bajaj and Royal Enfield parent Eicher got off lightly, because both reported strong export sales in May.

CHINA – INFLATED GRIEF Rampant output price inflation from Chinese factories, driven by soaring raw materials costs and export bottlenecks, has already begun to queer the pitch. Investors clearly took note. Shanghai’s SSE Composite index closed 1.8% down and the CSI 300 covering the Shanghai and Shenzhen bourses was 2.3% down. Among eleven listed bike producers, losses extended from just four in the previous week to seven.

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

Britain’s already fraught relationship with the EU may have deteriorated dramatically, if the aforementioned protocol unravels. Grace periods delaying full implementation were due to terminate on 30 June. It’s

Price

quite likely Johnson and Frost will renege on commitments to enforce these. Then Brussels will counter-attack via a tariff-laden trade war. Whether the wideopen land border between Éire and Northern Ireland survives is moot.

However, the return of customs posts and barbed wire would make a few Irishmen happy, especially those in the Dublin motorcycle trade. Their perennially disloyal customers will be precluded from crossing the border without hindrance, to exploit considerably lower prices offered by Northern dealers like Crossan and Phillip McCallen.

Every cloud has a silver lining for somebody. 

Week Month

USA (dollar) Harley-Davidson 43.77 Polaris Industries 130.99 Textron 63.84

-7.7% -0.1% -6.6%

-8.9% +1.5% -4.2%

Europe (euro) BMW 90.95 Volkswagen 285.00 Pierer Mobility 72.70 Piaggio Group 3.43 Energica Motor 2.96

-4.0% -4.4% -0.8% -1.4% -10.3%

+6.9% +4.5% -1.1% +8.2% +6.1%

India (rupee) Hero MotoCorp 2891.35 Bajaj Auto 4167.10 TVS Motor 610.40 Eicher Motors 2707.55 Mahindra 781.55

-3.8% +0.3% -0.1% +1.0% -4.1% -2.3% -1.4% +7.3% -3.4% -4.6%

Share performance as of 18 June 2021

Price Japan (yen) Honda Yamaha Suzuki Kawasaki

3535 3245 4551 2362

Week Month -1.4% +6.8% +0.5% +4.2% -4.4% -2.0% -4.2% -2.8%

China (yuan) Qianjiang 18.12 Zongshen 7.51 Sundiro 2.14 CETC Energy 15.66 Lifan 5.24 Loncin 3.75 Linhai 6.36 Guangzhou Auto 12.05 CFMoto 138.71 Xinri E-Vehicle 30.33

-3.9% -3.6% -4.5% +1.8% -0.8% +5.6% -1.7% +0.2% -3.3% +2.8%

+2.0% +10.6% +2.9% -1.8% -7.1% +7.4% +1.0% -1.8% +1.3% +36.4%

China (HK dollar) Jianshe 4.42

-1.8%

-4.3%

JULY 2021 59

On the Money

Contact 01237 422660 or adsales@dealernews.co.uk

New registrations

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

May 2021

Year to Date May 2020

Change

May 2021

May 2020

Highest Registering Model by Style

% Change

May 2021 Registrations

Moped Scooters

486

261

86.2%

1848

1241

48.9%

Horwin EK1

45

Moped Others

185

110

68.2%

586

489

19.8%

Surron Light Bee

62

TOTAL MOPEDS

671

371

80.9%

2434

1730

40.7%

MOTORCYCLES Adventure Sport

2449

716

242.0%

7977

5195

53.6%

Multiple Models

159

Custom

1092

340

221.2%

2832

1822

55.4%

Keeway Superlight

141

Naked

4567

1536

197.3%

13320

9338

41.7%

Honda CBF125M

304

Scooter

2941

1483

98.3%

9854

6477

52.1%

Yamaha NMAX 125

659

Sport/Tour

145

112

29.5%

575

859

-33.1%

Multiple Models

27

Supersport

767

434

76.7%

2635

2491

5.8%

Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX

118

Touring

186

77

141.6%

780

546

42.9%

BMW R 1250 RT

81

Trail/Enduro

470

267

76.0%

2495

2090

19.4%

KTM 690 Enduro R

32

Unspecified TOTAL MOTORCYCLES

12

0

0%

46

64

-28.1%

12629

4965

154.4%

40424

28882

40.0%

TRICYCLES Scooter

47

18

161.1%

202

113

78.8%

Piaggio MP3 300 Sport

27

Other

51

40

27.5%

182

120

51.7%

BRP Can-Am Ryker Rally ED900

10

TOTAL TRICYCLES

98

58

69.0%

384

233

64.8%

13398

5394

148.4%

43282

30845

40.2%

TOTAL REGISTRATIONS

2021 / 2020 Registrations by Capacity ENGINE BAND 0 - 50cc

May 2021

Year to Date

May 2020

% Change

May 2021

May 2020

Highest Registering Model by Style

% Change

May 2021 Registrations

927

395

134.7%

3549

1935

83.4%

Vmoto Super Soco CPX

148

51 - 125cc

4783

2403

99.0%

14651

9968

47.0%

Yamaha NMAX 125

659

126 - 650cc

2374

929

155.5%

8435

6403

31.7%

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

189

651 - 1000cc

2784

892

212.1%

8705

6689

30.1%

Triumph Trident

163

over 1000cc

2530

775

226.5%

7902

5850

35.1%

Multiple Models

159

13398

5394

148.4%

43242

30845

40.2%

TOTAL REGISTRATIONS

BRANDS CHART Top Ten Manufacturers May 2021

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Honda ........................................2392 Yamaha .......................................1717 Triumph ......................................1133 BMW ..........................................1009 Kawasaki.......................................810 KTM .............................................652 Lexmoto .......................................418 Harley-Davidson ............................404 Royal Enfield .................................397 Ducati...........................................388

Alternative power registrations May 2021 Alternative power registrations data is also included in the overall market data shown in the tables above

2021 / 2020 Registrations by Capacity POWER BAND 0-4kW 4-11kW 15-35kW

JULY 2021

May 2021

May 2020

% Change

440

99

344.4%

1607

389

313.1%

9

6

50.0%

60

23

160.9%

1

2

-50.0%

20

19

5.3%

1

1000.0%

42

26

61.5%

Unknown

48

8

500.0%

257

139

84.9%

509

116

338.8%

1986

596

233.2%

TOTAL REGISTRATIONS

2021 / 2020 Registrations by Style May 2021

May 2020

MOPEDS

May 2021

May 2020

5

4

Moped Scooters

145

Naked

31

9

Moped Others

108

45

Scooter

200

8

TOTAL MOPEDS

253

92

47

4

0

TRICYCLES

Trail/Enduro

13

3

Commercial Tricycle

1

0

Unspecified

0

0

Tricycle

3

0

253

24

TOTAL TRICYCLES

4

0

510

116

Supersport

60

% Change

11

Adventure Sport

tel 02476 408000; www.mcia.co.uk

Year to Date

May 2020

over 35kW

MOTORCYCLES

Registration statistics supplied by the MCIA;

May 2021

TOTAL MOTORCYCLES

TOTAL ALTERNATIVE POWER REGISTRATIONS

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

BDN FINANCIAL EDITOR ROGER WILLIS attempts to crunch some very confusing and distorted numbers, against a background of ongoing disrupted logistics and global component shortages.

From the latest May 2021 MCIA registration data, we know there is a strong recovery from last year’s vicious Covid-inspired decline in the second quarter. But it’s still unclear whether momentum will be maintained to deliver genuine annual growth – and whether there will actually be sufficient stock available going forward to satisfy apparently burgeoning demand.

Taking a direct comparison to May 2020 (when a bounce from April’s particularly dire tallies was already starting to gather pace), total monthly registrations this time around were 148.4% up to 13,398. The perhaps more crucial improvement for five months of the year to date was a 40.2% rise to 43,242.

However, to get a credible picture of where these figures are pointing, we should contrast them with progress in the entirely pre-pandemic sunlit uplands of 2019. In May that year, registrations were virtually flat on 10,871. But the YTD position had grown by 7% to 47,822 – and stood 10.6% ahead of our equivalent status now.

This doesn’t necessarily mean much, considering unrequited earlier-season 2021 demand, when desirable models were either unavailable or inaccessible. And that’s continued, to some extent, with a paucity of colourways, specification choice and quantities stretching into the future for many brands.

Sticking to YTD 2021 versus YTD 2019 parameters illustrates a very real advance for

Rolling Year Comparison

the 0-125cc sector. On this basis, it has grown by 11.9% to 18,200 machines. Within that, 0-50cc (now including 4kW electric bikes) was the major success story, adding 44.6% to 3549. Some 1582 of them were electric, against battery-powered volume too negligible to be counted back in 2019.

And, according to importer VMoto, almost a third

This doesn’t necessarily mean much, considering unrequited earlierseason 2021 demand, when desirable models were either unavailable or inaccessible of these were Super Soco CPX scooters.

The 51-125cc contribution was more modest, increasing by just 6% to 14,651 from two years ago. And we have to recognise that the surge in fleet registrations, primarily for food delivery operators, can claim a large measure of responsibility. Yamaha’s NMax 125 scooter remained star of this show, boasting absolute highest-registered accolade once again in May thanks to another 659 samples. It also holds the YTD trophy as well, with an overall market share now exceeding 5% on my reckoning – and accounting for

The percentage of the overall market made up of scooters

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Artisan’s Horwin EK1 was part of an electric-powered lock-out of the moped sector with the Sur-Ron Light Bee

HOLD ON TO THOSE MARGINS

P

Scooter Market Performance

at least 40% of Yamaha’s entire sales.

For the 126cc-plus sector, YTD 2021 versus YTD 2019, the picture is altogether less attractive.

Registrations of larger bikes were 20.6% down to 25,042, with the shortfall an approximately even spread across 126-650cc, 651-1000cc and over1000cc engine bands.

Individual performance by leading brands in May 2021 against the same month in prepandemic 2019 is an occasionally enlightening exercise, undoubtedly queered by inventory gaps. Honda on the top step put on 13.8%.

Yamaha soared by 43%. Triumph, boosted by its new Trident model, added 12.2% in third spot.

BMW achieved a 30.5% lift but Kawasaki only managed a 2.8% improvement. KTM rose by 5.5%. Lexmoto was the most dramatic loser, 29.9% down on May 2019 and 34.1% lower than in May last year! Harley-Davidson lost 19.2%.

Ducati grew by 4.3%.

It’ll be an enormous relief when we see June 2021 data, because that will herald a return to year-on-year comparative normality without guesswork.

ower Two Wheelers (PTWs) have shown a positive year-onyear increase of 340% (13,398 units), however it is important to note that dealers were in the midst of a national lockdown and restricted trading during the same period last year”, said Paddy O’Connell, head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) , commenting on the May MCIA figures.

“The MCIA’s figures showed that, year to date, PTWs are down almost 10% compared to the pre-pandemic figures of 2019, when sales totalled 47,882 units.

Considering that the early part of this year was hindered by further lockdowns, the 123% month-on-month increase compared to May 2019 is welcome news.

May saw sales of ePTWs carrying on their upward trend, specifically the lower power output (1-4kW) iterations, which achieved sales of 427 units. When compared to figures for their closest petrol-powered equivalent, the 0-50cc segment, which sold 927 units, ePTWs are now making up 46% of this section, in comparison to just 29.2% last month.

Once again, it was sports tourers that have failed to catch-up so far this year. This sector is down 33.1% year to

date compared to 2020. Interestingly, supersport machinery has made headway over the same period and has caught up and surpassed its 2020 year-to date performance. Kawasaki’s Ninja 1000 SX (which last month moved from the sport/tour to supersport category) helped this by registering 118 units.

Larger engine scooters (51-125cc) were dominated by the Yamaha NMAX 125 with a stellar 659 registered units, more than double the number of any other single model, from any category.

Naked bikes continue to lead the motorcycle sector – Honda’s commuter and learner friendly CBF125 gained 304 registrations, the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 registered 189 units and Triumph’s new Trident 660 got 163.

O’Connell added, “With order banks continuing to grow, the main issue to consider will be manufacturer supply.

With all major brands largely being in the same situation, this may seem like a favourable situation for dealers to hold on to margins.

NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE DEALERS ASSOCIATION

JULY 2021 61

New registrations

REGISTRATIONS CLEAR AS MUD

Used bike data

The Fleet Auction Group Professional Vehicle Auctions For Professional Vehicle Buyers

STRICTLY

Used bike data

TRADE ONLY

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

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

For more info visit

fleetauctiongroup.com

DEMAND STILL STRONG

T

his month we focus on the fastest selling used bikes during the period 1st April to 12th June, based on the median number of days the bikes were on site and allowing a minimum of 10 observations in order for a bike to qualify for the list.

As ever, we have a raft of scooters and 125s in the top 30, taking nearly half the positions, with a variety of bike styles and ages making up the remainder.

The overall average number of days to sell for all used bikes during May was 28 days, a full 12 days fewer than it took in May 2019. In May 2020 the number

This has caused the average price of a used bike listed on Auto Trader to increase by 8% of days stretched out to 73 days, but with it being such an unusual year it’s not really comparable.

So, the demand for used motorcycles is still very strong with bikes flying out of the door, and this has caused the average price of a used bike listed on Auto Trader to increase by 8% Honda’s mini marvel Monkey bike was the fastest-selling bike on AutoTrader in May

compared to May 2019.

Overall, 19 million minutes were spent searching for bikes on Auto Trader in May. To put that into context, it’s the equivalent of one person browsing bikes, 24 hour hours a day for 36 years!

PAUL EDMONDSON Product lead, Auto Trader Bikes

AUTOTRADER TIPS FOR ONLINE SELLING THIS ADVICE WILL HELP TO GIVE buyers full online visibility of all stock, services and safety measures: y Ensure you advertise as much stock as possible. Let buyers be tempted by everything you’ve got in your showroom y Review your advert images, making sure you have clean backgrounds with no clutter or text. The bike should be the star of the show y Use video to showcase the bike to buyers and to introduce yourself.

During April, videos for bikes were viewed 198,000 times, 41

views for each bike that had a video y Ensure you request dealer reviews from buyers you’ve done business with. Review scores give you great credibility y Enable online enquiries through all contact methods, including live chat, text and video viewings y Finally, ensure your Retailer Store is up to date. This store can help bring your brand to life, promote specific vehicles, showcase awards you’ve attained and drive consumer confidence in your business

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

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Honda Monkey _______________ 5 Triumph America ____________ 8.5 Lexmoto Assault _____________ 8.5 Triumph Sprint ST 1050 _________ 9 Honda MSX __________________ 9 Yamaha XJR1300 _____________ 10 Honda CBF125 ______________ 10 Honda CRF250L______________ 10 Yamaha Tricity _____________ 10.5 Yamaha MT-125 ___________ 10.5

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

Honda CB125F ____________ 10.5 Aprilia Tuono 1100 V4 _______ 10.5 Suzuki GSX1400 ___________ 10.5 Triumph Tiger 900 ____________ 11 Suzuki GSXR125 _____________ 11 Honda CBR650R _____________ 12 Piaggio Vespa PX _____________ 12 Yamaha YZF-R125 ____________ 13 Triumph Street Scrambler _______ 13 Triumph Speed Twin ___________ 13

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

Triumph Thunderbird 1600 _____ 13 Honda NT650V Deauville_______ 13 Yamaha YBR125 _____________ 13 Yamaha YS125 _______________ 14 Moto Guzzi V7 _____________ 14.5 Honda CBR600RR __________ 14.5 KTM RC 125 ______________ 14.5 Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird14.5 Honda ST1300 Pan European ____ 15 KTM 790 Duke ______________ 15

WARM WEATHER, HOT DEMAND ALMOST TWO MONTHS HAVE passed since dealers began reopening across the UK as Lockdown-3 restrictions eased, and the bounce-back that the market experienced initially, shows little sign of slowing down.

Some dealers have reported selling in excess of 60 new and used machines (combined) per month.

Motorcycle Auctions 62 JULY 2021

It is likely that low availability and long lead times for new machines will boost used demand further throughout the summer.

Demand is strong across the board with Triumph and Japanese brands particularly sought after. As has been the trend in recent years, sports machines are the least popular but a market for them still remains.

Stock shortages continue to be the main challenge for the industry

Auction hammer prices remain strong

To enter a bike or open a buying account please call 01530 833535 Every 3rd Thursday of every month @ 11.00am www.britishdealernews.co.uk fleetauctiongroup.com

Used bike data

5

SUPER NAKED SCORCHERS AS SUMMER SETS OFF IN EARNEST SUMMER HAS FINALLY ARRIVED, LOCKDOWNS ARE lifting, and the roads are full of motorcycles as riders get out and enjoy life on two wheels once again. We’re seeing an associated growth in traffic as people start thinking about their next purchase.

Honda remains the most popular manufacturer in MCN’s Bikes for Sale section, boasting four models in the top five spots – the CB500X and NC750X allrounders are first and second respectively, with the venerable VFR800 and feisty Fireblade taking fourth and fifth. Yamaha’s R1 superbike splits the Hondas in third position.

Naked bikes remain the most popular in both Bikes for Sale and our expert reviews, in both cases followed by sports and adventure bikes.

The three most popular new bike reviews were all very powerful nakeds – the BMW S1000R, Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS and Aprilia’s Tuono V4 – while the Honda NC750X was the most popular used review, followed by the Ducati Hypermotard 950 and Royal Enfield’s Interceptor 650.

GARETH EVANS Online editor, MCN

Bikes for Sale Most viewed models 1. Honda CB500X 2. Honda NC750X 3. Yamaha R1 4. Honda VFR800 5. Honda CBR1000RR-Fireblade 6. Kawasaki ZZR1400 7. Harley-Davidson Fat-Boy 8. Suzuki GSX-R1000 9. BMW R1200GS 10. BMW S1000RR

Other

Retro

Classic

Trail/Enduro

Touring

Supersport

Sport/Tour

Scooter

Naked

Custom

Adventure Sport

Percentage of views by type

MCN Reviews

Top 5 Bike Reviews by type Naked 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Other

Supermoto

Retro

Trail/Enduro

Touring

Supersport

Sport/Tour

Scooter

Naked

Custom

Adventure Sport

Percentage of views by type

Sports

2021 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory 2021 BMW S1000R 2021 Triumph Trident 660 2021 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS 2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

RIDING CONDITIONS

Stock shortages continue to be the main challenge for the industry with little sign that will improve anytime soon. Long lead times for new machines are delaying partexchanges and while some dealers took some in early, they have now sold. As a result, competition within auction channels remain very high, with strong hammer prices.

May was a cool and wet month, with late spring sunshine in short supply. However, the weather in the early weeks of June has seen a vast improvement with largely warm and sunny conditions, making for fine riding conditions once again as the summer solstice nears.

Taking into consideration

Motorcycle Auctions www.britishdealernews.co.uk

Adventure Sport

2019 Honda CBR650R 2021 BMW M1000RR 2020 Aprilia RS660 2021 CF Moto 300SR 2021 Aprilia RSV4 Factory

STOCK

Aprilia’s half-faired sportsbike/supernaked whetted the appetites of MCN review readers this month, topping the Naked category

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

2014 Honda NC750X 2019 Honda CB500X 2020 BMW F900XR 2018 Royal Enfield Himalayan 2019 Yamaha Tenere 700

ongoing strong market activity and stock shortages, values have been moderately increased across most sectors in Glass’s July edition, except where trade feedback or evidence from the marketplace indicated models required specific adjustments.

PAUL McDONALD Leisure vehicle editor, Glass’s

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Mopeds

Scooters

Geared 125’s

3 Wheelers

Quads

A2 Licence Bikes

Adventure Bikes

Classic Scooter

Classic Bikes

Cycles & Electric Cycles

Electric Scooters

Electric Motorcycles