British Dealer News July 2023

WE DID IT AGAIN IN 2022 THANKS TO YOU!

all very proud of.

Our customers voted First Response Finance as the ‘Best Car Finance Provider’ in the Consumer Credit Awards 2022 - for the second consecutive year. In addition to that, we also won the prestigious ‘Firm of the Year’ award!

The second recognition came from our dealer partners, who voted us ‘Finance Provider of the Year (Sub-Prime)’ in the Car Dealer Power Awards. We are honoured to have won this award 8 times!

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

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TAIWAN

Mixed headcount messages at TT 2023

TT EXIT DATA FROM THE ISLE OF Man Steam Packet ferry company showed that overall passenger numbers during the TT period (24 May to 9 June) sank marginally by 1.1% to 34,257. The ferries carried 11,913 motorcycles on board, 8.5% down from 13,016 in 2022. However, 5065 cars or vans were driven onto the boats by passengers, 5.1% up on 4821 last year.

Commenting on the tally, a Steam Packet spokesman said: “People are arriving later and staying on the Island for longer than previously.”

The Isle of Man’s Ronaldsway airport is still finalising its figures but expects them to be higher by about 19% from 2022, when 19,832 people flew in during the race fortnight but were hindered by flight cancellations.

Triumph expands into Tamworth

Triumph has opened another major solus dealership in the Midlands, this time at Tamworth in Staffordshire, north east of Birmingham. Triumph Birmingham East marks a big investment by the owners, Sutton Motorcycles, and was launched with a gala opening event in June.

Sutton Motorcycles is a family business that’s been operating for more than four decades, and the Tamworth team has a combined total of more than 200 years of experience in the bike trade.

Devron Boulton, Triumph UK general manager, said, “We’re excited to open a dedicated Triumph showroom in Tamworth, creating an immersive experience for customers that will fully showcase our market leading motorcycles, products and services. Not only is there an exciting lineup of new motorcycles on offer, but we are confident the team will provide outstanding customer service too.”

Matt Worley, MD of Triumph Birmingham East, said, “This new showroom is the result of a huge

investment and hard work across the team, and we are exceptionally pleased with the result. I’m confident that our customers will love the range of motorcycles and the opportunity to pop in, grab a coffee and chat with our staff whilst out riding.”

The new Triumph Birmingham East store is at 361 Watling Street, Tamworth, B77 5AD.

www.triumphbirminghameast.co.uk

SHORT CUTS

CLOSE BROTHERS

EMPLOYEES OF FINANCE PROVIDER CLOSE Brothers raised £17,324 for the firm’s supported charities during a fundraising week. Staff and their families ran marathons, baked cakes and organised quizzes to send more cash to Cancer Research UK and the Make a Wish Foundation.

KAWASAKI

TEAM GREEN WAS DOING ITS BIT FOR CHARITY at this year’s IOM TT, supporting the Rob Vine Fund, a charity that provides training and essential medical equipment for motorsport events on the Isle of Man. The Rob Vine Fund is an essential part of the TT, providing 130 immediate care cases and 130 stretchers, alongside helping frontline ambulances, air ambulances and response cars. The charity has long been a cause that Kawasaki UK has supported, and the manufacturer donated £2500 to enable the fund to continue the work it does in the future.

TT Superstock supremacy

NETLEY MARSH

ORGANISERS HAVE ANNOUNCED DATES for the Netley Marsh Eurojumble event near Southampton. The massive event kicks off on Friday 1 September, runs over two days, and is set to be packed with biking bargains, memorabilia, rare parts, and bikes. Discount tickets, and more information, at the Eurojumble website: www.netleymarsheurojumble.com

MAXXIS

BICKERS HAS ANNOUNCED THAT IT NOW HAS Maxxis M6011 classic tyres in stock, with a range of fitments for cruisers, retro and classic machines. The M6011 uses an all-new compound which claims to provide excellent traction and durability in both dry and wet conditions. It has a starting trade price of £59.99 and comes in six front and six rear sizes: MT90-16, 120/80-17, 120/90-18, 100/90-19, 110/9019, 80/90-21 (front) and 150/90-15, 150/80-15, 170/80-15, 130/90-16, MT90-16, 140/90-16 (rear). www.bickers-online.co.uk

OXFORD PRODUCTS

OXFORD PRODUCTS MADE IT TO THE FINAL three in the 2023 Oxfordshire Business Awards last month. The firm was shortlisted in the prestigious NatWest Large Business Award and made the podium alongside John Lewis of Hungerford, with M&M Waste Solutions taking the gong. Oxford Products staff joined 500 distinguished guests for the black-tie event, which Trigger Happy TV comedian Dom Joly hosted, at The John Henry Brookes Building in Oxford.

SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS

THE MCN SHOW AT Peterborough saw a massive £600,000 in sales for Silverstone Auctions, which moved on 74% of the bikes it had under the hammer. The highlight was a slightly niche machine: a mint 7700-mile Kawasaki GPZ1000 RX with one owner since 1988. It went for double its estimate and sold for £6682 – a decent result for an under-appreciated bike.

Beloved by both trade and industry as a defining showcase for the hottest steeds that can be ridden out of dealerships in essentially OE specification (plus safetyoriented suspension mods), the RL360 Superstock TT never fails to please. And this year saw the challenge doubled in content to span a pair of scintillating threelap races.

There were only ever going to be a trio of headline contenders

– BMW’s M1000 RR, the latest Honda Fireblade CBR1000RR and Kawasaki’s ZX-10 RR Ninja. Betting odds had the money on BMW Motorrad UK, with its factory-backed FHO Racing squad of outright TT lap record holder Peter Hickman and two-times British Superbike Championship winner Josh Brookes.

But the appearance of a resurgent Michael Dunlop, Fireblade-mounted thanks to his long-term Hawk Racing relationship, got the bookies twitching. Dunlop had already

beaten Hickman in the RST Superbike TT event. And nobody was going to rule out elite dealer team Milenco by Padgett’s Motorcycles – the eponymous Clive Padgett of which had put exceptionally well-prepared Fireblades under rising star Davey Todd and local veteran hero Conor Cummins. Dean Harrison on his DAO Racing Ninja couldn’t be ignored as a threat either.

However, when push came to shove, BMW UK marketing and PR manager Scott Grimsdall had nothing much to worry about. Hickman comprehensively cleared off in both Superstock races, also underlining BMW hegemony by extending the outright TT lap record in his third and final circulation to an incredible 136.358mph – faster than he’d ever managed on a full-kitted Superbike to date.

Brookes, who hadn’t raced on the Isle of Man for five years while contractually confined to BSB duties, turned in an impressive performance too. Choosing to

stick with a Superstock-spec BMW machine for refreshment of his course knowledge throughout practice, qualifying and the large-capacity races, he finished a creditable seventh in the RST Superbike six-lapper and then fifth in the Milwaukee Senior TT, also run over six laps. In the exclusively Superstock events employing just half that distance, he suffered an almost immediate DNF in the first race, owing to an electrical malfunction, and then took a firm fifth place in the second.

The only significant grief during Scott Grimsdall’s campaign for career-enhancing corporate glory was from the TT attendance of BMW Motorrad supremo Dr Markus Schramm, who flew over from Munich to share in his brand’s success. Schramm became Peter Hickman’s “pillion in a million” – treated to a fast openroads Mountain Course lap – until the spoilsport Manx constabulary intervened. Hicky allegedly took the rap and paid the speeding fine!

Mewa Distribution liquidated

FORMER PEUGEOT SCOOTER IMPORTER AND distributor Mewa Distribution (UK) has been forced into liquidation by its creditors. The company was selected initially to take over the role of UK distributor in 2020 by Peugeot Motorcycles international sales manager Thierry Sanseigne, after Peugeot’s previous long-term UK partner Three Cross Motorcycles went bust.

Ex-Three Cross staffers Paul Hill and Peter Scott were recruited to fill the roles of national sales manager and aftersales and warranty manager. Mewa Distribution’s general manager Julio Shah ran the operation, which undertook to maintain unaltered trading terms for dealers, with inventory finance supplied through DF Capital.

However, the relationship between Mewa and

Peugeot began to unravel. In February 2022, Julio Shah was briefly elevated to become a director of Mewa, alongside his general manager duties. But he resigned just a few weeks later. And then, a newly formed company, Scooter Sense (UK), headed up by Richard Kelly and Steve Reynolds, took over as the official Peugeot scooter distributor in July 2022.

Mewa Distribution collapsed in March 2023 when insolvency practitioners Chris Newell and Nicholas Simmonds of Watford-based Quantuma Advisory were brought in to liquidate the business.

According to their filings at Companies House, Mewa’s preferential creditors are owed a total of £558,719, comprising a £474,739 VAT debt plus £83,980 in unpaid PAYE taxation and NI contributions – with no prospect of funds available for settlement.

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MotoNovo

to aid gender equality

BIKE FINANCE FIRM

MotoNovo has assigned a new pair of co-chairs to its GROW gender diversity campaign. GROW – which stands for Growing Real Opportunities for Women – aims to boost diversity across the car and bike trade, and the firm has appointed its motor development manager Emily Birkinshaw and senior digital experience manager Ben Winton as co-chairs.

“47% of people in the UK workforce are women,” said Birkinshaw. “Yet just 12% of people in the car and bike business are women.

“At GROW, we aim to help the retail community address this issue and with retailing models undergoing unprecedented transformation, I’m convinced that greater gender diversity in our industry can help meet the changing dynamics we see around us.”

World record for Acerbis

Aone-way journey of 2600 miles on a bike is a pretty big deal. Doing it with just one tank of fuel is in the realms of fantasy though, right? Well, no, because that’s what aftermarket parts firm Acerbis has done, improbably enough, to celebrate its 50th anniversary and earn a place in the Guiness Book of Records

Of course, there are some important caveats: Acerbis, which produces large-capacity fuel tanks for adventure machines, cheated a bit. First, it took a Honda MSX125 Grom – already relatively parsimonious on fuel – then the firm’s engineers designed and built their own massive fuel tank, which extends out forwards, then back under the rider and into a pair of pannier-style side tanks. They provide a capacity of 108 litres (23.75 gallons) of petrol, which weighs around 85kg on its own. Then, a three-rider team trundled the ‘AC50’ bike at approximately 45mph from Albino in Italy to the North Cape in Norway, a distance of 2600 miles. That earned the firm its world record: the greatest distance driven on a single tank of fuel by a motorcycle (prototype).

Guido Acerbis, CEO of Acerbis, is a proud man. “As a child, I admired the Guinness World Records book that my grandparents had given me and dreamed of

Hickman winning with Weise

Peter Hickman cemented his position as the Fastest Road Racer in the World at this year’s Isle of Man TT, setting a new lap record of 136mph, beating the previous record of 135mph, which he set five years earlier.

At 6’2” tall, with an equally large smile, Hicky is instantly recognisable and a firm fan favourite, making him a sponsor’s dream, which is good news for Weise clothing, which has supported him for the past 15 years.

Signed initially by Weise marketing manager Sasha Fowler in 2009 while

a privateer in the British Superbike Championship, Hickman has maintained a loyal relationship with the brand ever since.

“When we first started working with Peter, it was clear he had potential,” said Fowler. “He continues to prove this and has just broken the outright TT lap record he set in 2018! It’s been great working with him over the years, and we are looking forward to many more! He’s also a nice guy and great fun, which helps!”

Now in the Top 10 most successful TT riders of all time, ahead of Stanley Woods

WORLD CLASS SUSPENSION

and

► MONO & TWIN SHOCKS

► FORK CARTRIDGES

► FORK UPGRADE KITS

► FORK SPRINGS & VALVES

► STEERING DAMPERS

entering it. The dream has become a reality, thanks to a determined and motivated team.”

Team Acerbis celebrating breaking the World Record

Giacomo Agostini and only one place behind Mike Hailwood, every single one of Hicky’s 13 victories to date has been achieved wearing Weise leathers.

Chase the adventure at every turn with the new RoadHound, dual compound sport touring tyre featuring excellent grip, handling and mileage.

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BMW and Triumph top the charts

The National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) has released its latest spring Dealer Attitude Survey (DAS) results. The biannual survey provides an overview of the motorcycle retail sector’s satisfaction levels in key business areas that affect the relationships dealers have with their respective manufacturers. “For the spring 2023 survey, the NMDA has joined forces with data analytics company, Metryx, to provide a new and refreshed look,” said Symon Cook, head of the NMDA.

Q25: OVERALL FRANCHISE VALUE

The survey revealed satisfaction levels with the value of holding a franchise averaged 6.6 points out of 10. Compared with spring 2022, this was a 0.3 increase, but it was a drop of 0.8 relative to the autumn 2022 score.

y Triumph, BMW, and Royal Enfield were the three highestrated franchises.

y Piaggio, Ducati and HarleyDavidson received the lowest scores.

Q17: PROFIT RETURN

When asked about their satisfaction with the profit return from their franchise, dealers recorded an average score of 3.0 points out of 5. This represents a decrease of 0.3 compared to six months ago and a return to similar levels recorded a year ago in the spring 2022 edition.

BDN OVERALL SCORES

y The top three performers were Triumph, Kawasaki, and BMW.

Q24d: ABILITY TO DO BUSINESS WITH MANUFACTURERS

When asked about their ability to conduct business with manufacturers on a day-to-day basis easily, dealers returned an average score of 3.4 – an increase year-on-year of 0.2.

y Triumph recorded the highest scores, with BMW and Kawasaki neck-and-neck in second.

y Piaggio, Ducati, and Honda recorded the lowest scores.

Q19a:

DEALER STANDARDS

EXPECTED BY MANUFACTURERS.

The average rating dealers gave for the standards their respective manufacturer expected was 3.2, a slight fall compared to autumn 2022’s result.

y Triumph was again top, with BMW and Royal Enfield close behind.

y Piaggio, Ducati, and Yamaha had the three lowest scores.

THE FUTURE OF ELECTRIC POWER-TWO-WHEELERS

The NMDA introduced two new questions relating to the transition towards the electrification of the market. Dealers were asked to score the electric products currently offered by manufacturers, which received an average of 2.3 out of 5. KTM led with a score of 3.3

When asked to score their EV/ Plug-in product for the next two

FOR AN OVERVIEW OF HOW

the UK’s biggest motorcycle franchises are assessed by their dealers, BDN combined the scores from the entire NMDA survey to create a ranking table.

In the latest spring survey BMW once again ranked top for overall score, but barely a whisker in front of Triumph, which was boosted by being the only manufacturer to get a five out of five score – for the brand’s image.

At the lower end of the table, changes at Ducati haven’t gone down well with its dealers. Its overall score and ranking

years, dealers also returned an average of 2.3 out of 5. Royal Enfield, BMW and Kawasaki dealers were the most optimistic. Ducati, Suzuki and Piaggio dealers were the least optimistic.

Symon Cook commented: “With the motorcycle market undergoing continuous transformation, it is positive that manufacturers and retailers are continuing to operate and adapt effectively. The challenging financial climate has noticeably affected supply and demand in the market. However, it is encouraging to see average used motorcycles sold at an eightedition DAS high of 321 per site sold.

“We are still seeing the supply troubles that have impeded stock availability for motorcycle showrooms. This may have prompted the slight reduction in the scores representing the relationship between dealers and manufacturers for this edition compared to the autumn edition.

“Yet, when analysing the data year-on-year, dealermanufacturer relationships have remained similar, reinforcing our belief that the bike sector remains robust and is on a positive trajectory. Manufacturers and retailers must continue to work in a mutually beneficial way, and use the survey responses as a mechanism to see which areas may need improvement.”

plummeted after being marked low throughout, but especially for product pricing and value, frequency of new models, and future profitability. It even received the joint-lowest score for its brand image, which must come as a shock to a company which markets itself on its racing pedigree and the styling and desirability of its road machinery.

Also suffering a hefty decline in overall score was Piaggio, although it didn’t drop any positions in the table since it was already occupying the bottom slot, its regular ranking.

WHILE MANY OF THE questions remain consistent year-on-year, new practices and technologies require new information to be gathered.

The spring 2023 survey included three new questions. The first dealt with the settlement of warranty claims, which saw Triumph coming out top and Piaggio in last place.

The other two new questions concern the provision of electric-powered machinery in the current ranges, and proposed models due to arrive in showrooms over the next two years. The first of these threw up some strange results, as although KTM and BMW topped the list, Suzuki managed to clinch third place despite having no ePTWs in showrooms. Looking to the future availability of ePTWs, dealers ranked Royal Enfield the highest, indicating that battery-powered machinery from the Indian brand must be due soon.

Privately owned group

Note: In the Autumn 2022 survey results, Lexmoto ranked third, but the brand was excluded from the spring 2022 survey due to lack of responses from its dealers

Selected results from the spring 2023 NMDA dealer survey compared with autumn 2022

Q8a

How does product price and value compare against other brands?

Q8b

How realistic is your target and bonus in terms of achievement?

Q9a

How fair is your manufacturer’s policy for machine supply and stocking?

Q10a

How you would you rate the brand image for your franchise?

How do you rate your brand’s retail sales incentives and promotions?

How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with your manufacturer’s warranty policy?

Q17

How satisfied are you with your franchise’s profit return?

Q18a

How do you rate the future profitability of your business?

Q19a

How do you rate the fairness of the standards your manufacturer expects?

Q19b Are your manufacturer’s standards realistic compared to return on investment?

Q23a

How satisfied are you that your manufacturer takes your opinions into account?

Q23b

How effective is your manufacturer’s retail finance program?

Q24b

How do you rate the quality of your manufacturer’s training?

Q24d

How easy is it to do business with your manufacturer on a day-to-day basis?

Q25

How do you rate the value of your motorcycle franchise? (1=low, 10=high)

Trailblazer scheme to combat skills shortage

Older readers will remember a time when unemployment was a big problem in the UK. Recessions in the 1970s, 80s and 90s all saw big rises in joblessness, with people desperate for work. Now, though, the problem is the exact opposite. Fuelled by various causes – Covid, Brexit, increasing long-term illness and early retirement – the economy is being held back by a staff shortage.

And the bike trade is not immune. Of course, the general situation is further complicated by a dearth of young enthusiasts entering the biking world and the resultant ageing profile of motorcyclists. Spend some time speaking to bike dealers; the conversation will often turn to recruitment issues. Good salespeople, spares specialists, marketing, and even admin help are hard to find at the moment. But it’s trained technicians that seem to be most scarce.

“We’re always looking for technicians,” said Dave Willis of Orwell Motorcycles. “Our area has a little group of dealers, and we’re all saying how difficult it’s been to appoint people. In the workshop, there’s always a shortage.”

also set an objective of attracting more people to come and work in the motorcycle, scooter and urban mobility trade.

According to the MCIA, “The industry has suffered a shortage of qualified technicians for many years and has failed to attract enough school leavers into an established apprenticeship schemes. As the sector moves into a new era of electrification alongside existing technologies, ensuring enough people progress through the apprenticeship route will be key to our success.”

It goes on to outline the wider

Tony Campbell, CEO of the MCIA, said: “By reforming the Trailblazer Group, responsible for developing the occupational standards that make up an apprenticeship and initiating the application process for funding, we are taking concrete steps to address the financial challenges. We are also actively collaborating with manufacturers and retailers to identify the demand for apprenticeships and break down the barriers hindering apprenticeship programme growth. Together, the MCIA and NMDA are creating a pathway for success in the motorcycle industry.”

benefits to society from addressing this problem. “The motorcycle industry is a vital contributor to the economy, offering thousands of job opportunities and contributing significantly to the UK manufacturing sector as a whole. Recognising the importance of a skilled workforce and a thriving market, MCIA and the wider group have prioritised this joint endeavour to address the challenges and harness the opportunities that present themselves in the

At its first meeting, the industry group discussed government funding availability, creating demand working with manufacturers and dealers, and establishing a network of colleges and training providers. And the group declared it will unite industry stakeholders, set out a clear vision, and capitalise on the untapped potential in the industry.

Symon Cook, head of member services and operations at the NMDA, added, “We are dedicated to nurturing a skilled and passionate workforce within the motorcycle industry. The formation of a well-thoughtout action plan in partnership with manufacturers and retailers will promote the benefits of apprenticeships to colleges and training providers, facilitating increased participation. Through these collective efforts, we aim to enhance the accessibility and attractiveness of apprenticeship programmes, fuelling growth and prosperity in the industry.”

NEXT MONTH

WE FOLLOW UP ON THE training problem by examining how one dealer – P&H Motorcycles in Crawley – has set up its own programme to develop new staff.

The industry has suffered a shortage of qualified technicians for many years and has failed to attract enough school leavers onto the established apprenticeship scheme

R&G signs up Tracker deal

BIKE PROTECTION SPECIALIST FIRM R&G has been expanding its remit for a while, distributing an increasingly wide range of products. And now it’s signed a deal with security and telematics firm Tracker to sell the new Nano Plus tracker.

The self-contained, self-powered Nano Plus unit uses GPS technology and has a three-year battery life. It communicates with Tracker’s central Secure Operating Centre, with support from UK police forces, and users can access its location via the Tracker Touch app. The unit costs £159.99 SRP, and a £3 per month subscription is required for the central support service. www.rg-racing.com

LS2 budget starter pack

LS2 Helmets is doing its bit to address the cost of living crisis with a starter pack designed to get new riders on the road at an affordable cost.

The pack comprises the bestselling full-face Rapid helmet (from £59.99 SRP) and A-rated Sepang waterproof textile jacket (£99.99 SRP) plus a free pair of Dart II gloves worth £44.99 SRP.

“Our starter packs give dealers an opportunity to kit out new riders with a helmet, jacket and gloves from a market-leading brand, all for less than £160. That means customers head off on their new wheels looking good and feeling that the dealer has really looked after them,” says LS2’s UK sales director Paul Haskins.

And it is not only dealers who benefit, as Emma Symms at BC Motorcycle Training in Northwich explains: “We can’t recommend LS2 enough. The starter pack provides an ideal package for our CBT and DAS students alike. It gets them

protected on the road, with genuinely good products at a really good price. The starter packs also help generate ancillary revenue for our business. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

Alongside the starter packs, LS2 also offers a touring pack for more experienced riders. If they purchase any FF800 Storm helmet with a Metropolis Evo jacket and a choice of waterproof Snow, or leather Duster, gloves, they receive a free pair of Chart Evo pants worth £119.99. That’s a premium helmet, jacket, trousers and gloves for £380 – less than the cost of many touring suits from many equivalent brands.

The packs are only available from LS2 dealers and are intended to drive footfall to showrooms with attractive offers that avoid discounting.

Tech Design Team

017670 856342

ukservice2@ls2helmets.com

www.ls2helmets.com

#77 Dominique Aegerter WorldSSP

Current world champion

Repsol signs new UK distributor

Spanish oil giant Repsol has a pretty high profile in the UK, thanks to its long-term sponsorship of Honda’s MotoGP race teams and other top racing deals. But the brand has been rarely seen on UK retail shelves over the years, with no official distributor in recent decades.

That’s set to change, though, following a new distribution deal with two of the biggest suppliers in the trade. Top UK oil and lube specialist Millers Oils has announced that it is now the

official UK source for Repsol Lubricants overall. And Feridax will be the exclusive distributor of Repsol to UK motorcycle dealers. Feridax will have a full range available for a wide range of applications, with next-day delivery and competitive pricing.

“We’re excited to become the UK distributor for Repsol motorcycle lubricants, reinforcing our position as the go-to resource for motorcycle dealers seeking industry-leading products,” said Feridax sales director Stuart

HMRC closes self-assessment helpline

CONCERNS HAVE BEEN RAISED OVER HM Revenue & Customs’ (HMRC) decision to close its self-assessment telephone helpline this summer. Small businesses and self-employed workers use the service to help with queries about their income tax returns.

HMRC wants to redeploy staff and advises people who are seeking assistance to use its chatbot as an alternative source of support.

The FSB, which represents small and mediumsized businesses, criticised the decision saying it will leave small business owners and the self-employed in the lurch, with only a few weeks left until the self-assessment second payment filing deadline of 31 July for the year ending 31 March 2022.

FSB national chair Martin McTague said: “Without support, many will spend extra time looking for answers instead of focusing on helping their businesses thrive. Perhaps the ‘Making Tax Digital’ campaign should be renamed ‘Making Tax Seasonal’, with a three-month tax break for small firms to match the helpline’s three-month summer break.”

Swaby. “Dealers across the country can now access Repsol’s line of lubricants through Feridax, allowing them to provide their customers with superior options that enhance engine efficiency, prolong engine life, and maximise overall performance.”

“We are delighted to bring Repsol Lubricants’ motorcycle range to the United Kingdom,” said Tony Lowe, MD at Millers Oils. “Repsol is synonymous with excellence and performance in the world of lubrication, and

Ardingly hosts classic Suzukis

Apair of ex-Barry Sheene race bikes are among exhibits at the Ardingly Summer Show on 30 July at The South of England Showground, Ardingly, near Gatwick.

Both machines date from 1973 when Sheene won the newly introduced Formula 750 European Championship. The tubular-framed Seeley Suzuki TR500 was one of his most successful motorcycles, carrying him to the Shell Sport Championship and the King of Brands accolade – and Sheene went on to scoop the MCN Man of the Year title. Also at the show will be a Seeley TR500 1973 Monocoque – the only original of this type ridden by Sheene – as well as a Suzuki TR750 XR11 raced in the 1975 Transatlantic Trophy by Stan Woods.

There is no age restriction on machines entered for display at the show; the main event will be held in the large Jubilee Hall and will include club stands and traders, with classic motorcycles, new and used spares, clothing and accessories spread across five halls around the showground.

Gates open to the public from 10am. Ticket prices have been frozen at the 2022 rate of £7.

Entering a display machine is free of charge using the online form on the Elk Promotions website, and owners of display bikes also get into the event free. www.elk-promotions.co.uk

we are excited to offer these exceptional products to our customers. Our collaboration will influence UK riders to optimise their motorcycles’ performance, reliability, and longevity.”

Interested dealers should contact Feridax on 01384 413841 or email info@feridax.com to place orders.

Barry Sheene’s 1973 Seeley TR500

Suzuki TR750 XR11 ridden by Stan Woods

Manx GP celebrates 100 years with Arai design

THE ANNUAL RELEASE OF THE Arai TT edition helmet has become a regular event on the Isle of Man, and now the firm has launched another top-end helmet on the famous Island. This one celebrates the Manx GP races, which run later in the summer with a slightly lower profile, but just as much history and heritage.

The Manx races are 100 years old this year, and the organisers have commissioned the exclusive UK helmet, which will be handmade in minimal numbers. Like the TT lids, it features the logos of the Manx nation – the Triskelion, as well as landmarks from the Mountain Course and a gold line tracing the route of the course around the Island. Under the paint is Arai’s top spec bike lid, the RX-7 EVO, with ECE 22.06 approval.

The Manx GP lid costs £829.99, and will be available to order from 20 July, exclusively through Arai specialists thevisorshop.com, and Crossan

Motorcycles

RiDE Best Buy for LS2

LS2 is celebrating its first Best Buy ‘triangle’ from RiDE following the consumer magazine’s test of sub-£200 helmets. The new Vector II beat off stiff competition from other major players to take the laurels, with RiDE declaring it a “clear winner”.

Testers were impressed not only with the quality and specification of the helmet but also the array of accessories supplied as standard, including Pinlock Max Vision and an inflatable ring cushion to support the product when

changing or cleaning visors. In addition, it was the quietest helmet on test.

“It’s 15 years since LS2 launched in the UK and this is a fantastic way to mark the occasion,” said a delighted UK sales director Paul Haskins. “In the previous RiDE test, back in summer 2020, the LS2 Storm helmet achieved Recommended award, so this year’s “Best Buy” proves that as a brand, we’re always ahead!”

The Vector II is one of several new 22.06 standard

models to be launched by LS2 this year, including the Advant 180-degree flip-front and the multi-functional Drifter openface.

It’s not only LS2’s helmets that are performing well in RiDE –their Swift gloves were also the magazine’s “Choice for comfort” in the 2020 guide to sporty summer gloves.

MAG campaigns on theft and parking

The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) is focussed on two vital bread-andbutter issues this month: bike theft and workplace bike parking provision. On the theft front, MAG booked the Ace Café as the venue for its Hertfordshire Fight Motorcycle Theft public meeting, where it will focus on crime in the county. Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd is set to be joined by Chief Inspector Ricky Bartlett and MAG’s own Colin Brown on the panel for the hustings-style meeting. Previous events in Kent and the West Midlands have seen tangible outcomes, according to MAG, and the hope is that this event will be equally effective.

Speaking as the meeting was announced, MAG campaign director, Colin Brown, said: “We are delighted to be holding this next meeting in the series at such a great venue. Our thanks go to Mark Wilsmore for allowing us to hold the meeting at the ACE Café. We already have a date set for a West Yorkshire Police meeting.

Meanwhile, a related issue is the provision of safe, secure workplace parking for bikes. MAG is investigating workplace parking facilities, with a survey asking riders for details about the availability, quality and security of workplace motorcycle parking. MAG is also asking employers to bring their motorcycle parking provision up to scratch.

Colin Brown, MAG director, said: “One thing cannot be denied; if you ride to work, you are going to need somewhere to park your bike. Motorcycle parking is often just an afterthought if not entirely ignored. Car, and increasingly cycle, parking is a given at most workplaces. But the motorcyclist is often left to make the best of a bad job. We are running a survey to get a feel for how well employers are supporting the motorcycle commute. We have also developed a simple guide with advice for employers and hope to see the standards improve by Ride To Work Day 2024.”

The MAG survey can be completed at: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/LSPT8HQ

Honda Yūshū Award for Belle Vue Motorcycles

THE HONDA YŪSHŪ AWARDS (Yūshū is Japanese for ‘excellence’) were set up to recognise the best in customer satisfaction and service, and the firm has recently been handing out awards to the best dealers in its European network. Belle Vue Honda Motorcycles in Southend, Essex, is one of only two UK winners, receiving a highly commended Honda Yūshū award for customer satisfaction, alongside JS Gedge, which also took a top award.

Dealer principal Dan Stilwell said, “I am pleased to confirm

that Belle Vue Honda Motorcycles have been recognised with the Highly Commended Yūshū Award. Being one of only two to receive this award means so much to everyone that works here. This is an incredible achievement and reflects positively all the hard work the Belle Vue Honda Motorcycles staff have put in over many years to serve all our customers near and far.”

NMM digitises its Bruce Main-Smith archive

THE NATIONAL Motorcycle Museum (NMM) doesn’t just have British classics in its collection – it has a massive archive of technical manuals, books, and other information. And it’s now put its Bruce Main-Smith (BMS) materials online in digital format. For more than 50 years, BMS produced high-quality copies of manufacturer information that had gone out of print. Now the NMM has made more than 5000 documents available as PDFs to buy as downloads, including workshop manuals, parts books and instruction manuals. More info: www.thenmm.co.uk.

Bickers launch new tyre catalogue

For the first time in five years, Bickers, the official UK distributor of Maxxis and CST tyres, has published a motorcycle tyre catalogue featuring both brands. It contains 76 different patterns, 20 of which are new, 80 new sizes, and more than 260 fitments available for road, adventure, scooter, off-road, and enduro machines.

For track days and those pushing the limits on the road, Maxxis’s popular Supermaxx Sport MASP road tyre offers a claimed 30% improvement over its predecessor in life, grip, and handling. It is also now available in the popular 190/55-ZR17 size, completing the brands range.

Maxxis has also re-introduced the M6011 black-wall Classic after a make-over. The M6011 is now available in 12 sizes, and the distributor says it is a perfect touring tyre for heavy cruisers.

CST’s CM-NK01 is a new premium OE road tyre for lightweight bikes, offering excellent grip and available in six sizes. The catalogue introduces three new adventure tyres, the first being the Maxxventure MA-ADV, which comes in four sizes. The CST Ride-Ambro CM-A3 features a new ‘fish scale’ tread that offers a 70/30 road/balanced off-road tyre. Similarly, CST’s CM-AD01 is a rugged adventure tyre for small-tomedium adventure bikes.

Adding to the MXGP Maxxcross family is the new hard pack MXMH M3726 designed and tested by Jeremy McGrath. It completes the MXGP Maxxross range of rear tyres alongside the MXSM, MXST+, and MXMH models. Also available is the DTR1 M7302, a specialist off-road dirt flat-track racing tyre. Three new e-motocross tyres have also been added to the range with fitments available for the popular Talaria and Sur-Ron bikes.

Dealers will also find information on Maxxis and CST inner tubes, World Championship-winning Riga Gomme mousses, workshop tools, accessories, technical data, and a complete listing for the company’s ATV/UTV range.

To download the full catalogue or for more information, visit: www.bickers-online.co.uk or call: 01394604040, or contact: sales@bickers-online.co.uk

NMC upbeat after meeting minister iVendi updates

to comply with new FCA rules

RETAIL TECHNOLOGY

specialist iVendi has released a range of product enhancements to help dealers and lenders comply with tough new consumer protection responsibilities.

The upgrades, built into the firm’s online customer management systems, are directly targeted at the Financial Conduct Authority’s Consumer Duty protection standards.

Rob Severs, senior VP of product and insight at iVendi said: “Since the FCA first announced Consumer Duty, we’ve been looking at ways our technology can be used to power compliance, especially when it comes to the four outcomes covering products and services, price and value, consumer understanding and customer support.”

FINANCE VIDEO HELP

According to iVendi, the central point for the enhancements is a new Consumer Duty page. This includes lender-specific data and product videos which provide all the relevant information, features and benefits of the specific finance product. Suitability assessments consist of a series of questions, specific to each finance product provided by the lender, which the customer must answer before proceeding to the application. If the customer is unable to show they understand the product, they won’t be able to complete the application and will be referred to the retailer, who can then find the right product for them.

There are links to government financial advice and the lender’s support resources, providing help for consumers – especially those classed as vulnerable by the FCA – and helping to ensure they understand the product and can make an informed decision.

Severs added: “These enhancements will be released well ahead of the 31 July FCA deadline, and we’re already having conversations with lenders and dealers about the best ways to integrate them into their Consumer Duty processes.”

The National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) has released a positive message after a sit-down meeting with transport minister Richard Holden MP. And, according to the NMC, the minister is open to developing better government policies on motorcycling.

An NMC delegation that included members from the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF), IAM RoadSmart and the Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF) held wideranging talks with Holden, with a focus on the role of motorcycling in transport policy, advances in PPE protective kit, green lane access, and licensing reform, amongst other areas.

The BMF’s Anna Zee raised the need for emerging ‘smart’ roads and vehicle technologies, plus automated systems, to take motorcycles into account in both R&D and in practice, as well as motorcycle taxation. TRF delegate Graeme Collins highlighted the issue of the confusing patchwork of regulations and how a more common-sense approach to Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO) needs to be established. IAM Roadsmart’s Antony Kildare spoke about the need for improved rider skills, especially amongst gig economy delivery riders, as well as issues around potholes and general road conditions. The NMC’s Craig Carey-Clinch brought up the need for positive changes to Compulsory

Basic Training – announced by the government in 2018 but never implemented, and wider rider licensing policy. This was taken on board, and there was consensus in the meeting about the need to take positive steps on CBT regulation.

Finally, Holden was asked to provide DfT officials with the tools and the mandate needed to develop the work of the recently formed government Motorcycle Strategy Group so that it can move towards creating strategic policies

“But although Mr Holden seems open to developing motorcycling as a transport option, it was evident that the longstanding view that motorcycling is a safety problem to be solved and not a transport opportunity to be supported, is still firmly embedded in some parts of the DfT. NMC members contend that this viewpoint continues to act against motorcycle safety and

Boom in business insolvencies

ACCORDING TO LATEST government figures, the number of corporate insolvencies in England and Wales rose by 51% to 2552 during May, to reach a four-year peak. This total was also 40% higher than in May last year and 89% up on May 2019 – before the pandemic. Rapid insolvency growth has been driven by an increase in creditors voluntary liquidations (CVLs), a process whereby companies can effectively opt to jump before they’re pushed, which have already passed a fouryear high and more than doubled since May 2019.

Commenting on this data, Fran Henshaw, North West chair

NMC members were able to raise individual issues and received a positive reception to these.

From left: Graeme Collins, Antony Kildare, Richard Holden MP, Craig Carey-Clinch and Anna Zee

Silverstone was the venue for the first Ducati UK Riding Experience Academy event, and the Bologna firm reckons it was a big hit. The DRE track event, formerly run at big European tracks such as Mugello, welcomed 60 riders to the inaugural event on 16-18 May, with some big-name instructors from MotoGP and WSBK. Racers

Michele Pirro, Karel Abraham, Chaz Davies, Alex De Angelis, Ferruccio Lamborghini and DRE chief instructor Dario Marchetti, were the top-tier teachers, tasked with showing V4 Panigale-mounted riders the way around the historic Northants circuit as part of a high-end three-day experience based at the Hilton Garden Inn Silverstone. With a combination of DRE and Silverstone’s own instructors, groups of five riders, including media, top customers, and fans benefited from close supervision and tuition, including a track walk with instructors the evening before riding.

riders get the wild performance of the race-bred Ducati Panigale V4 on the Advance course, while less-experienced riders can join the Intermediate level to help build on-track confidence.

Silverstone was just the first

Riding Experiences calendar for 2023. To complete the Riding Experiences portfolio, Ducati UK are also running additional Ducati Track Days for 2023. The first day kicked off at Donington Park GP circuit on 23

Ducati UK track school success MOTORCYCLE TRACKER

Fabrizio Cazzoli, MD at Ducati UK, said, “We’re all delighted that the first Ducati Riding Experience held in the UK has been such a great success. Seeing so many riders out on track on their Ducatis, enjoying the UK’s fastest racing circuit at Silverstone, was fantastic.

Give your vehicle the best protection on the market with Tracker. Their advanced, virtually undetectable tracking solutions are the most effective way to guard your vehicle in the event of theft.

Keith Mason 1955-2023

Leading industry figure Keith Mason who, with his son Lee, built up the UK’s largest independent motorcycle business, has died aged 67.

His and Lee’s dual empire comprises MotoGB, importer and distributor of ten marques, through a network of more than 200 dealers, plus a network of 13 retail outlets in Lancashire and Yorkshire anchored by KJM Superbikes of Wrightington, near Wigan, Lancashire.

MotoGB’s import portfolio sold more than 12,500 new bikes in 2022, taking an 11.9% share of the UK new bike market, second only to Honda.

A major achievement by Keith Mason and staff, whom he referred to as his ‘work family’, was building up the Royal Enfield network, often outselling major brands, including Suzuki and Kawasaki. Last year, Royal Enfield was the sixth best-selling marque in the UK, selling 4871 new bikes, beaten only by big guns Honda, Yamaha, Triumph, BMW and Lexmoto.

Leaving secondary school in Orrell, Lancashire, aged 15, Keith joined Millers Motorcycles of Chorley, Lancashire, as an apprentice mechanic, later becoming the manager. He had a passion for motorcycles and took up trials riding. His next move was joining T&D Motorcycles of Leyland and Preston, Lancashire, as a director. He was instrumental in acquiring a third premises in Chorley.

Married to Eileen in 1973, they decided to set up their own business at Keith’s childhood home in Wrightington, finding premises just down the road.

Keith Mason’s next step was buying Dave Smith Motorcycles in Wrightington and constructing a purpose-built showroom. This was the start of KJM Superbikes. Lee joined aged 15, and the busines s became a destination dealer with a reputation for meticulous attention to detail.

They specialised in new and used bikes sourced from the UK, America and the continent. A key move was importing Honda Gold Wings from various countries, including America and Australia, reputedly outselling Honda UK. This led to Honda in 2005 attempting to restrict imports of Hondas from Australia by KJM Superbikes. Mason took to the courts to defend his rights and won.

To facilitate grey and parallel imports,

Mason, a qualified MOT inspector, set up what is believed to be the first independent SVA (Single Vehicle Approval) testing bay in the UK. DVLA inspectors took an interest in this new development and worked with Keith on creating test equipment for individually imported motorcycles.

KJM Superbikes then embarked on a major expansion programme taking over Motorcycle Centre Orrell, Chorley Yamaha, Wigan Yamaha, Millennium St Helens, Bolton Motorcycles, Preston Superbikes, Robinsons Rochdale, In2Moto Warrington, Wigan Motorcycles, KDs Accrington, The Potteries Stoke, and most recently Appleyard’s Keighley. These outlets retail all major brands in the UK market.

In 2000 Keith’s son Lee set up an independent company Jordon Motors Ltd. The following year this became MotoGB which father and son used to great effect by starting authorised importership, taking on Benelli in 2005.

The Mason family’s work ethic, experience and growing retail network had established a firm springboard for this new venture. Keeway import followed in 2008, then MV Agusta, and then Daelim and Cagiva in 2009.

MotoGB was on a roll. In 2011 SYM joined the import portfolio, followed by Mondial, Royal Alloy (2017), Royal Enfield, Lambretta, Italjet, and, briefly, Hyosung.

Until May this year, MotoGB was importing 11 marques, which dropped to the current ten following Royal Enfield’s decision to handle its UK distribution independently. Today’s Adlington, Lancashire, based import line-up comprises Benelli, Hanway, Italjet, Keeway, Lambretta, MGB, Mondial, Royal Alloy, SYM, and most recently, Voge.

“Keith Mason was a taskmaster,” says Steve Oliver, MotoGB general manager from 20082019, “but he always had a listening ear and was the first in the queue to help. Outside of work, he was very, very compassionate.

“In work, he was an outstanding mentor, and he was fearless. If there was conflict, he would think nothing of picking up the phone and dealing with it. He would face lions and tame them. He could talk to anybody, was very knowledgeable about motorcycles, and had his own collection. He would tackle anything and everything and was always striving to reinvent the wheel.”

Dealer development manager Brian Harris

added: “He could be a stern disciplinarian who demanded the best out of those who worked for him. He guided, encouraged, enraged and exasperated in equal measures. But he was always the first to offer assistance. Even if you refused help, he would push on and do what he could. He had a big heart and loved his family very much. And he would fight anything he considered unjust.

“Though intensely private, he lived to work and packed so much into his 67 years. He gained his pilot’s licence in 1991 and flew his own helicopter. He liked fishing, boating, jet skiing, and touring on a Honda Gold Wing with Eileen as pillion. He loved football and was a fan of his local team, Wigan Athletic, and Manchester United.”

Tony Campbell, CEO at the MCIA, summed up the association’s feelings: “It was with deep regret we heard the sad news of Keith’s passing, he was without question one of the industry’s big characters here in the UK. Keith led an incredibly successful business that was driven to succeed and able to adapt to a rapidly changing marketplace. Keith was more than MotoGB, he was a keen supporter of the wider industry and, I know, a great boss and friend to the many who have worked with him over the years. This is a very sad time for his team, friends and family, and as such, we pass our sincerest condolences to all concerned.”

Keith Mason was diagnosed with cancer pre-covid. He leaves wife Eileen, son Lee, daughter-in-law Joanne, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Keith Mason worked hard and enjoyed the spoils through travelling and a range of high-octane hobbies

Owen Phillips 1965-2023

It is with great sadness that Cambrian Tyres have announced the sudden passing of operations manager Owen Phillips, aged 57.

A proud father to Michelle and Neil, Owen joined the team at Cambrian Tyres in 2000, previously working as an assistant manager for the local branch of ATS Euromaster.

Given his background, he slotted straight into the sales department at Cambrian Tyres and quickly gained many friends in the motorcycle industry up and down the country with his sales patter and great sense of humour.

Following the sad passing of colleague Gary Pugh in 2008, Owen stepped up to the plate to take on more responsibility within the company and eventually became Cambrian’s operations manager. He was involved in many essential aspects of the day-to-day business and the recent expansion

of the company’s warehouse.

Through his role at Cambrian, Owen relished the opportunity to travel to many tyre launch events, enjoying laps at circuits like Portimao in Portugal and Mireval in France and riding an adventure bike in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. He remained a keen biker despite a big accident in 2005, after which he could be found proudly sporting various scars and a ‘Rebuilt in Wales’ tattoo after a lengthy recovery period.

Affectionately known as Bob by many of his current and former colleagues, he almost always had a tool kit to hand and was prepared to get stuck in at any moment, no matter how big or small the task.

Outside of work, Owen committed much of his time to work with the Aberystwyth Royal Air Force Air Cadets, rising to the rank of Sergeant and helping to inspire many younger people to acquire new skills and qualifications.

He will be greatly missed by his family, colleagues and friends, alongside many within the motorcycle industry.

The funeral was held on 24 June, and the entire Cambrian Tyres operation was closed for the day out of respect to Owen, allowing all the company’s staff to attend and pay their final respects.

Tailor-made

Pure Moto, the Wrexham-based motorcycle luggage and accessories distributor, has launched a new bespoke manufacturing service and has already signed up some major brands – Andy Mayo dropped into their North Wales headquarters to find out more

Pure Moto currently distributes Shad luggage, Puig accessories and Longride luggage from the company’s new headquarters, and it has been busy renovating its new 20,000sq.ft facility over the past twelve months. Founder Jos Medinger reports the company has undergone its most extensive period of sustained growth over the last 18 months, and the move to new premises has “allowed us to meet the growing demand and facilitate that growth to its full potential”. The company has also doubled its UK stockholding and now services more than 450 dealers in the UK.

BESPOKE SOLUTIONS

Since 2021, the company has been developing an OEM bespoke supply service and has launched with a number of leading brand names – BSA, CCM, Herald and Kymco have already signed up to the new supply solution.

These new partnership

agreements see Pure Moto take responsibility for the design, sourcing, stocking and ‘final mile’ delivery of branded accessories. Screens and luggage systems are at the forefront of the new venture, but the service can be extended to include clothing, helmets and any bike-related accessories, which can be branded

rises and growing minimum order quantities, the end product didn’t measure up to the original brief. The client then had a logistical nightmare with shipping and container costs, not to mention the need for more warehousing

the five decades of combined industry experience offered by Medinger and McCaffery brings access to a vast array of other products and services.

to suit any make or marque, and therefore offer the manufacturer and its dealer network additional revenue streams.

Pure Moto’s national sales and brand development manager Gavin McCaffery, is delighted with how the new service has taken off.

“It all started from a conversation with a manufacturer that had tried to produce a product directly, and after six months of hassle, price

space in the UK to hold stock. At that point, we said, “Can we take a look for you?

“It has been a steep learning curve for us, but already dealing with Shad, Longride and Puig and having other manufacturers globally to call upon has been massively helpful”.

The expertise provided by Shad, Puig and Longride created a logical starting point, and

“Other brands quickly signed up, and we can now offer a service that, from design signoff to completion, only takes six to eight weeks, depending on volumes ordered. It’s a hasslefree service for the client with low minimum order quantities, and we offer a solution based on the original brief and budget. We have aligned ourselves in the two areas we know best, luggage and accessories, but this will be expanded to cover almost anything motorcycle”, added McCaffery.

“BSA has ordered a complete luggage system covering panniers, roll bags, tool rolls and tank bags, plus various wind and fly screens for its new Gold Star model. CCM is already selling CCM-branded

We can now offer a service that, from design sign-off to completion, only takes six to eight weeks

Gavin McCaffery (left) and Jos Medinger show-off the company’s first stocks of BSA OEM luggage at Pure Moto’s Wrexham headquarters

The new BSA panniers include the simple KLICKfix mounting system

luggage for its Maverick and Beach Cruiser models. We are in the early stages of design for Herald, and are working on a hard luggage solution for Kymco.

“Our contract ensures exclusivity for the brands we partner with, and the luggage offering is already massive – we can offer tank bags, top boxes, roll

bags, tool rolls, backpacks, laptop bags and muffs and aprons, and these can be produced from an even more comprehensive range of fabrics, ABS plastics, leathers, Iparex [a waterproof leather replacement] and more”.

EVENTS AND MARKETING

Following the strength of the adventure bike sector, Pure Moto has been targeting this growth at the ABR show, and 2023 will see Pure Moto return for a second year.

At the show, the company will launch the new Shad TR50 semirigid top case adventure range and an evolution of the Pin System tank luggage, namely the new Click System, which will be available in 3, 9 and 15-litre options.

The company will also return to Motorcycle Live this November with a full display of Shad, Longride luggage, and Puig accessories. All three brands are also promoted through the year with extensive magazine advertising in Bike, RiDE, Motorcycle Sport and Leisure and More Bikes

Pure Moto Unit 4, Gardden Road Industrial Estate, Ruabon, Wrexham LL14 6RG 0333 006 9540 hello@puremoto.co.uk www.puremoto.co.uk

CONTACTS

• Jos Medinger Managing director 07946 512532

• Gavin McCaffery

National sales and brand development manager 07703 180456

• John Russell South East 07582 512581

• Chris White Midlands and Southern Ireland 07545 570386

• Mike Brunsdon South West 07595 894836

PURE MOTO BRANDS

SHAD IS A GLOBALLYestablished motorcycle luggage brand with a huge range of award-winning cases and compatibility across more than 850 models of motorcycles and scooters. Continuous R&D investment ensures that new bikes in all sectors see options developed for them, and there is an increased focus on the strongly-growing electric sector.

PUIG IS A WORLD LEADER IN high-quality aftermarket accessories such as screens, levers, grips, huggers, handguards and much more. Based in Barcelona, Spain, all products are manufactured to EU standards, homologated where necessary, and they

make products for MotoGP and World Superbike

Championship-winning bikes.

LONGRIDE IS A Belgian luggage brand, which Pure Moto added to its line-up in 2021. Originally specialising in the production of leather goods, they made their first motorcycle saddlebags in Wakken, Belgium, in 1988 and have gone on to develop highquality heritage-style luggage targeted at popular modern classic bikes. Alongside Shad, this exclusive UK appointment gave the company an offering into the cruiser market with various styles of fitments, which are removable and lockable, allowing for a rounded all-sector offering.

Fully decked-out CCM, including OEM branded tank bag, side panniers and roll bag

BSA roll bag

Puig in-store display stand

International news

With financial editor Roger Willis

SHORT CUTS

New rules for exhaust design

PIAGGIO

THE RECENT FLOODING THAT DEVASTATED parts of the Emilia Romagna region in northern Italy was so bad that at least 17 people were killed, 50,000 were displaced from their homes and the Imola F1 race was abandoned. To help the victims, the Piaggio Group, via Aprilia, donated nearly £200,000 raised from a special charity auction held at the Aprilia All-Stars event at the Misano circuit, plus a donation from the entrance fees from the event.

PIRELLI

PIRELLI IS CELEBRATING TWO DECADES of being the sole tyre supplier for the WSBK world superbike championship. Since the first deal was signed in 2004, the firm has provided the rubber for 1438 racers to cover nearly three million racing kilometres in the championship.

DUNLOP AND HARLEY

HARLEY-DAVIDSON IS 120 YEARS OLD THIS year, and to celebrate the occasion is holding a series of special events. Dunlop – Harley’s long-standing tyre supplier since 1983 – is also joining in, providing support at the events. Following events in Prague and Rome, the biggest European celebration took place in Budapest in June, where the HD120 event saw Dunlop take a massive exhibition stand with tyre servicing, advice and fun events.

ACEM, the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers, has produced a new set of guidelines designed to make it harder to remove baffles or other noisereducing parts from type-approved aftermarket exhausts. The aim is to reduce noise complaints about motorcycles caused by end users altering their exhausts, particularly by removing “dB Killer” outlets or other mods.

The rules, aimed at aftermarket firms, recommend that baffles be permanently fitted and unable to be removed with everyday tools without cutting, drilling or grinding. Welding, glueing, steel rivets or breakhead bolts are all recommended, and the guidelines also say that removing sound-reducing parts should cause permanent/ irrecoverable damage to the assembly.

Cardo buys Riser bike navigation app

IT SEEMS INTERCOM MAKER

BRIDGESTONE USED FOR RECORD

BELGIAN BIKER THIERRY SARASYN HAS set a new world record by riding to 15 countries in just 22 hours. The total distance travelled was 1368 miles, and he visited, in order, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Presumably, he didn’t have time for the passport queues to add the UK to the list. Sarasyn used a Kawasaki Versys 1000 fitted with Bridgestone’s T32 touring tyres.

Cardo is a brand on the move, and it’s continuing its expansion by buying the Riser bike navigation app. Riser, based in Austria with links to Pierer Mobility, combines navigation functions with expanded social media utilities and gives Cardo another area for development.

“We are excited to join forces with Riser, which has created an innovative motorcycle app that enhances the riding experience,” said Cardo Systems CEO Alon Lumbroso. “This acquisition will enable us to provide our customers with an even wider range of solutions, including navigation,

community, and safety, that meet their evolving needs.”

Dominik Koffu, founder of Riser, added, “We are thrilled to become part of the Cardo family and combine our strengths to provide riders with a comprehensive set of tools that make their riding experience safer and more enjoyable. We look forward to continuing to develop and innovate our technology under the Cardo umbrella.”

Pierer Mobility CEO, Stefan Pierer, commented, “I am delighted to see Riser find a new home with Cardo, and we have every confidence that together

Announcing the new initiative, Antonio Perlot, ACEM secretary general, said: “This initiative, bringing together the expertise of recognised players in the motorcycle sector, addresses one of the main causes of motorcycle noise in the streets. Approved silencers with too easily removable baffles or dB-Killers are today still present on the market, which may result in unacceptably high levels of noise on the road.

“Putting forward state-of-theart solutions, the guidelines will help type approval authorities towards a more harmonised assessment of conformity to anti-tampering rules for exhaust silencers. The call is now on all stakeholders to apply them without delay.”

The recommendations are aimed at road-legal pipes and won’t affect makers of race exhausts and nontype-approved parts.

The full recommendations are available online at: unece.org/sites/ default/files/2023-01/GRBP-7720e.pdf

they will achieve great success.”

According to Cardo, the Riser acquisition is part of an ongoing strategy to provide riders with the most advanced and user-friendly communication and navigation systems.

New spark at LiveWire

KARIM DONNEZ HAS BECOME

chief executive of HarleyDavidson’s majority-owned LiveWire Group electric motorcycle spin-off, after Harley supremo Jochen Zeitz resigned following an agreed launch period. However, Zeitz will continue as chairman of LiveWire’s board of directors.

Commenting on his departure, Zeitz said: “Having successfully stood-up LiveWire as a brand and listed the company on the NYSE, I’m excited to pass the baton to Karim. He is an entrepreneurial business leader with a track record of driving transformational growth through both strategy development and implementation. The board and I look forward to Karim realising the potential of LiveWire, as we continue on the company’s journey to lead electrification.”

Donnez joins LiveWire from Canadian powersports company Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), where he was most recently president of its marine group. He

performed various roles since joining the company in 2015, including senior vice president with strategy, business development and transformation responsibilities.

Prior to working for BRP, Donnez held leading positions at Rio Tinto, latterly as general manager of refinery and energy for Rio Tinto Kennecott. His career began at Irish-American professional services company Accenture, based in Dublin, and he holds an MSc in engineering from Arts et Métiers ParisTech and an MBA from HEC Montréal.

Japanese big four set up hydrogen project

Aquick look at the battery electric bike sales in these pages will tell you we’re still some way off them replacing petrol. Some are touting hydrogen as an answer to carbon-free internal combustion power, and while it’s not an easy, problem-free solution, it does seem to be worth a look.

So the big four Japanese firms – Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha – have sought and received approval from the Japanese government to form a technical research association called HySE (Hydrogen Small Mobility & Engine Technology), that will aim to develop hydrogen-powered engines for bikes and scooters.

Kenji Komatsu, chairman nominee of HySE and executive officer at Yamaha’s Technical Research & Development Centre, said, “We are extremely pleased to announce the planned formation of the association. There are many challenges in developing hydrogen-powered engines, but we hope to see the

association’s activities advance the fundamental research to meet those challenges. We are committed to this endeavour with a sense of mission to preserve the use of internal combustion engines, which epitomize the long-time efforts that our predecessors have invested.”

The new association won’t produce short-term results, but it’s encouraging to see that the big firms are looking for new technological solutions other than big, heavy, expensive batteries, not yet suitable for mainstream leisure motorcycle use.

Karim Donnez is the new CEO of electric bike brand LiveWire

Witherspoon is new MD at DF Capital

DF Capital, the specialist commercial lending bank supporting dealers and manufacturers with working capital solutions, has appointed David Witherspoon as managing director of commercial sectors.

Witherspoon is responsible for all lending activity across agriculture, industrial and transport asset types and leads the bank’s sector manufacturer programme and client management teams.

to manufacturers, vendors, distributors, and their financial services providers. Before that, he worked at Dutch financial services company DLL for almost 18 years in various senior global roles. Earlier in his career, he also worked for GE Capital, Woodchester Credit Lyonnais, Sabre Leasing and Mercantile Credit.

colleagues and our partners and hitting the ground running.”

BENCH MARK RACEBIKEBITZ.COM

He has more than 30 years of experience in equipment finance lending. For the past three years, he has run his own consultancy, delivering value-added services

HOSE

Witherspoon said: “It’s a pleasure to be joining an ambitious business which places great importance on its partnership approach to working with customers. My experience stretches across all the sectors DF Capital operates in today, so I look forward to getting to know my

Orwell signs up Mizon

MOLLY MIZON HAS JOINED THE team at Orwell Motorcycles, Ipswich to build the retailer’s social media presence.

She joined the company from the hospitality industry, where she was assistant manager of two restaurants and gained a wide experience in social media using platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to engage with customers. The hospitality sector was notoriously tough during the Covid period, and

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Fresh from a massive multi-million Euro injection of Indian investment, German e-bike maker eROCKIT has signed up Harald Schlarb, former planning manager at the Tesla car factory in BerlinBrandenburg.

Schlarb joins as an advisor for infrastructure and production at eROCKIT AG after more than three decades in the automotive industry, including work at Maybach, McLaren and Daimler in Germany, China and Brazil.

Schlarb says he is excited

Mizon wanted a fresh challenge, so she jumped at the chance to join the Orwell team.

“I’m looking to be far more engaging with customers through social media and using it to promote products and offers. I want to keep customers up to date so, even if they are not able to come into the showroom, they can stay in touch with what’s going on here.

“I don’t actually ride a motorbike, but the lads are keen to get me out on one.”

about the unique eROCKIT platform, which has pedals and a hybrid electric drive system that lets riders pedal up to 60mph with battery assistance:

“The eROCKIT is truly a unique vehicle,” he said.

“Once you’ve ridden it, you’re absolutely thrilled. The fascinating thing is that you can achieve tremendous speed with minimal effort. Its Human Hybrid technology can be applied to various vehicles and industries, and it can be of great benefit worldwide.”

Carl D’Ammassa, CEO at DF Capital, said: “David has a depth of product and commercial sector experience, having successfully led similar lending business at a local, regional and global level. As well as David’s proven leadership experience, his strategic mindset will be put to work to help us further grow the reach of our lending products across more sectors and asset classes so that we can support more manufacturers’ and dealers’ working capital needs.”

01237 422660 | adsales@dealernews.co.uk

www.britishdealernews.co.uk/jobs

FOR SALE

Reputable supplier of Motorcycle Clothing and Helmets.

3800sqft shop serving London and the South East with new lease.

Business established over 20 years with a healthy turnover and 23% EBITDA.

All sales are walk-ins and business is part of a group with a franchise type setup. Sale to include £500K SAV.

Selling due to retirement.

To express an interest please forward particulars to debernsales@outlook.com

BUSINESS FOR SALE

and Scooter Dealership

A family-owned, independent franchised dealership that’s been successfully trading for more than 70 years. Prominent modern spacious showroom based in the South Midlands, located on a main road a short distance from the town centre. A 5300sq.ft leased unit with additional storage to the rear. The Site has plenty of outside space and free parking, sitting on a service road alongside the main road.

• Large and loyal customer base with massive potential for growth in the area

• Currently selling more than 200 used bikes per year, with good return per unit

• Fully equipped workshop and MOT centre with competent, experienced staff. Equipped Recovery Vehicle. Rear internal storage area.

This proven business would suit an investor, a hands-on owner or someone looking to relocate.

All applicants will be treated in the strictest of confidence – serious offers invited: pobox23@dealernews.co.uk

BUSINESS FOR SALE

Technical Advisor

An exciting opportunity has arisen at Yamaha Motor Europe N.V., Branch UK within our Aftersales Division to become a Technical Advisor across all our main product groups. This role which is an office-based position at our HQ in Woking Surrey, is required to deliver comprehensive technical support to all stakeholders of the company, primarily dealers and end-users of our Motorcycle, Marine and Power Products.

We anticipate that the successful applicant will have a sound and relevant technical background with experience working as a Technician, Service Advisor or in another similar position. Marine technical and industry knowledge in particular will be considered desirable. Part of the main responsibilities will also include providing the factories in Japan & Europe with market feedback and offering advice & support to other functions within the Aftersales Division, such as warranty and customer service.

The successful candidate will need to be based within reasonable commuting distance of our offices, have good communication and basic computer skills with programmes such as Microsoft Office etc.

Occasional travel including attendance at shows and other promotional events will be expected and you may be required to visit our Pan-European head office in Amsterdam periodically mainly for training purposes.

A full car and full motorcycle licence is essential, and applications will not progress without this.

Those that apply will need to be able to work in team environments, have a flexible approach and strive to better their knowledge and skills every day. Particular effort and enthusiasm will be expected to be put into learning technical areas of the products where knowledge may not be as familiar to you as others to ensure we maintain a consistent high standard of service. It is essential to be customer centric with the information we deliver across all our customer touchpoints and direct to the dealer network.

In return, we can offer a competitive salary, defined contribution pension scheme as well flexible working opportunities with other unique benefits.

If this sounds like the right next challenge and opportunity for you, please send a full CV and covering letter (including your salary expectation) to: personnel@yamaha-motor.co.uk

Closing Date 24th July 2023 Noagenciesplease

Classic Honda Restoration Business

A unique opportunity to own and run a small business that specialises in the restoration and supply of parts, tools and literature plus other services for classic Honda motorcycles.

Currently housed in a c.1750sq.ft lease business park property in a village location within the Northamptonshire/Oxfordshire border, with fully equipped workshop, stores and office. The business has a successful mail-order Website and eBay Shop.

A niche business, with plenty of growth potential, that could be adapted to other Honda motorcycle services or even other makes/models.

The business could also be re-located as maybe required. Current owner wishes to retire but offers up to 3-days per week support if of interest to new owner.

Further details available to interested parties, please see and contact via… www.honda-classics.co.uk

Electric news

Electric commuters a major opportunity

A COMBINATION OF PUBLIC transport failures, more home working, and a desire to help the environment means a big opportunity for bike dealers, according to bike finance firm MotoNovo Finance. Poor train reliability, increased costs, hybrid working, and green appeal mean small electric commuter bikes can bring in a new audience looking for cheap, easy transport.

“The cost and, sadly, the unpredictability of train commuting is joining with the emergence of hybrid and flexible working as a permanent feature of how we live and work,” said Julian Oliver, MotoNovo Finance’s national motorcycle manager. “People are not travelling to work every day, making season tickets inappropriate and often expensive. Many others work in the nighttime economy when public transport is often limited. While a car can be a good option, there are higher costs to contend with for its purchase, insurance and usage. With an electric motorcycle, people can access the convenience and control of their transport and do so very affordably.”

MotoNovo reckons a £90 deposit and monthly PCP payments of £90.87 for a Seat MO scooter, makes a lot of sense to many users. And electric bikes have other advantages for nonspecialist riders: low maintenance and running costs, easy to ride, and no worries about emissions zones or congestion charges.

“I love my traditional bike,” said Oliver. “But testing an electric motorcycle, I was struck by the fact that I am not its market because much of my use is leisure based. However, if I was commuting into a city daily, the ease, flexibility, cost and independence of electricity make sense; after all, how many train journey commutes will I get for less than £100 in a month?”

Peugeot buys DAB

Electric power might be a tricky proposition for big bike makers – but for urban commuting mobility specialists it seems like an essential move. So, for Peugeot, an expansion of its batterypowered technology appears inevitable.

The French scooter firm has taken a smart shortcut, by buying out fellow Gallic electric bike brand DAB Motors. DAB’s Concept-E prototype is a 125cc-equivalent electric machine with slick supermoto styling and decent tech. Combining DAB’s new technology with Peugeot’s financial, logistic and production muscle seems like a solid plan for both outfits, and should see the Concept-E make it to market much faster. As part of the deal, Peugeot Motorcycles has made a substantial new investment in DAB and now owns a majority stake in the company.

“The driving force behind our collaboration lies

Maeving RM1 at concours show

A CONCOURS EVENT HELD ON LONDON’S SAVILE Row is usually aimed more at supercar buyers, but at one recent posh gig, high-profile British electric bike maker Maeving took part, showing off its RM1 retro-design machine.

Maeving co-founder Seb Inglis-Jones said: “The Concours on Savile Row event was a wonderful experience for us, and a worthwhile chance to show off just how well-suited to London and city riding the Maeving RM1 is. We got the chance to demonstrate the bike to lots of people for whom the RM1 would work perfectly alongside their existing cars and motorcycles as city transport.”

in the DAB brand promise – “to provide thrills on wheels to bold humans”. This powerful commitment has led us to recognize the necessity of venturing into the electric realm, building upon our legacy of launching motorcycles 125 years ago,” said Peugeot president Sebastien Mas.

“Additionally, the essence of both brands is rooted in production in France. We take great pride in manufacturing our premium ranges locally, preserving our strong expertise, and contributing to the growth of the French industry,” he added.

“This strategic collaboration will take DAB Motors to the next level. With the support of Peugeot Motorcycles, DAB Motors will soon be massproducing its electric motorcycles and delivering worldwide,” said Simon Dabadie, CEO and founder of DAB Motors.

www.dabmotors.com

Verge opens Monaco store

Electric superbike maker Verge continues its high-profile launch with a new superbike designed by former F1 ace and Verge advisory board member Mika Häkkinen, while opening its first dealership in Monaco. The bike is a limitededition, with just 100 being built. It features a 138bhp powertrain with an eye-catching hub-less direct-drive rear motor, and fast-charging battery pack. The Häkkinen edition is festooned with carbon fibre and other premium design cues, as you’d expect, considering the RRP of €80,000.

Desperate to sign up for one? Live in Monaco? Then you’re in luck: the firm has just opened its first store in the principality, and it even welcomed Prince Albert II as one of its first visitors during the opening week.

www.vergemotorcycles.com

Registrations data

Alternative powered two wheeler registrations for May 2023

The battery electric PTW sector’s rate of attrition actually moderated during May, as weary dealers committed to saving the planet desperately awaited dramatic price cuts promised by a swathe of suppliers.

Retail registrations fell by 30.2% to 396 units –representing an annualised market share decline from 4.8% to 3.6%.

As usual, the bulk of those registrations were concentrated in the up-to11kW range, which was 29.8% down to 368 units. Within that, AM-licenced mopeds up to 4kW took the hardest knock, losing 44.5% at 146. The 4-11kW slot paralleling 125cc ICE products in joint A1 licence territory only slipped by 14.9% to 222 – actually better than a monthly 17.5% retreat for those petrolhead equivalents. A burst of

40 Sur-Ron Ultra Bee quasi-dirtbikes helped plump up the numbers.

But also as usual, registrations were pitifully thin once above the basic mobility league. Midrange 11-35kW machines were a meaningless 25% up, from eight to ten, entirely consisting of 15kW BMW CE 04 maxiscooters. In the bigbike equivalent above-35kW sector a mere five disparate bikes were unquantifiable by source. And then an unlucky 13 either exempt or unknown machines completed full numbers.

For the five months of 2023 to date, ePTW sales volume has now more than halved when compared with 2022, plunging by 51.8% to just 1472 units. Electric bike market share has similarly dropped, from 5.9% to 3%.

NIU joins FHO Racing as paddock transport

THE BMW M1000 RR superbikes are all very well – but as with any top race team, FHO Racing needs to have some pretty trick paddock scooters for BSB, the TT and other events. So the BMWpowered race team has snapped up a fleet of NIU NQi GTS scoots to get them around circuits with silent, clean electric power. Darren Jones, FHO team manager, said: “We’re really pleased to partner with NIU for this season. The NQi GTS scooters are incredible for the job. Reliable, high-quality transport is important for the riders and the team when we need to get around quickly. The scooters are easily chargeable, which means at the end of the day, the batteries can be topped-up in the race truck, the garage or the rider’s motorhomes so that they can be ready for the next day.”

New Euro Energica dealers

Alternate power rolling year

BEST SELLING MODELS 2023 YTD

Electric superbike maker Energica has signed deals with two new retail outlets in France and Luxembourg. The new French dealer, Stand41, is located in Blois, Centre-Val de Loire, while the Luxembourg outlet is MyWays, in Junglinster. Both Luxembourg and France are expanding their electric vehicle charging networks with thousands of new fast chargers, which Energica reckons will help build demand for its premium battery-powered machines.

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

“Demand is growing, and we are sure that the fast-charging network that is expanding quickly in this part of Europe will give a decisive boost to the electric transition on two wheels,” said Energica sales director Giacomo Leone.

As usual, the bulk of those registrations were concentrated in the up-to-11kW range

With off-road correspondent Rick Kemp

Apico and Renthal join forces

They’re two of the biggest names in off-road racing and riding. And now top off-road distributor Apico Factory Racing has signed a new distribution deal for Renthal offroad products in the UK.

Manchester-based Renthal is renowned for its premium, highperformance engineered parts, and Apico will distribute its entire offroad range of products in the UK – including handlebars, bar grips, chains, sprockets, and much more.

Dylan Brown of Apico told BDN, “Renthal is a brand we’ve aspired to distribute long before

Anna Eriksson and I took over the business in 2014. Renthal is a worldwide success in off-road, and we are honoured to have been chosen to distribute it in the UK. Whilst there will be a small transitional period, we will soon have the full range of Renthal products available to our dealer network.”

And Rees Whittal-Williams, MD at Renthal, added, “We are very excited to be working with Dylan, Anna and the Apico team to distribute our off-road products in the UK. We have followed the Apico business for many years,

and with their professionalism and enthusiasm for off-road motorcycles they will be a great partner in ensuring our dealers get the service and support they require.”

For further information, contact Scott Cannon, marketing manager for Apico Factory Racing, on 01282 473198 or scott@apico.co.uk

2024 Husqvarna and KTM enduro models

Pierer Mobility has released next year’s enduro models for two of its brands, and the range toppers, the KTM 500 EXC-F and Husky FE450 and 501, all retail at more than £11,000. It has to be said, however, that they have been redesigned virtually from the ground up with some trick kit.

The WP XACT Closed Cartridge spring forks incorporate a midvalve piston for smooth action and consistent performance. At the same time, a hydro-stop in the final 68mm of travel helps to maintain forward momentum. The redesigned WP XACT shock is lighter and 15mm shorter while retaining 300mm of travel. Both the fork and shock settings can be adjusted by hand for a fast and easy personalised set-up.

For the new generation, Husqvarna’s TE150, TE250 and TE300 two-stroke models are powered by new engines, fuelled using Throttle Body Injection (TBI) technology. TBI claims to offer a more consistent and controllable power spread

throughout the rev range. The FE250 and FE350 machines benefit from new and much more compact DOHC engines. These are positioned in the frame two degrees backwards when compared to the previous generation, which further centralises mass and contributes to the improved anti-squat behaviour of the chassis.

All models in the range now come with advanced electronics.

The EMS (engine map selection)

allows each machine to offer two pre-set riding maps to suit varying terrain, with each gear selected engaging a tailored power delivery. The four-stroke models offer additional rider aids, including traction control and a quickshifter.

The KTM models share most of the same technology – LED headlights, TBI for the EXC two-stroke models and traction control and quickshifter on the EXC-F four-stroke models. All

models come with 48mm WP XACT Closed Cartridge spring forks and an updated WP XPLOR PDS rear shock. Front and rear units are equipped with toolfree, hand-clicker adjusters.

KTM has gone to town with the chassis development. A hydro-formed, laser-cut and robot-welded frame forms the backbone of the 2024 KTM Enduro range. This brings new longitudinal and torsional flex parameters for improved rider feedback. Among other bodywork and sub-frame improvements is a new front fender design, which features mud-repelling fins for preventing dirt from hitting the rider or the radiators. New transparent polythene (XPE) fuel tanks – 8.3 litres for the four-strokes and 8.9 litres for the two-strokes provide easy fuel-level monitoring.

As you would expect, new apparel ranges are available to complement both brands,as well as power parts and technical accessories.

Green Lane tie-up hikes lobbying muscle

News that the two leading organisations protecting the use of green roads are to work more closely has been widely welcomed and comes as no surprise, given that at least 20,000 motorcyclists regularly use green roads in England and Wales for recreational purposes. As a fair proportion of those riders also indulge in off-road competition, they account for significant sales in the trail and competition sectors. Maintaining this market is obviously in the interests of the motorcycle industry, and preserving access to green roads is an essential part of the process.

To this end, the National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) and the Land Access and Recreation Association (LARA) have formalised their existing partnership by agreeing on a “Memorandum of Understanding”, combining their joint strengths to further enhance the lobby around green roads. The agreement to develop the collaboration follows the successful joint lobby that the NMC and LARA conducted in 2022 regarding DEFRA’s Landscapes Review consultation. This led to the government working more closely with motorised users on issues relating to countryside access, and both organisations are soon to meet DEFRA ministers to discuss how policymaking could be improved.

The memorandum establishes a framework for a co-operative relationship, and its objective is to develop and promote good

working practices. These include the protection and advancement of preserving and securing motorised access to green and other minor roads, while furthering the aims of each organisation in relation to motor and motorcycle sport activities.

In recent years the range of threats to motorised access to country roads, be they sealed or unsealed, has increased, with Traffic Regulation Orders limiting access to green roads and other highways. Traffic orders that create controversial Low Traffic Neighbourhoods have also become an increasing threat with regard to tarmacked highways, both rural and urban, as have Definitive Map Modification Orders (DMMO) and Stopping Up Orders for routes. Both organisations also have concerns about the recent reinstatement of the 2030 cut-off date for recording rights of way.

LARA and NMC say the partnership combines the legislative and analytical experience of LARA with the lobbying and public affairs expertise of the NMC. When working together on issues, there will also be the accumulated strength of more than 20 organisations behind their activities.

NMC executive director Craig CareyClinch said: “The success of the Landscapes Review campaign last year underlined what can be achieved if we use our ‘constituency’ to best effect by combining forces on shared issues. The public highways and rights-ofway network is a significant national asset for

Not just pistons

PERHAPS BEST KNOWN FOR ITS TWO AND four-stroke pistons, Italian manufacturer Vertex has developed a range of European-made front and rear sprockets, which the company claims to have developed with some of the leading factory MX and Enduro teams.

Three rear sprockets are available, all with the exclusive Vertex design and fully CNCmachined to guarantee durability. The Steel line is made in C45 steel with hardened teeth for higher resistance and less wear. They feature a

lightweight core, black anti-oxide plating and mud grooves around the outer edge. The Alu line is made in EC-Ergal coloured and silver 7075-T6 alloy with self-cleaning mud grooves between each tooth to prevent dirt buildup.

The new tooth design improves chain life. They come anodised in various colours.

The Duo line is a bi-metal sprocket made with C45 steel hardened teeth and a 7075-T6 alloy core, available in different colours.

Vertex also offers two front sprocket sizes,

the functional, recreational and leisure use of motor vehicles. Unsealed roads in particular, are under continuing threat of misuse, closure and other restrictions on their use. These threats are starting to spill over to sealed roads, so problems traditionally seen as being about rights of way and other unsealed routes are becoming an issue of concern for all roadriding motorcyclists.”

LARA’s Dave Waterman said: “LARA was established to enable people with an interest in maintaining access to the countryside by motor vehicles to speak to government with a unified voice. Recreational motorists are in the unique position of facing the threat of wholesale loss of longstanding access rights to the public roads network as a knee-jerk reaction to the unacceptable behaviour of a small minority. Whereas the evidence is that, with constructive management measures, a reasonable level of responsible motor-vehicle use benefits all those who seek to enjoy the countryside, by whatever means, and is good for people’s welfare and for biodiversity. The best way to achieve these benefits is through inclusive partnership working.”

Summing up Carey-Clinch added: “With government engagement starting to increase significantly and with ministerial meetings in the diary, the partnership underlines what can be achieved when there is unity of purpose on shared issues across the motorcycle lobby. Both the NMC and LARA are looking forward to the work ahead.”

both precision CNC-machined

special steel. For more information see www. vertexpistons.com or email info@vertexpistons.com

from 16CrNi4

Stomp adds spark

NOT TO BE OUTDONE IN THE rapidly growing electric dirt bike sector, Stomp has recently started delivering its range of electric minibikes to the market. Starting with the EBOX 1 (12/10in) and EBOX 2 (14/12in).

Boasting 1.6kW and 2kW power, respectively, the bikes feature an adjustable throttle response and fully restrictable top speed, making both models suitable for beginners through to big kids.

BDN spoke to Stomps UK sales manager Danny Taylor, who is understandably excited to further the company’s offering:

“Stepping up the game is what Stomp do best, which is why we have dominated the pit bike scene in the UK for almost 20 years. With the rapidly emerging popularity of electric dirt bikes, we knew it was finally time to bring in a quality, affordable high-performance model mix. The Stomp range of products has always been recognised for these core attributes, and the EBOX easily fits in the back of the average hatchback!”

Both bikes provide typical run times of around two hours off-road, with a full charge taking about seven hours. Top speeds of up to 30mph are possible for adult riders, and supermoto wheel options are already available. Power upgrades are also rumoured to be on the way via USA supplier Electro and Co.

Retail prices for the EBOX 1 and 2 models are £1349 and £1599 respectively.

Stomp

01730 720020

www.ridestomp.com

Dunlop extends MXGP partnership

Infront Moto Racing and Dunlop have further extended their partnership. The racewinning tyre brand has signed a new multi-year agreement to remain an official tyre partner to the series.

The renewal of this partnership signifies the continuation of a highly-fruitful collaboration that Dunlop says has served as an ideal testing ground for the latest technologies and tread patterns it has introduced over the last decade. Consequently, the Geomax tyre line has continuously improved over the years, with notable advancements from the MX51 and MX3S to the latest MX33 and sand-specific MX14. These tyres feature unique designs and performance features, accessible to motocross riders at all levels across the globe.

Teams competing in MXGP have a free choice of tyres and in recent years, Dunlop’s tyres have

been the first choice of several top teams, including Kawasaki Racing, Standing Construct Honda, Husqvarna Nestaan MX2, and a selection of top WMX teams.

Dunlop is keen to point out that its pioneering spirit is evident throughout motorcycle racing, including its success in motocross. These tyre innovations have been instrumental in shaping the sport and raising the bar for performance, further cementing Dunlop’s position as a leading brand in motocross.

Legends of the Dakar exhibition

KTM Motohall has opened a special Legends of the Dakar Exhibition in Mattighofen, Austria, to celebrate 30 years of Heinz Kinigadner and KTM competing in this iconic event. It was ‘Kini’ riding an adapted LC4 enduro that linked KTM to the Dakar event and its subsequent 19 victories.

“Talking about the history of KTM and the Dakar makes me proud. Back when I started in 1994, I could not believe the media coverage – it was so much more than I got for my world (MX) titles, and I knew it could be good for the brand. While the style and professionalism of racing have changed since then, the fundamentals of the race remain the same. It’s a big adventure.”

Said Kinigadner at the opening.

The ‘Legends of the Dakar’ exhibition tells untold stories and re-visits moments in the history of this incredible race, directly from those who have experienced the heat and the cold, the highs and the lows, first hand. With ten history-making Dakar bikes and numerous artefacts on display, the exhibition brings visitors closer to the action from ParisDakar, South America and Saudi Arabia. Years where legends were made, such as Heinz Kinigadner, Fabrizio Meoni, Marc Coma, as well as more recently Matthias Walkner, Toby Price and Kevin Benavides, are re-visited to deliver untold stories while reflecting on competing at what is still regarded as the toughest race on the planet.

Infront Moto Racing CEO David Luongo commented, “Dunlop is a historical partner of MXGP, and we are very happy to announce that it will continue for three more years. The MXGP World Championship is a fantastic laboratory to continue to develop new technology for tyres thanks to the diversity of its tracks, from sand to hard ground soil. I would like to thank Dunlop for its trust and collaboration, and I am sure we will continue growing this fruitful partnership.”

MKM takes on Can-Am

A FAMILY-RUN BUSINESS WITH more than 30 years of experience in the agriculture and ground care sectors, Bedford-based MKM Agriculture has added the CanAm off-road line-up as part of its ongoing strategy to continually strengthen its product offering.

Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) continues growing its Can-Am off-road dealer network in the UK. This new addition is part of its ongoing expansion plans to increase its utility market share in the UK while at the same time, providing utility users with ATVs and SSVs suitable for use across multiple applications and sectors.

Anthony Deacon, managing director of MKM Agriculture, said: “Adding the Can-Am off-road line-up aligns with our ethos of investing in quality products to benefit our customer base.

Combining the Can-Am quality offering and our team’s knowledge and experience will enable us to become the ‘go to’ business in the area for anyone looking to purchase an ATV or SSV.”

New-fashioned showtime

The Bike Shed show in London was bigger and better this year – and it’s also grown its appeal. Alan Dowds spoke to the organiser, Dutch van Someren, about what’s changed and what’s coming up for the future

Putting on a consumer motorcycle show used to be quite simple. Hire a massive industrial hangar, fill it with new bikes, adorn it with conventionally attractive human beings of suitable gender, sell space to hawkers of discontinued tank bags and cheap paddock stands, then season with a light dusting of high-price moderate-quality burger vans. Avoid the area until it’s all finished, then bank the proceeds. Repeat in 12 months.

We’re joking of course. But it’s fair to say that the nature of bike shows has subtly changed of late, with a focus on events, experiences and enjoyment rather than simply piling up bikes, bargains and babes in one place. Nowadays, shows like the NEC’s Motorcycle Live and the ExCeL show in London are working harder to earn their keep, and new shows like the Adventure Bike Festival are transforming the show experience with outdoor adventure riding tracks, guest speakers, and ‘carefully curated’ content.

And it’s probably fair to say that the Bike Shed Show in London kicked much of this off. The entire Bike Shed organisation wasn’t actually launched with the plush restaurant/ bar in Shoreditch which is the heart of the operation now – but with a small-scale show ten years ago on 18 May 2013 in the Shoreditch Studio off Bateman’s Row. And it was the ‘old school’ NEC show which was the catalyst for this new approach. As Bike Shed founder Anthony ‘Dutch’ van Someren told me back in 2017 when I interviewed him, he’d been to the NEC in 2012 and was chatting with his mates about how they would do it. “We wanted really good food, a good bar, good coffee that’s drinkable, photography and art on the walls, clean toilets so your girlfriend doesn’t want to leave after five minutes… We

wanted a beautiful venue, so the venue is as beautiful as the bikes. And every bike would be curated and be there for a reason.”

That first tiny show was a hit, and the restaurant would open a couple of years later, giving the Bike Shed a solid permanent base for its operations.

machines, desert racers, MotoGP bikes and turbocharged drag racers as well as the ‘usual’ Bike Shed fare of older custom bikes, some a little ‘wacky’. There are also more corporate exhibitors, with brands like Alpinestars, Yamaha, BMW and Michelin that some might not immediately associate with the conventional notion of a ‘Bike Shed’ partner.

I caught up with van Someren a week after the show, and he confirmed that view. “Yes, absolutely. I think our ‘cultural footprint’ is growing, as we embrace more adventure bikes, more sports bike style stuff. We had our Bike Shed Talks panel, talking about the future of motorcycling, so we’re definitely trying to grow into more of a motorcycle culture. We spent a decade moving away from café racers into general culture.

“Most people on two wheels now are all kind of one tribe, and we’re trying to be in the front of that. Bringing in brands like Super 73 and having sponsors like LiveWire from the electric world, all of those things are really important to us.”

Six years on from that chat, there’s been a lot of water under the bridge. Bike Shed Shoreditch has gone from strength to strength and is a high-end landmark venue for motorcycling in the capital. The organisation has set up an outpost in the colonies, opening Bike Shed LA just over a year ago. And I’m standing at the Tobacco Dock exhibition space, looking at a Bike Shed Show, which is bigger and better in every way. Perhaps most impressively, the Bike Shed has achieved all that in the face of a global pandemic, a war in Europe and the toughest environment for exhibitions and hospitality in decades.

The 2023 show is the second post-pandemic event, and to my eyes, it looks like a slightly different event. The bikes cover a much wider range of tastes, with plenty of sportier

It must be exciting to see more sporty, mainstream brands like Alpinestars moving towards the Bike Shed too? “Yes, and their product lines are reflecting that. We work with them quite closely in the US with our membership and some of the experiences they do there, and we’ve got to know them very well. That has translated back onto the UK market too.”

So the bigger corporate brands are engaging more with your approach?” Yes, I think they are. They realise you can’t judge value by just numbers or data capture. It’s different now from how many people come to your show and how many email addresses you get or looking at your percentage conversion of sales. They are looking for people that are actually likely to engage with their brand and spend money, which I think we provide by having a more aspirational show that considers its customers. I think we get visitors that are actually interested in what the brands

We’re definitely trying to grow into more of a motorcycle culture. We spent a decade moving away from café racers into general culture

Dutch van Someren, The Bike Shed

are trying to do, and we get a better match between the customers and the brands.”

Van Someren’s strong marketing background informs much of the thinking here, and he’s got an eye on the future too. If we’re going to live in a world where loud, evocative petrol engines are replaced by electric motors, brands will need to have more of a story to sell their products. “We’re moving into an electric world, so the brands have realised that they really have to engage with a brand story. Because going forward, their brand is going to be more important than their platforms. In ten years’ time, it won’t be about the twins or inline-fours; it will be about electric engines, and it will be the badge on their ‘tank’, the design. They realise now that storytelling is so important.

“Brands are moving away from spending money on industry-driven fairs, and they are really trying to meet customers at their level, and that means moving more towards events like ours because that allows brands to have a proper conversation.”

And he offers a concrete example of this storytelling. “I mean, Michelin was the headline sponsor, but they didn’t just bring piles of new tyres. They brought their podcast, and they brought tyres which had been used on the track, and we did content and storytelling. It was a different approach.”

Unconvinced by this thinking? Well, consider the fact that BMW has basically eschewed the conventional Cologne Intermot international show in its own back yard in recent years – but had a very strong presence at the Bike Shed Show this year.

On a more practical level, van Someren reckons that the show was also better this year because the Covid hangover is clearing. “Of course, in 2022, we hadn’t done a show for a couple of years, so everyone was a little

BIKE SHED LA

LOOKING BACK AT BDN’S 2017 interview with van Someren, there were plans for westward expansion for the Bike Shed even back then. And that’s now happened with the Bike Shed LA, which opened in April last year. But the Covid pandemic had a massive impact on the project, as the Bike Shed supremo ruefully admits. He starts off with the background to the LA branch.

“The idea came to us in 2018 when we first opened because London is a complicated and expensive city to operate in, and it’s not exactly the heart of motorcycle culture. We thought if we opened another Bike Shed, it should be in LA. We got a very warm reception for the idea, and we started trying to raise money to do it and the money came. We’d proven we could do it, and everyone agreed it would be a huge success if we could do what we did in London, in Los Angeles.

bit rusty. But for this year, we’d had two continuous years, and it was a smoother, better-run show. We had more food. We used the downstairs space better, and yeah, I did feel like it was a bigger, better, more balanced show.”

It’s a terrible habit amongst journalists –but even after a big, successful gig like the 2023 Bike Shed show, we always want to ask about what’s coming next. Luckily, van Someren is ready for my question about the 2024 show, how it can strengthen – and with a scoop announcement about a Bike Shed America show. “I think certainly, every year we try and do something a little bit different. How to use the space better, who we partner with and who comes back. Obviously, we had more exhibitors and sponsors this year. I think the Bike Shed talks we’ll do again and we’ll expand on that.

“This is the first year we had a theme, and it was ‘Past, Present, Future’ – acknowledging the past as why we are here, and the present, with one foot in the future. Next year we plan to do a show in America as well, probably in September or October, and the theme for the London and LA shows will be ‘Common Ground’. That’s the idea; regardless of where you go in the world, being a motorcycle rider is common ground and it connects us. We’re all riding for the same reasons, the same emotional reasons and the same practical reasons.

“We’ll take a lot of elements from the London show in May, almost as a roadshow, over to Los Angeles with some of the same bikes and builders, and a lot of the brands will be sponsoring both shows, so we’ll have a kind of parallel experience between the two.”

Speaking to contacts in the ‘mainstream’ bike trade after the show revealed that a few preconceptions about the Bike Shed culture had also been shattered. One after another,

“So we spent a couple of years travelling and investigating, and then we got it all together in 2019. We found a venue and a location, and we raised enough money to get going, but then in March 2020, Covid hit, so we were stopped in our tracks. London was closed, and we didn’t know if we would survive, whether London would survive, never mind LA.

“But we’d already taken on a venue, we’d started to build, we’d spent money, so we just kind of ploughed on in slow-motion. You know, fighting with travel, permits, visas. America’s borders were closed for 22 months, so we had to travel through Mexico. We had to do all sorts of weird things to get into the country. What should’ve been a project that finished in 2021 doubled in cost and doubled in time and didn’t open until 2022, 16 months late.”

“We’ve been open for over a year

dealers and other key players in the trade told me how they’d been pleasantly surprised by their first visit to the show, with the range of bikes on display, the quality of the custom work, and the atmosphere. Even the architecture and surroundings of the riverside Tobacco Dock location was praised. Van Someren seems amused at the idea of converting naysayers. “I mean, we’ve been doing the same thing for a decade, and I think people are still just noticing. We’re in a very traditional industry, and some people are quite stuck in their views and a lot of people discount us until they see what we do and there’s still a long way to go!”

now and we hit the ground running. The venue’s in Los Angeles in the Arts District. It operates the same way, just bigger. We have much more retail space and actually have concession partners in Los Angeles, so we have our own shop, but we host Indian Royal Enfield, Ducati, Belstaff, Bremont; it’s kind of like a Selfridge’s for bikes. And we’ve got a huge event space, the restaurant is much bigger, we’ve done 1000 meals in a day, and there’s a huge 5000sq.ft. parking area.”

Business Beat

WHAT’S LIKELY TO BE NEW IN EMPLOYMENT LAW THIS YEAR?

The Employment Bill, originally announced in the Queen’s Speech in December 2019, has been notably absent from the government’s legislative timetable ever since, despite noises suggesting that it might make a reappearance. Instead, we can expect to see several recommendations initially outlined in the

Good Work Plan, which were originally destined for the Bill to hit the statute books courtesy of several Private Members’ bills.

GOOD WORK PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS

The Private Members’ Bills, outlined here, are all concerned with employment rights and, having passed through the House of

Commons, are all currently at various stages in the House of Lords: Right to flexible working: The Employment Relations (Flexible Working Bill) gives employees the right to request flexible working arrangements from day one of their employment rather than requiring 26 weeks of employment before

A tranche of new employment law is coming, and businesses need to understand how it may affect them

The Pregnancy and Maternity (Redundancy Protections) Bill will give pregnant women and new parents returning to work greater protection from redundancy

gaining such an entitlement. They will also be able to make two requests within a 12-month period and will no longer have to explain what impact their request will have on the business. Employers must respond to such requests within two months and must consult with employees before refusing an application. The Bill seeks to make the process less administratively onerous and flexible working the default – and with more generous terms.

Unpaid carer’s leave: The Carer’s Leave Bill is designed to allow employees responsible for caring for someone with long-term care needs, one week of unpaid annual leave (in addition to their usual holiday allocation) to help them balance their caring responsibilities with work obligations. Eligible employees will be able to qualify for this leave from day one of their employment, and there will be no requirement for employees to provide evidence to their employer of how such leave entitlement is used.

Redundancy protection for pregnant women: The Pregnancy and Maternity (Redundancy Protections) Bill will give pregnant women and new parents returning to work greater protection from redundancy. Under current rules, if a redundancy situation arises during an employee’s maternity leave and “it is not practicable by reason of redundancy” for the employer to continue to employ her under her existing contract, the employee is entitled to be offered a suitable alternative vacancy where one is available, above anyone else whose role has been put at risk of redundancy.

The Bill proposes to extend this protection from when a woman tells her employer she is pregnant until 18 months after the birth.

Those returning from adoption and shared parental leave under the plans will also get an additional six months of protection from when they return to work when they start their leave.

Looking after poorly babies: Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Bill will entitle parents of babies receiving neonatal care (either medical or palliative for seven or more consecutive days) to take a minimum of a week’s leave up to a maximum of 12 weeks. This leave will be a day-one right and can be taken in addition to current parental statutory leave entitlements. There are eligibility criteria around the timing of such leave as well as associated rights, such as the right not to suffer detriment or discrimination as a result of taking such leave and statutory pay.

Act 2010 from the current three months to six months.

Fire and re-hire Code of Practice: The government has finally launched its promised consultation on the proposed ACAS Code of Practice, designed to regulate staff’s ‘firing and re-hiring’. The draft Code covers the steps employers must take when consulting with employees over proposed changes to their employment contracts or as part of a redundancy exercise. Dismissal and re-engagement should only be considered as a last resort when all other attempts to resolve the situation have failed. Failure to follow the process correctly could result in a 25% uplift to a tribunal award.

Preventing sexual harassment at work:

The Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Bill will make employers liable for sexual harassment suffered by their staff during the course of their employment. This includes introducing a proactive duty to take “all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment” at work. It will also introduce specific protection for volunteers and interns and protect workers against harassment by third parties such as clients or customers. An Employment Tribunal will have the power to uplift any award by 25% if it can be proved that the duty was not complied with. Also under consideration is an extension of the time limit for bringing a claim under the Equality

Holiday Pay: Last year (2022), the Supreme Court ruled in Harpur Trust v Brazel that part-year workers (in addition to full-time workers) are entitled to 5.6 weeks paid holiday, regardless of the number of hours worked. In response, the government intends to try and restore proportionality between hours worked and statutory holiday pay. The government is suggesting that holiday entitlement should be calculated using the previous 52 weeks as a reference period (apart from new starters lacking that 52-week reference period whose holiday entitlement would be calculated at the end of each calendar month).

SUMMARY

Employment law is always in a state of flux with change perpetually coming over the horizon. With employees becoming ever more aware of their rights, employers need to understand forthcoming legislation and be prepared to adhere to and accommodate new obligations. 

TINA CHANDER

Tina Chander is a partner and head of employment law at Wright Hassall LLP.

It will also introduce specific protection for volunteers and interns and protect workers against harassment by third parties such as clients or customers

Renaissance

New dealers, an enlarged sales team and two new models for premium Taiwanese brand

Taiwanese firm Kymco has been undergoing a double renaissance in recent years. At a global level, it’s been attempting to move its brand image into a more premium space, on par with Japanese or European marques, and putting clear water between it and more value-oriented mainland China brands. In the UK, at a slightly more prosaic level, it’s been moving to a direct distribution model after the importer went out of business in 2019.

The Covid-19 pandemic was a big interruption to the UK restructuring, but the national arm has ploughed on and is now in the process of building up its UK dealer network. The Kymco factory has launched two new high-end machines for 2023 – the AK550 Premium maxi-scooter and the 550ccpowered CV3 leaning three-wheeler.

We spoke to Neil Keeble, Kymco’s national sales manager, about the latest developments in Britain. He started with some staff news, with the appointment of two new regional sales managers.

“The biggest news for us at the moment is that we’ve got a new sales team in place just in the last four weeks. We’ve appointed

KYMCO NEW BIKES

Neil Gregory, who will look after the southeastern and central regions, and Mark Turner from Blacktop Media who will cover Scotland, Ireland and the North.

“Neil Gregory worked at MotoGB for seven years and is very popular with his dealers. We’ve had an influx of applications from MotoGB dealers who want to keep working with him. Before that, he had a true motorcycle industry career in multiple areas, including general manager at a large dealership, and as a clothing and aftermarket area manager.

“Mark Turner is so genuine; he knows the industry and the products, so I’m sure he’ll hit the ground running for us. And with his extensive territory, he’ll be clocking up quite a few air miles!”

Mark Turner is also excited about the prospect. “I grew up with a spanner in my hand,” he said, “Helping my dad work on trucks, cars, boats and bikes. I spent a few years working in the motor trade in sales, then as a business manager, and then moving into engineering sales, mainly in the automotive sector. I’ve worked with most of the manufacturers in the UK and have been involved with some interesting and varied projects.

BDN’s Alan Dowds went to Portugal to try the new AK550 Premium and CV3 three-wheeler

KYMCO AK550 PREMIUM

I’ve ridden the standard AK550 in the past, and it’s a great maxiscooter. The twin-cylinder engine is grunty, smooth and powerful, with 51hp peak power. An aluminium frame keeps weight down – it’s 223kg dry – and premium chassis kit like the Brembo brakes and Dunlop GPR100 tyres help give quality, motorcycle-type handling. The Premium model builds on that basic package with new bodywork and more high-tech

features. A ride-by-wire injection system allows a cruise control function, and it comes with cornering ABS and traction control. There’s an electric windscreen, hot grips, LCD dash and Bluetooth smartphone link all as standard, and with plenty of under-seat storage, it’s a practical, high-end, ride.

On the road, the AK works well. The advanced rider aids give a solid sense of safety, especially on the damp roads around Porto where we were riding. There’s loads of ground

“My passion has always been motorcycles and anything with an engine or motor, and in my own time, I am an automotive journalist, so I have been lucky enough to ride and drive a varied range of vehicles.”

“Our current dealer count is 52, and our target dealer network is 75 engaged dealers. We’ve recently taken on four new dealers. However, now that the new sales team is fully in place, they are working on securing the right business partners in many open points, including key locations such as Leeds, Bristol, Northern and Southern Ireland, Manchester, Bournemouth and Swindon,” commented Keeble.

In terms of product, Keeble says the firm has plenty of stock coming into the country, including the new AK550 Premium and CV3. “Both the CV3 and AK550 Premium are now in stock, and the first batch of around 30 CV3s in both colours has already sold out with new stock arriving.”

KYMCO SALES CONTACTS

Mark Turner – North, Scotland, Ireland: mturner@kymcouk.co.uk; 07803 000017

Neil Gregory – South East/London, Central: ngregory@kymcouk.co.uk; 07816 200649

clearance on twisty roads and plenty of power from the Brembo stoppers. Once you get onto the motorway, the electric windscreen soon whizzes up to give extra protection, the hot grips are ready for UK conditions, and the engine easily gets you up past 110mph.

From a one-day test ride

perspective, the AK550 Premium does what it’s meant to do: matches the best in the business in terms of kit, performance and premium feel. It’s priced at £10,399, a few grand cheaper than a Yamaha TMAX, and is well worth a look for anyone considering this type of machine.

Kymco AK550

KYMCO’S DRIVE FOR HIGHER QUALITY AND design comes from its European design centre, headed up in Bologna by Gianfelice Marasco. He’s worked at Honda and Ducati in the past, working on machines like the Ducati Multistrada 1200 and the later Honda CB600F Hornet. We spoke to Marasco about his background, how he ended up at Kymco, and what goes into his designs.

“In 1995, I was working for an Italian company called MSC, who were design consultants for Kymco, and we made some designs for them at the time. I sketched the People 50, so when the design manager came to Italy, they asked if I would like to come to Taiwan for a while, and I said why not? I was 23 years old, so for me, it was a really big occasion.”

Marasco didn’t stay in Taiwan long, though: Honda was setting up its own European design centre in Rome and asked him to join the team there.

“I worked in Taiwan for one year, and then I received a call from Honda, which was opening a design office in Rome. So when my contract expired, I returned to Italy to join Honda, and I stayed for more than 12 years, from 1999 to 2012. After that, I had an opportunity to go to Ducati.”

Four years on, Taiwan came calling again with another tempting offer. “In 2016, Kymco decided to open a European design office, and they remembered me. In the beginning, we were in Luxembourg, in the same building as the importer.”

But Luxembourg is no place for an Italian designer to work… “We started to think about moving the office from Luxembourg to Italy, and I suggested Bologna because, of course, there are so many factories and suppliers in the area. Then, Kymco started to work more on a proper identity, creating vehicles that are not just following trends. The CV3 is only the first one you will see over the next few years. We will have some models you wouldn’t expect to see, especially from Kymco.”

It’s unusual to find a senior manager who’s worked at Italian, Taiwanese and Japanese firms. How do the corporate cultures differ?

“I cannot find so many differences between Japanese and Taiwanese, especially because Kymco, as you know,

started as a Honda branch in Taiwan, so there is not a big difference. The big difference I noticed was when I arrived at Ducati because 98% of people that work in Ducati are motorcyclists. There is always a fight between designers and engineers, this is normal, but if you fight with an engineer, who is also a motorcyclist, it is much more interesting! And as we know, this reflects on the vehicle’s design.”

What are the differences between designing a big bike like the Ducati Multistrada and a scooter?

“It depends on which kind of project and if you’re starting from a blank sheet or not. For example, when we started the CV3, it was fascinating because, okay, we had the engine, but that was it. So in that phase, from my side, it’s important to apply imagination and creativity.

For premium bike design, is the design most important, or are the finish and production materials more important?

“Small details on finishing materials are important, of course, to reach the premium level. For the AK550 Premium, I had an image of the Ferrari Roma. The AK550 is our Ferrari, they use a style that looks very elegant, so you can bring together an elegant silhouette that makes you recognisable because you are driving or riding something special.”

Finally, we asked Marasco about his favourite (nonKymco) bike design. “I have an MV Agusta F4 750 in my living room! Apart from that, I think maybe the Honda CBR600RR 2003 to 2004 or the MV Agusta F3. I also own a BMW R1200 GS Rallye, which may be ugly, but I like it for different reasons!”

The CV3 is one of the new breed of reverse-trike leaning threewheelers, like the Yamaha Niken and Tricity, and Piaggio’s MP3. They aim to give car drivers a commuting option for better traffic-beating ability while adding the extra safety of a third wheel. Unlike the Yamahas, the CV3 has a locking mechanism, so you can push it about at a standstill without it falling over, and a simple pushbutton locks or unlocks the mechanism, which also deactivates once you move off.

It has the same 51bhp power train as the AK550 but is heavier at 265kg dry, and slightly slower. There’s less under-seat storage

space and no electric windscreen, but much of the spec is similar to the two-wheeled 550 scooter. The brakes are less powerful – they use standard non-Brembo callipers and have more mass to deal with.

Once you adapt to the leaning mechanism, it’s good fun in the bends. The stands deck out quite

quickly, but the CV3 feels more than up to it.

It’s priced at £11,999 – which feels like it could be tempting for an out-of-town commuter looking for an alternative to four-wheels. I suspect hardcore two-wheel fans will be less keen, though.

£49.99RRP

KYMCO CV3

Kymco CV3

GIanfelice Marasco (right) with Alan Dowds and Kymco staff

Strong women need a fierce glove.

MATTERS MARKETING

Expert advice to improve how you promote and sell productsyour servicesor

HOW SUCCESSFUL WAS MY LAST AD CAMPAIGN?

maximum bang for your buck. In order to track responses to our adverts, we included a “Book Now” button. From the get-go, the results were incredible. Every event we advertised enjoyed increased pre-booking, and more people turned up on the day as well. The moral of this story is not that you should immediately start advertising on

Facebook; in this particular case, that just happened to be the best channel to reach our audience with the limited funds available. The lesson to be learned is that every advert needs a clear objective that can be measured. Otherwise, how will you know if it’s had any impact?

Like many people in our industry, I turned my hobby into a job. As a result, I find my work stimulating, and most of the people I deal with have a shared interest. The only problem is that it’s difficult to switch off because my hobby is now an extension of my work.

To give myself a break, in my spare time, I’m a station master on a heritage railway. Our railway is entirely staffed by volunteers and the trustees were very excited when they discovered I run a marketing company. Could I help with their marketing? This put me in an awkward situation – I wanted to help, but I also wanted a break from my day job. As a compromise, I offered to manage their Facebook advertising.

For an organisation with limited resources, every penny spent on promotion needs to generate a significant amount of income, so it’s really important to know whether you’re getting

Coca-Cola, one of the Top 10 brands in the world, spends $4bn a year on advertising. Their campaigns tend to be based around messages – think of the “Holidays are coming” adverts they run every Christmas. You can be sure the marketing team at CocaCola will be running surveys to check whether people are associating their fizzy drink with the season of goodwill.

Of course, the ultimate objective is always to boost sales, but a shrewd advertiser understands that there are different ways and means to achieve this. Sometimes it’s something as simple as getting a customer to click on a button to buy, and other times it’s about changing people’s opinions. Either way, as we always say, if you can’t measure, you can’t manage. 

NEXT MONTH

What’s the point of having a sale?

DAN SAGER FROM FAB-BIKER PR CONTINUES HIS SERIES ON marketing for motorcycle businesses by asking some of the big questions. fab-biker.co.uk

If you are operating on a limited budget every advert needs a measurable and a clear objective

From the get-go, the results were incredible. Every event we advertised enjoyed increased pre-booking, and more people turned up on the day as well

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Time to make a change?

A change to the rules on tax reporting could mean more admin and tax for some businesses

From 6 April (2023), how income tax payable by unincorporated businesses such as sole traders or partnerships is calculated changed under new rules brought in by HMRC. The tax body is worried that many businesses still seem to have not heeded its warnings about how it’ll impact them. Put simply; some could pay much more in tax and be burdened with extra unnecessary admin too.

The change to what is known as the ‘basis period’ rules will make little or no difference to the many businesses that already have a 5 April or 31 March year-end. But as Emma Rawson, a technical officer at the Association of Taxation Technicians, points out, “for those with accounting years that do not align with the tax year, the impact will be significant.”

Unfortunately, she says that “many businesses which could be hit by this change remain unaware of it. Therefore, the resulting temporary increase in their tax bills and ongoing additional admin burdens could come as a nasty shock.”

WHAT CHANGED

Currently, once established, sole traders and partnerships pay income tax on the profits of their accounting year ending in the tax year. For example, if a trader draws up accounts to 31 December each year, in the tax year 2022/23, it will be taxed on profits for the year ended 31 December 2022.

From April 2024, Rawson says that this will all change, and they will instead pay tax on the profits they earn in any one tax year – i.e. from 6 April to the following 5 April.

She notes that “tax year 2023/24 is a ‘transitional year’, in which the tax system swaps over from the current basis to the new tax year basis. To achieve this, special rules apply to calculate taxable profits and taxes. Effectively, those that have a year-end other than 31 March or 5 April will be taxed on their normal basis period plus an extra amount of profits to bring them up to the end of the tax year.” Rawson gives the example of a business with a 31 December year-end that will be

taxed on their profits for the year ended 31 December 2023 plus their profits for the period from 1 January 2024 to 5 April 2024. Rawson highlights that this will result in more than 12 months’ worth of profit being taxed in 2023/24. To help ease any additional tax arising as a result, she says that “businesses can offset any ‘overlap profits’ they may have from their early years of trading (when they may have been taxed twice due to how the old basis period rules work). They may also be able

Once these changes come in, those that draw up accounts to something other than 31 March or 5 April will have extra work to do each time they complete their tax return

to spread any remaining ‘excess profits’ over up to five years.”

THE PROBLEM OUTLINED

As noted above, the transitional year rules could see a temporary increase in the tax payable by businesses without a 31 March or 5 April year-end. However, for Rawson, that is not the end of the story, as these businesses will also experience ongoing additional admin burdens.

In particular, she warns that once these changes come in, those that draw up accounts to something other than 31 March or 5 April will have extra work to do each time they complete their tax return: “To get to the profits for a tax year, they will need to combine amounts from two separate sets of accounts and depending on how late the accounting date falls, the second set of accounts may not be ready by the time they come to file their tax return.”

Where this is the case, she says that “they will have to estimate the amount of profits to take from the second set of accounts and include a ‘provisional figure’ on the tax return. They will then need to amend the return to correct that provisional figure within one year of the original filing deadline (i.e. by 31 January 2027 for a 2024/25 return).”

Irritatingly, these extra steps are not a one-off but will recur every year when they prepare their tax return.

MAKING THE CHANGE

So, with the change set out, Rawson says that the best way to avoid these ongoing administrative burdens is to change the accounting date to 31 March or 5 April.

Luckily, for the moment, Rawson says that it’s possible to change the accounting date by drawing up a set of accounts for a shorter, or longer, period than usual, ending with the new accounting date.

She says the best time to make this change may be during the transitional year 2023/24.

This is because “special rules applying in that tax year may allow them to spread any excess profits, across up to five years – something which isn’t available if they make the change in any other tax year.”

Beyond that, Rawson explains that “another advantage of changing in 2023/24 is that the normal rule, which says a set of accounts can’t be longer than 18 months, is disapplied in that year. This means they can draw up one long set of accounts to make the change.”

REDUCING BURDENS

Unfortunately, moving the accounting date will not help the trader escape any temporary increase in tax as a result in the change of the basis period rules. However, from Rawson’s

standpoint, it will significantly reduce their ongoing admin burdens as they won’t have to worry about splitting accounting figures between tax years or estimating and then correcting provisional figures. This will clearly save time and effort and, says Rawson, “may also help avoid a significant increase in fees if they pay someone to prepare a self-assessment return.” And then there’s the issue that tax return fees are likely to increase for businesses with an accounting date other than 31 March or 5 April, as tax agents will have to do more work to calculate the profits for the year, as well as having to amend returns to correct any provisional figures used.

So, in Rawson’s view, “changing an accounting date to 31 March or 5 April will undoubtedly make a trader’s life easier from a tax perspective.”

SUMMARY

Before making any business change, expert advice is necessary to weigh up what’s best for the business overall alongside the tax-related issues. Time spent with an accountant or tax adviser in seeking more help and information would be a wise investment. 

Unfortunately, moving the accounting date will not help the trader escape any temporary increase in tax

Bye Bye Blackbird

At the turn of the century, JAWS Motorcycles was based in Thetford, Norfolk, specialising in Honda Blackbird parts and accessories. Today it lives in Greater Manchester, retailing clothing, parts and accessories to the public and the trade

JAWS can still supply parts for the Honda CBR1100XX, but now there’s much more to be had from the 16,500sq.ft site in Leigh Road, Leigh, Manchester with car parking at the back and bike parking at the front. The business is called JAWS because the original owner was John Albert William Smith. He ran the company until his retirement ten years ago when it was sold to current owner Karen Bretherton.

Five years ago, Karen took the business from a domestic mail-order operation to its first commercial premises. Her husband, Gary Bretherton, whom many of you might know from his 20 years at Avon Tyres, came on board. Initially, Gary concentrated on building the company’s digital presence to the point where there are now three eBay shops and one on Amazon. Gary knows this was important to level out the inherent seasonality of the motorcycle business.

“I found that even when I was

out on the road selling, once you got to winter, everything slowed down and eventually dropped off from September to March. I thought there had got to be products that sell through the winter, so we looked through our

which, pre-Brexit, was their best market for many items, but now it’s the worst. “Trying to sell to the Republic of Ireland is just horrendous. Because it’s considered a dodgy gateway to Europe, everything you sell there is scrutinised, jumped on and maximum duty is applied. You can tell someone that an item is £100, and you send it off with the correct paperwork and everything, but by the time they’ve put import duty and VAT on it, it’s added another £80. So

the Leigh premises has enough stock storage area, JAWS can become a major player, getting preferential treatment from suppliers who will put stock aside for regular customers as and when it comes in so that it’s available on demand. However, as Gary explains, the downside of this is pricing – particularly if you don’t know that the price has gone up until you get the invoice, and you’ve pre-sold some stock at the old price.

“Take this year. We sell a lot of oil – we deal with Putoline, Motrex, Motul and Silkolene, and we are distributors for Gulf oils. Suddenly you get to January, and you receive an email informing you that prices have gone up 5 or 6%. With all the different ranges you’ve got, there will be about 400 SKUs that need changing in the shop, on eBay and on Amazon. That’s a lot of work.”

product portfolio and selected what we thought would be seasonal items, such as battery chargers, bike covers, heated grips and protection fluids. So that’s what we specialised in.”

Having made a name for itself, stocking Blackbird bits, the global market for that model is still there, and sales tick over quietly in the background. Gary gets quite animated about Ireland,

that market is virtually dead. The only way around it is to have an agent in Northern Ireland so that the customer can collect it themselves and sort everything out. But who wants to do that?”

Gary feels that the market out there is huge, but you’ve got to be fully connected to tap into it, and that can be timeconsuming, not to mention all the invoicing involved. But as

One area that has stabilised is apparel. Most large distributors follow the same rules, and not all current ranges are discounted, so there’s no price difference between in-store and online. This is a great improvement on the bad old days when potential customers would go into a shop to try something on and then go home and buy it cheaper online. Additionally, most distributors will now refresh older stock at no extra charge.

Trying to sell to the Republic of Ireland is just horrendous. Because it’s considered a dodgy gateway to Europe, everything you sell there is scrutinised, jumped on and maximum duty is applied

Co-owners Karen and Gary Bretherton

JAWS Motorcycles offers some major key brands, including Arai, AGV, HJC, Shark and MT road helmets; Alpinestars, Airoh, Shot and Wulf off-road helmets; and Dainese, RST, Oxford and Spada road clothing ranges.

Bearing all this in mind, the Brethertons took JAWS Motorcycles into the wholesale market in 2018 by launching KGB Motorcycles (K & G Bretherton) with a B2B website for trade customers: www. kgbmotorcycledistribution. co.uk. This portal includes a dealer locator so that retail consumers can find their nearest suppliers of KGB’s exclusive brands, including BC Battery Controller, Cobrra chain oilers, Gulf lubricants and Blazewear heated motorcycle clothing, plus essential service items, including Motul lubes, ACF50, NGK, HiFlo, D.I.D, EBC and many other products.

Gary says that the boom product area at the moment is intercoms. “It seems like everybody who has a bike now has either got or wants an intercom – sales of Sena and Cardo systems have gone through the roof. It started with just rider-to-pillion communication, then we got Bluetooth to add sat nav, phone and music, and now we’ve got Mesh (basically WiFienabled everything), so anyone who’s got an intercom now will eventually have to replace it.”

As Gary points out, it’s a shrewd move from the manufacturers, but the motorcycle rider demographic is getting older. “If intercoms are going to need regular software updates, then we could see dealers incorporating a hi-tech counter in the showroom with dedicated personnel.” On the subject of showrooms, JAWS was delighted with the help they got from their distributors with display and PoS material when they moved to the bigger premises. “It made a lot of difference to the bottom line when customers had the room to browse the products.”

JAWS Motorcycles is definitely Karen’s business – she’s spent all her working life in retail starting with a market stall at the age of 18. As far as motorcycles and associated products go, she’s learned on the job and reads a lot of manuals. Gary claims he does all the IT and coffee while Karen runs the show. And, yes, some customers still assume that it’s a bloke they need to talk to when they walk through the door. However, they are soon put straight on that one … 

JAWS Motorcycles 01942 677 177

The latest products for your showroom

Kappa Evo Sharp 5

A NEW WOMEN’S JET HELMET, THE KV37 EVO SHARP

Lady features a thermoplastic shell with an anti-scratch visor and a drop-down smoked visor to counter the summer sunshine. The ventilation system has a large top vent to increase airflow, and the inner lining is both removable and washable. Secured with a micrometric buckle, it comes in sizes XS-XL in a black/grey/fuchsia graphic. No UK prices yet, but it retails for €133 SRP on the continent.

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

Knox Handroid

THE OTHER-WORLDLY STYLING OF THE ORIGINAL KNOX HANDROID GLOVE STOOD OUT from the sea of sports gloves on the market, and the recently launched Mk5 version continues that trend with its patterned leather and exo-skeleton finger spines. Updates for this version include a new more comfortable single-sided polished LDPE cuff for improved strength, abrasion resistance and impact protection, and a new Boa closure system which allows microadjustment of the fit. The palm is now made from ethically-sourced kangaroo leather while the rest of the glove is cow hide. The Scaphoid Protection system has been upgraded to Micro-Lock (Knox’s soft armour) for added impact protection, and has been enlarged to cover the edge of the hand. The Handroid Mk5 comes in a choice of traditional black, or slightly more flamboyant red/black or yellow/black for an SRP of £249.

Knox; 01900 825825; sales@planet-knox.com

Richa Cyclone 2 jacket

Dainese Urbactive GTX

BOOTS FOR THE URBAN RIDER WANTING TO maintain a casual appearance, the Urbactive GTX are lightweight and protective, and also waterproof, thanks to a Gore-Tex membrane. Protection comes in the shape of ankle reinforcements and a strengthened exoskeleton, which are backed up by Groundtrax soles designed to resist deformation in the event of an impact. To improve walking comfort for off-bike usage, there is an Ortholite insole. They come in a choice of black or black/green in EU sizes 39-47 for an SRP of £219.95.

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

MADE FROM A MIX OF HIGH ABRASION RESISTANT TEXTILES, THE CYCLONE 2 GORE-TEX jacket is an update of the original Cyclone jacket. It is fitted with a Gore-Tex waterproof and breathable liner and a detachable thermal liner for countering inclement conditions, but also has Richa’s Airtech Control System ventilation to manage airflow on warmer days. Accordion stretch panels at the elbows plus other stretch panels throughout, as well as adjusters on the sleeves, waist and cuff, help to tailor the fit. For impact protection D3O level 1 soft armour is fitted at the shoulders and elbows, and this can be upgraded to level 2 armour if required. A Viper level 1 or level 2 back protector can also be added.

The Cyclone 2 Gore-Tex is available in men’s sizes S-6XL in black, black/yellow and black/grey or in ladies’ sizes S-4XL in black only, for an SRP of £529.99.

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

Rev’It! Hyperspeed 64

REV’IT! HAS LAUNCHED A NEW HYPERSPEED 2 RANGE OF CLOTHING which, it says, takes the firm’s racing DNA and uses it to inspire urban riders, although it obviously doesn’t mean commuters and delivery riders going by the fact that the first item in the collection is a one-piece MotoGP inspired suit. The suit combines perforated leather with strategically placed stretch panels and includes integrated Betatec protectors, a drink reservoir pocket in the speed hump and provision for a TechAir airbag.

More suitable attire for the city-based enthusiast is found in the three jackets in the Hyperspeed 2 range – the Pro, Air and GT Air. The Pro is a leather jacket which Rev’It! bills as “a waist-length alternative to one-piece racing suits”. As such, it features elbow sliders, a speed hump with drink reservoir pocket, CE level 2 protectors at the elbows and shoulders, and optional Seesoft back and chest protectors. It is also compatible with the Tech-Air airbag system. It comes in black/grey, black/ red or black/blue in sizes 46-56 for an SRP of £559.99.

The Air is another racy-styled jacket, but it takes ventilation to a higher level, with numerous perforated leather panels and 3D mesh. In case it gets chilly there is a detachable windproof gilet. It uses the same Seesoft protectors as the Pro but can’t take the airbag. It comes in black/red, black/anthracite or black/ white for an SRP of £529.99.

The GT Air is also a highlyventilated sports-style jacket, but made from lightweight polyester mesh fabric with triple-layer abrasion resistant softshell fabric on the shoulders and arms. It has Seesmart CE level 1 armour fitted at the shoulders and elbows, and can take an optional back protector. Reflective logos add extra visibility and there are multiple adjustment points to improve fit. It comes in black with a choice of yellow, red, white or blue stripes for an SRP of £189.99.

Hyperspeed 2 GT Air

REV’IT! Sport International; info@revitsport.com

Suzuki and CFMoto filters

THE BUSY FOLK AT DNA HAVE BEEN ON A development binge, adding three new filters to its catalogue. For Suzuki 2023 model V-Strom 800 and GSX-8S owners there is a new high-flow air filter which promises 99% efficiency and an increase in airflow of more than 60% compared to the OE filter. It comes pre-oiled, for an SRP of €69. If that doesn’t sate the desire for performance gains or extra induction noise, then there is a Stage 2 kit (described as “race use only”) which improves both by replacing the OE plastic air box intake cover. Used in conjunction with the filter it further improves airflow and claims improvements to power, torque and response. SRP is €44.

Owners of the CFMoto 450 SR pocket-rocket sportsbike can also benefit from the improved air management provided by a DNA kit. The filter for the CFMoto improves airflow by 75% for an SRP of €65, and the Stage 2 replacement air intake is €45. DNA Filters; info@dnafilters.com

Clarke bench grinder 5

USEFUL FOR SHARPENING TOOLS AND DRILLS, shaping and smoothing metal, or even fulfilling polishing duties, every workshop needs a bench grinder. Clarke’s new CBG6SC model has a 6in, 36-grit grinding wheel spinning at 2850rpm alongside a 2in wide, 80-grit sanding belt, both powered by a 250W motor. Safety features include an eye shield, flexible work light and adjustable tool rests. SRP is £118.79. Machine Mart; 01159 565555; www.machinemart.co.uk

AWARD WINNING

CLEANING PRODUCTS

A carefully formulated, award winning range of specialist cleaning products to make your pride and joy ‘best in show’

Hyperspeed 2 Pro

Hyperspeed 2 Air

Hyperspeed 2 one-piece

MRA SCREEN

GERMAN BODYWORK FIRM MRA HAS A NEW flyscreen for the Yamaha MT-10. Sized at 280x330mm, it is available in clear, light smoke and black for an SRP of €123.94 including fittings. Faster96; info@faster96.com

Nexx Y.10 54

UNIBAT

BIKE TORQUE RACING HAS A RANGE OF JUST seven Unibat lithium ion batteries but, combined with the supplied spacer pads, they offer more than 167 equivalent fitments. Each battery comes with four reinforced poles, allowing installation at any angle, even upside down. Unibat claims that its batteries weigh around a third of a standard lead-acid battery, and have a recharge time of just six minutes for a 90% fill.

BTR; 01373 464252

WHY NEXX’S LATEST LID IS NAMED AFTER THE PHONETIC SPELLING of an albino chicken isn’t made clear, but what the PR does emphasise is that the Portuguese brand is keen to further refine its jet helmet range. The Y.10 is EC 22.06 accredited thanks to its highly impact resistant Polyfusion shell, which is available in two sizes. The Lexan visor has been made longer and wider to improve peripheral vision – essential for the urban commuter the helmet is aimed at, and there is a tinted drop-down sun visor to protect against glare. The removable and washable liner is both antibacterial and anti-sweat treated and it has channels for glasses-wearers. Finally, the Y.10 is equipped to take a Bluetooth comms system with speakers up to 45mm. It comes in sizes XXS-XXL in a range of colours and graphics with prices starting from £119.99.

Nexx; www.nexxpro.com

VE

Optimate USB-C

AXXIS CORRECTION

LAST MONTH’S AXXIS HELMETS ARTICLE got a bit confused over the pricing of the new additions to the range. The correct prices are: Axxis Hawk Evo SV is £139.99 in solid colours, or £149.99 in graphic options. The Axxis Racer GP has an SRP of £249.99.

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

USB SOCKETS FOR CHARGING PHONES OR SATnavs have become a de rigeur accessory for bikers over the last decade or so, but the recent EU mandate that all new phones must use USB-C means that USB-C compatible charging device are about to become much more popular. Optimate claims that its waterproof O-118 is “the first USB-C-ready on-bike charger”, and its 3300mA output means it is compatible with the latest fast-charging phone models. The unit features auto shut-off to prevent the bike’s battery being accidentally drained, and it will also monitor battery health, showing the result via LED lights. SRP is £49.90.

Motohaus; 01256 704909; info@motohaus.com Probike; 01604 660555; www.probike.co.uk

Oxford indicators 54

OXFORD’S NEW DARK RANGE OF sequential LED indicators is hitting showroom shelves. The Darkchaser, Darkseeker and Darkhunter units offer three different styling options for the tough, matt black waterproof case, but share the same nine LED array behind a smoked finish lens. They can be used front or rear and have a universal fit compatible with most motorcycle models. They come with in-line resistors to regulate the flash rate and have an SRP of £49.99 SRP per pair.

Oxford Products; 01993 862300; info@oxprod.com

FACO SCREEN THE FACO TWEEN IS A HEIGHT-ADJUSTABLE screen for the Vespa Primavera and Sprint scooter 2014-2022. Made with a dark smoked lower screen and a clear upper screen, it can be adjusted in height between 245mm and 420mm. SRP is £95.60.

(UK); 01159 462991

Ruroc Atlas 4.0 Track

RUROC IS TAKING ITS ATLAS 4.0 HELMET TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH A track-inspired version developed with input from British Superstock champion Taylor Mackenzie. It is made from lightweight T300 carbon fibre which makes it 15% lighter than the standard Atlas shell, and has improved aerodynamics including a new spoiler. A moisture-wicking performance liner and cheek pads are fitted and a new, more temperature tolerant, visor seal has been fitted. It comes in carbon or graphic finishes with prices starting from £550. Ruro; www.ruroc.com

Fantic Caballero 700 56

A PRE-PRODUCTION MODEL WAS ON SHOW AT LAST YEAR’S Motorcycle Live, but now the showroom version of Fantic’s retro-scrambler style Caballero 700 is landing in dealerships across the country. The 689cc parallel-twin powered bike shares similar styling to the 125 and 500cc singlecylinder Caballeros, but Fantic says that no parts, not even a bolt, are shared between the 700 and its siblings. The Yamaha-designed motor produces 74hp and is teamed with a steel frame, aluminium swingarm, and 21in and 19in spoked wheels to provide capable on- and off-road performance. Tech hasn’t been forgotten, with the Caballero benefitting from a circular 3.5in colour TFT screen with integrated Bluetooth up front, and handlebar switching between the three riding modes. LED lights front and rear finish it off. It comes in red or metallic blue with a yellow number roundel on the side for an SRP of €9990. Clements Moto; 01227 720700; sales@clementsmoto.co.uk

J&H Lux

AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER, THE NEW LUX EXHAUST FROM DR JEKILL & MR HYDE FITS the latest Harley-Davidson Nightster. The Lux features Jekill & Hyde’s signature electronic switching between multiple modes to change the exhaust tone from quiet, through Dynamic to the full-on roar of Mr Hyde mode. The system is available in black or chrome finishes with a choice of Slashcut or Streetfighter end caps in matching or contrasting finish, with prices starting from £1720. The Jekill and Hyde Company; +31 (0)77 3081070; info@jekillandhyde.com

Bike It phone holders 64

NEW TO BIKE IT’S ACCESSORY RANGE are a pair of phone holders with built-in wireless charging. The Pro2.0 expands in order to accommodate a wide variety of models measuring from 3.5in to 6.5in, the one-click locking system contracting the holder to secure the phone. The 360o rotatable base allows portrait or landscape orientation as well as positioning for optimal visibility, and the holder features a QC3.0 USB 3A fast charger alongside a 15W Qi wireless charger for phones that support it. SRP is £39.99.

The Pro2.0 Waterproof case is fully sealed and IP67rated, with a touchscreen compatible lid. It has 20W wired and 15W wireless charging compatibility, and the clamp fits handlebarsup to 32mm in diameter. SRP is £44.99. Bike It; 02380 658700; tradesales@bikeit.co.uk

Givi charger 4

ITALIAN ACCESSORIES MAKER GIVI IS branching out from its core luggage and helmet offerings with a new compact battery charger. The made-in-Italy D-Charge can be used to top-up both conventional 12V leadacid and lithium ion batteries up to 100Ah in size, and also has a maintenance function for long-term battery conditioning. The POLAR function uses a built-in temperature sensor to regulate the output to optimise the charging cycle even in cold conditions. SRP is £61.08. Givi UK; 01327 706220; info@givi.co.uk

Corvus accessories 5

EUROPEAN OFF-ROAD VEHICLE MANUFACTURER

Corvus has a new catalogue of accessories for its utility vehicles. The range extends from bolt-on snow tracks to more UK-friendly front bumpers, electric winches and roof rack. Those wanting to improve the looks can leaf through a selection of alloy wheels, or the more practical can study the storage pods, range of doors, hydraulic tilting kit for the cargo bed, and much more. The catalogue can be downloaded at www.bossorv.co.uk.

Corvus UK; 01785 561046; sales@bossorv.co.uk

Arrow Urban exhausts

VE(UK) HAS ADDED A NEW RANGE OF ARROW URBAN EXHAUSTS FOR THE VESPA GTS, covering Euro 3, 4 and 5 models. The black finished aluminium end can is diamond-shaped and has a re-engineered interior to improve the efficiency and sound. It promises lighter weight and improved performance for E3 Vespa GTS 125, 250 and 300 models for £285, and E4 and E5 GTS 300 models for £300. A compatible racing link pipe further extends the performance gains for £123 and £112.50 respectively.

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

Aprilia racing colours

APRILIA’S TOP-OF-THE-RANGE FACTORY VERSIONS OF ITS RSV4 sportsbike and Tuono V4 supernaked have been given a fresh new Speed White colour scheme for the summer. Only available until the end of 2023, the limited edition livery is predominately white, highlighted by red rims and sports graphics inspired by the brand’s MotoGP bikes. Piaggio Group; 00800 818 29800; www.piaggio.com

Merlin laminates

MERLIN MUST HAVE SOME ADVANCE KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT THE summer has in store for us weather-wise, as it has just launched a trio of laminated waterproof garments. The two jackets on offer are the adventure-style Solitude and the slightly-retro adventure style Sayan. Both feature an Aquaseal+ laminated waterproof membrane and have D3O level 1 armour fitted at the shoulders and elbows along with a D3O Viper Stealth back protector. Pockets are provided for an optional two-part chest protector. To take the jackets further into the autumn, there is a zip-out 125g thermal liner and, in case the sun does come out with any vigour, there are large chest and rear vents to allow some cooling airflow. The visual differences between the Solitude and the Sayan are subtle – the former comes in black/grey, ice/blue or ice/grey with ballistic material reinforcements on the arms and shoulders, whereas the latter comes in black, forest green or khaki and has leather overlays on the shoulders and elbows. Prices are £379.99 and £349.99 respectively, and both come in sizes S-5XL.

For the lower half, there are the Condor trousers which can connect to either jacket with a short or long zipper. These match the jackets for technical spec – Aquaseal+ laminated membrane, removable thermal liner, D3O knee and hip armour, thigh ventilation – and have pre-curved knees for a more comfortable fit. They only come in black, for an SRP of £279.99, and are available in short or regular leg lengths. Merlin; 01543 270299; info@merlinbikegear.com

Dash protection 3

ONE FOR THE RACING CLIENTELE, OR VERY keen track day enthusiasts. GBRacing has developed a new protective case for the ECUMaster ADU5 unit, which is a popular choice among racing teams throughout Europe. Designed to be easy to fit and to offer protection to the vulnerable dash-mounted unit, it can save money on repairs or replacements after an incident, as well as increase time on track.

The two-piece protector is £189.99 SRP, with separate screens available to purchase for £27.76. GBRacing; 020 8275 2630; enquiries@gbracing.eu

LS2 Rapid

THE GOTH REVIVAL IS IN FULL SWING AT LS2’s HQ, as illustrated by a new Raven graphic, in a choice of red or black on very matt black, for the entry-level Rapid full face lid. The Rapid has a HPTT thermoplastic shell, in three sizes, shaped in a long oval for a better head fit, which is claimed to Cure discomfort but could just be a Placebo. The brand’s Mission to achieve a snug fit extends to laser-cut foam inserts and a hypoallergenic liner, which is washable. SRP is £69.99.

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

Saddlemen DXT

A NEW DESIGN OF SOFT panniers for Harley-Davidson

Softail models, DXT saddlebags from luggage specialist Saddlemen provide 60 litres of carrying capacity for touring duties as standard, or they can be can be expanded to make available more than 100 litres of space in total. They are made from a combination of weather-resistant heavyweight nylon with a leather lid, and include a black powder coated bracket system. They come in universal black, for an SRP of £689.97 per pair.

Parts Europe; 0049 6501 9695 1035; sales@partseurope.eu

Weise Core Adventure 4

FOR THE RIDER WITH DREAMS OF EXOTIC adventures but without the budget to match, Weise has introduced the accessibly-priced Core Adventure jacket. To adapt to changing conditions it has a waterproof, windproof and breathable liner, plus a removable quilted thermal lining and, for hotter climes, vents at the chest, forearms and the rear. There are adjustment points at the waist, sleeves and collar to improve fit, accordion-style stretch panels, and a fleece lined and Neoprene-trimmed collar for comfort. For protection CE Level 2 shoulder and elbow armour is fitted along with a CE level 1 back protector. Other features include two zipped front pockets, a large rear map pocket, reflective panel detailing and a trouser connection zip. It comes in black in sizes from small up to an accommodating 12XL, or in navy blue in sizes S-5XL, for an SRP of £169.99 including a two-year warranty. The Key Collection; 01179 719200; sales@thekeycollection.co.uk

Puig tent

PUIG’S FOLDING TENT IS DESIGNED TO PROTECT A BIKE AND equipment from inclement weather at circuits, events or shows. It comprises a steel frame with a waterproof PU-coated polyester fabric covering. It measures 3 x 3m and is height adjustable from 212cm to 320cm, big enough, the maker claims, to house a pair of bikes, chairs, tyres, tools or a dozing rider. It folds down into its own storage bag for easy transportation, and weighs 25kg. Puig; 0034 938 49 06 33; info@puig.tv

Trilobite Ton-Up

THEY ARE NEW TO THE UK, BUT TRILOBITE has been selling jeans in mainland Europe for more than a decade. The Ton-Up jeans top the Czech clothing manufacturer’s range of motorcycle denim, claiming to be “the toughest pair of jeans you can get”. Made from heavyweight Dyneema single-layer denim, which has a very high resistance to abrasion and cutting, combined with elastane for a degree of stretch comfort, they are styled to look like regular jeans and to perform as well at the bar or cafe as they do on the road. They feature triple-stitched external seams and have Trilobite’s Premium Protection CE level 2 armour fitted at the knees and hips. They come in blue, in waist sizes 30-44in, and are backed by a 10year guarantee for an SRP of £320. Forcefield Body Armour; 01933 410818; info@forcefieldbodyarmour.com

Annual sales stats

Full year 2022 new registration figures from the

Best selling models

DfT

Total registrations for 2022 recorded 106,170 units, according to the latest data from the Department for Transport, beating 2021’s total by a slim 1.79%, but heading in the right direction at least.

At the top of the tree was Honda, which continued its seemingly relentless progress, increasing total registrations by nearly 12% and also locking out the top three best-selling model positions. Other top ten brands outperforming the market included Royal Enfield and Suzuki, which both improved by more than 20%, thanks to new model introductions finding favour with buyers. Faring less well were Yamaha, KTM, Kawasaki and Lexmoto, all of which dropped sales by hefty percentages.

Despite its more recent tribulations (see page 29) the electric-powered scooter and motorcycle sector had a successful 2022, sales rising by 10.6% compared to 2021. Market leader Vmoto actually dropped sales and market share, but strong

Top 10 brands by capacity

performances from Yadea and Piaggio helped to make up the shortfall. New to the top-ten electric brands were E-Max, Piaggio and Scutum, which makes the Seat-branded MO e-scooter.

The learner-friendly moped and 50-125cc classes performed almost the same as they did in 2021, with Lexmoto and Honda dominating the two classes respectively. The over-1000cc class was the same, recording a small increase and dominated by BMW’s GS models ahead of a string of other adventure-style machinery.

The mid range 126-650cc and 6501000cc classes was home to the action, both experiencing an uplift. The former was Royal Enfield’s territory, as the Indian brand usurped Honda for top spot by having three of the top-five most popular models in the sector. Yamaha claimed top honours in the larger of the two classes, mostly by dint of having a plethora of 700 and 900cc eligible models. ■

Top manufacturers 2022 vs 2021

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

On the Money

My exploration of motorcycle racing sponsorship complexities last month drew an almost immediate illumination of the far less reputable rump to be found in MotoGP. During May’s third week, a jury sitting at London’s Southwark Crown Court had convicted the defendant notionally before them on all seven charges with which he was accused – fraud by false representation, two counts of fraudulent trading and four of transferring criminal property – generally known as money laundering.

I say “notionally” because the dastardly villain in question wasn’t there, having jumped bail and vanished half way through his trial. He was nevertheless sentenced “in absentia” on 9 June by Judge Gregory Perrins and an international arrest warrant is now in place. If or when eventually collared, given judicial intolerance of abscondees, he’ll be doing porridge in some maximum-security hellhole for the next 14 years.

This missing miscreant was a colourful character called Anthony Constantinou (Tony to his chums), who ran highprofile foreign exchange trading enterprise Capital World Markets (CWM FX) from lavish facilities in Heron Tower on the City of London’s Bishopsgate. Its

business proposition offered an unfeasibly attractive 5% monthly return on capital invested. There were plenty of unwitting takers.

Between 2013 and March 2015, CWM swallowed squillions. But no segregated investment accounts existed, or even much in the way of forex transactions. The entire operation was an utterly bent Ponzi scheme, whereby early investors were paid interest out of new deposits from subsequent suckers, to maintain the pretence

a party, in what was dubbed by tabloid newspapers as the “silver bullet murder”. The killers were never caught. It later transpired they may have been working for his estranged wife Elena.

Tony, accustomed to every possible indulgence, became a spendthrift playboy and philanderer. The violent demise of dad represented only a minor childhood diversion. And crooked CWM was merely the latest wizard wheeze to fund his

CWM FX Rewards liveries on their bodywork. Constantinou reportedly paid £5.4m in loose change purloined from investors for the privilege, and an inevitable host of associated hospitality perks.

Moving over from a truncated Ducati contract, British MotoGP contender Cal Crutchlow joined this CWM-backed effort to ride a full factory-spec Honda. Australian rookie Jack Miller was in the line-up too, astride a cheaper and less efficacious RC213V-RS. The leathers of both were emblazoned with CWM messages. Recalling a profligate team launch event held in London by Constantinou that autumn, Crutchlow wistfully described it as “wild”.

of prosperous cashflow. About £50m disappeared altogether, stolen or squandered.

The son of 1960s Greek Cypriot superstar fashion tycoon Aristos Constantinou, who built a considerable fortune from boutiques in Carnaby Street and founding the Ariella womenswear brand, Tony Constantinou grew up in his father’s mansion on Bishops Avenue – known as Billionaire’s Row – in the ultra-posh London suburb of Hampstead.

However, Aristos was shot dead by alleged burglars in the early hours of New Year’s Day 1985, when he returned home from

extravagant lifestyle. Splashing some of its ill-gotten gains around in big-league promotional sports buy-ins created a veil of respectability and allowed him to cavort with the stars of these shows.

Thus Constantinou entered the world of MotoGP, noted for an abundance of amoral scallywags with whom he would feel comfortable. At the 2014 MotoGP season’s conclusion, a deal was brokered with leading satellite team Lucio Cecchinello Racing to become headline sponsor of its LCR Honda squad in 2015, the RC213V bikes of which would feature full

Any honeymoon ended rapidly, though. A few days before Crutchlow took seventh spot in the opening 2015 MotoGP round at Qatar held on 29 March, City of London Police raided CWM’s Heron Tower HQ, Tony was arrested and his nefarious activities suspended forthwith. Allegations of fraud and other criminal deeds followed thick and fast.

LCR Honda clung onto the Constantinou link and related signage until the Czech Grand Prix in August, then team livery abruptly changed to Castrol branding. Other sporting partnerships were terminated

International Share Prices

USA – HAPPIER DAYS

The latest US consumer price index report flagged headline inflation falling to an annualised 4% in May, its lowest level since March 2021. Investors immediately anticipated the end of regular Federal Reserve interest rate increases and Wall Street stocks rallied in response.

Market indices therefore closed consistently upbeat. S&P 500 blue-chips were 2.6% up, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by a more staid 1.2%. S&P’s MidCap 400 put on 1.5% and the tech-heavy NASDAQ Composite flaunted a much bigger 3.2% hike.

Biker stocks were all positive to varying degrees, but Harley-Davidson is still struggling to climb back up past a $35 watershed. Its latest hindrance is another bout of production downtime owing to parts shortages, with Harley’s biggest plant in York,

Pennsylvania, shuttered for much of the past two weeks – threatening dealer inventories as the peak sales season approaches.

EUROPE – NOT SO CHEERFUL

After Eurozone stocks weathered most of the week in a bright mood, market indices managed to conceal a painful impact. Both the Dax Performance in Frankfurt and Milan’s FTSE MIB nevertheless finished 2.6% higher. However, the European Central Bank had lifted its deposit rate by a quarter of a percentage point to 3.5% on Thursday, thoroughly spoiling the trading session with a brief but vicious sell-off.

An ECB spokesperson asserted once again the official view that inflation “will be too high for too long” and won’t return to target for at least the next two years.

JAPAN – DIFFERENT RULES

In a decidedly topsy-turvy manner of doing sums, the Bank of Japan kept its interest rate on hold at minus 0.1%, despite Japanese inflation rising above the central bank’s target of 2%. Market confidence therefore blossomed, and indices firmed up nicely. Tokyo’s benchmark Nikkei 225 stacked on 4.5%. Without exception, indigenous motorcycle manufacturers grew in value for a second consecutive week.

INDIA – CASINO ECONOMICS

Equities-trading turmoil, engendered by the Reserve Bank of India refusing to slacken tight monetary conditions, calmed to some extent. Mumbai’s BSE Sensex index returned to full-week positivity with a rise of 1.2%. However, sell-off bursts by disgruntled investors

Constantinou entered the world of MotoGP, noted for an abundance of amoral scallywags with whom he would feel comfortable

far more swiftly. As soon as revelations of illegality emerged, soccer premier league club Chelsea and rugby league big shots Wigan Warriors hastily unpicked CWM embroidery from players’ shirts. A putative contract as title sponsor of the London Boat Show was summarily torn up as well.

Financial hacks had a field day. Tales of bacchanalian boozeups in CWM offices, where party animal Constantinou showered favoured employees with bundles of banknotes and female members of staff were regarded as fair game, abounded. Disgracefully slow retribution began after formal complaints to the rozzers of rampant regular molestation by some of the latter. In 2016, Constantinou was eventually fingered for several counts of sexual assault

and sentenced to 12 months in chokey.

But the snail’s pace of investigations into CWM’s core scam was really shocking. Eight long years would pass before Tony Constantinou stood in the Southwark Crown Court dock to face his accusers. Once there, prosecutor David DuRose KC regaled jurors with sordid details and produced duped and now impecunious investors in the witness box.

In the early stages, naive victims had been told an initial minimum input of £50,000 was required, subsequently increased to £100,000. Hundreds of them paid up, assured that their money was secure. Many were retired Gurkha soldiers and their expatriate Nepalese families,

seeking risk-free havens for pension pots and life savings, unaware that they were about to lose everything.

Constantinou refused to admit guilt but didn’t testify in his own defence. Lawyers representing him accepted there had been a fraud in relation to CWM’s managed account (of which he was in sole control) but claimed their client knew nothing about it and that the fraud had been perpetrated by others.

Commenting in the wake of conviction, City of London Police Detective Inspector Nichola Meghji said: “Throughout this lengthy investigation, Constantinou has continued to try to deceive officers and denied wrongdoing. We are glad that the jury has seen through his

lies and unanimously found him guilty.” Quite what serried ranks of penniless old Gurkhas thought about the outcome is unknown.

And as for biker beneficiaries of deeply dubious largesse –LCR’s seasonal budget funding, plus whatever remuneration

Cal Crutchlow and Jake Miller trousered – why cry over yesterday’s consummate lack of due diligence?

While his trial was still in progress, the fugitive Tony Constantinou was briefly detained in Bulgaria carrying false documentation, then released without charge and allowed to leave the country for an opaque destination. Unconfirmed rumours suggest he may have been heading for Dubai, a Middle Eastern thieves’ paradise that studiously avoids extradition treaties, or the rogue state of Northern Cyprus. 

profit-taking didn’t stop altogether. There can be no other explanation for the falling share prices of Hero, Bajaj and Royal Enfield parent Eicher against a background of their currently soaring sales.

CHINA – THE TOUGH GET GOING

The People’s Bank of China finally initiated a raft of measures to tackle stumbling Chinese economic recovery, lowering short-term lending rate to businesses on Monday followed by a significant cut to its medium-term policy rate on Thursday. Suddenly awash with cheaper investment cash, markets rallied mightily. The CSI 300 gained 3.3%, with the Hang Seng China Enterprises index, not far behind. Shanghai’s all-share SSE Composite ended 1.3% up, with the majority of listed biker stocks along for the ride. Sole party pooper was Sunra parent Xinri.

Pic courtesy Gold&Goose

Cal Crutchlow (left) rode for Lucio Cecchinello’s LCR MotoGP team (right) when it was sponsored by dodgy businessman Tony Constantinou (above) and his money-laundering CWM financial business

Pic courtesy Gold&Goose

New scooter and motorcycle registrations for May 2023

May 2023

1. Honda ............. 2083 (-0.1%)

2. Yamaha ............

(-25.2%)

3. Triumph ........... 1001 (-1.3%)

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

(+18.4%)

(+16.1%)

(-19.0%)

May

Registrations retreat again

WITH INFLATION STILL unacceptably high and, therefore, the cost-of-living crisis unabated, May proved to be yet another challenging month for dealers. BDN financial editor Roger Willis reports.

Total numbers were 8.7% down, to 10,889. Motorcycles escaped with the least punishment, falling by just 2.5% to 8302. Scooters incurred a 24.2% loss at 2061, and mopeds plunged by 29% to 435. Trikes offered a flash of positivity, 13.8% up, but that represented only 91 units.

In the petrolhead firmament, where the vast majority of trade activity is focused, the overall headcount was 7.7% lower at 10,493. For what it’s worth, electric bikes sank by 30.2% to a negligible 396 units.

2023 Q1 motorcycle registrations data from key European markets

A game of two halves

THE EUROPEAN MOTORCYCLE market appears to be in rude health going by the first quarter results for the continent’s five biggest markets (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and UK). Total motorcycle registrations across the five countries rose by 11.9% to 253,859 units.

However, the moped market fared less well, with the majority of its largest markets (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain) suffering heavy losses. In total, mopeds dropped by 24.5% to 43,610 units, the lowest since 2018. Electric powered machines in particular suffered from lack of

demand, except in Belgium which saw an already healthy ePTW sector increase by 35.7%

Commenting on the data, Antonio Perlot, ACEM secretary general, said: “The first quarter results of the year must be interpreted cautiously. Although there were considerable fluctuations when compared to the same period in 2022, Q1 data confirms a growing trend of users favouring motorcycles and scooters to mopeds. This shift supports both urban and short-range mobility, as well as a sustained interest in leisure riding.”

Up-to-125cc mobility and delivery fleet segment sales were 17.5% in arrears at 3670, to a great extent suffering as pre-prepared meal delivery businesses cut back in the face of burdensome inflationary costs eating into their proposition.

The 126-500cc range spanning some mobility and A2 rookies was also rolling backwards, 17% down to 1473. And 501-750cc stuff lost a less painful 4.5% on 1346. Although Royal Enfield provided a spread of best-sellers in these segments – HNTR 350 and Super Meteor 650 models, respectively in the former and latter – its overall monthly volume was notably lower. Inventory glitches in the wake of taking UK operations fully in-house could be an issue.

The high point was the 751-1000cc segment, stacking on 28.9% to 2154. Triumph’s Street Triple RS took best-selling honours but, generally, this is the current hot slot owing to a strong selection of keenly-priced

new models from several brands. Premium over-1000cc products were a disappointment, falling by 10.2% to 1850. However, it’s unlikely BMW Motorrad was bothered. The basic R1250 GS was best-seller, accounting for almost a fifth of BMW’s particularly muscular monthly total.

The manufacturers’ top-ten pecking order was a messy mix of winners and losers. Honda held onto hegemony but flatlined, plating one bike less than it had in May last year. Some 405 PCX125 scooters constituted 19.4% of the brand’s entire sales of 2083 units. Yamaha fared far worse, plunging by 25.2% to 1128. Triumph was also pretty flat, 1.3% down to 1001.

On the other hand, the aforementioned BMW added 28.5% to 875 and headed up a list of double-digit percentage growth achievers. Kawasaki put on 18.4% to 675, presumably having got over its shipment woes. Not far behind, KTM rose by 16.1% to 642. And then Suzuki, replete with attractive and budget-priced new twins in that hot 751-1000cc slot, soared by 43.5% to 505.

Three brands completed the chart. Royal Enfield fell by 19.1% to 471 for a possible reason already mentioned. Chinese flag carrier Lexmoto plummeted by 42.8% to 330, probably because it’s bereft of inventory. Finally, Ducati was 6.7% down to 321 and hardly worried, given the recent desirability of Bologna’s finest.

For the five months of 2023 to date, total registrations have fallen by 5.2% to 48,759. Motorcycles are actually 1.5% up to 36,751. Scooters are 18.5% down to 9656. Mopeds have dived by 34.6% to 1990. And trikes have grown by 8.4% to 362.

A slow start to the season, but summer is on the way at last

During May, the Powered Two-Wheeler market suffered an overall 8.7% decline, equating to a 5.2% decline year-to-date. Mopeds overall declined 29.0%, with Scooter mopeds registering a 35.8% decrease. Only 435 mopeds were registered in total, compared to the 613 registered in May 2022.

Motorcycles registered a 7.8% market decrease. Year-to-date, this decrease equated to 3.4%. Unspecified motorcycles had the biggest market increase in May, up by 66.7%, with road sport motorcycles (up 4.8%) and competition motorcycles (up 8.9%) also making progress.

Tricycles registered positive market growth in May, increasing 13.8% in total, but May was a poor month for electric PTWs, which decreased by 30.2% with just 395 units sold. However, electric motorcycles ≤35kW and exempt electric PTWs both registered significant market increases, up by 25% and 16.7% respectively.

ICE PTWs suffered a market decline of 7.7% in total. However, the 751-1000cc sector registered a 28.9% market increase, with 2154 units sold.

Symon Cook, NFDA and NMDA head of business operations, commented: “The motorcycle market in the UK has experienced a slower start to the year than usual. External factors relating to supply have constrained the number of bikes readily available to showrooms, and economic turbulence, with the rise of inflation, has impacted consumer confidence and spending.

“Nevertheless, with the warmer summer months approaching, dealers are optimistic that sales will improve. The spring 2023 edition of the NMDA Dealer Attitude Survey, which provides a comprehensive overview of dealer-manufacturer relationships and their key issues, is now out and provides valuable information on the alliance between dealers and brands.”

Glass’s motorcycle market overview

Data published by the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA) shows that registrations declined in May by 8.7% compared to 2022, with scooters and mopeds being the main culprits for the downfall. However, typically larger volume sellers, the Adventure, Naked and Road Sport categories, all recorded growth over last year, so it wasn’t all bad news. The year-todate tally now stands 5.2% behind last year. Dealer feedback suggests that the market has perhaps become more volatile recently, with demand for certain brands possibly hindered by the cost of living pressures. As more mortgage deals come to an end, and with banks announcing a further increase for their base interest rates in May, this will no doubt elevate pressure further on consumer finances. However, some dealers hope that the recent dry weather will help boost the market following a wet spring, and it will be interesting to see how it performs during the core summer months. Recently launched machines have been generally well received, with the new BMW M1000 R and S1000 RR proving very popular for some dealers.

Stock supply continues to improve, however there remain gaps in certain model ranges with late summer lead times looking likely for these.

USED MOTORCYCLE FEEDBACK

Sales and demand for used machinery during May continued to be reasonably buoyant overall, albeit more variable for some dealers. Stock continues to be more readily available this year, with strong offers from the public and the fact that some dealers bought in heavily during the winter period in preparation for the season. Requests for non-qualifying ULEZ machines have recently increased, with more rural and suburbanlocated dealers taking these in to sell locally and nationally. The majority of dealers remain satisfied with their stock levels, and demand continues to be strong across most style and capacity segments.

OUTLOOK

Following the wet spring, summer has arrived with a bang, and the weather so far in June has been very dry, with temperatures on the increase.

Combined with daylight hours at their longest for the year, this makes for some fine riding conditions. As a result, Glass’s expects residual values for secondhand motorcycles and scooters to remain firm across all segments in the coming weeks.

Paul McDonald Leisure Vehicles Editor

Dealer feedback suggests that the market has perhaps become more volatile recently

Full range of motorcycle filters produced by a professional manufacturer

Used bike data

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

MAY WAS ANOTHER SERIOUSLY BUSY MONTH ON the MCN website, and once again it’s Honda bringing most readers to our Bikes for Sale section. The most popular bike is the Gold Wing, followed by the NC750X, while the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy thumps into third position.

In MCN bike reviews, naked bikes are still the most popular choice, accounting for a quarter of all sessions, and the Triumph Trident 660 is the naked our readers want to know about most. In second place is the Yamaha

Bikes for Sale

Most viewed models

1.

2.

3.

4. Yamaha R1

5. Honda MSX125 Grom

6. Yamaha R6

7. Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade

8. Harley-Davidson Breakout

9. BMW S1000 RR

10. Harley-Davidson Sportster 883

MCN Reviews

Most viewed brands

MT-07, and then it’s the Suzuki Bandit 1200, which shows there’s still a huge amount of interest in slightly older models.

BMW’s recently revised S1000 RR is the most popular sportsbike, chased by the Yamaha R7 and Honda CBR650R, while in adventure bikes the Honda NC750X sits at the top, followed by its new Transalp 750 sibling, with BMW’s 2008 F800 GS slotting into third place.

THE HONDA AND YAMAHA SHOW Percentage of views by type

Naked Sports

Adventure Sport

1. 2021 Triumph Trident 660

2. 2021 Yamaha MT-07

3. 1996 Suzuki GSF1200 Bandit

4. 2023 Honda CB750 Hornet

5. 1989 Suzuki GS500

1. 2019 BMW S1000 RR

2. 2022 Yamaha R7

3. 2020 Aprilia RS660

4. 2023 CFMoto 450SR

5. 2011 Suzuki GSX-R750

1. 2014 Honda NC750X

2. 2023 Honda XL750 Transalp

3. 2008 BMW F800 GS

4. 2021 Honda CRF300 Rally

5. 2022 Triumph Tiger 660 Sport

Honda GL1800 Gold Wing

Honda NC750X

Harley-Davidson Fat Boy

GARETH EVANS

Online editor, MCN

USED SALES SURPASS RECORD LEVELS

After five consecutive months of growth, May saw the Auto Trader Bikes web audience reach record levels, with 3.75 million visits.

Appetite for buying bikes remains strong, and the season has got off to a great start, with record numbers of used bikes being sold. Used naked bikes and newer machinery aged 1-3 years have been particularly popular, with year-on-year sales increasing by 14% and 22%, respectively. Used bike supply has grown 31% year-on-year, meaning buyers

USED BIKES SOLD

have plenty of choice. Demand for used electric motorbikes has also surpassed records and is up 156% year-on-year, across a plentiful choice of makes models and types. However, like overall new registrations, interest in used electric scooters with lower power outputs (4kW/11kW) has decreased by around 30%.

LEWIS NORTON

Insight manager, Auto Trader Bikes

MARKET HEALTH YOY

Demand is slightly ahead of April 2022, although with significant increases in year-on-year supply (+31%), market health is -22%. Market Health metric shows: the ratio of supply vs. demand compared to the previous year.

MEDIAN DAYS TO SELL

Used bike sales are at a record high but are selling at an average of four days slower than last year (driven by naked and adventure bikes). Bikes still sold eight days faster than the same period pre-pandemic and some sectors are selling faster year-on-year, especially supersports and sports tourers.

The fastest-selling bike in May was the Yamaha YZF-R125 (one of six Yamahas in the top 20), which took an average of just nine days to sell, closely pursued by KTM’s mid-sized naked 390 Duke.

The fastest selling bikes on Auto Trader in April

Average number of days advertised before sale

Biggest

electric brands

Advert views by brand April 2023

1. Super Soco

2. Sur-Ron

3. Zero Motorcycles

5. Niu

6. Horwin

7. Talaria

8. Piaggio

10. Artisan

1. Yamaha YZF-R125

2. KTM 390 Duke

3. Yamaha Ténéré 700

4. Yamaha MT-09 SP

5. Kawasaki Vulcan

6. Yamaha XSR700

Market Watch

Trade & industry report with cap/hpi motorcycle editor Alan Elsworth

NEW MARKET

THE LATEST MCIA FIGURES FOR NEW registrations in May, as we move to the halfway point of the year, are not indicating much positive news for the industry, with the month finishing down 8.7% versus the same month in 2022. Cumulative five-month year-to-date registrations were down 5.2%.

As the market gets back into a mix of types and models similar to those seen before the pandemic, the big winners over the last three years will inevitably lose ground, and consequently the moped, electric and scooter segments all suffered large declines.

The moped sector, which benefited from increased use by the delivery industry during the pandemic, reversing the previous decade of decline, now looks like it is returning to the market it had four years ago. The month-onmonth decline of 29% is, in real numbers, fewer than 200 units but is still of concern. To give a better comparison, look at pre-pandemic figures from 2019 when, in May of that year, the moped

USED MARKET

Anecdotal reports during research suggest there is still a good market out there for used machines, and sourcing stock has become somewhat easier. Footfall in dealerships has reportedly reduced over the last couple of months, but this has not adversely affected purchasing at what is the high point of the selling cycle. During this last research period, there

MOTORCYCLE FUTURES

THE CONFLICT IN EASTERN Europe is still with us, with little sign of resolution, however it has now become the new normal and is having less of an effect on the global economy. Energy prices are on the way down, and diesel has reduced from 20p per litre more

total was 487. This compares to 435 this year and, more telling, 613 last year.

The big hit in total numbers when the scooter sector is stripped out is encouraging for the motorcycle part of the industry, as it is only down 2.5% compared to last year. However, scooters lost a quarter of their sales compared to May last year, again suggesting a market returning to normality. Scooter numbers for May of 2397 are significantly lower, down 25.6% compared with May 2022 which registered 3220. However, some positives must be taken when looking at the last “normal” year (2019), where there were 2367 registrations in May. And if you look at the total year-to-date registrations for both years, this May at 10,889 registrations is so close to the 2019 total of 10,871 you couldn’t fit a ciggy paper between them.

Another hint of a return to previous norms, after the consequences of the much-mentioned delivery and commuting boom, is a fall in registrations of smaller capacity machines and a

has been no feedback of much change of the opinions of trade buyers regarding pricing, as there is still plenty of the summer season to do business. Therefore this month’s data has only received minor alterations where research has suggested change is required, but in the middle of “the season”, despite external forces, no suggestion of lowering prices has yet to be communicated to us.

than petrol back to a few pence, similar to the price differential we are more used to. The positive that will likely follow is that transported goods will have some inflationary pressure relieved, helping with recent continued reductions.

Inflation forecasts are around 5%

collapse in electric registrations. On the positive side, the larger 500cc and over classes, where the bigger profit margin machines sit, is looking brighter, particularly 751-1000cc, where manufacturers have been advertising moneysaving encouragements to attract customers, competitive finance rates being high on the list.

AUCTION OVERVIEW

THERE HAS BEEN LITTLE CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES around the auction salerooms over the last month in many respects, but one difference is in the number of entries. A recent sale at BCA saw only 59 lots go under the hammer but, on the plus side, a high 76% of lots were sold and overall they achieved 101% of CAP reported prices. The differences between top-grade and lower-quality machines are noticeable in realised prices, indicating that reconditioning is a worry, where the timescale from purchase to delivery to display is a major concern.

for Q4, with an average of just over 7% for the year, and of less than 3% into 2024. Interest rates are still vulnerable to possible increases, up to another point above the current base rate, but predictions are for the UK economy to escape recession with a slight increase in

GDP. The effects will continue to stifle growth in some businesses for a couple of years, including our industry which, although it has remained comparatively strong, is now looking less optimistic with consumer spending forecast to remain flat well into next year.

A reduction in demand for home food deliveries has seen the scooter market head back towards pre-pandemic sales levels