DEALER NEWS
All change for Ducati in Stoke
Classics appeal at Telford
MANUFACTURER NEWS
Another Harley dealer closes
R&G launches new Apex range
EVENT NEWS
Latest new and used registrations Top award for ABR Festival
TRIED & TESTED
Oxford Hot and Cold seat tested
Stunning soundtrack of a race-tuned, open-piped
Nemesis launches the season at the Devitt
London Show. Full story on page 10.
HEAD OF CONTENT
Andy Mayo: editorial@dealernews.co.uk
FINANCIAL EDITOR
Roger Willis: editorial@dealernews.co.uk
PRODUCTS EDITOR/DESIGNER
Colin Williams: design@dealernews.co.uk
COMMERCIAL CONTENT MANAGER/DESIGNER
Maurice Knuckey: creative@dealernews.co.uk
CONTRIBUTORS
Roger Willis; Dan Sager; Alan Dowds; Rick Kemp; Adam Bernstein; Brian Crichton
ACCOUNTS MANAGER
Mark Mayo: accounts@dealernews.co.uk
ADVERTISING
Alison Payne: tel 07595 219093
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PUBLISHER
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The retail bike trade is currently facing a wave of bad news, and Harley-Davidson has been particularly affected by recent challenges, including multiple store closures across the country.
Last month, BDN reported the closure of several Blade Group dealerships, including Oxford Harley-Davidson. Harley owners have been directed to the company’s Cheltenham branch for future service. In January, The Blade Group cited “ongoing financial challenges” in an online statement regarding these closures.
The news of the Oxford branch closure came hot on the heels of the death of two other Harley-Davidson outlets last November. Plymouth and Southampton HarleyDavidson both closed their doors for the final time after its parent, Marsh Holdings Ltd, went into administration. Local news website Devon
paid by customers ordering new bikes and reports that 20 ex-employees are owed almost £113,000.
In 2020, The Lind Group became Harley-Davidson’s largest UK retailer, marked by the opening of its Watford showroom in February. At that time, the group also operated Harley-Davidson franchised showrooms in Guildford, Reading, Norwich, and Newmarket. However, at the beginning of 2024, the firm began reshaping
closure of its Harley-Davidson Norwich showroom. By the end of September, the Reading showroom had also closed. A month later, Lind switched the franchise at its Watford site from Harley-Davidson to Ducati, with the re-opening of its Watford showroom anticipated in the spring of this year.
The Newmarket and Guildford stores continue to operate as Harley-Davidson franchised showrooms alongside six additional
the end of January when Edinburgh Harley-Davidson announced its association with the franchise would conclude at the end of April 2025. The store will continue to supply bikes, kit, and parts and provide servicing until then. The firm’s social media channels are also currently carrying a series of discounted sales on Harley clothing, bikes, and accessories.
BDN asked Harley-Davidson UK for comment on the closures and for an update on future network development plans or
ROKIT SPONSORS BMW SERIES
CLEANING KIT BRAND ROKIT ALREADY sponsors the BMW factory WSBK, BSB and EWC teams, and now it’s backing the BMW F900 R BSB support race series. The firm’s been named as the title sponsor for the series, which has a £75,000 prize fund.
THE OVERLAND MOTORBIKE Adventure and Travel Show is marking its 10th anniversary this year, and the organisers are now taking trade stand bookings. The show takes place on 28-31 August at the Hill End Centre near Oxford and boasts a relaxed atmosphere, with food and drink, music, presentations, test rides, bike shows and practical workshops. Trade pitches are available for retail or display, with easy access to the site. Camping is included in the price, and dormitory beds are available for a small additional fee for those who prefer a roof over their heads. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. www.overlandevent.com
NMM LIVE
THE LAST WEEKEND IN OCTOBER SEEMS LIKE an age away, but it’ll be here before you know it. So get the National Motorcycle Museum’s LIVE event in the diary now. The show has expanded with new attractions, including Henry Cole, Rachael Clegg and Allen Millyard, who’ll be showing off the NMM’s Norton Nemesis V8, which petrolhead guru Millyard has been rebuilding. More info: www.thenmm.co.uk
SUZUKI 0% DEALS AND PRICE CUTS THE YEAR’S BARELY BEGUN, AND THE retail deals are already appearing. Suzuki, never slow with its offers, is giving customers interest-free fouryear finance on its range of GSX-S1000 and V-Strom 1050 models and the GSX1300 R Hayabusa. The deal covers the GSX-S1000 GX, GT and Katana, and the naked GSX-S1000 roadster, offering four years HP or PCP finance, with a minimum £1000 deposit. It is also giving £800 off its range of 800cc twins – the GSX and V-Strom models. Both deals run till the end of March.
The annual Adventure Bike Rider Festival has been smothered with praise by the trade and by bikers but now the travelfocused outdoor event has won a top independent media award, too. The ABR Festival has been named Consumer Event of the Year at the PPA (Professional Publishers Association) Independent Publisher Awards for 2024, with the PPA judges commenting: “The winner displayed a strong commercial performance through offering attendees a multi-platform
approach with creative choices delivering a well-rounded event. The Consumer Event of the Year award recognises events that deliver exceptional experiences and audience engagements. From thrilling ride-outs and on-site trails to inspiring talks, live music, and a friendly, welcoming community vibe, the ABR Festival stood out for its unique approach and festivalgoer satisfaction.”
“We couldn’t be prouder,” said Alun Davies, owner of the ABR Festival. “This award celebrates the passion,
dedication and unforgettable experiences that make the ABR Festival so special. But it’s not just a win for us; it’s a win for the entire motorcycling community.”
Davies says this year’s event will be even better. “Planning for the 2025 ABR Festival is already well underway, and it’s shaping up to be our best yet. With exciting new features (like expanded trails and more live music acts) and the same unforgettable atmosphere. You don’t want to miss it.”
More info on the festival: www.abrfestival.com
finance specialist DF Capital has won the prestigious Feefo Platinum Trusted Service award for the second consecutive year. This award is presented by the verified online review company Feefo to businesses that demonstrate exceptional customer service. DF Capital was recognised for the outstanding service it provides to its Savings customers.
Last year, DF Capital
DF Capital CEO Carl D’Ammassa
garnered more than 1300 reviews from those customers, achieving an impressive average rating of 4.8, even higher than its score in 2023.
DF Capital CEO Carl D’Ammassa said: “Receiving the Feefo Platinum Award for a second consecutive year is a tremendous achievement for DF Capital, one we can all take pride in. A strong and trusted relationship with customers is vital in consumer banking, and from our inception, we have made this a core principle of our operations. The award verifies our ongoing commitment to delivering outstanding service experiences to our customers.”
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The still-ongoing attack on pointof-sale car and motorcycle loan provision by consumer groups and rapacious claims management companies briefly attracted unusual input from Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, but this has since foundered.
As BDN has previously reported, motor finance stability hit the buffers last October, when a Court of Appeal decision said it was unlawful for lenders to give “secret” commissions to dealers which had been undisclosed to borrowers and paid without their consent. This threw the whole sector into confusion and could potentially, in a worst-case scenario, undermine access to loans for vehicle purchases.
This judgement sent shock waves through the banking system and has already triggered some substantial compensation pay-outs. A wide range of lenders, including Lloyds’ Black Horse Motor Finance, Close Brothers, Moto Novo, FirstRand and Santander are involved and have set aside large amounts to cover cost risks. Spanishowned Santander, the Consumer Finance division of which recently became primary UK retail finance partner for Triumph Motorcycles, is even reconsidering its entire British-market presence.
The next episode moves to the Supreme Court for adjudication in April, on a challenge to the October Court of Appeal ruling, when lenders will find out whether they could be bitten for billions in compensation relating to historic mis-sold loan agreements – which they
thought were legal at the time. Reeves got her knickers in a twist about such deleterious consequences and so the Treasury sought permission to intervene at Supreme Court level.
According to the Financial Times, the Treasury’s submission said the case has “potential to cause considerable economic harm and could impact the availability and cost of motor finance for consumers”. It also argued that, if liability was established, then the Treasury would try to persuade the Supreme Court that “any remedy should be proportionate to the loss actually suffered by the consumer and avoid conferring a windfall”.
The stakes are certainly enormous if things go wrong and, without a satisfactory Supreme Court resolution, claims companies are allowed to run amok. HSBC analysts have estimated the total cost of compensation might reach £44bn. A spokesperson for Rachel Reeves reportedly said: “The Chancellor
The stakes are certainly enormous. Without a satisfactory Supreme Court resolution the total cost of compensation might reach £44bn
is concerned the judgement risks using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.” And as for vital point-of-sale credit for new and used car or bike acquisition, the resultant turmoil could make it a total write-off.
Unfortunately for Reeves, though, her intervention didn’t get far. A five-member panel of judges, including Supreme Court president Lord John Reed, has now decided to prevent the government from stepping in. They declined to give reasons for their refusal.
A Treasury response said: “We respect the Court’s decision not to grant our application to intervene in the case and will monitor it closely.” Officials added that the Supreme Court had limited time and preferred to keep the number of interventions to a minimum for efficiency and would generally refuse permission where arguments had already been made by other parties. So the banks are still well and truly in the dock.
British accessory firm R&G Racing, has launched a range of re-engineered bike protection kit, with new looks, claimed better performance, and a fresh style. The new Apex product range, made up of crash protectors, fork protectors and swingarm protectors, features a revised slimline tapered-style bobbin design, offering riders an alternative look to the popular R&G Aero range. The firm says Apex bobbins provide the same protection, but in a sleeker and more compact design, making them suitable for use on a wide range of motorcycles.
The Apex kits also feature a new type of mounting system to suit the sleeker bobbins while giving a cleaner, more modern look. R&G Apex crash protector kits feature a tapered bobbin alongside the firm’s proven de-embrittled high-tensile steel bolts, which are designed to bend on impact rather than shear or snap, absorbing the force of a crash or drop.
Also available are new matching Apex fork protectors and swingarm protectors featuring the same tapered-style bobbin. The crash protectors are available in a choice of white or black, while the fork and swingarm protectors are available only in black. Prices start from £41.66 (plus VAT).
More details at www.rg-racing.com.
GS YUASA, A SPECIALIST IN bike and car batteries, has launched its latest trade-only sales promotion designed to keep technicians warm while they work during the winter months, a time when battery failures are most common.
With each qualifying battery purchase, customers will receive a Winter Warmer tin valued at more than £45. This tin includes a Yuasa beanie hat, gloves, and thermal socks, and it can also be used for storing tools, parts, or even your lunch!
Jon Pritchard, marketing director at GS Yuasa UK, said: “Cold weather and battery failure go hand in hand, so our latest promotion is incredibly
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timely. While millions of mechanics already trust Yuasa, we know there are still some who have yet to experience the advantages of using our batteries. This promotion is yet another way for us to distinguish ourselves from our competitors while adding a touch of seasonal style and warmth to workshops across the country.”
For more information, visit: www.yuasa.com/winterwarmer.
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Large range of 125cc Motorcycles Stunning Specification Scooters 699cc Triple Launch Imminent www.zontes.co.uk
Much of the industry holds its breath before major motorcycle shows these days. Events like Motorcycle Live at the NEC, the Scottish Bike Show, and various regional exhibitions provide an immediate snapshot of the health of motorcycling’s customer base. Poor attendance at sparsely populated exhibition halls strains budgets, lowers morale, and creates an overall negative atmosphere for trade professionals and customers.
The same applies to the Devitt Insurance MCN London Motorcycle Show. It is the second-largest motorcycle show in the country, following the NEC. This event marks the beginning of the new season as the days start to get longer in mid-February, generating increased consumer interest leading up to the new March registration plate.
Alan Dowds, reporting for BDN, was pleased to see large crowds at the Excel Centre, at the Docklands Light Railway stations along the route, and inside the exhibition halls. Conversations with staff on both large and small stands revealed that Friday, as usual on the show’s opening day, was quieter. However, Saturday had a much stronger footfall and atmosphere. Marketing portals on management smartphones indicated that customer leads were accumulating
into the hundreds by the hour. Rob Puttick, managing director of Infinity Motorcycles, said: “Infinity Motorcycles was excited to return to the Devitt Insurance MCN London Motorcycle Show this year. As always, the quality of the customers across all three days of the event was exceptional, and we were delighted to engage with both current and new customers. Overall, it was another really successful show for us!”
Fabrizio Cazzoli, managing director of Ducati UK, said: “Ducati is very happy to return to the Devitt Insurance MCN London Motorcycle Show, where we have displayed our entire line-up of new models. With two new dealers in the London area and witnessing visitors enthusiasm in person, we are more optimistic about the outlook for 2025.”
The show had a long list of strong attractions, and you could see the crowds ebb and flow around these areas. One stage had a succession of racing royalty being interviewed, from MotoGP ace Pedro Acosta to Moto2 star Jake Dixon, and a long list of TT legends: Michael Dunlop, Peter Hickman, and John McGuinness. At the other end of the show was petrolhead guru Allen Millyard, starting up the Norton Nemesis he’s been
reviving and drowning out the noise of planes taking off at London City Airport with the incredible sound of a race-tuned open-pipe 1500cc V8 engine. And in between was the adventure stage, where Charley Boorman chatted to intrepid circumnavigators about their twowheeled antics. The centrepiece of the action was the short, sharp Bridgestonesponsored flat-track circuit, which saw Chris Walker and Neil Hodgson reviving their BSB rivalry from 25 years ago on Kawasaki KLX140 mini-racers with open pipes. A spectacular sight.
Iconic Auctioneers was the official auction partner for the show, hosting “The Iconic Sale” on Sunday with 133 lots. Highlights included a 2000 Bimota SB8K Anthony Gobert ex-works World Superbike which sold for £94,400. A 1976 MV Agusta 750S America made £70,800, and a 1924 Henderson Four-Cylinder Deluxe sold for £62,100.
The show’s success is measured in the numbers – and the final total attendance was 29,122 visitors over the three days. That’s 2163, nearly 7%, down on the 31,285 who went in 2024, itself a decline on the 2023 headcount of 32,399. Not a bad turnout for a grey, freezing Valentine’s weekend? – or a forwarning of an indifferent season ahead? The industry’s waiting with bated breath to find out!
ARMOUR AND PROTECTIVE kit specialist Knox is improving its distribution across Ireland, with a new Dutch-based distributor, Jopa Racing Products, now looking after both Northern Ireland and the Republic. The firm hasn’t specifically mentioned Brexit, but the post-Brexit Northern Ireland Protocol means that the Northern part of the island of Ireland remains inside the EU single market for trade purposes. So it makes sense for a British company such as Knox to use an EU logistics firm to supply Northern Ireland dealers without the red tape and costs of supply from inside the UK.
Margaret Travell, commercial director at Knox, said: “We are delighted to announce that Jopa Racing Products in the Netherlands will be handling the distribution of our products in that region with immediate effect. This agreement with Jopa will ensure smoother,
hassle-free trading across the ROI and NI. Furthermore, European-based courier and logistics will mean orders will reach the market quicker than before. The Jopa team has appointed trade agent Peter Emmett to support the dealer network in the ROI and NI. Peter has the most up-todate knowledge of the Knox collection and will be on hand to provide assistance and highquality support.”
Jopa Racing products director Matthijs Verbei said: “After the success in the German, Benelux, Danish and Austrian markets, we are happy to announce that we can now also supply and build the Knox brand in Ireland. We are convinced that we, together with our agent, can be the bridge between Knox and dealers/customers to deliver products to where they belong – on the road!”
More info from Jopa Racing at info@jopa.nl.
For 2025, Honda UK took a different approach for its annual dealer conference. Instead of the usual off-season golf hotel or conference centre in the Midlands, the company organised an active event, featuring an overseas trip to Portugal and a comprehensive program of new model demonstration rides.
“The 2025 Kick-Off meeting with dealers took place in Portugal in early February,”
a Honda spokesperson explained to BDN. “Rather than a standard UK hotelbased conference, we wanted to make it a dynamic event where dealers had the opportunity to ride a number of our key new machines, including the CB1000 Hornet SP, GB350S, NC750X and XL750 Transalp.
“In the end, we took out two groups, starting with 25 sales managers on the Monday to Wednesday so they could learn
about and ride the new models. The second group comprised dealer principals and Honda UK staff from Tuesday to Thursday (circa 100 in total), where they could learn about and ride the new models as well as attend our 2025 dealer Kick-Off meeting.”
There was some big news announced at the conference.
Neil Fletcher, UK head of motorcycles, is moving to another role in Honda Europe, setting up a new department
with a focus on the various racing programmes across the UK and continental Europe. His replacement is a man wellknown to the Honda dealer network and the wider trade; development and business planning manager Andy Mineyko, who’s been working directly with Fletcher for the past few years. Mineyko’s been at Honda for 20 years, starting as an area manager and working his way up with stints at Honda Europe and the Honda car division before moving back into bikes. He’ll take over as UK head of motorcycles from Neil Fletcher in April.
No dealer conference is complete without an awards ceremony, and Honda handed out a heap of gongs to the best dealers in the network.
Highlights included Doble Motorcycles of Coulsdon, marking 50 years as a Honda
dealer, while Bransons Motorcycles of Yeovil celebrated 45 years, and Grantham Honda received a 20-year award.
Unfortunately, Miles Kingsport, which won the top Dealer of the Year prize, couldn’t attend as the company and staff were all right in the middle of building work, making their showroom an official Honda
‘Dream Dealer’. However, Andy Kirkup, Miles Kingsport MD, sent a message of thanks: “Apologies we are unable to attend the Dealer Conference. This is due to preparations for the Dream installation in the dealership this month. We are all really pleased we are Dealer of the Year. It’s a team effort across all departments of our business to get to this standard. Thank you to all the team at Honda UK. The support offered by all is really appreciated. Along with great campaigns and an excellent model line-up, we look forward to a successful year. We are very excited to be implementing the Dream concept in the dealership and believe it will enhance the customer experience further.”
MORE EXHIBITS FOR KICKBACK THE KICKBACK CUSTOM BIKE SHOW’S organiser is promising a bigger and better show for its 30th event in 2025. Taking place over the weekend of 12-13 April at the Three Counties Showground in Worcestershire, the show will fill three exhibition halls, with more than 300 custom and classic bikes on show, hot-rod cars, live stunt shows, vendor, trade and jumble stalls, plus food and drink all on offer. There are prizes for the best bikes, and weekend camping is also available. www.kickbackshow.com
SHARK TEAMS UP WITH SENA FRENCH HELMET-MAKER SHARK HAS signed a deal with electronics specialist Sena to provide bespoke Bluetooth communication kit for its latest ECE 22.06 lids. The new units come in Mesh or Bluetooth formats, with an accompanying smartphone app for extra functions. Available now, the Sena for Shark Bluetooth option costs £169.99 for a solo unit or £299.99 for a dual pack, while the Mesh version is £199.99 for a single unit and £359.99 for a twin pack.
ELK PROMOTIONS
ELK PROMOTIONS’ BIKE SHOW CALENDAR is well underway this year, with the Ardingly Classic Bike Show and Jumble next on the list for 30 March. The show will commemorate the centenary of Brough Superior’s legendary SS100 model and the 90th anniversary of T.E. Lawrence’s passing. Backed by the Brough Superior Club, the organisers aim to display one of every Brough Superior model ever produced. The show covers two acres, with trade stands, autojumble, and bike displays. Entry is £7. www.elk-promotions.co.uk
Change is coming to Ducati’s dealer network in the North of England, with new premises and a new owner for the Ducati Stoke outlet.
The Bologna firm’s presence in Staffordshire is set to move to an all-new store, with local dealer Bob Sheldon taking on the mantle of Ducati Stoke from the current franchise holders, Ducati Manchester Group (DMG). DMG is closing its Stoke store as part of a “wider consolidation of business”, says the firm.
Bob Sheldon has been in the business for more than 30 years and is well-known as the owner of both Staffordshire Triumph and Staffordshire Honda, based in Stoke-onTrent, and Newcastle-underLyme respectively.
The new Ducati Stoke store will be based in Blackfriars Road, Newcastle-underLyme. Ducati UK says that the current DMG store will remain open until the new location is fully operational,
guaranteeing a seamless transition for customers.
Chris Booth, owner of Ducati Manchester Group, said: “This strategic decision enables us to optimise our franchise and stock portfolio, allowing us to enhance our reach and continue delivering an exceptional experience for our valued Ducati clients. We have had great success with DMC Stoke and created wonderful memories with our clients there. We are delighted that Bob Sheldon is at the helm of the new store, and we are confident that he will enjoy the same success as we have done. We also remain
committed to continuing our services until the new store is up and running to ensure the best possible experience for our valued clients.”
Bob Sheldon, the new owner of Ducati Stoke, said: “I am very proud and excited to start writing this new chapter for Ducati Stoke. I have been in the industry for a while now, but this is my first Ducati showroom, and I can’t wait to start working with such an esteemed and premium brand. I have great plans for the future of the dealership and welcome all the existing clients as well as new ones to come and visit us as soon as the doors open.”
DUCATI IS MAKING IT EASIER FOR CONSUMERS TO BUY its mainly premium priced range with the launch of a range of new low-cost finance deals through Ducati Financial Services with Black Horse.
The new deals offer 4.9% APR on HP and PCP contracts for the 2025 V4 Multistrada adventure touring and Diavel power cruiser models. And the rest of the Bologna firm’s range – including Panigale, DesertX, Streetfighter, Monster and Scrambler models – is available on 7.9% terms.
There’s also an innovative arrangement available on the Hypermotard 698 Mono and Scrambler models, with Ducati’s 50/50 Accelerate PCP offer. It lets customers ride away on a brand-new bike with a 50% deposit at 0% APR, no monthly instalments for two years and optional final repayment.
Fabrizio Cazzoli, Ducati UK MD, said: “We are delighted to introduce these new highly competitive finance offers. The low finance options and the extension of the innovative Accelerate offer mean that Ducatis will be more accessible but no less aspirational for our clients.”
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The law is perpetually in a state of flux, which makes it easy to miss small changes that can have a significant impact. A case in point is the EU’s General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), which came into effect in December 2024.
Many will have dismissed it, thinking that because the UK left the European Union in 2020, this legislation is irrelevant and does not apply here. However, while Great Britain did leave the EU, Northern Ireland effectively remained within the single market for goods after withdrawal.
As a result, the GPSR applies in Northern Ireland – and for some companies based on the mainland, especially small firms, who have had to rethink the value and merit of exporting to and selling in the province.
This is all the result of legislation introduced by the EU to better protect consumers in the bloc against potentially dangerous products sold offline or online.
In essence, the GPSR applies to any consumer goods, including digital products, placed on the EU and Northern Ireland markets, even if they’re CE marked, that aren’t already subject to product-specific legislation to ensure they meet EU rules.
Worryingly, some companies only found out about the GPSR from social media just before it came into effect.
There are concerns about its impact. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), for example, said: “GPSR will be a real barrier to international trade for some small firms.” The FSB believes that while there is government guidance, small firms will be faced with added complexity and cost in exporting.
The GPSR also changes the landscape for those exporting to the EU.
Exporters – manufacturers, importers, and distributors of products into the EU and Northern Ireland – will have to appoint a named individual within the EU or Northern Ireland who is prepared to vouch for the safety of their products and who is effectively the official point of contact for product compliance and safety issues.
This need to have someone vouch for product safety will add cost for exporters. Firms will either have to find and fund someone in the EU to be able to meet
the obligations set down or sign up to a provider to do the same. That cost will effectively kill off some UK trade with the European Union.
There are also new duties and obligations in relation to risk assessments, product traceability documentation, online marketplace compliance, and labelling requirements. And all of this is backed by penalties for non-compliance.
Some will recall the General Product Safety Regulation from 2005, which followed EU law. That legislation is still in force in the UK. However, the new legislation is different, and it’s that divergence that is causing headaches in the UK and elsewhere.
However, there are a few exemptions from some or all of the rules for goods such as human and veterinary medicines,
living plants and animals, animal byproducts and derived products, plant protection products, and products specifically marked for repair or reconditioning. They’re not going to help many business sectors though, and certainly not automotive.
Notably, the rules only apply to new products launched from 13 December; existing items are exempt.
Campaign group Bestforbritain.org, which says that it “aims to fix the problems Britain faces after Brexit”, suggests that the government could “use the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill to bring product safety regulation in Great Britain back into alignment with regulations in the EU and Northern Ireland, once the Bill becomes an Act.”
However, a longer-term solution would still be needed and Bestforbritain. org suggests that the government could “use the relationship reset with the EU and upcoming review of the Brexit deal to agree to a general policy of beneficial regulatory alignment between the EU and UK.”
This idea was outlined by the UK Trade and Business Commission in a May 2023 report, Trading our way to Prosperity. It recommended that the UK aligns with EU legislation as a way of removing barriers to trade.
But doing this means, irrespective of your political standpoint on Brexit, that the UK is now on the outside looking in and having to play by the EU’s rules without any influence or benefits. Regardless, it all looks like an unnecessary mess to be in.
The DVSA has announced a change to MOT testing procedures in its latest attempt to reduce fraud in the system. Starting this month, the agency is trialling a new digital image capture system, which will require testers to upload a digital photograph of the vehicle being tested, before the test takes place. The aim is to prevent so-called “ghost” MOTs, where the bike, car or truck is given a test pass without even visiting a test centre.
The DVSA’s head of MOT policy, Chris Price, said: “We want to create a level playing field where high-quality testing is the standard. Capturing images at the time of the
test will help prevent fraud while ensuring MOTs are conducted correctly.”
Meanwhile, the Independent Garage Association (IGA) is set to meet the roads minister, Lilian Greenwood, to discuss the MOT test fee, which the IGA says hasn’t changed in 14 years. Stuart James, chief executive of the IGA, said: “We are pleased to have the opportunity to discuss the pressing issues around the stagnant MOT fees. This meeting is a crucial step in highlighting how the unchanged fee, coupled with inflationary pressures and additional costs in the recent autumn budget, has created an unsustainable environment for many independent garage businesses.”
SHOCKING RESEARCH BY THE IAM ROADSMART ROAD SAFETY charity reveals a massive increase in drug drivers being caught on the roads. A Freedom of Information (FOI) request to all 45 police forces discovered that half of those suspected of drug driving failed roadside tests when stopped by police: 51% of those stopped in 2023 and 49% of those stopped in the first half of 2024.
A total of 31 forces responded to the FOI request, that revealed the figures spiked during the Christmas period and in the summer festival season.
Police Scotland recorded the most failed tests in December 2023 and January 2024, with a total of 526 offenders, followed by Greater Manchester Police with 397 and Surrey Police with 368. Drugs found include both illegal substances like cocaine, cannabis and LSD, as well as prescription drugs such as benzodiazepines and morphine, which impair driving.
IAM RoadSmart policy manager William Porter said: “The fact that one in two motorists are failing roadside drug tests shows that the message about the dangers of drug driving is not getting through. We urgently need a new approach to combat drug driving which focuses on both greater enforcement and establishing rehabilitation courses to reduce reoffending.”
Trailmax RAID is the missing link in the Dunlop adventure tyre line-up. It complements today’s capable adventure and dual-sport bikes with tyre performance to match. Outstanding traction off-road and strong wet grip on-road are paired to balanced wear enabling both the occasional greenlaner and the demanding explorer to face the most challenging journeys.
RUROC HELMET SIZING STATIONS
RUROC HAS LAUNCHED A NEW SIZING station initiative so customers can try the British brand’s helmets to ensure the right fit. The set-up involves providing select retailers with sample helmets displayed on a dedicated unit. Customers can try the helmets in-store, make their purchases online, and the retailer receives a commission. There are no storage or stocking costs involved for retailers, and Ruroc believes this initiative will help increase foot traffic through its online marketing efforts.
DUNLOP EXTENDS ENDURANCE
THE LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIP between Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) sports, promoter of the FIM Endurance World Championship, and tyre manufacturer Dunlop is continuing – and expanding. From this year Dunlop will be the exclusive tyre supplier to the allnew FIM Production World Trophy, in addition to the Superstock-based FIM Endurance World Cup, which it has supplied on an exclusive basis since 2022. The main Superbike class remains open to all tyre suppliers.
HACKNEY PARKING DISPUTE
GOOD NEWS FROM SAVE LONDON
Motorcycling (SLM) and London MAG, who are opposing Hackney Council’s proposed parking charges for motorcycles. A court case originally scheduled for 23 January has been postponed to 3 March to allow time for the examination of new evidence. MAG and SLM are hopeful that this will enhance their chances of winning. An SLM spokesperson said: “We believe the case is even stronger with this new evidence. It involves a previous case won by local residents against Hackney Council, providing relevant case law that supports our position. We are fighting this for bikers everywhere, as a victory would have a significant impact on all motorcycle-related council policies across the UK.”
It was a case of all change for Suzuki GB’s 2025 annual dealer conference. While the event saw the usual awards, networking, twoway communications and news announcements, it took place at a new venue – the De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel. And there was also a revised format, focusing on dealer feedback via a more open forum. That provided the opportunity to deliver feedback on a range of topics, ranging from marketing to aftersales support and more.
Following the conference,
attendees were invited to a black-tie gala award dinner, with speeches and a sake toast delivered by Suzuki GB’s assistant to the managing director, Yuki Nishizawa, director of motorcycles, Paul de Lusignan, and head of motorcycles, Jonathan Martin. There was also a guest speaker: racer Perry McCarthy, best known as The Stig from BBC’s Top Gear
After the dinner, an awards ceremony marked a total of 90 years of combined Suzuki service by five dealers. Waltham Cross Motorcycles,
SUZUKI SERVICE AWARD WINNERS
Two Wheel Centre, and Chelmsford City Motorcycles each celebrated 10 years, while Road & Racing Motorcycles marked 20 years and Bill Smith Motors surpassed 40 years with the Japanese brand. There were also accolades for MME Motorcycles as 2024’s Aftersales Dealer of the Year; Castledine Motorcycles, which collected the Customer Experience Dealer of the Year award; Cupar Motorcycles, recognised as Sales Dealer of the Year, and JT’s Motorcycles, which picked up the coveted Dealer of the Year Award.
Every business will, from time to time, need a lawyer. Whether it’s to buy or take on premises, to draw up employment contracts, to defend an employment law claim made against it by an employee, or to buy or sell a business, legal advice will be essential.
Most law firms today offer a range of services to cater for various legal needs. Consequently, it’s not surprising that many tend to specialise in areas such as employment, commercial issues, property, IT, private clients and so on rather than on a sector or industry basis.
However, that’s not to say that there aren’t law firms that specialise in retail; those that do can assist with, for example, landlord and tenant matters, e-commerce issues and brand management.
Broadly, there are three types of lawyers: Solicitors are most likely to be spoken to first. They can provide expert legal advice and support. They deal with the paperwork and communication of your case or legal issue. They can also
The law is at the heart of how societies and businesses work. A good lawyer is an artery to that heart!
negotiate with the other side if you are having a dispute. If the case ends up in court, your solicitor will find a barrister to work on your case. Barristers are generally hired by your solicitor on your behalf to work on your case. They tend to become involved in a case
relatively straightforward legal issues and may direct you to a solicitor if your case is more complex.
There are several possible routes to follow when searching for a lawyer.
It makes sense to enquire about a prospective lawyer’s experience in the area of law where help is needed; evidence of this should be sought
when it goes to court or to advise on a very specific area of law. They represent you before the judge by presenting arguments to support your case. Legal executives are similar to a solicitor, but they are only qualified to practice certain areas of law, such as employment or conveyancing law. While legal executives are often very experienced, they’re more likely to handle
First off, nothing will ever beat a personal recommendation. Either through friends, family, friendly rivals or via networking, a personal recommendation is a great way to find a reliable lawyer. Beyond that, other advisors, such as an accountant or financial advisor may have suitable contacts within the legal profession.
Alternatively, you can consult one of the two widely recognised ‘professional bibles’ – The Legal 500 (legal500. com) and Chambers and Partners Directory (chambers. com). Both provide reviews of lawyers with listings of firms by region, their specialities, and the firm’s own editorial about themselves. They also include a breakdown of the lawyers’ experience, fees, and the names and addresses of the partners. There’s also the Law Society’s Find a Solicitor database at solicitors lawsociety.org.uk that details some 200,000 legal professionals and their firms, along with their established expertise in specific areas.
The era of generalists is over, and today, every field demands expertise. Therefore, it makes sense to enquire about a prospective lawyer’s experience in the area of law where help is needed; evidence of this should be sought. Check to see if the lawyer is known as an expert – ask how often they have handled issues that are relevant to the advice being sought?
While the web has made it easy for businesses and
organisations to publicise themselves, it should be remembered that glossy brochures and city centre postcodes invariably translate into cost that has to be recovered through fees. In other words, to save on fees consider looking to out of town legal practices or even those that work remotely.
Next, all stakeholders should meet. At this meeting, you may need to prove your identity, so have proof on hand. Consider the questions you wish to pose and make notes of what is said. Ask if this first meeting is chargeable.
During this first meeting it’s essential to discuss fees and the expectations of either side. If fees aren’t mentioned by the lawyer, they should be brought up by you. At this point budget should be outlined along with options to keep costs in check along with the hourly rates of the lawyer or lawyers involved with the work. Similarly, invoicing options should be discussed and agreed.
contact information. Ask if there will be a single point of contact or if the relationship will revolve around a team of individuals. Best practice normally means a partner to manage the relationship with others brought in when appropriate.
Next, assuming all are happy to proceed, it’s crucial to clearly outline each party’s obligations and responsibilities. A letter of engagement from the lawyer will help and it should cover the expectations of all, the main contact for each party, budget limits, and the complaints procedure. The Law Society requires the complaints procedure to be mentioned before the working relationship commences, as per Practice Rule 15.
Choosing a lawyer for a business is very much a personal choice combined with consideration for service and costs
It’s worth noting that the Solicitors Regulation Authority professional standards require solicitors to be price transparent with information that: “must be presented in a clear and easy to understand format.” This means that the basis of charging must be explained, and if VAT is included. If disbursements are separately chargeable it needs to be highlighted. The aim is to avoid nasty surprises.
At the same time as agreeing fees, the lawyer should be provided with all the relevant information they need to understand the business and any potential issues.
It’s important to agree the
Once the relationship is up and running, all of your staff members should be reminded that documents – email – are of utmost importance when it comes to the law. They should be reminded that they need to diligently file all relevant documents (letters, email, minutes of meetings and so on) properly. And when copying contracts, they must remember to copy the reverse side as terms are often printed there.
Of course, the points above apply, albeit to a lesser extent, if the lawyer is only needed for a one-off task.
Choosing a lawyer for a business is very much a personal choice combined with consideration for service and costs. There are many lawyers out there offering their services and a little time spent checking the market will be well worth the effort.
Classic street range remains available, for further information please contact your preferred tyre distributor
Dealer and road racer Selwyn Griffiths, who spent nearly all his working life (66 years) at Ray Cowles Motorcycles in Pontypool, Monmouthshire, South Wales, has died aged 83.
Loved and respected by customers, trade and race rivals, he was working at the shop until two days before he died on 11 January.
After two years in the motor trade, Griffiths joined Ray Cowles in 1959. Together, they forged a strong bond in business and racing, and their successes enhanced the shop’s profile.
Cowles, the tuner, race entrant and sponsor, died in 2007. By this time, Griffiths was already running the business, offering service, repair and used bikes. It was almost a foregone conclusion that Selwyn Griffiths would get the racing bug after joining Ray Cowles, who had raced and sponsored top riders, including John Hartle, who finished third in the 1967 World 500 championship on a Cowles Matchless. Griffiths became a regular on the Isle of Man, racing the Manx Grand Prix (MGP), the TT and the Southern 100. His Island career spanned 30 years (1961-1991), starting with the MGP. His main win was the 1964 MGP Senior 500 on the Cowles’ Matchless G50.
Moving up to the TT in 1965, he was eight times in the TT top 10, riding every year to 1975. From 1965 to 1970 he rode Cowles AJS and Matchless singles exclusively. In 1971 the business added Yamaha to its racing stable, recognising that to remain competitive, two-strokes were the future.
Griffiths’ best TT result was third overall in the marathon 10-lap 1975 1000cc Production race (750 Triumph Trident) with friend and fellow Welshman Dave Williams as co-rider.
During his TT years Griffiths also rode the July Isle of Man Southern 100 road races (1965-1974) held on the Billown roads circuit. His wins included the 1966 500 championship event (Cowles Matchless).
Among his short circuit and other GP rides he won praise from Royal Enfield for fourth place in the 1966 250 Ulster GP on a works model. He was also a crowd favourite at his local Aberdare Park and Llandow tracks in South Wales, where he scored triple wins.
out of retirement to compete in the 1987 MGP and Southern 100 classic races.
Then came a break from regular racing as he and boss Ray Cowles concentrated on selling motorcycles – the 1970s being a golden decade led by the Japanese Big Four. Cowles and Griffiths had Honda and Suzuki franchises in the 1970s and 1980s and were later involved in contract work for offroad Yamaha (2004). They dealt with many key players in the world of motorcycle import and factoring. The introduction of classic racing marked their next big chapter. The lure proved too great to resist, and their AJS and Matchless singles were brought
Griffiths, then aged 46, discovered that he hadn’t lost his touch. Twelve years after his last Mountain Course ride (1975), he found he was just as quick on his 500 Matchless, finishing third in the 1987 MGP Senior Classic. He did the same again in 1989. He scored three wins in the Southern 100 classic races and was on the podium seven times (1987-1991).
Classic racing created such interest that a new Isle of Man event, the Pre-TT Classic Road Races, was introduced in 1988 on the Southern 100 Billown circuit. Griffiths rode it from 1988 to 1990.
In 1992, he changed his leathers for race mechanic overalls to support his son Jason, who would finish on the Isle of Man TT rostrum 13 times, win three Southern 100 championships, and set up Jason Griffiths Motorcycles on the Island in 2007. During TT fortnight, the busiest time for the business, Selwyn would man the counter as a helper. In 2014, he was guest of honour at the Manx GP.
Jason said it has been humbling to receive so many messages in praise of his father, who was invariably friendly, helpful and caring to his customers and always had a welcoming smile.
While Ray Cowles Motorcycles is currently dormant, it may re-start in the hands of the two employees who were working with Selwyn at the time of his death.
Selwyn Griffiths, who devoted his life to motorcycles and loved racing on the Isle of Man, leaves three sons and four granddaughters.
Mortons Media has struck a new sponsorship deal with insurance firm Carole Nash. The agreement covers the two annual Mortons Stafford Classic Bike Shows for the next three years – a total of six shows based at the Stafford Showground.
Chris Jolley from Carole Nash said: “We’re delighted
to continue our sponsorship of the two Stafford Classic Bike Shows for the next three years. These shows are a fantastic platform to celebrate the timeless appeal of classic motorcycling, and we’re excited to be part of such key events in the motorcycle calendar”.
Charlotte Park, head of marketing at Mortons added: “We’re delighted to extend our
Steve Smith has succeeded in his charity climb of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania (BDN January issue). Smith, who normally looks after Mitas Tyres as UK sales manager, was taking on the mountain to raise money for the Down’s Syndrome Association and Young Lives vs Cancer charities and had raised more than £4500 as BDN went to press. “I’m pleased to share with you that this latest challenge has successfully been completed,”
said Smith. “Myself and some of our team reached the 5895m (19,340ft) summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.”
And Smith was feeling every one of those metres. “To be honest, all six days of trekking were much more challenging than I had imagined, and by the end of the summit day, the whole team were broken!
I’m pleased to report that our fundraising efforts have reached 75% of the target, topping £4500.”
donate.giveasyoulive.com/ fundraising/kilimanjaro-clamber
partnership with Carole Nash for another three years. Their dedication to the motorcycling community mirrors our own, and their support helps us continue to deliver two exceptional events each year. Both the April and October shows are unique in their own right, but they share a common
goal – celebrating the bikes, the people, and the culture that make motorcycling so special.”
The Stafford Classic Bike Shows will return in April and October 2025 at the Staffordshire County Showground. For more information, visit www.classicbikeshows.com
GERMAN OIL AND LUBE specialist firm Liqui Moly, has appointed a new marketing director. The present incumbent, Peter Baumann, is retiring after 40 years and passing the job on to Marco Esser. Esser was previously deputy marketing director under Baumann and head of corporate communications.
“Following Mr. Baumann in this role is a great honour on the one hand and a huge challenge on the other,” said Esser. “We have had a very good, long and intensive period of coordination, for which I am very grateful.”
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The MCIA and NMC report “positive discussions” with the transport minister, who is: “considering a review”
Good news from the political wing of the bike trade at the start of the year, after the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA) and the National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) had a productive meeting with transport minister Lilian Greenwood. The Motorcycle Strategic Focus Group discussion covered a number of areas, including motorcycle licence reform, road safety improvements, mobility, and de-carbonisation. According to the MCIA and NMC, the minister’s responses suggested there might be a better future for two wheel transport under the current government after all.
Greenwood, MP for Nottingham South, confirmed the Department for Transport (DfT) is considering conducting a review of motorcycle licensing, though a full review hasn’t been confirmed yet. Greenwood acknowledged the motorcycle industry’s role in helping the government evaluate potential reforms. Together with DfT officials, she commended the MCIA for its constructive approach and recent evidence-based proposals, which she described as vital to the decisionmaking process. Long overdue, the simplification of the motorcycle licensing, training and testing regime has been at the top of the MCIA, NMC and training organisation’s agendas for some ears.
When it came to road safety,
Greenwood noted that motorcycle casualty rates are still unacceptably high but said that any future licensing reform would not solely focus on road safety. Instead they would work in tandem with de-carbonisation and mobility objectives. “Road safety should not be in competition with decarbonisation goals; it will complement them”, was her message.
NMC executive director Craig CareyClinch said: “Minister Greenwood’s attendance at the Motorcycle Strategic Focus Group was welcomed by all organisations present, and news that a training, testing and licensing review is under active consideration is incredibly welcome. The NMC looks forward to developments in this area and will continue working with the Department to develop ideas and proposals.”
Tony Campbell, CEO for the MCIA, also responded positively to the
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meeting: “We are encouraged by the minister’s recognition of the industry’s contributions and her commitment to aligning safety, de-carbonisation, and mobility goals. Furthermore, any review must consider the whole of the L-Category sector, not just motorcycles. We cannot let this be a missed opportunity – it is essential we get this right rather than opting for a quick fix.
“The MCIA has a detailed set of proposals spanning the entire L-Category sector, supported by strong evidence. This includes making access easier, less costly, and more accessible while creating a regulatory landscape that allows manufacturers to innovate, such as developing new vehicle categories and addressing emerging micromobility vehicles within the broader framework.”
Setting out its position after the meeting, a spokesperson for the Department for Transport said: “The government is considering plans to review existing requirements for motorcycle training, testing and licensing, and we will take account of the long-standing plans in the DfT and DVSA, and recent information and proposals that we’ve had from the industry.”
With financial editor Roger Willis
Now fully geared up to roar past the 20 million units per year marker once more, the Honda motorcycle business maintains its status as an unchallenged global success story.
In the nine months of its current fiscal year to 31 December 2024, Honda’s revenue from motorcycles grew by 14.8% year-on-year to an extraordinary total of £14.065bn. Associated operating profit was a muscular 21.9% up to £2.606bn. Operating margin increased to 18.5% from 17.5%. These figures made a mockery of the restrained profitability delivered by the much larger Honda automobile operations – which yielded an operating profit declining by 12.6% to £2.091bn, with an anemic operating margin on cars falling to 3.7% from 4.6%.
At the heart of Honda’s three-quarterly motorcycling hegemony were worldwide sales rising by 11.1% to 15.508 million units, dominated by Asian sales growth 11.2% up to 13.216 million. Other emerging regions added 13.5% to 1.36 million.
The brand’s wholly-owned HMSI subsidiary in India was by far its largest Asian contributor, 22.6% up to 4.138 million. Astra Honda in Indonesia, a JV affiliate with the British Jardine Matheson trading conglomerate, was in hot pursuit, 5% up to 3.619 million. An economic recovery in Vietnam lifted unit sales there by 12.6% to 1.774 million. Only Thailand, still subject to a struggling economy, was in any sense
The Japanese “big four” motorcycle manufacturers may no longer be in step with each other in a formal reporting sense, but their global ethos still rules the powered two-wheeler roost in the latest set of three nine-monthly and one full-year results revelations. To sum these up, BDN financial editor Roger Willis highlights Honda basking in glory, while Kawasaki successfully extracted itself from some self-inflicted recall issues. Meanwhile, Suzuki is refreshingly committed to motorcycles again. However, Yamaha still hasn’t learned how to translate a strong product portfolio and revenue stream into consistent profits
on the back foot, 7% down to 1.004 million. Elsewhere, Honda’s Brazilian manufacturing hub in Manaus, supplying emerging markets throughout Latin America, notably increased output by 7.3% to 974,000 units.
Developed-world markets weren’t shabby either. Higher-margin European sales volume rose by 11.4% to 361,000 units. And North America put on 10.4% to 413,000. Only Japanese domestic sales were a disappointment, falling by 12.7% to 158,000 units.
All major markets have since been revised upwards in full-year unit sales forecasts to 31 March 2025. Japan should reach 225,000. North American headcount is destined for 545,000. Europe is in line for 485,000. Asia will be boasting 17.505 million and other emerging regions 1.84 million. Finally, the overall total – which had already been
elevated to 20.2 million – is now targeting a record 20.6 million units.
-£ currency translation at forex rates applicable on 13 February
Although a weak profit forecast for Kawasaki’s Powersports and Engine division is tempered by various factors in threequarterly results, full-year performance is nevertheless more promising.
Turnover for the April to December period rose by 3.2% to £2.221bn. The impact of a recall for the Mule Pro 1000 ORV series was usefully offset by an increase in motorcycle sales. However, operating profit fell by 10.3% to £152.8m, owing to revised fixed costs associated with investment for increased production.
Revenue from motorcycles for developed countries grew by 16.7% to £844.4m. Associated wholesale volume
was 15.3% up to 151,000 units. Within that, North America put on 33.9% to 79,000 units and Europe improved by 9.5% to 46,000 units. Motorcycle revenue generated in emerging markets reduced slightly, 1.5% down to £386.5m. But wholesale volume increased by 11.8% to 180,000 units. Kawasaki’s biggest emerging market was in the Philippines, delivering a 30.1% rise to 134,000 units.
Revenue from utility vehicles, ORVs, ATVs and personal watercraft, principally driven by activity in North America, suffered a 9.9% decline to £622.9m, with volume dropping by 25.4% to 47,000 units. This was related to the aforementioned ORV recall, recovery from which is progressively anticipated. A further £366.8m came from general-purpose petrol engines.
Full-year volume forecasts predict developed-world motorcycles reaching 260,000 units, emerging-market motorcycles hitting 275,000 units and ORV, ATV and PWC recovery to 80,000 units. Full-year revenue is forecast to increase by 8% to £3.407bn and operating profit will revive during Q4 to flatline on £255.5m. -£ currency translation at forex rates applicable on 10 February
Suzuki Motor Corporation’s motorcycle business registered reasonable progress in the nine months of its current fiscal year to 31 December, although surging sales at its wholly-owned Indian subsidiary took much of the credit.
Total revenue over the period rose by 11% to £1.565bn, while a still modest operating profit was 11.6% up at £164.8m. Turnover from Asia was dominant, rising by 18.6% to £846.3m. Within that, India stacked on 24% to £569.6m. Revenue from developed markets wasn’t so impressive. Europe grew by 2.4% to £178m. But North America was 14.6% down to £155.3m and Suzuki’s Japanese domestic turnover fell by 8.6% to £73.7m.
Three-quarterly global Suzuki PTW production rose by 6.2% to 1.52 million units. India was responsible for 828,000 of them, a 15.1% increase. Elsewhere in Asia, production declined by 4.9%, mainly reflecting reduced output in China. Japanese domestic production also shrank, 16.5% down to 66,000. Worldwide sales over the first nine months were 7.1% up to 1.548 million units. Again, this highlighted Indian success, where numbers sold climbed by 18.7% to 779,000. Other Asian emerging markets taken together did less well, falling by 10.7% to 491,000. In the developed world, European wholesale volume improved by
21.4% to 34,000 and North America rose by 4.3% to 24,000.
As Q4 dawned in January, Suzuki celebrated its booming Indian presence with new models launched at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, held in New Delhi. These were led by the e-Access, its first “global strategic” battery-electric scooter and a new version of the bestselling conventionally fuelled Access. They were joined by a Gixxer SF250 motorcycle capable of running on 85% bioethanol fuel approaching carbon neutrality.
Not everything went according to plan,
markets rose primarily in Brazil and India. Then pathetically weak operating profit spoilt the party, improving by a mere 0.8% to £661.8m. According to the official excuse: “Operating income was on par with the previous year due to personnel costs and higher SG&A expenses from provisions for product warranties and other payments.”
Full-year unit sales grew by 2.8% to 4.961 million. Asian volume was the biggest slice but marginally 0.5% down to 3.863 million. European sales rose by 8.1% to 226,000 units, eliciting a revenue
though. The original full-year production forecast indicated growth from the previous year’s 1.914 million units to 2.003 million. But this was subsequently revised downwards by 11,000 units, owing to weakening demand in China. However, the full-year sales volume forecast has now been elevated to 2.035 million units, a 6.4% year-on-year advance. The key points should now see Asian sales, obviously led by India, reach 1.677 million. North American headcount should be 6.6% higher at 32,000 and Europe is rostered to hit 41,000.
-£ currency translation at forex rates applicable on 6 February
Having had plenty to celebrate in every previous quarterly stage of its advance through 2024, Yamaha’s motorcycle business once again fell at the final fullyear profitability hurdle.
Annual revenue from motorcycles finished 11.2% up at £8.22bn. Developed markets delivered an 11.8% rise to £2.089bn. Asia put on 4.2% at £4.603bn. Latin America and other regions added 37.7% to £1.528bn. Particular credit was attributed to higher shipments in the developed markets of North America and Europe, while shipments in emerging
They were joined by a Gixxer SF250 motorcycle capable of running on 85% bioethanol fuel approaching carbon neutrality
contribution which was 13.8% up to £1.288bn. North American volume grew by 7.9% to 82,000 units, with associated revenue 17.4% up to £466.2m. Sales volume in other regions surged by 23.2% to 718,000 units. Japanese domestic sales were negative, falling by 5.3% to 72,000 units. Associated revenue dropped by 4.9% to £232.8m.
Yamaha’s motorcycle business revenue forecast for 2025 predicts an overall annual rise of 3.9% to £8.544bn. Developed markets turnover should be 2.2% up to £2.134bn. Asia is billed for a 5.7% improvement to £4.865bn. But Latin America and other regions are likely to approximately flatline. Wishful thinking has operating profit boasting 3.6% growth to £685.4m – although it may trend similarly to the past year due to rising raw material prices.
In its forecast commentary, Yamaha expects unit shipments in Europe to continue growing. And in emerging markets, demand in India, the Philippines and Indonesia will increase. The latter will also apparently benefit from a recently launched Aerox premium scooter model taking the lead in unit sales.
-£ currency translation at forex rates applicable on 12 February
US law firm Taylor Wessing, acting on behalf of the Sardarov family’s holding company Art of Mobility in its intended reacquisition of KTM’s 50.1% shareholding in the Italian motorcycle brand MV Agusta, has insisted that the purchase is not yet a “done deal”. While a minority shareholding was already owned by Art of Mobility, transferring the majority is proving complex and is apparently still unresolved.
MV Agusta is being advised by its General Counsel Stefania Cane and the Italian law firm PedersoliGattai. The sellers – presumably lawyers representing
whatever remains of KTM or its administrator – have been named as Verena Schneglberger-Grossmann and Fritz Ecker of Oberhammer Rechtsanwälte.
to the extensive integration of target companies in the insolvent KTM Group,” explained Zumbo about the transaction. Deskovic added: “Implementation
Timur Sardarov has remonikered himself as Art of Mobility chief executive and jumped the gun, claiming to have re-established full control of the MV Agusta Group
Timur Sardarov’s senior advisory team has been led by Taylor Wessing partners Ivo Deskovic and Philipp Zumbo.
“This undertaking has proved to be extremely challenging, not least due
is still subject to approval by the Austrian and Italian authorities, the banks financing KTM, the KTM creditors’ committee and the insolvency court, as well as the insolvency administrator
of KTM. We nevertheless hope that a deal should be completed in the first half of 2025.”
However, Timur Sardarov has remonikered himself as Art of Mobility chief executive and jumped the gun, claiming to have re-established full control of the MV Agusta Group, officially marking its separation from KTM. Waffle coming out of Varese suggested that a strategic agreement is in place ensuring that MV Agusta remains completely uninvolved in KTM’s ongoing financial restructuring process.
A statement went on to say MV Agusta has strengthened its financial stability under a
With a Q4 exit from 2024 that was so excruciatingly lamentable that its best left unmentioned, Harley-Davidson’s annualised woes went from bad to worse.
BDN financial editor Roger Willis reports
from the core Harley-Davidson Incorporated entity were as follows. Overall revenue was 11.1% down to £4.116bn. Combined operating profit from various activity sectors plunged by 46.5% to £330.8m. Net income attributable to HD Inc shrivelled by 35.6% to £361.6m. Within those bare bones, the Harley-Davidson Motor
Company (HDMC), responsible for making and marketing motorcycles, plus a host of associated products, apparel, etc, and licensing functions, suffered a 14.9% revenue decline to £3.272bn. HDMC’s operating profit also dived by an even more hard-edged 58% to a mere £220.6m. Worldwide HDMC motorcycle shipments to dealers and distributors during
the year fell by 17.3% to 148,862.
Harley’s floundering LiveWire electric steed spinoff booked revenue of only £20.9m, a 31.2% slump, and declared an operating loss of £87m – improving slightly from the £92.7m loss in 2023. However, LiveWire shipment volume dropped by 7.3% to just 612 units over 12 months.
A modicum of light relief came from Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS), which majors on consumer credit and dealer inventory funding. HDFS revenue rose by 8.9% to £824.6m, driven primarily by elevated interest rate income.
Despite higher borrowing costs, an increased provision for credit losses and greater operating expenses, its operating profit grew by 5.8% to £192.2m. Harley’s global retail motorcycle sales in 2024 weren’t a pretty picture, 7.1% down year-on-year to 151,229 units. North America, combining the adjacent US and Canadian markets, fell by 3.7% to 102,023. The EMEA region –essentially European countries with relatively small numbers of bikes also sold in the Middle East and South Africa – sank by 10.8% to 24,082, now just a shadow of its past glory. The
fully revitalised management team over the past 18 months and had sold four thousand motorcycles in 2024, despite the fact that it was still a subsidiary of KTM during that period. Oddly, there was also no mention of several thousand MV Agusta motorcycles reportedly manufactured in Mattighofen by KTM last year.
Further unsubstantiated waffle followed. The company also aims to safeguard its network of suppliers and dealers, shielded from any potential financial disruptions, keeping them from being affected by KTM’s restructuring process and reinforcing MV Agusta’s stability and commitment to its stakeholders. All 219 active sales points in MV Agusta’s global sales network, including 41 service points, have allegedly been ringfenced to pursue business as usual. And additionally, 20 non-European importers have been recruited as part of the distribution network.
Sardarov couldn’t resist eulogising about what is a non-event for the time being. “This is a moment of pride for all of us at MV Agusta,” he opined. “Regaining full control of the company means
Asia-Pacific region retreated by 17.6% to 22,213. Presumably, the big badge-engineered volume of single-cylinder bikes churned out by Hero MotoCorp under license in India aren’t counted as “real” Hogs. Finally, Latin American consumers only managed to buy 2911, twelve fewer than in the previous year.
Inevitably, Harley-Davidson chairman and chief executive Jochen Zeitz piled in with almost plausible excuses. “In 2024, we saw our performance significantly impacted by the continuing cyclical headwinds for discretionary products, including the high-interest rate environment,” he complained. “The decisions we have made
we are now stronger and more focused than ever on delivering excellence.”
He appears to have forgotten that the original distress disposal of a controlling interest in MV Agusta came about when his father, Russian oligarch Rashid Sardarov, fell out with the Kremlin and the source of his wealth – and further MV Agusta investment capital – dried up. Rashid even had to sell his Superyacht! Stefan Pierer and KTM then reputedly paid €220m for 50.1% of its equity.
Flaunting the Austrian talent for never giving a straight answer when an obtuse one will do, we have since discovered that the asking price for a Sardarov repurchase is in the “middouble-digit million range”. Leaving aside the Sardarov family’s ability to find enough sacks full of roubles (or euros), this distinctly vague sum smacks of a significant haircut for aggrieved KTM and Pierer Mobility creditors. It could easily be below the threshold they will tolerate. No wonder Ivo Deskovic and his army of lawyers at Taylor Wessing are being careful about their completion date or, indeed, any absolutely done deal at all.
and the bold actions we have taken as part of our Hardwire strategy are continuing to strengthen our foundation for the future. The industry has faced many challenges over the past couple of years, impacting at all levels, but we believe we are best positioned to take advantage of any uptick in consumption.”
Unfortunately, such a posture doesn’t quite hang together with his 2025 financial outlook forecast, which predicts HDMC revenue flat or 5% down and HDFS operating profit down by 10% to 15%.
$-£ currency translation at forex rates applicable on 17 February
Official ACEM end of year registrations figures show that it was not only the UK that enjoyed (or suffered) a bumper end to 2024. The four other major European motorcycle markets also saw huge boosts in December, due to the rush to pre-register machines before January’s 2025 deadline for Euro 5+ emissions regulations.
While France, Spain and Italy saw December gains in line with UK figures, German dealers really went to town,
registering an astonishing 27,000plus extra bikes. Along with a spate of early pre-registering that took place in November, it means German dealships could be sitting on a mountain of more than 30,000 zero-mile “used” motorcycles. This is despite, according to the German motorcycle press, a flurry of discount deals being offered to customers throughout Q3 in an attempt to shift overstocked bikes, including many KTMs, Husqvarnas and GasGases.
Antonio Perlot, ACEM secretary general, commented: “The strong growth in motorcycle registrations across Europe’s largest markets in 2024 demonstrates the increasing appeal of motorcycling for mobility and leisure.
“However, it should be acknowledged that a consistent part of this growth is also linked to stock registrations ahead of the new Euro 5+ emissions standard – a market correction is therefore to be expected in the first half of 2025.”
A snapshot of motorcycle and ATV industry share performance across key manufacturers and major global markets at the trading week closure on Friday 14 February. BDN financial editor Roger Willis reports
USA – ERRATIC BEHAVIOUR
Wall Street stocks initially weakened as traders weighed the impact of President Trump’s latest tariff announcements. But most eventually shrugged off his plans. S&P 500 blue-chips eventually closed 1.5% up and the NASDAQ Composite bounced back to a 2.6% gain. However, the Dow Jones only lifted by 0.5% and S&P’s MidCap 400 ended the week 0.2% down.
Among MidCap biker stocks, Harley-Davison’s electric spin-off LiveWire continued to shed value, now more than 30% in arrears on a monthly basis with its shares worth less than three bucks. The Harley-Davidson Inc. parent isn’t doing too well either, its stock having sunk into 25-buck territory.
– ANOTHER FORLORN
The possibility of imminent negotiations to end the war in Ukraine boosted European stocks mightily, while gas prices fell. Key market indices reflected this dose of euphoria. Frankfurt’s Xetra Dax surged by 3.3% and the FTSE MIB in Milan closed 2.5% up.
A different factor was in play for German automotives, after BMW announced that it would concentrate US manufacturing activities on vehicles powered by internal combustion engines and put electric vehicles on the back burner. In response, BMW and VW share prices were boosted considerably.
Elsewhere, Austria’s Wiener Börse ATX index leapt by 5.3% and insolvent Pierer Mobilty’s feeble share price climbed, as an agreed date for some sort of resolution from the Pierer/KTM court-appointed administrator hoved into view.
Tokyo and Osaka’s key Nikkei 225 index recovered from the previous week’s loss to rise by 0.9%, as investors counted their blessings from reasonably positive Q3 results delivered by Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki. Yamaha’s fullyear failure to produce anything resembling a respectable operating profit was duly punished.
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi scuttled off to Washington for a dose of obsequious grovelling to avoid tariffs at the Court of King Trump, and came away more or less
empty-handed. Mumbai’s S&P BSE Sensex 30 and NSE Nifty 50 market indices demonstrated investor disapproval, respectively falling by 2.5% and 2.7%. The share prices of India’s five major motorcycle manufacturers plummeted. Already in a potential tariff line of fire, given considerable export sales to the US, are Royal Enfield and Bajaj Auto – the latter through its extensive production relationship with Triumph.
China’s market indices were remarkably robust. Shanghai’s all-share SSE Composite put on 1.3% and the blue-chip CSI 300 closed on a 1.2% gain. However, a majority of the 10 listed Chinese motorcycle producers, many of them exporters, were clearly troubled by reluctant investors. Six of them suffered declining weekly share prices, although monthly gains were much better.
Europe
Japan
India
China (yuan)
For years, part of the conventional wisdom about the electric bike and scooter markets was that it just needed some mainstream manufacturers to get on board, and the popularity of battery-powered products would soar. In recent times, though, it’s become clear that electric two-wheelers have several other significant hurdles – especially when it comes to high-powered and longer-ranged kit.
But smaller urban mobility machinery is more plausible: an A1-class 10-15hp powertrain with a 100-plus mile urban range is achievable at affordable prices, and the big manufacturers are finally moving into the sector. Kawasaki, Honda and Yamaha all have electric urban mobility options, and Suzuki is set to join them later this year.
The smallest of the Japanese bike makers released an electric scooter – the e-Address
(also badged as the e-Access) –at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in India in late January. It could easily pass for a petrol Address scooter if you ignore the missing exhaust pipe, and the tech specs are unlikely to quicken your pulse (unless you’re a delivery scooter fleet manager…). Power comes from a 50.1V/60Ah/3.07kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery which is claimed to offer a range of 60 miles. The power-train uses a 5.5hp (continuous power) electric motor with 15Nm of peak torque, giving a claimed top speed of around 45mph. The battery is fixed and integrated into the bike’s main frame under the seat. The spec sheet says it takes nearly seven hours to charge to 100%, a very low charging rate of less than 500W. That figure is for the bike’s supplied portable charger – Suzuki says a fast EV charger can complete the recharge in just over two
hours, which sounds more reasonable. Overall mass is 122kg, and the equipment levels include keyless ‘ignition’, reverse gear, underseat storage, a USB charging socket, LED lights and an LCD dash. There’s no official word on pricing as yet, in India or elsewhere.
Jak Tyrrell, Suzuki GB marketing manager told BDN: “The new e-Address marks an exciting and significant step towards Suzuki’s target of carbon neutrality. While we believe that a multi-pathway
approach to net zero is required across the spectrum of motorcycling, there is no doubt that battery EV is an excellent solution to small capacity, personal mobility, and the e-Address packs both performance and practicality into a classically styled package.
“While this recent announcement is solely for the Indian market, we expect to be able to announce details of a version of the e-Address for launch into the European market later this year.”
IT’S THE WORLD’S ONLY SERIOUS MAKER OF full-sized, high-performance electric motorbikes, and despite the troubles in that market, Zero Motorcycles is still working hard to generate sales. Its latest retail strategy is a series of massive discounts on models from 2022 and 2023, with savings of several thousand pounds now available under its “Go Electric” promotion. The 2022 DS and DSR dual sport models and the S, SR and SR/S sporty street models have all had £5000 hacked off the retail price, with the lightweight FX, FXE and FXS machines on offer with £2500 off. From the 2023 range, the price reductions are £4200 on the DS, DSR, DSR/X, S, SR, SR/F and SR/S, and £2500 on the FX and FXE.
“This is the perfect time to make the switch to electric,” said Dale Robinson, UK country manager at Zero Motorcycles. “We know riders are eager to embrace the future of motorcycling, and with ‘Go Electric,’ we’re making it easier than ever. Whether you’re an experienced biker or brand new to two wheels, there’s never been a better moment to experience the power, efficiency, and pure thrill of a Zero Motorcycle. We’ve listened to the demand for lower prices in the EV market, and we’re thrilled to be making it easier than ever to own a Zero.”
The offers run until the end of March. More info can be found at www.zeromotorcycles.com
Harley-Davidson’s LiveWire electric offshoot has released another new battery-powered model. The S2 Mulholland, dubbed an electric performance cruiser, uses the same S2 powertrain as the Del Mar roadster, giving upper-middleweight petrol bike performance.
The Mulholland weighs in at 196kg, produces 84bhp peak power and has a 10.5kW/h battery pack that offers up to (a claimed) 121 miles of urban range and 73 miles of 55mph main road riding. It also has both L1 (slow) and L2 (fast) charging technology, meaning charging from 20% to 80% on an L2 charger takes 78 minutes. Running
gear is premium road kit, with Showa suspension and Brembo brakes. It has a cruiser-style 19in front wheel, and the styling is distinctive, if perhaps not in the conventionally beautiful category.
Priced at £17,890, it seems unlikely to be a
massive game-changer in the currently torpid British electric motorcycle market. However, it offers another option to riders with a good use case for an electric bike with this sort of range, performance and charging times. The Mulholland S2 is on sale now.
Alternative powered two wheeler registrations for January 2025
New Year battery-electric sales were predictably lamentable, with market share of not very much in terms of overall registrations sinking from 4.2% to 4.1%. Total volume was 32% down to just 172 units. As usual, the only numbers really worth counting were low-power mobility sector products up to 11kW, and even these were weak.
4kW mopeds shrivelled by 55.7% to only 47 units. Seven trail-styled Sur-Ron Light Bee products claimed the “best-seller” accolade. 4-11kW machines offering approximate 125cc equivalence were 12.4% down to 106 units, within which 27 Sur-Ron Ultra Bee bikes ruled the sales roost.
Beyond that, each sector’s
The Mahindra Treo topped the midrange 11-35kW sector. It comes in tuk-tuk, pick-up and box van configurations
achievements could be counted on your fingers. In the 11-35kW range, volume rose from five to six bikes, with a pair of Mahindra Treo steeds hailed as best sellers. The over35kW motorcycle firmament plunged from nine to just two items, neither of which was identified. The “Exempt” category grew from four to five, including the three 2.5kW Electric Motion Epure Factor-e bikes starring as best sellers. A further six machines of unknown provenance completed the overall tally, with a single hybrid machine not included on the “by power band” list but adding to the total on the “by style” table.
THE ACU BRITISH Motocross Championship has announced that the MXGB 2025 series will have Michelin as a partner for the first time.
Michelin will be the official tyre partner for MXGB, providing support and enhanced visibility for the VIP hospitality area, the fan zone, and the Youth Rider Academy, which will host training sessions for younger riders.
Paul Irwin, MXGB series director, commented: “Michelin’s passion for quality and performance aligns perfectly with our vision for the 2025 championship. The new hospitality area and fan zone, will be great additions to the series. The Youth Academy will host a training series to provide younger series riders with knowledge and information that further enhances their careers.”
Richard Bezzant, marketing director of Michelin UK & ROI, said: “As a leader in tyre manufacturing we see the track as an integral part of our product development. Michelin has, therefore, been supportive of motorsport for many years. We are proud to continue that association and to be involved with the ACU and MXGB.”
The Telford International Centre once again hosted the Hagon-sponsored Classic Dirt Bike Show in February, attracting a surprising number of attendees despite the challenging weather. The presence of motocross legends Graham Noyce and Mick Andrews likely contributed to the turnout. Attendance was probably also affected by a major event happening at Hawkstone Park and a local trial competition on Sunday, prompting many families to make a weekend of it. Saturday was particularly busy as a result, with many exhibitors reporting record levels of interest.
The stars of the show weren’t limited to just people. At the end of 1978, the Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) dedicated its efforts to developing a motorcycle capable of winning the prestigious World Championship. The product of this endeavour was the RC500, crafted with the most advanced technologies and materials of its time. Remarkably, there are only two of these extraordinary machines in existence. The second RC500, which served as Noyce’s practice bike, is currently displayed at HRC Japan. This was the bike that established Honda’s reputation in world competition and cemented HRC’s status as a formidable force in motocross.
Event manager Nick Mowbray said: “The private displays on show were impressive, and the presence of quads was really strong. Overall, there was a great atmosphere, and we saw quite a few younger visitors. This show tends to attract three generations: grandfathers who think they can still ride, and fathers and sons, many of whom start off with older bikes that are often available in their garages. One
gentleman brought four motocross bikes to the show and successfully sold them all for a substantial sum. Interestingly, we’ve noticed that older Japanese bikes are now fetching higher prices than the British ones. All our outside pitches sold out and were very busy. To accommodate all the different stalls, we had to split the vendors over the two days.”
Hagon Products has been the main sponsor of the show for a decade and is pleased to continue this partnership, according to general manager George Hunter: “It was a good turnout. While Sunday was a bit quieter, the overall sentiment was positive. The show benefits us – without it, we couldn’t continue our involvement. We have a rich history in racing; it’s still a family business, and family members actively compete in off-road events. In recent years, we’ve started running a sales discount code, allowing us to track sales and monitor our performance after the show.
“Participating in events like the ones organised by the Pre-65 Motocross Club allows us to introduce more modern technology into traditional machines, which in turn aids our product development. This year’s show highlighted the growing trend of younger riders using older bikes, contributing to a product revival for us.”
A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR ALL Husqvarna and GasGas motocross and enduro models from 2022 onwards due to a potential issue with the front brake. Models equipped with Braktec braking systems may experience irregularities in the casting structure, which could affect the performance of the front brake calliper. As a result, the calliper must be
inspected and replaced if necessary.
As is usual in these cases, owners of the affected models will receive a notification letter advising them to take their motorcycles to an authorised dealer for inspection. Additionally, customers can visit the “Service” section of the GasGas or Husqvarna website to check if their machine is included in this recall.
POST THE LAST-EVER DL12 INDOOR
Trial, 12-time world champion Dougie Lampkin has penned an open letter sharing his thoughts and hinting at what’s next:
With the dust having now settled after the final DL12 Indoor Trial and having received so many messages and questions asking why such a great event has sadly come to an end, it would be a good moment to share the truth with you all.
Part of our problem was getting a date at the arena next year. Although some options could have worked, we simply can’t risk having a World Championship event on the same date or on the same weekend again.
We asked the ACU for their help, but they did completely the opposite and strangled us. They were aware that our indoor and outdoor plans were financially linked. Plus, we presented them with a solid three-year plan that is unheard of in the current economic climate, and they strangely rejected it.
The ACU also know that we must book and sign contracts with any arena in the UK at least 12 months, but more like 18 months in advance, to stand any chance of getting a date that will work, which is what we have done for the last three years.
But the problem is that the World Championship dates are never announced until a maximum of three months prior to the opening round, and as we are not part of the series, we are under attack. This year, they initially planned an event on the same date as
Jus before finally moving it to the day before, but the ACU did nothing to try and protect our event.
On Saturday morning, we had to pray that the flight from Lyon with Bou, Busto, Marcelli, and Raga would fly. It was delayed for over an hour due to fog, but it did eventually take off, and our four biggest named riders arrived just in time for our event. Can you imagine the fallout and refunds we would have had to deal with if those guys hadn’t arrived? We can’t keep risking the quarter of a million pounds that we have invested into the event each year now to lose out through something we are not in control of.
My dad and his business partner have run Sheffield Indoor for 25 years, and Jake and my dad have run over 90% of the outdoor TrialGP events in the UK over the last 20 years, not to mention my own achievements – sporting and otherwise – so you would hope that the ACU would have some respect for what we are continuing to do for the sport. Not only are we still running events, but we are also now running what are seen as the best events of their kind in the world.
When we first met with Tim Lightfoot [the new ACU Chairman], we really thought he was going to support us, but in reality, he has shown us nothing but disrespect and has actually become one of the main reasons that we have no confidence moving forward under the ACU banner despite having run every event we have ever done for the last 25 years with the ACU. We have even attended a mediation
amie Lewis has decided to step down as team manager of ISDE Team GB for 2025 due to an increasingly busy business schedule. Lewis’ journey from rider to manager has been characterised by his dedication to the sport. Since taking on the role in early 2023, he successfully guided the men’s Trophy Team to a commendable third-place finish at the challenging International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) event in Argentina. Additionally, he also led the club team competitors during the event held in Spain.
“I want to thank the ACU and the British ISDE Team for the opportunity to be team manager,” Lewis said. “It’s been a privilege to create unforgettable memories with such a fantastic group. However, my business commitments make it difficult to give the role the attention it deserves. I wish the team every success in 2025 and beyond.”
meeting at Rugby; however, we still haven’t found a way forward, and he has even tried to block our future event by being resistant to issuing the requested permit.
It’s going to be interesting to see how things pan out. The ACU have made their choice, and over the coming years, UK trials fans can judge for themselves if it was the right one or not.
We have done our bit for trial and will continue to do so, with or without the support of the ACU. It’s a shame it’s come to this, but it has, unfortunately.
The good news is that we continue to have great support from all our partners, the media, the riders, the industry, and the fans who buy tickets. That’s why we are already planning what will replace the DL12 Indoor Trial in the future.
Dougie Lampkin MBE – 12 x World Champion
In a statement the ACU said: “The ACU was sorry to read Dougie’s open letter and has taken some time to reflect on the points made. The ACU is engaging with Dougie privately on this matter but, in the meantime, we want to assure the trials community that we are taking the letter seriously. As the governing body for British motorcycle sport the ACU has, for more than 120 years, supported its organisers and members at all levels, across all disciplines, and remains absolutely committed to doing so.”
CFMOTO UK HELD ITS FIRST-EVER DEMO DAY LAST MONTH, attracting more than 70 customers and dealers who had the opportunity to test the complete range of ATVs and UTVs. The event enabled customers to engage with CFMoto representatives, including Lin Wul from the CFMoto Global factory, who answered questions and discussed customer needs.
The company says the new event allowed attendees to experience the performance and versatility of CFMoto vehicles in real-world conditions, and the stand-out vehicle of the day was the new U10 Pro UTV, praised for its ability to handle heavy workloads and challenging terrains. It is priced at £18,000 + VAT, including the cab option.
Contact 01237 422660 or adsales@dealernews.co.uk
The latest news and views in the world of business
Businesses tax goes up in April– don’t pay more than you need to!
These are definitely taxing times. When the chancellor stood up to announce her first Budget last year, it contained 43 major tax changes and is projected to raise, on average, an extra £36bn a year from 2025/26 to 2029/30.
Given this background, it makes sense to look at some of the main taxes encountered by a typical firm and some of the threats and opportunities that the October 2024 Budget has brought.
In terms of additional tax revenue, the biggest change was the increase to Employer’s National Insurance Contributions (NIC).
Employer’s NIC is paid by employers on top of staff salaries. From 6 April 2025, this will increase from 13.8% to 15%. At the same time, the threshold from which Employer’s NIC starts to be charged will decrease from £9100 to £5000.
Employers only start to pay Employer’s NIC once their liability exceeds their Employment Allowance. Smaller employers will receive some protection from the increased NIC costs as from 6 April 2025, the Employment Allowance is increasing from £5000 to £10,500. But larger employers, employers with lots of part time staff, or groups of companies (which share a single allowance) will very much feel these NIC rises.
Pension contributions
One way an employer might be able to mitigate the extra costs is to look at how pension contributions are handled for their staff.
For all but the lowest paid workers, the value of any pension payments made by the employee can be enhanced if the pension contributions are made via salary sacrifice. This means the employee agrees to accept a lower salary in exchange for higher pension contributions from their employer. This approach can create NIC savings for both employees and employers as employer pension contributions are not subject to Employer’s or Employee’s NIC.
Electric vehicles
There remain tax savings to be had from going electric when looking at acquiring cars for use by directors or employees. The 100% firstyear allowances for zeroemission cars and electric vehicle charge-points have been extended to 31 March 2026, which means tax relief up front for the cost of cars
purchased outright or via hire purchase.
The benefit in kind rates for electric company cars also remain favourable, which keeps tax costs down for employees, although the rates are set to increase gradually between now and 2029/30 so tax costs will creep up here over time.
Minimum wages
The increase in Employer’s NIC comes in at the same time as increases to the National Living Wage. From 6 April 2025, over 21s will be entitled to a minimum of £12.21 an hour, up from £11.44. The National Minimum Wage – which applies to 18- to 20-yearolds – will increase to £10 an hour, and apprentice pay will increase to £7.55 an hour. These additional costs can quickly add up and need to be factored in when considering new staff.
When a business is incorporated then it will pay corporation tax on any profits. The current rates of
corporation tax depend on the amount of profits the business makes. Very broadly, a company with profits of less than £50,000 will pay 19% corporation tax, while one with profits of more than £250,000 will be taxed at 25%. A company with profits between those two figures will pay at rate of between 19-25%.
As it stands, the government has committed to maintaining both the higher 25% rate and 19% small companies rate for the duration of this Parliament.
There are changes with how Double Cab Pickups (DCPUs) are treated as business vehicles. All new DCPUs will be treated as cars for benefit in kind and capital allowance purposes from April 2025. Fortunately, there are some transitional rules and DCPUs purchased, leased or ordered before 6 April 2025 will be treated as vans until the earlier of disposal, lease expiration or 5 April 2029.
All trading businesses need to
with Adam Bernstein www.abfeatures.com
be aware of some big changes to taxes which apply on disposal of the business.
If you are thinking of selling your business in the next few years, then you need to know about increases to the rate of Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR). The conditions for BADR are complex but, broadly, if you are selling all or part of a business you have owned for at least two years – or selling assets which were used in a business that you owned within three years of the cessation of the business – you may be entitled to lower rates of Capital Gains Tax (CGT). Currently, individuals who meet the conditions pay a 10% CGT rate on their first £1m of gains. This is a lifetime allowance, so will be reduced if you have made previous qualifying gains in the past. Without this relief, CGT rates of 18/24% (depending on the size of your income and the gain) will apply.
From 6 April 2025, the rate for the first £1m of gains will increase to 14% and from 6 April 2026, it will increase to 18%. Gains above the limit will remain taxable at 24%.
While you may not plan to run your business forever, you should still think about Inheritance Tax (IHT) in case the worst were to happen. As it stands, most wellstructured businesses can look to claim relief from IHT on the value of the business thanks to Business Property Relief (BPR). The maximum relief is currently 100%, with a lower 50% relief on the premises from which the business trades if they are owned personally rather than held in the partnership or company.
From 6 April 2026, the 100% relief will be capped at the first £1m of qualifying assets, with a lower 50% rate applying to any remaining qualifying assets. This means there will be an effective 20% IHT rate on business assets over the £1m, half the standard 40% IHT rate.
At the current time, it is not envisaged that the £1m allowance will be transferable between married couples or civil partners. If you have a valuable business and your spouse is involved, it will be worth seeking advice from a reputable tax adviser to help maximise available IHT reliefs.
For most businesses, the biggest day-to-day risk for tax is making errors or mistakes. In 2024, the government announced it would be funding an additional 5,000 HMRC compliance officers over the next five years, which will likely increase the risk of being on the receiving end of an enquiry in future.
The key with day-to-day compliance for most is ensuring they keep good records and to use a suitably qualified adviser with experience of dealing with similar retail businesses. An adviser who is qualified and familiar with the operation and types of costs your business may incur will be best placed to ensure you are getting all the reliefs you are entitled to.
“Nothing is certain except death and taxes” said Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the USA. But just because tax exists doesn’t mean that we cannot legitimately take steps to reduce liability. To do that well requires good advice from a reputable source.
MTS are Distributor for
MTS are Distributor for
to the UK two-wheeled market offering a range of products across Scooter, MX, Enduro, Sport Touring and Sports tyres
to the UK two-wheeled market offering a range of products across Scooter, MX, Enduro, Sport Touring and Sports tyres
MTS are one of the largest motorcycle tyre distributors in the UK bringing businesses:
MTS are one of the largest motorcycle tyre distributors in the UK bringing businesses:
Specific focus on motorcycle with ability to offer specials
Specific focus on motorcycle with ability to offer specials
Carrying in excess of 1500 product lines
Carrying in excess of 1500 product lines
Introduction of Eurogrip House Brand
Introduction of Eurogrip House Brand
Market leading Premium Brands
Market leading Premium Brands
Rewards through Bespoke Brand Programmes
Rewards through Bespoke Brand Programmes
24-hour access to stock availability, pricing and technical information
24-hour access to stock availability, pricing and technical information
Network of 25 warehouses Free next day delivery, location dependant*
Network of 25 warehouses Free next day delivery, location dependant*
*FOC to most UK destinations check to see if carriage applies
*FOC to most UK destinations check to see if carriage applies Motorcycle
Probably not. On paper an audience of 15 million 15-24 year olds makes sense, but it’s a fickle one mainly looking for low ticket products
TikTok is the new kid on the social media block. Released in September 2015, it’s an app that allows users to create, watch, and share short videos. It is particularly popular with younger generations, who use it to express themselves through singing, dancing, comedy, and lip-syncing. There are more than 20 million users in the UK, and threequarters of them are aged 15-24, making TikTok an attractive platform to connect with the youth market. However, be warned, these customers are notoriously fickle. As the following example will show, TikTok may not be the ‘golden ticket’ you think it is for your business.
HERE TODAY, GONE TOMORROW
Do you remember Prime Energy, the drink sales sensation created by YouTubers KSI and Logan Paul? TikTok played a significant role in its rapid rise in popularity.
Prime Energy is a very popular topic on TikTok – the official page has more than 5 million followers! You can find a wide variety of videos related to the drink, including reviews, taste tests, unboxings, and challenges.
TikTok’s short-form video format and trend-driven nature quickly spread the word about Prime Energy, creating a sense of urgency and FOMO (fear of missing out). Countless videos featuring the drink generated organic engagement and further fuelled the hype, exposing the brand to a wider audience beyond KSI and Logan Paul’s existing fan base.
In many ways Prime Energy is a masterclass in how to produce a viral sensation. It also proved to be a lesson in the short-term nature of trends. Last year, sales fell by nearly 50% compared to 2023, a drop of £63m! That was the steepest fall of any food or beverage brand in the UK during the period.
Part of the problem is the nature of TikTok. Users typically spend nearly 50 hours a month on the platform – more than double the time spent on YouTube and triple the time spent on Facebook. They are constantly scrolling through short-form videos, looking for the next entertaining snippet. Unless you
are continually feeding them amusing content, they’ll quickly move on to the next video. And consistently producing engaging videos – or paying influencers to do it for you – is an expensive and timeconsuming process.
Something else to consider is that the top brands on TikTok tend to be universal products with relatively low ticket prices, such as beauty or wellness items. Basically, these are things that appeal to a younger audience at what we used to call ‘pocket money’ prices. Motorcycles and most related purchases definitely do not fit into that category, and that’s without further hurdles like licensing and insurance costs. You might create a buzz, but will it convert to sales?
In our final feature in this series, we will summarise the four main social media platforms and discuss how to choose one that best suits your needs
THE LAST TIME THE MATHISSE FLIP-FRONT WAS UPDATED WAS back in 2021 so, with the need to meet ECE 22.06 approval, Airoh thought it a good time to give the whole lid a refresh. The new Mathisse II keeps the 180o chin guard rotation of its predecessor, meaning it can be ridden as an open- or full-face helmet because it has dual approval.
The new version has a thermoplastic shell in four different sizes, ensuring a low-profile look, which incorporates Airoh’s sliding net system to help absorb rotational impacts. The manufacturer is particularly proud of the Mathisse’s ventilation system, which comprises adjustable air intakes on the crown and chin, and twin exhaust vents at the rear. The extra-wide visor ensures good peripheral vision, and the addition of a Pinlock 120XLT anti-fog insert and a drop-down sun visor mean clarity is maintained whatever the weather. Inside there is a Coolmax liner treated with 2DRY Microsense, making it hypoallergenic as well as removable and washable. The Mathisse comes in sizes XS-3XL in a wide range of solid colours and graphic options with prices starting from £249.99.
Bike It; 02380 658700; tradesales@bikeit.co.uk
ANOTHER UPDATE TO THE INSTA360 CAMERA TAKES IT TO THE latest X4 version, which features new noise-reduction measures to make audio recordings crystal clear and without the roar of the wind. It now automatically turns on and starts recording when it is connected to an external power source, and the loop recording feature seamlessly overwrite files by recording continuously and saving only the last fixed-length segment. The 360 X4 can be paired with a Bluetooth headset for hands-free operation and to provide audio direct from an intercom. SRP is £572. Pama & Co; 0161 494 4200; sales@pama.co.uk
ROKIT HAS LAUNCHED A new pair of portable tyre inflators that can double-up as a power bank to charge phones and cameras while on the move. The smaller of the two models has a 5200mAh battery, while the larger has a 9000mAh battery, with each claiming to be able to inflate multiple tyres from flat to full pressure. The LED displays can show tyre pressure in PSI, Bar, KPA or Kg/cm and the pumps can be preset to inflate to a designated pressure before automatically shutting off, up to 150PSI. The pumps come with USB-C charging cables, air hose, Presta valve adaptor (for bicycle tyres) and adaptors for footballs and other inflatables. The 9000mAh model also comes with a 12V cigarette lighter charging adaptor and a cloth carry bag. SRPs are £39.99 and £49.99 respectively. Nevis Marketing; 01425 478936; info@nevis.uk.com
FOR THE LAST FEW WEEKS I’VE BEEN TRYING out Oxford Product’s Cool Seat and Hot Seat, alternately treating my posterior to either a cooling breeze or a cosseting warmth on my daily commute and weekend trips.
As it is still the middle of winter, and the mercury is sticking resolutely to the lower regions of the thermometer, I plumped for trying the Hot Seat first. It’s a universal fit, so should be suitable for almost any model of motorcycle or scooter, and installation is very simple – just two wires connect to the battery and a couple of elasticated hook-and-loop straps secure the Hot Seat to the bike’s saddle. As I was going to have the fairing off of my BMW, I also took the opportunity to try out Oxford’s £24.99 Junction Box; a fouroutlet electrical distribution unit designed to make installing electrical accessories quicker and simpler. It is small enough to tuck neatly out of the way under the bike’s bodywork, and it has coloured LEDs to show everything is working, which will turn red to warn if one of the fuses has blown. Wiring it in made the installation a two stage process, but means the Hot Seat (and several other accessories on my bike) are now all plugged into switched terminals, meaning I shouldn’t come back to a flat battery should I forget to turn everything off.
this was a moot point as you can’t see it while riding, which meant choosing a comfortable heat level was literally a seat-of-the-pants experience. Once turned on, the Hot Seat warms rapidly – you can feel the heat in less than a minute. Wearing jeans, the warmth was very evident, and I soon had to select the 50% power setting to avoid my rear getting toasted. And due to the elements’ proximity to the femoral artery, it should help to keep the legs, and possibly down as far as the feet, a few degrees warmer by taking the chill off the blood.
The Hot Seat is made of a grippy textured silicon coated fabric, which stops it moving around too much, and is nice and thin so is barely noticeable once you are on the bike. It’s strictly a single-seat option though, so if your pillion wants to take the chill off their derrière they’ll need their own Hot Seat. The control button is located on the right hand side; a single press turns the Hot Seat on at full power, with subsequent presses cycling through the three heat settings. The button is large enough to be operated by a gloved hand, and it changes colour to show which heat setting has been selected, although
Overall, it’s a relatively cheap and easy way to add a bit of comfort to a winter ride, with its £79.99 SRP well within impulse buy, or even ‘gift for a biker’, budget. It’s not a cure-all for cold-weather riding, but as part of an outfit along with heated gloves and a heated jacket the Hot Seat will keep riders on the road however cold it gets. I was a bit cynical before I tried it, but I’m now a convert and find my nearfreezing morning commute far more tolerable with a hot bum. Moving on to the Cool Seat came as a shock to the system. It straps to the bike’s seat in a similar fashion to the Hot Seat, using a pair of elasticated Velcro straps but unlike the one-size-fits-all Hot Seat, the Cool version comes in three sizes, to suit sports and street bikes, adventure and touring machines, or for pillions. It is made of two layers of 3D mesh, the bottom of which is rubberised to prevent slipping, which provides under-bum airflow when on the move, reducing moisture and heat build-up in the warmer months. In the middle of February, it honestly felt somewhat unnecessary, but it definitely works, as the cooling breeze around the hindquarters demonstrated. I’ll put it to one side for now and dig it out again in the summer to see whether it makes a sunny day ride more refreshing. SRP is £29.99. Oxford Products; 01993 862300; info@oxprod.com
Designed to protect your bike from existing and new corrosion. This product is easy to apply, and once used it forms a thin film that creates a protective barrier against corrosion.
OC211 - 500ML / OC223 - 750ML
WESIE HAS LAUNCHED A NEW RANGE OF Tempest weatherproof oversuits, jackets and trousers. Each item is made of tear-resistant Ripstop with a laminated waterproof film and taped and welded seams to keep the water out. The material’s breathable micropore structure allows internal moisture to escape to avoid that clammy feeling, and adjustable waists and cuffs ensure a snug fit and reduce flapping. Two lining options are offered –either a micro-mesh or a 100gsm quilted thermal liner suited to the colder months. The one piece suits have a wide-opening diagonal thigh-to-neck zip to make it easier to get on and off; the thermal option is £139.99 and the mesh-lined version is £99.99 and comes in a choice of black or blue/neon yellow. The jacket only comes meshlined, in black or blue/yellow, for £69.99 SRP. The lower half has multiple options: thermallined trousers are £69.99 and mesh lined are £59.99, with both offered in black or blue/yellow. Or there are higher-waisted salopettes, which feature removable braces and offer more protection around the crucial jacket/trouser join at the waist. They are £89.99 in black or blue/ yellow. All garment have 3M Scotchlite reflective trims, waterproof zipped pockets for essentials and come with a two-year guarantee.
The Key Collection; 01179 719200; sales@thekeycollection.co.uk
ALPINESTARS HAS GIVEN ITS ALREADY-EXPENSIVE SUPERTECH R10 HELMET A replica paint job that takes the lid into new pricing territory. The new colour scheme recreates the livery used by Jorge Martin Almoguera, nicknamed the Martinator, on his journey to become the 2024 MotoGP World Champion. With his 2025 season already cast into doubt following a crash during testing, this might be a one-off opportunity. The Supertech R10 is ECE 22.06 and FIM homologated, and its full-carbon shell has been honed in the wind tunnel. It comes with two spoilers, one for road use and one for race, and all the niceties that you would expect from a top-flight race-spec lid including a lockable quick-release visor, multiple ventilation ports, hydration hose compatibility and dual (clear and smoked) visors. SRP is £1149.99.
Oxford Products; 01993 862300; info@oxprod.com
PYRAMID HAS INTRODUCED A 20-LITRE WATERPROOF DUFFEL BAG TO ITS soft luggage range, adding more strap-on versatility. Measuring 45 x 25 x 28cm, the bag will fit bikes with narrow seats and small luggage racks, while still providing enough space for a couple of days’ worth of kit or commuting essentials. It has a 500D PVC shell with heat-sealed external stitching to ensure waterproofing, and its full-width opening and roll-top closure allows easy access to contents while keeping everything securely sealed. An air release valve allows trapped air to escape to give a snug fit around contents.
A four-point strapping system offers multiple mounting options – luggage rack, frame rail or grab handle – and four integrated D-rings provide additional securing points. For off-bike use, there are padded carry handles and a detachable shoulder strap, with the option to use it as a backpack. The duffel bag is available in black or grey and retails at £34.99 including a shoulder strap and four securing straps. Pyramid Motorcycle Accessories; 01427 677990; support@pyramidmoto.co.uk
GERMAN ACCESSORY MAKER HORNIG HAS NEW CRASH BARS to suit the BMW R1300 GS. They’re made of satin-finish black powdercoated steel tubing in a mix of 22mm and 25mm sizes, allowing OE BMW auxiliary lights to be mounted direct on to them. The bars are shaped to fit snugly around the engine and use existing mounting points, so there is no need to drill or cut any bodywork. The engine crash bars have an SRP of €299, with the matching fairing crash bars at €279. Hornig; +49 9971 996610; info@mhornig.com
Silkolene polish
CARNAUBA WAX, EXTRACTED FROM THE leaves of Carnauba palm trees grown in North East Brazil, is said to be one of the hardest natural waxes available, making it ideal as a glossy protective coating on automotive paintwork. Silkolene’s Carnauba Wax Polish makes the most of its natural qualities, removing light dirt and traffic grime to leave a long-lasting high gloss, streak-free finish. It comes in a 500ml bottle for an SRP of £14.76. Fuchs Silkolene; 01782 203700; www.fuchs.com
HELMET COMMS SYSTEMS ARE DE RIGEUR THESE DAYS, providing phone calls and entertainment at the push of a Bluetooth-enabled button. But they come at a price, with the most advanced systems costing hundreds of pounds: sometimes too much for budget-conscious bikers. Riding to the rescue is the new Twiins Mobility system, which offers a Bluetooth smartphone connection for music, phonecalls and navigation – enough for the urban commuter. Speakers are larger than previous model’s, providing an output of up to 100dB, and the self-contained design fits into any helmet, without leaving a bulky box stuck to the outside. The unit charges via a USB-C cable and provides up to six hours of talk time and 65 hours standby. SRP is £89.99. UA-Distribution; 01854 611188; sales@ua-distribution.com
A NEW ULTRA-VERSATILE THREE-INone jacket, the Montroc features a waterproof and breathable In&Out Humax 10K membrane that can be worn either under or over the jacket, along with a Primaloft thermal liner that is also removable. The outer shell uses Kevlar fibre and Ripstop fabric, and it is fitted with CE level 2 protectors from D3O at the shoulders and elbows, helping it to achieve an AA rating. Pockets to fit optional back and chest protectors are also fitted. For hot weather rides, the AFS ventilation system has large zipped sleeve, chest and back vents that open up to reveal mesh panels that give high levels of airflow. It comes in a choice of black or black/grey/red in sizes from S to 4XL for an SRP of £419.99.
Furygan UK; 01489 582707; www.furygan.com
STEALTH HAS LAUNCHED NEW open-face helmets for the 2025 season. The Metro has a modern style ABS shell with a removable peak and sun visor, while the Open has a more traditional look, with a rounded shell and a removable three-stud peak. Both feature a pull-down sun visor. The Open comes in several solid colours, including gloss white, matt black and matt green for £49.99 SRP, or in graphic options for £59.99. The Metro only comes in matt black and has an SRP of £69.99. Both the helmets have a removable and washable liner and micrometric fastener. Bike It; 02380 658700; tradesales@bikeit.co.uk
HARLEY-DAVIDSON HAS LAUNCHED TWO NEW MODELS TO BEEF-UP ITS UK RANGE. THE STREET
Glide Ultra is a long-distance touring machine which fits perfectly into the traditional role of Harley mile-munching machinery. It uses the Milwaukee-Eight 117 motor, which equates to a 1917cc V-Twin producing 105hp and a more useful 130ft-lbs of torque. That’s needed to shift all 393kg of bike, plus up to another 224kg of rider, pillion and luggage, space for which is provided by colour-coded panniers and top box. Prices start from £28,495.
For those with a slightly more adventurous spirit, the Pan America 1250ST claims to be able to fulfil roles as a commuter steed, back-road scratcher or a weekend tourer. It’s powered by a 1252cc Revolution Max engine producing 150hp, which should be ample to shift the bike’s comparatively svelte 246kg running weight. The ST’s sporty aspirations are signalled with a lower height windshield, a 17in front wheel, and a lower seat height to help when cornering. Prices start from £16,995. Harley-Davidson; 0208 891 9088; www.harley-davidson.com
KNOX HAS LAUNCHED THE FOURTH VERSION OF ITS WINTER WATERPROOF ZERO GLOVE. The Zero 4 is made from a mix of goat Nappa leather and high tenacity fabric and has an eVent waterproof and breathable membrane to vent away excess heat and moisture, keeping the inside of the glove comfortable. This is combined with Primaloft Gold water resistant insulation for when the temperature drops. Another new feature is the Boa closure system used on the cuff for a lowprofile and micro-adjustable fit. Protection is provided by the Knox Scaphoid Protection System on the palm, with Micro-Lock fitted inside to add extra impact absorption. The knuckle protector is also filled with Micro-Lock armour. The hexagon design used on the palm is said to improve grip, there’s a visor wipe on the thumb, and there are touchscreen enabled fingers for operating a phone or sat nav without degloving. The Zero4 is available in black, in sizes XS-3XL for an SRP of £179.99. Knox; 01900 825825; sales@planet-knox.com
EVERY MOTORCYCLIST should be wearing ear protection – even short periods of exposure to wind and engine noise can cause damage to delicate parts of the ear. But not all rides are the same, which is why Oxford has created a trio of protective hypoallergenic TPU Filterbuds to suit different environments. The Commuter Filterbuds reduce sound levels by a claimed 18dB, enough to take the edge off but still allow riders to hear nearby traffic. The Touring option goes a step further, reducing levels by 22dB, while the Racing version is designed to overcome the roar of unbaffled exhausts and high-speed windrush on track with a 28dB reduction in volume. Each version comes with a detachable neck cord and a colour-coded aluminium storage cannister with a keyring connector. SRP is £19.99 per pair.
Oxford Products; 01993 862300; info@oxprod.com
THE DR JEKILL & MR HYDE exhaust brand has made a version of its Vox exhaust system to suit the 2025 Indian Scout 1250 range. The 4.5in system has the signature J&H electronically adjustable valve to switch between three modes that vary the volume from a quiet and relaxed burble up to a bone-shaking roar at the touch of a handlebar-mounted button. It comes in a choice of black or chrome finishes, with a further choice of Streetfighter or slashcut end caps to finish it off. SRPs start from £1897.81.
The Jekill and Hyde Company +31 (0)77 3081070 info@jekillandhyde.com
THE NEW HJC I80 IS AN ADVENTURE-STYLE SYSTEM, OR FLIPfront, helmet offering the options of full-face or open-face operation. It has a polycarbonate and ABS composite shell with a wind-tunnel tested peak for improved stability and reduced drag. If opening the front doesn’t provide enough airflow then there is a twin-channel ventilation system with crown and chin vents. The visor is Pinlock-equipped and anti-scratch coated, and there is also a drop-down smoke tinted visor. Other features include a wicking interior liner, interchangeable cheek pads and grooves to accommodate glasses. It comes in solid white or black for £199.99 SRP, or a choice of graphics for £229.99. Oxford Products; 01993 862300; info@oxprod.com
LARSSON HAS EXTENDED the range of SKF fork repair products it offers, adding new bushing kits to the seals, mudscrapers and dust covers already available. The kits feature copper-plated steel bushes with a PTFE coating for reduced friction, and thousands of models are catered for – with kits for Kayaba, Showa, Sachs, WP, Ohlins and Marzocchi forks starting from £17.86 SRP. Larsson UK; 01536 265633; info@larsson.uk.com
LS2’S FLIP-FRONT STROBE HAS been given four new colour options for the 2025 season. The Strobe has a Kinetic Polymer Alloy (KPA) shell and features a drop-down sun visor. The new finishes are a solid matt blue, a silver/red/blue Monza graphic and the Code graphic in hi-vis yellow or bright orange. The graphic schemes retail for £119.99, with solid colours at £99.99.
LS2 Helmets UK; 01670 856342; ukservice2@ls2helmets.com
IF A CUSTOMER IS BUILDING the two-wheel equivalent of a restomod by installing a modern PX motor into an earlier model Vespa, they may be a bit disappointed by the look of the kickstart – its modern angular lines clash with the old-school curves of the scooter. So VE now has a classic-style curved kickstart that has been machined to fit straight on to the splined shaft of the newer motor. The pedal comes in two lengths – a short VBB style or longer Rally style – depending on preference, with an SRP of £42.
VE (UK); 01159 462991; sales@ve-uk.com
HEXINNOVATE HAS released a new software update for its GS-911 diagnostic tool for BMW motorcycles. The update adds new features, including the ability to customise the dash display, battery monitoring, retrofitting alarms and expanded access to real-time tyre pressure data. Support for more models has also been added, with the C400 X, F900 GS/GSA, S1000 RR and M1000 R now covered. The software update is a free download for existing GS-911 owners, available from the Hexinnovate website. HEX Innovate; 01372 364100; www.hexezcan.com
THE TRIUMPH SPEED AND SCRAMBLER X 400 models have been a massive success for the Hinckley brand, flying out of showrooms in huge numbers. This means that there is now a healthy pool of owners keen to buy accessories and add-ons to personalise their bikes. To pick up a larger slice of this market, Pyramid now has a practical rear hugger that fits either machine. It’s made of ABS plastic, with an aluminium chainguard finished in matt black powdercoat. SRP is £104.99. Pyramid Motorcycle Accessories; 01427 677990; support@pyramidmoto.co.uk
PART OF ICON’S NEW SPRING 2025 collection, the Contra3 Rizz Rizz jacket is a retro racing-style leather jacket made from Brazilian cowhide with D3O level 1 impact protectors fitted only in the shoulders, which is unusual in an era where five-piece armour is commonplace. On the plus side, it does have a removable full-length thermal liner and some areas on the front of the jacket and on the lower sleeves are perforated to improve airflow. It comes in black with coloured graphics, or a black-on-black option in sizes S to 3XL for an SRP of £330.14.
Parts Europe; 0049 6501 9695 1035; sales@partseurope.eu
AS THE EXECUTIVE BOARD IN AUSTRIA struggles through a series of financial woes, KTM’s engineering department has been busy updating the range for 2025. First up to try and tempt concerned consumers back into KTM showrooms is the 790 Duke, which has been given a new, larger, TFT dashboard with illuminated switchgear and a six-setting anti-wheelie mode. It has also been given a Premium warranty that lasts up to four years, probably to assuage the tarnishing of the brand’s reputation after the “chocolate camshafts” controversy. To cut a dash on the tarmac in the new season there are two new colours – orange with black wheels, or black with orange wheels. OTR price is £7999. KTM; 01327 850350 www.ktm.com
JET HELMETS COMBINE THE SPACIOUS FEEL AND WIDE viewing angles of an open-face lid with the wind and rain protection provided by a long visor – a combination much appreciated by commuters and urban riders. The new Kappa KV35 adds to the mix a drop-down tinted sun visor, making it a lid for all seasons. It comes in two shell sizes for optimum fit, and has a removable and washable liner and a micrometric strap for practicality. It comes in sizes from 54 to 61, in a choice of six solid colours and four graphic schemes.
Hoco Parts UK; 01484 641073; info@hocoparts.co.uk
THE MAXI FLY IS AN upgraded long-life clutch for the Kawasaki J300 scooter and a whole raft of Kymco 250, 300 and 350 machines, including various People, Xciting, Yup, Dink Street, Downtown and X-Town models. The clutch comes pre-calibrated ready for fitting into standard tune bikes for an SRP of £144. VE (UK); 01159 462991; sales@ve-uk.com
I’ve never been very keen on attending motorcycle race meetings, packed in together with the hoi polloi and at mercy to the weather. I don’t mind if clutching an invitation to some lavish corporate hospitality is involved. Or, better still, I’m in possession of a press-suite pass and comfortable access to banks of TV monitors illuminating action out on the track. But without such perks and ever since the advent of domestic bigscreen HD television sets, the temptation to watch from home has generally been greater.
For ages, my desire for motorcycle sports had been adequately sated by benchmark premium BBC broadcast coverage of Moto GP from the likes of Suzi Perry presenting, Steve Parrish and Charlie Cox in the commentary box and Matt Roberts in the paddock. The erudition of Parrish and Cox was legendary. Who can remember Valentino Rossi wheeling a one-off Yamaha in special pink Fiat livery out onto the grid? “That’s a bit gay,” observed Stavros. “Well, everybody knows that Rossi dances backwards,” quipped Cox in response. BBC producer Belinda Rogerson went berserk. Their jolly japes and misbehaviour were quickly forgiven, though.
Audiences of more than a million viewers can’t all be wrong. And I’m willing to bet the UK headcount of viewers tuning in is considerably shorter than that now.
Sky channels offering Eurosport filled in the gaps with knowledgeable pundits such as Toby Moody, Julian Ryder and Randy Mamola. My Sky subscription also delivered plenty of excellent World Superbikes and British Superbikes viewing. But then
Its parent, Warner Bros Discovery (WBD), had merged the channel into its TNT Sports brand. Explaining this coup d’état of what was clearly unbridled greed, WBD Sports Europe’s group senior vice president of content, production and business operations Scott Young said: “We don’t produce programmes thinking as TNT Sports or Eurosport, we produce them as WBD. We need a single destination for
BT Sports, a TNT precursor, elbowed out the Beeb from MotoGP. Its inflated subscriptions elicited declining audiences
the rot began. BT Sports, a TNT precursor, elbowed out the Beeb from MotoGP. Its inflated subscriptions elicited declining audiences and, in line with many others who weren’t partial to being shouted at by Keith Heuwen, I simply stopped watching – apart from the occasional free-to-view rehash roundups from ITV4. Who cares, we all thought, there’s plenty of WSBK and BSB action available from Eurosport to keep us happy. However, our complacency came to a brutally abrupt halt as the 2025 TV schedules were announced.
From 28 February onwards, Eurosport ceased to exist.
that content in the UK and Ireland. The move will bring an increased audience to what’s currently on Eurosport and simplify our branding.”
Descending into corporate gibberish, he added: “This will also continue to best deliver value for our leagues and federation partners, as we continue our 35-years-plus commitment to investment and championing of sport on our screens, which remains a fundamental part of the success of grassroots through to elite.”
Down to the raw nittygritty: motorcycle racing fans previously had access to WSBK and BSB event broadcasts through their Sky
or Virgin Media subscriptions at no extra cost. But they will now have to invest in a far more expensive TNT Sports package for £30.99 per month. The only upbeat aspect is they’ll be able to watch MotoGP, too, the TV rights for which TNT acquired in 2014. The downside is they’ll also have bought the dubious privilege of watching Premier League and Champions League football. Apparently, these “games” feature 22 grown men kicking a bag of wind around a field until one of them falls over, feigning physical assault by one of the other men. Additional “games” on offer from the TNT Sports catalogue include cricket, boxing and tennis, whatever they are, certainly not anything promising the howl of high-performance engines and high speeds. Tennis may be something to do with chaps looking up girls’ short skirts at a place called Wimbledon. And why would anybody pay for boxing? Just hang around outside your local hostelry at closing time on any Saturday night for free display.
The outrage of stunned and deprived viewers was palpable when WBD unveiled its surprise TNT Sports package. Finding an additional 31 quid a month could be beyond the reach of more people than we
might imagine in our current strained economic climate. As MCN editor Emma Franklin pointed out in an op-ed piece, many fans couldn’t justify the extra expense for BT Sport, and nor could they stomach paying for a sports channel on which they were only interested in one sport shown for just seven months of the year. In her opinion, the popularity of Grand Prix naturally dwindled as a result. She also quite pertinently touched on the commercial aspects in conclusion:
“Thinking more broadly, will this latest lack of exposure
in turn have implications for teams, whose sponsors might be getting fewer eyes on their brands?”
The WBD-owned Freeview Sky channel Quest is promising to provide some racing content after Eurosport’s disappearance. This will allegedly include the sop of limited live BSB coverage and series’ highlights, as well as MotoGP Sprint races. But the rest of the cupboard is pretty bare. For WBD to back-track from its stance in the foreseeable future is unlikely. Refunding an element of the TNT Sports
package price once poor uptake and desultory viewing figures become evident probably won’t become an option until an end-of-season review at boardroom level. Pressure from disgruntled advertisers will kick in first. Unfortunately, though, media companies are notoriously arrogant about admitting mistakes.
In the meantime, a booming Pan-European market for funky Firesticks and dodgy digiboxes, usurping the “pay” bit of greedy pay-to-view broadcasters like WBD and
its degraded TNT Sports, is set to go ballistic. Trade spies tell me finding the appropriate electronic gizmos for a relative pittance, in no time at all, is easy. So that’s where my spare cash will be targeted. Besides, you’ll find it is much cheaper than being forced to spend a small fortune in your local pub at the weekend, rubbing shoulders with another branch of the hoi polloi while desperately seeking your turn for a crafty glance at a few motorbikes howling past on some undersized bar-room TV set.
HONDA IS THE BRAND
amassing most visitors to the MCN bike reviews section, no doubt helped by the incredible value of its new bike offers; for example, the Honda GB350S is only £3949!
Keeping the naked category in the No1 spot is Kawasaki’s new Z900. A revised motor to
meet Euro 5+ regulations will allow it to continue its reign as a firm favourite.
Honda continues to do well in adventure bikes, which is the second most visited category for bike reviews, up 3% and accounting for 21% of web page sessions. Big H’s success has no doubt been helped by the
1. Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade
2. BMW R1250 GS Adventure
3. Honda NC750X
4. Honda VFR800
5. Honda GL1800 Gold Wing
6. Kawasaki Z900RS
7. Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa
8. BMW R1200 GS
9. Yamaha R1
10. Suzuki GSX-R1000
release of updated NC750X and Transalp XL750 models. However, Triumph’s new Tiger Sport 800 keeps Honda from the top spot, with plenty of interest for the new all-rounder.
Sports bikes make a good showing in the bikes for sale chart, with Honda’s CBR1000RR Fireblade in the
top spot and its VFR800 in fourth, while Yamaha’s R1 and Suzuki GSX-R1000 creep into the bottom of the list too.
ADAM OLDFIELD
Digital reviews editor, MCN
IN JANUARY, USED BIKE SALES
experienced an early-season boost, increasing by 26% compared to the same month last year. This marks the fourth consecutive month of solid growth, following nearly 30% improvements in October, November, and December. On average, used bikes are selling within 57 days. While this is a
longer timeframe compared to the peak summer months, it represents an improvement of six days compared to January 2024 data.
For the fourth month in a row, demand for used machinery improved compared to the same period in 2024, while the supply of stock continued to decline. As a
result, the overall market experienced a slight slowdown in January due to demand outpacing supply; however, it still saw a 6% growth compared to December 2024.
Over half of the models listed in Auto Trader’s top twenty fastest-selling bikes are 125cc.
Honda tops the list, with its CRF300L selling in an average
of just seven and a half days. Benelli’s BN 125 and Yamaha’s R125 follow closely behind, securing the second and third positions, respectively.
EDDIE BAHN Account director,
Auto Trader Bikes
EXPECTING THE AFTERMATH OF LAST December’s Euro 5 pre-registrations frenzy to simply disappear in January was nonsense, of course. Approaching 6000 extra bikes had been plated compared to the tally in December 2023. Most of them are now gathering dust in distributors’ warehouses and dealer showrooms, wistfully seeking discount buyers. In addition, a substantial volume of machines have also received Euro 5+ derogation status, padding out the surplus stock mountain and therefore harder to sell at list prices.
Against such a difficult background it was no surprise that total new year registrations in January 2025 plummeted by 30.5% to a mere 4201 units. The headcount of motorcycles and over-50cc or over-4kW scooters plunged by 30.4% to 3936. Specifically, scooters suffered a 46% dive to 859. Mopeds were 35.3% down to only 231. It was laughable that trikes bucked this otherwise miserable trend to register a 13.3% increase to 34 units. For the record, eight of them were BRP CanAm Ryker 900 products and six came from Piaggio’s MP3 310 stable.
The fact that battery-electric numbers dropped by 32% to a gestural 172 units provided a splash of depressing normality. ICE gas-guzzlers spanning all capacities were 30.4% in arrears on 4029 units.
It was easy to spot where pre-registered machines had been sucking the life out of new sales. Bottom-rung 0-125cc mobility sector stuff was 40.5% lower on 1476
units. The budget-oriented 126-500cc range posted a 31.2% decline to 864 units but copped a “best seller” boost from the arrival of Honda’s super-cheap GB350S single to attack Triumph and Royal Enfield contenders. (Although this might have involved the arrival of a fleet of dealer demonstrators.) Middleweight 501-750cc models retreated by 26.3% to just 364 units, headed up by the unlikely apparition of Honda’s X-ADV 750.
However, the 751-1000cc slot was untypically robust, only 5.9% down at 756 units, with the Honda CB1000 Hornet and
It was no surprise that total new year registrations in January 2025 plummeted by 30.5% to a mere 4201 units
BMW S1000 RR duelling for best-seller honours. Finally, the 1000cc-plus premium presence fell by 24.6% to 569 units. Another close fight, between the Honda NT1100 and BMW R1300 GS, was settled by a one-bike lead for the former.
When we get to the MCIA’s best-selling brands chart, there are all sorts of obvious qualifications, not least that we have entered the new year with the economy in fairly dire straits – hardly encouraging to sales of motorcycles or pretty much anything else.
Honda’s GB350S was launched into the new year market to rival other retro-tinged roadsters
In January, Honda hung on to its historic lead, but year-on-year headcount sank by 36.2% to 851 units. Hardly surprising when it must be struggling to get rid of more than 600 obsolete PCX125 scooters pre-registered in the previous month. Suffering with similar problems, Yamaha was 36.9% down to 443 units. BMW Motorrad, on the other hand, hadn’t saddled itself with much in the way of pre-registrations (or any!) and pursued business as usual – with year-on-year sales rising by 26% to 412 units. Triumph wasn’t so cocky, 37% down to 388 units. KTM fell by 12% to 241 units, and is known to be desperately discounting stock left, right and centre.
From there onwards, drawing conclusions was more hit and miss. Lexmoto declined by 17.3% to 210 units. Kawasaki was 9% down to 151 units.
Ducati and Beta respectively flagged up sales of 91 and 79 units, with year-on-year comparisons unavailable. Closing the show, Royal Enfield slumped by 54.5% to 76 units but is reportedly a late-comer to releasing derogated stock to dealers.
TRIUMPH DEALERS FAR and wide will have been celebrating 2024, as the Hinkley firm enjoyed its best-ever UK sales year with more than 11,000 registrations. It also set a new record of over 133,000 sales globally – a total that has more than doubled in just five years.
Much of the brand’s recent success can be attributed to the
introduction of smallerengined models, with the 400cc Scrambler and Speed models proving particularly popular. The 250-500cc sector now makes up more than 40% of sales, as it provides an entry-level Triumph experience in Western markets while providing a premium-level product appealing to Indian and Asian markets.
After showing signs of growth in the new motorcycle market towards the end of 2024, January saw a decline of 30.5% in total registrations, with many motorcycle categories experiencing a downturn”, says Symon Cook, head of National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA), commenting on the latest MCIA figures.
“In January, total registrations decreased by 30.5%, from 6043 to 4201 units. Total motorcycle sales declined by 30.4%, from 5656 to 3936 units, while moped registrations also dropped by 35.3%, to 231 units.
“The majority of motorcycle categories experienced declines during the month. Modern Classic saw a decrease of 13.3% to 547 units. Adventure dropped by 35.0% to 734 units. Touring bucked the trend and grew by 48.8% from 80 to 119 units.
“Electric motorcycle registrations declined from 253 to 172 units, a decrease of 32.0%.
“The different ICE capacities all experienced falls, with the 126-500cc category declining by 31.2%. Best performer was the larger engines, with 751-1000cc dropping by 5.9%.
“Honda was the best-selling brand in January, with 851 units sold. Yamaha followed with 443 units, BMW came in third with 412 units, and Royal Enfield completed the top 10 with 76 models sold.”
Cook concluded: “January is traditionally a slower month for two-wheeler registrations, with the colder weather often having an impact.
“2024 was a challenging year for the new motorcycle market, with dealers having to face a perfect storm of challenges. NMDA members have demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the face of those challenges.
“In 2025, it is essential for the government to provide greater clarity for the sector. Last month, the NMDA welcomed news that the Department for Transport is considering a review of the current training, testing and licensing regime.
“As a key part of the automotive industry, the sector remains a priority, and NMDA will continue its lobbying efforts throughout the year.”
RECENT FEEDBACK FROM DEALERS suggested January was another challenging month, and this is backed up by data published by the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA), which showed a decline of 30.5% compared to January of last year. All categories except for competition and touring saw a downturn, the scooter category being the largest casualty with registrations 46% behind last year. However, despite this, some dealers had a more positive start to the year compared to 2024.
The majority of dealers believe that 2025 is going to be another tough year, with consumer confidence remaining suppressed. However, there is cautious optimism that it may tentatively improve on 2024, particularly if the country has a drier spring and summer period. The next couple of months should give a stronger indication as to how the season may perform. With a raft of new models due to arrive in showrooms over the next few months, there is plenty for both dealers and consumers to look forward to.
January was average in what is typically a quieter month of the year. However, it’s currently very price-sensitive, with lower to mid-range machines most buoyant due to affordability and size. The higher end of the market continues to be a challenge, albeit larger machines over 1000cc sell if priced correctly. Another ongoing issue is rising insurance premiums, which are an increasing concern for the industry, particularly for younger riders.
Dealers are satisfied with their stock overall, albeit a few report stock to be on the heavy side
Stock levels in the market remain plentiful and dealers continue to receive offers from the public. Dealers are satisfied with their stock overall, albeit a few report stock to be on the heavy side.
January was a cold month compared to recent years, with snow and ice for some. February has started on a more benign note, but with the cold-butcalm conditions, the risk of snow and ice continues. Taking into account the likelihood of strengthening seasonal activity in March, Glass’s expects residual values to increase across most segments in the coming weeks.
USED MOTORCYCLE MARKET
Sales activity for used machines in
Paul McDonald Motorcycle editor
