British Dealer News May 2022

www.britishdealernews.co.uk British Dealer News

20

key business information for the UK motorcycle and scooter industry

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

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2022 TRADE

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SPONSORED BY:

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SELL MORE BIKES 0115 946 6260 bike@frfl.co.u k

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

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

www.frfl.co .uk/bike

www.frfl.co.uk/bike

fl.co

www.fr

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Electric news and analysis

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Ex- Norton boss walks free

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e h t g n i r e w o p es BDN celebfroart  issues! trade

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WWW.LS2HELMETS.COM | 01670 856342

We could tell you all about how our customers have voted us as the UK’s number one motor finance lender, or that we were voted ‘Sub-prime Finance Provider of the Year’ for seven years by our dealer partners. But we don’t like to blow our own trumpet. Instead, we let our customers do the talking…

Absolutely amazing. Helped me as much as they could and got me my first ever bike.

I would highly recommend.

August 2021

Scan the QR code to join our Dealer network and receive a Welcome Hamper* *Subject to the information provided, meeting our onboarding criteria.

First Response Finance Ltd, 5 Regan Way Chetwynd Business Park, Chilwell, Nottingham, NG9 6RZ. Authorised & Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England No 03560611.

May 2022 : Issue 250

2022 TRADE

DIRECTORY WWW. BRITIS

SPONS ORED

the team

the news

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

4 6 8 10 11 12 14 15 16 18 20 24 26 27 28 30 32 34 36

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

TAIWAN AGENCY Albert Yang, Pro Media Co: info@motopromedia.com; tel +886 4 7264437 PUBLISHER Colin Mayo: editorial@dealernews.co.uk British Dealer News, 10 Daddon Court, Clovelly Road Industrial Estate, Bideford EX39 3FH All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part by any electronic or mechanical means without express permission is strictly prohibited. Mayo Media Ltd can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by advertisers. Printed by S&G Print Group.

S.CO.U K

BY:

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

www.frfl.co.uk/ bike

Hoco Parts gets the lid on Roof 2022 TRADE DIRECTORY Ex-Norton boss walks free Produced by your only trade monthly magazine Calm before the storm?

SPONSORED BY: SELL MORE BIKES Honda returning to Staffordshire 0115 946 6260 R&G expands with Cataclean bike@frfl.co.uk www.frfl.co.uk/bike Zero’s European hero Moore Large MBO £105 S S SPRING SAVINGSUPER SAVINGSUPER SPRING SAVINGS Indian rewards dealers SUPER SPRING The long goodbye after 58 years in the trade Sunak’s damp squib Discount Vouche r JobScene – Trade recruitment FREE FREE FREE Honda’s Sales Academy JOBSCENE Crewe Honda celebrates 60 years BICKERS LINK Recruitment voucher Romford John’s helping hand Super Spring Savings £105 DISCOUNT Good news piles up at Pierer Electric News – Zero Cypher Store new Alternative power registrations analysis new 30-year milestone for MRS Troy Lee merger 38 HOCO HITS WHOLESALE HIGH With a new 40,000sq.ft warehouse LINK

MAY LEADERS IN MOTORCYCLE AND ATV PARTS FOR OVER 4 DECADES 2022

LINK

MAY 2022

LINK

BRAKE PADS

BUY ANY 10 SETSAN

OFFER £7.20

£12.00

£14.40

£34.80

£38.40

£38.40

£39.60

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£43.20

£60.00

£37.20

£38.40

£39.60

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ITEM NO.

OFFER

OIL BUNDLE DEAL

ITEM NO.

ITEM DESCRIPTION

3010374RK 428SB X 134

£12.00

ITEM NO.

ITEM DESCRIPTION

3011856RK 525XSO X 116

OFFER £42.00

3011858RK 525XSO X 118

£43.20

3011174RK GS428HSB GOLD X 134

£14.40

3018148RK 525XSO GOLD X 108

£43.20

3010860RK 428XSO GOLD X 120

£34.80

3018150RK 525XSO GOLD X 110

£44.40

3010872RK 428XSO GOLD X 132 3011450RK 520XSO GOLD X 110

£38.40 £38.40

3018152RK 525XSO GOLD X 112 3018154RK 525XSO GOLD X 114

£45.60 £46.80

3011452RK 520XSO GOLD X 112

£39.60

3018156RK 525XSO GOLD X 116

£48.00

3011454RK 520XSO GOLD X 114

£40.80

3012348RK 530XSO Z1GOLD X 108

£45.60

3011460RK 520XSO GOLD X 120

3012460RK 520ZXW GOLD X 120 3011848RK 525XSO X 108

£43.20 £60.00 £37.20

3012350RK 530XSO Z1GOLD X 110 3012352RK 530XSO Z1GOLD X 112 3012354RK 530XSO Z1GOLD X 114

£46.80 £48.00 £49.20

3011850RK 525XSO X 110

£38.40

3012356RK 530XSO Z1GOLD X 116

£50.40

3011852RK 525XSO X 112

£39.60

3012358RK 530XSO Z1GOLD X 118

£51.60

3012360RK 530XSO Z1GOLD X 120

£52.80

3011854RK 525XSO X 114

FUNNEL & DRIP TRAY

£40.80

OIL BUNDLE DEAL

OIL*

Order contains: 16 x 4l oil 16 x drip tray 16 x funnel

OFFER £7.20

3011158RK GS428HSB GOLD X 118

ITEM NO.

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04040 CALL 01394 604040

CONTACT YOUR ASM

OFFER

£105

ITEM NO.

Available on Gold, Silver and Bronze recruitme nt packages

OIL BUNDLE DEAL

FUNNEL & DRIP TRAY

Order contains: 16 x 4l oil 16 x drip tray 16 x funnel

ITEM DESCRIPTION

3010374RK 428SB ITEM DESCRIPTION X 134 OFFER £7.20 3011856RK 525XSO 3011158RK GS428HSB X 116 SB GOLD X 118 £42.00 £12.00 3011858RK 525XSO 3011174RK GS428HSB X 118 GOLD X 134 £14.40 £43.20 3018148RK 525XSO 3010860RK 428XSO GOLD X 108 GOLD X 120 £43.20 £34.80 3018150RK 525XSO 3010872RK 428XSO GOLD X 110 SO GOLD X 132 £44.40 £38.40 3018152RK 525XSO 3011450RK 520XSO GOLD X 112 GOLD X 110 £45.60 £38.40 3018154RK 525XSO 3011452RK 520XSO GOLD X 114 SO GOLD X 112 £46.80 £39.60 3018156RK 525XSO 3011454RK 520XSO GOLD X 116 GOLD OLD X 114 £48.00 £40.80 3012348RK 530XSO 3011460RK 520XSO Z1GOLD X 108 SO GOLD X 120 £45.60 £43.20 3012350RK 530XSO 3012460RK 520ZXW Z1GOLD X 110 GOLD X 120 £46.80 £60.00 3012352RK 530XSO 3011848RK 525XSO Z1GOLD X 112 X 108 £48.00 £37.20 3012354RK 530XSO 3011850RK 525XSO Z1GOLD X 114 SO X 110 £49.20 £38.40 3012356RK 530XSO 3011852RK 525XSO Z1GOLD X 116 X 112 £50.40 £39.60 3012358RK 530XSO 3011854RK 525XSO Z1GOLD X 118 SO X 114 £51.60 £40.80 3012360RK 530XSO Z1GOLD X 120 £52.80

WITH EVERY 4L

FUNNEL & DRIP TRAY

OIL*

Or Order Orde contains: 16 x 4l oil 16 x drip tray 16 x funnel

WITH EVERY 4L OIL*

MIX * 4 cases of ANY of 16 4l oil order

WWW.BICKERS-ON VISIT WWW.BICKERS-ONLINE.CO.U

Eco Friction Fricti

ROAD CHAINS

ROAD CHAINS

ITEM DESCRIPTION

£42.00 X 116 3011856RK 525XSO £43.20 X 118 3011858RK 525XSO £43.20 GOLD X 108 3018148RK 525XSO £44.40 GOLD X 110 3018150RK 525XSO £45.60 GOLD X 112 3018152RK 525XSO £46.80 GOLD X 114 3018154RK 525XSO £48.00 GOLD X 116 3018156RK 525XSO £45.60 Z1GOLD X 108 3012348RK 530XSO £46.80 Z1GOLD X 110 3012350RK 530XSO £48.00 Z1GOLD X 112 3012352RK 530XSO £49.20 Z1GOLD X 114 3012354RK 530XSO £50.40 Z1GOLD X 116 3012356RK 530XSO £51.60 Z1GOLD X 118 3012358RK 530XSO £52.80 Z1GOLD X 120 3012360RK 530XSO

WITH EVERY 4L

Not available on

Not available on Eco Friction

Not available on

ITEM DESCRIPTION

AND RECEIVE

FREE OF CHARGE

FREE OF CHARGE

FREE OF CHARGE Eco Friction

ROAD CHAINS

OF THE SAME ME COMPOUND

AN EXTRA SET OF SAME COMPOUND

EXTRA SET OF SAME COMPOUND

EXTRA SET

X 134 3010374RK 428SB GOLD X 118 3011158RK GS428HSB GOLD X 134 3011174RK GS428HSB GOLD X 120 3010860RK 428XSO GOLD X 132 3010872RK 428XSO GOLD X 110 3011450RK 520XSO GOLD X 112 3011452RK 520XSO GOLD X 114 3011454RK 520XSO GOLD X 120 3011460RK 520XSO GOLD X 120 3012460RK 520ZXW X 108 3011848RK 525XSO X 110 3011850RK 525XSO X 112 3011852RK 525XSO X 114 3011854RK 525XSO

BUY ANY 10 SETS

OF THE SAME COMPOUND AND RECEIVE AN

AND RECEIVE OF THE SAME COMPOUND OF SAME COMPOUND

ITEM NO.

BRAKE PADS

BUY ANY 10 SETS

BRAKE PADS

MAY 2022

DERS IN MOTORCYC MOTORCYCLE AND ATV PARTS FOR OVER 4 DECADES

FOR OVER 4 DECADES AND ATV PARTS LEADERS IN MOTORCYCLE

daily | weekly | monthly

| yearly

* 4 cases of ANY MIX of 16 4l oil order

* 4 cases of ANY MIX of 16 4l oil order

VISIT WWW.BICKERS-ONLINE.CO.UK

CALL 01394 604040

VISIT WWW.BICKERS-ONLINE.CO.U WWW. ERS-ON

K

CALL 01394 604040

CONTACT YOUR ASM

CONTACT YOUR ASM

the business

42 BUSINESS BEAT Making a planned exit

CIRCULATION circulation@dealernews.co.uk

Copyright © Mayo Media Ltd:

HDEAL ERNEW

Contents

Contents

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

38 the knowledge

44 MARKETING MATTERS One of a kind 46 THE BUSINESS ESSENTIALS Adding e-commerce to the mix 48 PRODUCTS Retail profit opportunities 54 FOCAL POINT Think batteries, think Bickers

62 ON THE MONEY Market analysis by Roger Willis 63 INTERNATIONAL SHARE PRICES A snapshot of global performance

30

64 NEW REGISTRATION DATA new ACEM and MCIA statistics

advanced copy

deadlines

2022 Jun Issue 9 May

2022 Jul Issue 6 Jun

2022 Aug Issue 11 Jul

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

66 REGISTRATIONS ANALYSIS

By NMDA, Glass’s and BDN 68 USED BIKE DATA From Auto Trader, Glass’s Guide and MCN 70 MARKET WATCH new Auction and futures market report by cap hpi

44 MAY 2022 3

Business news

MotoNovo backs BSB

MOTONOVO FINANCE HAS joined the Bennetts British Superbike series sponsorship roster in 2022, with prominent trackside branding and television visibility. The point-of-sale funding provider will also have associate sponsor status for Pirelli National Superstock and Junior Superstock events at BSB rounds – highlighting its direct influence on sales at dealership level.

Reflecting on its involvement, MotoNovo Finance managing director Karl Werner said: “I’m sure the MotoNovo name will be familiar to many people across the motorcycling community, and I hope our partnership with the Bennetts British Superbike Championship will accelerate this recognition. It also demonstrates our commitment to motorcycling, dealers and their customers. We are delighted to be on board.”

BSB series director Stuart Higgs echoed his sentiments: “It’s fantastic to welcome MotoNovo to the series as a new official sponsor and also as the Superstock Manufacturers’ Championship presenting sponsor. This draws a parallel with MotoNovo, as motorcycles in these classes are closely linked to those you can purchase from a dealer. I am looking forward to working together for the first time throughout this season.” www.motonovofinance.com

4

MAY 2022

Hoco Parts get the lid on Roof

F

ast-growing Europe-wide aftermarket group Hoco Parts has become UK distributor of the Roof helmet brand. The full 2022 Roof range is now available to the trade through Hoco Parts sales reps or via Hoco Parts Online.

Founded in 1993, Roof built its reputation on aggressive, futuristic helmet styling and has a big following among naked bike,

custom and streetfighter riders.

Particularly well known for its original matt-black Boxer V8 flipup, this leading French brand now also has a new Roadster helmet.

Commenting on the tie-up, Roof founder Claude Morin said: “Roof International creates and makes innovative highquality helmets developed in France, inspiring products with

unique positioning in an ultracompetitive segment. We are delighted to have introduced Hoco Parts as our exclusive representative for the UK and hope that this co-operation will lead us together towards a long, strong and fruitful partnership.”

For further information contact Hoco Parts: 01484 641073 or info@hocoparts.co.uk.

NMC-MCIA co-operation

T

he National Motorcyclists Council and Motor Cycle Industry Association have agreed to work together, as the joint action plan for government and industry on zero emission motorcycles and other L-category machines develops.

The NMC and its member organisations will work with the MCIA as part of a “UK Motorcycling” forum which has been set up as part of the industry’s commitment to create a formal L-category community, to engage government in relation to its action plan The Route to Net Zero.

Commenting on this move, NMC executive director Craig Carey-Clinch said: “The NMC’s members are delighted to be working with the

MCIA. Decarbonisation is the fundamental issue of our times. And, with the wide range of issues and potential technologies that are in play in the drive towards net zero, riders will be able to provide key inputs to the MCIA as work develops in this area.”

MCIA chief executive Tony Campbell added: “Following the launch of the industry action plan, the MCIA was tasked with setting up a stakeholder forum to ensure the involvement of all relevant organisations. This will be referred to as “UK Motorcycling”. Its objective is to coordinate and monitor action-plan delivery as the sector works towards a successful outcome with government on its agenda.”

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

INDUSTRY LEADING TRADE MARGINS

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PETER CAMPBELL INCLUDED IN

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TRADE HOTLINE 01670 856342 WWW.LS2HELMETS.COM | ukservice2@ls2helmets.com |

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INCLUDED

Dealer

apidly expanding dealer chain Completely Motorbikes has taken on a Suzuki franchise at its large-capacity distribution centre in Hinckley, Leicestershire, with a Completely Suzuki showroom installed on the site. To mark the dealership’s launch, it was chosen to host the first event in Suzuki’s summer test-ride roadshow.

Hailing this latest addition to his brand’s network, Suzuki GB head of motorcycles Jonathan Martin said: “The team at Completely Motorbikes is very passionate and has done a fantastic job with the new Suzuki showroom. It’s important for us to have strong, professional representation in key regions and this appointment strengthens our position in the Midlands. We’re looking forward to working with Completely Motorbikes sales director James Ayland, building a successful relationship together.”

MADE O

3 SHELLS

British

an experienced businessman, and this was a carefully constructed scheme.”

Hays pointed out that a number of victimimpact statements had been obtained by the Pensions Regulator, who brought the prosecution. “In these statements, many speak of how they feel their confidence in the pensions system has been severely undermined. There have been marital problems and one victim refers to himself as an utter mug.”

At an earlier hearing on 7 February, 53-year-old Garner of Park Lane, Castle Donington, had pleaded guilty to three charges of breaching employer-related investment (ERI) rules.

In mitigation, defence lawyer Peter Caldwell had told the court his client’s actions led to a tragic fall from grace. “He has experienced personal anguish and rather serious mental health crises both last year and at the beginning of this year.”

OFF

er 2021

MAY 2022

CCM’S BUSIN BOOS

Decemb

6

refurbished Triumph Aberdeen and Edinburgh Triumph stores in the East.

Commenting on the development, Triumph UK and Ireland general manager Devron Boulton said: “This is great news for our customers based in the West of Scotland, who will soon have a highly respected and experienced dealer dedicated to the brand. The addition of West Coast Triumph Glasgow to our network will strengthen Triumph’s northern presence and give customers more choice and an even better experience.”

tio infonrma for th nessmatio key busiinfor

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TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLES IS raising its tartan profile, with a new Glasgow dealership due to open in summer 2022. Replacing the now-defunct Triumph Glasgow operation which formerly sat alongside Ducati Glasgow, West Coast Triumph Glasgow will become a sister business to Don Rutherford’s long-established West Coast HarleyDavidson franchise and his West Coast Moto used bike emporium.

This latest Triumph destination will serve customers in Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire and throughout Western Scotland, joining newly

FF805

ROAD RACE

h tment for Britis ers Private inves golden anniv builder in its page 10 Full report

Completely Suzuki unveiled

Triumph back in Glasgow

THUNDE

Dealer News

but there’s a shortfall of £10m. This is not just financial harm, I have read statement after statement from ordinary people who invested. Many speak of broken relationships and ill health. The harm this caused cannot be understated.”

Prosecutor William Hays said that the offences were in relation to three defined contribution schemes – Dominator 2012, Commando 2012 and Donington MC which had a total of 227 scheme members. The investments, which were made in return for preference shares, were made between 2012 and 2013.

Addressing the court, Hays conceded: “It is accepted he was receiving advice for a scheme to raise funds for the business, banks were not prepared to lend and that led to unlawful means of investment. The schemes in this case were used to inject capital into the Norton business at the time for investment and when Norton was suffering production and liquidity problems.

“Members asked to withdraw the money, as they are entitled to do, but Mr Garner explained the business was suffering cashflow problems. It is accepted Mr Garner did correct the illegality. It was reckless and negligent, but it is not suggested Mr Garner knew of the offence. However, he is

British Dealer

F

ormer Norton Motorcycles owner Stuart Garner has avoided jail time for bilking £11m from members of pension funds of which he was sole trustee – dramatically countering a widely accepted view that ignorance of the law is no excuse. Appearing before Derby Crown Court on 31 March, Garner received an eight-month jail term, suspended for two years, instead.

According to the Derby Telegraph report of this hearing, Judge Nirmal Shant QC, Honorary Recorder of Derby, told the defendant: “You controlled the Norton Motorcycles business and in 2012 the business needed funds and you raised around £11m by establishing three funds which were under your control.

“You did not know you were breaking the law. However, it is plain, in setting up a pension fund worth £11m, that you should have known your basic responsibilities as a trustee.

“You were obligated to act in a prudent manner according to law. You are an experienced businessman, and you must have known there was a conflict of interest. It is quite plain the reason was that the banks were not prepared to lend you the money. The fact that banks were not prepared to lend you the money should have set alarm bells ringing to an experienced businessman.

“By 2020, £1.5m was paid out to members

daily Octob er 2021

Business news

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2022 INDUSTRY LEADIN

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£250

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Dealer News 2021

INCLUDED

HPFC

Inside!

856342 TS.COM | 01670 WWW.LS2HELME

ATION HOMOLOG

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Calm before the storm?

D

espite demand exceeding supply to an almost embarrassing degree, dealer network staff have done a sterling job of getting new bikes to customers through Q1. However, quite when they will cease being order and deposit takers to an eager queue of aspirant owners and return to their traditional role of actively selling from showroom stock to walk-in footfall is anybody’s guess.

Distributor bulletins to dealerships consistently warn of insoluble supply-chain disruption, including erratic access to semiconductors, other key components and raw materials, stretching away into the distance. Resultant unpredictable delivery delays are already testing customer patience to the limit. On the positive side, discounting has disappeared, and full-price sales have become ubiquitous, with restricted availability maximising trade profitability. However, we have to ask the pertinent question. How long will that happy state of affairs last?

The answer is unpleasant, as rampant inflationary pressures grow progressively more entrenched. Last year,

Q1 Registrations before, during and after the pandemic

First-quarter registrations this year have successfully overwhelmed the past depredations of coronavirus. But now increasingly fierce economic headwinds and worsening supply-chain challenges suggest Q2 and beyond could be a much rougher ride. BDN finance editor Roger Willis reports. economists were claiming that an inflation surge was “transitory” as commercial activity recovered from Covid. They said it should peak at a consumer price index (CPI) rise of about 4% in the autumn and then fall away.

At that time, BDN argued this was nonsense based on wishful thinking – and has sadly been proved right.

Annualised CPI kept on climbing, up to 6.2% in February this year and reaching 7% in March, the highest level for 30 years. Bank of England beancounters are now hurriedly revising their estimate of a 9.1% peak at some point during Q2.

Apparently, they suspect that marker could be passed soon and we may be looking at well in excess of 10% by June.

Additional events, compounded

Q1 2019 Q1 2020 Q1 2021 Q1 2022

by the war in Ukraine, are contributing to a dramatic costof-living crisis with no conclusion in sight. Prices of everything from domestic energy and pump fuel to food have gone stratospheric. Post-Brexit labour shortages in many private-sector industries are also stoking wage inflation, initiating a vicious circle when such cost increases are subsequently loaded onto the price of goods and services. But while private sector pay generally is more or less keeping up with inflation, public-sector buying power (dominated by NHS staff) is falling fast.

It’s difficult to see how the inevitable consequence can be avoided. GDP grew by only a marginal 0.1% in February and appears to be on a steadily declining curve. A sharp recession

27,131 23,828 18,970 28,183

+10.2% -12.2% -20.4% +48.6%

could be an outcome in the second half of this year, from which the motorcycle business will not be immune. Discretionary purchases, such as premium-priced bikes oriented towards leisure, are the first to go when times are tough.

At least some defence in depth is in place. The recent refocus on budget-priced middleweight machines from various motorcycle manufacturers offers an element of relief. Triumph’s 660 Trident and Tiger models are typical examples. And it’s interesting to see the brand on-shoring some mass production from Thailand to Hinckley, to safeguard supply.

Royal Enfield’s successful ascension to the mainstream has been based entirely based on a tight-budget premise too.

Sales of small motorcycles, scooters and mopeds for the fleet and short-haul mobility markets should ride out any recession, just as they did in the 1970s.

BDN QUARTERLY DATA SUMMARY NET REGISTRATIONS IMPROVEMENT IN Q1 2022 versus Q1 2019 amounted to just 3.9%, some 1052 additional machines plated by dealers.

The only leading manufacturer to make a net gain in volume during Q1 2022 over its position in Q1 2019, and also increase headcount in Q1 2020 when coronavirus first reached the UK, was British flag carrier Triumph.

The most disturbing aspect of Q1 2022 figures

Honda BMW Yamaha Triumph Lexmoto Kawasaki KTM

8

      

MAY 2022

Q1 2019 5904 2762 2750 1812 1359 1911 1831

Change 18.5% 10.0% 7.7% -6.6% 62.9% -6.2% 38.2%

against the equivalent period in 2019 was a 6% overall decline in the 126cc-plus arena. Within that, 126-650cc machines fell by 3.8% to 6120, the 651-1000cc sector put on 1.2% at 5850 and over-1000cc sank by 15.6% to 4970. Conversely, the up-to-125cc mobility market grew by 23.5%.

The rankings of Lexmoto and Kawasaki* in Q1 2022 are contested. Kawasaki failed to achieve sufficient registrations to qualify for the MCIA’s

      

Q1 2020 4584 2094 2652 1953 1470 1741 1525

Change -22.4% -24.2% -3.6% 7.8% 8.2% -8.9% -16.7%

      

Q1 2021 2777 2013 2168 1504 1034 847 921

top-ten chart in February this year, so its full numbers remain uncounted by BDN. However, should the brand have registered 65 or more machines the absent month – which seems likely – it would have taken fifth place and relegated Lexmoto to sixth.

In Q1 2022, Royal Enfield registered 1156 bikes to take seventh slot, ignominiously pushing KTM on 1097 down into eighth.

Change -39.4% -3.9% -18.3% -23.0% -29.7% -51.3% -39.6%

      

Q1 2022 5690 2680 2518 1914 1326* 1262* 1097

Change 104.9% 33.1% 16.1% 27.3% 28.2% 49.0% 19.1%

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Business news

Honda returning to A fter an absence of more than two decades, Staffordshire Triumph has announced a new Staffordshire Honda venture.

Bob Sheldon, the proprietor of Staffordshire Triumph, made the big announcement at celebrations marking 10 years at the company’s Tunstall premises in March. Whilst the celebrations were ongoing, Sheldon took the opportunity to reveal that new premises had been purchased in neighbouring Newcastle-under-Lyme which will house the new Honda franchise.

The premises, a former Vauxhall car dealership, sits in a great location in the centre of Newcastle-under-Lyme just on the edge of the Potteries and has excellent access to the whole conurbation of Stoke-on-Trent and its six towns of Hanley, Fenton, Burslem, Stoke, Tunstall and Longton. The last Honda presence in this area was with the highly respected John Taylor Motorcycles in Fenton, which closed more than twenty years ago following Taylor’s retirement.

This left a considerable hole in Honda’s coverage of the Midlands, and it has long since been known that Honda was keen to establish another foothold to service the city. Neil Fletcher, head of motorcycles at Honda UK, said: “Bob’s passion and enthusiasm for all things motorcycling, the support of a great team

country emerged from the Covid crisis, the company bounced straight back with celebrations last October, marking a 20-year partnership with Triumph. Bob Sheldon also celebrated a personal landmark of 30 years in the industry. Whilst all this was going on, a major expansion project was taking shape in the background

The last Honda presence in this area was with the highly respected John Taylor Motorcycles in Fenton, which closed more than twenty years ago following Taylor’s retirement combined with an ideal location was the right match for us to bring Honda back to the area.

We’re really excited about the future of Staffordshire Honda and look forward to working with Bob and his team”.

It’s been an eventful twelve months for the team at Staffordshire Triumph. As the

and is now nearing fruition.

Taking three years from inception to reality, the Newcastle property was finally acquired in February and following this, the Honda deal was signed and sealed.

The 13,500sq.ft premises will play host to a large showroom for the full Honda range (excluding off-road), a used bike section,

A little taste of Portugal in Lincolnshire UP-AND-COMING PORTUGUESE off-road bike maker AJP Motos has announced a new dealer in Lincolnshire. Sportax Racing in Swineshead Bridge, Lincolnshire, has been preparing off-road racebikes and Rotax-powered bikes for more than three decades, and has joined the AJP network to expand its brand range, selling bikes and parts alongside its existing business.

Set up in 1987 by two brothers, Antonio and Jorge Pinto, Penafielbased firm AJP started out as an off-road racebike tuning outfit, but began building its own machines in 2001. Its current range covers 125600cc off-road bikes, with enduro, trail, supermoto and adventure models all available.

Sportax Racing owner, Gary Wigston (pictured), is very positive

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MAY 2022

about the deal. “A few years ago, I noticed the AJP Motorcycle stand at the NEC Motorcycle Live show. I really liked the look of all the models: they were well-put-together, with some quality aftermarket parts already fitted as standard. There was a good choice of bikes across the range to suit learner riders, those wishing to venture out onto green

lanes for the first time and those who have a bit more experience off-road or are into racing enduro or rally events. Even specialised supermoto bikes are available for the road or race track – which always look great.”

And AJP UK owner, Martin Bell, told us, “It's a great pleasure to welcome Sportax to the AJP UK dealer network – Gary has many years of experience in the repair and modification of trail and adventure motorcycles. Sportax Racing is a great addition to the growing AJP dealer network and is ideally located to support AJP owners in the East of England. Their passion and enthusiasm for the AJP brand is outstanding and with the support of AJP UK the future looks great. We wish them all the best.” www.ajp-motorcycles.com

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

Business news

o

Staffordshire workshops, MOT bay, clothing and accessories area and customer lounge. The premises benefits from great natural light, as do many ex-car showrooms, making them perfect sites for bike dealerships.

Steve Bailey, manager at Staffordshire Triumph, will take on an overarching role and manage both sites. New staff will be taken on to run the Staffordshire Honda site, as well as drawing on the experience from the Staffordshire Triumph team.

The journey has not been without its challenges. “The purchase of any premises is always a challenge,” says a pragmatic Bob Sheldon., “The first site we chose didn’t come off, but we ended up with an even better premise as a result!” There is much work to be done to get the building ready as it has been empty for some time, with flooring and décor being tackled in May. A fast-approaching target opening date in July is keeping the team focussed and motivated.

Bob, who is a born and bred

Potteries man and as passionate about the area as he is about all things on two wheels, is absolutely delighted to be bringing the Honda brand back to the area. He is keen to add that this is not a one-man show, paying tribute to the hard work his wife Michelle puts in on the admin side of the business and at home, giving Bob the time and energy to drive the business.

When there is seemingly doom and gloom at almost every corner, what a boost it is to see motorcycle dealerships expanding and signalling a bright future for the industry!

Looking ahead to a July opening, Bob aims to get Staffordshire Honda up and running in the second half of this year, find its feet and accelerate into 2023, establishing the sort of reputation for outstanding customer service that its sister business at Staffordshire Triumph has worked hard to achieve and maintain.

“Lots of hard work ahead”, says Sheldon, “but what a privilege it is to be in a position to bring Honda back to the area!”

R&G expands range

H

ampshire-based accessory distributor R&G has added another brand to its lineup – Cataclean Powershot Bike. The new product is a fuel additive and claims to help remove harmful carbon build-up in the valves, injectors, and exhaust system. Suitable for all types of motorcycle, from superbikes and cruisers to scooters and motocross machines, Cataclean is designed to help restore torque and throttle response. It can also be used to help those bikes that have been sitting stationary over winter to start and run better.

The R&G partnership is Cataclean’s first major venture into the UK motorcycle sector, and the brand will be an official sponsor of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, while also supporting the R&G-protected LKQ Euro Car Parts Kawasaki superbike team.

A ml bottle of Cataclean Powershot Bike is available now from R&G, SRP is £.. www.rg-racing.com

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

MAY 2022 11

Business news

Zero’s European hero US electric bike firm Zero’s European MD, Umberto Uccelli, has seen a lot in his time in the bike trade. But how does he see the future – and present – for the two-wheeled EV sector?

W

hen the folk at Zero’s UK office asked if we’d like to speak to the European boss, the answer was of course, a resounding ‘yes’. The American firm has been working away in the two-wheeled electrical sector since 2008, and its latest bikes are the closest to a ‘normal’ motorcycle that you can buy. Where the big mainstream bike firms are still dodging the issue, dabbling with a niche scooters or one-off prototype racebikes, Zero is already selling usable, electric motorcycles: commuters, sporty middleweight roadsters, even mild adventure touring bikes and supermotos.

So, how did Umberto Uccelli end up in charge of all this, in Europe at least? What’s his story?

“I’ve been at Zero since September 2014,” he told us from his Amsterdam office. “Almost eight years, time flies! I am from Milan, I am a doctor of engineering, studied economics and industrial engineering, and then did military service in the Carabinieri, before starting in automotive, at BMW. Then I moved to Ducati as marketing manager and later became head of Ducati Germany. Next I moved back to the Castiglionis, to Cagiva, with Husqvarna and MV Agusta.

“Next I worked for the Linde forklift group, before returning to MV where I stayed for almost ten years – first with the Malaysians, then Harley-Davidson, then the banks. There

was always some news …”

An impressive CV then. But what attracted him to Zero? “Zero was a big challenge for me.

Back then we were selling a handful of bikes, everything needed to be rebuilt and relaunched, I’m not someone who gets excited by cutting

I’m not someone who gets excited by cutting heads or reducing things – I like building a concept, an idea. And here, we are writing a new page in the history of motorcycling heads or reducing things – I like building a concept, an idea. And here, we are writing a new page in the history of motorcycling. I also had the opportunity to see the different challenges of the product. Eight years ago, it was little more than a well-developed electric bicycle. We had to turn it into the sophisticated motorcycle that we have now.”

Uccelli reckons that he’s seen a big change in the attitude of customers over the past

2022 TRADE

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MAY 2022

DIRECTORY

few years too. “What was most interesting is the different approach of motorcyclists.

At the beginning they were saying, ‘come on is this a joke, are you kidding?’, And now it’s completely different, we have motorcycle enthusiasts riding and testing our bikes, having a discussion on the features and the passion.”

Because, as the Zero MD says, motorcycles aren’t always a rational purchase. Sure, there can be big practical advantages to an electric machine (as well as disadvantages). But for most riders, having an emotional attachment to the bike in their garage is key. Zero has worked hard to add that essential ‘X’ factor to its bikes.

Uccelli explains; “When you buy a BMW R1200GS, you may have to explain to your wife it’s a smart idea, it’s nice, there is logic.

But you do it because you want to. If you buy a scooter or something just to commute, it’s different. But here [with a Zero] it’s a motorcycle, it’s beautiful and it’s a big bike so it’s not just the need to go from point A to point B. “So we talk to our potential customers not just in the way of being smart – which I think we are – but also our brand positioning and marketing, is in that direction. And it’s working.”

The unique background of Zero also helps, “That’s also typical of Zero – we weren’t just working on the new technology and

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to keep on being perceived as the pure electric leader, the first one who believed this and had this technologic advantage because we’ve tested a lot and we’ve built a lot. Engineering an electric motorcycle requires a lot of experience and know-how. The big companies see that, they keep investing a lot of money, they have the power to make it happen. But the small to medium companies are looking for powertrains and for support because you cannot develop from scratch, it can be very dangerous if you invest too much money and you are not successful.”

Zero’s European MD, Umberto Uccelli

Is Zero looking to sell on its powertrain to third party bike makers then? “We have a central office in the US taking care of the OEMs asking to buy. It’s very complex; you can’t just take our powertrain and put it in a motorcycle, there’s a lot of engineering required. But last year we signed an agreement with Polaris to mount our powertrain in one of their products. It’s a ten-year agreement and requires a lot of energy and focus. And behind Polaris there is a long line of companies asking for that service, but we cannot satisfy everybody. It’s not just selling you a package with the powertrain, the battery, management system, wiring, you need all the software to be tailor-made for each product.”

Zero is also looking at some interesting sideways developments for its technology.

“One of our Italian customers buys powertrains for go-karts. They have a lot of advantages; they can race indoors with

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no noise or pollution and you don’t have problems with range, they just swap out the battery.”

Does Uccelli see a future for battery swapping technology on road bikes? “I used to work in the forklift business, so I know how that works, they replace batteries there. But we think the development of battery capacity is enough. Again, the speed of charging, as you know, for cars, they are solving that and bikes have much smaller batteries so they can charge much faster – with fast charger, half an hour maybe less.”

How does Uccelli see the cutting of the government plug-in bike grant earlier this year – has that affected Zero? And how does the UK compare with other European countries in terms of grant assistance?

“Most countries had some kind of assistance. In Europe they pretend that they are united, but every country is doing whatever they want … the Dutch government give assistance to businesses, in other countries the governments offer a grant based system – £1500 in UK, France €900, Italy offered around €3000-€4000 but it was a mess to get it back. In Austria you get €300 from government, €300 from the manufacturer, €300 from the dealer. I can name so many different schemes! Then there are also a lot of other forms of incentives, like you don’t pay road taxes, or you can ride in congestion zones.

“These benefits are important, but for us, with quite expensive bikes, the reason for customers to buy is about being an early adopter and being conscious of the environment.”

So the UK grant cut wasn’t so important for Zero?

“Of course, you are happy to have it! But a grant relates to the most rational part [of the purchasing decision] again. It’s thinking, ‘I can ride without spending on petrol, I spend less on insurance, road tax, I have a grant, I’m a smart guy’. But if you have already become EV-addicted, then, yes, the grant helps, and is a strong signal from government, but it’s not the main decisionmaking point for Zero customers.”

Uccelli then outlined his priorities for Zero’s UK dealer network. “We are focussed mainly on having the best possible dealer network, covering the territory, making sure we are supporting them as much as possible with the right product, and technical support. In the UK we are now working with DF Capital, giving credit lines, and we are very happy we do this – we’re trying to make sure that the dealer has full support in this area.”

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developments of electric bikes being smart, commuting, all these nice stories that talk to the rational part of your brain: you need to speak to the heart as well. Zero is a very American story, with NASA engineers working there, and a very typical US history and so I think this gives us a strength in terms of brand. We are always loyal to this concept, and we will keep on doing that and this is also a strong signal for customers”.

What about the UK market? What part does it play in Zero’s plans, considering the apparent reluctance of many Brit bikers to switch from petrol power? Uccelli is vehement about the importance of the British bike sector, not just for Zero, but the entire electric bike industry.

“When I started working here, I thought ‘what the hell – a motorcycle company selling bikes, but not in the UK?’ And we weren’t in Italy either, two of the big five markets: Germany, France, Italy, UK and Spain.

“The UK is by far a fundamental market – not only for its size, but also for the history, the heritage. Go and visit the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham and you see those bikes, and there is the passion. It’s not just a matter of selling a product, there is history, knowledge and so it’s even more difficult for us!”

The Zero boss then has a bit of fun at the expense of the mainstream firms who are hanging back on electric. “We are paving the road for success also for the followers, because we are the leaders and being the first to do things really puts you in the face of customers who have questions that we won’t have in a few more years. So we will send the bill to BMW, Triumph, and everyone else! But at the end we are leaders and so if you want a real electric motorcycle brand, and an electric motorcycle, it’s got to be a Zero!”

There’s a parallel there with the car world of a few years ago of course, when upstart electric car maker Tesla was miles ahead of the likes of BMW, Nissan and Hyundai – all of whom now have solid battery-powered offerings. And Uccelli sees a similar pattern of movement in the motorcycle world. “Triumph is sending a very strong signal when they show their new electric project, of course they are behind, but everyone is behind and everyone is working on this, which is normal. If you are a big company already producing tens of thousands of units, you need to also win over the sceptics in your own team. But I think that Triumph, BMW, the Japanese, will do something fantastic as usual, it’s just a matter of time.

“But like with the cars, you had Tesla, and now you have every brand trying. Our point is

MAY 2022 13

Business news

Moore Large MBO

SHORT CUTS

M

TRIUMPH

TRIUMPH HAS TEAMED UP WITH GUITAR manufacturer Gibson, to produce a oneoff matching Bonneville bike and Les Paul guitar. The 1959 Legends bike and guitar – named for the 1959 Les Paul Standard guitar and 1959 Bonneville T120 – will be awarded to the highest fundraiser for the 2022 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride men’s health charity. The bike is based on the current 1200 Bonneville, with lightweight aluminium rims, uprated Brembo brakes and a 7kg weight saving over stock. It also boasts a sunburst paint job which echoes the guitar’s scheme, and the obligatory brown leather seat. The guitar is a Les Paul Standard Reissue with special etched pickup covers. www.gentlemansride.com

SANTANDER

FINANCE FIRM SANTANDER HAS EXPANDED ITS Gateway automotive renewals platform, with the new Gateway 3Sixty system. Available free of charge to Santander-supporting retailer partners, the platform claims to deliver “a renewals strategy that drives business growth, sustainable profit and customer satisfaction whilst allowing retailers to remain in control.” The platform also aims to provide retailers with “intelligent propensity and parity leads”, and includes a communication tool which allows retailers to contact customers at the right time, with the right offer. gatewaysupport@santanderconsumer.co.uk

oore Large, a former major bicycle, motorcycle and scooter distributor, has secured an eightfigure funding package from HSBC UK to support its growth plans and back a management buyout (MBO).

Moore Large can trace its roots back to 1947, when John Moore opened his first bike shop in Rickmansworth. Later, the company also successfully distributed the SYM scooter and motorcycle brand in the UK between 1998 and 2010, followed by a short spell with the Chinese brand CPI. It was then the distributor of the KSR Moto, Brixton and Nipponia brands from 2013 before finally closing the doors on its motorised division in 2019 to concentrate on bicycles.

The funding will contribute to an MBO that will see four members of the senior management team – Andrew Walker, Dale Vanderplank, Adam Biggs and Adam Garner – take over the running of the business

after 50 years of ownership by the Moore family.

The move comes as chairman and managing director Nigel Moore announced his retirement after many years at the helm.

Moore said: “After more than 40 years leading the company, I’m excited to be retiring and entering a new phase in my life.

“The last few years at Moore Large have been particularly successful and now feels like the right time for me to hand over the company to the senior management team.”

Andrew Walker, commercial

Andrew Walker, commercial director at Moore Large

director at Moore Large, added: “The demand for bikes continues to increase and as our long-term financial partner, the funding from HSBC UK will greatly help to support the future development of Moore Large as the new board gears up for major growth.”

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Business news

Indian hosts first postCovid dealer awards event.

I

ndian Motorcycle UK held a dealer event last month – the first since 2019 – where its 19 dealers from across the UK met up at the firm’s new Brand Experience Centre in the Hilton London Olympia, Kensington.

They had good news to share as well: the firm reported record sales growth for the sixth year running; motorcycle sales increased by 26% in 2021 compared to 2020, while clothing, parts and accessories also increased by 35% over the same period.

Andy Simpson, Indian Motorcycle’s national sales manager said: “We’re happy to report buoyant growth in Indian Motorcycle UK business. Our committed dealer network continues to invest heavily

Indian’s Andy Simpson presents Rebecca Hicks of Thor Motorcycles with their award

in the FTR, Scout, Chief and touring platforms to maximise the local market opportunity. The future is bright for Indian Motorcycle dealers, and we enjoyed celebrating that success with our network.”

INDIAN 2021 AWARD WINNERS • INDIAN MOTORCYCLE CANTERBURY (ROBINSONS FOUNDRY) For outstanding contribution, for support and development of their dealership rider community • INDIAN MOTORCYCLE POOLE (MOORESPEED RACING) For outstanding customer care • INDIAN MOTORCYCLE BURY ST EDMUNDS (KRAZY HORSE) For outstanding destination dealer • INDIAN MOTORCYCLE LONDON (KRAZY HORSE) For outstanding contribution to the Indian Motorcycle brand • INDIAN MOTORCYCLE SOUTH WEST (THOR MOTORCYCLES) For outstanding sales performance • INDIAN MOTORCYCLE EDINBURGH (SALTIRE MOTORCYCLES) For outstanding dealership ambassador

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MCIA kicks off quarterly government meetings

T

he MCIA has had the first of a new series of regular meetings with Department for Transport officials, focussing on the future of powered light vehicles (PLVs). Alongside consultancy firm Zemo Partnership, the MCIA has organised quarterly meetings with the DfT, focussed on how the trade and government can work together to grow the UK PLV sector, including electric bikes, scooters, mopeds and E-bikes, as well as quadricycles and other light zero-emission vehicles.

The MCIA is also working to make sure the UK rider community is involved in the development and delivery of the Plan’s actions. UK Motorcycling, a forum set up to consider the needs of the industry and riders, also met for the first time to agree common ground and put forward a unified position on key policy areas.

Tony Campbell, CEO of the MCIA told BDN, “Today’s meeting was a welcome step in the right direction for the PTW industry. We’re confident the constructive and collaborative approach with which we are taking the Action Plan forward with the DfT will stand us in good stead, not only for the urban settings in which our vehicles are used, but the wider sector too in terms of the role leisure motorcycling can and must play on the road to net zero.

“We’re looking forward to continuing our work with the DfT in realising the full potential of our vehicles as part of this Action Plan.”

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MAY 2022 15

Business news

The long goodbye His retirement now just around the corner, wellknown industry veteran Dave Dalton reflects on 58 years in the bike business

I

n 1964, I left school at the age of 17 to work for the DVLA, then based in Lincoln. I was also working as a “Saturday boy” for Wests of Lincoln, a Reliant, Mobylette, Lambretta and Suzuki dealer. It was here that I first met a very young John Featherstone, who at that time was the Suzuki area rep.

I was soon offered a permanent position in the stores, and I just loved it. It was also when my love of racing began, and I competed on scooters and later scooter sidecars at many different circuits around the UK. I made a lot of friends, including Norrie Kerr, who eventually became MD of VE UK. I also connected with Larry Riches, who was running the stores in Lincoln’s FK Sharpe Motorcycles.

Some 13 years later, Larry Riches asked me to join him as stores manager at his own company Lintek, overseeing ordering and stock control. Larry was ably supported by his mother Sybil, who was known to me as “mum”. I still think of her as “mum” today with great fondness. She did the accounts and invoicing of customers.

At that time there were no computers, internet or fax machines, of course. She spent hours every day typing everything on an Imperial typewriter that had to be renewed every couple of years, because she had worn it out. We worked long hours to build the business, but “mum” would always be nipping down to the kitchen to provide us with a home-cooked evening meal. They were exciting times and I felt happy to be so involved and valued by the family.

Our only way to contact foreign suppliers was by telex. Larry had to send me all over the world to visit them, so we could source tool-catalogue-210x76.pdf 1 19.04.2022 products.

I’ve remained friends 13:37:46 with many of these people all these years later. Lintek grew

rapidly and we became distributor for Lazer helmets, Dainese clothing, and Micron and Gianelli exhausts.

As we became more successful, our product lines just grew and grew. We had a fibreglass division run by Bob, Larry’s dad. He produced the moulds and made anything to order from the famous Lintek top boxes that we exported all over the world – all 100,000 plus of them –

So here I am, 75 years old in June with a long career behind me.

There have been many highs and just as many lows, but it’s always been interesting to fairings and screens. We also manufactured carriers and crash bars under the EME brand.

Larry sold Lintek to a big company with a very different ethos, and I wasn’t happy about it. So in 1989, when I met Mark Collins of M&P at the NEC show, I asked him whether he would consider using my knowledge and overseas contacts to establish an import and

distribution company to run alongside M&P. He did, and in January 1990 I moved to Swansea, family in tow.

I was given the task of setting up a new supply-to trade-division called On 2 Wheels Distribution. Initially there was only me and Simon Williams, who had been working in the warehouse for Mark. I introduced Mark to my many contacts from the Lintek days and we soon were importing their goods.

Subsequently, we became distributors for Guiliari Seats, National Cycle screens, Corbin seats, Repsol oils and a diverse selection of spares and accessories.

M&P was extremely successful and eventually Mark sold it to a large automotive firm. I didn’t want to travel the same route with this company as I had at Lintek so Mark Thomas and I started a small retail business, Busters Motorcycles, and Lem Distribution, which became the importer for Lem motorcycles, Puig screens and Powerbronze products. Eventually, Mark Collins came out of retirement and headed up our new operation.

Then the company that owned M&P became insolvent and Mark Collins bought it back. With On 2 Wheels and M&P growing fast again, we added Nuvo helmets and Tuzo clothing to the myriad of other products, and employed a team of reps to sell directly to dealers.

But, in June 2011, disaster struck. M&P’s warehouse burnt to the ground, owing to an electrical fault. Staffing had to be drastically reduced, because we had to trade from several lock-up units while rebuilding and replenishing stock. Our suppliers were very supportive during this difficult period until, in July 2012, we moved back into brand-new premises.

Up to the present day, both companies have continued to grow.

So here I am, 75 years old in June with a long career behind me. There have been many highs and just as many lows, but it’s always been interesting. I’m looking forward to my retirement. But I want to send my best wishes to all the friends I have made in this wonderful industry.

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New high performance dealers required Become part of the Ducati UK Dealer Network Founded in 1926 and now part of the Volkswagen Group, Ducati is a brand built on Italian Style, Sophistication and Performance.

The existing Ducati UK Dealer Network is one of the finest in the UK, offering excellent customer service and understanding that working with a brand like Ducati is not just a motorcycle business, it is a way of life. With planned growth and investment the network is fully backed with dedicated staff and support programmes focused on building a long term profitable partnership.

As part of ongoing growth plans, Ducati UK currently have potential open points in various parts of the UK. With an unparalleled range of products and ongoing product development to sustain future growth, dedicated Dealers can look forward to a bright future, supported through exciting Apparel and Accessories offerings plus Ducati Finance and the new Ducati Approved used motorcycle programme.

For details on UK open points and business opportunities, please email Stephanie Chappell: SChappell@ducatiuk.com

ducati.com

Business news

SHORT CUTS CONTINENTAL

CAMBRIAN TYRES HAS released a catalogue covering the 2022 range of Continental PTW tyres. In addition to the popular range of rubber for adventure bikes, it also features the new RoadAttack 4 hyper touring tyre and a fitment guide and technical information about the Continental racing tyre range, which has been in high demand in the last few months. To receive a free copy or for further information, contact 01970 624004; mcsales@cambriantyres.co.uk.

Motorcycle & Scooter Tyre Range & Fitment Guide 2022

VANUCCI 30TH ANNIVERSARY

GERMAN KIT FIRM LOUIS MOTO IS celebrating three decades of its in-house clothing brand, Vanucci. The event is being marked with a series of special anniversary edition clothing and luggage collections, as well as customer discounts and other offers. Louis Moto is also expanding its Vanucci+ modular series of clothing, with thermal liners, waterproof membranes, inner and outer jackets and trousers.

MOTORCYCLE WORLD

NORTHAMPTON DEALERSHIP MOTORCYCLE World has ambitious expansion plans for 2022, adding Herald and Kymco to its brand line-up.

The Grafton Trade Park based firm has been in business for more than 15 years, initially as a Yamaha main dealer, and has added Aprilia, Suzuki, Indian, Moto Guzzi Vespa and Piaggio over the years. It is also sponsoring local British Junior Supersport racer Lewis Smart (above) for 2022, and is hosting regular bike meets, rideouts and open days at its on site Refuel café.

GALFER BRAKES

SPANISH DISC AND PAD MANUFACTURER Galfer, which was set up by Italian engineer Maffio Milesi in 1952 to produce brake parts for the Fiat-owned SEAT factory, is celebrating seven decades in business. The Barcelona-based firm now supplies OEM parts to KTM and has a thriving aftermarket business with its wave-pattern discs. Distributed in the UK by Performance Parts, Galfer’s kit is a solid seller for many dealers, offering a quality upgrade at a reasonable price. www.performanceparts-ltd.com

Sunak’s damp squib T he last two years have been miserable. First there was Brexit, which, depending on your point of view, made life harder and more expensive. Then came Covid-19 that caused society and businesses to grind to a halt; an inflation stoking recovery followed. Now we have war between Russia and Ukraine. Restricted supplies, sanctions, and even greater levels of inflation are the corollary of that.

Individuals and businesses are starting to struggle. Some help came from the Chancellor when he announced in his Spring Statement, towards the end of March, a number of limited measures that will help some.

Fuel duty was cut – for only the second time in 20 years – by 5p per litre until March 2023. That will be a small relief to drivers, both personally and commercially.

However, a fall in market prices of oil generally will be of greater interest as will a rise in sterling against the dollar since oil is priced in that currency. But as many drivers found out, just because the Chancellor cut the duty rate didn’t mean that the pump price dropped immediately; garages had bought fuel at a higher duty rate and that needed to be replaced at a lower rate before the cut could be passed on.

Next, there came help in terms of National Insurance Contributions (NIC) as the threshold has been lifted by £3000 per year so that workers will be able to earn £12,570 before they pay NIC or income tax. The low paid will pay nothing, others earning above the new threshold (that comes into effect in July for technical reasons) will save £330 a year… but they will still have to pay the new 1.25% social care levy.

And for the self-employed, there are plans to align the thresholds where the self-employed start paying Class 2 NIC and Class 4 NIC, with the

personal allowance, but not immediately.

Class 4 NIC lower profits limit will rise to £11,908 for 2022/23 and then be aligned with the personal allowance of £12,570 from 6 April 2023. And from 2022/23 the threshold for paying Class 2 NIC will be aligned with that for paying Class 4 NIC. Income tax stays the same for the moment, but the plan is to cut it from 20p in the pound to 19p by 2024. And the £500m fund to help the poorest households was doubled to £1bn from April.

The Employment Allowance has been uprated to help small businesses and will be raised from £4000 to £5000. The allowance allows small businesses to lower their National Insurance bills.

The apprenticeship levy is to be reviewed.

Although, to be fair, unless a business has an annual wages bill of more than £3m, it won’t be paying in.

However, just because a firm isn’t paying in, doesn’t mean that it cannot draw down on funds to train staff. In this instance, non-levy paying employers pay just 5% of the cost of an apprenticeship course; the government covers the remaining 95% through the process of ‘co-investment’.

Lastly, energy efficiency measures have been zerorated for VAT; the likes of solar power and heat pumps should fall in price. Granted most businesses recover VAT on purchases (except for cars), but the unregistered should find that going energy efficient pays dividends.

Some in the media consider the statement to have been a damp squib. The Guardian believes that much of the Treasury’s reserve fund is being kept back to fund tax cuts ahead of the next election. Only time will tell if the Chancellor will seek to bribe the electorate or will make other genuine moves to help society cope with rising prices.

Yamaha to support Two Wheels for Life YAMAHA IS TEAMING UP WITH UK-BASED charity Two Wheels for Life with a new three-year deal to raise funds for and increase awareness of the work done by its charity partner Riders for Health.

The new partnership will see the manufacturer launch a series of fundraising activities, including competing in the Africa Eco Race where Yamaha will run its brand-new Ténéré 700 World Raid.

Two Wheels for Life has worked closely with Yamaha for more than three decades, using the firm’s sturdy AG100 and AG200 bikes as transport for health workers operating in the

18 MAY 2022

toughest environments. The reliability, value for money and ease of maintenance of these specially-designed bikes make them ideal for tackling poor roads in some of Africa’s most remote regions.

Throughout the three-year partnership, Yamaha will support Riders for Health and its UK-based fundraising arm, Two Wheels for Life, by increasing awareness of the charity’s work and running various fundraising activities on the Yamaha Motor for Riders website. Money raised by the project will go to run motorcycle fleets

used to deliver vital healthcare in four African countries.

Andrea Coleman, co-founder of Riders for Health and Two Wheels for Life said: “Yamaha is close to our hearts. We have used their AG bikes for more than 30 years in our African programmes and their racing teams have supported our fundraising since the start of the charity. We are excited to announce this new, landmark three-year partnership between Riders for Health, Two Wheels for Life and Yamaha. Together we will show that motorcycles save lives!”

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WE CARE ABOUT YOUR BIKE AS MUCH AS YOU DO...

QUALITY PRODUCTS FOR ANY MAKE, STREET OR DIRT The choice of the professionals www.bickers-online.co.uk

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01237 422660 | adsales@dealernews.co.uk | www.britishdealernews.co.uk/jobs

MOTORCYCLE TECHNICIAN / MOT VACANCY We require a qualified and experienced motorcycle technician to join our team in Worthing.

Role includes servicing, tyre work, general repairs, warranty, insurance work, diagnostic work and getting new/used motorcycles ready for customer handover and more. MOT certification would be an advantage.

5 days a week (Tue-Sat) – Full Bike licence essential Send CV to accounts@alfsmotorcycles.co.uk or Call Gemma 01903 200948 – Accounts/HR

Assistant Brand Manager Milton Keynes

MadisonAssistant is a leading of branded Motorcycle components Brand distributor Manager Milton Keynes in the UK and Ireland. As part of our continuous and accessories development, we are now seeking to recruit an Assistant Brand Manager to join our industry leading Brand Management Team.

Madison is a leading distributor of branded Motorcycle components and accessories in the UK and

As an Assistant Brand Manager you we will responsible for assisting in Ireland. As part of our continuous development, are be now seeking to recruit an Assistant Brand Manager to join our leading Management Team. the development ofindustry the go toBrand market strategy, product selection, pricing As an Assistant Brand Manager you will be responsible for assisting in the development and supplier liaison. of the go to market strategy, product selection, pricing and supplier liaison.

Reporting directly to the MX Brand Manager you will work closely with Reporting directly to the MX Brand Manager you will work closely with our Sales our Sales Marketing to help deliver key targets. andand Marketing teams to help teams deliver key targets. experience ofof buying or merchandising in a motorcycle or sports PreviousPrevious experience buying or merchandising inequipment a motorcycle or environment is essential. sports equipment environment is essential.

We are looking for a self-motivated and enthusiastic individual with excellent communication and

We are looking self-motivated and enthusiastic individual organisationalfor skills.aThe successful candidate will be able to demonstrate strong interpersonal with and build collaborative working with colleagues.

You must be PC literate and excellentskills communication andrelationships organisational skills.

The successful commercially astute. We think this is a great opportunity to join a successful and growing candidate will be able to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and company and develop your career in brand management. build collaborative working relationships with colleagues. You must be We offer a competitive salary and a generous staff discount scheme.

PC literate and commercially astute. We think this is a great opportunity This is an exciting opportunity to join Madison and be part of our continuing success story. to join a successful and growing company and develop your career in To apply please send a full CV and current salary details to: deb.newman@madison.co.uk brand management.

Design Engineer We are recruiting for an exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment to design and develop new products for the market leaders in motorcycle crash protection.

Closing date: 29th April 2022.

We offerToafindcompetitive salary and a generous staff discount scheme. out more about Madison and our parent company please visit www.hyoung.co.uk

This is an exciting opportunity tovolume joinofMadison beandpart Please note that we usually receive a high applications forand our roles we of our contintherefore story. may only respond to successful candidates. uing success

The successful candidate will be in control of full product life cycle using the latest in CAD based design practices, including use of 3D scanner and 3D printers for rapid prototyping, as well as traditional workshop skills for a good balance of office and workshop environments.

To apply please send a full CV and current salary details to: deb.newman@madison.co.uk To find out more about Madison and our parent company, please visit: www.hyoung.co.uk

The successful candidate will have proven design experience, preferably within an automotive background, or be a recent graduate within the motorsport or design sectors, with relevant placement experience. Full training can be provided for 3D scanning, printing and engineering drawing if required.

Please note that we usually receive a high volume of applications for our roles and we therefore may only respond to successful candidates.

Please submit your CV to Pauline Harvey: Pauline.harvey@rg-racing.com To view the full job description, visit: www.britishdealernews.co.uk/jobs

2022 TRADE 20

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Complimentary THIS 250TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE OF

More than 650 suppliers listed | Available in both print and digital formats

Hosted on www.britishdealernews.co.uk | More than 100 packed pages MAY 2022 Handy desktop size | Published by your only monthly trade magazine

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Area Sales Manager Motomondo UK Ltd. is the distributor for Mash, Moto Morini and Rieju for the UK and Ireland.

MotoMondo UK is a subsidiary of Motomondo BV, based in The Netherlands, who is the distributor for the afore mentioned brands as well as Hyosung and Royal Enfield for multiple countries in Northern Europe. Have a look at www.motomondo.com to have a complete overview of all brands carried and the countries in which MotoMondo is distributing them.

In order to expand our UK team an exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Area Sales Manager to join the UK’s strongest growing distributor.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE: • Representing the Mash, Moto Morini and Rieju brands • To build the strongest dealer network for these brands • Prepare annual sales planning for each brand and meet set sales targets • Maintain accurate records of all sales activity and prepare regular forecasts to enable effective forward planning • Monitor customer accounts within the allocated sales area to ensure that sales potential is fully exploited • Identify and exploit new sales opportunities with existing and potential customers • Establish and maintain effective communication links with other company departments • Develop strong knowledge of company products and competitors • Monitor payment behavior of customers • Monitor customer feedback and report issues in time to avoid escalation • Attend exhibitions and trade fairs throughout the UK The ideal candidate will have a proven successful background in area management preferably gained in the motorcycle, automotive or allied industries.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL: • Be confident in presenting to all stakeholders • Have excellent communication and computer skills with experience in using CRM systems • Be well-presented and personable with the ability to build and hold rapport with clients • Have the ability to close on face to face sales • Be target and result driven and have the ability to perform to KPI’s You will benefit with an excellent basic salary, commission structure, company vehicle, laptop and a mobile phone.

Please send a copy of your CV and a motivation letter to: recruitment@motomondo.com

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

MAY 2022 21

JobScene

ARE LOOKING TO FILL THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS:

MOTORCYCLE SALES EXECUTIVE Responsibilities & duties include but not limited to:

• Manage & develop new & used motorcycle enquiries in order to maximise profitability of all motorcycle sales • To maximise clothing/accessories profit as part of the sales process • Maintain a high level of customer satisfaction to ensure customer loyalty Essential • It is essential that the candidate has experience in vehicle sales • Knowledge of finance, registration and warranty procedures • Hold a full clean motorcycle licence

TECHNICIAN

We are currently looking to recruit an experienced motorcycle technician The ideal candidate would need to have technical knowledge of all make of modern motorcycles.

MOT qualified would be an advantage but not essential. Hold a full bike licence.

Ability to work unsupervised & under pressure.

Job will include servicing/PDI’s/diagnostics/repairs etc.

BOTH THE POSITIONS ARE BASED ON A FIVE DAY WEEK WHICH MUST INCLUDE SATURDAYS. AN EXCELLENT BASIC SALARY AND COMMISSION STRUCTURE WILL BE OFFERED TO THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

TO APPLY: PLEASE CONTACT BRIAN ON 01494 512070 OR EMAIL BRIAN@POWERBIKING.CO.UK

SALES EXECUTIVE

We are seeking a Sales Executive to join Marshall’s Honda Reading dealership and assist in providing a high quality service for our Honda customers. Working as part of a team and reporting to the Sales Manager, this role offers you the opportunity to put your sales expertise to use in a busy customer-facing environment with an uncapped commission, along with a company car and on-site training opportunities.

Marshall Motor Group is a multi-award winning company with strong values that put our people and customers at the heart of everything we do. Recently being recognised by Great Place to Work UK as one of the UK’s Best Large Workplaces, we have approximately 4000 colleagues and a turnover of over £2billion; we are still growing! Benefits available to our colleagues in addition to generous salary packages include: • Company vehicle provided • Colleague discounts on new and used vehicle purchases, parts and servicing • MAVTA reward and recognition awards • Up to £2000 Colleague Referral Bonus • Marshall Rewards discount shopping portal • Life assurance at no cost to you

To apply, please send your CV to Mark Crook:

Mark.Crook@Marshall.co.uk

JOB VACANCY: RACE SERVICE COORDINATOR WHO WE ARE? With over 40 years’ experience, MotoDirect has established itself as a leading manufacturer and distributor within the Motorcycle and Autosport industries.

Additionally, Race FX, formed in 2003, is one of the largest wholesale distributors to the off-road motorcycle industry in the UK. Together we are ‘Powered by Bihr’ and are the UK’s largest motorcycle road/off road distribution company.

We are the UK division of Bihr NV- the largest motorcycle parts & accessories distributor in Continental Europe with a 200+ brand portfolio and unrivalled service levels.

Operating across two UK locations in Derbyshire and Blackburn, we have one of the largest portfolios of global protective motorcycling apparel, lubricant, and parts & accessories brands in the UK including RST, Arai, AGV, BELL, MOTUL, Oakley, Fly Racing, Seven and Wolf and many more; we are a one stop shop for every riding possibility.

WHAT ARE WE AFTER? We are looking for a dynamic Race Service Coordinator who can help us deliver our sponsorship programme to enable us to demonstrate the quality of our products, enhance visibility of our brands in the paddock and support our ambitious growth plans for 2022 and beyond.

WHAT YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WILL BE… • Managing the development and activation of the UK Race Service at key events – BSB rounds, Isle of Man TT & NorthWest 200 road races and activation at dealer open days and brand led shows and events • Set up of the Race Service facility at each event and provide a professional race support service:

• Maximising opportunities to sell kit to unsupported riders • Liaising with riders ref crashed suits, rebadging, adjustments, crashed helmets, custom padding, airbag suits, replacement gas cannisters etc

WE’RE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO...

• Is not afraid to get stuck-in. This role may sound easy but hard graft is at its heart, with the need to work under pressure to deliver effective support for riders in all weather conditions • Has racing experience to understand the needs of a rider in a race capacity to be able to offer the best support • Has experience in event, race, rider sponsorship management from operational support through to review and search for new talent • Enjoys a challenge, can work under pressure, with the ability to be reactive and flexible in a fast-paced environment • Has superb verbal and written communication skills and the ability to switch styles depending on the audience • Is an excellent organiser who can multitask and prioritise multiple stakeholders and deadlines • Has excellent knowledge and experience in using Microsoft Office tools – primarily Excel and Outlook • Has a full clean driving licence, can work weekends and is willing to travel around the UK

o Support riders with cleaning, servicing helmets and support custom fit for racers

For further information on this role, please send your CV with salary expectations to: recruitment@moto-direct.com.

o Airbag suit guidance and gas canister replacement

CLOSING DATE: 20 MAY 2022

22

MAY 2022

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TRIUMPH WEST LONDON

We are looking for...

Retail Store Manager (Bristol)

We are looking for a Retail Store Manager who can lead our amazing team at our new Bristol store, and make our new stores the No.1 go-to destination for motorcyclists. You'll need to have a passion for everything motorcycle with a particular interest in kit as you'll be selling the most diverse range available in any store in the UK.

Retail Sales Advisors

(Reading & Milton Keynes) We are looking for Retail Sales Advisors, both full-time and part-time, at our Reading and Milton Keynes stores, You'll be selling the freshest and most diverse range of kit in the UK so if you haven't a passion for biking, you'll need to learn fast.

If the prospect of joining the fastest growing bike kit retailer in the UK gets you revved up then ping your CV and a covering letter to mattc@sportsbikeshop.co.uk Please explain which role or roles you’re applying for, and why you think you’d be perfect for it.

We moved our team from the long-established dealership in Ashford to a brand new site in West Byfleet in September 2020. In moving we haven’t lost our strong sense of heritage and remain very proud of being one of the first appointed Triumph dealers (in 1959 under a different name). We continue to offer excellent service in our new state of the art dealership and our team really does feel like it’s part of an extended and growing family.

JobScene

WE’RE HIRING.

TECHNICAL EXPERT

Full-time | Permanent | OTE £30,000

TRIUMPH CENTRAL LONDON

We opened our Triumph London dealership in November 2019. It may be small in size, located under Vauxhall bridge, but it is already proving to be a huge success. The small, friendly team offer fantastic customer service and a truly great place to work. They are proud to work for Triumph with excellent manufacturer training on offer and being part of the Lind family.

TECHNICAL PRO

Full-time | Permanent | OTE £32,000-£35,000 ®

GUILDFORD HARLEY-DAVIDSON®

Guildford Harley-Davidson®, home of the Hogsback Chapter and based in Peasmarsh, Surrey has been a part of the Lind Automotive Family for just over 13 years. Our dealership is one of the largest Harley-Davidson® stores and as a team we share in our customers enthusiasm for the brand, with many of us owning and riding our own Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. Their excitement is ours and we share our family culture with them at every opportunity.

BIKE DETAILER / VALETER

Full-time | Permanent | £16,640 (32 HOURS PER WEEK)

TECHNICAL PRO

Full-time | Permanent | OTE £33,043

Northern Area Manager As a leading distributor, Motogear are seeking a professional and self-motivated Area Sales Manager to cover the Northern Area, this is an exciting position within our expanding company- to work with key retailers to develop our market leading portfolio consisting of premier Italian brands Nolan, X-lite & Grex, along with Gaerne boots and lxon clothing.

The Role Covers • Support, maintain and develop our existing customer base • Managing the sales performance of our customers and achieving all targets and commercial objectives • Representing all brands within the company's portfolio • Identify new sales opportunities with potential customers • Attend exhibitions and trade shows, as required • Maintain accurate sales activity records for each customer • Effective communications with all departments within the Company The Ideal Candidate • Self-motivated, possess excellent communication, negotiation and organisational skills • Always maintain a high level of professionalism.

• Willing to work flexibly in order to ensure target achievement and commercial growth of the area • Possess a strong positive attitude

NORWICH HARLEY-DAVIDSON®

Norwich Harley-Davidson®, home of the Iceni Harley Owners Group Chapter and based in Ber Street, Norwich has been part of the Lind Automotive Family for just over 13 years. Our dealership is on a shared site alongside our BMW Motorrad outlet, this mean that you could expand your knowledge even further and will be part of a team of three Technicians.

MECHANIC / TECHNICAL SPECIALIST Full-time | Permanent | OTE £27,400

NEWMARKET HARLEY-DAVIDSON®

Newmarket Harley-Davidson, home of the Fenlanders Chapter and based on Oaks Drive has been around for 23 years. Our dealership is the largest Harley-Davidson store in the UK and we stock the largest selection of approved used Harley-Davidson Motorcycles. Our on-site workshop is staffed by technicians expertly trained at the Harley-Davidson University and we host many events throughout the year on-site such as our Birthday Parties and Poker Runs.

TECHNICAL EXPERT / PRO

Whilst previous industry experience would certainly be an advantage- it is not essential!

Full-time | Permanent | OTE £30,224-£33,043 (DEPENDING ON EXPERIENCE)

Benefits In addition to a unique opportunity to represent premier brands, this role comes with an excellent remuneration package (made up of a fixed basic gross salary together with "uncapped" commissions), together with a quality company vehicle.

Tuesday through Saturday working week | 22 days holiday rising with service, plus bank holidays | Employee Assistance Programme | Generous staff discounts | Ongoing support with LIND Training and Development | Manufacturer Training | The opportunity to work in a great environment with great people | Being a part of the LIND Family | Opportunity to grow with our business.

matac,ear

BENEFITS

TO VIEW THE FULL JOB DESCRIPTION AND APPLY FOR ANY OF THESE POSITIONS, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE lind.co.uk/careers

All applications will be treated in the strictest of confidence & are to be e-mailed to paige.walker@motogear.co.uk by Friday 20th May 2022.

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

lind.co.uk MAY 2022 23

Business news

From the left: Honda UK’s head of motorcycles, Neil Fletcher; James Bruno, Fowlers of Bristol; and Matthew Day, motorcycles network support manager at Honda UK

THE CLASS OF 2022

Honda’s Sales Academy First tranche of sales staff complete IMI-approved training programme

A

s part of its ‘return to normal’ after Covid-19, Honda UK has launched a massive new in-house training programme for its dealer network, reports Alan Dowds. But unlike most training – which is often new product-based and aimed at technicians – this is aimed at the folk who bring in the cash: the salespeople.

It’s an all-new course, focused around a remote online learning platform, and is accredited by the Institute of The Motor Industry (IMI), a first for the motorcycle trade. As well as online learning, the course also uses workbased tasks to supplement the syllabus and put it into practice on the shop floor. And it aims to bring Honda’s sales techniques bang up to date, with a strong focus on areas like social media, online communications, remote selling – vital parts of the modern so-called ‘hybrid selling environment’ – as well as the traditional sales skill set.

“We can do virtual or face to face. It’s six two-hour sessions in a month and it doesn’t impact the dealer’s time too much. Plus, they don’t have to send staff away for two days,” said Honda’s business planning manager Andy Mineyko.

Honda delivers the training via a new virtual classroom setup, and the delegates are then offered oneto-one coaching on the follow-up dealer-based learning tasks. The programme concludes with a faceto-face review session at Honda UK. Andy Mineyko first took us through the thinking on the new programme running back in February. “We’re doing a fair bit of training for dealers on sales, looking at process really. We’d often recruit people, give them a desk and a phone and say ‘good luck!’. But now people want a better

24

MAY 2022

experience. So we have a sales academy with an external trainer, and we’ve just run the first round of sales academy training. It’s about prospecting customers, keeping in touch with customers, getting the skills to keep in touch.

“Ten people did the first course, and they were mostly fairly experienced people getting a bit of a fine-tune. But the next round will focus on new salespeople starting in the industry.”

specifically for an experienced motorcycle sales person.”

Alan Scott, the curator of the programme, also gave us his take on how the course works.

“Combining virtual and physical learning online, in the dealership and in the classroom, this uniquely blended approach offers all of the benefits of a well-structured virtual learning environment supported by specific industry content and reinforced with work-based

We can do virtual or face to face.

It’s six two-hour sessions in a month and it doesn’t impact the dealer’s time too much This isn’t the first time Honda has run its own sales-focused training program, but it’s the first such course in more than a decade. Developed in collaboration with Alan Scott Consulting, the Honda Sales Academy covers areas including “enquiry management, post-purchase behaviour and blended prospecting and is truly forward-thinking in both its hybrid delivery and its content.”

And the firm is keen to underline the bespoke ‘bike’ nature of the course – it’s not simply been borrowed from the car side of the business. “This is a custom made course for motorcycles,” a spokesperson told BDN. “We were very careful about not copying and pasting an automotive course for our network. Deliberately we chose Alan Scott to develop and deliver the course. Alan is a biker, and an NT1100 customer so understands better than anyone what customers expect. Couple this with his vast experience working with Honda in the past as well as other marques, the Sales Academy is a course developed

learning tasks and classroom-based workshops. Creating a demanding and rewarding programme that leads to incremental motorcycles sales, improved customer service and retention, and an industry recognised IMI professional achievement award.

“This approach provides learners with a recognised award for their efforts whilst minimising the cost to the business with minimal time out of the dealership, learning tasks linked to new sales and reinforced with a highly engaging and fastpaced final workshop to cement new behaviours”.

The Sales Academy runs alongside Honda’s existing training curriculum, based at Bracknell. That includes the usual new product technical training – both online and in-person – as well as Honda’s core Repair Technician training, which is a three-day course. The Honda Institute also offers a top-quality apprenticeship programme which is recognised throughout the industry and by external educational authorities.

THE FIRST SALES ACADEMY concluded in February with nine candidates (below) successfully completing the programme and earning their IMI Professional Development Certificate from across Honda’s dealer network: • Adam O’Sullivan, North West Honda Super Centre • Benji Pascall, Bridge Motorcycles • James Bruno, Fowlers of Bristol • James Newsome, Nottingham Vertu Honda • Jess Hitter, Lings Honda • Lewie Rhodes, C J Ball • Mikey Doble, Dobles Motorcycles • Sarah Budden, Smiths Honda • Steve Cox, Miles Kingsport

One of the first scheme graduates, James Bruno from Fowlers Honda, told BDN how the course went for him. “The Honda Sales Academy course has changed my perception of how an effective sales team should be run. A few simple changes in process and approach can have a massive impact on the customer experience. That word ‘experience’ is what really stood out to me: making the customer experience better will lead to higher sales figures and higher profits, and we now try to put it at the centre of every decision we make.”

The second Honda Sales Academy began in April, and there’s now a waiting list for future programmes.

Meanwhile, the firm is also working on an introductory course, called the Honda Sales Experience, which will be available to all new starters, and act as preparation for the more advanced Sales Academy training programme. The Sales Experience will kick off later in 2022.

Honda UK’s head of motorcycles, Neil Fletcher, told us his thoughts on the new scheme. “I’m so excited that our first Sales Academy Graduates have taken their learnings back to the dealerships and look forward to seeing the results. I believe the Sales Academy is an important investment in our network and our joint future, mirroring one of the four pillars of Honda’s European Business Direction; People. Honda UK will continue to invest in its people with the continuation of the Honda Sales Academy as well as new future programmes to come.”

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

HF R

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07/02/2022 14:51:48

Business news

Crewe Honda celebrates 60 years W

hen Roger Morris, managing director of Crewe Honda, was interviewed back in 2020 by BDN to celebrate a century in the trade, nobody could have foreseen what the next two years would hold.

If Morris had been told there would be a global pandemic and he would hand over half of his showroom to the NHS for the

delivery of life saving vaccines, I think we could have all forgiven him for thinking this was something from a crazy sci-fi movie script!

But then along came Covid with the subsequent lockdowns, business disruption and horrendous personal tragedies. So when a lifelong pharmacist friend and neighbouring business owner

suggested that the showroom would make a perfect location for a vaccination centre, Morris was only too happy to help with the national effort to protect the nation from the virus. Within a matter of weeks, the Crewe Honda Vaccination Centre threw open its doors and the public flocked to it in their thousands.

But here we are in 2022 all

hoping that we are on the tail end of Covid with the vaccine centre having closed its doors for the final time after having delivered 110,000 vaccines between January 2021 and March 2022 to the good people of Crewe and the surrounding areas. The showroom has now returned to being completely dedicated to displaying Honda

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www.britishdealernews.co.uk

Roger Morris and best friend Raj Patel came up with the idea of using the Crewe Honda showroom as a vaccination centre

motorcycles with not a sign of its recent use to be found.

As Morris and his team at Crewe Honda return to their normal activities, they are also celebrating a marriage of some 60 years with Honda. It is with great pride that Roger says “Three generations of my family have served Honda here in this very building. These past two years have been unlike any other in the thirty four years I have been here but I can honestly say I have loved every minute and look forward to embarking on the next phase with the same enthusiasm I did when I was a young lad coming here to help my father and grandfather!”

One big benefit from having been a vaccination centre is that many

people who had previously never set foot in a motorcycle dealership did so willingly and met Morris and members of his team while they maintained their ongoing Honda activities, this will surely bode well for the Honda franchise as many car driving commuters turn to motorcycles to reduce fuel costs – there will certainly be no apprehension now about visiting a motorcycle showroom.

It would be lovely to think that the aftermath of the crisis and amazing vaccine activities in Crewe will prove to be a real shot in the arm for this long-established business. Congratulations Crewe Honda – 60 years with Honda and 110,000 vaccines – what an achievement!

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

STAFF AT SUZUKI DEALER John’s of Romford, Essex, are teaching Metropolitan Police traffic cop Ange Harrop (45) motorcycle maintenance at the shop when she is off duty.

Harrop lost her partner Matt Smith to Covid in October and decided to take up his classic scramble race number in his memory. She made her competition debut at Marks Tey, Essex, in March, riding a 1973 175 Can-Am two-stroke, chosen because it is relatively easy to start.

Admiring her spirit the Romford boys have taken her under their wing and are pleased to help so that she can be self-sufficient spannerwise when she races further afield.

Having served in the Met for 21 years, Harrop deals with fatal and serious accidents and rides a selection of BMWs as part of her

duties. Riding motocross takes her away from the pressures of work and personal bereavement.

“I love it. I want to do as many events as I can,” says Harrop who runs Suzuki GSX750 and SV650 road bikes.

Minding her progress, coaching her on the spanners, and currently providing race transport is John’s Suzuki senior technician Mark Plaster (61) who has been with the company for 45 years, joining as a 16-year-old. Plaster has been riding classic moto cross for the past ten years.

John’s Suzuki and John’s Honda can trace its history to 1968, taking on Suzuki in 1970 followed

by Honda. The business at the time was run by the late John Adlington and is now run by his son Michael (64) whose promising grass track career was cut short by a serious accident aged 21.

MAY 2022 27

Business news

Romford John’s helping hand

International news

International news With financial editor Roger Willis

Good news piles up at Pierer

K

TM, Husqvarna and GasGas parent Pierer Mobility has delivered another record full-year 2021 performance. But, more significantly, its results statement also promised an over-15kW motorcycling future dependent on internal combustion engines fuelled by carbon-free petroleum substitutes rather than electricity. BDN financial editor Roger Willis leads the applause.

Annual revenue climbed by 33.4% to £1.733bn. As previously reported, global motorcycle sales volume was 23.1% up to 332,881 machines across Pierer’s three headline brands. Pedal bicycle sales, variously under Husqvarna, R Raymon and GasGas branding and the majority of them electrically assisted, grew by 40.2% to 102,753.

Associated operating profit stacked on 80.5% to £164.1m. Operating margin improved to 9.5% from 7% a year earlier. Net profit more than doubled, surging by 105.6% to £121.2m. A dividend of 85p per share was therefore proposed – doubling value of the last dividend payment.

During 2021, Pierer made investments of £172.3m in further growth, of which £111.2m

was dedicated to product development and tooling. At the year-end, it had a total of 5249 employees, 4340 of them in Austria.

All of this was achieved, according to the company: “despite the challenging situation in international supply chains on the one hand and risks due to the Covid-19 pandemic on the other.”

Forecasts for 2022 are now inevitably loaded with cautionary remarks too. “Challenges in supply chains must be expected to continue, as capacity and supply bottlenecks at individual suppliers and in international transport logistics may lead to delays with deliveries,” said the statement.

“In addition, it is also important to keep a close eye on geopolitical risks. Particularly, the war in Ukraine will have a negative impact on the global economy. The business of Pierer Mobility Group is not directly affected by the military conflict. Indirectly, however, the risk is growing – primarily due to further increases in energy and raw material costs, as well as negative effects on the capital markets.”

Pierer then proceeded with a token spot of greenwash: “In line with the strategic objective

of contributing to emissions reduction and emission neutrality for motorcycles, the focus of development work in the years to come will increasingly be on alternative drive systems in the segment up to 15kW. At least three electric platforms with multiple products will be introduced by 2024.”

But saving the best until last, the statement concluded by saying: “In the range above this, efforts will focus on the technological advancement of conventional forms of propulsion with synthetic fuels for avoiding carbon. The goal is to fully exploit innovation and development potential in the field of electric mobility and to help shape the growing market with internal combustion engines powered by e-fuels.”

Currency translation at forex rates applicable on 30 March

Intermot back in the saddle THE KOELNMESSE VENUE AND GERMANY’S motorcycle industry association IVM were forced to pull the plug on their biennial Intermot international trade fair in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic. But now the event is scheduled for revival after a four-year hiatus on 4-9 October this year.

Billed as Europe’s first big motorcycle, scooter and e-bike show of the year, by upstaging EICMA Milan on dates, the organisers are also implementing “a future-oriented concept” to add a spot of sparkle and further develop its position as an international business destination. In other words, sticking it to the Italians whenever possible is the name of the game.

A list of major industry exhibitors due in Cologne has already gone public, featuring

28

MAY 2022

Europe-wide aftermarket and dealer tech suppliers like Bihr, Kellermann, Matthies, Rukka and Wunderlich, plus lubricant brands such as Motorex and Motul. Among OE manufacturers, Honda, Triumph and Zero are early confirmations.

And BMW Motorrad Deutschland head Michael Sommer has indicated that his brand will be among them too. Previously, BMW Group had said that its new model launches would henceforth focus on digital communications rather than a corporate presence for tyre-kicking at shows. But now everybody is learning to live with Covid, that notion has been quietly shelved.

“As a German motorcycle manufacturer with a long history, the entire BMW Motorrad

team naturally has a great interest in presenting our brand and products to Intermot visitors,” enthused Sommer. “We are therefore looking forward to meeting our customers and motorcycle fans in person again and celebrating motorcycling together.” www.intermot-cologne.com

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

BDN strip ad Apr 2022.qxp_Layout 1 28/03/2022

International news

Trelleborg treads head east

S

weden’s Trelleborg Group has sold its Trelleborg Wheel Systems unit, incorporating the entire global Trelleborg off-road tyre business, to Japanese tyre giant Yokohama Rubber for £.bn.

Agricultural rubberware and wheels accounted for about % of Trelleborg’s tyre manufacturing output and sales, worth £m in turnover last year. Industrial applications took up around another %, with the remainder dedicated to construction machinery and motorcycles.

Yokohama will absorb Trelleborg’s ten tyre plants in seven countries – China, Czech Republic, India, Italy, Serbia, Sri Lanka and the USA. And besides Trelleborg’s own moniker, the brand portfolio changing hands includes Mitas, Maximo, Cultor and Interfit.

In a statement, a spokesman said: “The acquisition of Trelleborg Wheel Systems will enable Yokohama Rubber to consolidate its leading position among tyre producers in the world, becoming a global leader in the off-highway segment, covering different needs in the agricultural, construction, material handling, mining and two-wheel markets.”

This transaction will more than double the size of Yokohama Rubber’s existing off-road tyre operations, which generated £m in sales during , and should reach completion in the latter half of .

What’s left of Trelleborg Group has an ambition to grow into “the world’s foremost engineered polymer solutions company in selected industries”, according to its president and chief executive Peter Nilsson.

Currency translation at forex rates applicable on 3 April

Ride the long way home

Harley help for Ukraine HARLEY-DAVIDSON HAS launched a limited-edition T-shirt to support United Way Worldwide’s Ukraine fund.

This organisation’s humanitarian relief efforts destined for Ukraine include assistance for transportation, shelter, food, medicine and critical childcare supplies.

The idea came from HarleyDavidson employees, who also designed the T-shirt. It features the distinctive blue and yellow colours of the Ukrainian flag across Harley’s logo on the chest and a “united we ride” slogan on the back.

From each shirt sold before mid-June via the US Harley website at a $35 retail price, the company will donate $26 to United Way Worldwide. In addition, the Harley-Davidson Foundation has donated $50,000 to the United for Ukraine Fund.

WSBK deals for duo

T

he World Superbike (WSBK) championship has just kicked off, and there were some late sponsorship deals announced just before the first round at Aragon in Spain. First up was McAMS, the motorcycle accident management specialists, which has a well-established relationship with Yamaha in British Superbike racing. The firm had moved up to WSBK with the PATA Yamaha team for the first time last season, and has extended that deal for 2022.

Also on the world stage, this time in World Supersport, is Putoline, which has agreed a technical partnership with legendary Dutch firm Ten Kate Racing, supplying oil to the firm’s R6 racebikes for Italian rider Leonardo Taccini.

German seal of approval for Dunlop CONSUMER BIKE MAGAZINES DON’T HAVE QUITE THE SAME IMPACT AS THEY USED to – but there are still some heavyweight titles out there. German behemoth Motorrad magazine is at the top of the list: its annual tyre tests are a big deal, with comprehensive evaluation of the latest rubber across road, track and wet handling circuits.

This year, Dunlop’s Roadsmart IV tyres took top honours at the Motorrad sport-touring test, with special mention for its ‘phenomenal’ wet-weather performance. “When it rains the tyre delivers phenomenal performance. The strong grip reserves on wet asphalt can be felt from the first metre, also in curves. That gives extremely high confidence,” according to the magazine’s testers.

Fitted to a BMW R1250 RT, the Roadsmart IV took the top score in 12 out of 15 categories, besting six other fitments in the sport-touring sector. Jean-Luc Faure, Dunlop’s motorcycle road and race product development manager, said: “This result for RoadSmart IV underlines our goal to deliver a perfect balance of outstanding dry performance and exceptional wet grip, neutral and stable handling and deliver consistent performance even after several thousand kilometres.”

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

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ENERGICA

ITALIAN ELECTRIC BIKE BUILDER ENERGICA has recently opened its thirteenth dealership in Germany, as well as set up a new business unit to sell its electric vehicle technology across a range of other industries. The new ‘Energica Inside’ business unit is aiming to provide EV knowledge and skills to a wide range of businesses, including e-bike makers and boat makers. The aim is to share the firm’s extensive experience in electric batteries, powertrain integration, control software and motors with industries looking to move into more sustainable transport solutions.

CAKE

SWEDISH ELECTRIC BRAND CAKE HAS COME UP with what looks like a pretty sensible idea.

The used market for electric bikes can be an uncertain space at the moment, with worries about battery life, warranty and backup. So Cake has announced its re:Cake scheme, selling certified, refurbished used electric machinery.

The program offers customers the opportunity to buy a refurbished bike that has been given the Cake stamp of approval. Each will be equipped with exclusive, re:Cake signature, green fenders and print details, showing off the choice made by its new owner. Availability, pricing and warranty terms will be set individually, on the basis of age and condition.www.ridecake.com

Electric news

Zero online Cypher Store I t’s another one of those things which would have sounded like science fiction not so long ago.

But US electric bike maker Zero has just launched its Cypher Store – an online virtual marketplace where owners can buy and download software-based upgrades for their bikes. So rather than a powerboosting motor tune being a long drawn-out process of fitting a new exhaust, big-bore piston kit, turbocharger or camshafts, it’s now as easy as downloading a new game to a smartphone.

Available for the latest SR models, the on-bike Cypher III operating system lets owners apply faster charging, speed and performance boosts, onboard satnav and even a cornering upgrade to the Bosch traction control systems. They’re a straight userinstalled upgrade for 2022 bikes, with earlier models needing a quick dealer trip for the installations.

Zero has also announced a new entry-level version of its flagship SR range, the 2022 Zero SR. It has a 74bhp output and 104mph top speed, plus a 14.4kW/h battery pack. But all these features can be improved via the Cypher Store – unlocking the 90bhp, 124mph and 17.3kW/h specs seen on high-end SR model. The hardware has the same abilities, but the software restrictions means a

lower price: £17,810 (the flagship SR/S Premium is £22,240).

Will owners buy into this type of scheme, or will they be peeved at having to pay for features which are already ‘in’ their bike but locked out by the software?

Time will tell – but the likes of Tesla are already doing this sort of business, and early adopters and tech geeks seem fairly content with the idea.

MAG blasts electric infrastructure

T

he Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) has criticised the provisions made for motorcycling in the UK government’s recentlyreleased strategy policy on future electric vehicle infrastructure.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps announced a £.bn plan at the end of March, but according to MAG the plan is light on information concerning motorcyclists.

“There’s insufficient detail in this strategy to reassure those riders wanting to make the switch to electric,” said MAG director of campaigns and political engagement Colin Brown, “Motorcycles will need dedicated [charging] facilities with a strong focus on security against theft. There is also nothing to indicate that

30

MAY 2022

potential for interchangeable batteries and associated charging hubs has been recognised.”

And, while MAG continues to oppose the proposed  phase-out of new petrolpowered motorcycles, it says it wants to ensure that motorcycle charging infrastructure isn’t ignored.

“We are pro-choice when it comes to the future of motorcycling,” said Brown.

“It is imperative that the broadest range of choices are catered for. Certainly, if the government wants to achieve decarbonisation of all transport modes, it needs to fully consider all the details – even for motorcycles. We will be seeking to influence the drafting of detailed guidance for local authorities.”

Sunra paddock presence ISLE OF MAN TT AND BRITISH Supersport racer Lee Johnston has linked up with electric motorcycle manufacturer Sunra for his season’s paddock transport duties.

Johnston, racing for the Ashcourt Racing Team in this year’s British Supersport Championship, took delivery of his custom painted Miku Super during a pre-season test at Silverstone Circuit.

Talking about going EV, Johnston commented, “As great as it is to reduce emissions, above everything else, the Miku Super is great fun.

For use around the paddock, local journeys and for getting around at

events like the Isle of Man TT, it’s pretty much perfect. Decent range, the ability to charge practically anywhere is a real bonus, too. I’m looking forward to getting out on it as much as possible this season.”

The Miku Super features a 3kW motor, allowing it to reach 50mph, with a range of more than 60 miles and the ability to charge from a UK three-pin plug. All models come with a two-year unlimited mileage warranty, with the OE (removable) batteries benefiting from a three-year or 18,000-mile warranty.

For more information on the Sunra range, visit www.sunra-uk.com.

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

Electric news

Registration data M Alternative powered two wheeler registrations for March 2022

MOTORCYCLE TECHNOLOGY ACCESSORY SPECIALIST

because it has a 4.8kW motor and should rightfully reside in the 4-11kW range with vaguely 125cc equivalence. Incidentally, registrations of the CPx had risen by an impressive 76.6% year-on-year in March.

Bereft of that input, 4-11kW numbers amounted to 83, against just 22 in March last year, equating to a 277.3% gain. Highest-registered product was the 5kW Nui MQi GT Evo scooter’s 20-strong presence.

Then 11-15kW volume, non-existent in March 2021, reached 42, including 41 premium-priced BMW CE 04 scooters.

The 15-35kW range halved to a mere three bikes.

Two of these were Zero FXS ZF7.2 models. Finally, over-35kW steeds declined by six to a tally of ten.

Four, claiming the highest-registered accolade, were from Harley-Davidson’s now spun-off LiveWire legacy.

arch’s new-plate introduction flaunted suitable sparkiness for the electric scooter and motorcycle sector. Registrations almost doubled, 91.8% up to 984 bikes. That represented 5.9% of overall UK powered two-wheeler registrations during the month, rising from a 4.2% share in March 2021.

The up-to-1kW sector woke up properly, with 25 machines registered, 22 of which were Keeway E-ZI Mini products. But as usual, the most prominent power band was the 1-4kW range also ridden on AM moped licences, adding 90.7% to 782 machines.

Some 147 of them were 2kW E-Max LB1-VS2 delivery scooters.

However, a further 189 were samples of Vmoto’s outright electric market-leading Super Soco CPx scooter, which is actually in the A1 licence category 2022 / 2021 Registrations by Power Band Mar 2022

POWER BAND Under 1kW

Mar 2021

Year to date Mar 2022

% Change

25

Mar 2021

% Change

Highest registering model by power band

Mar Regs

0.0%

39

1

3800.0%

Keeway E-ZI Mini

22

782

410

90.7%

1547

810

91.0%

Vmoto Super Soco CPX

189

4-11kW

83

22

277.3%

140

33

324.2%

Niu MQi GT Evo

20

11-15kW

42

0.0%

56

0.0%

BMW CE 04

41

-30.0%

Zero Motorcycles FXS ZF7.2

2

15.0% Harley-Davidson LiveWire 20

4

1-4kW

3

6

-50.0%

7

10

Over 35kW

15-35kW

10

16

-37.5%

23

20

Unknown

39

59

-33.9%

108

172

-37.2%

984

513

91.8%

1920

1046

83.6%

TOTAL REGISTRATIONS

2022 / 2021 Registrations by style Mar 2022

MOPEDS Adventure

Mar 2021

Change

0

0

0.0%

61

24

154.2%

EPAC

0

4

-100.0%

Naked

25

14

78.6%

Scooter

404

162

149.4%

0

1

-100.0%

Competition

Unspecified

Mar 2022

M/CYCLES Adventure Competition Modern Classic Naked Road Sport Scooter Unspecified

TOTAL

490 Mar 2022

TRICYCLES Other L-Cat

205 Mar 2021

139.0% Change

13

11

18.2%

Scooter

0

1

-100.0%

TOTAL

13

12

8.3%

TOTAL TOTAL ALTERNATIVE POWER REGISTRATIONS

Alternate power rolling year

Change

3

1

200.0%

18

24

-25.0%

0

0

0.0%

72

27

166.7% -33.3%

2

3

389

246

58.1%

0

1

-100.0%

484

302

60.3%

Mar 2021 987

Mar 2020

Change

519

90.2%

BEST SELLING MODELS 2022 YTD

1200 2020/21

1000

Mar 2021

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

2021/22

800 600

Vmoto Super Soco CPX Yadea G5L E-Max LB1 VS2 Surron Light Bee Askoll Espro 70

392 200 147 130 115

400 200

MAY 2022

r Ma

b Fe

J an

c De

No v

Oc t

p Se

Au g

J ul

J un

y Ma

r Ma

32

Ap r

0

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

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

Britis

R O F T C E BUY DIR G N I D A E L Y R O G E CAT S N I G R A M UP TO 60% MARGIN FOR MUC-OFF AMBASSADOR STORES. For 20% off your first direct order contact the Muc-Off team at sales@muc-off.com or call 01202 307799.

British Dealer news 7th feb.indd 1

31/01/2022 15:46

Off-road news

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

Off-road news With off-road correspondent Rick Kemp

30-year milestone

A

part from being the sole UK importer for Sherco motorcycles, MRS, which celebrated its thirtieth-anniversary last year, is also the UK importer for many off-road brands, including Gaerne trials and motocross boots, Suomy, KYT and Shiro off-road helmets, Kini clothing, Galfer brake pads and discs, AJP/Braktec accessories, HZ/Neox goggles, RQF, Clice clothing, Riga Gomme mousses, Technomousse, Forcefield body armour, Nau helmets, Domino, Leonelli, Rock Oil, Michelin tyres and Milwaukee Power Tools.

Malcolm Rathmell Sport has released details of the soon-to-be-available MY22 Special Edition Sherco ST Fajardo Replica, which comes in 125, 250 and 300cc capacities.

As you would expect from a machine developed on the Trials GP world circuit, state-of-the-art features abound, from the lightweight, perforated front wheel rim to the Reiger shock absorber. S3 provides the Hard Rock footrests, grips for the Neken handlebars and the chain guide. Other features include Galfer brakes, Oxia red anodised cylinder head and Braktec hydraulic brakes and clutches.

The full MY23 Enduro range is expected in early June. This will comprise 125, 250 and 300cc 2-stroke models and 250, 300, 450 and 500cc 4-strokes, so the range should provide something to satisfy most riders.

Malcolm Rathmell’s career as a trials rider is the stuff of legend but, unlike some, he didn’t slide seamlessly from rider to motorcycle trade distributor. His first business enterprise after stepping away from motorcycle competitions was running a hotel in Grassington in the Yorkshire Dales National Park with wife Rhoda. The hotel became very successful and

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MAY 2022

gave the couple a solid business grounding before they decided to return to the world of two wheels.

Rhoda takes up the tale. “When Malcolm stopped riding, he didn’t want to see another motorbike and wanted to buy a hotel, even though we’d been offered some bike deals. We learned a lot from running the hotel – dealing with people, managing money and being organised – but it was very hard work. We thought we’d take our time and look around for something a bit more enjoyable.

“Malcolm was ACU Youth Club manager at the time. We went to a world round in 1990 and were approached by Aprilia, who asked if we’d like to take on the brand as the previous UK importer had gone bankrupt. As a result, they’d split the business between road and off-road, so we became the UK off-road Aprilia importer in 1991.”

Aprilia eventually gave up the off-road side to concentrate on its road bikes, at which point MRS took on the Scorpa brand for five years, followed by Bultaco which, in turn, became Sherco. These days, MRS is a true family business as, apart from Malcolm and Rhoda, son Martin and daughter Carly are both involved.

Rider support has always been high on the list of what MRS does, as the best form of selfpromotion in the competition arena is to have riders winning on the brand you distribute. The list of riders is long and includes local as well as international riders. More recent beneficiaries have included Graham Jarvis, five times British Trials Champion, Danny Mcanney, multiple British Enduro Champion and Emma Bristow, with seven consecutive women’s FIM Trial World Championships to her name.

Emma Bristow, first wome

n to win the Torrens Trophy

In March this year Bristow was presented with the Torrens Trophy, which is awarded annually to members of the race community deemed to have made an “outstanding contribution to the cause of motorcycling in the UK or to have shown outstanding skill in an international motorcycling sporting event”.

This was a double first: the first woman and the first trials rider to receive the award, which was presented at the RAC’s Annual Motorcycle Dinner at its premises in London’s Pall Mall, where she rode her Sherco up the main staircase.

Fortunately for MRS, the Sherco factory is supporting riders directly when it comes to the hardware but the Rathmells are still to be found helping their riders at major events.

Most of the pandemic restrictions may have gone but the industry will take time to catch up. Rhoda isn’t too worried regarding the supply of bikes, it’s just the delivery of some of the ancillaries that might cause initial concern. However, given the level of personal relationships that MRS has built up with its suppliers over the years, it stands a better chance than most of fulfilling demand.

01423 772 885 info@mrsltd.co.uk www.mrsltd.co.uk

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

Off-road news

Bickers and Maxxis seal ACU MX deal BICKERS AND MAXXIS HAVE signed up to become a partner of the Revo ACU British Motocross Championships Fuelled by Gulf Race Fuels.

Following their sponsorship of the official ACU British Motocross Championship for a number of years, Bickers and Maxxis are keen to get behind the championship with RHL Activities at the helm, pushing the brands more aggressively in the UK, especially within the British Youth classes.

Throughout the season Bickers will be running a rewards programme for all youth riders regardless of the brand of tyres they

are using, further details will be announced very soon.

Gareth Hockey, director of RHL Activities, commented: “We are ecstatic to have Maxxis onboard with the Revo ACU British Motocross Championship Fuelled by Gulf Race Fuels. It’s great to see the brand wanting to get involved with the championship once again after seeing the work RHL Activities is putting in to promoting the series.”

BDN is looking forward to watching the Revo ACU British Motocross Championships Fuelled

by Gulf Race Fuels partnered

by Bickers and Maxxis – or the RABMCFGRFBM, for short!

New Husky kids’ stuff

Y

ou can say what you like about electric PTWs. However, there’s one element about which most would agree – they are a perfect fit for small children. Husqvarna has taken this on board and produced the 12 and 16eDrive bikes.

The numbers refer to the wheel sizes with the 12eDrive recommended for three to five-year-olds. This model weighs in at 7.7kg (including battery) and has a seat height of 33cm designed to accommodate leg lengths of 35-51cm. Three levels of power are offered, starting at up to 8km/h in Training mode to a maximum of 14km/h in Advanced mode.

Moving up, the 9kg including battery 16eDrive extends the concept to four to eight-year-olds up to 34kg, with an inside leg range of 45-61cm.

Three power modes allow speeds up to 21km/h, so when the riders feel confident, they can go quicker with a twist of throttle.

Both bikes offer battery runtime of up to 60 minutes. The 12eDrive’s 2Ah battery takes 3060 minutes to recharge, and the 16eDrive has a 4Ah unit with a charge time of 45-60 minutes. Rapid charging means the fun doesn’t have to stop for long, and there is the option of a second battery.

Sport touring tyre for comfortable and exciting road trips

Mitas Speedway upgrade MITAS HAS INTRODUCED A NEW VERSION OF ITS SW-07 SPEEDWAY tyre, one of the fitment most commonly used by speedway racers worldwide. This is the most advanced speedway tyre Mitas has ever made.

It is specifically designed for the highest level of competitive racing.

A newly developed compound and construction for the SW-07 provides improved grip and footprint and claims to deliver extraordinary performance throughout the race. All the features of this new Mitas tyre are strictly designed and implemented according to International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) regulations. Therefore, it can be used in all races and championships held under the FIM banner. For further information on the Mitas product range visit: www.mitas-moto.com.

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Universal tyre for all types of sport touring motorcycles including heavy touring models

mitas-moto.com

@mitasmoto

MAY 2022 35

Off-road news

From left: Mark Beeley, Suzuki (head of marine & ATV), Shane Nedley, MK Dons (group maintenance manager) and Ben Green, Suzuki (ATV & marine co-ordinator)

The Dons sign Suzuki

Troy Lee merger THE 2RIDE GROUP HAS announced that it has merged with Troy Lee Designs. The two companies have a natural symbiosis in terms of product sectors and marketplaces. The new group now covers, thanks to Troy Lee, the United States, and Europe.

Apart from motocross, Troy Lee is also active in mountain biking and BMX helmets, back protectors, body protection gear and a clothing range. Troy Lee Designs continues to be a major sponsor of international competitors.

In Europe, 2Ride is less wellknown than its brands, including Shark, Nolan, Segura, Bering, and Cairn Sport. The latter is the French leader in protective equipment for winter sports.

Recently, the 2Ride R&D team acquired C.R.E, an Italian design and engineering studio specialising in personal protection products such as motorcycle helmets. The studio’s expertise ranges from the creation of a project through to its communication, incorporating functional design, certification drawings, patents, consulting, R&D, reverse engineering and, last but not least, rapid prototyping.

The addition of this resource will enable the 2Ride Group to create a vast array of innovative new products.

The new group recorded a turnover of €210m in 2021, with 70% achieved in the motorcycle segment and 30% in the outdoor sports sector.

M

K Dons Football Club recently took delivery of a new Suzuki ATV for them to use for land and ground maintenance duties.

The ATV is a KingQuad 500X in Terra Green, which replaces the outgoing Ozark 250 model that MK Dons had been using previously.

Suzuki’s current range comprises three versatile models: the KingQuad 500, the 500XP and the KingQuad 750XP (XP denotes power steering). These robust utility ATVs are the culmination of years of refinement. Their high levels of technical specification and ease of handling make them suitable for several applications, including hill and lowland farming and estate and commercial land management.

The KingQuad 500X is the entry-level model in the Suzuki range.

This versatile ATV benefits from selectable 2-wheel/4-wheel drive, fully independent suspension and an advanced engine-braking system. In addition, the 493cc fuel-injected engine’s cylinder head and piston are specially designed to provide power and torque across the rev range, making the KingQuad equally suitable for towing with an impressive maximum capacity of 600kg.

For more information on Suzuki’s KingQuads, visit: atv.suzuki.co.uk.

Husky and GasGas recall A SUSPECT CDI CONTROL UNIT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED ON ALL MY22 Husqvarna TC125 and GasGas MC125 models. Customers who have already acquired one of the above-mentioned motorcycles are being informed by a personal letter asking them to contact an authorised dealer immediately to arrange an inspection appointment.

In addition, customers can check online in the ‘Service’ area of the relevant website to determine if their motorcycle is affected by this recall.

The check and replacement of all parts involved will be carried out at no cost to the customer and must be performed by authorised dealers only.

expands Corvus network Bickers partners Boss he Corvus Terrain range of x utility Team 4Dirt vehicles are increasing TOM FLETCHER AND MACK PRIESTWOOD, Team 4Dirt, will be racing their Polaris RZR RS1s throughout the UK in 2022 in the Polaris British SXS Short Circuit Championship, both running in the 1000cc Expert Class. Bickers will be supporting the UK 4Dirt Polaris team with CST Tyres, Motorex Oils and Ferodo Pads for the 2022 race season.

Fletcher has more than eight years of racing experience, winning the Polaris British SXS Championship in 2017, 2018, 2019 and finished second last year due to mechanical issues early in the season. Mack Priestwood has been racing since he was nine years old. He has finished first in the Polaris British SXS Youth Championship in 2019, was undefeated in the reduced championship rounds of 2020 and won the Polaris British SXS Adult 1000cc Rookie Championship in 2021. It would seem that Bickers’ investment is in safe hands.

36

MAY 2022

T

in popularity, with seven new dealers signed in the first quarter of this year.

Distributed by Boss Off-Road Vehicles based in Powys, the Corvus UTV range is popular in the agri-business environment with its Yanmar diesel motors.

The latest additions to the network are Scotland’s W.M. Rose & Sons with sites in Peeblesshire and East Lothian and JG Paxton & Sons in Lancashire with depots in Northallerton, Alnwick, Bentham and Lancaster.

They serve the requirements of farmers, contractors, local authorities and equestrian customers across Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire and Lancashire.

For more information about the Corvus Terrain range, call  , sales@bossorv.co.uk or visit www.bossorv.co.uk.

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JT Tw

JT Twinstar Advert 2 A4.indd 1

07/02/2022 11:14:42

Hoco Parts

Mark Fenwick, Hoco Parts UK country manager

Hoco Parts (BV) was established in 1973 and will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year as an aftermarket distributor. Headquartered in Barneveld, the Netherlands, and with additional facilities across Europe, it is a major European aftermarket distributor

D

irect sales and supply (via the Barneveld warehouse) to the UK dealer network commenced in 2015 and things shifted up a gear in September 2017 with the establishment of Powersports Distribution Group (PDG). Hoco Parts BV joined PDG and grew rapidly thanks to an active buy-and-build strategy which saw the acquisition and integration of several companies. Benefiting from the combined knowledge, people, and distributed products of these companies, Hoco Parts BV increased its offering and service level to the motorcycle trade, the UK market getting its fair share of attention in this process. Two years after the establishment of PDG, Hoco Parts BV stepped across the North Sea, purchasing both Bradbury Bros. and Rob Hunter in November 2019 prior to establishing Hoco Parts UK Ltd. in Huddersfield in 2020.

The acquisitive streak didn’t end there, with Neo Distribution (Putoline UK) and more recently B&C Express all becoming members of the Hoco Parts family. It would seem to be the way of the commercial world these days;

38

MAY 2022

Maintaining personal relationships between the various manufacturers and the dealer network is an important part of what Hoco Parts stands for you have to feed the beast in order to achieve critical mass. The way in which Hoco Parts has done it though, combines the traditionally operated UK motorcycle industry with the benefits of modern systems and technology.

Maintaining personal relationships between the various manufacturers and the dealer network is an important part of what Hoco Parts stands for.

Country manager for Hoco Parts UK is Mark Fenwick (above), previous owner of

B&C Express, whom many of you will know.

He began in the automotive industry where he was an aftersales manager for Vauxhall before moving to EMAP, now part of the Bauer Media Group. At Bauer he acted as key accounts manager working across all media platforms with the motorcycle portfolio, which included Motor Cycle News, Bike, RiDE, Performance Bikes and Classic Bike. Fenwick then moved to B&C in 2006 as company manager.

As you would imagine, it has taken Hoco Parts UK some time to get everything in place: personnel, products, and premises. Key staff came with the company acquisitions, as did a good number of the product ranges.

Obviously not all of the Hoco Parts product portfolio was transferable, with Hoco Parts respecting existing exclusive UK distributor agreements.

The new premises took a bit of finding to get the right size and location. Located in Huddersfield, the new warehouse virtually sits on the M62, which gives easy access to the entire UK market. The 40,000sq.ft 

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Hoco Parts premises has all the requisite components: loading docks for goods in and out, modern offices, 10m eaves height facilitating multifloor mezzanine use, and staff amenity areas. Sustainability stands high on the agenda of PDG and Hoco Parts and has also been built in, the most obvious element being the lights, which automatically switch on and off as you walk round the building.

Apart from reduction of energy use, the sustainability package includes employee well-being, reduction of transport emissions and a sustainable performance in the supply chain.

The Huddersfield warehouse currently holds a representative selection of UK market focussed products from the more than 200 product lines in the total Hoco Parts product portfolio, and there is room for more.

Categories include a comprehensive stock of the leading tyre brands, service parts, performance and accessories, and clothing

and helmets. Basically, if you need it, Hoco Parts UK has probably got it, and it’s all available for next-day delivery.

So how do you get it? To get an account, dealers should send an email to: info@hocoparts.co.uk, call 01484 461073 or fill in a dealer application form on www.hocoparts.com. Once you’re signed up you’ll have online access via Hoco Parts Online (HPO) to find everything you need on a searchby-bike or product basis. With stock checking, prices, warranty/returns modules and much more. Fenwick is keen to stress that even if, for whatever reason, the first choice of brand isn’t

available, there will be a proprietary alternative, so dealers won’t need to look elsewhere.

Point-of-sale material is also available through Hoco Parts UK, and this can be combined with product promotions.

Additionally, for some brands POS can be tailored to the space available. Hoco Parts UK is keen to work with dealers to help them sell its products.

“We want to get the message across that Hoco Parts UK has a huge range of stock and we can get what you want, to you, the next day. We want to work with the dealers and be their first port of call when ordering parts,” says Fenwick.

“To that end our area sales managers service all the geographical areas of the UK, forging and developing strong relationships with our customers. We have an established, well-known and experienced team who receive product training from the manufacturers at our regular monthly meetings, be that on Teams or face-to-face.

“Hoco Parts UK is now firmly focussed on taking business to the next level!”, adds Fenwick.  Hoco Parts UK 01484 641073 info@hocoparts.co.uk www.hocoparts.co.uk

40

MAY 2022

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

Business Beat

Business Beat

MAKING A PLANNED EXIT Selling a business isn’t always simple, but a management buyout can offer a neat solution

W

hether through retirement, family circumstance or death, private businesses move on. Owners looking for an exit can work with corporate finance advisers or approach competitors.

Another solution, though, is a management buyout (MBO).

DEFINING AN MBO Paul Taylor, a partner at Fox Williams LLP, outlines that at its simplest, “a management buyout is the acquisition of a business, in whole or part, by its management team.” It usually involves the provision of debt and/

42

MAY 2022

or equity funding by a bank and/or private equity investor.

“Sometimes,” Taylor explains, “a new management team will be brought in – what’s known as an MBI [management buy in] – or other times it can be a mixture of existing and new management, hence the uniquely named BIMBO [buy-in management buyout].”

But owner exits don’t always happen on the fly. In fact, Samantha Chaney, a partner within the corporate team at law firm VWV, has seen owner managers plan an MBO many years in advance, bringing trusted staff into management as a form of succession planning. She says that owners “see a management buyout as the conclusion of a long-term strategy to grow and push the business forward whilst keeping the business within the hands of those that know it best.”

WHY AN MBO? Taylor reckons that there is no correct route to exit, and the format very much depends on several variables – “the current state of the business; the appetite and resources of the management team; the attractiveness of the opportunity to debt and equity providers; and tax structuring advice, to name just some of the elements.”

As to why an MBO is used, he says that for some it’s about stability – as “key management team members will continue in office with minimal disruption for customers and suppliers.” Further, he says that MBOs are “a well-trodden path and private equity firms often have deal teams and sets of documents on the block ready to go as well as a ready availability of MBO funding for the right opportunity.”

MBO success isn’t automatic, but Chaney

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Cloud-based Dealer Management System

with Adam Bernstein www.abfeatures.com thinks it’s highest when an owner is in a position where they have trust and confidence in the management team. But, as she says, “it is natural that during an MBO sellers have concerns that the buyer may be taking steps to devalue the company. However, it is unlikely to be possible to impose restrictions on management to avoid taking actions which might devalue the business because it could impede their work. It is also not an ideal starting point for negotiations.”

Taylor is more colourful in describing the

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

routes for sale cannot raise the matter.

And, of course, if the business has private equity or venture capital involved, the discussion may arise naturally as it should be obvious that investors would have had an exit strategy from the outset.

Every sale requires negotiation and an MBO is no different. But to ease the process Chaney recommends owners consider appointing a corporate financial adviser to assist in exploring all possible sale options and to project manage the sale.

If negotiations don’t go well, the seller risks the morale and commitment of the current management team.

This may restrict a sale issue as he has witnessed, on a couple of occasions, “management teams sabotaging a sale process, which involved competing third party purchasers, to ensure that their MBO bid went through.” This he says, “is the exit equivalent of a disgruntled divorcing spouse leaving the matrimonial home in a terrible mess to put off potential buyers.”

The only solution says Cheney is for owners to rely on the terms of any employment contracts or service agreements entered into by the management where there are requirements to act in the best interests of the business.

THE PROCESS Many MBOs are initiated by the owners. But that’s not to mean that a management team who thinks an owner is losing interest in the business or is starting to look at alternative

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She warns that there is much at stake and “if negotiations don’t go well, the seller risks the morale and commitment of the current management team. This may restrict a sale via an alternative route in the near term as any resulting changes in personnel need time to bed down and prove successful.”

Another risk comes from sellers pulling out against the wishes of the MBO team. It’s one that Taylor offers a concern over. He says that “a disgruntled management team could resign in order to progress an MBI opportunity, or to set up a new company to compete against the business, subject to any restrictive covenants in place.”

Where this gets interesting, says Taylor, is “if the management team were already holding a small percentage of shares in the business, they may be subject to restrictive covenants in a shareholders agreement

which will usually be more enforceable than restrictive covenants in their service agreements.”

IN GOOD TIME An obvious question is how long will an MBO take to conclude?

In Taylor’s experience, “a typical time frame is two to three months from when head of terms are signed to actual closing.”

He bases this on there being three distinct processes – the share purchase agreement and disclosure; a shareholder’s agreement and articles of association to be negotiated between the continuing management team members and the private equity backers; and the provision of lending and security documents if debt is being provided to part or fully fund the exit.

But there’s another issue – nonmanagement sellers having to offer operational warranty protections to give succour to buyers. In such circumstances, Taylor says that “sellers are very reliant on management – effectively the other side of the transaction – to assist and to make sure that a proper disclosure process is carried out.”

Any negotiation process, says Chaney, can become a little circular and, as with many private equity deals, the use of warranty and indemnity insurance can be used to plug the gaps. “In reality,” she says, “it may be that taking out a policy is in the best interests of all parties, as the risk of claims is low due to management’s existing knowledge, but should one arise then the financiers are protected.”

SUCCESS ISN’T GUARANTEED Sellers must be realistic about the price and the deal structure when going through an MBO. If there’s too much financial pressure placed on the management team at the outset the business can suffer, and if part of the purchase price is dependent on future performance, then the seller will lose out in the long run. 

MAY 2022 43

Business Beat

DeepBlue CloudDMS

Marketing Matters

MARKETING

MATTERS

Expert adv ice to improve how you promote and sell you DAN SAGER FOUNDED THE FAB-BIKER PR AGENCY IN 1996 AND r currently represents many well-known businesses and brands in the products or motorcycle industry. In a new series, exclusive to BDN, Dan asks us to use our services imagination to solve common marketing challenges. fab-biker.co.uk

ONE OF A KIND

Planning and executing a successful advertising campaign, where to start?

So many options, imagine money is no object…

L

iving in a digital age, there are so many opportunities for advertising that it’s difficult to know where to start. In addition to the established channels – print (magazines and newspapers), outdoor (posters on billboards, buses, etc) and broadcast (TV and radio), we have a plethora of online options.

These range from banner ads on websites to more sophisticated and targeted campaigns, such as Google AdWords, programmatics and all manner of social media activities.

To help focus on the most appropriate choice for your business, imagine that money is no object, but you can only place one advert in one place and at one time. Where would you choose to promote your products and services for a knockout blow?

Since money is no object, how about a commercial on prime-time television?

The challenge would be choosing the most appropriate show for your target audience.

Soap operas are so-called because they were mainly watched by women, who were the main purchasers of washing powder in the 1950s and ‘60s. For beer, it tends to be major sporting events. But for motorcycles, there are few obvious opportunities outside the limited number of specialist programmes.

The other issue with broadcast media is that

44

MAY 2022

you’ll rely on potential customers seeing (or hearing) your one-off advert and, equally importantly, remembering it.

In print, it’s more permanent. With an unlimited budget, you could pay for a double page spread in a national newspaper or in a glossy luxury magazine. Your advert would be seen by millions of ‘ordinary’ people or tens of thousands of wealthy buyers (and people who aspire to that lifestyle), but would enough of them want to buy what you have to offer?

Alternatively, there is the option to place an advert in a public space. Maybe on a billboard in the town centre or pasted on the back of a bus on a busy route. It might only be one advert, but it will be seen repeatedly, helping to reinforce your message. For a local business, that could be effective, but it won’t reach potential customers outside a limited area.

Which brings us to online advertising. With your infinite budget, you could reach millions of people worldwide on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. At face value that sounds

tempting, however, in the fast-moving world of social media, your advert could easily be missed, while viewers scroll past to the next funny cat video or exciting selfie from a friend.

These are just a few examples – you can probably think of many others, but there is a common issue in all of these options. No matter how much you spend on an advert, if people only see it once, they are unlikely to remember it. There’s a well-worn saying in ad-land that when the managing director is bored with seeing his adverts, they’re finally starting to work.

When deciding where to advertise, bear in mind that you need to reach your target audience and have sufficient budget to keep going for a sustained period of time to get the message across. 

NEXT MONTH Imagine you had to explain what you do in one sentence.

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McAMS is the leading motorcycle accident management company 25 years' experience Repair work stays with you Fast payment

Nationwide network of over 1000 motorcycle businesses & training schools

Helping your customers get back on the road McAMS is a trading name of Direct Accident Management Limited which is part of the Anexo Group PLC and is a company registered in England and Wales. Company No.: 03259554. Direct Accident Management Limited is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 836071). Telephone calls may be recorded for training and quality purposes..

Business Essentials

CATALYST

A Constellation Software Company

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

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

Adding e-commerce to the mix

Firms that ignore e-commerce are heading for a fall. But setting up a web-based shop isn’t as hard as it sounds

I

t should be blindingly obvious – for better or for worse – that the pandemic has accelerated the move to e-commerce. And like it or not, retailers that fail to follow the curve risk being left behind.

LOOK AT THE DATA According to the May 2020 IMRG Capgemini Online Retail Index, the pandemic, in April 2020, led to a 23.8% rise in online retail compared to the previous year as the high streets were forcibly shut down.

The point is driven home by the Retail Gazette which noted, when commenting on a July 2020 report by Alvarez & Marsal and Retail Economics, that “17.2 million British consumers – about 25% of the country’s total population of 66.6 million – plan to make permanent changes to the way they shop.”

We only have to look at data from the Office for National Statistics to see the overall direction of travel. In December 2006, online took just 2.5% of all retail sales. By December 2010 that figure stood at 8.5%. That percentage rose to 14.1% in December 2015 and 31.4% in December 2020.

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THERE ARE OPTIONS But just because the ‘big boys’ seem to have much of the market sewn up doesn’t mean that the independent has nowhere

The most obvious place to start is an e-commerce site designed specifically for the business. It’ll no doubt be effective, assuming it’s been well designed and marketed, but it won’t come cheap to go. In fact, there are plenty of options and they needn’t be horrifically expensive.

The most obvious place to start is an e-commerce site designed specifically for the business. It’ll no doubt be effective, assuming it’s been well designed and marketed, but it won’t come cheap.

According to expertmarket.co.uk, a basic SME website without e-commerce may cost between £500 and £1000 while an e-commerce site with e-commerce tools, order management tools, delivery tracking and live chat could cost up to £2500, if not more. And for a truly bespoke site, the design can cost up to £10,000.

On top of that is the cost of an SSL certificate to add a level of security to a website that processes transactions (up to £250/year), hosting the site (up to £350/month) and content updates (up to, say, £60/month).

But there are alternatives which require less capital outlay and offer a faster point of entry, and they all revolve around using a third-party platform that is integrated into the business offering.

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

Shopify came in with a mention in dispatches since it offered “full optimisation with a full arsenal of top-quality sales features”. And Squarespace received an honourable mention as it offered “maximum creative control”.

One thing the report noted is that there is no perfect solution and before plumping for a platform, the different offerings should be tested with a free trial or with a free version.

As for cost, Wix starts at £13 per month, Shopify at $29 per month, and Squarespace £15 per month.

The good news is that these platforms – and merchantmachine.co.uk, for example, lists 21 of them – allow businesses to build their own online shop via templates that are provided, and which can be customised according to need.

As noted, there are many platforms to choose from, but according to a report on startups.co.uk (see https://bit.ly/2VdTNa0), six stood out as being best for SMEs to get on the ladder, with three getting top scores. Using test methodology that grouped results into several elements (customer score, design and functionality, help and support, sales features, value for money, and website features), the report recommended Wix as a “great all-rounder” and excellent value for money.

LOST IN THE ETHER? With so much competition it’s easy for a small firm to get lost in the chatter that forms the world of online. For those that are concerned or bothered about this, a workaround is to piggyback off the brand name of others and to sell on their platform. Amazon and eBay are well known for this.

Let’s look at Amazon. It allows others to use its brand and technology to sell through its marketplace in exchange for a fee. There are two types of sellers – casual and professional. The former can sell 35 items or fewer per month and pay only a completion and referral fee for each item sold. Professional sellers, on the other hand,

can sell 35 or more items per month, can sell a greater range of products and can use bulk listing tools to make it easier to sell in volume. There’s a monthly fee plus the individual completion and referral fees.

By paying £25 per month, sellers can place products on all five of Amazon’s EU marketplaces and can reach millions of active users.

As for eBay, a shop there allows sellers to showcase their auction listings in their own customisable ‘storefront’. Also, items can be listed for much longer than with a normal consumer eBay account and businesses registered with eBay receive discounts. One thing to note about eBay, customers often search for unique or hard-to-find items.

In other words, the more specialised the products, the better. eBay’s costs vary from £25 per month for a basic shop, to £69 per month for a featured shop and £399 per month for an anchor shop where sellers want maximum exposure.

IN SUMMARY No matter what an independent chooses, the reality is that more shopping is done online than ever before. And given time, the change will gather pace; small businesses can’t afford to be left behind. 

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

CATALYST

A Constellation Software Company

MAY 2022 47

Business Essentials

s Essentials

with Adam Bernstein www.abfeatures.com

Product news

Products The latest products for your showroom

Malossi clutch 5

Enginehawk jackets CELEBRATING ITS FIRST ANNIVERSARY, UK CLOTHING BRAND ENGINEHAWK HAS launched a range of new jackets including, for the first time, options for female riders.

A brace of leather jackets kicks off proceedings – the Renegade is a classic leather biker jacket complete with diamond quilting and a lancer-style front while the Revolver gets its inspiration from cafe racer culture and mixes full grain leather with “jersey-like” textile under the arms for added comfort. Both jackets have CE AA certification, in part thanks to the lightweight Rheon level 1 active polymer armour fitted at the shoulders, elbows and back. They come only in black, sizing goes from S to 2XL, and each retails for £399.

The Jett is an armoured hoodie-style top with a water-resistant nylon shell which incorporates Spandex in the mix for added stretch. Diamond stitched full-grain leather patches add a decorative element to the shoulders, and the hood has a fold-flat design to keep it flush when not in use. It has the same Rheon armour fitted as its leather siblings and is AA rated for abrasion resistance. It comes in sizes S-2XL for an SRP of £349.

Ruroc; www.ruroc.com Renegade

Revolver

Jett

THE NEW MALOSSI MAXI FLY CLUTCH FOR THE Honda Forza and SH 350 maxi scooters has been developed by the racing engineers at Malossi with experience from the tuning company’s Maxi Delta adjustable automatic clutch. The Maxi Fly has been designed to suit standard vehicles providing maximum reliability and extremely long life, and is supplied precalibrated. SRP is £138.50.

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

Airoh Twist 2.0 AN UPDATED VERSION OF AIROH’S MID-RANGE motocross helmet has been launched, promising new styling and light weight. The HRT (High Resistance Thermoplastic) shell now incorporates a rear spoiler to improve aerodynamics and stability at high speeds. The helmet also features an airflow channeling system, a dust filter and a detachable peak with an included extension for extra coverage on sunny days.

The Twist comes in a huge range of colours and graphics, or even plain black or white, in sizes XS-XXL at an SRP of £189.99 for solid colours or £199.99 for graphic options.

Feridax; 01384 413841; info@feridax.com

Akrapovic for BMW GS 34 Bet you thought it would be an expensive exhaust system, didn’t you? Well, its not. Instead, Akrapovic has gone in for a bit of diversification and has turned its pipebending skills to making its first-ever set of engine protection bars for the 2019-2022 BMW R1250GS. Made from sandblasted titanium, they claim to be as strong as steel but around 40% lighter, and are corrosion resistant too. Upper and lower protection bars are available, designed from scratch to fit around the engine and frame precisely without affecting the lean angle available. Aimed at the niche-within-a-niche of well-heeled weight-weenies with a penchant for large and heavy adventure bikes, the uppers are £838 and the lowers are £1142 SRP. Performance Parts; 01327 706139; enquiries@performanceparts-ltd.com

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www.britishdealernews.co.uk

Product news

Cardo Packtalk Edge

Tricker’s Roadster 5 IT’S NOT A WELL-KNOWN NAME IN THE motorcycle world, but Northampton shoemakers Trickers are world-renowned in the world of high class footwear, having made boots for celebrities, US Presidents and royalty alike.

The new Roadster boots are based on the design of a classic boot from Tricker’s archive which has then been adapted to be suitable for motorcycle use, although as they aren’t EN13634 tested they are not classed as a protective boot. Totally handmade, and taking 300 processes to complete, the boots are made with leather uppers which undergo a special tanning process to make them hydrophobic and extra padding is applied around the ankle area, along with an extra panel across the toe as a gearchange reinforcement. Perfect for a ride out on the Brough, or to cut a dash on the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, they come in two styles – black with a plain upper and thinner sole, or brown with some brogueing and a chunkier sole for an SRP of £399.

Motolegends; 01483 407500; help@motolegends.com

THE EDGE IS A NEW communication system from Cardo. The casing is slimmer and sleeker thanks to the absence of an external antenna and the new Magnetic Air mounting method which allows secure attachment to any helmet. A new version 2.0 of the Dynamic Mesh System gives faster Bluetooth pairing and allows up to 15 riders to communicate at a range of up to five miles, while redesigned JBL speakers are said to give improved sound quality.

Other features include voice control, 13 hour battery life and fast charging.

The Packtalk Edge has an SRP of £339 for a single unit, or £609 for a twin pack.

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

Mitas mousses TYRE MAKER MITAS HAS extended its range of off-road mousse inserts with a new Rally version.

Designed for use by rally raid competitors in competition, the Rally mousse features a new compound which claims to be suitable for high-speed usage, as well as being heat and puncture resistant. It is designed to be used with Mitas’ Rally Star, StoneKing and StoneEater tyres in 140/80-18 rear and 90/90-21 front sizes.

Mitas Tyres; 0038 642 066142; sales@mitas-tyres.com

Vcan V272 Blinc A4 FOLLOWING RAPIDLY ON FROM THE LAUNCH OF THE standard V272 (see BDN April) is the arrival of a Bluetooth equipped version of the flip-front lid.

Adding communications capabilities to the V272 provides helmet-to-helmet intercom at a range of up to 650m, as well connection to mobile phones or GPS systems for streaming music, calls and verbal directional instructions. The Blinc system is completely integrated into the helmet with stereo speakers, a flexible boom microphone and a rechargeable lithium battery which can last up to eight hours between charges. Single button control, system audio prompts, voice commands and builtin noise reduction are all included.

As well as the comms system, the V272 Blinc adds in a Pinlock 70 lens to the standard V272’s spec of drop-down sunvisor, removable and washable interior liner and singlebutton control flip-up mechanism. The V272 Blinc A4 come in sizes XS-XXL in a choice of five solid colours at £209.99 SRP and two graphic options at £219.99 SRP. Midwest Marketing; 01527 574422; infor@rayvan.co.uk

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

MAY 2022 49

Product news

ByCity waxed jackets BYCITY HAS BROUGHT OUT TWO RETRO-INSPIRED JACKETS FOR THE 2022 SUMMER SEASON. The London II (below) has a traditional wax cotton finish, with a thoroughly modern Hipora waterproof membrane underneath along with a removable thermal liner. The traditional design incorporates pressstud closure cargo pockets on the hips and chest with matching studs on the storm flap over the YKK zip. CE level 2 Flexishock protectors are fitted on the elbows and shoulders and there is a pocket for an optional back protector. It comes in black in sizes XS-4XL for an SRP of £255.

The Losail jacket (right) is part of a collection designed with input from Spanish racer Angel Nieto and is a more modern mid-length style jacket, although using traditional materials. The wax cotton outer is matched with a Hipora waterproof membrane and a removable thermal liner which can be used as a jacket for offbike use. CE level 2 armour is fitted at the elbows and shoulders and there is a pocket for an optional back protector. It comes in blue in sizes S-4XL for an SRP of £319.

Dot4Distribution;0203 514 2413; info@dot4distribution.com

Knox Richmond Mk3

Puig Beam 2.0 5 WHEN RIDING A MOTORBIKE, IT’S important to be seen and to be able to see, so whether riding at night or just in bad visibility, a few extra lights can be a good thing. Puig’s Beam 2.0 auxiliary headlights use two low-consumption 15W LED light units together producing 1000 lumens, housed in a black-finished aluminium casing. The lamp units have a 25mm clamp to fit on to suitable engine guards or crash bars and come complete with a wiring kit and switch. SRP is £128.99.

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

ONE OF KNOX’S BEST-SELLING products, the CE class AA rated Richmond jeans have been updated to Mk3 status with a revised design which is said to improve fit as well as being lighter in weight. A tapered-leg, slim fit Cordura jean, the Richmonds have a cotton lining that now has added stretch for comfort. A Kevlar aramid fabric layer part lines the jeans in the seat, hips, thigh, knee and shin areas, plus there are external access pockets at the hips and knees to add in CE-approved Micro-Lock protectors.

Richmond jeans come in a choice of blue or black in short, regular and long leg lengths in sizes S-3XL at an SRP of £159.99.

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

Malossi screen 5 DESIGNED TO REPLACE THE original screen with a more aggressive and sporty alternative, Malossi’s dark smoked flyscreen fits Euro 5 editions of the Honda Forza 750. It’s aerodynamic shape was designed using CAD, and the screen itself is made from an acrylic PMMA material. SRP is £78.70.

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

Wentworth Sling IT MIGHT SOUND LIKE THE NAME OF A cocktail, but the Wentworth Sling is actually the answer to the question “how do I carry my helmet around safely off the bike while leaving my hands free for other things?” As I’m sure we’ve all debated that quandary extensively over the years, Wentworth has made a 8oz waxed cotton strap with diamond-quilted shoulder padding and corduroy backing to prevent slippage. Simple in concept and operation, the Sling has a heavy duty buckle and quad stitching for security and can be used while wearing gloves (but then how do you carry your gloves…). It comes in navy blue, olive green or brown for an SRP of £29.

Dot4Distribution; 0203 514 2413; info@dot4distribution.com

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Lego Vespa 5 IT’S THE DREAM OF MANY A BIKER TO BUILD HIS OR HER own machine, and now the world’s biggest tyre company, Lego, has put the dream within reach with the launch of a new 1106-piece kit which recreates the classic 1960s Vespa. The pastel-blue kit is officially licensed so includes Vespa badging, a removable engine cover and working steering, as well as a chic Italian style basket complete with a bunch of flowers. Created to mark the 75th anniversary of Vespa, the 22cm high model isn’t the first Lego Vespa to go on sale, but it is the largest and most accurate. SRP is £89.99.

Lego; 00800 5346 5555; www.lego.com

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

Product news

SHORT CUTS

Shark Spartan RS BYCITY ROADSTER II

THE COMPOSITE-SHELLED, RETRO-STYLE BYCITY Roadster II helmet is available in new colours for 2022.

The new shades are a solid matt black, dark green with pale pink graphics, and a dark blue and white graphic with navy, cyan and red accents.

Available in sizes XS-XL for an SRP of £160.

Dot4Distribution; info@dot4distribution.com

Givi X-line 5 READY TO TOP GIVI’S EXTENSIVE SELECTION OF SOFT LUGGAGE families comes the X-Line range, consisting of seven expandable and water resistant bags made from a blend of polyester, TPU and nylon. The three cargo bags in the range have capacities of up to 20, 35 and 52 litres respectively. The smallest of these can attach to the lid of Givi’s aluminium cases, while the larger pair can be converted into roll-top rucksacks for offbike transport. There are also three versions of tank bag, all featuring the Tanklock fixing system. The XL06 is universal and can fit to many touring bikes, whereas the XL04 is designed to match the lines of the BMW R1250GS or KTM 1290 Adventure models, and the XL05 is paired with the Honda Africa Twin and Kawasaki Versys 650. The last element of the X-Line range is a compact, 12 litre saddlebag for essential bits and bobs, which comes with both a grab handle and shoulder strap for convenient off-bike use. All bags include a waterproof internal liner, have reflective inserts and zips which can be used with a padlock if needed.

Givi UK; 1327 706220; info@givi.co.uk

AN UPDATE TO THE SPARTAN mid-range full face helmet, the new RS version is the first Shark lid to be designed for the latest ECE22.06 standard. This means the composite shell has a new aerodynamic design which minimises drag, buffeting and wind noise. Inside, the multidensity EPS impact layer is padded with a perforated suede liner including Alveotech textiles which have antibacterial and anti-odour properties. The optical class 1 visor has got a four-point anchor system and comes with a Pinlock 120 Max Vision insert, plus there’s a dropdown sun visor. The Spartan RS comes in gloss white, gloss black, matt black (with or without red accents) or matt grey with dayglo accents for an SRP of £299.99.

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

TCX touring boots GBRACING

YOU CAN NOW PROTECT THE LATEST generation of the Yamaha 890cc engine used in the MT-09, FZ-09, Tracer and Scrambler thanks to GBRacing. Made from a patented composite material, the covers protect the alternator (£66.38), clutch (£82.67), pulse sensor (£62.27) and water pump (£55.19).

GBRacing; enquiries@gbracing.eu

PYRAMID

BODYWORK MANUFACTURER PYRAMID Plastics has new paint schemes for its fly screen and seat cowl colour matched to the 2022 Yamaha MT-09 SP. The £142 SRP screen and £167.99 cowl are sprayed with a triple-layer metallic paint with a lacquer top coat to match the OEM finish.

Pyramid Plastics; 01427 677990;

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THE BODS AT TCX HAVE been busy designing a new range of boots for 2022, including two new styles of road touring footwear.

The Airtech 3 GTX is, as the name suggests, a GoreTex equipped lightweight boot which is made with breathable microfibre material for extended riding comfort. The GoreTex membrane keeps feet dry, and an Ortholite footbed provides cushioning as well as breathability for well-ventilated feet. Reinforcements are fitted at the shins, ankle, toe and heel areas for impact protection, and a low-profile Groundtrax rubber outsole provides plenty of grip.

It comes in UK sizes 5-13 for an SRP of £229.99.

The women’s-specific Freyja Lady WP combines a full grain leather and suede upper with a T-Dry waterproof membrane. There’s a full-stretch fabric leg construction for comfort around the calf, and the wedge sole is made from heavy-duty rubber.

Inside is a Ortholite footbed, and fastening is by a side zip and three adjustable buckles. It comes in UK sizes 3-8 for an SRP of £199.99.

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

Weise baselayers 5 WEISE HAS ADDED TWO NEW sets of base layers to its range to cover all year riding. The thermal set of top and pants is made of stretch fabric with flat-finish seams and a fleece lining giving added insulation for the colder months. When the weather is a bit warmer the standard base layers use a lightweight, soft-touch fabric which provides moisture management. The thermal set comes in sizes S-3XL and the standard set in sizes S-2XL, with each having an SRP of £34.99.

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

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

What were the products whetting dealers’ appetites back in BDN issue 1?

S

ome say that nostalgia isn’t as fashionable as it used to be but, with the benefit of 21 years of hindsight, how would the products that were featured in the first-ever issue of BDN measure up today?

The biggest surprise is probably how many of the brands featured are still around, despite the pandemics, recessions, global financial crises, stuck ships, and tsunami’s that have assailed the business environment over the last 20 years, not to mention Brexit!

The product pages of issue one started out with Prexport Titanium boots from Fowlers of Bristol, which included Kevlar and titanium protection for their £150 asking price. Toesliders were, however, a £5.43 optional extra. No mention of any CE or BS accreditation, but this was a time before rules were brought in to make motorcycle apparel meet any standards.

A very plain and unsculptured Caberg Brutus helmet introduced the world to the pleasures of the micrometric buckle for its £99.99 SRP – not much different to today’s budget helmet prices. Bringing a splash of colour was Skidmarx, which was extoling the virtues of its universal GRP huggers and acrylic screens, which could be purchased in various shades including 1990s-tastic translucent red, blue, green, violet or amber for £5.85 extra.

Knox managed to get itself two entries – under its own name for its new X1 back protector which featured “Traumalite” honeycomb cells and the aesthetic delight of “chrome-effect” leather trim, and as supplier of armour to the £199 Explorer jacket, which was part of a new for 2001 three-jacket range from Belstaff.

Another stalwart of BDN product pages is VE, which was trying its luck with Ariete Harri grips for automatic scooters. These grips were transparent, with a colour-printed inner sleeve displaying a choice of lurid patterns or slightly more subtle logos. At £6.99 a pair though, they could be easily swapped over once the novelty wore off.

GONE, AND MOSTLY FORGOTTEN Brands or distributors no longer with us include US firm Shook Design, which produced the Speedpac aerodynamic hard-shell backpack. This was being touted by accessories brand Motrax, which is still with us but under different ownership since the Frank Thomas Group ceased trading in 2011.

Other Motrax-distributed entries in the first edition of BDN included locks and chains, paddock stands and knee sliders.

Euro Clothing was touting a budget-priced leather one-piece suit called the Capolla. It’s USP was to be available in sizes up to 52-inch chest, with much-needed Keprotec stretch panels fitted on the arms and crotch areas. The £325 SRP left plenty of cash to buy more pies!

Arai and Shark distributor Phoenix was launching a £2.50 BSBtested Shift-It Grime Buster helmet sponge, but although the helmet brands live on Phoenix sadly succumbed to a fiery end in 2012 and failed to rise from the ashes. The good news, however, is that the Grime Buster lives on, and can still be purchased unchanged from its 2001 glory for the bargain price of £3.25!

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

THE NEW

Product news

Look back 250 2022 CATALOGUES

ARE HERE!!!

FIND ALL YOU NEED FOR YOUR BUSINESS IN THE NEW 2022 CATALOGUES ON OUR WEBSITE! Benefit from our connections to the top-players of the powersports-business, our professional service and uncomplicated assistance by the dedicated countries’ Sales teams and the high stock availability and fast delivery.

WANT TO JOIN THE PARTS EUROPE TEAM?

STORE LOCATOR:

https://www.partseurope.eu/en/store-locator/

WWW.PARTSEUROPE.EU

MAY 2022 53

Focal Point

BICKERS

Think batteries, think Bickers!

Top-tier distributor fields four battery brands for new season

B

ickers has always worked hard to provide the best service to all its customers. Understanding their needs and requirements is critical, and batteries are no different from any other product we offer.

Batteries are a product with many different budget requirements. “We have a battery for every budget,” explains Bickers head-of-sales Rob Sheldon, adding, “our current offering is our best yet!”

YUASA Yuasa has long been recognised as the OE fitment for the majority of motorcycles.

With more than 40 years of development, every Yuasa motorcycle and scooter battery provides high performance, exceptional quality and proven reliability. We hold stock of every Yuasa motorcycle and powersport battery at Felixstowe, with regular supply from GS Yuasa UK, who hold stock of a wide range of batteries for automotive, motorcycle, industrial and standby power applications in Swindon.

GS batteries are made to last longer and deliver more power. GS Yuasa uses the same factories to make the GS and Yuasa brands, and over the years GS has continued to supply the same quality batteries as Yuasa at a lower price to the dealer. Bickers are the exclusive importers of the GS range of batteries in the UK.

FULBAT Fulbat, a French-based company, is a leading force in the battery business, and is present in the replacement and OEM markets. Founded in 2005, they are constantly developing, manufacturing, marketing and selling leadacid batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and battery chargers. With specialist technical knowledge and experience, Fulbat design new innovative battery solutions to meet and

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exceed customers’ expectations. They also offer an exhaustive range of starter batteries, including dry, MF, gel and lithium, covering a full range of applications for motorcycle and powersport alongside a complete range of battery chargers ready to charge or maintain 6V/12V gel, SLA, AGM, MF, dry, wet and Ca/Ca lead-acid batteries, or 12.8V lithium batteries (LiFePO4).

Batteries are a product with many different budget requirements. We have a battery for every budget Fulbat chargers are able to answer all your needs, from the smallest battery to the largest capacity (from 2Ah to 80Ah). Designed with different charging stages and automatic cycles, Fulbat smart chargers guarantee optimum charging efficiency and safety.

POWERITE Powerite is a Bickers brand designed with the cost conscious consumer who demands a good quality battery at a fair price in mind. Bickers’ own brand batteries have been around for more than 35 years. Given the company’s experience in sourcing and buying batteries, the new factory activated MF-only range has concentrated on delivering MF batteries at prices you would expect for dry or wet charge batteries. The world’s highest manufacturing standards, ISO9001 and ISO14001, are at the heart of the range.

Included in the range is a smart charger with additional accessories also available. The charger is a “fit and forget” device intended

for trickle charging on lead-acid batteries and a variety of sealed, maintenance-free lead-acid batteries with a nominal voltage of 6/12V and a capacity of 1.2 to 120 Ah as commonly installed in motorbikes. Suitable batteries include gel, SLA, AGM, MF, dry, wet and Ca/ Ca lead-acid batteries.

NOCO Established in 1914, NOCO designs and creates premium consumer lithium batteries.

NOCO only offers lithium batteries and has effectively set the new standard in design, performance, and safety – twice the power, ten times more starts and a five-times longer life. The most highly designed and engineered lithium powersport battery series ever, the NLP series is better than lead-acid powersport batteries in almost every way – no sulfation, no activation, no acid, no maintenance and no water needed.

They are designed to withstand 50,000 start cycles and 2000 charge cycles, making them the highest performing and longest-lasting batteries for any motorcycle, ATV, UTV, PWC, scooter, or snowmobile.

The range of NOCO Genius smart chargers is leading the way in battery maintenance.

Completely automatic from start to finish, no technical knowledge required. A Genius will safely charge any battery, detect damaged batteries and intuitively repair them, and actively monitor for long-term battery maintenance and extend battery life. This system allows for continuous operation without user intervention and zero risk of overcharging your battery.

Check out www.bickers-online.co.uk, call 01394 604040 or speak to your local area sales manager to see why you should think Bickers if you are thinking batteries.  tel 01394 604040 www.bickers-online.co.uk

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

ADV TYRES

RoadAttack 3 100/0 On/Off-Road

TrailAttack 3 90/10 On/Off-Road

TKC 70 70/30 On/Off-Road

TKC 70 Rocks 60/40 On/Off-Road

TKC 80 Twinduro

Sole UK Importer

50/50 On/Off-Road

conti-bike.co.uk

Product news

SHORT CUTS VCAN V272

WE MADE AN ERROR IN THE APRIL ISSUE OF BDN, giving incorrect contact details for the dis tributer of the Vcan 272 helmet.

Interested dealers should contact: Midwest Marketing; 01527 574422; infor@rayvan.co.uk

Kappa K’Rugged 5

SKIDMARX

ROYAL ENFIELD’S HIMALAYAN IS THE RECIPIENT of new Tall and Super Tall screens from Skidmarx.Designed and manufactured in the UK from 4mm acrylic, the screens are available in three sizes - standard, Tall (+80mm) and Super Tall (+130mm) – and fit directly onto existing mounting points. Available in clear, light grey and dark grey tints, the standard and Tall screens are £74.95 SRP and the Super Tall is £89.95 SRP. Skidmarx UK; sales@skidmarx.co.uk

DESIGNED TO ACCENTUATE THE ADVENTURING capabilities of off-road and trail bikes, Kappa’s new K’Rugged range of soft luggage is said to be an alternative to ubiquitous boxy aluminium pannier sets. A universal base allows bags to be fitted as side or saddle bags without additional frames, and includes straps and hooks as additional mounting points. The AV01 and AV02 are 10 and 20-litre capacity bags with a waterproof roll-top closure and a semi-rigid rubber base for increased stability on rough terrain. The AV-03 is a 45-litre cylinder bag, again with a roll-top closure, which has two side opening to allow access while still attached to the bike and a shoulder strap to make carrying easier.

The AC-04 is a 40-litre duffel bag which also doubles up as a backpack. All are made from durable laminated TPU material and have heavy duty acetal buckles.

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

Richa Gore-Tex

OXFORD

DRESS UP THE WORKSHOP WITH RETROstyle tin plate decorative signs from Oxford Products. Illustrated with a range of biker-friendly humour, the 30cm x 20cm signs come in 11 different designs at an SRP of £9.99 each.

Oxford Products; 01993 862300

R&G TRIUMPHS

R&G HAS MEASURED UP TWO OF THE LATEST Triumphs for some accessories. The Tiger 660 and Speed Triple 1200RR can be fitted with an array of engine case covers, bar end sliders and Aero crash protectors as well as personalised with tail tidies, carbon lever defenders, foot rest blanking plates, and Tank Traction grippers.

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

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THE ARMADA PRO GORE-TEX jacket is made using a three-layer laminate shell incorporating injected mesh panels to combine waterproof weather protection with ventilation for warmer days. Features include a removable storm collar, stretch panels for improved mobility, a Coolmax liner, a total of nine pockets (including two waterproof ones) and D30 Level 2 protectors at the shoulders, elbows and back. It comes in black, black/fluo or grey/black colourways for an SRP of £999.99. Matching Armada Pro Gore-Tex trousers come with removable braces in black or grey/black in two leg lengths for £699.99.

Slightly lower down the price spectrum is the Brutus, a two layer jacket with a Gore-Tex Paclite waterproof membrane which can be worn either over or under the jacket. Made from 600D Cordura combined with ripstop panels, the jacket’s features include an Airtech ventilation system, storm flap and D3O protectors at the elbows and shoulders. It comes in black or grey/blue/red for an SRP of £539.99. Matching trousers come in two leg lengths in black or grey/black for £399.99.

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

Hevik Vega THE VEGA IS A NEW JACKET FROM GIVI’S CLOTHING brand Hevik designed for two-season use in the UK climate. It’s short sporty length and low-bulk design add to the wearability while the removable thermal layer extends the riding season either side of the British “summer”. The outer shell is made from 450D polyester and includes zippered vents to improve air circulation. Inside there are CE-certified protectors fitted at the shoulders and elbows, with a pocket for a back protector also included. Other useful features include a total of seven pockets – including four waterproof ones, plus waist and arm adjuster straps with press-stud fastening. The Vega comes in a choice of black/hi-viz yellow or grey/black/red in sizes S-4XL. Givi UK; 01327 706220; info@givi.co.uk

Bike It Nautica 5 A NEW RANGE OF MOTORCYCLE covers has been launched by distributer Bike It. Designed for year-round outdoor use, Nautica covers are made from double PU coated polyester for waterproof performance and durability and incorporate reinforced chain loops for use with chains and locks. The covers come in six sizes, to cover everything from scooters to cruisers with SRPs ranging from £14.49 to £16.99.

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

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Product news

Oxford Polar 1.0

Tucano Urbano jackets

WHILE THE WORST OF THE WINTER CHILLS ARE behind us, the clear spring mornings can still bite so a pair of decent cold weather gloves can still be a welcome wardrobe addition. Oxford claims its innovative new Polar gloves are the warmest it has ever made, using a Primaloft thermal insulation beneath the nylon and leather exterior along with a Dry2Dry waterproof membrane. The four-into two design also includes reinforced areas, an impact foam knuckle and a padded suede palm for added protection. SRP is £49.99.

Oxford Products; 01993 862300; info@oxprod.com

Puig screens 4 PUIG HAS DEVELOPED A PAIR OF NEW screens specifically to suit Vespa GTS 125 and 300 models. The Sport is a short screen that curves snugly around the headlight surround, whereas the Touring is a much larger winddeflector which is 355mm taller than the standard screen affording much greater wind protection to the rider. Both are made from 4mm thick acrylic, are TUV-approved, and come in clear or smoke finishes.

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

A COUPLE OF NEW THREE-QUARTER length classic style jackets have been launched by Milanese brand Tucano Urbano. The Stanley Park is a parka-style jacket with polyester cotton twill outer and a removable inner thermal liner.

Taped seams add to water resistance, and more weather protection is provided by the removable hood, complete with optional faux fur trim. Shoulder and elbow armour is provided, and there is a pocket for a back protector. It comes in dark blue is sizes S-4XL for an SRP of £249.

The Washington, and its female counterpart the Bella, teams a laminated Oxford polyamide water resistant outer shell with a windproof inner membrane and thermal polyester padding. Both feature hoods – the Washington’s folds into the collar whereas the Bella’s is detachable – and have a multitude of internal and external pockets. Also, both have flexible elbow and shoulder armour, and are also compatible with the Airscud airbag system. The Washington comes in black in sizes S-3XL at £219 SRP, with the Bella also in black in sizes XS-3XL for £219 SRP. Tucano Urbano; 07799 626635; info@tucanourbano.com

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LS2 Storm LS2 HAS TREATED ITS MIDVelvet range full face FF800 Storm helmet to a 2022 season refresh, introducing four new bright and colourful graphic options – Drop, Velvet, and red or blue-based versions of its Sprinter. Other than the new eye-catching designs, Sprinter there are no changes to the Storm’s spec of KPA shell, Pinlock-equipped visor and drop-down sun visor. It comes in sizes XS-3XL with solid colours retailing for £129.99 SRP and the new graphic options for £149.99 SRP. LS2 Helmets UK; 01670 856342; ukservice@ls2helmets.com

Royal Enfield Scram 411 5 THE BRITISH/INDIAN BIKE BRAND’S TEAM OF DESIGNERS IN LEICESTERSHIRE HAVE been busy working out the details of the new Scram for a while now, but the fruit of their labours has finally been officially revealed. Basically, the Scram is a slightly-road biased version of the Royal Enfield Himalayan, and it shares that model’s 411cc single cylinder motor, chassis and fuel tank but with revised suspension at the front end and a smaller front wheel (19in rather than 21in). RE’s target is to provide rugged go-anywhere dependability rather than performance, illustrated by the combination of dual-purpose tyres and long-travel suspension alongside just 24hp and a dearth of electronic aids other than legally-obligated ABS. There are two versions – basic models come in graphite grey with accents in red, yellow or blue, while top-end models have unique graphics and two-tone paint. Prices are yet to be announced, but will be “competitive”.

MotoGB; 0844 412 8450; sales@motogb.co.uk

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MAY 2022 61

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HARD PARTS AND SPARES

On the Money

On the Money I

n a recent annual results statement, KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas parent Pierer Mobility Group claimed it was not directly affected by the military conflict in Ukraine.

Nevertheless, bets were hedged. “Indirectly, however, the risk is growing – primarily due to further increases in energy and raw material costs,” the company conceded.

In reality, Pierer could face a lot more deleterious consequences than that, as do certain other motorcycle manufacturers. The enormous and probably poisonous fly in their ointment is India.

At the end of March, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in New Delhi for what amounted to a state visit embellished with suitable bells and whistles.

Meeting with mercurial Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, perhaps appropriately on April Fools Day, Lavrov lauded rabid Putin admirer Modi’s neutrality stance on Russian aggression and specifically his refusal to condemn the invasion of Ukraine. They then retired from public gaze to discuss its bountiful benefits in relation to India’s energy requirements.

Apart from some domestic natural gas production and coal-mining, India is woefully short of hydro-carbons – in particular, an absence of locally-sourced oil. A vast petrolhead nation, incidentally with about 40 million motorcycles on its roads, India relies solely on imports of automotive go-go juice.

It is the third-largest importer of oil globally.

Usefully, until current warmongering, Russia was one of the world’s largest oil exporters.

Now, it is desperately trying to bolster shrivelling crude shipments to fund Ukraine’s obliteration.

As Lavrov knew very well, India had quietly quadrupled Russian oil uptake during March.

The Indians had been quick to take advantage of bargain-basement opportunities offered

by Moscow-flagged tankers full of crude stooging around the world’s oceans looking for somewhere to off-load, after their original destinations had been embargoed.

Besides promising fabulous discounts for ramped-up volume – the going rate is considerably more than $30 deducted from a barrel of crude – Lavrov was there to facilitate means of payment. American-imposed financial restrictions have made it extremely

A vast petrolhead nation, incidentally with about 40 million motorcycles on its roads, India relies solely on imports of automotive go-go juice difficult to clear dollar-based settlements for tainted oil through the worldwide banking network, without incurring sanctions. And Russian banks have been excluded from the US-controlled SWIFT transfer system for such cross-border transactions anyway.

Instead, Lavrov was understood to have put a rupee-rouble exchange mechanism on the table, cutting out any intermediaries and similar to the one Russia has for weapons exports to India. (It has been principal military hardware supplier to the Indian armed forces for many years, even providing crucial technology behind the medium-range ballistic missiles upon which India’s nuclear

deterrent is aimed at Pakistan.)

It helps that most of India’s dodgy oil processing and trading community are already as thick as thieves with the Russians.

Indeed, many of them are Indian government employees with their snouts in whatever trough is nearest.

State-owned refiners Indian Oil Corp and Bharat Petroleum are leading conspirators.

Enticing those roving supertankers into Indian terminals, they have been buying dirt-cheap but pungent Urals crude, some mixed into less-sulphurous Kazakhstan CPC Blend. Both are shipped from Black Sea ports through the Suez Canal. In addition, sweeter Sokol crude from the Far East, pumped out of Russia’s Sakhalin Island oil fields north of Japan, is also arriving in bargain bulk.

Cross-over investments make life easier too. Kremlin-controlled Russian oil giant Rosneft owns a 49% stake in India’s Nayara Energy. Headquartered in Mumbai, Nayara runs the country’s second-largest refinery located conveniently on the coast in Gujarat, and a chain of more than 6000 retail pump fuel outlets extending down into Maharashtra State’s industrial heartland. Big-league motorcycle maker Bajaj Auto, which we shall visit shortly, resides there too. And straight from the horse’s mouth, Indian government overseas energy exploration operation ONGC Videsh has three joint-venture oil and gas field development projects in Russia.

To ameliorate complications around repatriating respective revenues, a blatant sanctions-busting wheeze has emerged as well. Some participant Indian refineries are evidently exporting a proportion of their output from Russian crude, predominantly diesel, to Europe and elsewhere. They are getting away with this scam because

International Share Prices USA – SAME OLD STORY

EUROPE – FALSE PROMISES

US interest-rate hikes to counter rampant inflation are now a certainty, only the timing is still vague. And the International Monetary Fund warned that escalating conflict in the Ukraine would trash economic growth everywhere, while simultaneously stoking even more inflationary bonfires.

New York market indices were savaged for a second consecutive week. The blue-chip S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average respectively incurred 2.8% and 1.9% losses, while S&P’s MidCap 400 fell by 1.7%.

Harley-Davidson shares staged a text-book display of extreme volatility and trader indecision in the current febrile equities climate. Some of it was driven by optimism about imminent Q1 results, some by the exact opposite.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz waffled about the risk of nuclear war if he sent heavier weaponry to Ukraine, while pushing back any agenda for the cessation of German bulk natural gas and oil purchases from Russia. At the same time, German automotive giants led by BMW told lies, promising that their electrification programmes would involve no job losses – despite analysts taking a opposed view, backed by plenty of evidence.

Such assurances were enough to slow Frankfurt’s Xetra Dax index decline to just a weekly 0.2%, and to actually boost BMW and Volkswagen shares temporarily. Italian investors weren’t so easily convinced, so Milan’s MIB sank 2.3%.

However, Piaggio managed to buck that trend.

Previously Italy’s flagship electric motorcycle

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manufacturer, Energica remains domiciled in Modena but has now become an Amercan-owned entity – having delisted from the Borsa Italiana. Its new parent Ideanomics is resident in New York and has a share listing on that city’s NASDAQ.

JAPAN – FOREX FRIENDLY The yen plunged to its weakest level for 20 years, delivering a boost to Japan’s export-led economy. Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 index managed to stay shiny side up – albeit by a very small margin – for a second week, after previous losses. All four indigenous motorcycle producers maintained their run of positivity.

INDIA – BOZZA BULL**** Boris Johnson descended on India, vowing a land of milk and honey in

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Contact 01237 422660 or adsales@dealernews.co.uk it’s pretty much impossible to trace the geophysical heritage of refined oil products, once the nastier bits have been removed and appropriate additives inserted. And they are being paid in euros and dollars – the latter currency in covert defiance of an existing US ban.

Only the US is fully sanctioning Russian oil and gas so far, abetted modestly by the UK and small-fry Lithuania. Most EU countries, especially Germany, are still dragging their feet, fearful of economic damage from an energy famine. But the Americans don’t tolerate having the piss taken for long and will assuredly demand firmer solidarity from NATO partners with the war on their doorstep, and move towards unilateral enforcement further afield.

Given the degree of Indian pisstaking, it has to be a ripe target. Besides financial obstructions and sanctioning business personnel involved, the key weapons in America’s “lawfare” armoury are punitive tariffs on exported goods from India and even outright blockades

A snapshot of share performance across key manufacturers and markets cross-trading bounties for Indian industrialists.

Mumbai’s BSE Sensex 30 equities benchmark promptly plunged by 2%. However, most major local motorcycle producers avoided this fate.

Interestingly, the pair that didn’t – Bajaj and TVS – both have oven-ready UK tie-in relationships, respectively with Triumph and Norton. An illstarred omen?

CHINA – CONFUSION REIGNS Despite a huge lockdown, many factories in Shanghai are now trying to resume production. At the same time, in adjacent areas, more factories are reportedly grinding to a halt.

However, Shanghai’s SSE Composite and CSI 300 index dived by 3.9% and 4.2% respectively.

Motorcycle manufacturer performance was mixed, with six of the eleven biker listings losing ground.

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of export channels. At this point, Indian motorcycle manufacturers (and their Western customers) might start weeping bitterly.

Aforementioned Bajaj Auto has both close equity and contract production relationships with Pierer. It churns out the 125-390cc KTM Duke and RC platforms, plus various Husqvarna models, for global distribution – including into the US market. Pierer is domiciled in Austria, one of the few EU nations outside NATO’s umbrella. But that won’t be any saving grace.

Bajaj is also tied in with Triumph, billed to produce a forthcoming lightweight 250cc platform for the notional British flag carrier on contract. Potentially another victim.

Stefan Pierer and Nick Bloor could soon be crying into their beer together.

Royal Enfield is similarly exposed, shipping substantial numbers of bikes to the US, UK and distributors throughout Europe, from its factories in Southern India. Mahindra Group, now the source of Peugeot scooters and and the reborn BSA brand, chose to ship initial batches of new-wave Gold Stars from one of many

plants in India, rather than assemble them in the UK as promised. And then Norton’s Indian saviour TVS Motor may have to decide where the company’s future lies among divided loyalties.

It all depends whose side you’re on. If greed for cheap oil comprehensively pushes India off its reputational perch and into the Kremlin’s warm embrace, while public opinion polarises here, things will get messy. Never mind sanctions. I can imagine strident calls to boycott goods of Indian origin. Affected motorcycle dealerships could see pickets protesting outside their showrooms. 

Price

Price

Week Month

USA (dollar) Harley-Davidson 37.86 Polaris Industries 103.16 Textron 67.89 Ideanomics 0.76

-0.9% -3.8% -1.1% -14.7%

Europe (euro) BMW 78.52 Volkswagen 214.70 Pierer Mobility 81.90 Piaggio Group 2.49

+3.0% +0.8% +2.5% -1.5% +0.7% +1.5% +2.9% -2.0%

India (rupee) Hero MotoCorp Bajaj Auto TVS Motor Eicher Motors Mahindra

+0.9% -3.5% -1.5% -0.3% -0.7% +7.1% +5.6% +12.6% +6.3% +20.4%

2294.25 3642.50 645.60 2631.50 920.65

Share performance as of 22 April 2022

-1.9% -3.1% -9.7% -17.4%

Japan (yen) Honda Yamaha Suzuki Kawasaki China (yuan) Qianjiang Zongshen Sundiro CETC (Jialing) Lifan Loncin Linhai Guangzhou Auto CFMoto Xinri E-Vehicle

3379 2748 4071 2363

Week Month +2.6% -2.2% +5.0% +2.0% +4.7% -3.1% +0.7% +4.2%

11.28 +1.8% -5.0% 5.87 -3.8% -0.2% 2.37 +13.4% +19.7% 10.50 -10.2% -24.9% 3.98 -4.8% -11.0% 4.40 +7.1% +0.5% 7.99 -2.1% -15.0% 11.61 -2.5% +4.3% 97.77 +7.0% -10.2% 12.23 -1.6% -12.2%

China (HK dollar) Jianshe 5.11

-1.2%

-10.4%

MAY 2022 63

On the Money

Market analysis with financial editor Roger Willis

New scooter and motorcycle registrations for March 2022 2022 / 2021 Registrations by Style MOPEDS

Mar 2022

Year to date Mar 2021

Change

Mar 2022

Mar 2021

Highest registering model by style

% Change

Mar 2022 registrations

Moped Naked

101

46

119.6%

161

83

94.0%

Skyteam ST50-8 Skymini

17

Moped Other

105

52

101.9%

228

149

53.0%

Sur-Ron Light Bee

50

E-Max LB1

147

472

Moped Scooters

749

442

69.5%

1404

979

43.4%

TOTAL MOPEDS

955

540

76.9%

1793

1211

48.1%

3738

2631

42.1%

5714

3462

65.0%

BMW R1250GS Adventure

708

634

11.7%

1725

1457

18.4%

Beta RR 2T 300

46

1129

642

75.9%

1803

942

91.4%

Royal Enfield Meteor 350

303

MOTORCYCLES Adventure Competition Custom Modern Classic

1776

1198

48.2%

2512

1719

46.1%

Kawasaki Z900RS

174

Naked

3131

2493

25.6%

4996

3647

37.0%

Honda Z125MA

184

Road Sport

1522

1008

51.0%

2204

1395

58.0%

Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX

237

Scooter

3130

2582

21.2%

6438

4423

45.6%

Honda PCX 125

441

Touring

567

414

37.0%

794

496

60.1%

BMW R1250RT

174

3

8

-62.5%

13

22

-40.9%

15704

11610

35.3%

26199

17563

49.2%

Unspecified TOTAL MOTORCYCLES TRICYCLES Other

38

43

-11.6%

53

78

-32.1%

Carver MR1S

7

Scooter

87

75

16.0%

138

118

16.9%

Yamaha Tricity 300

44

125

118

5.9%

191

196

-2.6%

16784

12268

36.8%

28183

18970

48.6%

TOTAL TRICYCLES TOTAL REGISTRATIONS

2022 / 2021 Registrations by Engine Band (inc Electric) ENGINE BAND

Mar 2022

Mar 2021

Year to Date

% Change

Mar 2022

Mar 2021

Highest registering ICE model by capacity

% Change

Mar 2022 registrations

0 - 50cc

1453

850

70.9%

2842

1784

59.3%

Lexmoto Echo 50

45

51 - 125cc

3982

3225

23.5%

8401

5960

41.0%

Honda PCX 125

441

126 - 650cc

3512

2506

40.1%

6120

3977

53.9%

Royal Enfield Meteor 350

303

651 - 1000cc

4188

2879

45.5%

5850

3639

60.8%

Triumph Tiger 660 Sport

224

over 1000cc

3649

2808

30.0%

4970

3610

37.7%

BMW R1250GS Adventure

472

16784

12268

36.8%

28183

18970

48.6%

TOTAL REGISTRATIONS

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

International registrations

2021 Regs

2020 Regs

%

Period

2021 Regs

2020 Regs

%

41506

Period

2021 Regs

2020 Regs

60493

41026 +47.5

%

Jan-Mar

44691

38734 +15.4

Jan-Mar

43293

-4.1

Jan-Mar

Jan-Jun

115458

90881 +27.0

Jan-Jun

115883 111707

3.7

Jan-Jun

166239 106601 +55.9

Jan-Sep

168008 154823

+8.5

Jan-Sep

174623 183628

-4.9

Jan-Sep

235143 183777 +28.0

Full year 206955 190742

+8.5

Full year 199132 220426

-9.7

Full year 269600 218091 +23.6

64 MAY 2022

Jan

Dec

Oct

Nov

Sep

Jul

Aug

Jun

Apr

May

Mar

Jan

Feb

Dec

0

Oct

0

Nov

0

Sep

5,000

0

Jul

5,000 Aug

5,000 Jun

10,000

5,000

Apr

10,000

May

10,000

Mar

15,000

10,000

Jan

15,000

Feb

15,000

Dec

20,000

15,000

Oct

20,000

Nov

20,000

Sep

25,000

20,000

Jul

25,000

Aug

25,000

Jun

30,000

25,000

Apr

35,000

30,000

May

35,000

30,000

Mar

35,000

30,000

Jan

35,000

Period

2020

40,000

Period

2021 Regs

2020 Regs

2021

Dec

45,000

Oct

2021

Nov

2020

40,000

Sep

2021

Jul

2020

40,000

Aug

2021

Jun

2020

40,000

Spain

Apr

45,000

May

Italy

45,000

Mar

Germany

45,000

Feb

France

Feb

New registrations

UK registrations

%

Jan-Mar

33457

33275

Jan-Jun

82990

64599 +28.5

Jan-Sep

+0.5

127872 117644

+8.7

Full year 166513 154158

+8.0

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

“PANNING FOR GOLD?”

Top Ten Manufacturers March 2022 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

March 2021

Honda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2975 (+68%) BMW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2101 (+28%) Yamaha . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1474 (-4%) Triumph . . . . . . . . . . . . .1353 (+15%) Kawasaki . . . . . . . . . . . .1071 (+77%) Royal Enfield . . . . . . . . . . 824(+104%) KTM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 627 (+25%) Lexmoto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 610 (+25%) Ducati . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 602 (+30%) Suzuki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 493 (+35%)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Honda BMW Yamaha Triumph Kawasaki KTM Lexmoto Ducati Royal Enfield Suzuki

1768 1637 1529 1175 605 502 488 463 403 365

GET PREMIUM LEADS WITHOUT PREMIUM PRICING SELL YOUR USED BIKES ONLINE

from £75 per month withno contract andno hidden charges Dealers are now experiencing more than double the numbers of enquiries

Rolling YearComparison Comparison Rolling Year 18000 16000 14000 12000 10000 8000 6000

2020/21

4000

2021/22

2000

Ma r

Fe b

v De c Jan

t

No

Oc

Se p

Ju l Au g

Ma r Ap r Ma y Ju n

0

For registration statistics for alternative power two-wheelers, see page 28

Registration statistics supplied by the MCIA; tel 02476 408000; www.mcia.co.uk 2021 motorcycle registrations data from key European markets Sales surpass pre-pandemic levels RESULTS FOR 2021 SHOW THAT the European motorcycle market continues to perform well, and is rebounding after the problems of 2020 lockdowns triggered by the pandemic.

Total motorcycle registrations in five of the largest European markets (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and UK) rose by 7.8% to 949,400, compared to 880,700 units in 2020.

Almost all the main national motorcycle markets registered volume gains in 2021. Results reflected the different levels of market disruption in Spring 2020.

Total registrations in the six European moped markets

monitored by ACEM (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain) reached 264,800 units – a decrease of 5.6% compared to the same period 2020.

Commenting on the current situation of the sector, Antonio Perlot, ACEM secretary general, said: “The figures confirm the recovery of the market, after the impact of Covid-19. The key European markets have grown continuously between 2019 and 2021. This upward trend for three consecutive years confirms the attractiveness of our vehicles, both as urban mobility solutions and as leisure opportunities.”

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

‘All-new’ and improved Bikes for Sale section!

New page templates and links from all reviews • MCN’s FREE automatic stock upload to Friday Ad • Faster load speed / boosted Google rankings • New FREE to use upload software • NO CHARGE for ‘feeds in’ and ‘feeds out’ • Promoted across Find out more 01733 468018 josh.kerley@bauermedia.co.uk

Connecting serious buyers with sellers for over 65 years www.motorcyclenews.com

MAY 2022 65

New registrations

FED UP WITH

New registrations

Stepping up to newplate registrations BDN analysis of the MCIA March 2022 registration statistics

Demand outstrips supply in March Data published by the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA), showed that March registrations grew by 37.1% compared to 2021’s lockdown tally.

Compared with March 2019’s pre-pandemic total, registrations grew too, albeit only by 0.4%. It is positive to note that the first three months of 2022 have all seen growth over 2019. Indeed, feedback from dealers suggested that demand in March continued to be strong.

As with recent months, demand continues to outstrip supply, with some dealers having already sold out of certain models for the year.

66

MAY 2022

Current lead times are typically three to four months but for some models customers will need to wait until next year to take delivery.

However, despite the ongoing challenges including the increasing ‘cost of living’ and economic uncertainty, the majority of dealers remain cautiously optimistic that 2022 will be a strong year for the industry. The number of newcomers to the market remains impressive, and despite a certain percentage being Deliveroo riders taking their CBT, there is an increase in the number of riders taking full tests.

Paul McDonald Leisure Vehicles Editor

THE FIRST NEW-PLATE MONTH of this year produced a very sound result at first glance, especially given ongoing tight stock availability. On the positive side, dealers cashed in on premium prices ensured by such shortages. But lack of real growth reflected an effective registrations stand-still spanning the pandemic.

BDN financial editor Roger Willis crunched the numbers.

Numbers recovered to a total of 16,784 during March 2022, according to MCIA data, eliciting whoops of joy from non-statisticians who couldn’t see past an annualised increase of 36.8% for the month.

The hard historical truth was somewhat different.

In March 2021, the tail-end of a second big Covid lockdown had seen the number of new-plate bikes registered fall by 6.2% yearon-year to 12,268. And the very first absolute Covid lockdown’s impact in the latter part of March 2020 had wiped 21.6% off an

eventual 13,075-strong monthly registrations tally.

Stepping all the way back to the pre-Covid past of March 2019, we can observe a remarkably similar figure to the latest new-plate bonanza – 16,682 bikes ridden out of showrooms. So registrations growth across the diseased divide stands at a mere 0.6%, an emaciated advance of just 102 machines.

Comparisons versus March 2019 continue to be a useful tool for explaining where the industry is now. The up-to-125cc sector this March was 23.7% ahead to 5435 machines, happily wallowing in gigeconomy delivery fleet demand – possibly a paradigm shift in lifestyle requirements post-pandemic.

However, 126-650cc middleweights were 6.8% down to 3512. And over-651cc products attracting progressively fatter wallets were 8% lower at 7837.

The extent to which major

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

4329

equated to 38.4% of the brand’s entire monthly registrations.

Royal Enfield was next in line holding sixth place, now a massively upstart brand that barely registered in league tables three years ago.

Others are diluting the hegemony of long-term dominations too, without mentioning a creeping tide of zero-emissions interlopers.

KTM followed, losing 27.4%, pursued by Lexmoto, in turn 7.2% down. Then Ducati shone, a healthy 11.5% up and trouncing former mainstream act Suzuki, which was last to take the top-ten chequered flag – an ignominious 45.4% in arrears.

BMW’s R1250 GS Adventure was the best-selling over-1000cc model, and also best-selling model overall

NMDA COMMENT

I

t is positive to see that PTW statistics for March revealed a 36.8% increase in new registrations, an expected and welcome rise due to the 22 platechange,” said Stephen Latham, interim head of the NMDA. “In total, 16,784 motorcycles went on the road in March, an increase of 4516 over the year before, with figures revealing growth across all sectors and engine sizes. The 0-50cc market, although small in sales volumes, increased by 70.9% to 1453 units, reflecting growing demand for entry level bikes often used for commuting and catering deliveries.

“The biggest volume sector, 651-1000cc motorcycles, experienced a 45.5% increase to 4188 units. Due to delays in supply, many of these machines will have been ordered some time ago to ensure that they were delivered on time for the plate-change month.

“Electric PTW markets continue to grow as the public seeks cleaner and more environmentally friendly modes of transport. Registrations rose

TH

to 984 units, an increase of 98.1% year-on-year.

“Honda retained its position as the most popular brand, with 2975 new registrations. BMW also performed well with 2101 registrations, with Yamaha just behind with 1474.”

Latham continued: “For dealers, 2022 has started well, with March in particular experiencing increased registrations across the board.

There is a general feeling of optimism for the year ahead, powered by consumers growing appetite for transport solutions producing fewer emissions and expanding business fleets for the delivery industries.

“Nevertheless, dealers remain cautious due to continued supply constraints and a potential hindrance to consumer confidence following sharp rises to the cost of living. Dealers are also concerned about the worldwide semiconductor shortages and uncertainty relating to the conflict in Ukraine.”

IS

New registrations

manufacturers have either suffered or prospered over this rolling threeyear timeframe is also enlightening.

In many cases, current supplychain woes suggest stock shortfalls rather than any paucity of demand are to blame.

As usual, Honda topped the pile but incurred a 10.4% loss. Its highest-registered product was the fleet-friendly PCX125 scooter, accounting for 14.8% of the brand’s volume. Hardly a cash cow. Runnerup BMW Motorrad fell by a much more tolerable 3.4%, given its star turn – the R1250GS Adventure – certainly flaunted cash-cow status and represented a plumptious 22.5% of headcount. Yamaha in third trailed a long way behind the market leader, by considerably more than 1000 units, and sank by 11.3%.

Triumph was actually 1.5% up against March 2019, led by the new budget-priced 660 Tiger Sport earning highest-registered 6511000cc honours. Kawasaki completed the top five 27.7% down. Consolation prizes were Z900RS and Ninja 1000SX models on respective Modern Classic and Road Sport style category podiums.

Their combined volume

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MAY 2022 67

11/03/2022 11:09

The Fleet Auction Group

Used bike data

Professional Vehicle Auctions For Professional Vehicle Buyers

STRICTLY

Used bike data

TRADE ONLY

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

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

For more info visit

fleetauctiongroup.com

USED VALUES CONTINUE TO CLIMB

T

his month we look at the fastest-selling used bikes over 125cc since 1 February 2022.

The list is topped by Triumph’s Tiger 900, one of six adventure bikes included in the top 30.

There’s some good representation from older bikes that are proving popular, with three examples of the Suzuki Bandit range in the list as well as the Honda VTR1000, amongst others.

The Bandit’s resurgence in popularity helped it push Suzuki to become the third most featured brand on the list, with Triumph claiming second, while Honda had the most entries on the fastestselling list, with eight bikes.

PRICING RESILIENCE Pricing remains strong across the board, with the average for a used

bike on Auto Trader being 6% higher over the last four weeks than it was during the same period the previous year.

Bikes in the range between three and fifteen years old have seen the most substantial growth in residuals Motorcycles between three and 15 years old have seen the most substantial growth in residual values, as can be seen

from the Age Band table (below) – for example, those within the 3-5 year age band are currently advertised at an average of £8300 and have seen a 9% growth compared with last year. That’s an average increase of nearly £750 on each machine.

PAUL EDMONDSON Product lead, Auto Trader Bikes Average advertised price

Increase over same period 2021

£10,000

+4%

1-3 years

£9300

+5%

3-5 years

£8300

+9%

5-10 years

£6900

+8%

10-15 years

£5600

+9%

Over 15 years

£4400

+4%

Age Band Up to 1 year

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

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Triumph Tiger 900 _____________ 8 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX ______ 11.5 Honda CRF250L______________ 12 Triumph Trident ____________ 12.5 Honda CB650R ____________ 13.5 Triumph Sprint ST 1050 ________ 14 Honda CMX500 Rebel _________ 16 Yamaha FJR1300 _____________ 17 Honda CB650 _______________ 17 Honda CBR600F ___________ 17.5

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

Suzuki Gladius 650 ___________ 18 Suzuki Bandit 600 ____________ 18 Triumph Bonneville T100 _____ 18.5 Honda VTR1000 _____________ 19 Suzuki Bandit 650 ____________ 19 Honda NC750 _______________ 20 Yamaha Tenere 700 ___________ 20 Ducati Diavel ________________ 20 Suzuki Burgman 400 ________ 20.5 Yamaha FZ6 Fazer ____________ 21

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

Triumph America _____________ 21 Royal Enfield Himalayan________ 21 Kawasaki Z900RS ____________ 22 Kawasaki Z650 ______________ 22 Triumph Thruxton 1200 R ______ 22 Triumph Tiger 1200 ___________ 22 Husqvarna 701 ____________ 22.5 Suzuki Bandit 1200 ___________ 23 Ducati Multistrada 950 ________ 24 Honda VFR800X Crossrunner ____ 25

MARGINS STAY STRONG SALES AND DEMAND CONTINUE to be buoyant for used motorcycles across the board, although the classic and adventure markets are particularly strong.

Although stock availability remains a challenge, there are tentative signs of an improvement with increasing numbers of dealers saying they are satisfied with their current levels. Despite this, some dealers remain short of stock for the time of year, and are reporting that they are finding purchasing more

68

MAY 2022

Although stock availability remains a challenge, there are tentative signs of an improvement difficult as a result of inflated trade prices across all supply channels. On

the upside, profit margins remain strong, with little or no discounting taking place.

OUTLOOK As spring progresses, we can look forward to some warmer weather and more pleasant riding conditions, encouraging bikers to consider changing their machines for a newer or different model.

Therefore, Glass’s expects market prices to remain strong across all segments in the coming weeks.

PAUL McDONALD Leisure vehicle editor, Glass’s

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

Used bike data

NAKED BIKES REMAIN THE MOST POPULAR ISN’T IT GREAT TO HAVE DECENT WEATHER BACK again? Spring has well and truly sprung, flowers are blooming, birds are singing and the countryside is resonating to the sound of rumbling exhausts.

The MCN website is thriving right now too, with some interesting trends emerging. For example, three of the most popular naked bike reviews are KTMs – the Super Duke R Evo, plus 390 and 790 Dukes. Yamaha’s latest MT-10 is most popular, while the Triumph Trident 660 weighs in in third.

Middleweight sports bike reviews are popular too, with the Aprilia RS660, Yamaha’s R7 and Honda’s

CBR650R the three most read last month, ahead of the slew of more traditional litre superbikes which normally occupy the top spots.

The new Triumph Tiger 1200 leads the Adventure class, with the Husqvarna Norden 901 and perennially popular Honda NC750X. In fact, in Bikes for Sale the NC is the single most popular bike on the whole site, with the CB500X and Yamaha R1 coming second and third respectively.

GARETH EVANS Online editor, MCN

Bikes for Sale

Trail

Retro

Classic

Supersport

Sport/Tour

Scooter

Naked

Custom

Adventure

1. Honda NC750X 2. Honda CB500X 3. Yamaha R1 4. Harley-Davidson Fat Boy 5. Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade 6. Honda VFR800 7. Honda GL1800 Goldwing 8. Yamaha R6 9. Kawasaki Z900RS 10. Harley-Davidson Breakout

Touring

Percentage of views by type

Most viewed models

MCN Reviews

Most viewed brands

Other

Retro

Trail

Touring

Supersport

Sport/Tour

Scooter

Naked

Custom

Adventure

1. Honda ___________ 17% 2. Yamaha___________ 13% 3. Triumph __________ 13% 4. Kawasaki___________ 9% 5. BMW _____________ 8% 6. Suzuki_____________ 7% 7. KTM ______________ 5% 8. Ducati_____________ 4% 9. MV Agusta _________ 4% 10. Aprilia_____________ 3%

Percentage of views by type

Top 5 Bike Reviews by type

Naked

Sports

Adventure Sport

1.

2022 Yamaha MT 10

1.

2020 Aprilia RS660

1.

2022 Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro

2.

2022 KTM 1290 Superduke R Evo

2.

2022 Yamaha R7

2.

2022 Husqvarna Norden 901

3.

2021 Triumph Trident 660

3.

2019 Honda CBR650R

3.

2014 Honda NC750X

4.

2017 KTM 390 Duke

4.

2017 Yamaha R6

4.

2021 Ducati Multistrada V4s

5.

2018 KTM 790 Duke

5.

2019 BMW S1000RR

5.

2022 Honda CB500X

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

MAY 2022 2021 69

Used bike data

Market Watch

Trade & industry report with cap/hpi motorcycle editor Alan Elsworth AUCTION OVERVIEW CONTINUING A PATTERN SEEN for a couple of years, the number of auction entries continues to reduce compared to pre-Covid days.

In February this year there were just 103 entries at BCA, which was offering online sales only, compared to the 220 entries seen three years

previously at a live auction at Peterborough. However, MAG’s Rotherham sale saw 112 entries during the same period – double the amount that went under the hammer in February 2022, when 51 bikes were offered.

A large portion of BCA sales

consist of end of contract PCP returns. This year saw 50 Black Horse Finance entries at BCA, but with three times the amount (151) three years ago, it begs the question, why have the numbers reduced so dramatically?

Registration numbers are similar,

which leaves us with the conclusion that dealers are taking in a higher proportion of part exchanges to retail, and are retaining more machines handed back by customers at the end of their PCP contract, rather than handing the bike back to the finance house.

MOTORCYCLE FUTURES

F

uture values depend on several factors that affect values in the long term. There are major ones that can have significant effects on prices, and these tend to be supply, demand and the economic environment.

Less predictable changes in the desirability of a particular style or model can also have significant impacts on prices, but are more difficult to foresee.

The first major factor, supply, especially on new bikes, is easily trackable using new registration figures from the MCIA. The difference over the last two years is that even with overall numbers remaining relatively level, it is not the whole story. With demand for

commuting and delivery machinery increasing the market for sub-125cc bikes, it follows that if total registrations remain fairly constant then the number of larger size new machines sold will reduce and therefore will possibly be in short supply in the future, leading to elevated prices. Demand again can be affected by many factors, including an ageing rider population stopping riding and cost of living increases leaving less free cash for “big boy’s toys” amongst many.

What is apparent is that even if some are leaving riding completely or not replacing their bikes due to financial concerns, the exodus of stock into the Euro Zone over the last decade or more has continued as the exchange rate has reduced, leaving a large hole in UK domestic used stock. The amount lost to Europe is difficult to quantify, but estimates from around the industry suggest that the number of predominantly larger capacity exports could amount to the equivalent of ten years’ worth of new registrations of the same motorcycles. It should therefore come as no surprise that this is the biggest factor in the strong pricing of used bikes, and has been for some time, with no signs of an end in sight.

Then on to desirability. Used examples of many machines are holding strong prices as buyers move to recent clean purchases when new are not available. Perhaps there is a “cause and effect” situation here, as dealers are also keeping part-exchange machines to fill sales floors. Dealers have also commented that non-franchise models that would commonly

be traded are being kept and retailed. Again, this affects the pool circulating in the trade system and compounds shock shortages and increasing prices. It’s a vicious circle.

Some recent used models are also gaining popularity as emissions legislation changes have seen the end of production, or they have been replaced with a newer model to keep relevant in the market.

During pandemic lockdowns, spending on holidays was reduced, leaving spare funds that, for a particular age group, meant eyes turned back to lusted-after bikes that age, wallet size and subsequently families once excluded. This market is now buoyant with continued interest in older and modern classics, with many dealers increasing stock and even opening dedicated shops. Remember the popularity of Ducati’s 999 when it was launched? Compare that to now. And this effect is not restricted to exotica. Suzuki’s GSX1400 was a difficult sell when new at around the £5k mark, even with 0% finance as a tempter. Try getting a clean example for that sort of money 12 years later! Honda’s Fury, amongst many Japanese customs, and Buells of any variant, are just the tip of an extensive list of bikes that are more sought after a few years later. More up to date, it looks like 600cc sports bikes will soon be joining the list, as many brands are leaving the sector in the new market.

In all this, one thing becomes apparent: tell the public they can’t have something and they will want it even more. Prices in the coming few years are not currently expected to lower.

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