It’s been a not-very-well-kept secret for a few months now, but Honda UK has finally made an official announcement about its new head of motorcycling. Andrew Mineyko took over from Neil Fletcher on 1 April, with Fletcher moving to Honda Europe to look after a new racing operation.
Mineyko is well known amongst the trade in general, and Honda in particular. He’s been in the industry for more than three decades: after studying motorcycle mechanics at South London’s Merton Tech College, he worked as a motorcycle mechanic and salesman for 13 years in two busy south London showrooms –Hamiltons in Streatham and Frontiers in Wimbledon. He then moved to the motorcycle finance sector, taking on a regional role with Black Horse for the next six years.
Mineyko then joined Honda in 2005 as an area manager and has since held various key positions across sales, business planning, and marketing. He’s also spent several years in other parts of the Honda business, including Honda Motor Europe Motorcycles and the Automobile division.
BDN spoke to Mineyko shortly after his appointment and asked how he saw the task ahead of him. “In many ways the direction and journey we’re on are ones that I’ve been heavily involved in. There’ll be no massive change, it’s a succession with continuity.
“I want to grow the market, and then we’ll grow our share off the back of that,
but it’s more about market growth. Safety training is massively important; dealership profitability is right up there. And I don’t want to sound corny or clichéd, but I don’t want a ‘them and us’ feel with the network – it’s just an ‘us’. I think having everyone going in the same direction, working together, is a damn sight better for all.”
This is a really proud moment for me – it’s the position I’ve been working towards ever since I joined Honda
Andrew Mineyko, Honda UK
And Mineyko also believes his route to the job – from an entry-level point in the industry – is a big asset. “One of the things that I’m proud of is where I’ve come from and what I’ve done, and the fact I’ve been part of the industry. I’m not just coming in and going, ‘I know how to do this’.
“I think it’s good when people come through the system. And having worked at dealerships, I know how hard it is, and you feel it. It’s very easy from the ivory tower to sit there and go; it’s all good; the spreadsheet makes it look fantastic. In the last seven or eight years, I’ve worked on commercial operations, including network development. I’ve been doing business planning, marketing, ordering the bikes, and looking after the sales
Acerbis bags Bagster
ITALIAN ACCESSORY AND clothing maker Acerbis has acquired French luggage specialist Bagster.
The Normandy firm, established in 1984, is well known for its tankbags, tank covers, seats, luggage and other accessories. Acerbis says Bagster is a good fit with the Italian business. There
are plans for new product lines aimed at strengthening both brands when the acquisition is completed before the summer.
Guido Acerbis, CEO of Acerbis Italia, said: “We have great respect for Bagster’s history and are excited to work together to develop more and more cuttingedge solutions for motorcyclists.”
team. I’ve covered pretty much every aspect, I’ve been on both sides of the fence, and I’ve seen the whole business from pretty much every angle. Through the good times and the bad. I’ve been very lucky, really.”
Commenting further on his appointment in a Honda press release, Mineyko said: “This is a really proud moment for me – it’s the position I’ve been working towards ever since I joined Honda nearly twenty years ago. We are clear market leaders within our industry, and our business foundation is strong. I’m fortunate to be supported by a fantastic team within Honda and an exceptional dealer network with whom I look forward to continuing to work closely.
“Together, we’re poised for growth. My goal is to increase market volume and share, with our dealer network remaining at the heart of our strategy. With the recently released new models for 2025 complementing our already established line-up, it’s an incredibly exciting time to take on this role.
“Finally, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Neil for his support and guidance over the past seven years. I wish him all the best in his new and exciting role within Honda.”
SHORT CUTS
SPEED 400 FOR NORMAN
TRIUMPH LEGEND NORMAN HYDE GOT A very special present for his 80th birthday – a new Speed 400 single from Blade Motorcycles/Triumph Stratford. “Blade have looked after me splendidly for many years and I am grateful also for continuing help from Triumph. I am already realising that the 400 is as good as the reviews claim,” said Hyde.
INDIAN UK RALLY DATES
US BIKE MAKER INDIAN HAS confirmed the dates for its UK summer Rally. The IMR – Indian Motorcycle Riders – event kicks off over the weekend of 8-10 August, at Bodmin, Cornwall. Everyone attending gets an Indian goody bag on arrival, there’s live music, local street food stalls, charity raffle and 2025 model demo rides all weekend – as well as the largest ride-out of Indian Motorcycles in the UK. More info: www.indianmotorcycle.co.uk.
WUNDERLICH GETS THUMBS UP THE READERS OF EUROPE’S MOST READ motorcycle magazine – the German title MOTORRAD – voted Wunderlich accessories into first place in the Accessories/Conversions category for 2025. “The award is a great confirmation for us and for our work,” said MD Felix Wunderlich, “Riding is our passion – and this award is what drives us!”
CATACLEAN SPONSORS NW200
ENGINE ADDITIVE BRAND CATACLEAN, has teamed up with Kerrs Tyres & Auto and NAPA Auto Parts to sponsor the 2025 North West 200 road race in the north of Ireland from 5-10 May. Cataclean’s sponsorship comes after it announced a new partnership with Kerrs Tyres & Auto in Northern Ireland via NAPA Auto Parts. Maddie Bamber from Cataclean said: “We understand the value of racing events such as the NW200. This exciting event attracts top-tier riders and teams from across the globe, and we’re delighted to be able to bring the Cataclean brand to them all in May.”
Harder times for CCM Motorcycles
Niche British bike maker CCM has been hit by the multiple woes affecting the trade during the winter, and has cut back on staff and plans for new products. MCN reported last month that the firm had reduced staff numbers to just 12 as part of a “strategic” reduction in head count. MCN says the firm has also paused the development of a new Project X adventure bike model.
The Bolton-based firm lost one of its biggest retail partners when Completely Motorbikes closed down last year, while the trade-wide new bike sales slump and effects of Euro 5+ regulations have also had an impact.
“Last year wasn’t the best for dealers.” CCM MD Jason Broome told MCN. “One of our major partners closed, which had quite a detrimental
effect. We don’t see this year as being a lot stronger than last year. Our average annual production has typically been around 300 bikes. We didn’t make anything like that in 2024, maybe 150.”
But he’s sanguine about 2025. “Our sales are reasonably healthy, considering it’s only March,” he told MCN. “We’re in the very positive position that
we can adjust things quickly. We don’t have a big pipeline pumping out bikes to be forced into dealers. We’re demand and supply, rather than supply and then hope for demand.
“We have no debt. We have no bank loans. No one’s coming to foreclose or put us into administration, so from that perspective, we’re in a healthy position.”
Supreme Court on hold
MOTOR AND MOTORCYCLE FINANCE
lenders will have to wait until July for the Supreme Court verdict on apparently hidden dealer commissions that might potentially cost them millions and push point-of-sale funding into jeopardy.
The story so far began with a High Court (Court of Appeal) ruling last November that it was unlawful for lenders to pay commissions to dealerships without ensuring customers had given their informed consent. The case had been drafted by lawyers acting for several aggrieved punters who had bought second-hand cars via funding from Close Brothers and MotoNovo Finance without realising that associated dealer commissions had been hidden.
The UK Treasury and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves had tried to intervene with a referral to the Supreme Court on the basis of a threatened collapse of the whole vehicle finance edifice but were blocked. So a Supreme Court hearing was initiated at the beginning of April.
This kicked off with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulator opining that the
original appeal’s landmark ruling went too far in determining that dealerships had a fiduciary duty to act in the interests of their customers. But the FCA also said judges should exercise a degree of caution before accepting the arguments by lender banks that they were not covered by bribery law banning the payment of concealed commissions or bound by dealers’ duty to act in a “disinterested way”.
As the three-day Supreme Court case swung into action, it heard from senior lawyers acting for MotoNovo parent FirstRand Bank and Close Brothers, as well as submissions from the National Franchised Dealers Association. Pretty much everything pivoted around obtuse interpretations of “fiduciary duties”. Should the Supreme Court choose to uphold the initial Court of Appeal judgment, the FCA has said it is likely to impose an industry-wide redress scheme to compensate motor (and motorcycle) finance customers once the outcome is clear. Many exposed lenders in the sector, including Lloyds Black Horse and Santander, have already set aside huge sums to cover any resultant liabilities.
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AUCTION HOUSE H&H
Classics reports a strong start to the season, with a £1.5m sale at the National Motorcycle Museum at the end of March.
A total of 240 lots went under the hammer, with the highlight being a 1930 Brough Superior SS100 achieving £241,500, the highest price of the day. Another big seller was a fully restored 1955 Vincent Series C Black Shadow, sold for £35,075, £1075 above its lower estimate. And there was a lot of interest in the charitable auction of the last bike ridden by Hairy Biker Dave Myers: a 2023 BSA Gold Star, auctioned for £18,170, which led to a round of applause in the auction hall.
H&H claimed an impressive 95% sales rate for classic bikes and 78% for vintage scooters, with £1.53m combined sales. Mike Davis, motorcycle specialist at the firm, said: “We’ve had an incredible start to 2025 with our first auction, which was full of collectable classic motorcycles and vintage scooters.
“The high sales rate and packed auction hall clearly shows there’s a strong appetite for the right bikes, including those commanding a six-figure sum.”
New London showroom for Norton
Solihull-based motorcycle manufacturer Norton Motorcycles has a new retail outlet in one of the fanciest locations in the UK, after Krazy Horse added the British brand to its store in Kensington High Street, central London. It’ll be the fourth Norton store for Krazy Horse, joining existing outlets in Welling, Chipping Norton and Bury St Edmunds.
The Kensington was the former London HQ for Bristol Cars and is a flagship location for the brand, adding a highend presence at the heart of the metropolis. The dealership will hold stock of the current V4 and Commando line-up, as
to provide servicing, repairs, accessories and kit for the Norton brand.
As long-term
partners
of Norton, we are delighted to be representing the brand in Kensington
Frank Augustyniak, Krazy Horse
Frank Augustyniak, dealer principal of Krazy Horse,
our Kensington showroom. This addition means that we now have Norton in stock at all our locations, and we look forward to helping their customers in all of them.”
Chris Bexon, head of sales at Norton Motorcycles, said: “We are excited to be expanding our Krazy Horse partnership to a fourth location with the Central London dealership. The professionalism and services provided by their
Harley-Davidson announces its award winners
US bike manufacturer HarleyDavidson has been celebrating its best dealers across the UK and Ireland with a series of awards, plus a special award for the top European dealership.
The coveted Dealer of the Year Award went to Sykes Harley-Davidson of Brighton, which won based on customer satisfaction, sales performance, service excellence and commitment to Harley-Davidson’s core values, says the firm. Sykes also won the Best Campaign Award.
ALL THE AWARDS WINNERS
Bar & Shield Dealer of the Year
Caps Harley-Davidson, Copenhagen
Dealer of the Year
Sykes Harley-Davidson
Customer Experience
Waterford Harley-Davidson
Motorcycle Performance
Harleyworld Chesterfield
Parts & Accessories Performance
Maidstone Harley-Davidson
Apparel & Licensing Performance
Dublin Harley-Davidson
Dealer Marketing
West Coast Harley-Davidson
Best Campaign
Sykes Harley-Davidson
There were prizes across the network, with Glasgow’s West Coast Harley-Davidson winning a brace of awards from HarleyDavidson Finance as well as a marketing award, and Dublin Harley-Davidson took the Apparel & Licensing Performance trophy.
The best dealer in Europe was found further afield: this year’s winner was Cap’s Harley-Davidson Copenhagen, which won the prestigious Bar & Shield Dealer of the Year Award for the EMEA region.
Technician of the Year
Dean Pearman, Maidstone Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson Finance Services (HDFS) awards
Top Finance Penetration
West Coast Harley-Davidson
HDFS Top Volume Harleyworld Chesterfield
HDFS Insurance
Dublin Harley-Davidson
HDFS Top Certified Performer Sykes Harley-Davidson
HDFS Value Add Products
West Coast Harley-Davidson
HDFS Top F&I Performer West Coast Harley-Davidson
New Scottish service centre for Indian
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE HAS
appointed a new approved service specialist in central Scotland. Jim Allan Motorcycles in Falkirk joins the US firm’s network as Indian Motorcycle Falkirk, offering servicing, warranty, MOT, and accessory fitment services to owners across the country.
“Jim Allan Motorcycles are a well-established and respected part of the Scottish motorcycle scene, and we are delighted to welcome them to our dealer network. Supporting our riders in Scotland is important to
us, and this is a significant milestone in rebuilding the network north of the border,” said Robert Gregory – district sales manager at Indian.
“We’ve always taken pride in looking after Scottish motorcyclists,” said Dave Allan, MD, at Jim Allan Motorcycles.
“So, we’re thrilled to join forces with Indian and bring our passion to riders of this legendary brand. We’re proud to support the Indian community and offer the service, expertise, and spirit that the brand deserves.”
(Left) Lee Page aftersales manager Jim Allan Motorcycles (Centre) Robert Gregory district sales manager Indian Motorcycle (Right) Dave Allan, MD Jim Allan Motorcycles
ASHFORD CLASSIC JUMBLE
THE ASHFORD CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE
Jumble returns at the end of May with the usual mix of privately-owned classic, vintage and veteran machines, alongside club stands, trade and private stalls, bike shows, competitions and much more. It takes place at Ashford Livestock Market, Orbital Park, Ashford, Kent TN24 0HB at 10am. More info: www.elkpromotions. co.uk/ashford-may
MAG OPPOSES RURAL LIMIT
THE MOTORCYCLE ACTION GROUP (MAG) has responded to a consultation on a blanket 50mph speed limit on Scottish rural roads, opposing the move. The change from a 60mph national speed limit to 50mph on single-carriageway roads is being proposed in a Scottish National Speed Management Review Consultation. But MAG says there are better ways to manage speed. The group’s campaign director, Colin Brown, said: “I find it disappointing that the consultation frames this as a choice between doing nothing or a blanket speed limit reduction. There are other options, and keeping the 60mph NSL does not imply there is nothing else to do. We do not deny the need to tackle poor behaviours. But with an inappropriate reduction of a national rural speed limit, most compliant road users will feel victimised for safe behaviour while the worst offenders will continue to offend.”
HJC WINS MAGAZINE HELMET TEST
KOREAN HELMET MAKER HJC HELMETS has topped the 2025 Motorrad Magazine adventure helmet test results. HJC’s RPHA 60 was the test winner, with the i80 modular lid earning a Best Buy award. More info on both lids at: www.oxfordproducts.com
RAC OFFERS AI VIDEO TECH
THE RAC IS EXTENDING ITS partnership with Vehicles in Video (VIV) to provide approved dealers free access to AI-enhanced imaging technology. The new VIV media app lets dealers capture high-quality images of bikes, overlay RAC-approved dealer branding, and select from three professionally designed backdrops. Using AI, the app automatically identifies the vehicle, applies the chosen backdrop, and uploads the images and all relevant details to the dealer’s website in under 10 minutes.
Brandon teams up with Cambrian in Kenda tyres deal
Top tyre distributor Cambrian Tyres, has inked a new deal with hard-parts specialist Brandon Powersports, aimed at growing the Kenda bike tyre brand in the UK. In the initial phase of the partnership, Borders-based firm Brandon will supply its trade customers with the full range of Kenda motorcycle and scooter tyres, plus inner tubes. Both firms say this will significantly enhance Kenda’s availability and visibility across the UK.
“This is a really positive step forward for the Kenda brand,” said Richard Hemingway, business development manager at Cambrian Tyres. “We believe Kenda is currently the fastestgrowing motorcycle tyre brand in the UK, and this partnership with Brandon Powersports will only help to accelerate that momentum by reaching a wider base of trade customers. We also see a great deal of synergy between our two long-standing, independent, family-owned companies with very similar values.”
Hamish Brandon, MD of Brandon Powersports added: “We’re excited to be working with Cambrian Tyres to bring the full Kenda range to our trade network. As a company, we only offer quality products; the Kenda product line
fits perfectly within our current portfolio and reinforces our mission to provide premium, performance-driven solutions to the UK motorcycle market.
“We see this Kenda partnership with Cambrian as the tip of the iceberg. Many more opportunities to work together lie ahead, and we look forward to a long and successful partnership.”
A full range of Kenda products are available to Brandon customers via their online portal and telesales team with immediate effect. More info: rich@cambriantyres.co.uk, or sales@gobrandon.com
Worcester showroom re-opens as part of Ducati Manchester Group
DUCATI WORCESTER HAS BEEN RE-OPENED under the ownership of the Ducati Manchester Group (DMG) after closing last October when the Completely Motorbikes chain went into administration. The outlet has been taken over by DMG and given a refreshed showroom. The new team says it will bring “world-class service, passionate customer care, and the latest Ducati and Scrambler Ducati models” back to Worcester, together with official accessories and apparel.
Andrew Duthie, group operations manager at DMG, said: “This dealership has always been
close to our hearts, and we’ve worked side by side with Ducati to bring it roaring back to life. After months of hard work and passion, in conjunction with Ducati, the wait is over.”
Fabrizio Cazzoli, MD at Ducati UK, added: “It’s great to see Ducati Worcester re-open, ready for the main riding season. The timing couldn’t be better with such a strong line-up of new Ducati bikes for 2025. Now all Ducatisti in Worcester can enjoy the great client experience that every Ducati owner deserves through the expert management of the Ducati Manchester Group.”
Hamish Brandon, Brandon Powersports MD
Dunlop SportSmart 4 tyre wins in German press tests
Tyre maker Dunlop has won praise for its new sporty road tyre from two major German bike magazines. Both Motorrad and PS magazines have given the new SportSmart 4 top marks, praising its performance in both wet and dry conditions.
Motorrad, Europe’s biggest-selling motorcycle magazine, made the SportSmart 4 the winner in the Sport category of its latest test, rating it “Very good”. The test team praised the Dunlop’s quick warm-up, handling, easy turn-in, and confidence-inspiring stability. The tyre ranked as the best of the six sport tyres in a dry test on country roads, achieved the fastest wet lap time, and secured second place in the track section, enough to earn it overall victory.
PS magazine also named the SportSmart 4 as the winner of its latest test, which assessed six sport and six hypersport tyres in wet and dry conditions on a BMW S1000 RR.
PS testers placed SportSmart 4 at the top of the rank across both categories, earning it the overall win.
Roberto Finetti, marketing manager of Dunlop Motorcycle Europe, commented: “Launching a brand-new product in such a bold and disruptive way and winning two comparative tests in one week is an outstanding achievement. This test success for Dunlop confirms that our latest hypersport tyre delivers best-in-class performance on both road and track.
“We are delighted that SportSmart 4 has been recognised so highly across two separate tests, excelling across all key areas and delivering an exceptionally well-balanced performance.”
Dunlop also launched a new virtual tyre-testing event during the launch of the SportSmart 4. The Curvemaster online game claims to give journalists and popular content creators the power to choose the bike, select the conditions, and pick the road or track they want to test the tyre on.
Oxford education for dealers
OXFORD PRODUCTS HAS RAMPED UP its dealer support programme with a new series of product training days, which it has trialled recently.
The seminars offer more than just product information: as well as being informative, they arm dealers’ staff with wider knowledge of how products are designed, developed and manufactured – and why. The training sessions also approach the various challenges that Oxford’s products need to overcome and the technologies that are employed
to tackle them. Finally, the trainers look to give sales staff the confidence and competence to offer customers the right product for the job.
Luke James, head of creative at Oxford, told us: “The first training days were a roaring success and were a little more personal than the ‘dealer days’ we run. This is very much about training staff rather than selling new product lines, and was well received. If there is enough interest from other dealers, we’d like to run more days.”
NMC welcomes government pothole funding
THE NATIONAL MOTORCYCLISTS COUNCIL, alongside the other members of road repair campaign group the Pothole Partnership, has given a thumbs-up to the government after its announcement on highway maintenance. The Department for Transport (DfT) will now have a requirement for progress reporting by local authorities, as they use additional ringfenced funding to tackle the “Pothole Plague”. The Pothole Partnership says that reporting and ringfencing are key parts of its Pothole Pledge, and the group says it’s delighted that the government has responded positively.
The partnership continues its discussion with the DfT on the other key elements of the Pledge, which, taken together, will result in real progress in tackling the serious issues that potholes represent to riders, including the need for permanent repairs, not temporary fixes, with all repairs done to the correct standards. Progress reporting is also a key part of the solution, says the NMC.
Potholes and road surface defects are highly hazardous to motorcycle riders. The same pothole that can damage a car could have a far more serious consequence for a motorcyclist or cyclist. The NMC, a member of the Pothole Partnership, also urges local authorities to use funding sustainably on high-standard permanent repairs, not on short-life temporary patching.
Craig Carey-Clinch, executive director of the National Motorcyclists Council, said: “The NMC welcomes this announcement as a very positive step forward in curing the pothole plague. Progress reporting is a key part of the solution.
New Euro rider training campaign launches
THE FIM (FÉDÉRATION Internationale de Motocyclisme) and ACEM (European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers), have teamed up to launch a new rider training campaign across Europe. The ‘Learn – Ride – Enjoy’ campaign is designed to encourage both novice and experienced riders to take high-quality voluntary motorcycle training in addition to statutory testing.
Antonio Perlot, ACEM secretary general, said: “Voluntary training allows motorcyclists to improve their skills further, enhance their traffic awareness and develop strategic riding attitudes. ACEM is confident that this campaign will make Europe’s roads safer for riders, contributing significantly towards EU safety targets and building an inclusive road safety culture, benefiting all.”
Jesper Christensen, director of the FIM’s Mobility Commission, said: “Riding a motorcycle is both convenient and enjoyable, providing a feeling of freedom. However, motorcyclists must be aware of potential road risks and recognise the hazards specific to two-wheelers. The FIM is committed to promoting highquality voluntary training, and we fully count on our European and national partners to amplify the campaign’s reach and impact. This campaign shows once more the importance of the collective industry and riders’ organisation efforts towards safer and sustainable motorcycling.”
BMW’s Retailer Roadshow returns
BMW has an abundance of new bikes for 2025 (see page 16) – and it’s now getting them out there with a nationwide roadshow, supporting dealers with a fleet of extra demo machines and a national booking system for test rides.
The roadshow brings a fleet of 15 bikes from the 2025 BMW Motorrad model range for potential buyers to choose from, from the new S1000 RR, and the adventureready GS range (including the Automated Shift Assistant
option on both R1300 GS and R1300 GS Adventure), to the new for 2025 F900 R. Visitors can also meet BMW Motorrad experts, who’ll help them explore new bike features and technology.
Scott Grimsdall, head of marketing and PR at BMW Motorrad UK, said: “The Retailer Roadshow is a fantastic opportunity for customers to experience our motorcycles first-hand – whether you’re a long-time rider or discovering BMW Motorrad for the first time. It’s not just about the test
ABR announces music headliners and new events
The Adventure Bike Rider Festival is one of the biggest show success stories in recent years, and to re-enforce its success the organisers have announced more events and attractions. The event, which takes place on the grounds of Ragley Hall in Warwickshire between 27-29 June, is set to feature more attractions than ever, with off-road demo rides, a trade village with more than 150 exhibitors, a headline stage show from DJ Krystal Roxx, and a new silent disco event sponsored by Zero Motorcycles. The festival has also announced a new quiet camping zone for those looking for a more peaceful experience.
The organisers have again signed up PR firm Potski Media, renewing the deal to strengthen media relations before, during
rides, it’s also about connecting with passionate experts who are willing to share their extensive product knowledge, explore our latest innovations, and start the journey with a team that’s there to support every mile.”
The show commenced in April and will run through to July. Riders can book a test ride by following the below link, choosing a retailer of choice, followed by their chosen model and timeslot. www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk/en/
and after the event. Alun Davies, ABR Festival founder, said: “We are delighted to be working with the Potski Media team again in 2025. Planning and running an event the size of ABR is a huge undertaking, so knowing an area as vital as the festival’s media relations is in the capable hands of Potski Media is fantastic.”
Marc Potter, co-founder at Potski Media, said: “To be working with Alun and the Adventure Bike Rider team once again for this year’s festival is amazing. It’s an event myself and all the Potski Media team love and have attended many years just for the pleasure.”
www.abrfestival.com
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ScooterLab and ScooterNova celebrate joint anniversaries
Two leading independent scooter publications have recently celebrated anniversaries. Digitally based classic and modern scooter magazine, ScooterLab.UK (also known as SLUK) celebrated its ninth year in business in March, while ScooterNova magazine has just turned eight.
ScooterLab is run by Ian ‘Iggy’ Grainger, whilst Andy Gillard runs ScooterNova. They’re both lifelong scooter fanatics with plenty of miles beneath their small wheels. They travel the length and breadth of the country, and have ridden as far as Poland, Croatia, and Scandinavia, as well as through the sunnier climates of Spain and Italy. Both publications are owned and run independently of each other, but Iggy and Andy often collaborate on features. In the past, they have worked together on product reviews, testing multiple sets of waterproof clothing, etc. Most recently, they ran an in-depth interview with scootering celebrity Ray Kemp, the well-known Lambretta specialist at AF Rayspeed in North Yorkshire. ScooterLab concentrated on the video side of things for the feature and showcased new products, whilst ScooterNova did the written interview. “Working together on features like this gives fantastic exposure for the business involved and helps to strengthen our respective titles”, says Gillard. The pair have also collaborated in the past to run ScooterExpo, a scooter custom and trade show.
ONLINE ONLY
ScooterLab was set up in March 2016 by Iggy and Martin ‘Sticky’ Round, although Sticky left pretty quickly to pursue book writing and the less stressful freelance
ScooterLab was groundbreaking when it launched, and quickly grew a large following thanks to its product and news-based format, technical features, road tests and reviews of the
Working together on features like this gives fantastic exposure for the business involved and helps to strengthen our respective titles
Andy Gillard, ScooterNova
from ScooterLab”, said Iggy. “People won’t pay to read stuff on the internet, and advertising alone wasn’t going to pay the bills.” They set up an online shop to sell ScooterLab merchandise. “We soon found a niche and now make more than 75 different SLUK plastic products. We sell to the trade, as well as our readers.” All SLUK plastics are made in the UK and designed by Iggy and plastic supremo Nigel Staley, an artisan craftsman in Leicestershire. The best-selling items are a front mudguard extender, the “SLUK Guard”, for the Vespa GTS and the classically styled XL5 screens for Lambretta and Vespa scooters. The shop also sells selected brands, mainly on a drop-ship basis and is always expanding. Asked if he’d change anything about Iggy said: “It’s been great to have the support of some big-name advertisers, like Yamaha, Lexham Insurance and Piaggio, but I’d like to see more of the big players supporting what is essentially, their own virtual shop window to thousands of scooter fans.”
lifestyle he’d been used to. Previously, Iggy had been writing for scooter magazines and many bike mags for more than a decade. Much of his work was for Mortons’ Scootering magazine, which was recently sold, along with Mortons’ other titles, to Kelsey Media. After editing Used Bike Guide and Motorcycle Monthly for a while, he’d become disillusioned with freelancing and decided to start something new.
latest scooters. ScooterLab is the only total scooter website that caters for both retro and modern scooters. The website is read by more than 400,000 unique users a year and also gets 600,000 views a year on YouTube. Not bad numbers for a scooter-only title.
ScooterLab is free to read online. It’s funded through advertising and by an online shop. “We quickly realised we needed to diversify if we wanted to make a living
CLASSY IN PRINT
Andy Gillard started writing for Scootering magazine back in the 1990s when Stuart Lanning independently owned it, and he has test-ridden hundreds of classic and modern scooters over the years. Gillard became Scootering’s longest-serving editor after it was sold to Mortons, coincidentally giving Iggy his first job in 2003, which involved the two of them carrying a 125cc Aprilia scooter down the fire escape
Ian ‘Iggy’ Grainger (left), and Andy Gillard
at a Channel 5 TV studio in London before Iggy could ride it back to Manchester! However, by 2015, Gillard too became disillusioned with Mortons and left.
After a year or so of freelance PR, marketing and contributions to SLUK, he teamed up again with Stuart Lanning to launch the scooter magazine he had envisioned – a coffee table-style publication focusing mainly
adding video content to an article, you still can’t beat quality printed pages to truly appreciate rare archive images and stunning photography.
Sold through scooter shops, at scooter rallies and events, and by mail order, the magazine quickly grew a healthy following and has built up a respectable subscription base over the past eight years.
The bi-monthly magazine is now up to issue 49 and, in 2024, was put on the shelves at WH Smith, with selected WHS travel outlets added in 2025. Advertisers range from insurance companies to scooter shops and specialist services such as chromeplating and engineering.
on classic scooters. Issue one of ScooterNova hit the shelves in March 2017.
“Many scooterists told us they no longer had a magazine to enjoy or be proud of,” explained Gillard. “I felt strongly that scooterists deserved a quality publication, both with regard to content and paper stock, and so I pulled together some of the most knowledgeable people to contribute to ScooterNova, which is produced on top quality paper, putting some bookazines to shame.”
Lambretta and Vespa scooters feature heavily in the pages of ScooterNova but so do lesser-known marques such as DKR, Ducati, Maico and Moto Rumi. While the collaboration with SLUK works well for
ScooterNova uses the tagline “The Rider’s Choice”, and Gillard and his wife, Ann, certainly put in the miles on their vintage Lambretta and Vespa scooters, attending a variety of events from scooter rallies to the ACU National Road Rally. The products the magazine reviews are the result of thousands of miles of riding, something that ScooterNova readers seem to appreciate and trust.
In a world where physical print products are disappearing, it’s good to see passionate and enthusiastic people producing the kind of magazine you’d be happy to have on your coffee table. ScooterNova fills that slot very well.
If you’d like to know more, you can get in touch with Iggy at iggy@scooterlab.uk or Andy at andy@scooternova.com
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CONQUER ALLCONDITIONS
Beemer gets its Mojo back
Our man Alan Dowds gate-crashed BMW’s 2025 dealer training week in Spain for a ride on some 2025 machinery and to have a chat with the head of BMW Motorrad UK and Ireland,
I’ve caught a plane to Spain to ride some motorcycles more times than I can recall in the past 25 years. But this time, the glamorous jaunt to Luton airport was a bit different. I was invited along to the BMW event as a consumer journalist to test the new 2025 F900 R, F900 XR, S1000 R and M1000 R models –but I was also going to swap hats halfway through, putting on my British Dealer News titfer to find out how BMW is doing from a trade point of view. The event itself was also a 50/50 deal, with a few journos and influencers riding bikes and several dozen BMW Motorrad dealership staff also along for what the firm calls a PLT – Product Launch Training. The whole shindig took place in Almeria, in the south of Spain, with both road and track riding on the
agenda, plus sales training for dealers, rounded off by the firm’s 2024 awards night. I had an hour put aside in the schedule for a chat with Paulo Alves, head of BMW Motorrad UK and Ireland, who was at the event, too.
We spoke first about the Almeria PLT event and what lay behind it. “The first question is probably why do we do it,” said Alves. “I remember when I first started the job at Motorrad, I went around every single one of our dealers, and one of the themes was that they felt the fun had been ripped out of Motorrad. Motorrad is great because you’re surrounded by people who are like-minded: we’re all bikers, and we are all passionate about what we do. So this is one of those opportunities where we bring representatives from all over the network together.
people that represent the brand with our customers is absolutely awesome. So we clearly do that for a serious reason, but of course, it also brings the fun back.
“Of course, there’s a serious purpose about getting them prepared and excited about the bikes we’ve got, the F900 R and XR, the new S1000 RR, M1000 R and S1000 R, on track. Being able to provide this experience to the
“And then we do the awards as well. We call them the Mojos because, again, people said they felt we’d lost our ‘Mojo’. I thought that’s what we need. We need our Mojo back, and the Mojos are now really well-established. And there’s another, I think very cool, award – the Customer Hero. People through the year nominate a staff member for going above and beyond – it quite often involves the story of a customer who was let down, and the staff member literally gets out of their sphere of responsibility and looks after that customer really well. We get a bit of a backdrop of who the individual is and what the story was. Then we pick the winner, and I rock up to the dealership on my bike with a selfie stick and a phone. I do a little bit of filming, and I’ll talk about the customer hero. Most of our other awards are won because of collective efforts – but this is quite special because it singles out one individual.
“So once a year, for as long as I am in the role, I will try to make that happen because it brings the fun and the sense of achievement and recognition into one event.”
What’s been less cheery over the past year has been the number of British dealer closures, with BMW affected like everyone else. How are they dealing with the aftermath of a hard winter for the trade?
Paulo Alves
Paulo Alves, head of BMW Motorrad UK and Ireland
“We lost a few, and it’s disappointing,” said Alves. “As a brand, we try to do everything we can to support businesses, and we take no comfort in knowing it wasn’t just BMW. We had a brutal, brutal season, I counted 30odd dealers that closed. So it has been really difficult for the industry. Last year, we were all probably a little bit constipated with used stock as well. We came from a postCovid period where used bikes were slightly overvalued because of scarcity, prices going up, and then reality hit again when we freed up supply. It took us, and I say ‘us’ as a market, a little time to readjust. So that was difficult.
“We’ve lost some key points: Reading and Norwich are high priority areas for us to finalise. Also, Nottingham – Pidcocks was a big player; the way the group was structured was disappointing. Unfortunately, we were not able to save it. We also lost representation in Wales for all sorts of reasons, so it would be great to get somebody in Wales. These are the key priorities for us.”
Does BMW have interest already in these open points?
“Yes, I’m hoping to close the deal on at least two of the four by the middle of the year. We’re very confident that our business proposition is still very strong, despite the fact that, as a sector, we’re going through a difficult phase. As a betting man, we’ll probably secure two out of the four and maybe early next year, we’ll
SIMON ROOTS
agree the other two as well, so we’ll be back in good shape.”
A positive approach to the network problems then – but what about the prospects for 2025 overall? Is Alves sanguine? I spoke to him again in mid-April, when he had some more sales data to work from, and after a couple of weeks of sunshine got people back on their bikes.
“The year started quite deflated,” he said. “When we spoke in Spain, the market was down 25-30%. It’s still a bit depressed, more than 20% year-on-year. In reality, there’s a risk that we get swept into the negativity of the numbers, but the numbers don’t tell the whole story. They reflect the fact that, as you know, last year there was a lot of activity pre-registering bikes, some of them probably still sat in warehouses.”
Alves says BMW worked to avoid that, but is still being caught up in collateral damage due to oversupply elsewhere.
“About the middle of last year, we thought we may be having trouble [with Euro5+] so the sales team and the whole retailer network made a huge effort. We put out some tactical offers to make sure we were pushing the right bikes and the right specs, and we finished the year with pretty much zero, or less than a handful of prereg bikes outside the normal derogation limits.
“So we finished the year really clean, but we don’t operate in a vacuum, and even though we did really well,
THE 2025 BMW PLT EVENT WAS also a first for Simon Roots, former Fast Bikes magazine editor and head of marketing at KTM UK. He’s now a brand manager at BMW Motorrad UK and Ireland, with special responsibility for events and shows. He started in September 2024 at BMW in the Brand Communications and Partnership Manager role after nearly eight years at KTM and, before that, 15 years as a motorcycle journalist.
Steel
Putting the new bikes to the test
JOURNALISTS AND DEALERS SPENT two days testing new bikes in Spain, kicking off with a day on the roads around Almeria on the new F900 R and F900 XR. BMW has given the parallel twin models a moderate update for 2025, with a focus on the chassis and the equipment levels, plus new styling. The engine is now Euro 5+ compliant, but there’s little change to the performance: peak power stays at 105bhp, which is solid enough for the upper-middleweight roadbike class. The wheels are now lighter cast parts, as seen on the S1000 range, saving 1.8kg overall, and both the R and XR have a new fully adjustable 43mm USD ZF front fork with optional semi-active Dynamic ESA electronic rear shock. The electronics package is also upgraded for 2025 with Dynamic Traction Control, BMW Motorrad ABS Pro and Dynamic Brake Control all present and correct on both bikes.
On Spanish roads, the F900 R roadster has a sporty feel, with a committed riding position that helps you get the most from the new front end. It’s a lively beastie, with a grunty power delivery and a neat rort from the exhaust, and will be right at home around London or on a twisty country back road.
The XR is essentially the same bike with slightly longer travel suspension, adventure-touring styling and more protective bodywork. It’s 8kg heavier but hides that well and is obviously the better choice for longer runs. The manually-adjustable windscreen lets you fine-tune the wind blast, and a dip into the extensive BMW accessories option list will spec the XR up with luggage, taller screens and other kit
to add to the solid standard spec list –keyless ignition, LCD dash, heated grips and hand protectors.
The new F900s are priced competitively, too: £9090 for the base F900 R and £10,980 for the XR. Both are available now.
CAUTION: WET TRACK
The next day, testing the S1000 R and M1000 R looked like it would be a washout, with the Almeria circuit drenched by one of the unseasonable monsoons that hit Spain in March. Small rivers were flowing down the pit lane, and much of the track was covered in standing water. Not great conditions to try a couple of 170200bhp super-naked machines – but I slipped some waterproofs over my leathers and headed out, with ‘Rain’ mode engaged on the S1000 R. With a careful right wrist and help from the excellent Bridgestone S22 sporty tyres, I wobbled round for a few laps to get my eye in. The next session was a little drier – but now I was on the M1000 R with Bridgestone RS11 track-friendly rubber and an extra 40bhp… Again, the electronics were a really solid safety net, and we were able to get more of a wriggle on.
Both super-naked bikes have had some minor updates for 2025: as well as the Euro 5+ compliance, there’s a new dual LED headlight and an extra 5bhp for the S1000 R, now making 170bhp. The S-R also gets some tech upgrades, with engine brake control and an improved quick-shifter. Meanwhile, the M1000 R has the new headlights and cosmetic tweaks, together with a
new quick-action 58° throttle, which is standard on all the 1000cc fours for this year.
After lunch, the track had dried out nicely, and I managed a full flying session on both bikes. The S1000 R is almost the friendly option, with a slightly lower peak output, but is still stunning on full gas down the back straight. 170bhp would have been amazing on a BSB racebike not so long ago – having it on tap in a comfy roadster format is impressive stuff. The chassis is more than up to the job, too, and windblast aside, the S1000 R is as good a package as most will need for track use.
My last session is on the M1000 R. What a buzz. The M-package carbon wheels and blue Nissin M-spec brakes, together with uprated semi-active electronic suspension as standard and an extra 40bhp (210bhp peak), takes you into genuine superbike territory –but again, in a naked roadster that can pootle around on a morning commute, or a relaxed Sunday cruise without any grief.
The new S1000 R and M1000 R are available now, priced from £13,760 for the S and £19,990 for the M.
I think other brands may not have been so lucky because we all have different production setups and scheduling. So, despite the fact that we’ve done okay and are clean in the market, it feels like we we’re swimming upstream.”
The BMW boss remains fairly positive, regardless, though. “If you take into account that one-off effect of the pre-reg last year, it actually feels really good. Talking to you now, we’ve had two weeks of sunshine, and it’s been amazing. It almost feels like the Covid spring did – long may it continue!”
Weather apart, Alves reckons that the BMW product line-up is also really strong for 2025. “I think we are particularly lucky as a brand. Our biggest sellers are the R1300 GS and the Adventure. Those bikes continue to do really well, and they’re still new; they’re hitting the markets really fresh. We’ve got
these bikes here in Almeria, and we’re already starting to communicate with the rest of the R1300 family: the R, the RS and the RT. When we were talking to our dealers, we calculated that about 64% of our volume this year will be models that are pretty much brand new. So we should do well. We owe it to our brand to do well because the bikes are great and all very fresh and I think there’s no reason why we shouldn’t do well.
“So prospects are good. Of course, we’re still in a slightly sticky situation with the interest rates. They’re going to be higher than we’d like to see. There’s a bit of the ‘heebie-jeebies’ coming, especially around the noise in the US, which is a bit disappointing because it causes instability. Businesses like stability. But we are we’re still very confident about the UK market; we’re pumped and ready for it!”
BMW MOTORRAD 2024 MOJO AWARDS
BMW TOOK THE CHANCE OF A TRIP AWAY TO HOST ITS annual dealer awards ceremony. Paulo Alves handed out a series of Mojo gongs to the firm’s top-performing stores, with a special award going to the staff member who won ‘Customer Hero of the Year’. Vines of Guildford won the Retailer of the Year prize in Tier One, with Lloyd Carlisle BMW winning in Tier Two. Vines also scooped the New Sales and Customer Satisfaction awards in Tier One while Lloyd Carlisle also snatched the Used Sales and Aftersales prizes. Customer Hero for 2024 was Will Brooker from Group 1 Brighton.
RETAILER OF THE YEAR
Tier 1: Vines of Guildford
Tier 2: Lloyd Carlilse
MOST IMPROVED
Tier 1: Williams Manchester
Tier 2: Group 1 Brighton
NEW SALES
Tier 1: Vines of Guildford
Tier 2: Motorrad Central
USED SALES
Tier 1: Cotswold Motorrad
Tier 2: Lloyd Carlisle
AFTERSALES
Tier 1: Williams Manchester
Tier 2: Lloyd Carlisle
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Tier 1: Bowker Motorrad
Tier 2: Ocean Falmouth
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
Tier 1: Vines of Guildford
Tier 2: Motorrad Central
MARKETING
Halliwell Jones Chester
CUSTOMER HERO Will Brooker - Group 1 Brighton
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Brooker receives his award from Paulo Alves
BMW CUP EXTENDS BSB RUN
BMW UK IS EXTENDING THE ROKIT OFF BMW F900 R Cup as a support class to the Bennetts British Superbike Championship for a further two seasons, running until the end of the 2027. Scott Grimsdall, BMW’s head of marketing, said: “The series continues to gain momentum as we enter its third season in the UK. We are very pleased to commit to the future running of this championship until the end of the 2027 season so riders can prepare and compete accordingly. Alongside the updated bike for 2025, the introduction of a BMW Motorrad Financial Services finance package now offers potential riders the opportunity to secure their bike and spread the cost over a time period that suits them.”
MAG SLAMS POTHOLE FUNDING RIDERS RIGHTS GROUP THE Motorcycle Action Group has repeated a call for more spending on road repairs, following a damning ALARM report from the Asphalt Industry Alliance. MAG director Colin Brown said: “Motorcyclists are the road users placed at most risk by poor road surface condition. Voting in a new local councillor is not going to make any difference to the problem if they do not have more funds to spend. Long-term underfunding is to blame, and we need MPs and a government that is prepared to do what is necessary.”
HUSQVARNA EXTENDS WARRANTY
PERHAPS NO SURPRISE, BUT PIERERowned brand Husqvarna has announced an extension to its standard bike warranty to four years on the LC8c platform – the 901 and 801 twin-cylinder bikes. All new 2023/24/25 models will get the four-year cover if an approved Husqvarna dealership services the bikes. Single-cylinder bikes will stick with a two-year guarantee.
R&G TRACKDAY PARTNERSHIP TOP BRITISH ACCESSORY FIRM R&G Racing has teamed up with trackday insurance firm Trackday Addicts. The insurer will cover damage to R&G kit fitted to bikes covered under its policies and also give a £15 discount to customers. More info: www.rg-racing.com.
Bill Smith’s Wild West ride
Book review by Brian Crichton
Amazing and ebullient, Bill Smith (90) was never scared to shoot from the hip when it came to taking risks in business and as a racer. But he was never reckless. Now retired as a leading bike dealer, Bill has found the time to write his autobiography. Meanwhile, the bike business he started in 1960 continues in the capable hands of son Mark and daughter Karen.
His book is a slim 86page pocket-sized volume dedicated to his wife Annie, family, and fellow racer, the late Tommy Robb (19342024). Bill set Tommy up in business in 1978. They were Bultaco team-mates finishing first and second in the inaugural 250 production Isle of Man TT in 1967, the first of Bill’s four TT wins, including the 1978 F3 TT one-race world title.
What comes across strongly is the key part Bill played in establishing Honda in the UK, and his love of road racing, especially the TT. Does he have any regrets? Yes. “I regret that when I took on Honda in the 1960s I didn’t instead go racing full-time,” he writes.
“I knew the guys in the works team and I could have joined them. And without being big-headed, I’m sure
I could have been vying for the world championship.”
When Bill first met Soichiro Honda in Japan in late 1960, he was surprised to learn that Bill was both a dealer and a road racer. You can’t do both said Mr. Honda. Well, Bill did, taking on Honda and helping other dealers become involved with Honda, and winning 51 Isle of Man TT Replicas. An amazing record.
astounded Brown asked what he meant, and Bill told him.
“If any of you did a good day’s work, you’d be knackered.”
The conversation passed into ACU legend!
A crash at Ballaugh Bridge on the TT circuit in 1982 effectively ended his competitive race career, though it didn’t stop him racing. His last TT was in 2000. He raced on the continent, in Japan, and in America, riding 27 different marques.
When he was made a director of the ACU in 1988, Lord Tom Jopling, then the Union president and a former government minister, invited him to the House of Commons, where out on the refreshment veranda overlooking the Thames, they met Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and Roy Jenkins.
When asked by Brown, and after a couple of gin and tonics, what he thought of MPs, Bill replied. “You are all a bunch of tossers,” An
Bill reveals that his initial ambition was to play football for Everton. A knee injury put that into touch. Instead, he scored big-time as a dealer and racer. His accolades include the 2013 British Dealer News Lifetime Achievement Award.
His bijou book is full of amazing anecdotes and daring deals. Compared to today’s convoluted corporate scene, it’s a wild west ride from the days of the postwar motorcycle gold rush. Underpinning the text is a genuine love for two wheels and his desire to spread the PTW gospel.
Bill at Ballaugh: The life and racing career of Bill Smith, is available from Bill Smith Motors, Whitchurch Road, Christleton, Chester CH3 6AE – 01244 323845. Price: £10.
HEX Innovate extended warranty
AFTERMARKET DIAGNOSTIC AND electronic firm HEX Innovate, has announced a new extended warranty scheme on its GS-911 BMW diagnostics tool. Owners now enjoy a full warranty against manufacturer faults or failures for as long as they hold an active ProUnlimited subscription on the firm’s software services. Owners can get the extended ProUnlimited warranty after three months of continuous subscription, with one replacement per year for
manufacturer faults and a like-for-like swap to a brand-new device.
“This new warranty is a game-changer for GS-911 owners,” said Neil LePine, HEX Innovate business development director. “We want them to ride with absolute confidence. The ProUnlimited Extended Warranty is just another way HEX Innovate ensures that, whatever happens, BMW owners continue to get the best from their GS-911.”
Honda hits warranty world for six
It’s not the first bike firm to do it, but Honda’s certainly the biggest. And its new six-year service-activated warranty will give customers peace of mind all across Europe, according to the company.
The new warranty covers the entire Honda range, from the EM1 moped to the GL1800, across 14 EU countries plus the UK and applies to both new and used bikes. There’s a maximum of six years’ coverage, and the
warranty is tied to the bike, not the customer, allowing it to be transferred with ownership.
After two years, the warranty is activated annually by a scheduled service at an authorised Honda dealership, using genuine Honda service parts. The new Honda six-year warranty is valid at more than 800 Honda dealers across the 15 countries in the scheme.
THE MOTOR CYCLE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (MCIA) SAYS IT can see signs of positivity in the market after a depressing period in terms of bike sales. In a statement at the end of March, the association said that sales were beginning to move in a less negative direction, picking up after a challenging February. There was an expected drop in new bike sales after the Euro 5+ derogation and pre-registration of 2024. However, used bike sales are up, and parts and accessories sales are also improving.
The statement also says that MCIA members indicate an underlying market resilience and expect a return to a more stable and predictable market dynamic. The MCIA believes this paints a picture of a sector adapting and finding its footing after a period of unusual market activity.
Tony Campbell, MCIA CEO, said: “Following recent meetings with our members across the whole spectrum of the industry, opinions and optimism about the market this year are extremely positive. Aside from the expected new bike registration drop, other market segments are comparable to 2024, and the new season is expected to return similar results to 2024. It is important to note that the 2025 market will likely be similar in size in the years running up to Covid-19, and therefore, if this is the case, the market is yet again demonstrating how robust the sector is even during challenging economic conditions.”
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Supply Side
How has the aftermarket fared over the last 12 months of motorcycle sales mayhem? Alan Dowds asked the question, and got mostly up-beat good news
We spend a lot of time in these pages looking at actual motorcycle sales and how the volume of new and used bikes sold rises and falls. But there’s much more to the industry than that, of course – sales of clothing, helmets, parts and accessories is a massive part of a dealer’s business, too. Shifting big ticket units of new metal is vital to any showroom, however the daily bread-and-butter selling of helmets, gloves, chains, pads, and pipes is just as important. But it’s a bit harder to work out what’s happening in the aftermarket –there are no monthly DVLA registration figures or MCIA stats showing how many textile jackets were sold in Q1. Which means I’ve spoken to a selection of people, including wholesalers, distributors, and UK-based manufacturers of clothing, parts, and accessories, to see how the past year has gone for
them and what they think this season might bring. From small-scale importers through to the biggest wholesalers, engineering and manufacturing specialists, I’ve covered a wide crosssection of views, discovering broad agreement in a few areas.
The first – and perhaps most obvious – take is that the aftermarket has had a hard time recently, though maybe not quite as tough as bike sales.
Henry Rivers-Fletcher, MD at Oxford Products, takes a considered view: “While there are and have been numerous domestic and
While there are and have been numerous domestic and global economic headwinds, the motorcycle aftermarket has proven exceptionally resilient
Henry Rivers-Fletcher, Oxford Products
global economic headwinds, the motorcycle aftermarket has proven exceptionally resilient. This is due at least in part to our more
mature customer base with their reduced sensitivity to mortgage rates, inflationary pressures, or the fluctuating job market. It is also helped by operating in a small enthusiasts’ market, where products are aspirational rather than grudge purchases to be put off as long as possible, and decisions are less affected by big industry woes or having to please corporate shareholders.”
How does Simon Hughes, MD at R&G, see it? “Yes, I would agree it’s been quite
a tough winter. We held our own in January, February was a little bit down, and so was March, but overall, we are still positive, and profitability is strong. We’re having to be more innovative with promotions and as quick as we can be with new product launches because to get the sales we want, if we’re not quick to market, there’s a noticeable loss. When business might have been a bit easier in some past years, we could get away with being a little bit slower with certain new products, but now we really do have to be on the ball.”
A cheerful Simon Kennedy, director at specialist cable and hose manufacturer Venhill, said: “80% of purchases of our products are made as a result of either parts on the bike failing or are needed for a custom build or restoration project – so the vast majority of our customers have a limited choice over the timing of their purchase – they have a problem and need to solve it quickly. A positive feature of this is that demand is generally consistent, and the business is well-placed
Feridax
to weather political and economic turbulence.”
Stuart Swaby, sales director at helmet, clothing and accessory distributor Feridax, was also upbeat. “Let’s just say we are quietly optimistic about this year. Three months don’t make a year, however, the signs are good. Retailers are talking of a return of consumer confidence and increased traffic in-store and online, which coincides with a spell of excellent early spring weather. We are seeing strong early season demand for our products, which is evidenced by an equally strong uptick in our year-on-year figures for the first three months of the year.
“There is no one brand in our portfolio which stands out, it is a common story across the majority of our brands. If we deep dive into what is happening with our key brands, their success is no accident. The diversity of our product range is key to our success.”
Paul Haskins at helmet and clothing manufacturer LS2, believes things are looking promising. “The first quarter of this year has been much better than the first quarter of last year, but there are reasons for that: we didn’t have a lot of stock at the end of last year, and we received an awful lot at the beginning of this year, which gave us a big boost. It’s not the only reason, but it’s a big one. We also have new models, like the new Dragon helmet, and thats going
extremely well. The Advant 180° flip helmet is also selling very well.
“I do think punters, now more than ever, are looking for value for money. They’re looking and thinking, ‘I’m going to spend £300, what do I get for my £300?’ Or ‘if I’m going to spend £600, what am I getting for that?’ I think there’s a lot of that going on, and it helps us.”
Gavin McCaffery, national sales manager at Shad and Puig distributor Pure Moto, is happy with what he thinks is a mixed but promising picture.
“Looking back at the year so far, we’re about 20% ahead. Much of that comes from Puig’s growth in our portfolio. We’ve had Puig now for three years, and it’s grown every year and we’ve had substantial growth again this year.
Macdonald. “I’m not sure there is any good news out there. We had a terrible last quarter in 2024 and were 40% down in February this year against 2024. Our heating costs have soared to the point where we will be relocating later this year to somewhere more efficient. We are paying higher wages as well.
“The cost of doing business is constantly increasing whilst at the same time consumers are always expecting a discount. The bottom line is that the bottom line is disappearing. In other words, making sales is hard, and making a profit is even harder.
The first quarter of this year has been much better than the first quarter of last year
Dealers I speak to are generally not faring well, with one franchised dealer this morning telling me conditions are the worst he could remember.”
“Shad luggage is about the same as last year’s first
quarter; it’s not moved up or down. I’d like to see a little bit of movement on Shad, but I’m hearing from our sales agents that so many deals are being done on new bikes, and dealers are throwing accessories in with the bike, or they’re coming with luggage fitted. But, as a whole, we we’re doing okay.”
However, there was a more downbeat assessment from MotoLegends owner Arthur
And Pete Aitkenhead at major parts specialist Fowlers, also spoke about a downturn going back to last year. “In the middle of last year, things fell off a cliff. There was a lack of money or a lack of willingness to spend money, because the government spent most of its time talking things down. They kept telling us how bad things were going to be, and then things did get bad, so it was became a self-fulfilling prophecy. And they’re still not committing to not raising taxes further.
“Obviously, the current events at the moment with Donald Trump doing what he’s doing, nobody’s got the foggiest idea what’s going to happen, including Trump. The message from government is that they are obviously quite happy to tax and spend, but it would be sensible if they’d give us something genuinely positive and said, look, we might have to raise taxes, but we won’t touch your house, or we won’t touch your pension.”
Norrie Kerr, boss at VE
Stuart Swaby
Gavin McCaffery
Paul Haskins, LS2
(UK) and specialist in scooters, both modern and classic, reports good demand, helped by strong sales of the Royal Alloy range of retro-style scooters and the evergreen classic Lambretta and Vespa sector. “Spares parts have been very good for us, though I’d make the comment that the supply of parts has been poor. If we want to get something, we have to hunt around.
“Vespa and Lambretta are steady. People are always renovating them, so there’s always demand there. For our supply of Lambretta parts, we’ve moved everything away from India and Indonesia, which were not giving the quality we needed, and now get Italianmade products from CASA. They do almost a full range of parts, barrels, pistons and panels.
the aftermarket? Again, I got a mixed story, with most escaping the worst.
Dealers going bust didn’t affect us too much because we don’t deal with the big chains
“We’ve been fortunate the dealers that closed weren’t stocking our products,” said Paul Haskins of LS2. “And the reason for that is the majority of the products in those dealers was supplied by other wholesalers on a sale or return basis. We didn’t deal with Completely Motorbikes or Pidcocks. I knew Pidcocks personally, and I have done for many years, and that one shocked me. They were my local dealer; only three or four miles away from me, and my Ducati was actually there on the day they shut the doors.”
Moto Legends
of that has been done by improving our technology: selling online is where we’ve seen a lot of growth.
“Tyres are also good for us just now. I don’t think there’s a brand which doesn’t have a scooter tyre in its catalogue now. We do tubeless alloy rims, with the tyres to suit, we even do a split alloy tubeless rim as well.”
One big factor over the winter just gone was the number of dealers that closed across the country. Bad news on every front, of course, but how did it affect
Gavin McCaffery said Pure Moto also escaped any collateral damage. “Dealers going bust didn’t affect us too much because we don’t deal with the big chains. They want too much credit; we’re a small business and want to keep things as tight as possible.”
Simon Hughes from R&G added; “We suffered a little bit from dealers closing, but the ones we are working with are consolidating things and working hard with us. I think we’re co-operating better than ever before, communication is really strong.”
Arthur Macdonald thinks the trade is not out of the woods yet. “Without a doubt, there will be more closures this year both bricks and mortar stores and online.”
One way that firms are able to insulate from the decline in brick-and-mortar outlets is, of course, online. James Davies, e-commerce manager at accessories supplier Pyramid Motorcycle Accessories, says that’s been behind much of the firm’s recent successes. “As a business, we’ve been up year-on-year since the beginning of 2019. A lot
“We have seen our trade sales grow as well. However, that business isn’t coming from traditional dealers – we have customers that also sell online. Business’s such as Sportsbikeshop.co.uk, and Ray Williams Motorcycles
Online is strong. It’s very important for us and we recognise that. But we do still want to support bricks and mortar dealers
who sells through eBay, as well as some face-to-face sales. Obviously, Sportsbikeshop has its stores as well,
online sales are becoming more and more important, too. “We’re doing more with smaller dealers and online dealers. Online is definitely the biggest area nowadays. The dealers we deal with that have both bricks and mortar and online, their online is the strongest part.”
Haskins points to changes in operation – first seen in mainstream retailers like Next and Marks and Spencer – that make things like online helmet sales easier. “Sportsbikeshop will send customers two or three helmets, and they just return the ones that don’t fit. People out there are offering free returns too.”
Simon Hughes at R&G agrees with the importance of internet selling but also says his firm likes to support conventional retail as much as possible. “Online is strong. It’s very important for us and we recognise that. But we do still want to support bricks and mortar dealers. Those still here are obviously doing something right, so we want to work with those guys. We try to support them with their open days etc, and we supply them with kits for new bikes and their demo bikes. Demo bike kits get a particularly attractive deal
Paul Haskins
Arthur Macdonald
Gavin McCaffery, Pure Moto
Simon Hughes, R&G
Pete Aitkenhead
that’s good for us, because the person testing the bike can see what’s available from RG as well.”
External economic factors are always relevant to businesses, one example being Donald Trump’s import tariffs and the effects of the recent budget. Paul Haskins again: “The new taxes make it more difficult to employ people. It’s not affecting us at the moment, but when we are looking to expand, it will. Will the American tariffs on China affect us? I don’t know, not particularly us in the UK but it will affect MHR [LS2’s parent company], because they have a distributor in the US. They own the distributorship, so I think that’s going to affect them.”
Simon Kennedy at Venhill was more explicit about the problems in the US.
“Changes to US trade policy are causing our biggest headaches currently. Around 10% of Venhill’s sales are in the USA, so the introduction of tariffs combined with the lack of certainty and consistency is not helpful.”
American problems are also on the radar at R&G, which has made a big push into the US market in recent years – but Simon Hughes is sanguine about any hurdles. “We’ve been getting much
more awareness of R&G over the pond, and we’ve now got a record number of dealerships we’re working with in America. They definitely want our products, and I don’t think the tariffs are going to get in our way. We’ve navigated Covid and Brexit, so tariffs aren’t going to stop us.”
Finally, I asked what aftermarket suppliers are doing to get dealers over the hurdles they face and there were several strong responses.
“The re-brand and relaunch of Spada is winning a new type of customer with its nod towards High Street style, combined with safety and The re-brand and re-launch of Spada is winning a new customer with its nod towards High Street style
Stuart Swaby at Feridax was upbeat. “The roll out of our Shoei PFS (Professional Fitting Service) network of stores, which will shortly reach 20 across the UK, is revolutionising the fit, safety and comfort a rider can experience with their helmet. It’s the closest a consumer can come to having a custommade liner for their helmet, and it’s a truly unique selling point for Shoei helmets. Appointed retailers are seeing the benefits of increased unit sales, profitability and customer retention.
Stuart Swaby, Feridax
Simon Kennedy Venhill Engineering
Norrie Kerr
practicality as consumer tastes lean more towards a leisureinspired look to riding kit. We have now appointed nearly a dozen Spada Edge stores across the country. And there is more to come this year as we look to collaborate with these stores to host customer events. Our marketing team is working with Spada to generate increased brand visibility and awareness, both physically and in the digital space.”
Pyramid
We are continually developing our website functionality and also investing in SEO
Simon Kennedy, Venhill
“We are continually developing our website functionality and also investing in SEO, said Simon Kennedy at Venhill. “We see
EXPORTING GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH
ASK THE AVERAGE BRITISH MAN OR woman on the street about UK manufacturing, and they’ll generally say it’s dead. However, one thing that became clear in my research for this story is the real strength in manufacturing and exporting British-made bike parts. Venhill, GB Racing, R&G Racing and Pyramid Motorcycles and Accessories all make as much of their products as they can in-house or in the UK, with GB Racing making everything internally, thanks to some serious investment.
Tim Banks of engine crash protection cover specialist GB Racing told me: “We make absolutely everything in-house, including all our own injection moulding tools. We’ve recently upgraded our floor space, and we’ve invested in new machinery. We’ve got a nine-ton CNC milling machine that takes a 100kg steel block and mills our tooling parts out of it. The bulk of the work we do is producing injection mouldings tools. It’s a never-ending job keeping up with all the new bikes coming out and it takes time to see a return on that.
“Pretty much all our products are made in Britain,” said James Davies at Pyramid Motorcycle Accessories. “And we do have the ‘Made in Britain’ stamp on them. All of our Pyramid-branded plastic and fiberglass parts are made in the UK, along with all the bracketry. We have various suppliers, and generally they’re fairly local to us. Our main plastic supplier is in Leeds, and we use Dream Machine in Long Eaton for
this as a vital investment, given the highly specific nature of spare parts (e.g. OEM part number references), thus making our products (and Venhill generally) highly searchable via Google and other search engines. Our primary objective here is to position the brand effectively for the benefit of all our partners and those selling Venhill products around the world.”
James Davies at Pyramid spoke of the firm’s investment in new warehousing, R&D and production facilities at its Gainsborough HQ. “We are expanding, still on the same site, but we’ll be tripling
paintwork. Even most of the 3D-printed brackets are made here.”
“Our factory in Dorking, Surrey is currently flat out, thanks to the sunny March and April weather,” said Simon Kennedy at Venhill. Kennedy spoke about export expansion. “We’re developing our distribution channels in selected markets.” We have just added RMS, an Italian distributor and also MTZ Mototechnika, based in the Czech Republic.”
“The majority of our business is B2B and overseas customers,” said Tim Banks of GB Racing. “The UK only makes up about 15% of our sales, and that’s mainly B2C. We sell around the world, obviously the big market is America but countries like Taiwan and South Korea are really strong. Having multiple countries and multiple importers is really important to us.”
Simon Hughes also underlined the importance of exporting for R&G Racing: “Exports account for about half of our business. We’re doing more promotional activity in America through racing sponsorship and we’re now the technical partner to Kramer Motorcycles, and in the Parts Unlimited Talent Cup by Motul. We’re supporting an extra race team this year in Moto America called CW Moto. They’ve got Luca Allen riding for them, a British guy. so that’s a nice bit of interest.
“Europe is also strong. We
GB Racing
had a record year in France last year, which is our biggest export market in Europe. Germany is a little bit down but it’s still very strong numbers. Spain’s growing very well for us, it was up 20% last year, and so was America. Although we’ve been exporting for more than 20 years, we’re still making good growth on the export side, and we’re working with more than 60 countries now.”
James Davies
Tim Banks
Oxford Products
our floor space with more warehouse and production space so we can hold more stock. We’re also going to have a new development/workshop area where we can take bikes apart, as well as a new photography and videography studio.”
Paul Haskins says LS2 is focusing on product expansion in its clothing line as well as its helmet business.
“Clothing is steady for us, and we’re receiving some of the newer stock now. We’re just about to release the Apollo, a triple-A approved textile jacket and pant touring combination for £850 RRP for the two.”
apparel range and diving into advanced electronics and engineering with premium lighting, carbon and CNC accessories.
We are expanding, still on the same site, but we’ll be tripling our floor space
James Davies, Pyramid
“At the same time, we are building our partner brands – not doing more brands, just doing more with existing brands. Alpinestars, HJC, MT, Simpson and now ARMR provide the perfect onestop-shop alongside our 16,000-plus motorcycle accessory SKUs. Some of our dealers haven’t had the easiest start to the year but they can rely on Oxford to make their lives as easy as possible and to keep the tills ringing.”
“We are ploughing on with investment in people, products and brand development to drive growth over the long term,” said Henry Rivers-Fletcher at Oxford Products. “Our R&D centre is literally buzzing with activity. Among many other projects, we’re taking back the soft luggage market, building on our impressive technical
Finally, Gavin McCaffery summed up the approach most firms seem to be taking to the new season: “We’re happy with the first quarter, and we’ll see what happens over the rest of the year.
We’re always optimistic. Like everyone in the trade, we’ve got the winter out of the way and have a big smile on our faces going into the spring!”
Henry Rivers-Fletcher
Trump’s gamble looking risky
Whether we liked it or not, last November saw Donald J. Trump return for a second term as US president.
Initially, between election day and Trump’s inauguration, the markets liked what they thought was coming –deregulation and lower taxes.
CNBC, for example, looked at one index, the S&P 500, which had been generally rising. It stood at 5186.33 on 5 August, and by election day, 5 November, it was at 5782.76, rising to 6144.15 by 19 February. But once the issue of tariffs was mentioned it abruptly plummeted to 5521.52 on 13 March before hitting a low on 8 April of 4982.77.
In fact, anyone looking at their investments would have been shocked to see how much they’d ‘lost’ –comparatively.
Of course, the reality is that unless the world as we know it ends, markets always recover and grow. That same index was 145.30 in January 1983, 1517.68 in July 2000, and 3230.78 in December 2019.
But right now, everything is about tariffs and protectionism, and it’s not looking good.
Some think it’s all about MAGA – Make America Great Again – a phrase first coined by Ronald Reagan for his 1980 presidential campaign. A few just consider it part of President Trump’s negotiating tactics. But others worry that it’s part of a global trend of protectionism that seeks to fend off cheap and subsidised imports from China (and others) while also acting as a form of foreign policy.
And Trump is deploying such a policy with abandon. He began with 25% on all imports of steel and aluminium. He then instructed trade officials to research reciprocal tariffs for every country –taking into account VAT, trade balances and existing tariffs – the idea being to effectively reciprocate the same on their
imports into the US. He’s adding tariffs to Canadian and Mexican imports and has threatened tariffs on countries that buy Venezuelan oil.
At the start of April, he applied swingeing tariffs, from 10% (UK) to 54% (China), to what looks like every country in the world. China’s tariff subsequently rose to an astronomical 145%.
These tariffs are going to be bad for US inflation and are going to hit Americans directly in the pocket. Not only will the cost of iPhones rise, but so will the cost of canned or tinned products that use imported metals. And due to reciprocal tariffs being levied on American-made
Trump could manufacture a recession – needlessly As the saying goes, “when America sneezes, the world catches a cold”
goods by affected countries, some products are being returned to the US – Boeing, for example, is being handed back airliners that were destined for the Chinese market.
On top of that, some US employees will lose their jobs when the exports of their employers are impacted. Indeed, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (carnegieendowment.org) wrote in 2021 that Trump’s trade policies cost the US economy nearly a quarter million jobs.
The same will be true elsewhere, with the policies affecting businesses worldwide. British Steel and Tata have both recently testified before Parliament, noting that US customers are cancelling orders, but it’s going to take nine months or longer (possibly beyond Trump’s term) to increase US metal production to the point that the country is mostly self-sufficient.
Historically, in recent decades at least, there has been a trend away from protectionism with global trade and reduced barriers being favoured by governments. We had GATT (the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade) before the WTO (World Trade Organization). And we have the EU and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, which both seek to remove trade barriers.
It’s worth noting that with more trade liberalisation average global tariff rates fell. Data from Macrotrends illustrates the point – the ‘Applied, Weighted Mean, All Products’ for tariffs stood at 8.57% in 1994, 3.72% in 2004 and 2.87% in 2014 and 2.59% in 2017 (when the data stopped).
The worrying thing is that Trump could manufacture a recession – needlessly. As the saying goes, “when America sneezes, the world catches a cold”. Consequently, a Trump-made US recession could ripple out globally.
The hope is that Trump’s actions will be short-lived as the US public and its corporations apply pressure. The motor sector has done precisely this. It’s been said that a piston in a US-made internal combustion engine crosses the US/ Canadian border six times, and on each occasion, the movement attracts a tariff. This has now been exempted!
And if a textbook example of how much damage can be done to a brand is needed, Tesla is one to look at. A combination of foreign competition, tariffs and its CEO – Elon Musk – being so aligned and embedded in the Trump administration has hurt. Sales have tanked, owners are wanting to sell, and its share price has dropped from $479.86 on 17 December 2024 to $221.86 (on 8 April). Musk has since said he is returning to the company. All in all, we have to hope that common sense wins the day in Washington.
Bill Snelling
1947-2025
Well-known motorcycle racing historian
Bill Snelling lost his long battle with illness in the second week of April, only a couple of days after his 78th birthday. Veteran Manx newspaper sports correspondent
John Watterson reports on his sad demise.
Born and raised in Canterbury, Bill had a lifetime fascination with motorcycle sport on the Isle of Man, beginning as a 13-year-old when he first visited the TT with his father on a Vincent. Visits to the TT became an annual pilgrimage for him, and after arriving for the 1975 event, he ended up staying on the Island for the next 18 months, having found a job at the Lucas depot of EB Christian on North Quay in Douglas. A year back in the South of England followed, but the Isle of Man’s lure became too great.
Shortly after returning, he entered the 1978 Manx Grand Prix Newcomers race on a Seymour Velocette Metisse, finishing 12th out of 20 in poor conditions on the Mountain. He then took 53rd in the MGP Senior riding the same bike and 45th in his only other MGP appearance, in 1980 on a Ducati. He was always immensely proud of his finishers’ medals.
However, beyond his own racing exploits, Bill Snelling became widely regarded for his extraordinary output as a historical author. He wrote, co-wrote and published an impressive stream of books on TT and MGP racing
heritage. These included the History of the Manx Grand Prix (1923-1998), Isle of Man TT: The Photographic History, and Aurora to Ariel – on the life of Manx racing pioneer J.Graham Oates. His final book, published in 2020, was a colourful autobiography.
Bill also became hailed as the custodian of approximately a quarter of a million digitised images of racing on the Island, a treasure trove of generally copyright-free material covering the TT, Manx Grand Prix, Southern 100 and other events, distributed under the banner of FoTTofinders BikeSport Photo Archives. Disseminated from the Snelling cottage in Laxey (on the Isle of Man, of course!), these have graced the pages of magazines and specialist publications all over the world, earning the praise of a long list of obsequiously grateful editors.
Bill Snelling’s knowledge of motorcycle sport’s many facets was second to none. He will be sorely missed, a loss to everyone who knew him – all of whom no doubt extend their heartfelt sympathy to Pat, his wife and partner of 30 years standing.
Graeme Chatham 1941-2025
Graeme Chatham, the Edinburgh dealer who fought for and eventually got the government to introduce compulsory rider training, died on 21 April. He was 84.
Chatham’s twelve-year campaign to make training mandatory commenced in 1978 following the death in road accidents of six of his customers in one week. From then on, he would only sell a bike to a first-time rider after they took training.
In the early days of the campaign he ran into bitter opposition from all sides –manufacturers, importers,
dealers, and, amazingly, road safety organisations. Notable supporters included many Scottish dealers and, south of the border, Colin Appleyard, of Keighley, Yorkshire, and Alan Damerall in Cornwall who also backed Chatham’s efforts.
Rider training was finally made compulsory by transport minister Peter Bottomley in 1990. Since then, it has saved many bikers from death or serious injury, but Chatham’s achievement has never been recognised, either by the government or the motorcycle industry. His only recognition was a Services to Rider Safety Award presented to him by BDN in 2014.
A full appreciation will be published in the June issue of British Dealer News
Graeme Chatham receiving his BDN Services to Rider Safety Award from Steve Parrish in 2014
Torrot signs on Franklin as new CEO
EXPERIENCED BRITISH BIKE
industry man Mark Franklin has been appointed as the new CEO of Torrot. The Girona-based firm, which specialises in electric kids off-road and urban mobility bikes, has signed Franklin on an interim basis to help get the brand back on track.
In a press release, Torrot said: “We are pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Franklin, an accomplished motorcycle industry leader, as our new CEO, effective 1 April. With more than 34 years of global experience in the motorcycle industry, including senior leadership roles such as CEO, regional managing director, and VP, Franklin brings valuable expertise to our team as we prepare for the next phase of our business evolution. His leadership will play a pivotal role in advancing Torrot’s growth and driving our future projects forward.”
BDN spoke to Franklin as he set off for Barcelona from his home in the Far East. He told us: “I am joining Torrot at a very difficult time for the company and the market in general; whilst this is an interim position, I will use all my accumulated global industry knowledge to support the team, our dealers and importers to extract the best performance out of the business.”
Torrot has also appointed a new UK importer: Emoto UK, based in Milton Keynes. Dealers interested in the brand can get in touch with Matt Charter at matt@ emotoukltd.co.uk or 077917 29921. More info on Torrot at www.torrot.com.
Bickers signs Stokoe for Scotland
Bickers Powersports has appointed a new area sales manager for Scotland and the North West. The firm says its new man, Paul Stokoe, brings a wealth of experience and is well-known in the industry, after many years in the off-road motorcycle and bicycle markets.
Stokoe will be looking after a wide geographical area: Lancashire, Cumbria, Clwyd, Dumfries and Galloway, Strathclyde/ Lanarkshire, Cheshire, Manchester, Flintshire, Staffordshire, Gwynedd, Merseyside and Renfrewshire. He’ll be visiting Bickers’ customers to discuss their requirements and to keep them up to date on the latest products and offers.
“We are pleased to welcome Paul on board; I am confident his skills and expertise will
be highly valuable to our team,” said Rob Sheldon, national sales manager.
To contact Stokoe, call 07775 661941 or email paul.stokoe@bickerspowersports.co.uk
Liqui Moly appoints new export director
Managing
German oil firm
Liqui Moly, has a new director of exports. Ingo Lindner will be responsible for the international business of the Ulm-based lubricant specialist and will, says the firm, continue to drive the successful development of the company abroad.
Lindner is responsible for strategy development and implementation for all countries without their own foreign subsidiary. Across all of these countries, he will coordinate the company’s export activities and identify new business opportunities abroad.
Lindner has been working
for Liqui Moly in the export field for 16 years, first as an export area manager and then as a director for international trade groups, since 2020. He has been the company’s deputy export director since 2022.
“The export business has become increasingly important for Liqui Moly in recent years, and we still see further potential,” said Lindner. “I look forward to taking on responsibility for this important business area and continuing our growth course together with the team.”
Lindner takes over the position from Salvatore Coniglio, who was appointed the third MD of Liqui Moly last September.
Copson joins Fuchs
ANGLO-GERMAN
lubricant firm Fuchs Silkolene, has a new sales manager for the Central and Northern UK regions, Jack Copson.
The firm says that Copson brings many years of industry experience with him to the role and he succeeds Kevin Jones, who retired in March this year.
Copson said: “I am very excited to be joining Fuchs UK, and I am proud to represent an industry-leading brand. I look forward to meeting our dealers and working together to offer them and their customers our high-quality products.”
He will be contacting all of his accounts over the next few weeks. Get in touch at 07507 699965 or jack.copson@ fuchs.com.
Rob Sheldon (left) welcoming Paul Stokoe to Bickers Powersports
director Salvatore Coniglio (left) with the new export director Ingo Lindner
BUSINESS FOR SALE
DUE TO RETIREMENT
Wheelhouse Tyres Ltd
Well Established (20 years) Ride in Ride out Tyre retailer with with MOT and Service facility and online shop.
Great location next to Bikers World and CMC on the outskirts of Birmingham with own established customer base, profitable with regular sales of above 15,000 tyre units a year – potential for expansion of the Service side of the business which has not been fully optimised.
All machinery etc included in the sale
NDA available for financials – enquiries to warrenharding@me.com
MOTORCYCLE SALES EXECUTIVE
We are currently looking for an experienced Motorcycle sales executive to work in our busy Honda showroom in Ruislip Manor, Northwest London. Immediate start is available.
• £40-60K per year depending on experience
• Management experience in the trade beneficial
• 24 days paid holiday plus bank holidays
• Closed over the Christmas period
To apply: Send a covering letter and CV to sales@westlondonyamaha.co.uk
to cover the South West and South Wales
LS2 is the world’s fastest-growing helmet brand, selling in excess of two million helmets a year on a global scale; we also offer a full range of clothing and accessories, which are accompanied by industry-leading margins as the company operates on a dealer-direct basis, cutting out the middleman.
Due to retirement, we are seeking a dynamic, passionate and driven area sales manager to join our successful UK sales force; the successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining and developing both new and existing accounts.
The ideal candidate will preferably have field sales experience, be self-motivated and target-driven, have excellent communication skills and have a good understanding of the motorcycle industry, be willing to travel domestically and occasionally outside of the UK, full driver’s licence and passport are essential.
We offer an unrivalled range with unequalled trade margins, first-class dealer service with support from our UK office and warehouse in Northumberland and back-up from our head office in Spain.
An industry-leading package and full training will be given to the successful applicant.
We are willing to consider both self-employed agents and fully employed candidates for the position.
Please apply via email to: p.haskins@ls2helmets.com enclosing your current CV and a covering letter All applicants will be treated with the strictest of confidence
Protecting your business from ex-employees
Imagine this: your firm spends years training and developing John, a star and senior employee. John creates a new team to support him. He has access to your marketing databases, including details of prospective customers, and knowledge of all the secrets that make your business a success.
However, John left six weeks ago. You thought he was taking up a challenge in a different sector, but he has just reappeared – working for a key competitor. Worse still, he is in contact with clients and is apparently talking to members of his old team, encouraging them to join him. What can you do?
Unfortunately, this scenario is all too common in today’s fluid employment market. The solution is to include some restrictive covenants along with legal measures in John’s employment contract.
WHAT IS A RESTRICTIVE COVENANT?
Many employment contracts contain clauses restricting an individual’s working activity when the contract ends. These are known as restrictive covenants. They are intended to prevent or limit damage to a business by an ex-employee and so are also called “posttermination restrictive covenants”.
The most common restrictions in employment contacts are:
Employees and contractors are vital business assets, but when their relationship with the company ends, they can become liabilities
• Non-compete clauses – to prevent an ex-employee from working for a competitor for the length of time specified in the clause
• Non-solicitation of clients/customers clauses – to stop an ex-employee from approaching customers and clients to entice them away
up clause, appropriate to the employee in question, may well be enforced by a court. Usually, a clause in an agreement that restrains trade and prevents an individual earning a living is against public interest and may not be enforced. But the law recognises that it is also in the public interest to allow businesses to legitimately
Many employment contracts contain clauses restricting an individual’s working activity when the contract ends
• Non-dealing clauses – to prevent an ex-employee from any dealings with clients, customers, or suppliers, even if that person approaches the exemployee first
• Non-poaching of staff clauses – should stop John approaching his former colleagues and enticing them to join his new company
ARE RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS ENFORCEABLE?
A badly drafted covenant is not likely to be enforceable. However, a properly drawn
protect themselves. Restrictive covenants may therefore be enforced if they are shown to be reasonable when considering the interests of all the parties.
A REASONABLE RESTRICTIVE COVENANT
To effectively use restrictive covenants to protect a business, they should have the following characteristics:
• They should be in a written agreement between you and your employee/contractor that is signed by both of you
• They should clearly protect
a legitimate business interest such as a trade secret or confidential information, a client data base or supplier terms, or the retention of other key members of your workforce
• The restriction should be as narrow as possible in relation to the length of time of the restriction, the geographic area of restriction and the definition of the restricted activity. The exact extent of these will depend on the specific business interest that you are trying to protect and may vary from case to case
• They should be reviewed and altered if the employee is promoted
WHAT IF AN EX-EMPLOYEE IGNORES A RESTRICTIVE COVENANT?
If it becomes clear that an ex-employee has disregarded the terms of the contract, you need to act quickly to limit the damage to your legitimate business interests. An appropriately worded letter often produces the desired result. If this does not work, a court order called an injunction may be applied for urgently. An injunction may stop them from actions such as working for your competitor, using your data, or calling your clients, or it may compel them to do certain
things, such as returning your documents and data.
However, an injunction may only be obtained at this early stage if there is real urgency and if financial compensation at a later point will not be adequate to cover the damage that your business will suffer if the action takes place. Delaying by even a few weeks could mean the injunction is not granted because a high degree of urgency is not demonstrated.
MAKING AN INJUNCTION EFFECTIVE
In our example, if you prove that the restrictive covenants in your agreement are enforceable, and the court grants you an injunction, John should take this seriously. If he fails to comply with the injunction, he will be in contempt of court and may be imprisoned for up to six months.
business from ex-employees. There is an implied duty of good faith in all employment relationships and a duty not to use or disclose confidential information gained in the course of employment. You may also demand the return of any information that John has retained and that belongs to you.
A court will also impose restrictions on John for misusing or disclosing confidential information, such as your trade secrets, even though he is no longer in your employment. Your business is also protected by other intellectual property laws relating to your trademark and patent. Copyright law prevents John from copying written works created in the course of his employment, and the design rights for work created during employment
There are other laws that protect from attacks by ex-employees, but well-drafted restrictive covenants offer you the best protection
You may also join John’s new employer in the court proceedings, as well as any of your staff members who appear to be conspiring with John to join your competitor. This may effectively prevent further unlawful activity by all those people.
Damages to compensate for any loss may be claimed from your ex-employee. Strategically, if that exemployee will not be able to pay this amount, stopping the damage in the first place by an injunction will be the best course of action. If John’s new employer knew about the restrictions and encouraged him to break them, it may be possible to bring a separate claim against that company –it may have deeper pockets.
OTHER WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS
Restrictive covenants are not the only way to protect your
continue to belong to you. However, if you do not currently have restrictive covenants in your employment contracts, take urgent advice and introduce them at an appropriate point. You may need to give affected employees salary increases or other compensation to show that you have been reasonable when introducing the restrictions. However, this may be money well spent to avoid damaging your business in the future.
SUMMARY
There are other laws that protect from attacks by exemployees, but well-drafted restrictive covenants offer you the best protection before too much damage is done. Taking legal advice early will enable you to navigate a safer path to achieving a fair result from the end of an employment relationship.
International
With financial editor Roger Willis
More cutbacks for KTM
AUSTERITY IS STILL THE name of the game for Pierer Mobility’s marketing relations in Mattighofen. The company has just announced that it will henceforth focus entirely on the realignment of its own brands in order to effectively pursue strategic goals.
KTM Group has therefore agreed with long-standing Chinese manufacturing partner CFMoto to discontinue its existing distribution relationship for CFMoto and Zeeho EV products in Europe –Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the UK and Spain – effective from 31 May.
Until then, CFMoto Motorcycle Distribution, a wholly owned subsidiary of KTM, will remain the contact for all dealers within these sales regions. New, and as yet unnamed importers will assume responsibility for CFMoto from 1 June.
This decision was mutually agreed upon between both companies and applies exclusively to the above distribution agreement. Existing cooperation – in particular, joint production in China remains unaffected, as does the distribution of KTM motorcycles in China by CFMoto.
These decisions apparently marked significant changes within KTM Group during the past few weeks and suggest that its profile would soon be reduced to just KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas products.
Royal Enfield makes a million
The historic Royal Enfield brand has established yet another remarkable milestone in its 2024/25 fiscal year, which ended on 31 March. Worldwide annual motorcycle sales volume from the Chennaibased company crept past one million units for the first time ever. Total headcount year-onyear rose by 11.1%, exceeding the magic million by a further 9900 units sold. Within that, domestic sales throughout the Indian sub-continent were 8.1% up to 902,757, and total export volume surged by 37.5% to 107,143.
A record-breaking year also saw Royal Enfield’s best-selling Hunter 350 model passing half a million units delivered to customers since its launch and accumulative sales of more than 50,000 Super Meteor 650 models. In March’s final month, overall sales had grown by 33.7% to 101,021.
Impressively-monikered Royal Enfield chief executive Balakrishnan Govindarajan, who also serves as managing director of brand parent Eicher Motors, was understandably
exultant. “This year has been nothing short of extraordinary, a testament to how far we’ve come,” he opined. “From a time when 50,000 motorcycles a year felt like a big win to now setting global benchmarks
Samut Prakan, Bangkok. A 57,000sq.ft facility with an annual capacity of 30,000 units, it becomes the brand’s sixth CKD unit globally, joining plants in Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, Bangladesh and Nepal.
From a time when 50,000 motorcycles a year felt like a big win to now setting global benchmarks in the mid-size segment, our journey has been incredible
in the mid-size segment, our journey has been incredible. Overwhelming response to the Bullet Battalion Black and the new Classic 350, along with our ability to quickly adapt to rider feedback with new variants, made this this our best year yet.”
And Govindarajan isn’t ready to rest on his laurels any time soon. Royal Enfield has just unveiled a first fullyowned CKD assembly plant outside India in Thailand, at
The brand also has two world-class technical centres, at Bruntingthorpe in the UK and Chennai in India, not to mention more than 2000 dealerships across major cities and towns in India and approaching 850 outlets in more than 60 other countries around the world. Unsurprisingly, a recent phenomenon has been British dealers forming orderly queues to get a sniff of the franchise!
Balakrishnan Govindarajan, Royal Enfield chief executive
Global share prices
A snapshot of motorcycle and ATV industry share performance across key manufacturers and major global markets at the trading week closure on Friday 25 April.
BDN financial editor Roger Willis reports
USA
– TARIFF PAUSE FEIGNS NORMALITY
Trump’s barrage of temporarilysuspended “reciprocal” tariffs have mostly languished on the back burner, without any meaningful negotiations with victims taking place. An audible sigh of relief could be heard from Wall Street investors, who piled in to buy the dip, pushing stocks into positive territory.
Market indices reflected this calm before the next storm. The S&P 500 climbed to close 4.6% up. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.5%, and S&P’s MidCap 400 blossomed by 3.2%. The tech-heavy NASDAQ Composite did best, stacking on 6.7%. MidCap US biker stocks achieved slight recoveries but were still rattling along on the bottom rung of recent stock prices.
EUROPE – BOUNCE BACK UNABATED
With tariff threats still looming, bikerrelated German automotive giants BMW and Volkswagen basked in the benefits of being net vehicle exporters from their US plants. Both enjoyed substantial share price rises during the week, reflected by market indices right across the eurozone. Frankfurt’s Xetra Dax surged by 4.9% and the FTSE MIB in Milan put on 3.8%.
Biker stocks weren’t so lucky. While the Wiener Börse ATX in Austria was 3.7% higher, ATX-listed Pierer Mobility shares slumped after the KTM plant in Mattighofen was forced to cease production. Italian scooter giant Piaggio was also on the back foot, its shares down 2.2% on a weekly basis and 10.7% adrift on the rolling month
JAPAN – TALKING TO THE AMERICANS
Tokyo and Osaka’s key Nikkei 225 stock index added 2.8% to the previous week’s 3.4% gain, as the Japanese government proceeded with as yet fruitless face-to-face talks, trying to strike a deal on punitively expensive tariffs. At stake are potential sanctions on Japan’s huge automotive exports into the US market, which also includes relatively large numbers of motorcycles.
INDIA – FIRST BITE OF THE APPLE
Apple has formally announced that it intends to shift assembly of more than 60 million iPhones sold annually into the US market to India, pivoting most of its manufacturing out of China by the end of 2026. But Indian investors began to
realise that there will be other tariff issues raised by the move and started to get cold feet. S&P’s BSE Sensex 30 and the NSE Nifty 50 market indices both struggled in unison, gaining only 0.8%. And some of these worries soon impacted the popularity of leading Indian biker stocks.
CHINA – HARDENS ITS BATTLE STANCE
China has told the US that it must cancel all the tariff measures it has imposed if it wants trade talks. Quite what happens next is anybody’s guess. The smart bets are on a global recession – for which China is probably far better equipped than the MAGA nutcases currently running America.
While Trump has been unleashing chaos in Western equities markets, the Chinese have been quietly getting on with business. In the past week, Shanghai’s SSE Composite market index was mildly positive, rising by 0.6%. Of the ten listed Chinese motorcycle manufacturers we track, six of them advanced in value.
Europe
Japan
India
China (yuan)
IT’S HARD ENOUGH TO SELL new ‘uns – so good luck to Iconic Auctioneers which is selling an 83-year-old battery bike at Shuttleworth in Bedfordshire on 4 May. The bike was originally built in 1922 as a Douglas 2¾ but was converted to electric drive in 1942 by its owner when petrol was rationed. The bike can hit 18mph powered by three 6V batteries and is estimated to make £5000£6000 by the auctioneers.
VMOTO UK HAS SIGNED FORMER MOTO3 World Champion Danny Kent for the 2025 Bennetts British Superbike Championship. Kent will use a Vmoto CUX PRO electric scooter as his official paddock bike, showcasing Vmoto’s commitment to supporting top talent while promoting sustainable mobility in motorsport.
Ultraviolette signs MotoMondo as UK distributor
Indian electric bike maker Ultraviolette has announced a strategic partnership with Dutch firm MotoMondo, signing them up as the official importer and distributor for the UK and Benelux region.
The firms say the collaboration marks a milestone in Bangalore-based Ultraviolette’s global expansion journey. The deal will bring its performance electric motorcycles, starting with the sporty-looking F77 Mach 2, to European markets.
“We are thrilled to partner with MotoMondo to bring the Ultraviolette experience to the UK and Benelux,” said Narayan Subramaniam, CEO of Ultraviolette. “This marks a pivotal step in our global journey as we take the Ultraviolette brand beyond India and into some of the most mature and discerning motorcycling markets in the world. MotoMondo’s track record in
building and growing premium motorcycle brands in Europe makes them the ideal partner to represent Ultraviolette in these key markets. Their deep-rooted understanding of the region, coupled with a passion for innovation and riding culture, ensures that the Ultraviolette ecosystem – from product experience to aftersales support – will be world-class from day one. This is just the beginning, and we’re incredibly excited about what lies ahead.”
Jan Ykema, MD at MotoMondo, added:
“We are proud to bring Ultraviolette, the most advanced electric motorcycle brand in the world, to the UK and Benelux. The technology is unprecedented, and we have only just seen the beginning! Ultraviolette will disrupt the current motorcycle market by offering a real alternative to all combustion engines.”
Celebrations for Pininfarina anniversary
YOU WOULDN’T THINK THERE’S much in common between a modern Australian/Chinese electric bike and scooter maker and a near-century-old Italian automotive design house. But Pininfarina and Vmoto have worked on some interesting concept machines in the past few years, and they again teamed up to celebrate Pininfarina’s 95th anniversary last month.
Vmoto participated in the exclusive celebration of the collaboration between the two companies at Pininfarina’s historic HQ in Cambiano and included an exclusive meeting with Pininfarina’s management and other
strategic partners to discuss the creation of innovative and successful projects, such as the APD maxi-scooter.
During the meeting, Graziano Milone, president and global CMO at Vmoto International, discussed the experience of working with the renowned Turinbased design house, with Pininfarina’s wind tunnel playing a crucial role in the design of the Vmoto scooter. After the discussion, guests had the opportunity to visit the wind tunnel, where they could learn about the cutting-edge processes and technologies used to enhance the performance of vehicles developed in collaboration with Pininfarina.
Energica death throes
When the Italian electric motorcycle company
Verge world record
Finnish electric superbike maker Verge, has set a Guinness World Record for the longest distance travelled by an electric bike on one charge. The firm ran the attempt inside the M25, using two riders – Sam Clarke and Sara Sloman – on a standard Verge TS Pro super-naked electric bike, and managed to hit 193 miles (310km) over the 16-hour ride. The official Guinness citation reads: “The record attempt involved driving through suburban areas contained within the Greater London M25 ring road, visiting all four parts of the city. The attempt used an unmodified, commercially available electronic motorbike with a fully charged battery, a disconnected charging cable, and a sealed charging port. The route of the motorbike was tracked with a professionally precise tracking system, and its battery was not charged at any point during the trip. Two drivers took regularly timed turns to drive. The record attempt lasted for just over 16 hours, and the traffic conditions were typical of a large city.”
“This world record is an amazingly proud moment for the entire Verge team,” said Verge Motorcycles CMO Lauri Laukkanen. “We have been developing the efficiency, driveability, and features of our motorcycles for years, and we wanted to show the world that anything is possible. This record is a concrete demonstration of what our unique technology and proprietary architecture are actually capable of.”
Energica was declared bankrupt last October, its 75% majority owner Ideanomics – a NASDAQ listed American investment fund – simply filed for a judicial liquidation with the appropriate court in Italy and further information dried up. That court’s initial concerns would have been protecting the rights of employees. But it has since moved on to disposal of Energica’s assets.
According to court documents, the total assessed liquidation value was $716,393 (€647,773) and the company was set to be auctioned off as a single lot, although an original March deadline passed and a public auction was rescheduled and has now presumably taken
place. A court-authored prospectus for the sale ran to eighty pages. Items on offer included unfinished and prototype motorcycles, intellectual property, certification and homologation, dealer network and distribution history, branding and virtually everything else inside the Energica premises, right down to coffee machines and even metal coat hangers.
Observers reckoned the chances of a white knight prepared to take on the whole legacy operation emerging for a turnaround attempt were unlikely, given the recent list of electric bike OEMs going bust – Alta, Cake, Fuell and New Zealand’s UBCO. And cynics among them pointed out if Energica, once the electric world’s darling and a partner with MotoGP, couldn’t make it work, who can?
Verge is also looking to expand its operations with a new unit that will sell its powertrain technology to other companies. Verge Next will offer battery, motor, and controller designs to other companies, from e-bikes and mopeds to full motorcycle designs.
“Over the last few years, Verge Motorcycles has paved the way for the future of motorcycles. Now, we are responding to the wishes of several manufacturers to gain access to our technology platform and components for use in their own vehicles. Verge Next is an ever-developing ecosystem that allows industry operators to improve the safety, driveability, and other key characteristics of their products. We have discussed potential partnerships with several manufacturers, and with Verge Next, we are able to establish new B2B arrangements even better than before”, said Verge Motorcycles CEO Tuomo Lehtimäki.
Zero ‘Go Electric’ campaign extended
THE WEATHER’S BEEN MUCH better this spring, and firms like Zero Motorcycles are hoping for an upturn in sales. The American electric bike maker is helping things along with an extension to its Go Electric promotional deal, which gives big discounts on its bikes. There’s up to £5000 off selected models, and the firm has now added 2024 model year bikes to the discounted list, too. The discounts will now run until 30 June.
“We have seen great success with the current Go Electric campaign, and we’re really excited that we’re able to extend it. This is the perfect time to make the switch to electric, and the Go Electric campaign will make that even easier,” said Dale Robinson, UK country manager at Zero Motorcycles. “We know riders are eager to embrace the future of motorcycling, and by extending ‘Go Electric,’ we’re making it simpler than ever. It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced biker or brand new to two wheels; there’s never been a better moment to experience the power, efficiency, and pure thrill of a Zero Motorcycle. We’ve listened to the demand for lower prices in the EV market, and we’re thrilled to be making it easier than ever to own a Zero.”
2022 MODELS
• DS & DSR: £5000 off
• S, SR, SR/F & SR/S: £5000 off
• FX, FXE, FXS: £2500 off
2023 MODELS
• DS, DSR & DSR/X: £4200 off
• S, SR, SR/F & SR/S: £4200 off
• FX & FXE: £2500 off
2024 MODELS
• DS, DSR & DSR/X: £3300 off
• S, SR, SR/F & SR/S: £3300 off
• FX & FXE: £2500 off
Registrations data
Alternative powered two wheeler registrations for March 2025
MCIA chief executive Tony Campbell might have been bigging up prospects for seasonal recovery after a thoroughly lacklustre new-plate registrations month in March. But he kept remarkably quiet about a typically lamentable batteryelectric contribution. Pure sparky volume slumped by 5.7% to a mere 349 units, plus there were an extra 37 hybrid machines that don’t get added to the electric power band table. This gave a market share of just 2.7%.
Year-on-year headcount in the up-to-4kW electric moped sector fell by 53.5% to 87 units. Ten of these were Valtinsu CP-3 threewheeled scooter products from China, claiming best-seller status. The 125cc-equivalent 4kW-11kW sector did better,
more
to
rising by 55.3% to 250 units. A 52-strong fleet of Italian-made Askoll eSpro 70 scooters led the field, followed by 39 Sur-Ron Ultra Bee HP trail bikes in runner-up spot.
Beyond that, only gestural numbers could be found. The 11kW-35kW range was 37.5% down to five machines, four of which were 15kW BMW CE 04 maxiscooters.
than magazines!
Over-35kW electric motorcycles were entirely absent. The “exempt” category was 66.7% down to three 2.5kW Electric Motion Epure Factor-e products. Four unidentified items topped out the pile.
During the first quarter of 2025, UK battery-electric registrations have declined by 16.3% to 648 units. Market share stands at 3.1%.
You’re
likely
see an Askoll eSpro 70 with a pizza in the top-box rather
Rieju on Race Pace
RIEJU CLAIMS ITS NEW MR PRO 300i features the most advanced engine in its category: a 300cc, two-stroke, single-cylinder engine with electronic injection developed in Spain.
Reiju says its innovative engine “enhances performance, offering precise power delivery through the TFI (Throttle Body Fuel Injection) system”. It is fitted with twin Bosch injectors, providing lower fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions, while maintaining the immediate throttle response of carburettors.
The MR PRO includes three riding modes – Race, Forest and Wet – to optimise performance for different terrains and ground conditions, and a counterrotating balance shaft is fitted to reduce vibration for increased stability on challenging terrain. A diaphragm clutch has replaced the traditional coil spring system of the previous version, to improve gear transitions for smoother riding, and an electronic exhaust valve automatically adjusts for consistent performance.
The MR300i MY26 is available in two versions, Pro and Racing, with pricing yet to be announced.
Off-road news
With off-road correspondent Rick Kemp
Ducati launches MX Experience
Ducati is set to launch its MX Experience in July at four iconic UK locations, offering expert instruction and premium hospitality. The Italian brand says the highlight of the experience for customers will be riding its Desmo450 MX.
The venues include Golding Barn in West Sussex, Hobs Hole MX in the Midlands, Pond Lane MX in Hampshire, and Fatcat Motopark in Doncaster. Experience days can be booked on the Ducati MX Experience website (ducatimxexperience.co.uk), with a full day priced at £220. The sessions are open to riders aged 17 and older, regardless of skill level. No motorcycle license is required, but participants must have prior motorcycle experience.
Tuition will be led by chief instructor Barry Johnson, a former top British and international motocross rider and a highly skilled ACU-qualified instructor with more than 29 years’ experience. Johnson and his dedicated team will tailor instruction to meet the needs of each rider, whether they are complete novices or experienced riders looking to refine their motocross techniques or push their limits.
“We are super excited to bring the Ducati MX Experience to the UK,” said Johnson. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to collaborate with
such a prestigious brand that has big ambitions in motocross. The Desmo450 MX bikes are incredible, and with our venues, instructors, and support services, we can guarantee an exceptional experience for our guests.”
The Desmo450 MX marks Ducati’s entry into motocross, featuring a single-cylinder 449.6cc engine with desmodromic valve train, delivering 63.5hp at 9400rpm and 53.5Nm of torque at 7500rpm. With 70% of the torque available at 4200rpm and a limiter intervention set at 11,900rpm, Ducati claims it sets a new standard for the category.
The bike’s lightweight aluminium frame has only 11 pieces and features minimal welding, while the suspension includes 49mm fully adjustable Showa forks with 310mm of travel at the front and a fully adjustable monoshock providing 301mm of travel at the rear. The Brembo braking system features Galfer discs front and rear.
Electronics include a Ducati Traction Control (DTC) system for monitoring rear wheel slippage, launch control, engine brake control, and two riding modes customizable via the X-Link app. A quickshifter enhances gearbox performance.
The Desmo450 MX is set to hit selected European dealerships in June.
Ace ATV and ATVs Only merge
ATV and quad aftermarket parts supplier ATVs Only, has merged with Ace ATV. ATVs Only distributed both nationally and internationally and was the only dedicated importer and distributor specialising in parts and accessories for the sports ATV industry. The company has become a division of Ace ATV, the specialist ATV supplier based in the West Midlands, with more than 100 years of combined experience in the agricultural machinery trade. Ace managing director Murray Boss was the founder of Ace ATV before he moved on to start ATVs Only (previously R&P ATV) with Peter Rumsey in 2005. Following the merger, the ATVs Only business will be rebranded as Ace ATV, but with the same staff, premises and contact details as before.
“ATVs Only has built a reputation over 35 years as the leading aftermarket parts supplier,” says Murray. “The people and staff are totally committed to the ATV
industry. We will expand the business from its solid base by introducing more utility products and manufacturers’ OE parts for ATVs and UTVs to create a one-stop parts depot.”
Originally trade only, ATVs Only expanded into retail sales while maintaining supplies to dealers, with a separate portal for ordering trade parts. “We have been in talks with many of the world’s leading manufacturers,” Murray says. “Ace ATV is already official dealer for Yamaha, Kawasaki, Kymco, Corvus, CanAm and Logic, with 18 years of Polaris experience and a vast stock of spare parts for repairs and servicing. Bringing the two sides together, the expansion will harmonise the stock with far more items, including OE parts held in the UK, for fast and efficient delivery, usually arriving within one to two working days.”
TRIUMPH HAS LAUNCHED ITS TF 250-E AND TF 450-E MODELS FOR 2026, designed with five-time World Champion Iván Cervantes and four-time World Enduro Champion Paul Edmondson. The bikes feature 250cc and 450cc powertrains, and Triumph chief product officer Steve Sargent says both models boast premium components, a new chassis, and modern off-road technology, including integrated LED lighting. Effort has been put into creating a rider-focused ergonomics package, and styling includes Triumph Performance Yellow graphics.
The TF 450-E is designed for high-speed enduro racing, with an emphasis on low-end torque for tackling hills and diverse terrains, and Triumph claims the 250cc engine is the most powerful in its class, saying it offers responsive power suited to technical trails.
Both models include handlebar-mounted controls and a digital screen that shows real-time data. They are fully road-legal, but can also be adapted for competition use where allowed. Prices start at £9795 for the TF 250-E and £10,395 for the TF 450-E, and they will be in showrooms from this month.
Acerbis extends ISDE support A
cerbis has announced its continued role as the main partner for the FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE), extending through to the 2026 edition in Bergamo, Italy.
This year’s 99th edition of the ISDE, running from 24-29 August, will feature Acerbis as the official producer of racewear, details of which will be revealed soon.
Guido Acerbis, CEO of Acerbis Italia, said: “We are immensely proud to be the main partner and official racewear partner. This event is a significant challenge for riders and a celebration of our passion for off-road racing.”
Motorex partners World Enduro Championship
SWISS HIGH-PERFORMANCE LUBRICANT company Motorex has plenty of form when it comes to competition sponsorship, partnering with Enduro Championship-winning teams including KTM Factory Racing, GasGas Factory Racing, TM Moto Boano and Sherco Factory Racing.
For 2025, Motorex will be supporting all seven rounds of the FIM EnduroGP World Championship, including the GP of Wales at Rhayader on 1-3 August, which will also include the Welsh round of the 2025 Expotrade FIM Women’s Enduro World Championship.
Grassroots support
MX-style electric bike brand RFN is backing grassroots electric dirt-bike racing through a partnership with EXGB and the Electric X Race events.
EXGB has been hosting accessible electric race events for kids aged 4 to 8, including the Electric Dirt Bike Festival at Greenfield Dirt Track. To further promote off-road racing, it introduced the affordable E1 class, suited for low-powered machines such as the RFN Warrior range. RFN will also serve as the title sponsor for the E1 class.
Julie Coyne of EXGB said, “We are excited to work with RFN to introduce new riders to dirt bike racing. The Warrior range offers families a budget-friendly way to race while building confidence.”
RFN is expanding its range, with four new Warrior race models and a new adult motocross and enduro machine set to launch this year.
Billy’s Motorcycles is three times bigger than when it started six years ago, despite some big local opposition. Rick Kemp finds out why
Billy’s Motorcycles is living proof that you can turn a passion into a business – with a little luck. Two old friends, Charlie Sheppard and Ashley Brunt, grew up together and were enthusiastic about motorcycles but then went their separate ways when it came to work.
Ashley stuck with bikes as they were in the blood, his father raced them. His first bike was a Suzuki 50, which he rode around the fields. From there, he progressed to many bike-related sports, including motocross, track days and trials. He left school at 15 and went straight into an apprenticeship at Fins Motorcycles at Redhill in Surrey, where he got all his relevant qualifications. Fifteen years on, he thought it was time to start his own business, and his old mate Charlie seemed
In the traditional manner, the business began by buying and selling bikes from a shed. Charlie’s business background had been sales in the IT industry, where he was self-employed, so you could say that their skills were complementary. Why
The business got off the ground just prior to the Covid lockdown, which, according to Sheppard, wasn’t as bad for them as it sounds. “We took the plunge and built a presence on Facebook with existing local motorcycle groups, telling
We were selling used bikes and offering workshop repairs, and pretty soon, we were fitting tyres and doing services – and that’s how the ball started rolling
Charlie Sheppard, Billy’s Motorcycles
‘Billy’s’, you may wonder? Well, they were both living in Billingshurst, West Sussex, which the locals apparently refer to as ‘Billy’. Billy’s Motorcycles is actually located nearer to the adjacent town of Pulborough, but that’s a minor point.
potential customers, ‘Hi we’re Billy’s Motorcycles, pop down for a chat and see what we’re all about.’ Bikers like to see new garages opening, so people started to check us out. We were selling used bikes and offering workshop repairs, and pretty soon, we were fitting tyres and doing services – and that’s how the ball started rolling.
“Then Covid hit. It actually worked out quite well because we’d got everything sorted before lockdown, so we just cracked on, and got through it, which was great. Funnily enough, they were quite good times because you’d have three or four bikes booked in, the bikes would be left outside, you’d do the work, the owners paid you by bank transfer and off they’d go – and we could go home again!”
Company founders Ashley Brunt (left) and Charlie Sheppard
Sheppard and Brunt are very pleased with both the location and the leasing arrangement of their business. It has trebled in size without having to move in the six years it’s been going, and being set back off the main A29 means that it reduces the time-wasters, such as people who want their wheelbarrow tyres mended…
As far as the general business levels for Billy’s are concerned, Sheppard says that years 2021/22 were pretty full on, and then it slowed. The last six months of 2024 was when businesses started going bust. This is reflected across the board, but as Billy’s sells used motorcycles and offers a full range of workshop facilities, it doesn’t have franchise commitments to worry about and can be much more flexible. Having said that, it has just taken on Zontes and Peugeot from Clements Moto so that they can now supply 50cc scooters and 125cc motorcycles to customers.
“With new and used bikes, you can sell them all around the country, if the price is right, but it’s the service side we put a lot of effort into because this is for our local customers. When we first set up, we decided that everyone within a small radius had to come to us. Also, many bikers in the area are personal friends, but all customers are treated in the same way.”
Tyres and MOTs contribute a fair bit to the weekly turnover. A longstanding dealer in nearby Crawley has changed hands, and Billy’s has managed to attract some of its customers. Events help retain customer loyalty, and Billy’s has track days at Brands Hatch and a few ride-outs. A bike school is also on the cards, another successful method of attracting customers. Billy’s also offers bike safety sessions so that owners can check
basic settings, adjustments and wear rates between MOTs.
The way business is at the moment, real money only comes in for six months of the
Events help retain customer loyalty, and Billy’s has track days at Brands Hatch and a few ride-outs. A bike school is also on the cards, another successful method of attracting customers
They, amongst others, all seem to have millions to spend. However, we are real bikers, trying to do good in this industry and pay our overheads at the same time.
year, so indirect customer attraction becomes more important.
“We don’t have a big pot of money like the Superbike Factory, the new Crawley site 25 minutes down the road.
“We went from renting Unit 1 in 2019 to occupying Unit 2 in 2022 and now Unit 3 in 2025. We don’t know what 2025 will bring – Superbike Factory will add a new dynamic; Destination Triumph Washington has recently downsized, and is only operating in a small way. This will affect our service department, as we hope to take on more Triumph customers, and potentially P&H customers too, if they don’t want to support Superbike Factory.”
Sheppard has a good point here. Harley-Davidson, Ducati, Triumph, and KTM are having to reassess their respective markets, all of which may benefit Billy’s more traditional approach to customer service.
Billy’s Motorcycles
Unit 1, Stane Farm, Stane Street, Codmore Hill, Pulborough, West Sussex, RH20 1BL 01798 368090
sales@billysmotorcycles.co.uk
www.billysmotorcycles.co.uk
MATTERS MARKETING Expert
advice to improve how you promote and sell productsyour servicesor
WHY ARE MY SALES DOWN?
We’ve all been there. After several busy months, when everything seems to be going in the right direction, suddenly, it grinds to a juddering halt. Sales are few and far between, customers have deserted you, and staff are demotivated. It’s like someone turned the taps off.
All too often, when under pressure, people make knee-jerk reactions. Discounting and other special offers are typical responses, along with new advertising campaigns and increased promotional activity (e.g. events). All of these have costs attached, either in time, money or lost profit, so before making any hasty decisions, pause to ask yourself why your turnover has decreased.
Your first port of call is to compare the figures with the previous year’s. Is this cyclical? Motorcycling is, in the main, a seasonal leisure activity, so we expect the cold winter months to be slower than spring to autumn. Similarly, August can be
quiet because customers tend to be on holiday.
Other external factors have a similar effect. The riding season usually gets going in the spring, but it has been known to snow in April. Some research shows that major sporting events also
All too often, when under pressure, people make kneejerk reactions
have a negative impact on retail sales because many people stay at home to watch them.
Is it the weather? Is it the economy or could it be a competitor doing a better job? Whatever the problem, don’t make hasty decisions – do some homework first
a mood that people have less disposable income and need to be more careful with their spending.
It could be that your drop in sales is self-inflicted. Have a spate of deals recently ended? Perhaps you encouraged customers to buy before new prices came into effect, causing a peak followed by a trough in sales. Check your reviews. Is there an issue with your customer service that you weren’t aware of? Or something else that’s changed and is deterring customers, such as new problems with parking, a website glitch, etc.
Economic uncertainty is a hot topic at the moment and that’s something that really reduces the public’s appetite to spend money. The cost-ofliving crisis feeds into this mood. While it might not affect the typical motorcycle owner, who is likely to be relatively financially comfortable, it creates
Finally, look at what your main competitors are doing. Are they offering something that you aren’t? Can you match it or offer an alternative? Maybe you can’t beat them on price, but can you deliver the goods much faster?
Whenever sales are down, it’s always worth spending a little time finding out what’s causing the problem, and the solution should then become obvious.
NEXT MONTH
We ask who your competitors really are –maybe not the ones you think.
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The Business
The latest news and views in the world of business
Get ready for Making Tax Digital
The difference between how much tax should be paid and how much is actually collected is called the tax gap. A 2024 report[1] estimated it at almost £40bn.
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD) is part of the government’s strategy to reduce the gap. It introduces requirements for businesses to keep digital records and submit information to HMRC closer to real-time.
WHO MTD WILL AFFECT
According to David Wright, a technical officer at the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT), MTD applies to unincorporated businesses – sole traders, the self-employed and landlords and will be introduced in phases.
Wright explains that the date from which a taxpayer might have to join MTD will depend on their combined level of income from trading and property, before expenses. HMRC calls this “qualifying income”.
Wright says that “from April 2026, taxpayers with qualifying income of more than £50,000 will need to comply with MTD. From April 2027, that will drop to an income of over £30,000. While we’re only referring to businesses here, if the owner is also a landlord, they will need to look at their total income (before expenses) from both sources.”
Wright gives an example – someone who is self-employed and whose business has an annual turnover of £48,000 will have to comply with MTD from April 2027. He notes that if they also have a rental property generating gross rent of £15,000 per year, “both sources of business income would need to be combined, meaning they would be in scope of MTD from April 2026 as the combined qualifying income is more than £50,000.”
Tax will still be due by 31 January after the end of the tax year. And the due dates for paying tax won’t change.
A new tax regime from 2026 will significantly change how the self-employed report their income
THOSE NOT AFFECTED
For now, Wright says that taxpayers with qualifying income less than £30,000 can continue without change, but “the government plans to extend MTD to those with qualifying income of more than £20,000 at some point during the current parliament.”
The intention is to also extend MTD to cover partnerships and limited companies at some point.
WHAT MTD WILL INVOLVE
Wright explains that MTD has three key components: digital records, quarterly updates, and a year-end declaration.
Under digital records, Wright says that taxpayers will have to use software to keep digital records of the amount, category and date of income and expenses relating to their business.
Then there are quarterly updates where, “a summary will have to be submitted to HMRC of the income and expenses of the business every quarter, based on the digital records kept.”
He continues: “The quarterly updates won’t be as detailed as the annual tax return, but a separate quarterly update will be needed for each trade or property business.” He warns here that if a person
also rents out a property, they will have eight quarterly submissions to make each year.
Next comes the year-end declaration. As Wright details, after the fourth quarterly update has been submitted, the taxpayer will need to file a digital tax return. He says that it’s similar to the current Self-Assessment return and “will pre-populate income and expenses from the quarterly updates already filed; the entries will need to be adjusted for accounting and tax purposes.”
He adds that any non-business income sources – bank interest, salaries or pensions – will need to be reported, too, while also claiming relevant tax reliefs.
Lastly are digital links. “This,” as Wright says, means that “all transfers of data will have to be sent digitally. This includes submitting quarterly updates, making any corrections, and filing the year-end declaration.” It also includes transfers of business records, for instance, between the taxpayer and their bookkeeper or accountant.
GET READY FOR THE CHANGE
The exact date from which taxpayers have to comply with MTD will depend on the qualifying income reported on their
Essen tials
with Adam Bernstein www.abfeatures.com
most recent tax return.
For instance, tax returns for the year ended 5 April 2025 will be due for submission by 31 January 2026. If that tax return reports gross qualifying income of more than £50,000, that individual will have to join MTD from April 2026.
Here Wright warns “if business owners don’t plan in advance, they could only have two months to prepare for MTD after filing their 2024/25 tax return.”
And if someone has set up in business since April 2024, Wright says that they’ll need to scale their income: “Take a business that started on 1 January 2025 and has earned gross income of £10,000 per month. The 2024/25 tax return will show £30,000 of income, which is below the MTD threshold for April 2026. But they’ll need to adjust that to estimate a full year’s worth of income –£120,000.” Therefore they’ll need to comply with MTD from April 2026.
businesses, a spreadsheet will help. ‘Bridging software’ is already available to feed the data from spreadsheets into other software products which can support MTD filing obligations. HMRC’s software choices webpage shows what compatible software is available[3].
Even so, the demands of record keeping and administration will increase for the majority of businesses affected by MTD. This is why Wright reckons that “those who don’t already have an adviser may find it worthwhile seeking recommendations and finding qualified professionals who can support the business with MTD.”
Whether taxpayers like it or not, change is coming
Finally, while HMRC will be writing to taxpayers it believes needs to comply with MTD, anyone in scope of MTD will need to register; HMRC won’t do it automatically.
SUMMARY
Helpfully though, HMRC has an online tool which may help to check when to start using MTD[2]
Another issue for Wright is recordkeeping. Here, he says, “If a taxpayer keeps paper receipts and tends to work out the accounts and tax position after the end of the year, they’ll need to start using software and keep records on a timelier basis.”
For small, straightforward
Whether taxpayers like it or not, change is coming. It makes sense, therefore, to seek advice sooner rather than later on how to comply.
HMRC’s guidance about MTD – Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is available on GOV.UK, along with Benefits of Making Tax Digital. And the Association of Tax Technicians has published a Frequently Asked Questions page with further information about MTD[4]
EUROGRIP IS A RELATIVELY NEW TYRE brand to the UK, but it is a major player in its home country of India, where it makes more than three million tyres per month. Its latest offerings are the Trailhound SCR and Trailhound STR, two adventure tyres designed to be suitable for both road and light off-road use. The SCR is the more trail-biased design of the pair, advertising itself as a 20/80 dirt/road tyre offering radial construction and an open tread pattern for improved water dispersal and better traction on loose surfaces. It comes in scrambler and café-racer friendly 17in and 18in rear sizes, plus 17in, 18in and 19in front sizes.
Muc-Off It Blows! 4
WHEN YOU wash a bike it’s important that it dries quickly to avoid streaks, and without water lingering in hard-to-see spots encouraging the creep of corrosion. To counter this issue, Muc-Off has developed the It Blows! precision air blaster, which can be used to direct a high-flow air jet to drive water out of the dampest crevice. It’s made from CNC machined aluminium and is powered by a USB-C rechargeable battery and an 80W motor that turns the fan at up to 100,00rpm. There are four speed settings and the run time is up to 1.5 hours. SRP is £120.
Muc-Off; 01202 307799; sales@muc-off.com
The STR leans more towards road use, featuring quad-compound technology on the rear tyre to improve longevity and a high-silica compound for better grip in the wet. The STR comes in 17in and 18in rear sizes and 19in and 21in fronts, suitable for a wide range of adventure-style machinery.
Prices for the Trailhound SCR start from £62.53, with STR prices from £78.61. Micheldever; 01962 388 258; www.micheldever.co.uk
Givi 80.1
THE NEW 80.1 HELMET FROM GIVI IS AIMED at adventure and dual-sport bikers who like to combine a bit of trail with their on-road rides. The full-face shell comes in a choice of 3K carbon (which has 3000 filaments per bundle) or fibreglass and is fitted with a detachable peak. There’s a Pinlock-ready visor and a drop-down sun visor, and the inside is lined with hypo-allergenic material. The carbon version only comes in gloss finish, whereas the fibreglass version has a choice of graphics in four colours. Pricing is yet to be confirmed. Givi UK; 01327 706220; info@givi.co.uk
RST Spectre Air
Tested by Colin Williams
THE UK, DUE TO ITS GEOGRAPHIC POSITION at the easternmost end of the Gulf Stream as well as being the first substantial lump of terra firma to slow the Atlantic’s prevailing winds, gets its fair share of what could politely be called mixed weather. The design of motorcycle clothing reflects this – with the lion’s share aimed at keeping the elements out and the warmth in. However, for a few days each summer – maybe a few weeks if we get lucky – the UK gets bathed in a seasonal heatwave. Cue riders across the land complaining about being a boil-in-the-bag biker, or worse, abandoning proper armoured gear and choosing shorts and T-shirts for their outings.
showing at least 20 pootling through town, it really comes into its own, making it comfortable to sit at traffic lights even in the blazing sun.
Tried Tested&
It is these scorching summer days that the RST Spectre Air jacket has been designed to tackle, providing riders with the option of huge amounts of ventilation to keep the sweat at bay, while still offering a decent level of protection.
The Spectre is made from Maxtex-S fabric, which is lightweight and has a slight stretch to it, with a fixed mesh lining which helps with comfort and manoeuvrability on the bike. Mesh panels have been put pretty much everywhere possible, covering the chest, torso, back, and inner arms. This results in a huge rush of air at anything above walking pace. At city speeds it is comfortable at moderately warm temperatures, but for longer journeys at A-road speeds there need to be more tropical temperatures. For my 20 minute A-road commute, the mercury had to be
In order to keep the ventilation working as efficiently as possible the Spectre is fairly light on features: there is adjustment for fit on the waist band and upper arms; a pair of small zipped hand warmer pockets and two interior pockets provide some storage; and the neoprene-lined collar has a single press stud closure. The fit was good across the chest and shoulders, but I found the length to be a little short, with the bottom hem barely meeting my riding jeans’ waistband. This was less of an issue while riding, but limits off-bike use.
Protection is also kept light. The Spectre Air is A-rated, and has CE level 1 Powertector armour fitted at the shoulders and elbows, with a pocket provided to take an optional back protector. Overall, it’s a niche product, and it fulfils its brief very well, being well ventilated and keeping riders cool on even the hottest rides. Its UK use is probably limited, but then it is cheap enough to have in the wardrobe as a second jacket for those balmy days of summer, and it’s ideal for a continental tour. If it was a little longer it would be perfect, but as it is I wouldn’t wear it off the bike as too much midriff is on show
It comes in a choice of four colours: black, silver, olive, and a rather natty petrol blue, in sizes 40-50in for an SRP of £109.99. MotoDirect; 01773 864420; sales@moto-direct.com
NEW CORROSION CONTROL
Designed to protect your bike from existing and new corrosion. This product is easy to apply, and once used it forms a thin film that creates a protective barrier against corrosion.
OC211 - 500ML / OC223 - 750ML
SHORT CUTS
BIKE IT BOTTLE HOLSTER
IT’S IMPORTANT TO STAY HYDRATED ON A long ride – dehydration can lead to fatigue and increased reaction times. Bike It’s new Premium Universal Holster attaches to handlebars, or any other handy location, with an 360o adjustable clamp. It will securely hold bottles from 2 to 3.5in diameter, including standard cycle bidons. SRP is £17.49.
Bike It; 02380 658700; tradesales@bikeit.co.uk
GBRACING BMW PROTECTION
MORE NEW ENGINE GUARDS FROM GBRacing. This time for BMW’s updated M1000 R, M1000 RR and M1000 XR models. Alterations to the bike’s water outlet and alternator mounting meant a redesign was required, so there is a new alternator cover for £86.38 and a new water outlet cover for £67.42. The clutch and pulse covers remain the same and fit all post-2019 models. GBRacing; 020 8275 2630; enquiries@gbracing.eu
Makita pressure washer 5
TOOL FIRM MAKITA HAS LAUNCHED A NEW portable jet wash, said to be ideal for cleaning a bike wherever power and water are in short supply. It’s powered by an 18V Li-ion battery which can be swapped between a wide range of Makita power tools. A 5.0Ah battery will give a run time of up to 82 minutes.
Makita says that the DHW180 LXT is suitable for a wide range of cleaning jobs, with a lance providing five different spray modes and two power modes for pressure of up to 24 bar. It weighs just 2.2kg without battery, making it easily portable, and water can be provided either by a hose to the mains, a pipe into a bucket, or a water bottle that connects to the unit.
It comes with the five-in-one lance, and an angled brush for an SRP of £139.99. A battery and charger are extra, as are the optional foam nozzle and wheel-cleaning brush.
Makita UK; www.makitauk.com
VENHILL FOR TRIUMPH
VENHILL HAS ADDED 14 NEW TWIN ACTION throttle cable kits, covering Triumph models from 1999-2000 including Street Triple, Tiger, Bonneville and Sprint. Each of the cables is a straight swap for the OE part, but should provide a smoother action and better durability. All kits have an SRP of £35.29.
WITH MODERN BIKES comes an increasing reliance on tech solutions, and that means even more tech is needed in the workshop to diagnose and cure faults and issues. Texa’s new Navigator TXB2 is an updated vehicle interface specifically for motorcycles, bringing faster processing and a USB-C socket for improved data downloads. To go with the new TXB2 there is a new software platform, IDC6, which will usurp the current IDC5 with AI functionality to create shortcuts and improve workflow, automatic vehicle scan, interactive wiring diagrams and guided diagnoses, plus regular updates for the latest makes and models. Prices start from £1925+VAT. Probike; 01604 660555; www.probike.co.uk
Scorpion for the Vespa GTS
THE UPDATED 2025 VESPA GTS310 HAS ONLY been around a few months but British exhaust manufacturer Scorpion has already adapted its Serkat exhaust to fit. The slip-on system comes in two finishes – brushed stainless steel or ceramic black – and includes a link pipe and required fittings. The exhaust comes with a lifetime warranty and has an SRP of £449 for the black, £409 for the stainless. VE (UK); 01159 462991; sales@ve-uk.com
R&G protects the Hornet 5
HONDA’S NEW CB1000 HORNET SEEMS TO BE the bike of the moment, flying out of dealerships thanks to keen pricing and snappy performance. That means there is an increasing number of owners wanting to keep their pride and joy in fine fettle, so R&G has adapted a selection of its protection products to fit the big naked. There are both Apex and Aero-style crash protector (£74.99 SRP), Apex fork protectors (£49.99 SRP), Apex swingarm protectors (£62.99), Pro radiator guards (£89.99) and a tail tidy (£109.99).
R&G has also added similar ranges for the Honda CBR600RR supersports and the latest version of BMW’s S1000 RR superbike to its already extensive catalogue.
R&G; 01420 89007; info@rg-racing.com
Malossi Force Master 5
IF YOU’RE TUNING A ITALJET DRAGSTER 300 FOR TOP performance, Malossi has updated its Force Master programmable ECU to make fine tuning easier. The Force Master 2.1 has improved K and CAN communication interfaces, a new user interface that claims to be more intuitive to use, and a capacitive ignition input to allow the engine to be pushed past its original rev limit. It can be combined with an O2 controller for even more comprehensive carburation control. Four different maps are available, covering various states of tune. SRP is £360. VE (UK); 01159 462991; sales@ve-uk.com
Acerbis Rider
A TOURING AND ADVENTURE HELMET FROM OFF-ROAD specialist Acerbis, the new Rider is a flip-up style lid with homologation in both the open and closed configurations, giving extra versatility. The outer shell is thermoplastic, with a removable peak, and three different sizes of inner shell are used to give improved fit. Inside, the hypo-allergenic liner is removable and washable. Space has also been provided within the liner to accommodate intercom earphones of up to 45mm diameter. A drop-down sun visor is provided, and the regular visor is Pinlockready. The Rider comes in a range of plain colours for £119.99 SRP or in graphics for £129.99. Acerbis; 01582 491076; ukinfo@acerbis.co.uk
Forza Kappa!
IF YOU NEED luggage for Honda’s 2025 Forza 750 big-capacity supercommuter scooter, then Italian brand Kappa can now provide it. The Forza’s 58hp twincylinder motor means it is capable of long trips and touring, as well as commuting, so carrying capacity is a must. Kappa has designed a trio of new model-specific mounting racks which in turn allow the fitment of a K4900 top case and a pair of K33 side cases to provide a total of 115 litres of storage space, plenty for a weekend or more. The cases are made from 30% recycled material for some eco credentials, and are water resistant and have been designed to not require painting to match the bike. Hoco Parts UK; 01484 641073; info@hocoparts.co.uk
Duchinni Speed Racer 5
YOU CAN KEEP YOUNGER PILLIONS SAFE AND SOUND WITH Duchinni’s new junior-sized bomber jacket. Duchinni, which is now exclusively a kids’ motorcycle clothing brand, designed the AA-rated Speed Racer as a funky and stylish jacket that kids will want to wear. It’s got a waterproof 600D outer shell, and is fitted with a full five-piece CE-level 1 set of armour. Extendable arms, which can lengthen by up to 3cm, mean that the jacket will continue to fit after a growing spurt, and the elasticated cuffs and waistband help with draught-proofing. It also has a pair of handwarmer pockets, plus two internal pockets for essentials. It comes in five sizes suitable for ages 6 to 16, at a retail price of £119.99.
The Key Collection; 01179 719200; sales@thekeycollection.co.uk
CTEK Powersports charger
Tested by Colin Williams
I RECENTLY HAD THE CTEK CT5 Powersports battery charger in for testing (BDN Jan), and found it to be a competent charger for lead acid and Li-ion bike batteries. One feature that didn’t get tested at the time was recovering a battery from a ridiculously low voltage – but that has now changed! Due to a slight oversight in turning the ignition off after a ride, I found my battery had depleted to a paltry 2.6V. Fearing it was far beyond redemption I connected the CTEK more in hope than expectation, but was surprised to see it start a charging cycle. I left it for a couple of days, and was rewarded with a healthy 12.5V battery on my return. This means the £69.99 SRP of the charger was pretty much instantly saved by not having to replace the battery. Since then, the battery has performed faultlessly, and I’ve been more careful about switching the bike off properly!
Saxon Brands; 01488 689400; info@saxon-brands.com
Oxford Sofia jean 5
A SINGLE LAYER ARMOURLITE AA-RATED JEAN, THE NEW SOFIA IS SAID TO BE the biggest upgrade to Oxford’s denim range in more than five years. It’s made from a softer stretch denim for comfort, with ultra-slim and flexible CE level 2 Dynamic 2.0 armour at both knees and hips for impact protection and internal overlock stitching for seam strength. Styling is a traditional five-pocket design with riveted corners and reinforced belt loops, and a water-repellent coating has been applied to add some weather protection. The Sof ia comes in three colour options – mid blue, indigo and black – with sizes ranging from 8 up to 24. SRP is £149.99.
Oxford Products; 01993 862300; info@oxprod.com
Merlin helmets
BRITISH CLOTHING BRAND MERLIN HAS COMPLETED ITS TOP-TO-TOE CLOTHING PROJECT BY launching a new ECE 22.06 helmet range. The three new lids have been designed in collaboration with Italian studio Franzan Design, which has a long history of working with numerous major European motorcycling brands. Each of the new lids has been integrated into Merlin’s three clothing collections: the Blackbird Vintage jet helmet joins the Heritage collection; the Revival Vintage full-face slots into the Explorer range; and the Torres Adventure fits in to the Leisure Moto collection.
All three models feature fibreglass shell construction, removable and washable liner and double D-ring fastening. The Blackbird Vintage is compatible with goggles, has a leather and Amara liner, and the two pricier options add press studs for fitting a peak or visor. It comes in Naked spec for £99.99, with the Matt Black at £119.99 and the graphic Racer version is £139.99.
The Revival Vintage full-face has a clear Opticlear anti-fog dual layer visor as standard, with optional tinted versions also available. Prices start from £199.99 for the matt black versions, rising to £249.99 for the most complex graphic.
The Torres Adventure has a more modern aesthetic than the Vintage pair, with the big peak, dropdown sun visor and extensive venting you’d expect of an adventure lid. It’s also the most tech-savvy of the trio, with a Pinlock 70 MaxVision included in the box, sunglasses slots moulded into the liner and recesses for Bluetooth intercom earphones. Prices are £259.99 for the gloss black, with the other colour/graphic options all £279.99 SRP. Merlin; 01543 270299; info@merlinbikegear.com
Blackbird Vintage
Torres Adventure
Revival Vintage
Toolbox mounting kit
TOURATECH HAS DESIGNED A NEW MOUNTING KIT TO attach its Toolbox to a BMW R1300 GS. Negating the requirement for a rack to bolt the Toolbox to, the new bracket is laser-cut from 3mm stainless steel and allows the toolbox to be fitted on either side of the bike without impinging on pillion access or comfort.
The toolbox is a 4.2-litre splash-proof stainless steel and plastic box that can be used for tools (obviously) or anything else wanted close at hand. The new mounting kit has an SRP of £50.76 for either left or right hand side, and the toolbox is £127.03 SRP. Touratech United Kingdom; 0208 089 9692 info@touratech-uk.co.uk
SW-Motech top case 5
WHEN CARGO SPACE IS THE PRIORITY, THEN SW-MOTECH’S 55-litre DUSC-XL comes into its own. It’s capacious enough to hold two full-face helmets with ease, yet it’s been designed to be relatively narrow to make filtering easier. It is made with an aluminium frame encased in a thermoformed 3mm ABS shell which can bounce back into shape after a knock, whether from a rocky outcrop or a wing mirror. The DUSC-XL is waterproof and has various lashing points and carrying handles to add extra versatility. It can be upgraded with optional backrest, lid net, organising hooks and a locking mechanism. It fits to SWMotech’s Adventure or Street Rack systems and has an SRP of £345.99. SW-Motech; 01256 704909; info@motohaus.com
Classic street range remains available, for further information please contact your preferred tyre distributor
BMW protection 5
THE COST OF REPLACING THE HEADLIGHT ON the BMW R1300 GS Adventure doesn’t bear thinking about, so coming to the rescue is German accessory maker Wunderlich, which has developed two options to protect the big BMW’s LED and Matrix LED headlamps from stones, debris and impacts. The protection consists of a black-finish stainless steel frame that follows the headlamp’s contours, with a choice of either a black powder-coated mesh grille that fits inside, or a clear 3mm thick acrylic shield. Both are easily removable for cleaning, using a vibrationreducing Snaploc quick release fastener. SRP for either model is €119.90. Wunderlich; +49 2641 3082-703; sales@wunderlich.de
Pyramid’s plastics
Morbidelli T1002V and T1002VX
THE MORBIDELLI NAME HAS A GRAND HERITAGE IN ITALIAN-BUILT RACING motorcycles, with championship-winning machines going back to the 1960s. The name has now been revived after being acquired last year by Chinese manufacturer Keeway, and is adorning the flanks of a pair of new adventure style machines – the T1002V and the T1002VX. They differ only in terms of wheels: the T1002V has 19in front and 17in rear cast alloy rims, while the VX sports tubeless spoked items in the same sizes. Both V and VX are powered by a 997cc V-twin pumping out 89hp fitted into a chassis with KYB suspension, J.Juan brakes and Bosch cornering ABS. Tech features haven’t been forgotten, with TFT dash, 12v and USB-C charging ports, LED lighting all round and four riding modes to adjust throttle response, traction control and braking. Spec is kept high, with heated grips, heated seat, hand guards, alloy belly pan, crash bars and even cruise control all fitted as standard. They come in a choice of silver/black or silver/white paintwork for an SRP of £7999 for the T1002V and £8199 for the T1002VX. To complete the adventure look, a complete set of aluminium quick-release luggage can be added to either bike for £499. MotoGB; 0844 412 8450; sales@motogb.co.uk
PYRAMID’S DESIGNERS HAVE BEEN BUSY ADAPTING ITS PRODUCTS TO SUIT this year’s new models. Keeping the front end of Honda’s hit CB1000 Hornet clean and tidy is a 145mm-long Extenda Fenda, which comes with plastic rivets and sticky pads for a choice of fitting techniques for an SRP of £24.99. Also added to the catalogue are infill panels for the BMW R1300 GS. These close off the side openings near the passenger footrests and help protect the bike from debris and spray. They’re made from textured matt black aluminium to match with the rest of the bike, and fit using existing mounting points so require no drilling. SRP is £59.99 per pair.
BIKETEK’S NEW FIVE SERIES WHEEL CHOCK IS a self-assembly chock suitable for bikes with wheel sizes from 17in to 21in. The integrated pivot clamp secures the bike using its own weight, and the whole thing can be bolted either to a workshop floor, or in the back of a van or trailer to make transportation easier. It’s made from powder coated steel in red, orange, blue or green and has an SRP of £54.99. Bike It; 02380 658700; tradesales@bikeit.co.uk
LS2’S LATEST LID IS A FULLcarbon model aimed at the sport touring rider looking for something lighter. Despite being full-featured, with a drop-down sun visor and provision for a comms system, the Dragon is ACU Gold approved so can be raced around a track as well as take on the morning commute. The 6K carbon shell (which comes in three sizes) helps the Dragon achieve a 1.3kg weight, and is lined with an antibacterial and hypoallergenic X-Static silver fabric. A Pinlock MaxVision anti-fog insert is included in the box to fit to the anti-scratch treated visor, which has a quick-release system to make swapping for one of the optional tinted or iridium visors quick and easy. The Dragon comes in matt carbon weave or gloss forged carbon for an SRP of £349.99, and in various graphics for £379.99. LS2 Helmets UK; 01670 856342; ukservice2@ls2helmets.com
Piaggio Liberty 4
AFTER BEING UNVEILED TO THE public for the first time at last year’s EICMA show, the updated Piaggio Liberty is finally ready to hit the streets. The 2025 Liberty has been treated to a total makeover, so it sports svelte new styling along with some tech upgrades to make it more appealing to younger scooterists – a 5in colour dash and LED headlamp. Otherwise it remains a lowcost lightweight town-friendly two wheeler, with the £2665 50cc version and the £2915 125cc each available in a choice of black or white, and the Liberty 125S in a choice of four colours with a few other styling adornments for £3015.
Piaggio Group; 00800 818 29800; www.piaggio.com
Oxford carbon
OXFORD’S DESIGNERS HAVE CREATED NEW CARBON accessories, ready to give the race-ready look to sportsbikes of all types. Carbon Aero Wings come in matt or gloss finishes and claim to increase downforce and stability when strategically placed on a bike’s fairing – although how accurately placed they have to be when fixed with the 3M VHB tape (plus an optional bolt fixing) for them to be effective isn’t mentioned. SRP is £149.99 per pair.
Also inspired by the track are Carbon Lever Guards, which prevent accidental application of the front brake. These also come in gloss or matt finishes, and fit using a bar-end expanding bolt that will work with most 22mm handlebars. SRP is £99.99.
Oxford Products; 01993 862300; info@oxprod.com
Akrapovič for the R9
YAMAHA’S R9 CAN NOW BE UPGRADED WITH A CHOICE OF ROAD-LEGAL AND race exhaust systems from Slovenian manufacturer Akrapovič. Both use cues taken from the design of Akra’s World Supersport systems, with a lightweight titanium silencer sleeve and a stainless steel link pipe, and headers. For the road-legal version there is a pre-silencer box, which is hidden away under the bike behind the lower fairing, and a built-in catalytic converter to make sure the bike still complies with Euro 5+ regulations. The road system gives an extra 3hp and 2.6Nm of torque without remapping; the race system will require a remap to release the extra horses. The road system is £1799 SRP, and the race system is £1052 SRP. Performance Parts; 01327 706139; enquiries@performanceparts-ltd.com
On the Money
Among many other works, which included his epic opus Paradise Lost on vice overcoming virtue, 17th-century English poet John Milton also composed a light-hearted poetic masque called Comus, which was first performed in front of a noble audience at Ludlow Castle in 1634. A signature verse within Comus proclaimed: “Was I deceived or did a sable cloud turn forth her silver lining on the night, and cast a gleam over this tufted grove?”
Many years passed, and this memory of Milton subsequently morphed into coining the now-immortal phrase “every cloud has a silver lining”, long before it could be applied to the fallibilities of US motorcycle manufacturer HarleyDavidson’s board of directors – and the relief that will be engendered by an imminent exit of one member in particular.
After five years in the saddle, Harley’s imported German chief executive, chairman and president Jochen Zeitz revealed in early April that he would retire from the business shortly, seeking freedom from his personal cloud. However, he volunteered to remain in command until a suitable successor had been recruited and appointed, to ensure an orderly leadership transition. The Harley board confirmed that it’s engaged in an ongoing search for a successor and admitted that, for this purpose, a leading executive recruitment firm had been retained some months earlier in the fourth quarter of 2024, to comply with succession planning responsibilities – so far without fruition of any silver lining.
From this we can deduce the potentially enforced departure of Zeitz has
probably been under consideration for some time and there are plenty of indicators that he had been pushed rather then choosing to jump. One of these was cheeky sabotage of the Jochen Zeitz Wikipedia page, claiming that he’d been fired in April of 2025 after massive sales declines following controversy over his promoting diversity, equity and inclusion, and other socalled “woke” socially liberal policies with which many traditional Harley customers disagreed.
after he’d expressed “grave concerns” about the current state of the company in a letter to the board.
Jared Dourdeville, the non-executive director in question who represented Harley’s second-largest institutional shareholder H Partners Management, had said in his letter that the company had experienced “cultural depletion” due to the departure of senior leaders and its remote working policies. He also called for the resignation of Jochen Zeitz and two other directors.
The potentially enforced departure of Zeitz has probably been under consideration for some time
This didn’t reflect the Harley board’s PR face, though, sticking to a conventional congratulatory goodbye for Zeitz. An effusive statement from his C-suite colleagues said: “The board is grateful for his many significant contributions to the company as chief executive officer. These contributions include, but are not limited to, the creation and successful execution of the company’s five-year strategic plan, reinvigorating the brand, and his leadership during one of the most challenging operating environments in the history of the company.”
But concealed behind such flannel, disgruntled Harley boardroom members have been at each other’s throats about that “challenging” environment. Just previously, Reuters news had reported the resignation of another HarleyDavidson director,
Fending off such criticism,
institutional action, 12.73 million shares amounting to a 10.29% stake. Big-league investors flexing muscle on such a scale are ignored by executive board members at their peril. Another dose of déja vu could in the offing. There’s a heavy degree of ironic history behind such machinations. Jochen Zeitz was originally invited to join Harley-Davidson’s board as a non-executive director way back in 2007, thanks to his stellar advisory reputation as a merciless turnaround specialist who had revived the Puma brand. During the 18year tenure of Zeitz heading up Puma, it became one of the world’s top-three sporting goods brands alongside Adidas and Nike, before he played a major role in selling it to French luxury goods and high-end fashion giant Kering
Market analysis with financial editor
Roger Willis
Matt Levatich. As a result, Zeitz became interim chief executive in February 2020, Levatich was quite brutally shown the door and Zeitz got the top job in May 2020. A rapacious quest to slash costs ensued. Like a lot of flabby US manufacturing corporations, Harley was replete with more time-serving “vice presidents” than assembly-line workers. But not for much longer. Hundreds of both varieties were promptly sacked as part of the afore-mentioned Zeitz strategic plan.
Recognition that it patently hasn’t delivered is now to the fore. Harley had been struggling unsuccessfully to attract a new generation of riders, as its post-war “baby-boomer” customer base aged out, long before Matt Levatich was purged and mercurial multi-millionaire
begun to raise its ugly head for what Zeitz insisted was “the world’s most desirable motorcycles”.
Repeated attempts to escape this trap have failed ignominiously. A starspangled lunge into ADV territory with the Pan America 1250 resulted in
of dollars into the fullon razzamatazz of a New York Stock Exchange float for Harley’s stand-alone LiveWire subsidiary in September 2022. Since then, this spin-off has consumed huge annual losses for sales of only a few hundred underwhelming electric bikes.
A star-spangled lunge into ADV territory with the Pan America 1250 resulted in a grossly lardbellied faux
dirtster
a grossly lard-bellied faux dirtster, notionally making Harley into a competitor for the likes of champion-class muddy maestros from BMW Motorrad, KTM, Honda, Yamaha, Triumph, Uncle Tom Cobley and all, proved to be laughable.
We also had to witness
And then there was the Zeitz daliance with recent LGBTQ+ exploration under the diversity, equity and inclusion banner – which almost certainly went a long way towards scuppering any extension of his boardroom tenure. Presumably evidence of the company being
encouraged to cater for dykes on bikes, gay cruisers and riders of undecided gender, blithely unaware that, for every pink Hog ridden out of sympathetic franchised Harley showrooms, some poor redneck simply died of humiliation.
So what will the postZeitz boardroom shakeup’s Miltonian silver lining look like? I’m assuming that, as soon as his successor has got a grip and his boots under the Milwaukee boss desk, nonHarleyesque misadventures such as the Pan America and the entire LiveWire electric effort should be consigned to oblivion. And as for the all that diversity nonsense, President Trump’s already made it a criminal offence.
Used bike data
HONDA KNOCKED OFF THE TOP SPOT
THE WEATHER IS MUCH improved, and recently we’ve seen loads more bikes on the road, along with an increased number of visits to the MCN website as riders search out their next steed.
It’s all change in our bikes for sale section, as a new trio at the top of the list of most-visited pages usurp the perennially
1. Suzuki GT750
2. Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX
3. Moto Guzzi V85 Strada
4. Honda NC750X
5. Honda GL1800 Gold Wing
6. Kawasaki Z900RS
7. Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade
8. Triumph Speed Twin 1200
9. BMW S1000 XR
10. Honda VFR800
popular Hondas (NC750X, Gold Wing and FireBlade). Suzuki’s GT750 (the Kettle) is now in top spot, followed by the Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX and the Moto Guzzi V85 Strada. It is surprising to see a Suzuki, launched more than 50 years ago, in such high demand, but the allure of the two-stroke triple is clearly attracting the interest of bikers.
The ‘Kettle’ was featured as Bike of the Week in March and garnered nearly 30,000 views. Despite dropping out of the top three, Honda still remains the most popular manufacturer taking 17% of views, but now has Triumph nipping at its heels.
Over in the bike reviews section, naked bikes account for 28% of sessions, with BMW’s
S1000 R the most popular. The CFMoto 675SR-R is the most popular sports bike, while the latest Triumph Tiger Sport 800 takes the adventure bike crown.
GARETH EVANS
Online editor, MCN
USED BIKE SALES CONTINUE UPWARDS
THE HEALTH OF THE USED motorcycle market saw a significant increase of 22% in March. While the overall market experienced a slight slowdown due to demand exceeding supply, it still recorded growth of more than 11%. According to sales data from Auto Trader Bikes, used machines are now
selling, on average, within 43 days.
Notably, nearly half of the models in the top 20 fastestselling bikes are 125s. Lexmoto’s sporty LXR 125 leads the chart, selling in an average of just 7.5 days. KTM’s RC 125 and Yamaha’s XSR125 secured second and third places, both
selling in less than two weeks. Interestingly, following the appearance of Honda’s CBR1100XX Super Blackbird in eighth place in the February statistics, Triumph’s 20052011 Sprint ST 1050 made a rare appearance in the top 10 in March. This suggests that second-hand buyers might still
be in search of capable, spacious and fast sports tourers on a budget.
EDDIE BAHN
Account director, Auto Trader Bikes
selling bikes on Auto Trader in March
UK registrations
Pre-registration hangover continues
NEW-PLATE BOOSTER SALES in March couldn’t escape from the flood of pre-registered Euro 5 legacy stock still languishing in dealerships. Total headcount for the month declined by 22.1% year-on-year to 13,086 units. Motorcycles and over-50cc scooters were 22% down to 12,628. Mopeds and trikes were respectively 23.2% and 28.6% in arrears, with numbers falling to 388 and 70. As usual, petrolhead products dominated, albeit 22.5% lower at 12,737 units, while gestural battery-electric contributions dropped by 5.7% to 349.
In the internal combustion firmament, entry-level mobility and delivery products up to 125cc shrank by 27.1% to 2979 units. Updated or derogated Honda PCX125 scooters, 461 of them, ruled the roost. Top-selling mopeds were 30 dramatically over-monikered Lexmoto Diablo 50 LJ 50 QT9M steeds.
The budget 126-500cc bracket posted a 21.2% retreat
to 2509 units, with some 299 examples of Honda’s latest cheap, cheerful and eminently gutless single-cylinder GB350S stealing best-seller status from Triumph and Royal Enfield contenders. The 501-750cc range was 26.7% down to 1645 units, led by 143 Honda NC750X products. Stepping up to sterner 751-1000cc stuff, which was only 8.4% down to
The moped market is currently taking a pasting, but the best seller in the declining sector is the Lexmoto Diablo
2025 was inevitably a tale of unremitting woe and guesswork. It probably presented a straightforward picture of weaker demand and lack of new-season stock availability pertinent to the fresh plate. The ongoing
March still couldn’t escape from the flood of pre-registered Euro 5 legacy stock still languishing in dealerships
boast 3023 units, a 156-strong phalanx of BMW’s S1000 XR held the front rank, pursued by 119 substantially cheaper (and actually 755cc) Honda CB750 Hornets. Finally the premium 1000cc-plus slot declined by 28.6% to 2581 units, headed up by 359 BMW R1300 GS Adventure cash-cows.
The MCIA’s best-selling brands chart for March
EU motorcycle exports to USA
clear-out of pre-reg showroom clutter would have reduced appeal to some extent too, as would a surfeit of derogated older products.
Set against March figures 12 months earlier, all ten featured manufacturers were on losing streaks, some by very large margins. As ever, Honda was in front, but 10.4% down to 2760 units plated. Runner-up BMW
was only 6.7% adrift on 1778. Triumph took a more severe spanking, with a 24.2% retreat to 1491. Then Yamaha plunged by 36.5% to 1081. Kawasaki was worse, completing the top five with a 38.9% dive to 899. Suzuki followed, falling by 16.8% at 548. Royal Enfield copped a 32.7% loss on 533. Ducati was 28.1% in arrears on 457. Lexmoto suffered a 22.3% decline to 362. And finally KTM plummeted by 58.4% at 302. To be fair, those bikes would have all been old stock made in 2024, heavily discounted and probably derogated, given semi-insolvent parent Pierer Mobility has only just resumed some production at its Mattighofen plant.
In conclusion, first-quarter total registrations now stand at 20,744 units, having fallen by 25.8% – 7208 units adrift of the position at this stage last year.
RECENT MARKET TURMOIL RESULTING from US President Donald Trump’s constantlychanging policies regarding international trade tariffs, including a 25% tax on vehicle imports, has caused consternation among EU motorcycle brands with a presence in the US.
EU exports of motorcycles (including cycles fitted with an auxiliary motor) to the USA hovered around the $600m mark for nearly a decade, but spiked to a peak of US$1.08bn in 2022 (most recent data available), according to figures from the United Nations COMTRADE database.
When, or indeed if, the 25% tariffs actually come into effect then the negative affects on European motorcycle manufacturers and US dealers could have worrying consequences.
Market shows signs of recovery in March
The new motorcycle market has displayed expected signs of recovery. However, the NMDA is still disappointed with the overall negative total registration numbers compared to 2024”, says Symon Cook, head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA), commenting on the latest MCIA figures.
“New registrations for March, while negative compared to 2024, closed the month down by 22.1%, a slight improvement compared to January and February which were both more than 30% negative compared to 2024. In February, the figures had dropped to -32.3%.
“Road registered competition bikes was the stand out in the market as the only category to enjoy a gain compared to 2024 – up by 2.2%. All other style categories were negative, the best being modern classics, an increasingly important segment, which was down by 5.0%. Electric power trains also made a strong recovery in March, closing the month at 5.7% down, significantly improving the year-to-date performance to -16.3% compared to -26% at the end of February.”
Cook concluded: “The figures are a positive turnaround for the new motorcycle market, although considering March was the plate change month, the market was expected to receive an additional boost.
“When compared with 2024’s figures, the total registrations remain disappointing and suggest a continuing decline. However, this may change with the upcoming warmer weather.
“Should total registrations continue their decline, it is essential for the government to address the uncertainty in the sector and provide greater clarity on motorcycles in transport policy. The NMDA is hopeful that the motorcycle market will return to previous year’s volumes.”
Glass’s motorcycle market overview
DATA PUBLISHED BY THE MOTOR Cycle Industry Association showed another month of significant decline, albeit less dramatic than in January and February, with March registrations 22.1% down compared to last year. As in February, the competition category was the only one to see an increase, up 2.2%. And for the second month in a row, the touring category suffered the largest decline, with registrations 31.3% behind last year. Meanwhile, year-todate registrations to the end of March were 25.8% behind last year.
Recent feedback suggests that while the new market is acceptable, it is not great, and although some dealers had a more buoyant January and February, sales activity in March was erratic. There are also dealers who have had a tough first quarter compared to last year. Although some dealers have enjoyed a period of selling preregistered Euro 5 models, a fair number of these remain unsold in the market. While consumer spending confidence remains suppressed, insurance premiums are also a significant issue, especially for the scooter and 125cc markets. This is becoming a barrier to entry for younger riders and also those seeking a more cost-effective alternative to cars.
reasonable, with momentum gathering pace, which is to be expected at this time of year. Some dealers are already experiencing a stronger season compared to 2024. Demand is generally consistent across the board, although mid-range machines are still very sought after. Like the new market, the used 125cc market is tough.
Deals on part exchanges are becoming more difficult as consumers want too much for their machines
Although stock levels are plentiful, finding the correct mix of stock is more of a challenge. Deals on part exchanges are becoming more difficult as consumers want too much for their machines, particularly those who purchased three to five years ago when prices were exceptionally strong. As a result, dealers have to be more proactive and prepared to pay more.
OUTLOOK
Not only was March a warm and very dry month, but it was also the sunniest on record for England and the third sunniest for the UK, making for perfect riding conditions. April has started on a similar note, and now that the clocks have gone forward, riders can look forward to increasing daylight hours. Glass’s expects residual values to remain firm across all segments in the coming weeks, except pre-2013 models, which are expected to slightly increase.
USED MOTORCYCLE ACTIVITY
Sales activity for used machines in March was widely reported as
