British Dealer News Nov 2022

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2021

Avon tyre factory to shut

The European arm of US manufacturer Cooper Tire & Rubber – which became a Goodyear subsidiary in June 2021 – is to close down its plant at Melksham in Wiltshire by the end of 2023 after 132 years of production. The factory currently makes only Avon-branded motorcycle and motorsport tyres and is the last remaining bike tyre production facility in the UK. Cooper has begun a compulsory consultation process on the proposed closure, involving 350 employees who now face redundancy and their relevant representative bodies. Previous cutbacks at the site in 2018 transferred car and SUV tyre output from Melksham to elsewhere in Europe, with the loss of 300 jobs.

At that time, Cooper Tire Europe general manager Jaap van Wessum assured bike trade customers they had nothing to worry about. “We plan to keep the production of Avon motorcycle tyres in Melksham and may have the opportunity to grow this business,” he said. However, Cooper parent Goodyear approved a plan to streamline its global administrative structure in the second quarter of 2022. The final demise of tyre production in Wiltshire is almost certainly associated with such an aspiration.

Gavin Champion, HR director at The Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, Europe, commented, “It is with deep sadness that we have announced our intention to begin a consultation process on the proposed closure of our tyre

production facility at Melksham.

“Our Melksham site has struggled to be competitive for some considerable time, and everyone involved has worked extremely hard to keep operations going for as long as possible. However, this has become increasingly challenging in the current business environment.”

Avon has a venerable history. Founded in 1885, occupying a former cloth mill on the banks of the River Avon, it moved to Melksham in 1890 and became the Avon India Rubber Company. Production of pneumatic tyres for automotive purposes began in 1904. The tyre business was sold to Cooper in 1997.

NMC opposes net zero cliff-edge plans

IT MUST BE A THANKLESS TASK WORKING in Westminster at the moment. But all credit to the National Motorcyclists Council, which has been tirelessly representing motorcycling to a UK government that has been beset by problems all year.

reiterates the need to consider existing petrol-powered machinery, including classic and heritage vehicles, to ensure that these bikes aren’t lost or rendered unusable.

End of the road for Irish show

Sad news from Dublin, where the organiser of the Irish Motorbike and Scooter show confirms that it is giving up the running of the show. Organiser Ruth Lemass, told BDN that the team has made the decision to end the show and blames several factors including Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as rising inflation.

The show had run for 20 years at the Royal Dublin Society campus in Dublin and had welcomed more than 300,000 bikers over the years.

“It has been a great privilege to be involved in such an important part of our motorcycle community here in Ireland and further afield,” said Lemass. “I relished my role as the organiser of what I am sure most will agree was a muchloved event by the tens of thousands of people who either participated or attended the event at the RDS over the last twenty years.”

Last month, the NMC made its representation to the Department for Transport’s consultation on the decarbonisation of motorcycles. That consultation has been running since late summer and ended on 21 September. The DfT seemed to be heading towards a plan where all sales of new non-electric bikes would be phased out by 2035, with 50cc and 125cc equivalent petrol bikes ending five years earlier, by 2030.

The NMC’s stance has been set out before, so its response holds few surprises. While backing the general aim of cutting CO2 emissions, it opposes the cliff-edge plans outlined. It points out that there is no immediate alternative in much of the largecapacity motorcycle sector. Instead, the NMC wants the UK government to take a technology-neutral approach, looking at alternatives like bio-fuels, hydrogen power and other options. It also says that an arbitrary, UK-only date will seriously handicap the industry in this country and urges the government to adopt globally agreed targets instead of its own local schedule. It points out the low CO 2 outputs of most motorcycles, especially modern small-capacity machines. Finally, it also

NMC executive director Craig CareyClinch said: “Successful transition in any field requires those affected to be content with changes proposed. In the case of zero emission motorcycles, particularly in the premium motorcycle market, current product availability, its suitability for the wide range of rider needs, prices, and current low market penetration suggests that much more will need to be done before a reasonable target date for full zero-emission new production can be established.

“Although riders are willing to try new technologies, if products don’t meet their needs the market will be severely impacted. Therefore, it is clear that a different regulatory approach will be needed to recognise where electrification works for the market and where it currently poses challenges that cannot be ignored.

“The government should show more ambition in this area. Net zero should not mean the end of the internal combustion engine, but instead we should be looking towards a ‘mixed’ economy of battery electric, clean ICE fuels and other types of technology, with current motorcycle types properly recognised from now as a lower CO2 transport choice. Innovation should be encouraged and not restricted to narrow pathways.”

Technical textile brands tie-up

French motorcycle clothing brand Furygan has established a new collaboration with Bull-it, the British apparel brand owned by Hampshire-based Covec. This relationship will see Furygan ship stock directly from its factory to Bull-it’s UK warehouse, where there will also be a dedicated Furygan showroom to help dealers fully explore the extensive clothing range on offer.

The result should be improved product choice, simpler logistics and faster delivery times for trade customers – ensuring that the Furygan brand remains competitive and becomes

increasingly prominent in the UK market.

Furygan UK country director Lee Collins will continue to manage his current dealers, in addition to being the key contact for Bull-it, maximising opportunities for both parties from the start of October. The Furygan showroom will be in place early next year, as well as a brand-new website available for UK consumers.

“Furygan’s business growth in the UK has been much faster than expected in 2022,” says Collins. “With this in mind, and to ensure that we keep to our aims of continuously improving both

customer experience and countrywide coverage, we have been able to broker this collaboration. With the combined resources of the two companies, we can further boost the brand’s development and make Furygan one of the top three motorcycle clothing brands in the UK.”

Covec sales manager Elliot Bloxsome added: “Working closely with the team behind Furygan, and combining our resources, will allow the brand to be a key focus in the industry. Furygan’s values are close to our own, with an emphasis on quality and performance, making it the perfect fit alongside Bull-it.”

MOTORCYCLE LIVE, WHICH opens it doors to the public on 19 November and runs through to the 27 November at the NEC, Birmingham, has confirmed that Trade Day will take place on Monday 21 November and will be supported by the WMS Group, one of the UK’s leading vehicle warranty suppliers.

Trade visitors will be able to access four halls with more than 50 motorcycle and scooter manufacturers presenting their existing ranges and new 2023 models. Alongside manufacturers, there are retailers, wholesalers and service providers showcasing their products.

Finlay McAllan, managing director of Motorcycle Live said: “We look forward welcoming back

the whole biking community over the course of the nine days. The show is shaping up to be brimming with manufacturers, retailers, interaction, riding features and wall-to-wall bikes. See you there!”

Trade visitors can register for four free tickets to attend Trade Day. Eligible companies fall into the following categories:

Motorcycle dealerships franchised and non-franchised

Motorcycle tyre companies (manufacturer/wholesale or retail)

y Motorcycle training providers

Motorcycle race teams in the BSB Series

Motorcycle financial

Motorcycle parts and accessories (retailers, distributors, and manufacturers)

Trade Day tickets are only valid on Monday 21 November and all tickets must be booked in advance. No applications are accepted on site. Online applications will close on 18 November at 5pm. Trade day opening hours are 10am-5pm. For full terms and conditions and further information, visit www.motorcyclelive.co.uk/trade-day or email enquiries@motorcyclelive.co.uk.

Motorbike TV series maker opens store

South Wales motorcycle gear emporium Woodrows is a bike shop with a difference. Not only does it sell a select range of high-end clothing and accessories, it runs its own membership club, holds events, and produces its own bike TV series, starring Charlie Boorman.

The newly opened store, based in Samlet Retail Park, Swansea, specialises in British brands, like Merlin and Belstaff, and also has a dedicated women’s range from British brand Motogirl as well as an in-house coffee bar. Owner and film maker Tom Woodrow, is continuing to shoot his Motorbike TV series, now basing the production office in the store. The new series, featuring Boorman, Lara Small, Kristy Simmonds and Graham Hoskins as presenters, will film in front of a live studio audience at the store.

Woodrow commented: “It’s important to us that everyone feels welcome at the shop, even if they have never ridden a motorbike. We have some great local coffee, places

to sit and relax, it’s really much more than just a shop. We will have lots of exciting stuff going on including events, workshops, and film showings. By the start of 2023 we’re hoping to have at least two events per month”.

www.woodrowsmc.com

NMDA Dealer Attitude Survey switches on

The National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) has announced that the Autumn 2022 edition of its Dealer Attitude Survey (DAS) went live on 10 October.

The NMDA started the confidential bi-annual DAS to bring together the views of motorcycle dealers. It says that findings from previous DAS have enabled it to strengthen its member’s voices around issues with manufacturers and government departments.

DAS is administered almost exclusively online. Alternately, dealers can email: zachary. moodie@rmif.co.uk to receive a questionnaire in the post, which can be completed and returned free of charge.

NEW

Suzuki UK is looking to drive growth and increase sales of its comprehensive range of Motorcycles and Scooters through an expanded dealer network in key territories across the UK.

We are already enjoying growing market share, high customer satisfaction and excellent retention while our existing Suzuki dealerships are making good profit from our franchise. However, an expanding range of products arriving in the coming months creates genuine opportunities for those who share our passion for motorcycles and putting customers first –and that’s where you come in.

If you can commit a dedicated showroom display area, a bright enthusiastic dealer team and create something special for Suzuki customers in your area – then we’d like to talk! A Suzuki franchise gives you and your customers access to some of the most exciting motorcycles in the market today, such as the Hayabusa and the incredible new GSX-S1000GT, plus our new range of 125cc machines that are sure to be a hit.

If you share our vision, drive and ambition and want to partner with an established, global manufacturer who supports its dealer network without onerous franchise standards and promises a bit of fun along the way, please send details through to

mark.hallam@suzuki.co.uk

Bolt-on success

There are plenty of high-

Racing’s crash protection covers. The kit isn’t cheap at £322.73 – but premium titanium fasteners never are.

Speed, and lightness, costs.

More kits will be on the way soon. For further info and dealer requests, visit: www. gbracing.eu.

GB Racing has also produced a behind-the-scenes video showing the firm’s investment in machinery at its new purpose-built factory in Baldock, Herts. Business development director Tim Banks presents the video, which shows what goes into the firm’s high-end engine protection covers. To watch the full video, visit: vimeo. com/749526386.

Lexington on the throttle

ardiff-based Lexington Corporate Finance has advised on more than £150m-worth of big-league transactions in the past 12 months, its first notable foray into the motorcycle

A mergers and acquisitions (M&A) specialist, which also provides advice on company sales, debt and growth funding, Lexington has been involved in nine major deals across the UK since September 2021. These included the purchase of Thunder Road Motorcycles – one of the largest bike dealerships in the region with showrooms in Bridgend, Cwmbran

Explaining his firm’s services, Lexington managing director Gary Partridge said: “Despite a tough couple of years as a result of the pandemic, the M&A market enjoyed a period of resurgence. Well-capitalised companies and investors looking for growth opportunities coincided with many business owners reflecting on their personal futures and taking the decision to bring forward exit plans. The Lexington team was ready to support such

Suzuki’s discount

owners and use our transaction expertise to deliver positive results.”

Partridge added: “Given current economic uncertainty, M&A over the next 12 months will be subject to more scrutiny and diligence, which is why having an experienced team of corporate finance specialists is even more important than ever. We believe our deal craft sets us apart from the competition.”

Lexington Corporate Finance 02920 341001 www.lexingtoncf.co.uk

Participants receive the discount on orders of more than £150, and it covers service parts, crash damage repair components and most other bits a racer is likely to need. Racers just need to produce their ACU paperwork at the dealer when ordering.

Jacob Lewis, Suzuki GB’s aftersales customer retention manager, said, “Racing still forms an important part of the Suzuki DNA, and we know there are many competitors that choose

to race Suzuki products in a range of series and championships in the UK. We want to be able to support those individuals, regardless of whether they’re competing in the British Superbike Championship or British Motocross Championship paddocks or racing SV650s and Bandits at club level. Engines require maintenance, and, unfortunately, crashes happen, and we’re pleased to be able to relaunch the Race Parts Programme to help keep Suzukis on the grid.”

Gary Partridge (left), managing director and Nigel Griffiths, commercial director

Leading motorcycle accident management specialist McAMS has opened a new state-of-the art HQ facility in Burscough, Lancashire. To celebrate the launch, guests in attendance included McAMS Yamaha British Superbike Championship competitors Tarran Mackenzie and Jason O’Halloran, with team owner Steve Rodgers. 2021 BSB champion Mackenzie insisted on attending despite recent surgery, after a serious femur fracture at the Oulton Park Bennetts BSB round.

These purpose-built 30,000sq.ft premises have individual and shared workspaces, alongside staff parking, vehicle fleet storage, a reception area and meeting spaces, all designed to support operational efficiencies across the business. From this base, the company operates DAMS, McAMS and CAMS (specialist vehicle, motorcycle and cycling divisions) under a Direct Accident Management parent.

McAMS operations director James Slater said: “It’s essential that we have the facilities to deliver the best possible service that we can, while creating a productive and practical working environment for our people. We’re incredibly pleased with our new head office and are excited to officially welcome in this new chapter.”

DAMS chief executive Ian Jenkins added: “This is a significant milestone in the history of the business, which marked its 25-year anniversary last year. In that time, we have supported thousands of clients, helping them to move forward in their lives following a road accident that wasn’t their fault. This move demonstrates just how far the business has come and is an opportunity to reflect on the achievements, while looking ahead to the future.” www.mc-ams.co.uk

Hammond does a runner

INSTEAD OF RUNNING AROUND the Donington Park paddock supporting Oxford Products Ducati team hospitality, Oxford managing director Andrew Hammond went AWOL from the British Superbike Championship’s penultimate round to get a little exercise for charitable purposes.

Hammond completed the London Marathon on Sunday 2 October in a highly respectable time of 4:36:32, after overcoming a bout of Covid and a flare-up of the classic runner’s malady plantar fasciitis along the way.

In the process, he raised more than £4500 for Special Effect, an Oxfordshire-based charity which helps physically disabled people to use adaptive technology for communication and leisure, bringing about much-needed independence.

“They do a fantastic job, changing the lives of so many people,” Hammond explained. “So please give generously by visiting my JustGiving page. At the grand old age of 50, that was my first-ever marathon – and probably my last!”

Andrew Hammond’s JustGiving page can be found at tinyurl. com/3m8bx56b, for members of the trade who would like support such a worthy cause.

Triumph Chester opens

For the second time this year, Completely Motorbikes, the motorcycle division of the Completely Motoring Group, has realised its expansion plans with the opening of a new boutique dealership – Triumph Chester, in late September.

In March of this year, the group also acquired Thunder Road motorcycles with outlets in Bridgend, Gloucester and Cwmbran, and the group can now boast franchises with Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, MV Agusta, Indian, Ducati and Suzuki, in addition to Triumph.

The Chester branch will be the second Triumph dealership to collaborate with Completely Motorbikes, the other being Triumph North Wales.

The move supports Completely Motoring Group’s continued growth as it expands the company’s footprint and strengthens its multifranchise status. This year’s major expansion means the group can now lay claim to stocking 1500 new and premium used motorcycles across its sites.

Completely Motorbikes is an official

sponsor of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship and has a well-established track record in the region. The team is vastly experienced and knowledgeable about both the motorcycle industry and the Triumph brand.

In designing the new dealership, we have invested in many industry features, including full showroom air conditioning, ensuring ultimate comfort for our customers. I am sure that James, Anna, Gary and the rest of the team will carry on the warm welcome from Abergele over to the Chester store. This is a generational opportunity that we look forward to welcoming customers to.”

The new dedicated dealership will provide customers across Cheshire with high-quality local support, service, and expertise, as well as online service booking.

Rob Ayland, Completely Motorbikes owner said: “We are tremendously proud to expand our Triumph portfolio with Triumph Chester.

Equally as excited about the opening was Devron Boulton, general manager of Triumph UK & Ireland, who said: “We’re excited to open a dedicated showroom facility in Chester, creating an immersive experience for customers that will fully showcase our market-leading motorcycles, products and services. With such an exciting lineup of new motorcycles on offer, there’s every reason to visit Triumph Chester.” The new opening brings the number of dealers in the Triumph global dealer network to 701 and has created a number of new jobs. Recruitment for Triumph Chester is currently open via email: sy@completelymotoring.co.uk www.triumph-chester.co.uk

We’re excited to open a dedicated showroom facility in Chester, creating an immersive experience for customers

The Triumph Chester team was out in force for the opening day

SHORT CUTS

HOT AIR CHARGES BRÜHL SALES

BRÜHL BIKE DRYERS HAVE ENJOYED DOUBLEdigit sales growth every year for the past four years, and the British-owned brand is now gearing up for another busy season.

All three Brühl dryers have had a power upgrade. The single turbine MD1400 and MD1900+ single dryers now have 1600W and 2100W motors. While the MD2800PRO twin turbine houses a powerful 3200W motor.

“Motorcycles get dirtier when ridden in autumn and winter and take longer to dry after cleaning, so we always see a surge in demand at this time of year”, explains Brühl’s head of marketing, Wayne Harrison. “More and more riders are now experiencing the benefits of speed and efficiency that a bike dryer gives.”

With a three-model range, all packaged in professionally designed cartons, Brühl bike dryers are simple to display, stock and understand, providing a welcome boost to turnover during the colder months.

Backed by a two-year manufacturer’s warranty, supported by the UK brand owner, dealers can sell with confidence. Brühl also offers a next-day delivery service for speedy restocking and drop-shipping. www.bruhl.co.uk

Top of the training table

If you’re in the habit of attending Championship football matches, you may have already visited Bryan’s Motorcycle Training premises without realising it. Stoke City FC’s bet365 stadium is not only host to the city’s biggest football club but also the home of the Midlands regional centre for BMW training – Bryan’s.

promotion on its heated grips and bike covers. Dealers who purchase 10 pairs of R&G heated grips will get one free, while those who buy 100 will get 12 free. Outdoor bike covers are included in the offer, with an up to 45% discount on bulk purchases and free covers up for grabs. R&G says grips and covers are a great way for customers to extend their riding season and protect their machines from the elements. Quick and simple installation makes them very popular for all motorcyclists, no matter the bike they ride. Contact 01420 89007 or info@rg-racing.com for more information. www.rg-racing.com

But while Stoke City FC is languishing in the bottom half of the championship table, Kevin Bryan’s business is on the up, having just announced plans which will see a 50% increase in garage space, taking its bike storage capacity from 22 to 50-plus.

With bookings well into next year and business now surpassing pre-Covid levels, Bryan feels the time is right to futureproof the business, “The extended premises, complete with electric charging hubs, mean that we can continue growing the business and secure our long-term future here in the heart of the city.”

Agency taking over motorcycle training and testing, and he saw an opportunity. Already a keen motorcyclist himself, he approached the DSA, and also went in search of a manufacturer tie-in. “I visited almost every dealership in the city, but the only one who saw the potential was John Taylor Motorcycles, which was a solus Honda dealers at the time”. While Bryan was off getting the necessary qualifications to launch the motorcycle training business, John Taylor had sourced

bad behaviour), and when the then CEO of Stoke City FC – Jez Moxey turned up to take his bike test, Kevin knew things were looking up. Some six years later, Bryan was shown plans for the new bet365 stadium and was delighted to agree with the club, local developers and the council for the company’s first purpose-built training centre to be built as part of the development. Ironically, whilst the new stadium was being built, Bryan’s Motorcycle Training was temporarily housed with local rivals Port Vale FC and then, in 2001, returned to Stoke City FC when the works were complete.

HONDA PACKTALK EDGE RELEASED HONDA AND CARDO HAVE RELEASED THE FIRST fruits of their new licencing agreement, the Packtalk Edge intercom. It’s an official Honda branded product, sold through Honda and Cardo dealers, and incorporates the latest Cardo audio technology. It has a Dynamic Mesh function that allows up to 15 riders to connect automatically over a distance of around five miles, as well as the latest Bluetooth 5.2 system, noise cancelling microphone, 13-hour battery life and more. It can also be connected to the TFT dash on compatible Honda bikes. RRP is around £340, more info at www.cardosystems.com

The success of the business is in no small part due to the strong local ties forged over the years with other businesses in the area, which Bryan has nurtured. Having initially joined the family driving tuition business as an instructor at the age of 21 after completing an apprenticeship in mechanical engineering, Bryan spotted an article in the press a few years later about the Driver Standards

Bryan’s first site and also bikes through Honda UK, a couple of Honda H100S’s and a Honda 450 for Bryan to use as the trainer’s bike – a far cry from the 22 strong bike fleet of today!

From humble beginnings, Bryan’s bike training business started to grow, and he was soon in need of bigger premises. A chance conversation led to him putting a request to Stoke City FC to host his business within the confines of the car park and using the old ticket office as a base. An initial deal was agreed upon for twelve months (subject to no red cards being received for

The link-up with Stoke City FC has undoubtedly worked well for the business, as Bryan recognises: “Having upwards of 20,000 people visiting the venue every other week has provided us with the best form of free local advertising we could have wished for!”

Bryan also approached the motoring correspondent at the Evening Sentinel newspaper and offered him the opportunity to learn to ride in exchange for him documenting his experience in the then-popular regional daily paper. Bryan wasn’t expecting a weekly full-page giving a blowby-blow account of every lesson the reporter took, from slow manoeuvring to road positioning, giving another injection of excellent free local advertising.

Having upwards of 20,000 people visiting the venue every other week has provided us with the best form of free local advertising we could have wished for!

Local people and local connections have been invaluable to this day. “I always listen to those giving advice, people genuinely want to help, and this has helped the business continue to grow.”

The affiliation with Honda continued for several years, but when John Taylor retired and Honda left the area, Bryan had a brief spell with Yamaha and then went on to forge an alliance with BMW, and this remains his partner to the current day.

Bryan’s Motorcycle Training is one of BMW’s five authorised Rider Training Centres and it has just taken delivery of a new fleet to service the busy training diary. The fleet consists of a range of BMWs from the 310R and 310GS right up to the R1250RT and R1250GS, Bryan also has a fleet of 125s and 50cc scooters so that he can cater for all training requirements.

A growth area for the business is from the female biking sector, with 20% of all new customers being women. To cater for this, the firm has a full-time female instructor among its six-strong team, as some women prefer a choice of instructor.

An increase in interest in starter bikes for commuting is also being seen. “Whenever there is a downturn in the economy, we always see an increase in training for commuters as people look to bikes to make savings” says Bryan. Post-test training through ERS (Enhanced Rider Scheme) and Bikesense instruction, in association with the Staffordshire Road Safety Partnership, give the business the depth and breadth required for long-term sustainability.

The new premises will see a three-phase construction process, with the foundations going down in early 2023 and a completion date later in the year.

As the business moves into what can only be described as the premier league of training establishments, its neighbours at Stoke City FC will be hoping that some of Bryan’s magic will also rub off on their promotion chances. Kevin’s enthusiasm is plain to see. “I can honestly say I love this business as much as I did 33 years ago and still get a real buzz from teaching people to ride a motorcycle.”

Kevin Bryan at the age of 26 embarking on his training business and 33 years later ‘Still enjoying the dream!’

Artist’s impression of the new Bryan's HQ

Bryan’s BMW Rider Training team

Ken Blacklock 1934-2022

Ken Blacklock, the former owner of North East Motorcycles, died on 25 September. He was 88 and had been suffering with his health over recent years. After being admitted to a nursing home during the summer, he suffered a fall that he never really recovered from. He was admitted to hospital on 23 September with a chest infection and sadly passed away two days later.

Ken retired and closed North East Motorcycles in Durham after 59 years of trading in 2019, aged 85. He was unashamedly old-school, and one of the countrys’ longest standing dealers. He commenced trading in

April 1960 and within five years had franchises for Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha and Lambretta, plus a sub-franchise for Vespa.

He raced successfully, sponsored sidecar star Mac Hobson (among many others), and described his time in the motorcycle trade as a most exciting and rewarding career.

In a BDN dealer profile in 2012, Ken said: “It’s not a chore coming into work, it’s a pleasure. I don’t have to keep on doing this, I choose to do it. That’s what makes all the difference.”

Over his time in the business, Ken had seen boom and bust, had held the biggest franchises in the business, worked hard, taken risks,

stood up to pressure from suppliers, and reaped the rewards.

He started in business with Scooter Services in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, in 1960 with £270 saved from working permanent nights in the local colliery. He ran the shop during the day and was rewarded with a Vespa sub-agency through Cowies in Sunderland.

In 1971 he opened a second showroom at Darlington Road, Nevilles Cross.

Then in 1974, with the scooter boom fading and with the mainstream motorcycle market booming, Ken re-named the business North East Motorcycles.

In the boom times, North East Motorcycle’s two showrooms employed 14 and from 1978 to 1980 sold 3500 to 4000 bikes a year between them. Latterly, until his retirement, he had concentrated on the Durham based shop, with two full-time employees.

Chrissy Rouse 1995-2022

By David Aitkenhead and Luke Gregory

Global Moto, Lukas Distribution and the wider motorcycle industry have been united in grief at the loss of Chrissy Rouse, one of its best and brightest young stars, who died following injuries sustained in an accident at Donnington Park circuit on 2 October.

Chrissy, who rode for Crowe Performance in his maiden British Superbike season, was truly a remarkable character, loved by those who had the pleasure to know and work with him.

He had accomplished much in his 26 years, becoming a successful racer, qualified maths teacher, and co-host/producer of the popular Chasin’ the Racin’ podcast. In addition to this, we were proud to call him a colleague and friend, firstly at Global Moto, then latterly at Lukas Distribution with the launch of the BSA brand.

Having initially joined Global Moto to manage the social media accounts, support the marketing team and as a sponsored rider, he was a regular presence at

our Colchester Kawasaki store. Then, with the acquisition of our Coventry site, he was actively involved with the renovations team, where nothing was too much trouble, and was regularly to be found jet washing, painting and labouring. He was the first to put himself forward for any task, memorably so upon delivery of our electric ride-on road sweeper. It may have lacked in performance in comparison to what he rode at the weekends, but he was in his element nonetheless!

We all have many fond memories of Chrissy throughout this time, from BBQs on summer evenings, dinners together and nights out on the town. He was an integral member of the team, and we could not have achieved what we have done without him.

It is a great sadness that he was not able to witness the doors open to the general public, but his contribution will not be forgotten.

On the launch of the BSA brand with Lukas Distribution this summer, Chrissy was appointed as UK franchise manager and was instrumental in appointing and

establishing the fledgling dealer network, ahead of the arrival of the new BSA Gold Star. He was incredibly passionate about the new project and spent his weekdays visiting and contacting dealers and potential dealers the length and breadth of the country. To accomplish all of this, as well as maintain his racing career and podcast schedule, speaks volumes about the dedication, ability and drive of this incredibly talented young man.

That there was so much promise in Chrissy’s future makes his loss all the more tragic and it will be keenly felt by all of us, but we take heart in the knowledge that continuing his project through to fruition is what he would have wanted.

On behalf of everyone at Global Moto and Lukas Distribution, we would like to express and share our sincere condolences with Chrissy’s family, friends, colleagues and fans at this difficult time.

Chrissy helping out on the new floor cleaner

Global Moto visit to BSB at Silverstone

Lukas Distribution and BSA team at the launch of the new Gold Star

Chrissy prepared for the summer heat wave

Phil

The world of motorcycling has lost one of its greatest and most stylish road race world champions. Eight times world title holder and eight times Isle of Man TT winner Phil Read MBE, a former Honda dealer, died at home in Canterbury, Kent, on 6 October aged 83.

His legacy is dazzling achievement and highprofile controversy, his life more than worthy of a Hollywood feature film.

Read gave Yamaha its first world title (1964, 250) and became the first rider to win the world series in 125, 250, and 500cc classes. He was the first to lap the Isle of Man TT on a 250 at 100mph (1965, Yamaha) and was the last to win a world title on a four-stroke (1974, MV 500) until the introduction of MotoGP in 2002.

Read was awarded the MBE (1979) for services to motorcycle sport and was declared a GP Legend in 2002 by MotoGP promoters Dorna.

Read’s world titles spanned 1964-1977, the last being the TTF1 championship on a Honda-4. As a result of this success, Honda produced 150 Phil Read Replica CB750 F2 road models, and Read became a Honda dealer at Hersham, Surrey, in 1980.

Both ventures were shortlived. Read was no businessman. After years of excitement on the world’s race tracks and a playboy lifestyle driving a Rolls-Royce and flying light aircraft, the discipline of running a motorcycle dealership was alien to him. Honda despaired and, after 18 months, withdrew their support. They also cut short the Read Replica Series when Read demanded higher royalty payments.

No stranger to controversy, Read caused a great rift when he reneged on a Yamaha works agreement that he would go for the 125cc world title in 1968 and support fellow Yamaha works rider Bill Ivy for 250 honours. Having clinched the 125 title, Read then told Ivy he was also now going for the 250 title, which he won by the narrowest of margins. Ivy fans never forgave him.

His next great controversy was being a lead player in calling for the Isle of Man TT to be stripped of world championship status

following the death of Gilberto Parlotti in 1972. Subsequently, Read was hated by TT fans for what they saw as turning on the hand that had fed him. Read returned to the TT in 1977 for the F1 race. His victory was booed.

The previous year he had walked out of the Belgian GP after qualifying his 500 Suzuki declaring he was finished with GPs. His Life Helmets sponsor, Suzuki team manager and mechanics expected him to return on race day, but by this time, Read was at home in Surrey.

He could leave controversy in his wake seemingly without realising it. He could also be charm itself. Race frame maker the late Ken Sprayson fondly remembered Read’s hospitality and consideration when invited to visit the Italian MV factory to consult on frame design.

Read was involved in all kinds of ventures, including distributing Premier crash helmets in the 1970s. There never seemed to be a dull moment. In recent years he was working on an electric gyrocopter project and was hoping to win the lottery so that he could sponsor upand-coming riders.

Racing was always his heartbeat. Following his primary race career, he took up parading and racing classic machines, his competition

career spanning seven decades, a remarkable achievement.

He lobbied MotoGP organisers Dorna to incorporate a classic race or at least a classic parade on their programmes.

An avid road rider, Read stayed on the motorcycle scene and as the years passed attitudes of his detractors mellowed. The motorcycle world began to realise that Phil Read, the Prince of Speed, was a national living treasure.

Read was second only to ten times world champion Mike Hailwood in the ranks of British GP riders. His talent on a bike was mesmerising. In the 1960s, he achieved Godlike status and acquired all the trappings of a rock star. Later he would be reduced to living in the back of a van for a brief period.

Phil Read, an egotist with a mellifluous voice and ever-eager for the next opportunity, led a lifestyle of dramatic contrast. He was a great champion who could handle the scariest machines and flowed like mercury when he raced. With his passing vibrant colour has drained from the world’s motorcycle scene.

He leaves four sons – Michael, Graham, Phil Read Jnr and Roki – and a daughter, Esme.

Flamboyant as ever, Phil Read rode a Quasar to Buckingham Palace to collect his MBE in 1979. He was the first road racer to win a world title as a privateer – 1971, Yamaha

Energy in the news

In the most tumultuous period of economic and political uncertainty seen in decades, the massive increase in the cost of energy has hardly been out of the news. But while the political maelstrom has been grabbing the headlines, individuals and businesses are still struggling with the rising costs of energy that have followed on from a post-Covid world and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Despite countless calls for help, the Johnson administration was unable to do anything, leaving the task to the new prime minister. Liz Truss swiftly announced measures to help households and businesses on 8 September, but then went on to resign as prime minister on the 20 October.

Households have been subject to an energy price cap for some time, limiting the price of each unit of energy they consume. Ofgem, the government’s energy regulator, sets the price cap. Previously this was done every six months; it’s now set once a quarter. Until 1 October, the average household was paying £1971 per year for their energy based on this cap. However, Ofgem’s most recent cap would have seen the average household paying a bill of £3549 for energy – a near doubling of the cost. This is a huge burden for those consuming more power than the average household.

The government’s announcement effectively overrides Ofgem’s price cap. It will mean that the typical household will pay £2500 per year from October – remembering that those consuming more than average will pay more.

This new energy price guarantee as announced by Truss was to be in place for households for the next two years. However, following the disastrous 23 September mini-budget, the new chancellor Jeremy Hunt reduced that to six months, with a review of the level of help from April 2023.

For those not subject to price-capped sources, such as heating oil users, they will be given a grant of £100.

to sign contracts – for one fuel only – that fix the price of their energy for a period of time.

However, this becomes problematic when a commercial contract ends, as the business then has to negotiate a new deal or be automatically rolled on to an out-of-contract rate which will be expensive and, more than likely, variable.

The government’s announcement that businesses will also be able to benefit from the same cap per unit of energy as will apply to households was welcomed, but businesses were warned they needed to become more energy efficient. After the six month period, there may be defined support for some business sectors, such as hospitality, but no detail was offered.

Notably, the £400 energy grant announced by the previous chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has not been cancelled and began, as planned, from October and is being paid in instalments over a six-month period. It will come not as a cash sum but instead as a discount on energy bills and will be applied automatically by energy suppliers. The VAT of 5% on domestic energy bills was not changed.

The situation for businesses is different, as their energy supply contracts are not subject to Ofgem’s price cap. That said, businesses tend

The support package announced won’t be cheap and is estimated to cost £48bn just for the business element, with the domestic quota expected to be even higher. As for covering this cost, notable by their absence were further windfall taxes. An energy profits levy announced in May will stay in place until December 2025, but there are to be no new taxes on oil companies.

In a bid to bring more oil and gas to the market, the ban on fracking – a process to extract oil and gas from rock – has been removed, while new oil and gas exploration licences are to be made available.

So – some help, but still plenty of pain for energy users. Only time, new sources of energy and new technologies will ease the hardship that many are suffering.

The situation for businesses is different as their energy supply contracts are not subject to Ofgem’s price cap

news

With financial editor Roger Willis

Honda outsells Hero

Honda’s huge Indian motorcycle and scooter manufacturing subsidiary HMSI finally outpaced indigenous champion Hero MotoCorp in September 2022’s run-up towards Diwali festive season peak sales.

In what are bound to be disputed figures, Hero claimed its September domestic sales volume increased marginally by 0.4% to 507,690 bikes. In parallel, HMSI reported domestic volume 5.4% up

to 488,924. Like all their competitors, both are distinctly vague about whether data is based on wholesale shipments to dealers or retail interfaces with consumers.

However, the Indian government’s Vahan statistical portal – which is seen as the most reliable gauge of retail activity – recorded roughly 34,000 more Honda registrations than Hero during the month. As a result, India’s leading business newspaper Economic Times

ACEM backs cleaner combustion

IN A SIGN OF INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRY resistance to an exclusive battery-electric future for powered two-wheelers, European motorcycle manufacturers association ACEM has joined the eFuel Alliance.

Representing more than 170 companies, associations and consumer groupings that are a part of what appears to be a bio-fuel production value chain, the eFuel Alliance’s main objective is to enable the industrial production and widespread use of carbonneutral fuels made from renewable energy sources –presumably such as those based on sugar cane.

Although ACEM accepts that electric bikes will play a central role in its decarbonisation strategy, the organisation notes that some two-wheeler segments, particularly leisure-oriented machines, currently remain very hard to electrify – because large and heavy batteries affect handling and dynamics, and require significant trade-offs at the expense of range and convenience.

It therefore concludes that carbon-neutral fuels would be a perfect solution for those segments for which electrification remains challenging from a technical standpoint. And such fuels would also be instrumental in reducing CO2 emissions from Europe’s legacy fleet of ICE two-wheelers, which currently amounts to about 40 million bikes.

This latest stance seems to be separate from commitments from various ACEM member manufacturers to carbon-free hydrogen burned by ICE bikes.

headlined that Hero had been trounced by HMSI, becoming key monthly market leader for the first time ever. No doubt Hero chief executive Pawan Munjal, current doyen of the company’s controlling Munjal dynasty, will be throwing all of the toys out of his pram to challenge this verdict.

Diwali, which traditionally reaches its crescendo in October, is viewed by religiously-inclined Hindu, Sikh and Jain bikers as an especially auspicious time

to buy a new set of wheels. This year, celebrations got off to a slow start but have since benefited local opposition to Honda and Hero mightily with some stunning growth.

Norton parent TVS Motor’s domestic tally put on 16.3% to 283,878 in September. Royal Enfield considerably more than doubled its sales on home turf to 73,646. And Suzuki’s Indian motorcycle and scooter subsidiary grew sales by 27.6% to 86,750.

Tentative revival for Intermot

The return of Germany’s Intermot international motorcycle and scooter trade fair in Cologne, after a four-year hiatus owing to the Covid pandemic, has been hailed as a success. Both the presenting Koelnmesse exhibition venue and organisers from the IVM German motorcycle industry association have expressed satisfaction with attendance figures and upbeat responses by leading exhibitors.

The show reportedly attracted approximately 100,000 visitors from 75 countries, to inspect the wares of around 50 exhibiting companies. About 20% of visitor footfall were trade representatives, with roughly 30% of these coming from destinations beyond the German border. According to the organisers, more than 80% of surveyed visitors were satisfied with their experience.

But lack of the usual Teutonic precision in calculating and analysing headcount, alongside the notable absence of several major bike manufacturers, inevitably raised some eyebrows. A number of UK trade reps in attendance opined to BDN that the IVM had clearly struggled to fill the three Koelnmesse halls in use, and the whole show would have probably fitted into two of them.

Both Koelnmesse chief operating officer Oliver Frese and IVM general

manager Reiner Brendicke admitted there had been some issues, but stressed that positive visitor response had underlined how important an industry platform is, especially under difficult circumstances.

“The mood among participants was very good,” added Brendicke. “One could sense that the industry had missed exchanging ideas in such a framework. Even if the industry was not yet completely represented in Cologne after the pandemic, Intermot 2022 has demonstrated its strengths as a trade and consumer fair, and positioned itself on the market again.”

Bike manufacturers who did exhibit at Intermot – including BMW Motorrad, Kawasaki, Royal Enfield, Suzuki and Triumph, plus big European consumables, parts and apparel brands like Motul, Motorex, Öhlins and Rukka – were very supportive of the IVM’s perspective.

Effusive post-show endorsements from all of them were forthcoming, in relation to both trade and public interest.

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Hogan to head up Norton PR

Norton Motorcycles continues to grow with the recent appointment of John Hogan as head of communications. Hogan joined Norton on 3 October, stepping into the role from motorcycle journalism. Hogan’s career began with Two Wheels Only magazine (TWO) in 2004, following a career in the military. In 2009, Hogan left TWO as the features editor to work as a PR account manager for the Piaggio Group via Focus PR.

A move back to journalism followed when Hogan joined SuperBike magazine, where he was appointed editor in 2012 and led the editorial team at SuperBike away from print and onto a purely digital platform; SuperBike was the first motorcycle media outlet in the UK to top one million organic followers on social media.

A Sunday Times bestseller came next in 2016 when he wrote the John McGuinness autobiography Built for Speed. More recently his name has appeared across a wide range of publications, including the New York Times, Top Gear and GQ magazines. Hogan’s passion for road racing saw him join the broadcast team this year for both the Isle of Man TT races and the Manx Grand Prix, shooting a combination of live and prerecorded content on both television and radio.

Simultaneously managing a weekly motorcycle column in a national newspaper for the last six years, some of his best work came in telling the recent Norton story on SuperBike.co.uk

Commenting on his appointment, Hogan told

BDN: “I’m joining Norton at the right time for both Norton and for my career. I understand Norton’s recent history in detail and could see that under TVS Motors, today’s Norton is not what it was at Donington Hall a few years ago. It’s an exciting opportunity, one that will get my maximum effort. I’ve been lucky enough to work with some amazing people around the industry that have had a positive impact on my career. Neil Fletcher, Nick Bennett and Ian Baker at Honda UK, as well as Dan Lovis at BSA, have all played their part in building my confidence and skillset. You’ll find me on the Norton stand at Motorcycle Live; feel free to come and say hello”.

You can also find him at john.hogan@ nortonmotorcycles.com

Gorman joins BeMoto

MOTO BROKING HAS recruited Scott Gorman as head of commercial and analytics for its Peterborough-based BeMoto motorcycle insurance brand. He arrives armed with more than 20 years’ experience working for major insurance and financial services firms, including Lloyds Banking Group, Morgan Stanley and Sainsbury’s Bank.

Driving the next phase of ambitious growth plans for BeMoto, the company says Gorman’s main focus areas will be top-line growth, operational resilience, strengthening learning and development functions, implementing business strategies and new product development.

“The appointment of Scott Gorman is a huge bonus for us,” said BeMoto managing director Mathew Long. “Having previously worked together, I know that his skills and acumen will see him quickly understand our business and the

opportunities to help us realise our short to medium-term goals.”

Gorman added: “Naturally, I’m excited to take on the challenge at BeMoto, having followed the brand since its inception in 2015. What has been achieved already in such a short space of time, in a very competitive and established market, is nothing short of incredible. I look forward to driving the business forward at pace, moving closer to a vision of becoming the UK’s most loved and trusted motorcycle insurer.”

Orwell customer joins team

DALE ALLERTON HAS BEEN A loyal customer at Orwell Motorcycles in Ipswich for more than two decades. So when the dealership advertised a job there, he jumped at the chance.

The job is a general role, covering sales support, website and social media development, and assisting the clothing side of the business.

The 36-year-old Ipswich resident has worked as a driving instructor and carpenter, and has had at least 15 bikes, including Suzuki TL1000s and GSX-R1000s, a Honda SP-1 and a Triumph Thruxton 1200. His current ride is a KTM 1290 Super Duke R.

“I’ve always wanted to work here,” he said. “It’s a dream job, working with your hobby. I used to come in here all the time and now I am being paid for it!”

Close calls for Austin

Hilton Austin has been appointed as head of sales for the motorcycle division at Close Brothers Motor Finance.

Austin brings more than 20 years of experience in the automotive and service industries. With a background in both B2B and B2C sectors, including roles at Autino and Fiat Group, he brings an indepth knowledge of franchise, dealer and OEM operations to the motorcycle division.

He will lead a key part of one of the UK’s leading motor finance providers, overseeing the continued success and ambitious sales plans for the motorcycle division during a substantial period of growth and innovation in the sector.

Seán Kemple, managing director of Close Brothers Motor Finance, said: “Hilton is joining the business at a pivotal time for bikes. It’s been a great

year for the sector, and the future of electric motorbikes and scooters provides huge potential for growth.

“His strategic expertise within big businesses will help us make the most of opportunities to build our motorbike offering and continue to provide the highest level of service to our dealer partners and customers.”

Close Brothers Motor Finance has recently been nominated as Independent Finance Provider of the Year at the Motor Finance Europe Awards.

SHORT CUTS

STILL CHEAPER THAN FUEL ELECTRIC BIKE OWNERS MUST HAVE BEEN amongst the smuggest people on the roads recently, first during the national fuel shortages in September 2021, and then earlier this year, when petrol prices reached nearly £2 a litre. And even now, with electricity prices hitting alltime highs and petrol prices falling, the cost of running electric vehicles is still significantly cheaper. According to a report commissioned by the RAC, approximately 80% of charging takes place overnight, when electricity is cheaper. And it says that even when the energy price cap goes up, costs are still far lower than running a petrol-powered machine.

Electric news

WMS launches new electric warranty

CONSORTIUM EXPANDS

THERE’S STILL A QUESTION OVER HOW motorcycles can easily transform from petrol to battery electric power. One possible solution remains the idea of a common, interchangeable design of quickly-swappable battery packs shared amongst all electric bike makers. The industry set up a consortium to examine the issue back in 2021, and at a meeting in Austria this summer, it announced growth from the four founding members to a total of 21 member firms.

The original startup members were Honda, KTM, Piaggio and Yamaha, but they’ve now been joined by another 17 firms. The new members are a mix of small, largely unknown firms as well as some much bigger household names like Samsung and Suzuki. The full membership is now AVL, Ciklo, Fivebikes, Forsee Power, Hioki, Honda, Hyba, JAMA, Kawasaki, KTM, KYMCO, Niu, Piaggio, Polaris, Roki, Samsung, Sinbon, Sumitomo Electric, Suzuki, Swobbee, Vitesco, VeNetWork (Atex, Fantic, Motori Minarelli) and Yamaha.

There’s not much in the way of concrete progress from the SBMC’s press release. But with all those names on board, it seems fair to hope that there’s something on the way soon.

Aftermarket warranty supplier WMS Group, has announced it is launching a new bespoke electric vehicle warranty product. The new Safe and Sound Electric policies cover the unique EV components, including battery, motor, ECU, motor controller and charging controllers.

Neil Monks, sales and customer service director, said, “Understanding what problem our customers need to solve is an enormous advantage when it comes to new product development and can

dramatically improve the odds of successful innovation. Our recent dealer panel research revealed a real gap in the market for a specific EV warranty and it was clear that an overwhelming number of our dealers wanted to see this brought to market to help with the increasing conversation about sustainability.”

For more information on WMS’ two wheeled products go to: www.wmsgroup.co.uk/dealers/ motorcycle-warranty.

Sunra on a shoestring

It’s perhaps no surprise to hear an electric bike firm like Sunra preaching the benefits of battery-powered two-wheelers. But the UK head office of the firm has been crunching some numbers to back up its claims and it reckons that running one of its machines, the ROBO-S, for 3300 miles a year could cost less than £5 a month in electricity. Meanwhile finance is available to make Sunra bikes available to own from just £77 per month.

Logan Black of Sunra UK commented, “It’s been interesting to learn more about the habits of our customers and at the same time look more at the affordability picture too. Not only do we understand our customer base better, but it’s been interesting to see how running and finance costs are considered alongside daily purchases, such as something as simple as a cup of coffee.”

E-scooter carnage must end

The long-running road safety problem created by current UK E-scooter policy received another broadside last month, when IAM RoadSmart told the government that “E-scooter carnage must end”.

The road safety organisation was responding to the latest 2021 accident figures from the Department for Transport, which showed 1434 casualties involving E-scooters, in which 10 people were killed, 421 were seriously injured and 1003 were slightly injured. That death figure is up from just one recorded for 2020, with just 484 casualties recorded overall that year.

IAM refers to the 2021 death figure as a shocking 900% increase, though it seems to ignore the extensive Covid lockdowns in 2020 and the statistical anomalies presented when comparing percentage increases in very small numbers. Nevertheless, the charity is clearly accurate when it points out the current stasis in UK government policy over regulation of battery-powered urban mobility tools.

Neil Greig, director of policy and research at IAM RoadSmart, commented: “The E-scooter carnage

must stop. A tenfold increase in deaths related to E-scooters in just one year is utterly unacceptable and the continued delay in regulating these machines is costing lives and causing misery on our city roads every day.

“IAM RoadSmart calls on the new Transport Secretary, Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP, to make road safety the number one deliverable for her department in the coming months by introducing the longawaited Transport Bill to regulate E-scooters for the first time.”

Energica provides bikes for G20

High-end electric bike firm Energica has just announced a £1.8m deal to supply the Indonesian police with battery-powered motorcycles. And the bikes will first be seen at the forthcoming high-profile G20 summit being held in November in Bali. The deal means 88 Energica EsseEsse9+ roadsters will operate as outriders for heads of state, politicians, diplomats and officials around the famous holiday island,

giving electric two-wheelers a big presence on the world stage.

The EsseEsse9 is Energica’s retro-styled naked machine, using similar tech to the firm’s Ego+ and Ribelle performance bikes, but with less peak power. Range is claimed to be more than 260 miles around town, and the bikes can fast charge in an hour, so they should be able to cope with a full day of steady security riding around the compact Indonesian island.

Zero goes solo in North London

IT’S ANOTHER STEP FORWARD for American electric bike maker

Zero Motorcycles as it launches its first solus dealership location in the UK. The new store, opened by urban mobility firm Scooterised, is based on Dudden Hill Lane, in Willesden Green, north west London, and will provide a bespoke sales and servicing operation for Zero’s range of battery-powered bikes.

Zero was set to host a special open day to launch the store on 29 October, supplying a fleet of the firm’s new DSR/X electric adventure machines for demo

Zapp opens Experience Centre

BRITISH ELECTRIC SCOOTER builder Zapp EV has opened a new Brand Experience Centre at the Bicester Heritage Quarter. The centre, based at the former WWII RAF Bomber Command airfield, will allow prospective buyers to take test rides, then spec and order their bike. Zapp currently offers just one model, the i300 scooter, but it’s promising more bikes soon.

The i300 is a lightweight 92kg 300cc equivalent scooter with futuristic looks. It provides 19bhp and is powered by two removable 1.25kW/h batteries.

www.scooterised.com.

“When G20 delegates arrive in Bali, they will be welcomed and escorted by a security detail riding Energica bikes,” says Livia Cevolini, Energica Motor Company CEO. “That means their first experience will be seeing zero-emission, highperformance vehicles in action. My hope is that this experience sticks with each delegate throughout the summit and in all discussions around climate change and transportation.”

Swin Chatsuwan, founder of Zapp, said, “As a team we are excited to move to Bicester Heritage, a location that celebrates both the history and future of mobility. We can’t wait to continue to manufacture and deliver our i300 for current and future customers.”

Daniel Geoghegan, Bicester Motion CEO, added, “As our Heritage Quarter and wider Bicester Motion site continues to grow, we look forward to welcoming more EV-focused brands, such as Zapp, that create and manufacture truly unique mobility solutions.”

New eBikes for Yamaha

We might all be waiting for Yamaha to show off a new electric MT roadster, but in the meantime it has released a range of premium eBikes with three new models – the Moro 07, Wabash RT and Crosscore RC. Covering the MTB, Gravel and Urban sectors respectively, the new bikes use Yamaha’s own motor and battery tech, with an advanced lightweight powertrain design. The PW-X3 drive module on the

Moro 07 weighs just 2.75kg, and produces 85Nm of torque, and is paired with a 500W/h battery pack, with the other models producing similar performance.

There’s Bluetooth connectivity, LCD display panels, highperformance frame designs and cycle parts by the likes of RockShox, Magura, Shimano and Maxxis.

The eBikes are set to be released by the end of the year with prices to be confirmed.

New funding for Zero

CALIFORNIA-BASED ELECTRIC bike manufacturer Zero Motorcycles has just completed a new funding round worth £97m. Raising this latest tranche of capital saw participation from strategic partners Polaris, Exor and Hero MotoCorp, and other investors including major private equity backer Invus.

Effusive in acknowledging the advantages it will bestow, Zero Motorcycles chief executive Sam Paschel said: “This will fund the global scaling of our operations and sales, and development of additional new models to continue driving our rapid growth. We welcome strategic partners and new investors to our syndicate and are grateful to Invus for its steadfast support and commitment to Zero’s vision and mission.”

According to Paschel, Zero has defined the category of premium electric motorcycles and powertrains since its launch in a humble Santa Cruz garage 16 years ago. “We have sold more than 20,000 vehicles and accumulated more than 165 million miles of on-road and off-road experience,” he claimed. “The company has also built an innovative, global brand that is highly respected in the industry.”

The business now has three strings to its bow – consumeroriented road, adventure sport and dual sports machines, fleet sales to more than 200 police departments and authorities, and powertrains for the electrification of products made by its partners.

With this latest financial input, Zero has accrued capital in excess of £400m and Paschel plans to take that total to above £450m with an anticipated additional funding round by the year end. $-£ currency translation at forex rates applicable on 29 September

Registrations data

Alternative

Falling faster than September registrations as a whole, the batteryelectric niche dropped by 13.6% overall to 535 units. Sparky market share for the month fell to just 4.4%, down from 4.6% a year earlier.

Up-to-4kW machines, equating to the AM licence category, declined by 30.6% to 365 units. However, the 4-15kW sector, ridden on A1 tickets, relatively blossomed. Registrations rose by 254.5% to a total of 117.

two-wheeler

Sadly, at that point, MCIA electro-stats went wonky. Some 112 of these were 4-11kW products, with a sole aberrant sample of BMW’s CE 04 mysteriously elevated to highest-registered model status in that power band. So there must have been 111 different models accounting for the rest? Then a further five BMW CE 04 scooters entirely filled the 1115kW firmament.

As usual, quantities of more puissant machinery were pathetic. Only another five

residents lurked in the 1535kW band, three of which were identified as Zero FXS ZF7.2

A2-licence trail bikes, a snip at £13,685 each. Over-35kW stuff fell by 23.1% to just ten units.

A pair of Energica Eva Ribelle naked versions of the Energica Ego+ superbike took the highestregistered accolade.

For the nine months of 2022 to date, electrified numbers are more cheerful. The sector has grown by 20.1% to 5367 units.

And market share has improved to 5.6% from 4.8%.

Alternate power rolling year

Off-road news

With off-road correspondent Rick Kemp

Pinlock-ready goggles from LS2

LS2 already offers a range of motocross helmets that have proved extremely popular thanks to their lightweight shells and stylish graphics, so it was only a matter of time before the company developed its own range of matching goggles. Like the helmets, the new Aura goggles are manufactured in-house by LS2, to a high specification using the latest technology. True to its motto “AlwaysAhead”, LS2 is the first brand in the world to design goggles ready to accept a Pinlock anti-fog lens.

Already familiar to road riders and racers, Pinlock’s fog-resistant insert lenses are used by more than 10 million riders globally, but until now they have not been available for the off-road market. LS2 has a strong relationship with Pinlock, supplying its fogresistant insert lenses as standard with most of its premium helmets, so when the team was shown the version for goggles, it embraced the opportunity.

The rest of the goggles are top rate too. The frame is double injection moulded for strength and durability and shaped to sit snugly in helmet apertures. The lens is made from injected polycarbonate, which offers 100% UVA and UVB protection, and is supplied with a two-pin tear-off system on the front.

Most goggles mist up due to lack of ventilation but the Aura Pro addresses that issue with 360-degree airflow inside. The triple-layered foam seal helps to wick away perspiration and foam blocks in the vents

prevent sand and dust from getting in the eyes. A removable nose guard is also supplied.

To make all these features work the goggles need to be secure and in the correct position. To this end, outriggers hold the ultra-wide 50mm strap around the helmet while thick silicone backing strips help to make sure it doesn’t creep during use. For added durability, the adjustment buckle is moulded onto the strap, rather than stitched.

Developed in conjunction with Pinlock, the Aura Pro goggles are ready to accept the proven anti-fog system right out of the box. They are supplied with a Pinlock shield, spare iridium polycarbonate lens and a laminated tear-off kit as standard.

The LS2 Aura Pro range has an SRP of £74.99, is certified to the EN1938:2010 standard for motorcycle eyewear and are available in red, orange, yellow, blue, green and black.

LS2 Helmets UK 01670 856342 www.ls2helmets.com

Charity trip for Miller

CFMoto UK’s managing director, Paul Miller, will be putting the new 800MT Touring motorcycle through its paces with an 1805-mile ride, in under 48 hours, to raise money for The Brain Tumour Charity. On 2526 November Miller will be riding from CFMoto UK headquarters on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, up to John O’Groats, down to Land’s End and back to HQ.

Apart from the unusual practice of an MD actually long distance testing one of his products, Miller has chosen

The Brain Tumour Charity as his nominated charity in order to raise money and awareness. It’s a choice that is close-tohome for him as his partner is currently undergoing treatment for a brain tumour that cannot be fully removed using current technology. As the world’s leading brain tumour charity, it is the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally, committed to saving and improving lives.

On his charity trip, Miller will be able to take full advantage

of the bike’s heated grips and seat, and the comfortable rider ergonomics will truly be put to the test, not to mention the builtin sat-nav and cruise control. We wish him all the best.

Anyone who would like to sponsor this challenge and donate to a very worthy cause can do so on the following Just Giving page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ cfmotobigrideout

Extreme Enduro boots

The latest Jarvis Racing

Super Tech for new KTM

LAUNCHED IN THE USA, THE KTM 890 Adventure R has been developed to cope with any type of adventure you care to throw it at. Taking design features from the 450 Rally, such as the WP XPLOR suspension, bodywork, fairing, fuel tank and engine protector, makes it fit for many purposes.

The really clever part is the electronic options. The 5-inch TFT display, equipped with USB-C connecters, features a completely new appearance with coloured pictograms and intuitive graphics that allow for easy navigation through the menus. In addition, the latest upgrades provide a developed turn-by-turn plus navigation system that allows the rider to select the preferred destination from their last selections. A new call-out function allows a favourites call option, with

a maximum of 10 numbers.

KTM has also included the next generation of ABS control unit. It takes readings from the 6D sensor, which continually informs the CMU on the angle, pitch, speed and general behaviour of the motorcycle, so as to apply the correct amount of braking force for any given situation. Off-road ABS is an integrated element of Off-road Mode, or the optional Rally Mode can be used without the need to select the Off-road ABS separately.

The new KTM 890 Adventure R will allow riders to take advantage of all the specs and options for the first 1500 kilometres, before the rider needs to decide which pack or features to acquire. Thanks to the Demo Mode setting, adventurers can feel and experience the areas of the bike they prefer.

Gaerne SG-12 Extreme Enduro boots feature a new "G" for an exciting first impression. Features include the Dual Stage Pivot System, which is patented and exclusive to Gaerne, allowing better flex on the pegs for braking and gear changing amongst other advantages; Grip Guard, which provides better grip on the bike, heat-resistant padding against the inner leg; and Shin Guard, a new thermoplastic shin plate which is anatomically

shaped – removing three screws can make the opening wider to accommodate a bigger leg or knee-brace.

The SG-12 utilises four lightweight alloy buckles that attach to an adjustable strap. This provides the rider with an ‘Easy in’ and ‘Easy out’ non-failure system. The list goes on and, suffice it to say, the SG12 has received 5-star reviews all round. SRP is £599.

Malcolm Rathmell Sport 01423 772885 www.mrsltd.co.uk

Polaris 0% finance

POLARIS OFF-ROAD VEHICLES HAS ANNOUNCED AN EXCLUSIVE three-year 0% finance offer for new customers. In conjunction with Rural Finance Limited, one of the largest agricultural finance and rural community finance brokerages in the UK, the offer is available on selected Sportsman and Ranger model purchases until 31 December 2022. The 0% finance offer is available on all Sportsman 570 models, all Ranger 1000 3-seat models and all Ranger XP 1000 3-seat models (excluding crew models).

Richard Coleby, national sales manager at Polaris Britain said, “Interestfree finance options are a fantastic way to spread the cost of a vehicle and for this offer, we’ve also included up to £1000 of accessories so customers can customise their vehicle from the get-go.”

Off-road news

Raceways go off road with Yamaha

GasGas

SSDT support

Raceways Motorcycles, the Fleetwood, Lancs, based Premier Yamaha dealer, has recently been appointed as one of just four Yamaha GYTR off-road pro shops to provide genuine Yamaha race technology, parts and servicing.

Reigning British Superbike Champions with its road-race team McAMS Yamaha, Raceways has a rich history in two-wheel competition and building

6x6 Traxter

THE LATEST SSV FROM CAN-AM includes an extra pair of wheels. The Traxter 6x6 DPS HD10 brings the functionality of a six-wheel drive vehicle to a workhorse SSV and can also stay on the job longer thanks to its 40-litre fuel tank capacity.

The new SSV with its longer wheelbase and triple axle design spreads the weight of the vehicle, so that it does less damage across multiple terrains. This asset is complemented by the performance of the 82hp V-twin, liquid-cooled, engine from Rotax. When it comes to the interior, the cab pillars have been pushed forward, there’s an open-dash configuration and a truck-inspired VERSA-PRO bench seat that accommodates up to three adults and flips up for

and tuning bikes to the highest specification. Expanding its offering will see Yamaha’s entire off-road competition range offered for sale in the Dock Street showroom, including the newfor-2023 YZ450F.

Raceways will offer sales, parts and servicing for Yamaha’s off-road range with the showroom and workshops due to see significant expansion in 2023.

GASGAS HAS FINALISED PLANS to repeat its technical support, spares and advice service for the 2023 Scottish Six Days Trial. Once again, it will be on-site in Fort William offering full support to any GasGas rider, including access to its exclusive hospitality unit. Each GasGas rider will receive a goodie bag packed with essentials to help them master the SDDT and then, once the final day is completed, they can join the official brand celebration.

Registration opened on 17 October and GasGas will be checking the entry list of registered riders early next year – if your name is there, with GasGas next to it, you will be contacted.

Talon Raptor fork clamps

If you want to fine tune the front end of a dirt bike and add a bit of bling at the same time, then Talon has the answer.

Raptor (RAPidly Tune-able Offset Race) Fork Clamps are the result of more than 1000 hours of R&D, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and real-world testing at national and international level racing.

They are CNC-machined inhouse from aerospace-grade aluminium alloy to provide extra stiffness to the forks, improving feel and performance. Lighter than OEM clamps, they feature split clamping for a better hold on the fork legs and to allow for accurate torque settings. BendLine Support on the lower edge of the bottom clamp enables a smoother fit with the fork leg during impacts and hard riding. They’re fully adjustable with 6mm of offset adjustment, from 19 to 25mm, and they use OEM handlebar rubber mounts which accept all current OEM and aftermarket bar mount systems.

Talon supplies the Raptor clamps with their latest Raklok adjustable bar mounts, providing

8mm of front-to-back movement for the handlebars. Rack-style toothed position adjustment moves in increments of 2mm, for easy setting with a high shearstrength ‘locked’ mounting. This ‘set and forget’ bar positioning means there’s no need to move levers, bar front-back roll angle or left to right position in order to adjust the bars. Additionally, a cross brace mount plate between bar mounts prevents bar torsion or ‘tweaking’ during crashes, so handlebars don’t need to be loosened and settings disturbed to release the twist.

Also CNC-machined in Talon’s

UK factory, using aerospacegrade aluminium alloy and highperformance engineering steel alloy, the Raklok comes in 1⅛ or ⅞-inch bar diameters.

Talon’s Triple Clamp retails at £699.99 for the Raptor and Raklok set-up. Standard anodised colours are black, orange (KTM), red (GasGas), blue (Husqvarna), red (Honda), blue (Yamaha) and green (Kawasaki), with an option to upgrade to silver, pink, purple, magnesium, titanium or gold.

Talon Engineering 01935 471508 enquiries@talon-eng.co.uk www.talon-eng.co.uk

Fluid force

As a new player in a fairly crowded market, Syntol Lubricants had its work cut out, particularly as it launched in 2019 just prior to the Covid pandemic. Rick Kemp investigates

Syntol director Johnny Blackshaw acknowledges that the timing of the launch was bad luck. He had intended to set the company afloat a couple of years earlier, but the nature of the business dictates that a lot of product testing has to take place to obtain the compliance certification required by vehicle manufacturers. It wasn’t a five-minute job, given that Syntol is active in seven different sectors.

Blackshaw’s background is in circuit racing, which is where he began as a youngster, but when he decided to change direction, he didn’t go down the usual route of motorcycle retail or working for a manufacturer. Instead, he got involved in producing lubricants. The two activities initially ran parallel, with Blackshaw supplying race teams with bespoke engine and transmission lubricants, until about three years ago when Syntol had a range of products ready to go. Syntol launched in the automotive, agricultural and commercial sectors. “Those

Syntol products are very competitively priced due mainly to the fact that they are produced entirely in the UK

three markets are a lot easier to enter because they rely more on pounds and pence than brand loyalty,” explains Blackshaw. Syntol products are very competitively priced due mainly to the fact that they are produced entirely in the UK.

“We’ve used the finance raised on that side of the business to get the motorcycle side going.”

Blackshaw is ideally placed to understand the value of sponsorship from both sides. Syntol as a brand was active in six major on- and off-road British motorcycle championships before its products were readily available across the dealer network. This created demand and kick-started retail sales when the motorcycle range was released earlier in the year.

The motorcycle product comprises three separate ranges: Nero-R, Corse and Strada,

Syntol Lubricants

all of which are fully synthetic. Nero-R is the racing range offering six different weights of oil and a two-stroke. In addition, its ComplexEster Matryx technology delivers ultra-low friction coefficients to release the full power of a racing engine without compromising reliability. Next comes the Corsa range, also offering a choice of six four-stroke weights and a two-stroke but aimed at highperformance road bikes. The Strada range caters for standard two- and four-stroke motorcycles with three multi-grade options and a two-stroke. All the ranges use Ester Matryx Technology.

Under the ancillary banner, following the same branding as engine oils, are Nero-R two-stroke Ultralight Gear Oil, SX and SF Racing suspension fluids and Ultra Cool high-performance racing coolant. The next step down features Corse Gear synthetic light gearbox oil and Corse Cool engine coolant. The sole Strada entry is Gear Light 2T gear oil.

Additives make up about 30% of Syntol Lubricants, and Blackshaw tells us that they are sourced globally according to specification and, like all good things, are blended to a secret recipe. “There are only two specifications for motorcycles – JASO and API – and we exceed both of them with all our products.”

Particularly useful for dealers and end users alike is Syntol’s selection of maintenance and care products specially

formulated for motorcycle owners who want to lavish some TLC on their treasured possession. EVAP-1 is a high-performance, fast-evaporating solvent cleaner designed for use on brakes, clutch, chain, electrics and other engine and chassis components but not on plastic, painted, coated or lacquered surfaces. Parts Degreaser does what it says on the can and is also not intended for use on the above. Chainlube RR is suitable for standard or sealed-link chains on racing or road machines. The SX chainlube variant is formulated for off-road use including racing. Maintanol is a general-purpose maintenance spray for exposed moving parts as well as metal and electrical protection and can be used as a releasing agent. Then there’s Bike Polish for the shiny bits. Glaze will do the same thing plus when used on the underside of mudguards on off-road bikes it stops the mud from sticking. Finally, there is a motorcycle speed-wash concentrate called Glisten.

UK motorcycle sales manager for Syntol Lubricants is Mike Fernandez, who some of you will know. “We are in a fortunate position. Although we are building the network from the ground up, everything looks right. We’ve got a market-ready product that looks young, is social-media friendly, is built on specification, not price point and has got everything a dealer would want to retail – the cherry on the cake is that it’s made in the UK.” Fernandez goes on to point out, “On the whole, the UK oil market is very old and

Warranty that delivers...

dusty. Retailers and distributors have gone with the same oil forever and a day, and they don’t really know why. Syntol is a modern product. When people use Nero-R, for example, they’ll see that it’s a sexy blue colour, which sets it apart from the outset. Up until now, we’ve not really done much advertising, but the sponsorship seems to have paid off as quite a few dealers claim to recognise the packaging.”

There are other advantages for Syntol associated with being the new kid on the block. Agility is one. “I’ve spoken to a number of distributors who handle different oils, and they say that they can never get hold of the

right person. Compared to some of the more established players in the game, which have hundreds, if not thousands, of employees, with Syntol, the right person can be on screen straightaway and decisions can be made. From a stock point of view, if a dealer wants 200 litres of something by Friday, we can do it as we mix and blend everything on site. It’s not as though we have to check when the next container is arriving.”

Syntol is also very active on social media, which helps both the dealer and the customer, and the fact that it is a ‘made in the UK’ product benefits the technical side as lubricant analysis is an ongoing process – nothing has to be sent away for testing and the racing sponsorship aids the product development.

The dealer benefits from Syntol’s more modern approach extend to the care and maintenance range, where products like the EVAP-1 are multi-purpose so the dealer doesn’t need to stock half-a-dozen taskspecific sprays. Likewise, Syntol doesn’t operate stocking plans as such. It’s quite happy to let the dealer pick and choose products to suit that dealer’s business model. Also, now that Syntol has just announced its brake fluid range, there are no gaps in its product portfolio. Blackshaw’s ethos is that if you use the best materials available and all your products exceed manufacturers’ specifications, you can’t go far wrong.  Syntol 0333 577 1226 sales@syntol-lubricants.com

Business Beat

NEW RULES FOR RIGHT TO WORK CHECKS

For some time the government has demanded that employers check that their employees can legally work in the UK. Termed ‘right to work checks’, all employers must carry them out on every individual - and before they start to ensure that they are not disqualified from working because of their immigration status.

A number of temporary changes were introduced to these right to work checks from 30 March 2020 to aide employers during the Covid-19 pandemic when working from home was mandated by the government. These changes came to an end on 30 September 2022, and employers must now carry out checks on original documents in the individual’s presence when conducting manual checks in line with the Home Office’s Employer’s Guide to Right to Work Checks which is on gov.uk

By completing a check which is compliant with the Home Office’s guide, a statutory

New rules have been brought in by the Home Office which will affect employers as they check on employees’ right to work in the UK

defence will be obtained against civil penalties which can otherwise be imposed where the employer is found to be employing an illegal worker. The penalties are harsh. The civil penalty stands at £20,000 per illegal worker and rises to an unlimited fine and up to five years in prison.

COVID-19 ADJUSTED CHECKS

As background, the Covid-19 pandemic brought about a number of changes to the way people worked which made carrying out compliant checks on physical documents impractical. As such, on 30 March 2020

the Home Office introduced an adjusted right to work checking process that accounted for the fact that many people were required to work from home during periods of national lockdown.

Under the adjusted scheme, employers were able to carry out checks using video calls rather than in person; and on scanned images or photos of documents received via email or a mobile app rather than on originals only.

The use of these adjusted measures ended on 30 September 2022.

And where prospective or existing employees could not provide any of the accepted documents, as detailed in the Home Office guide, employers had to use the Home Office’s Employer Checking Service available online. That process remains unchanged.

THREE WAYS TO CHECK

Because, from 1 October 2022, employers are no longer able to carry out adjusted right to

work checks, they will be required to carry out checks via one of the following three ways.

y A manual right to work check (for British and Irish nationals only);

y A right to work check using Identity Document Validation Technology via the services of an Identity Service Provider (for British and Irish nationals with a valid passport only);

y A Home Office online right to work check for individuals with biometric residence permits, biometric residence cards, frontier worker permits or e-visas (including those granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme). To conduct an online check employers will need a “share code” from the individual, as well as their date of birth.

And where an individual is not able to present evidence of their right to work because an application to the Home Office has been made but is outstanding, employers should continue to use the Employer Checking Service to obtain a definitive response.

As for the original documents on the Home Office’s list of acceptable documents, they must now be checked in the presence of the individual, either in-person or via a video call. The fact that it will continue to be possible to verify the validity of documents via video call will be welcome, given that remote or hybrid working is increasingly common for many organisations. However, this may still cause challenges where individuals working remotely are required to present their passport and are reluctant to do so by post.

It should be remembered that part of the process requires employers make and retain a clear electronic or hard copy of the document and also, make a record of the date on which the check was performed.

NO RETROSPECTIVE OR FOLLOW UP CHECKS

The Home Office has confirmed that employers will not be required to carry out retrospective right to work checks on

those employees who had an adjusted check carried out between 30 March 2020 and 30 September 2022.

A statutory defence will be maintained against civil penalties provided the check was carried out in line with the prescribed guidance on adjusted checks at the relevant time. However, organisations whose processes did not keep up with the evolving Home Office requirements would be well advised to undertake an audit and carry out checks retrospectively if there are concerns. While this will not afford the statutory excuse, it will provide an opportunity to identify any employees who may be of concern and deal with them appropriately.

6 April 2022. It is therefore essential that the relevant people in the business have upto-date knowledge of the current checking requirements, to ensure the company is complying with its legal obligations to prevent illegal working. It follows that training for all those involved in the process of checking right to work is highly recommended.

Right to work policies and procedures are likely to have become out of date on 1 October 2022 and should be updated in line with the changes. Those which haven’t been kept up to date with earlier changes since Brexit would particularly benefit from a refresh. Where right to work processes were lax during the pandemic, this is a good opportunity to carry out audits and retrospective checks.

Where an organisation has a sponsor licence to sponsor migrant workers (or is interested in obtaining one), it is a condition of being granted and retaining it that immigration (and general employment) obligations are fully complied with. Therefore there is even greater need for vigilance in this area to avoid the licence being revoked by the Home Office.

Notably, where an individual has a timelimited right to work, follow on checks will still be required before the expiry of their current immigration permission.

EMPLOYERS MUST RESPOND

Very simply, employers must ensure that the people within their business responsible for carrying out right to work checks are aware of what is required of them in order to complete a compliant check from 1 October 2022.

There have been a number of changes to the right to work checking process since March 2020, including changes to the way checks are carried out on EEA citizens following Brexit, and the introduction of mandatory online checks for certain individuals from

Lastly, where the business no longer wishes to carry out manual right to work checks itself and is considering using an Identity Service Provider for checks on British and Irish nationals, efforts should be made to find a suitable provider to engage and enter into an appropriate commercial arrangement with.

IN SUMMARY

The process for checking an employee’s right to work is well defined and has been in place for some time. The advice is clear. Understand and follow the rules and if in any doubt, seek good advice.

Written in association with Shabana Muneer and Ruth Jowett

Shabana Muneer is a director and head of business immigration, and Ruth Jowett is an associate, at Walker Morris

It is therefore essential that the relevant people in the business have up-todate knowledge of the current checking requirements

MATTERS MARKETING

Expert adviceto improve howyou promoteand sell productsyour servicesor

IN THE KNOW WHEN IT COMES TO DATA

If you are cutting your marketing budget remember to reserve something for unexpected emergencies or opportunities

When it comes to making savings, you want to cut the costs in areas that will do the least damage. That’s a simple principle, but how do you know which parts of your marketing budget you can trim with minimal impact on results?

American politician Donald Rumsfeld summed this challenge up neatly; “There are known knowns. These are things we know that we know. There are known unknowns. That is to say, there are things that we know we don’t know. But there are also unknown unknowns. There are things we don’t know we don’t know”.

Starting with the last point first, we can’t plan for every eventuality under the sun, so a sensible precaution is to leave some of your budget for

unexpected emergencies or opportunities. And if you haven’t spent it at the end of the year, you could always carry it forward. Just be sure to have something in reserve.

Just because hundreds of people clicked on a link or liked an Instagram post, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are potential customers

Then there are the known unknowns. I’ve lost count of the number of times people have told me that they don’t know whether their print advertising is working. In the ‘good old

days’ the ‘phone would ring on the day an advert appeared in a newspaper or magazine, with customers asking for more information, a brochure or even placing an order. To a certain extent, that was also true of sponsorship - “Win on Sunday, sell on Monday” – so it was easy to gauge whether your adverts or sponsorship were generating sales. Things have moved on since then and, although there might not be any obvious clues whether your print campaigns are working, there are other ways to measure success. Do more people visit your website when you run adverts or after weekends when your sponsored riders have been racing? When you know you don’t know something, try to find a way to get the information you need.

Which brings us neatly to the things we know that we know. When it comes to digital advertising and social media, you can get all sorts of statistics at the push of a button. This can lead to a false sense of security. As wise farmers used to say; “Weighing a pig doesn’t make it any heavier”. Just because hundreds of people clicked on a link or liked an Instagram post, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are potential customers. Sometimes you need to drill down below the headline figures to discover what’s really going on.

When the time comes to sharpen your pencil and make some savings, you need to be sure you have the data to show you where to prune without damaging the tree. You know it makes sense!

NEXT MONTH

What can your suppliers do to help with your marketing?

IN A NEW SERIES, EXCLUSIVELY FOR BDN, DAN SAGER FROM Fab-Biker PR looks at the specific challenges of marketing in a harsh economic climate. fab-biker.co.uk

The Business

The latest news and views in the world of business

The indelicate matter of pay

Employers and employees are under the cosh from rising costs. And, given the inflationary pressures all are experiencing, pay is a subject that isn’t going away any time soon

How a request for a pay rise is received by an employer depends on where they are at in their usual pay review cycle, the industry in which they operate, and the extent of the competition.

Most employees expect an annual pay increase at least in-line with inflation which is currently running at its highest rate in 40 years. It’s entirely understandable that employers can’t afford to offer 9 or 10% pay increases at the moment, particularly given that employers

face increased national insurance contributions on top.

Lucy Gordon, a director at Walker Morris, reckons that

that employees are earning less, so employers need to be inventive about what they can offer to staff that eases the

discounts on energy-saving devices, electric cars and solar panels for home offices.

SETTING PAY

“many employees are seeing in the region of 4-5% awarded which is well below the current rate of inflation. This means

strain on income but costs them less too.” She’s come across some really novel ideas that tick other boxes as well, such as corporate

As to how pay is set depends on the business. In unionised industries, Gordon says that pay is negotiated between the employer and the union, and “this is why we are suddenly seeing a return to strike action when these negotiations are not successful.”

In non-unionised businesses, pay is rarely negotiated with

Many employees are seeing in the region of 4-5% awarded which is well below the current rate of inflation

Essentials

employees and is usually determined by the managing director or CEO in smaller businesses, and by remuneration committees in larger businesses and PLCs. As Gordon explains, “these committees have the job of benchmarking pay both externally, in the market; and internally, between staff operating at the same levels.”

SHOULD EMPLOYERS LINK PAY RISES TO PRODUCTIVITY?

Linking pay rises to productivity is already used in some sectors, whether that be piecework or team or company performance.

However, at the moment, even when businesses are outperforming their previous results, it may still be difficult to give substantial pay rises, given that recession is likely to be looming.

An alternative that Gordon highlights, salary sacrifice, “can present real advantages for all by offering a tax and National Insurance efficient way of purchasing items such as bikes and cars and making pension contributions. This can definitely be a better option for employers than a pure pay increase, but it’s not suitable for all employers.”

She says that employers have to think about what happens if an employee leaves part-way through the repayment term, and salary sacrifice can’t reduce pay to below national minimum wage levels.

INDUSTRIAL ACTION

Strikes and ‘work to rule’ can cause severe disruption to business operations and

have a knock-on effect on supply chains; for example, where production is slowed or deliveries can’t be accepted, an employer may breach the terms of its contracts with customers.

But as Gordon points out, “employee relations issues can also expose the business to negative publicity – recent wellpublicised examples of action taken by unions include the RMT successfully balloting for industrial action by rail workers.”

with Adam Bernstein www.abfeatures.com

including possible dismissal, is appropriate.” She adds that it’s also important for employers, if industrial action is threatened, to consider contingency planning as “the business may need to re-deploy non-striking employees from other parts of the business based in other locations to cover the work of striking employees.”

Interestingly, Gordon thinks that if a non-unionised workforce seeks to become

such as flexitime, extra holiday entitlement or even unlimited annual leave, free breakfasts or lunches and employee discounts which “can all go a long way to improving the employee experience without increasing salary overheads.” Some employers are looking more at employee health and wellbeing with support for mental health, new parents and carers and key issues for women in the workplace.

WORKING EXTRA HOURS

Another option is for overtime, but unless it is expressly stated in a contract of employment Gordon says that employees don’t have a right to it.

She advises that if collective bargaining agreements are in place, employers should make sure they are followed and fully exhausted in order to try to avoid industrial action. However, even with the best will in the world, it may not be possible to avoid industrial action altogether. How such action should be handled depends on whether the action is lawful (authorised and endorsed by a union) or unlawful (where employees take matters into their own hands). Where action is unlawful, Gordon notes that options can include “obtaining court orders to prevent an unlawful strike and considering whether disciplinary action against participating employees,

unionised, “the employer might want to consider placating staff” by agreeing to an informal request for voluntary recognition which might give the employer more scope to determine the remit of the union.

THE ‘BIG QUIT’ EFFECT

Some sectors are in the middle of one of the biggest talent wars for years, with employees jumping ship for more money. But the pandemic forced some to re-evaluate their working priorities; some want to work less or from home, others remain loyal to an employer who supported them through the pandemic. Regardless, employers need to balance their offering to employees.

Here Gordon cites benefits

Overtime is usually offered by an employer, and depending on the contract, the employee might be compelled to work it, or may be able to decline the offer. Overtime can be paid at enhanced rates, but this again depends on the contract: “The only statutory requirement is that employees receive at least the national minimum wage on average for all hours worked or treated as worked. Overtime can be a good solution if employers have such work available.”

IN SUMMARY

The issue of pay is not going away any time soon. For the moment at least, employees have the whip hand and can look for a job elsewhere with ease. This makes it imperative for employers to find creative ways of giving employees more without breaking the bank.

The only statutory requirement is that employees receive at least the national minimum wage on average for all hours worked or treated as worked

Any colour you like,

so long as it’s not black

Oxford Products has opened the doors of its Witney HQ to showcase its upcoming developments to dealers. Colin Williams went along to see what’s new

Oxford Products has been on an expansion drive recently. A new £1.1m 24,000sq.ft warehouse has been built to add more storage space for bulk deliveries, and it is already filled to its (worryingly high) rafters. You certainly need a head for heights if you work within its cavernous interior: the wire-guided forklifts raise the driver up to the top level to collect goods instead of moving pallets to ground level for processing.

Move along the road a few hundred metres from the warehouse complex and you soon come to a new building Oxford recently bought to house some of its administrative staff, along with the design departments for both its “soft” products – clothing, gloves and boots – and “hard” parts – lighting, locks and chains,

luggage etc. The Design Research & Development Centre is home to around 40 staff, about 25% of the business’ total manpower, although ‘manpower’ is a bit of a misnomer as around 50% of Oxford’s employees are female.

The investment hasn’t just been in bricks and mortar, as the rooms full of shiny new technical kit confirm that serious money is also being spent on research and development. This is something that Oxford Products is justifiably proud of. It doesn’t simply source a product and have it branded with a few buttons or logos; products are devised, designed and developed from scratch within the building. For the hard parts team this means taking an idea and creating and refining the design using CAD. The software is used to define packaging, refine the appearance and to accurately calculate the structural strength using finite element analysis.

A room full of high-tech 3D printing kit is then used to create a prototype. Two printers are available to the design team – one creates models by laser fusing a powder, the other uses a liquid substrate and can make soft-feel and transparent items.

The testing lab is the other location for some big-ticket

apparatus. A room full of highly technical kit – a tensile tester to check the strength of materials and components, a perspirometer to see whether new materials are colour-fast, a waterproofness tester, electrical testers… the list goes on. Safe to say that anything Oxford produces has been thoroughly checked over before it is released for public consumption.

ADVENTUROUS RANGES

So what are the fruits of all this investment? Well, for the clothing department, it means a swathe of new kit for the 2023 season, with an emphasis on the burgeoning adventure market and a bid to move into new price points.

The Oxford Hinterland textile suit was launched a few years ago to top the firm’s range of technical clothing, but it has now been usurped by the new Stormland jacket and pants, which take the Dry-to-Dry trilaminate waterproof fabric and throws every technical feature Oxford’s designers can think of at it. Superfabric abrasion-proof material is fitted on the shoulders, stretch panels are fitted under the arms and across the shoulders with stretch Polartec insulation behind, vents have glove-friendly magnetic

fasteners, the waterproof collar is removable, a thermal liner is removable, all the protective armour is CE level 2, zips are waterproof and it even has a Recco radar reflector fitted to help search and rescue teams track people down in remote areas. As well as being the most technically proficient textile suit in Oxford’s range, it is also the most expensive. It will come in black or grey/black/orange for £399 for the jacket and £299 for the trousers.

To fill a gap in the adventure range below the Hinterland, the new Rockland suit uses modular (two layer) laminate fabric and CE level 1 armour. Despite its lower price point it still has a plethora of technical features including a removable waterproof liner, a removable thermal liner, lots of pockets, and huge zipped vents on the chest and back. It also has a claim to fame as an Oxford first: it’s the company’s first suit to not be available in black. Instead it comes in red/ white/blue, khaki/black/fluo or grey/black/red for £249 for the jacket and £199 for the matching trousers.

The Rockland jacket and pants come in three colours – none of them black

The Stormland jacket and pants are the most technology-laden, and expensive, suit Oxford has produced

TOTALLY PANTS

For the riders not wishing to look as if they are preparing to cross the Serengeti, there are AA and AAA jeans made using stretch Armourlite fabric for improved comfort. The same tech has been used for new £139.99 AA-rated Cargo pants (in black or khaki) and, for the man about town, AA-rated Chinos in black or sand colourways for £129.99 SRP. Surprisingly, Oxford’s biggest-selling trousers across its entire offering are its range of ladies’ jeggings (which will be available in additional colours for 2023) and they will doubtless get a further boost with the introduction of new AA-rated Wax Jeggings. These are said to combine the style of jeans, the comfort of leggings and the practicality of a water resistant waxed fabric with the protective qualities of CE level 2 knee and hip armour. They only come in black, and are £139.99 SRP. As well as all the new below-the-waist garments, there has been an update to the CE A-rated Super Hoodie 2.0. It now come in two new fashion colours – Sports Red and Sports Grey with fluro detailing and big logo prints – for £129.99 SRP.

NEW CAMPING KIT

during their stays. This has resulted in the development of new motorbike camping kit, including a fold-down steel fire pit, fuel and water flasks and a folding camping chair, all of which come in storage bags with plenty of clips and straps so they can be fitted onto the adventure bike of choice.

A new display stand for workshop mats joins Oxford’s range of cabinets, stands and POS to help dealers make the most of their showroom space

There has also been an update to the firm’s range of aftermarket indicators. The new “Dark” range – Darkseeker, Darkhunter and Darkchaser – take all the assets of the existing LED range and add in a dark smoked lens and black casing to give a stealthy appearance without affecting usability.

Feedback from the sales teams has led to something to help dealers avoid a cluttered showroom: decorative floor mats are big sellers both for keen riders and as an ideal present for the biker who has everything, but they are awkward to display, take up loads of space and refuse to stack nicely. So Oxford has designed a display rack to hold a selection of its large and small mats neatly where they can be easily unrolled for customers to view.

To further develop its already extensive range of accessories, Oxford has been busy sending its designers to biking festivals and weekend events to research what visitors are using

The mat display stand, along with other Oxford-designed-and-produced POS material such as a paddock stand display, and illuminated cabinets to display accessories and helmets, are all available as part of the “Ambassador” service. Oxford ambassadors will design the layout of a showroom of any size, and then fit and furnish all the stands with products. It epitomises Oxford’s enthusiasm to equip dealers with as many tools as possible to drive sales, to the benefit of all. ■

INVESTMENT

Wax Jeggings (above) are expectd to be a best seller. The new Chinos (right) and Cargo pants extend the range of casual rider clothing

Oxford’s recent investments have included a new Research & Development Centre, new 3D printing technology, advanced CAD and design workstations, and the towering new warehouse with hi-tech forklifts

The latest products for your showroom

SIP carb

AS THE SUPPLY AND SOURCING OF CLASSIC Dell’Orto PHBH carburettors for tuned scooters has become more difficult, scooter specialists SIP has developed its own-brand replacement, cunningly called the SIP Performance PHBH. The SIP version uses a pull choke rather than flap choke, and has a 350 float needle with a 50 throttle slide. The intake funnel has a 62mm connection for use with larger aftermarket air filters. The carb comes in a painted black finish in 30BS and 28BS sizes for an SRP of £91.74.

SIP Scootershop; +49 (0) 8191-96999-69;  ralf@sip-scootershop.de

Akrapovič Tuareg 5

A NEW SLIP-ON KIT FOR APRILIA’S SOLE ADVENTURE MODEL HAS arrived from premium pipework makers Akrapovič. The Tuareg 660 is the recipient of the lightweight titanium end can, which is claimed to be 36.5% lighter than the stock can. It comes with a handmade carbon fibre heat shield and end cap. SRP is £864. There is also an optional two-into-one stainless steel header set which makes the kit a full system. SRP is £621.

Performance Parts; 01327 706139; enquiries@performanceparts-ltd.com

Dainese Rapida Lady

A SPORTS-STYLE JACKET WITH A women’s-specific cut, the Rapida Lady is made from soft, supple Italian leather with stretch panels at the hips, arms and chest. Despite the somewhat retro looks, the Rapida uses the latest tech fabrics with antibacterial and anti-odour properties, also adding wash resistance and extra durability. Protection is provided by a quartet of Pro-Armor protectors at the shoulders and elbows, along with a pair of interchangeable external aluminium slider plates on the shoulders. A rear pocket is provided to take an optional back protector. Available in sizes 6-20, in two colour options – black/white/blue and black/white – the Rapida Lady has an SRP of £449.95.

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

TRK brakes 6

BRAKE PARTS BRAND TRK HAS LAUNCHED TWO NEW REPRODUCTION calipers to fit a range of Honda and Yamaha machinery from the 1970s. The kits include all the parts needed to replace old or damaged calipers and cater for Honda CJ250 and CJ360 models, plus CB250, 350, 400, 500 and 550s; Yamaha XS360, TX500 and 650, plus RD250, 350 and 400.

Honda calipers are £98.48 SRP and Yamaha calipers are £113.99 SRP. WMD; 01273 595746; info@wmd-online.com

Scooter speedos

NOTHING LETS DOWN A SCOOTER RESTORATION MORE THAN A discoloured or faded speedo assembly. To make sure that everything looks factory fresh, VE (UK) has sourced replacement two piece speedo faces for classic Vespas. Designed and manufactured to be a direct replacement for the standard item, the VE speedo faces are simple to fit and are available for Vespa V50S, V90, V100, 150GL, 150 Sprint, 150 Super, 90 Racer, GS150, GS160, GTR125, Primavera, Rally 180/200, Sportique, SS180, SS90, VBA, VBB, VBC, VMA, and VMB models. SRP is £46.78, and new glass and chrome rims are also available to complete the refresh. VE (UK); 01159 462991; sales@ve-uk.com

CFMoto by Givi 5

CFMOTO IS GAINING SOME TRACTION WITH ITS 800MT, SO ITALIAN accessories maker Givi has bolstered its catalogue with some choice items for the adventure-styled bike. The luggage option is obviously a priority, so Givi has made a bike-specific rear rack (€43.95) to take a top box and a mount which fits onto the OE side rack (€194.65) to accommodate a pair of the brand’s Monokey panniers. A handy extra option is a kit for fitting a tool box to the pannier rack (€43.30). For rider comfort, there is a larger screen (€111.60), measuring 64cm high (17cm more than the OE screen) and a pair of ABS hand protectors. UK prices are yet to be confirmed. Givi UK; 01327 706220; info@givi.co.uk

Kawasaki updates

THE Z650 NAKED AND NINJA 650 sportsbike have been updated with KTRC, Kawasaki’s traction control system. The system has three settings; level one helps manage traction control when cornering, facilitating maximum drive out of curves while governing wheel spin; level two intervenes earlier and is suited to challenging riding conditions such as poorly surfaced roads, wet manhole covers and cobblestones; and on level 3 the KTRC is turned off. Other updates for 2023 include LED lighting all round and a choice of new colours and graphics. The Z650 starts at £7399, the Ninja from £7649.

Kawasaki Motors UK; 01628 856750; customerservice@kawasaki.co.uk

Classic Superbikes II 4

AS YOU MIGHT EXPECT, CLASSIC SUPERBIKES II IS AUTHOR FRANK Melling’s second foray into the world of memorable classic and retro machinery. The first edition was a bestseller, so its successor has some big boots to fill. Melling does a deep-dive into the history of some of the best, and the worst, motorcycles ever created covering racers from the 1930s up to sports bikes of the 1980s. Running to seventeen chapters and 132 pages, complete with numerous photos and illustrations, Classic Superbikes II has an SRP of £8.99.

Mortons Media; 01507 529529; info@mortons.co.uk

D3O Ghost armour

THE BOFFINS AT D3O HAVE been refining their manufacturing processes to upgrade their ultrathin and flexible Ghost armour inserts to comply with CE Level 2 protection standards.

The new Ghost L2 armour uses tapered freeform Impact Print technology combined with a stretch fabric backing to provide extra flexibility, breathability and temperature control.

It comes in D3O’s distinctive bright orange hue in two different sizes – hip/shoulder or knee/elbow – for an SRP of £36.99 per pair of inserts. Dot4Distribution; 0203 514 2413; info@dot4distribution.com

Alpinestars Sektor

boots

with

Harley Adventure Kit

HARLEY-DAVIDSON HAS LAUNCHED A limited-edition Adventure Kit to add some more off-road kudos to its Pan America. The kit includes an aluminium skid plate, radiator shield and headlamp guard for protection on rough terrain, and a Screamin’ Eagle Street Cannon exhaust end can for more noise and less weight than the OE equipment. Other bits in the kit include auxiliary LED lights, a pair of knee pads and a quickshifter. The whole shebang is £2360, a 15% saving over buying all the bits separately. Harley-Davidson; 0208 891 9088; www.harley-davidson.com

A-stars

SRP is £134.99.

Weise Fjord 5

AS SUMMER TURNS TO AUTUMN THE CHANGEABLE weather highlights the need for an adaptable pair of gloves. Weise claims its Fjord gloves have the thin feel and fit of a summer glove, but with a water and windproof membrane and a fleece inner liner to keep hands warm and dry when it becomes more inclement.

They’re made from a mix of full grain leather and textile, with silicone print detail on the palms, and touchscreen compatible tips to the index fingers and thumbs. Available in black, in sizes S-3XL for £49.99 SRP.

The Key Collection; 01179 719200; sales@thekeycollection.co.ukFree display 5

PUIG DISTRIBUTOR PURE MOTO is offering dealers a fully-loaded Puig point-of-sale display for free.

The display stand includes a screen, tail tidy and indicators, as well as handlebars complete with levers, mirrors and grips. There is also a counter top display stand showing a full range of levers, and the option to include a display screen.

The number of free stands are limited so interested dealers should get in touch pronto.

Pure Moto; 0333 006 9540; hello@puremoto.co.uk

01993 862300;

Avanti for Lambretta

YOU CAN NOW EQUIP LAMBRETTA Series 1,2, and 3 machines with a new version of the Avanti Ex-Box exhaust system – the ST. The ST is a straight-through, baffle-free exhaust which means on modified engines it can reach a higher maximum rev limit without losing any low-down torque. It uses a rubber-mounted end can with its own mounting bracket design. It comes with a standard, TS1 or BGM flange for an SRP of £359 SRP.

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

DNA for MT-10

GREEK FILTRATION specialist DNA has developed a new washable filter to suit Yamaha’s latest MT10 and MT-10SP models. DNA’s testing has shown an 18.3% increase in airflow compared to the stock filter. It comes pre-oiled from the factory and is “spark safe” so can be used for racing. SRP is €115. DNA; +30 210 4926278; info@dnafilters.com

Resurgence Gear jeans

Wunderlich Elephant Tour 5

A NEW COMPACT TANK BAG HAS BEEN ADDED TO Wunderlich’s Elephant range of soft luggage. The Tour is made from Cordura Truelock fabric with stiff inserts to maintain its shape and protect the contents. The interior capacity is 10 litres, and there is an integrated elasticated net on the top to accommodate extra items. A waterresistant cable grommet allows a charging cable to be threaded into the bag, and a carrying straps converts the Tour into a shoulder bag for off-bike use. SRP is €159.90. Wunderlich; +49 2641 3082-703; sales@wunderlich.de

THE NEW WAVE IS A SINGLE LAYER BIKING JEAN made from Pekev Ultra fabric, an abrasion resistant fabric providing a CE EN17092 AAA rating. The Pekev fabric is used to manufacturer the entire garment, not just the areas tested under CE appraisal, to ensure the best performance throughout. Elastene is incorporated in to the weave to provide an element of stretch comfort fitting, and ultra-thin D3O Ghost armour is provided for the hips and to go in the height-adjustable knee pockets. The New Wave jeans come in traditional indigo blue in waist sizes 30-44in in a choice of 32in and 34in leg lengths for an SRP of £299.

Dot4Distribution; 0203 514 2413; info@dot4distribution.com

Puig parts 56

A BUNDLE OF NEW PARTS AND accessories have arrived from Spanish brand Puig.

The Lumen S is a replacement LED front lamp to change the looks and improve the lighting on a range of naked machinery. It measures 175 x 160mm and has an output of 9W for high and low beam, plus a 1.5W positional light (DRL). The lamp unit can be fitted using a selection of CNC machined and anodised fork-mounted clamps, available in 35-37mm, 38-41mm and 42-43mm fork widths.

THE DUCATI STREETFIGHTER V4 LAMBORGHINI, TO GIVE IT ITS FULL TITLE, is the product of a recent tie-up between the two VW Group-owned Italian sporting brands. Limited to a run of 630 models, plus an extra 63 custom built for “special clients”, the Lambo version of Ducati’s hypernaked doesn’t get any more power or weigh any less than the standard version, so what do buyers get for their £55,995 (more than double the price of a V4S)? Basically, it gets you a stack of glittery bits – forged alloy wheels, carbon fibre bodywork that echoes motifs from Lamborghini’s Huracan STO supercar and a new seat cover. The green and red paint job also apes the Huracan STO’s. Akrapovič supplies a titanium exhaust, Rizoma provides some billet levers and the alloy pegs are adjustable, and a metal plate on the tank as well as the ignition key have an “xxx of 630” number on them to show just how exclusive the bike is.

Ducati UK; SCappell@ducatiuk.com; www.ducati.com

New Puig Pro 2.0 frame sliders offer protection to the chassis and engine by the simple of method of stopping them hitting the floor first. The sliders are made from an abrasion and impact resistant polyamide core sandwiched between two pieces of thermoplastic elastomer, which come in a choice of grey, blue, red or green.

Last but not least comes a range of replacement seat cowls for sportsbikes. Unlike the normal plastic pillion covers, these cowls are inspired by high-end sportscars. The three-piece design includes internal channels, which are claimed to reduce turbulence and improve stability at high speed. They are made from ABS or carbon and come with a set of stickers to blend them in to the recipient bike’s colour scheme. Available to suit the Honda Fireblade 2020-22, Yamaha YZF-R1 2020-22 and Kawasaki’s ZX-10R/RR 2021-22 and Z900 2020-22 models. Puig; 0034 938 49 06 33; info@puig.tv

Ducati Lambo

while reflective

and the

are

Zard exhausts5

ITALIAN EXHAUST BRAND ZARD’S SALES PITCH IS THAT ALL ITS products are made in Italy, not the Far East, so its new slip-on and full systems for the Triumph Thruxton and Speed Twin come with an aura of Piedmontese passion. The full system is a two-into-one design available in stainless steel or black finishes, and Zard claims that it meets the triple benefits of reducing weight, increasing torque and improving power. Various designs are available, including conical or short silencers, and carbon endcaps. Prices start at £915 for a stainless slip-on or £1080 for a full system. Performance Parts; 01327 706139; enquiries@performanceparts-ltd.com

Classic calendar

THE IDEAL CHRISTMAS PRESENT FOR the discerning dealership – who wouldn’t want a lovely collection of classics hanging on the office wall (alongside the everpractical BDN Wallplanner, obviously!)?

The 2023 Andy Tiernan calendar’s theme is “AJS through the decades” and thus it features six AJS motorcycles – one each from the 1910s, 20s, 30, 40s, 50s and 60s – hand drawn and painted by talented artist Mike Harbar.

All proceeds from the sale of the calendar go to the East Anglian Air Ambulance charity. For UK dealers, the cost for one calendar is £12 including postage. For EU customers, it’s £17 inc postage. Cheques should be made payable to “East Anglian Air Ambulance”, or PayPal to AndyTiernanCalendarDonation@ outlook.com

Andy Tiernan Classics, The Old Railway Station, Station Road, Framlington, IP13 9EE

Defensa guards

TOURATECH’S

as

for

of

come in

SRP is €176.38.

+49 7728 9279-0; info@touratech.de

Yuasa YCX

YUASA HAS LAUNCHED A FOUR-STRONG RANGE of smart battery chargers covering everything from scooters to trucks. The smallest, the YCX1.5 will charge and maintain batteries up to 30Ah, enough for any two-wheeler, and has a seven stage charging profile for optimum performance. Yuasa says the 1.5A output makes for faster charging than its rivals. SRP is £44.99. GS Yuasa UK; 01793 833555; info@gs-yuasa.uk

Stylmartin Double

Watsonian fitting kit for Enfield Continental WATSONIAN HAS DEVELOPED A FITTING KIT TO

A

to the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650. Consisting of a sub-frame that provides sturdy mounting points for the lower arms that attach the sidecar, plus upper arms which attach to clamps on existing mounting points on the bike’s frame, the kit is made from powder coated tubular steel. The kit allows any of Watsonian’s range of sidecars to be attached – the picture shows the lightweight Prescott sidecar, which has a fibreglass body on a tubular steel chassis, with hydraulic suspension, a fold-down screen and wire wheels to match the bike’s.

The Continental GT 650 fitting kit has an SRP of £475 and the Prescott sidecar starts at £4895.

Watsonian Squire; 01386 700907; www.watsonian-squire.com

Suzuki colours 456

NEW COLOUR SCHEMES ARE NOW available on Suzuki’s Hayabusa, SV650 and SV650X models. The third generation Hayabusa gets a new dark grey scheme with red accents, a revised white edition with blue detailing and an all-black variant. The SV650 also gets a trio of updated colourways for 2023: a grey and black scheme with red wheels, blue with bronze wheels and black, also with bronze wheels. The SV650X will come in a new metallic silver.

Suzuki UK; mark.hallam@suzuki.co.uk; www.bikes.suzuki.co.uk

www.britishdealernews.co.uk

Accessories for DesertX

WITH THE LAUNCH OF DUCATI’S DESERTX OFF-ROAD BIASED ADVENTURE BIKE COMES A NEED FOR new accessories and protection parts. Evotech Performance is now offering protection for the Dakarstyle machine with an aluminium radiator guard (£64.99 SRP), an engine guard (£79) and crash bobbins (£89.99). Additional bobbins to protect the front and rear wheels are also available (£35.99 per pair).

Personal protection for the rider comes in the form of CNC machined hand guards (£159.98). To give the DesertX additional street cred there is an aluminium tail tidy complete with wiring and fittings for £49.99. Evotech; 01652 680060; www.evotech-performance.com

Pirelli Diablo

PIRELLI HAS CONFIRMED THAT THE FOURTH generation of its Diablo Supercorsa tyres will go on sale at the beginning of 2023. The SP street version will share some technologies and its profile with the SC racing tyre, but has a dual-compound tread featuring a racing compound on the outer edges and a harder and more resilient compound for the central band, rather than a choice of racing compounds. The SC’s compounds are specialised for track use and allow for different asphalt types and temperatures.

Sizes and prices are yet to be confirmed, but the prediction is that they should fit most of the current crop of supersports and supernaked machinery. Pirelli Tyres; 0845 609 4949; www.pirelli.co.uk/moto

New colours for Meteor 5

THE UK’S BEST-SELLING MID-RANGE BIKE, THE ROYAL ENFIELD METEOR, HAS BEEN GIVEN a refresh. Three new paint colours are available – Supernova Red is available on top-of-the-range models (from £4039), and Fireball blue and Fireball matt green on lower-spec machinery (from £3879)– taking the total colour schemes available to ten. MotoGB; 01257 485222; sales@motogb.co.uk

Half-yearly stats

selling models

The latest half-year registration figures released by the DfT show that Honda consolidated its position as the UK’s favourite biking brand, with another big gain in the number of newly-registered machines.

Other “major” brands making big strides in terms of sales include Royal Enfield and Lexmoto. The launch of new models firmly hitting the in-vogue retro market, along with a burgeoning mid-capacity sector (126-650cc registrations rose by more than 23%, compared to the same period of 2021), saw Enfield sales up by just over 65%, while strong sales in the scooter and commuter markets helped boost Lexmoto. Aprilia also had a strong six months, nearly doubling sales, compared to its 2021 performance. Most popular of its models was the Tuono V4 1100, but the new mid-range 660RS sportsbike was snapping at its sibling’s heels.

Among brands losing sales and market share were Keeway and Sinnis. Given these

brands mostly operate in the sub-50cc and electric-powered sectors, both of which are performing strongly, there is a possibility that stock shortages are at least partly to blame. Among the heavy-hitters, BMW, Yamaha, Triumph and Ducati all saw falls in the number of units finding new homes. Again, stock shortages are suspected to be at the heart of the matter.

In the best-selling models chart scooters and commuters ruled the roost – Honda’s PCX125 again taking top slot and Yamaha’s delivery fleet favourite NMAX 125 having a particularly strong April-to-June as much-needed containers of stock arrived from the Far East to fill (at least partly) dealer showrooms.

Best of the big-capacity machinery was the Adventure version of the BMW R1250 GS, with the slightly more svelte standard model only two places further back. Other adventure-sport machinery proving popular included the mid-range machines from Triumph, Yamaha and Royal Enfield.

On the Money

Apervasive suspicion that the global motorcycle industry and its premier sporting apparitions are busy going to hell in a handcart has become harder to ignore. And there are certainly plenty of idiots around who seem willing to push us towards the inferno. Time for a rant!

Starting on a lighter angle, latest crackpot notion to land on my desktop was a missive from those Spanish fat-cats at MotoGP promoter Dorna Sports about how they are now “racing towards a smoke-free era”.

Henceforth, there will be extensive nosmoking zones at MotoGP race circuits. Thus demonised, the dastardly dregs of fans who still like to suck on an unwholesome ciggie while watching the almost equally dangerous gladiatorial entertainment on offer will be herded into ghettos. And tab-ends filling ashtrays therein will merit disposal in an “environmentally responsible way” –presumably employing personnel protected by haz-chem suits and respirators.

Leaving aside the bleedin’ obvious, that spectators at race tracks are pursuing an outdoor activity, with little chance of being subjected to passive smoking in enclosed spaces, this woke rubbish displays monumental hypocrisy and not a slightest hint of the irony one would assume was unavoidable. A clue comes from the fact dorks at Dorna concocted their smoke-free initiative with funding from beloved MotoGP “partner” Philip Morris International.

The world’s best-known tobacco baron, American-owned but Swiss-domiciled Philip Morris sells more than 850 billion cigarettes annually. Its premium global brand is Marlboro. Other leading Philip Morris brands include Chesterfield (to which I admit an ongoing personal addiction), L&M and

Benson & Hedges. The company declared a useful net profit of £8.473bn last year.

The incestuous relationship between cigarette purveyors like Philip Morris and Dorna, along with members of its pitlane facilitator IRTA and their respective antecedents, has a history stretching back for decades, mainly focused on the latter trousering squillions in sponsorship revenue from the former. Indeed, the MotoGP paddock and lavish team hospitality rigs were still awash with nicotine-flavoured loot long after fag logos were banned from fairing flanks. Ducati maintained covert ties with a Marlboro money connection until very recently, and that may continue in some form.

The disguise behind which Philip Morris hides during new-wave promotional excursions is its Foundation for a Smoke-free World, established with a billion-buck budget in 2017. The World Health Organisation promptly pointed out “conflicts of interest involved with a tobacco company funding a purported health foundation”, advising governments and other concerned bodies to boycott it. Most took note. Dorna evidently didn’t agree, or didn’t give a rat’s arse.

FUEL FOR THE FIRE

Moving on to the motorcycle industry’s generally chaotic state in the face of batteryelectrification’s threat to its functionality, yet another amusing Dorna initiative with some relevance has surfaced. Recognising that a bunch of lardy short-range MotoE machines are never going to replace its main sucksqueeze-bang-blow attraction, the Spaniards have chosen alternative combustion methods instead.

Dorna has pledged that fuel used in all MotoGP classes will be of minimum 40% non-

fossil origin by 2024. And, by 2027, it must be of 100% non-fossil origin. Apparently, go-go juice replacements for petrol will be either “laboratory-created, using components sourced from a carbon-capture scheme, or derived from municipal waste or non-food biomass”. The target is carbon neutrality rather than carbon elimination, “with suppliers progressively introducing the use of renewable energy in the production of their fuel”.

Thinking behind this gobbledygook is similar to glib rationalisation by leading UK electricity generator Drax. Its vast power station near Selby in Yorkshire has a theoretically carbon-neutral 2.9 gigawatt capacity (allegedly 6% of Britain’s entire required sparkiness) from burning biomass – wood pellets imported from the US and Canada. Trees are regarded as a renewable energy resource, because more can be grown, recapturing the flamed-off carbon.

A recent stance by European motorcycle manufacturers group ACEM followed the same direction, as indicated by its decision to join and support the eFuel Alliance’s campaign for much wider use of carbonneutral combustible fuels made from renewable biomass. Brazilian bikers have been familiar with carbon-neutral (and incidentally low-carbon) biofuel for decades, a spirit produced by fermenting and distilling sugarcane juice and molasses. However, motivation was unrelated to ecological correctness. Brazil simply lacked indigenous hydro-carbon access and imports were excruciatingly expensive.

And we have to ask ourselves, why have these abrupt swerves away from full commitment to battery-electric bikes and cars emerged? The answer is geo-political, in as much as sole dependence on batteryelectric presents a chillingly dystopian

International Share Prices

USA – IGNORING THE OBVIOUS US investors kept on swerving around Federal Reserve warnings of further interest rate increases in the pipeline. But their attempts to kickstart equity value were to no avail. Trading on Wall Street saw more extreme shareprice volatility, with wild swings back and forth.

Market indices reflected this chaos. The S&P 500, S&P’s Midcap 400 and Dow Jones Industrial Average ploughed erratic furrows, finishing on respective -1.6%, -1% and +1% weekly changes. The NASDAQ Composite closed 3.1% down.

Harley-Davidson shares were busy going nowhere on this roller-coaster ride. Gains at the beginning of the week were cancelled out by later losses, adding up to a gestural weekly price increase of 0.3%. Harley’s majority-owned LiveWire electric bike subsidiary suffered an

altogether more torrid time in only its third week of stand-alone trading finishing 23.4% down.

EUROPE – NORTH/SOUTH DIVIDE

A north-south divide is developing in European markets. Germany’s lavish energy bail-out for indigenous industrial titans, described as “selfish” by other EU countries, is naturally well-received on home turf. And its breadth helped to maintain positivity for Teutonic equity investors through October to date.

Frankfurt’s Xetra Dax made a second consecutive 1.3% weekly advance. However, motorcycle-related stocks were mixed. Italian problems were purely political, with nerves jangling in relation to Italy’s new government. In response, the FTSE MIB market index in Milan flatlined, staying shiny side up by just 0.1%.

JAPAN – WEAK YEN ADDS TO RISK

A stand-off between the Bank of Japan and Japanese politicians over monetary policy came to the fore once again, as the yen plunged to its weakest level against the US dollar in 32 years. The previous week’s muscular 4.5% rebound for Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 completely dissolved and the index closed 0.1% in arrears. Japan’s big-four bike producers, all on the cusp of releasing quarterly corporate results, felt varying degrees of investor reserve.

INDIA – LOSING THE PLOT

As the crescendo of Diwali approached, desultory equity trading highlighted that the party was in full swing – the BSE Sensex 30 stock index in Mumbai rising by just 0.3%.

But another back story was in play for the

Market analysis with financial editor

Willis

vision of economic stagnation and mass unemployment.

So there has been a belated panic-stricken realisation of the dichotomy between manpower and commodities in the global automotive industry. Manufacturing ICEmotivated motorcycles, cars and trucks is a complex process. Lots of precision-made moving parts are involved. Engine assembly is intricate and labour-intensive. Associated industrial activity employs millions of people worldwide, many of them highly-skilled and well-remunerated. But the principal input commodities consumed – steel, aluminium, rubber, plastics, etc – are relatively cheap and comprehensively available.

In stark contrast, the opposite will be true in a battery-electric firmament. With far fewer moving parts, assembly will require a dramatically smaller workforce. You could teach monkeys to bolt Teslas together and feed them peanuts, as Elon Musk knows well. At the same time, acquiring sufficient

crucial input commodities – copper, cobalt, rare-earth metals and oodles of lithium for serried ranks of batteries – is financially, physically and morally challenging.

Supplies of cobalt are dug up by infant slave labour in a Congo conflict zone. Despotic China has a monopoly on more than 80% of refined rare earths. Putin’s attempts to annex the Donbas region have a lot to do with an abundance of rare earths in Ukrainian soil. Reliable sources? Hardly. Other vital commodities are very finite in quantity and shortages imminent, forcing costs up relentlessly.

Automotive trade unions have now got wise and are crying foul. One forecast suggests 50,000 redundancies at Volkswagen’s German plants over the next few years, if the group’s current pace of electrification continues. Toyota is in the same fix, and is championing the hydrogen ICE corner fervently in an attempt to preserve Japanese jobs. And as ACEM has twigged, the sheer technical

impossibility of producing high-performance electric motorcycles oriented towards enthusiasts, with acceptable weight and range at affordable prices, is likely to kill its twowheeled golden goose stone dead.

Don’t take my words as gospel. Look where the smart money isn’t. Canny US investors are assuming the post-petrolhead bike market is going to be a lower-volume shadow of its former self.

There are only two battery-electric PTW manufacturers with primary listings on New York’s tech-heavy NASDAQ electronic stock exchange – Ideanomics, parent of Italian sparky superbike maker Energica, and Niu Technologies, a globally big-league Chinese producer of delivery scooters and small motorcycles. In September, their monthly share-price performances were tragic, respectively incurring losses of 54.1% and 23.9%.

And then in the final week of September, Harley-Davidson launched the muchhyped NYSE listing of its LiveWire electric motorcycle division as a stand-alone entity. Harley retained an approximate 74% stake in the opening market capitalisation of $1.77bn. Investor response was described as “lacklustre” by analysts. Across four trading sessions through to Friday’s NYSE close, the company’s value slumped by 23.8%, roughly $300m down the can. An omen for the future?

motorcycle industry. Press reports have emerged suggesting that Hero MotoCorp is on the verge of being overtaken in the sales charts by Honda’s local subsidiary HMSI. The shock this has engendered, given HMSI is an unlisted private company inaccessible to eager Indian investors, abruptly knocked the value of every indigenous bike maker.

CHINA – THE EAST IS RED

After a week-long public holiday, China’s Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges reopened and markets rallied. Shanghai’s all-share SSE Composite and the bluechip CSI 300 indices respectively finished 1.6% and 1% up. Biker stocks did well. A fortnight earlier, ten out of the eleven listings were negative. This time around, eight of them were positive.

(rupee)

(yuan)

TRICYCLES

two

0.5%.

Europe’s

ploughing

year-on-

Most successful of the five countries was Spain, which gained 10.7% compared to its 2021 halfyear total. Germany also remained positive, albeit with just a 1.7% increase. The UK and Italy saw falls of 2.3% and 2.8% respectively, but the wooden spoon went to France which suffered a drop of 6.4%,

7389 units.

powered

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by the

which now

for a third of the

Commenting, Antonio Perlot, secretary general of ACEM, said:

by

uncertainty.

“That said, registrations in Europe remained stable in comparison to the first half of 2021.”

Cost of living consumer spending caution

Data published by the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA) showed that registrations in September fell short of 2021’s tally by 9.6%. However, between January and September 2022, registrations remain ahead of last year by 3.6%

Recent feedback from dealers suggests that whilst demand for new motorcycles and scooters held up overall in September, there were regional differences in levels of demand, with some dealers experiencing quieter activity. However, others reported busier showrooms and enjoyed a resumption in sales following

the summer period, which was, as usual, more subdued throughout the school holidays. As we look ahead, it is impossible to ignore the growing effects of consumer spending unease caused by the rising cost of living.

Glass’s expects demand to ease during the coming months and dealers will not be helped by poor stock availability, which will continue throughout 2023.

Lower-priced brands, particularly within the modern classics and scooter sectors, remain a prevalent choice, and larger capacity adventure machines are also reasonably buoyant.

September new-plate sales disappoint

BDN analysis of the MCIA September registration statistics

WITH THE FALSE PROMISE OF August’s briefly positive blip behind us, the traditional new-plate registrations surge in September proved to be a predictable disappointment. BDN financial editor Roger Willis reports.

Motorcycles fell by 11% to 8561 units. Scooters were 3% down at 2775. Mopeds slid by 15.6% to 702 and trikes suffered a 10% loss on 99. An overall 9.6% retreat added up to 12,137 bikes registered during the month.

Royal Enfield had another good month, its Interceptor and Meteor models both topping style sectors

Every capacity class displayed negative facets. The up-to-125cc entry-level, mobility and fleet delivery sector shrank by 11% to 5205. Middleweight 126-650cc products were 7.1% lower at 2192. The 651cc-plus range, upon which core mainstream dealer profitability relies, was 9.2% in arrears, accounting for 4740 machines. Within that, premium over-1000cc steeds were 16.4% down to 2076.

While Honda managed to maintain hegemony, its monthly

Paul McDonald Leisure Vehicles Editor

registrations slumped by 26.8% – 698 fewer bikes – equating to more than half of September’s total 1288-unit market decline. And some 537 samples of the budget-priced and therefore profit-lite PCX125 scooter represented 28.2% of all the machines plated by Honda dealerships.

Runner-up BMW Motorrad’s network did much better, especially because the company operates on much higher price points. Bragging rights came from the loss of just half a dozen bikes, 0.5% down. However, headcount of its Adventure and Touring style-sector cash cows did deteriorate. September registrations for the R1250GS Adventure and R1250RT respectively sank by 9.8% and 11%. To be honest, though, stock unavailability could have been an issue.

Yamaha bounced back, rising by 4.9% from a particularly weak position 12 months ago. Triumph went the other way, losing 6%. Royal Enfield rounded out the top five with yet another stellar valuefor-money performance, 49.9% up. Its Meteor 350 model took both highest-registered Custom style category and 126-650cc engine band accolades. And the Interceptor 650 was top of the Modern Classic

pile (as well as a close second in the 126-650cc league).

A serried quartet of gloomsters followed. Chinese flag-carrier Lexmoto plunged by 33.4%. KTM fell by 12.8%. Suzuki, despite its GSX-S1000GT bargain heading up the Road Sport style category, dropped by 20.3%. And, still stymied by a bare inventory cupboard, Kawasaki was on the back foot to the tune of 29.3%. Last but not least, Piaggio flaunted a 7.3% gain.

Year-to-date bike registrations growth has now shrivelled to a mere 3.7%, on a tally of 95,958 at Q3’s conclusion. So, against the background of an energy crisis, inflation running rampant to make the cost of living into a nightmare, mortgage rates now going berserk thanks to Downing Street’s ineptitude and Vladimir Putin threatening to nuke the lot of us, the chance of anything remotely resembling recovery in Q4 is less than zero.

That trusty old wheeze of pre-registering showroom dustgatherers to guarantee year-end dealer bonuses is even off the statistics-massaging agenda. Unsold inventory is a fading dream of the past.

Power registrations take a hit during September

SEPTEMBER’S POWERED TWOWheeler market suffered from a lack of sales in all sectors. Mopeds experienced the biggest decrease in registrations, falling by 15.6% to 702 registered vehicles. The majority of sales were of scooters, with 551 registered, an 8.8% decrease compared to registrations in September 2021.

Motorcycles suffered a 9.6% decrease for the month, while yearto-date figures revealed that a 3.7% increase was maintained compared to equivalent 2021 figures. The Touring motorcycles sector had another successful month, with a 27.2% increase – the third month in a row that registrations have been more than 25% up compared to 2021 – which may be attributable to sales benefiting from an extended summer of good weather.

On the brighter side, electric PTWs again experienced growth, highlighting a shift in consumer trends towards cleaner, greener transportion. The 4-11kW power sector enjoyed a 250% increase in registrations, selling 112 units.

Both the 11-15kW and 15-35kW segments experienced a 400% increase in registrations; however, each segments sold only five units, which needs to be taken into consideration.

The Honda PCX 125 was the most successful PTW vehicle, registering 537 new units. The Vmoto Super Soco TC Max also deserves mention, claiming the spot as highest-selling electric PTW, with 41 new registered units. Symon Cook, head of NMDA, commented: “Although September was a disappointing month, there are positives to take from it. With the recent energy crisis and broader economic climate, it is evident in the data that consumers are making the switch to electric vehicles as a form of relief – similar to the new car market. Other factors contributing to the switch to electric include the rise of local deliveries and consumer awareness towards the environment.”

NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE DEALERS ASSOCIATION

Motorcycle Auctions

Used

This month we look at the fastest-selling used bike models above 125cc during the period from 1 August to 13 October, based on the median number of days the bikes were advertised on site.

As we start to head towards the cold weather and dark nights of winter there is a total absence of super sports bikes in the top 30, but good representation from most other bike styles, with the cruiser category well represented by the Suzuki Intruder 1800 which heads up the list, plus further examples from Honda, Triumph and Kawasaki. The Honda CB900F Hornet also made a surprise reappearance, doubtless

initiated by renewed interest from bikers following the recent launch of Honda’s new 750 version.

If we look at the average pricing of used bikes for the four weeks to 13 September compared with the same period 12 months ago, we can see an overall 3% increase, a slight softening in growth from the previous month. The sector with the highest growth in prices was

bikes up to one year old, which increased by an average of 5%.

Pricing growth has been driven by road-legal bikes with off-road bike prices remaining flat over the year.

More detailed in-depth reporting of pricing and supply/ demand is available to all Auto Trader customers through the analytics menu option in Portal.

PAUL EDMONDSON Product lead, Auto Trader Bikes

USED PURCHASES WELCOMED AS AN AFFORDABLE OPTION

SALES AND DEMAND FOR USED motorcycles and scooters remained buoyant in September overall, despite some dealers reporting a slowdown.

There has been an uptick in stock offers from the public recently as consumers re-evaluate their finances. Opinions vary between dealers regarding the effects of the economy, with some expecting the market to be hindered while others believe it will hold up in view of the shortage of new machines

and used purchases being a more affordable option.

Opinions vary between dealers regarding the effects of the economy

Demand for clean machines with low mileage continues to be strong across the board.

OUTLOOK

October started on a mixed note weather-wise, although in general it was mild with some sunny days. Considering the rapidly diminishing daylight hours, and cost of living issues potentially having an increasing effect, Glass’s expects values to soften further across most segments in the coming weeks. The exceptions continue to be mopeds, scooters, smaller capacity machines and off-roaders, where values are expected to remain stable.

PAUL McDONALD Leisure

SUPER SPORTS MACHINES GO MISSING FOR AUTUMN The sector with the highest growth in prices was bikes up to one year old, which increased by an average of 5%

Suzuki Intruder 1800 was quickest-selling bike

Market Watch

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

MARKET OVERVIEW

Going into the penultimate month of another unsettled year and trying to find a positive to talk about is getting complicated!

Worldwide financial woes have been compounded in the UK by a new government trying to make its mark and not necessarily hitting the spot the first time around. The fallout had some institutions taking advantage to make short-term gains at the expense of a dip in sterling, spooking the market and leaving a bad taste in the mouth of many, leading to prolonged negativity. All this happened very quickly,

NEW MARKET

SEPTEMBER’S REGISTRATION figures, the latest available from the MCIA, were disappointing following August’s positive performance. Total sales were down by 1288, or -9.6%, not good news now that the lockdown affect is out of the equation. Over the first nine months, the 95,958 registrations are still 3.7% more than in 2021, or in real numbers, plus 3384 units.

The only sector in the positive worth noting is Touring, with an increase of 27.2%, but the caveat is that the sector is the smallest in size, so the real number is only 73 more bikes than the previous year.

The Custom and Naked sectors both had a poor month in all metrics, and for the year to date are the only two sectors recording negative figures so far. Even the resurgent moped market took a kicking in September with a reduction of 130 units from last year (-15.6%).

All engine size bands were in a negative position for the month. Still, a point worth mentioning is that the 51-125cc band, which has

and in some quarters was seen as a knee-jerk reaction that will settle over the next few months.

The strong dollar causing ructions is not limited to the UK, with most of the world on the receiving end. Interest rates going up will cause some pain, but the rise was inevitable after a pandemicinitiated extended period of record low rates.

The knock-on effect for dealers is that the cost of borrowing will increase for consumers and dealers alike, and the way that will affect the industry will not be positive in the short term.

been the talking point of the last couple of years with commuter and delivery riders in the ascendency during restrictions, now appears to have plateaued.

With only a few months left to compare 2022 to 2019 (the last year the trade could be described as operating “normally”), the bigger picture for the nine months to date paints a better view and highlights the post-Covid changes. Sub 125cc machinery now constitutes 42.7% of the market, up from 36.3% in 2019, and most of the others are close, but there was a slight slip in 651-1000cc and a significant change in the largest-capacity band. The concern when looking at total numbers as we move into 2023 is that, if the two smaller engine size bands return to historical levels, there could be a contraction in total registrations if larger capacities continue to perform as they currently are. What is evident, though, is that larger machines that attract PCP deals are down, leaving the distinct possibility that when

the country comes out of its current problems in three years plus, it points to there being a continuation of the lack of stock. This leads to increases over a period of time in forecast values and is not expected to reduce. The short term might be a different story.

ELECTRICAL SURGE

Electric-powered two-wheelers accounted for just over 5.3% of the market in 2021, compared with 18% of new cars sold last year being electric/plug-in hybrid. This is up 2.3% from 2020 and it is a sign of things to come that the Super Soco CPx scooter became the first electric model to get into the overall top ten of the sales charts. The market for electric powered machines will inevitably continue to grow in the next couple of years; as a result, some big name brands are starting their preparations. Progress to market is at different stages, but most of the major manufacturers have prototypes in development, and some are soon to hit the roads.

AUCTION OVERVIEW

THE LACK OF ENTRIES IN THE sales halls has changed little over this latest research period. Again, the lower percentage sold from entries is noticeable. Still, unlike recent sales, the overall return, compared to CAP figures, has moved to a couple of points under 100%, which is typical for the time of year and will flip as the year changes. Analysis of the results points to around 50% of entries finding new homes.

Looking to from only

USED MARKET

It happens every year, but as the nights draw in and temperatures fall (as does more rain), the trade experiences a slowdown and a reduction in showroom footfall.

Traditionally, this has lead to prices easing during the autumn, but, as has been mentioned regularly in this column, the price differential between high and low seasons has closed as stock availability has reduced. The continuing shortages of both new and good quality used motorcycles is keeping prices from sinking as much as they would have historically. Consequently, only a slight easing in reported prices for some models has been applied to this month’s figures but, as research suggests, in the next few weeks the quest for 2023 stock will begin, with strengthening of prices set to resume.

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