www.britishdealernews.co.uk
key business information for the UK motorcycle and scooter industry
Key business information for the UK motorcycle and scooter industry • November 2023
TRADE NEWS
Airoh off-road returns to MRS New and used bike market data UK NEWS
TT headcount and revenue down Trade Talk supply side special S
INTERNATIONAL NEW
Motorcycle Live set for action S MANUFACTURER NEW
Team green plugs in
L A I N N CENTE IONS T A R B E CEL d launches n a s r a e y 0 10 d celebrate BMW Motorra ory on page 8 t s ll fu e h t d a - Re new R1300 GS
RANGE LAUNCH OUT NOW 2024 C ATA L O G U E
ALW LWA A AY YS S AH HE EA AGO A D GGLES D
FULL FACE
Apollo
WINTER
AUTUMN
SPRING
SUMMER
MODULAR
1
OPEN FACE
C
Removable thermal
B
2
liner
OFF ROAD
4
A
B
TRAIL ADVENTURE
3 Comfortable thumb
HELM HELM ETS ETS & APPA & APPA REL REL COLLE COLLE CTION CTION 202320232024 2024
CFMoto signs Yamaha deal
loops
4
5
PANTS
JACKET JACKETS
GOGGLES GOOGLES
JUNIOR
7
LS2 INTERCOM
POWERED BY
11
Materials & Fabrics
communication LS2 4X is a bluetooth with CARDO tailored system co-developed specially far LS2’s helmets. optimal This special model provides intuitive with bluetooth environment installation of the unit. operation and easy listen to your music, When riding you can phone calls through GPS guide and make th connection.
Outer shell:
B
Laminated Fabric 3 Layer CORDURA® Laminated Fabric 3 Layer OXFORD DOBBY
REF: 800700006
C
Nylon Laminated Fabric
RRP £239.99
D Stretch Fabric
A
LS2 INTERCOM 4X
thermal liner Insulation: detachable HO Waterproofing: 21000mm 2 2
4hrs
Protections
6
WWW.LS2HE Features LMET WWW.LS2HE multi-layerS.COM print on Protective,LMET S.COM high-impact areas
& elbow Removable CE shoulder 2012 Level 2 protectors EN1621-1: 2 Elbow protection with adjustable positions protector Ready for CE chest 2 back Optional LS2 851 level protector
1
2
3
for Removable neck collar maximum wind proofing Ventilation panels with for FidLock® Magnet fasteners maximum breathability Ventilation panels for maximum airflow
Arm, cuff and waist
HE ELM ME H ET TS S &A AL PPA & RE COLLEC PPAR L COLLEC TION 2023 EL TION 20 23 -2024 -2024
www.ls2helmets.com 01670 856342
WE DID IT AGAIN IN 2022
THANKS TO YOU! In 2022 we won not one, but three awards - an achievement that we are all very proud of.
Our customers voted First Response Finance as the ‘Best Car Finance Provider’ in the Consumer Credit Awards 2022 - for the second consecutive year. In addition to that, we also won the prestigious ‘Firm of the Year’ award! The second recognition came from our dealer partners, who voted us ‘Finance Provider of the Year (Sub-Prime)’ in the Car Dealer Power Awards. We are honoured to have won this award 8 times! Vans, cars, motorbikes - it doesn't matter what type of vehicle we’re financing, our award-winning service remains the same. If you want to set up an account with us, email us at marketing@frfl.co.uk
First Response Finance Ltd, 5 Regan Way Chetwynd Business Park, Chilwell, Nottingham, NG9 6RZ. Authorised & Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England No. 03560611.
FULL FACE FULL FACE
FF805 THUNDER
FF811 VECTOR
CARBON II
RRP
(INC.
£129.99
RRP VAT) (INC.
Man
Titanium
Serra EVO
WATERPROOF
RRP
FULL FACE FULL FACE
2
3
4
56
MODULAR
FULL FACE
OPEN FACE
OPEN FACE
MODULAR
ADVENTURE
OFF ROAD
JUNIOR
ADVENTURE
JUNIOR
GOGGLES
GOGGLES
JUNIOR
JACKETS
JACKETS PANTS
GLOVES
£349.99
BOOTS
BOOTS
157
(short size)
12 Man: 6203P 11 12 Lady: 6203P 10 NEW (regular size)
11 12 AUTUMN WINTER Man: 6201P 12 SUMMER 6201P SPRING10
Man from XS to 5XL Size from & Fabrics
Lady Materials
£119.99
(INC. VAT)
Features
NEW
Waterproof & breathable WINTER seam Polyester shell with
Unisex/ 3XL-5XL
XS-S / M-L / XL-2XL
AUTUMN
process for maximum X-Rain PANTsealed rain protection SPRING
Materials
Size
& Fabrics
1
SUMMER
Features waistband for Elasticated Waterproof & breathable / 3XL-5XL seam Polyester shell with perfect fit for maximum
XS-S / M-L / XL-2XL
polyester Outer shell: 75D print PU high stretch pongee O / 4000/ H 2 lamination 8000
X-Rain Unisex
1
m 2 /24hrs
£349.99
RRP
(VAT. INCLUDED)
Man from S to
sealed process rain protection for Elasticated waistband perfect fit
WATERPROOF
WATERPROOF
WATERPROOF
Black Dark Grey
NEW Man
12 Man: 6202P 11 12 Lady: 6202P 10
PANT Lady: Black X-Rain RRP S to 5XL
polyester Outer shell: 75D print PU high stretch pongee O / 4000/ 8000 H 2 FABRICS: lamination 3L LAMINATED m 2 /24hrs • Dur ably Waterproof WATERPROOF Breathable • Extr emely and Tear • Ex cellent abrasion resistance fortitude • Fabric with
5XL
Man & Lady
(long size)
Unisex
£349.99
£349.99
(VAT. INCLUDED)
157
(INC.
Man from S to
WATERPROOF
RRP
(VAT. INCLUDED)
Bradford
Douglas Man
01 12
RRP
12
JACKETS
REF: 65070F 01
NEW
157
REF: 65070F 01
(INC.
RRP VAT) (INC.
the team
the news
HEAD OF CONTENT Andy Mayo: editorial@dealernews.co.uk FINANCIAL EDITOR Roger Willis: editorial@dealernews.co.uk PRODUCTS EDITOR/DESIGNER Colin Williams: design@dealernews.co.uk COMMERCIAL CONTENT MANAGER Maurice Knuckey: creative@dealernews.co.uk CONTRIBUTORS Roger Willis; Dan Sager; Alan Dowds; Rick Kemp; Adam Bernstein; Brian Crichton ACCOUNTS MANAGER Mark Mayo: accounts@dealernews.co.uk ADVERTISING Alison Payne: tel 07595 219093 Paul Baggott: tel 07831 863837 adsales@dealernews.co.uk CIRCULATION circulation@dealernews.co.uk TAIWAN AGENCY Albert Yang, Pro Media Co: info@motopromedia.com; tel +886 4 7264437 PUBLISHER Colin Mayo: editorial@dealernews.co.uk British Dealer News, 10 Daddon Court, Clovelly Road Industrial Estate, Bideford EX39 3FH
4 Nine-month, new registrations review 6 MCIA sets out licence change proposals 8 BMW celebrates 100 years with new GS 10 New waste oil disposal service 11 Missing MGP data mystery 12 In love with Europe again? 13 Ducati embraces road safety-boosting tech 14 BSA back on the Continent 15 SuperBike gets Digitally Charged 16 NMC’s net zero response 17 LocationIQ launched by Digitally Charged 20 Trade Talk supply side special 24 International news 26 Completely flies the flag at Sywell 27 BDN JobScene 28 Electric news 29 Alternative power registration analysis 30 Off-road news
48
Copyright © Mayo Media Ltd:
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part by any electronic or mechanical means without express permission is strictly prohibited. Mayo Media Ltd can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by advertisers. Printed by S&G Print Group.
58 ON THE MONEY Market analysis by Roger Willis
advanced copy
59 INTERNATIONAL SHARE PRICES A snapshot of global performance
deadlines daily
| weekly
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yearly
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Dealer News
Key business
tary limen Comp Planner 2022 Wall s dealer Honda red honou at New head own Visord s rebuild Norton e Dirtbik showtime
daily | weekly
h Staffs Triump celebrates still Shipping in crisis used New and
British Dealer
S AT 20 YEEAR P TH TO CCM’S News
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Tim Maccabe
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December 2021
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helm of
STOCKS
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BUSINESS BOOST | 01670 856342
| yearly & ETS | monthly daily | weekly HELM
Private investment for British bike builder in its golden anniversary Full year –
report page 10 www.britishdealernews.co.uk
British Dealer News
and scooter industry 2023 the UK motorcycle for motorcycle and scooter industry • October key business information UK
Key business information for the
RETAIL NEWS
Suzuki Click-to-Buy scheme launched NMC hails High Court victory November
DFT STATISTICS
2021
DfT first quarter registrations data
MX701
EXPLORER 3 SHELLS
MADE OF HPFC INCLUDED
New and used bike market data NEWS
Kymco slashes prices
+PLUS+ Expansion for Pure Moto Time for bike test regime change? Bullit rebrands bikes to Bluroc Mutt goes large with new HQ NMDA switches on survey Sunra broadens its network DfT half year registration data New and used sales data
WWW.LS2HELMETS.COM
TRADE NEWS
MANUFACTURER
| yearly
OFF ROAD
Free 30-day GAP insurance
Cambrian unveils Rebel tyre range
| monthly
www.britishdealer news.co.u k
key businessdata Key business information information sales for the UK UK for the UK motorcyclemotorcycle and scooter and scooter industry • November industry 2021
Ducati
LAST
METS.COM WWW.LS2HEL
1460 50gr
IN THE BOX
ARD MCN AWATIO N CELEBR
READY FOR
team. See Motorcycle Winners the Iron City MCN Award award for Best of Biking Top dealer all this year’s page 4 for
October 2023
THE ALL-NEW
STROBE II NEW 2024 MODEL INSTOCK
& AVAILABLE NOW
www.ls2helmets.com 01670 856342
ons Seas SUMMER AUTUMN RRP VAT) (INC.
(INC.
£99.99
JACKET JACKETS
XS-S
02 12 S XS-S: 63020P 12 L £34.99 M-L: 63020P 02 02 12 XXL XL-2XL: 63020P 02 12 4XL 3XL-5XL: 63020P
REF: 63020P 02
M-L
12 S
REF: 63020P 02
12 L
XL-2XL
12 XXL
3XL-5XL
12 4XL
REF: 63020P 02
REF: 63020P 02
Laminated
/ / M-L / XL-2XL Unisex: XS-SBlack
39 Man from
fabric
and
XS-S
REF: 63020P 02
12 S
M-L
12 L
XL-2XL
12 XXL
REF: 63020P 02
REF: 63020P 02
3XL-5XL 02 12 4XL REF: 63020P
NEW suede High quality cow sweat absorbing Features Breathable and insolequality cow suede High laces absorbing with sweat Adjustment and Breathable Fabric Micro-Tech insole Black H-V Yellow pad laces shift with Gear 71030T 11 54 Adjustment Man:Leather SPRING grip rubber & Fabrics 71030T 10 54 and strong Lady:Anti-shock Materials Micro-Tech Fabric and outsole Gear shift pad outshell fabric Leather Outer shell: Suede strong grip rubber fabric. & Fabrics Materials canvas Anti-shock and and Certifications outsole Airmesh liner. outshell fabric Linning: Outer shell: Suede Rubber outsole. Outsole: EN 13634: 2017 canvas fabric. 47 Man from 39 to Red 47 BlackCertifications liner. Man from 39 to 32 Level 1|2|2|2 Linning: Airmesh RRP £119.99 to 41 Man: 71030T 11 Lady from 36outsole. 10 322017 71030T 13634: Lady:EN Outsole: Rubber
SUMMER
cow suede ng absorbi High quality sweat ble and Breatha insole laces ent with Adjustm Size RRP £114.99 Black ch Fabric 12 Level 1|2|2|2 Man: 71020T 11 to 47 Micro-Te from 39pad Manshift Size Gear grip rubber Leather 39 to 47 strong from and ck Man Anti-sho outsole
47
(INC. VAT)
Winter
Sping
2017 EN 13634: 1|2|2|2 Level
(VAT. INCLUDED)
(INC.
RRP VAT) (INC.
RRP
(VAT. INCLUDED)
£34.99
Black
165
Colours
2XL
Man
12 REF: 71090S 01 Black
Black
Man
12
01 12
REF: 71090S 01
Man
01 1271090S White Black REF:
Man: 71090S
Man
REF: 71090S 01 White Black Man
13
Black
£119.99 01 13 181 REF: 71090S £119.99
(VAT. INCLUDED)
2023-2024
2helmet Man: 70040S
(INC.
01 64
Swift Man
BLACK 7201001012
COLLECTION
26 £49.99 01
RRP
(INC. VAT)
£49.99
HELMETS REL & APPA 24 ION 2023-20 COLLECT
Black
Man: 70190F
01 12
s.com Black
Man: 70099R
Black White Man: 70061F
Black
Man: 70100W
Fluo Red Black Red
Man: 70061F
Black Grey
Man:
Man: 70100W
Man: 70061F
£59.99
RRP VAT) (INC.
01 54
REF
820648KBT01
XS-S
820648KBT02
M-L Sizes
(INC.
01 54
70099R Man: 820648KBT01 XS-S 820648KBT02 M-L
£89.99
RRP VAT)
820648KBT03
XL-2XL REF Yellow H-V 820648KBT04 3XL-5XL
2XL
Man from S to
01 61
Black H-V Yellow
2XL
Man from S to
Black Green
70099R 01 32
Sizes
01 32
01 07
Man: 70100W
820648KBT03
XL-2XL
820648KBT04
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Protection
RS LEVEL 1 PROTECTO Chest Protector Koku Kidney
Belt
Man: 70210S
Anthracite H-V Yellow
Lightweight lumbartrips. long belt, ideal for designed Ergonomically comfort. for maximum for Dual elastic waistband Breathable perfect fitting. for mesh material Lady Bodyventilation. optimum
01 12
Man: 70210S
01 04
Man Body W - S REFHeight (cm)
Sizes Sizes
Height (cm)
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XS-S /65M-L / XL-2XL RRP VAT)
820648KBT03
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820648KBT04
3XL-5XL
79
164
M
82
166
£29.99
REF
Sizes Man Body Height (cm)
W - S
Sizes
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68
820648KBT02 86
168
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01 641
82
166
L
M-L
Man: 70210S
79
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M XS-S
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Brown
Lady Body Height (cm)
XS-S
62
M-L
65
820648KBT01 820648KBT02
LEVEL 2 L
86
168
XL
XL-2XL
68
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NEW
absorption. Maximum impact homologation EN 1621-3:2018
NEW Black
01 12
01 02
01 12
820648KBT03 820648KBT04
Back Protector Made in ViscoFlex
Man
13
REF: 71090S 01
White
RRP Man RRP
H-V YELLOW 7201001054
(INC. VAT)
Man: 70109R
Man
Man
a new softer material with formula. high-performance absorption. Maximum impact homologation. EN 1621-2:2014
Sizes
M L XL
Man Body Height (cm)
W - S
79
164
166 RRP 168 VAT)
(INC.
Sizes
M L
of white laces 46 Additional pair Man from 39 to box. available in the RRP £114.99 (INC. VAT) 01 13 of white laces Man: 71090S Additional pair box. available in the
White Black
01 54
Man: 70109R
£49.99 Black Blue RRP
2XL
£69.99
RRP VAT)
Spark II LEATHER
£39.99
Acrux
Colours
Black
(INC. VAT)
Man from S to
M Brown
WWW.LS2HELMETS.CO RRP £59.99
01 08 Man: 70021W 00 08 Lady: 70021W
2XL
Man from S to
£34.99
RRP VAT)
Grey
Man
(VAT. INCLUDED)
Summer
ons ficati Certi
RRP
165
3XL-5XL
Unisex
Man rs Colou
Doran Features
SUMMER
£129.99
Autumn
cs & Fabri
outshell shell: Suede Outer fabric. canvas liner. Airmesh Linning: outsole. : Rubber Outsole
NEW
PANTS
Black
Unisex
Colours
RRP VAT)
Man & Lady
WATERPROOF
SPRING AUTUMN
(INC. VAT)
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Size
Black
01 23 Man: 65080F 00 23 Lady: 65080F
5XL Man from S to to 5XL Lady from XS
AUTUMN Seasons
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(INC.
Air Raptor
2XL Man from S to
Lady: Man
820647PTC01
REF: 820646PTC01
Man:
Man
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M L XL
164
166 168
Man Body Height (cm)
79 82 86
RRP
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£14.99
ALWAYS AHEAD
183
62 65 68
183
LEVEL 1
Hip Protector Ploymat new Sino Made with a flexibility material for maximum and absorption.
Black H-V Orange REF: 820646PTC01 Man
Man: 71080C
XL
82 86
820630PTH01
Lady Body Height (cm)
62
£29.99 65
68
Height (cm)
161 - 170 171 - 179 180 - 201
M-XL REF
820641PTB01 820641PTB02 820641PTB03
RRP VAT) (INC.
£14.99
www.ls2appare
01 12
www.ls2he
lmets.com
l.com
183
RRP
) (VAT. INCLUDED
£119.99
HOMOLOGATION
62 REGISTRATIONS ANALYSIS By Glass’s and the NMDA 64 USED BIKE DATA From Auto Trader and MCN
| 01670 856342
66 MARKET WATCH Market report by cap hpi
www.britishdealernews.co.uk
HELMETS ARE & APP ION 2023-2 COLLECT
183
Man
REF: 820646PTC01
181
OM
WWW.LS2HELMETS.C
laces white l pair of box. Additiona in the available
181
to 47
14
the business
34 LS2 2024 PRODUCT LAUNCH Turning up the volume 36 BUSINESS BEAT Incorporate in haste 38 RACEBIKEBITZ Turns on the waterworks 40 MARKETING MATTERS Weathering a social media storm 42 THE BUSINESS ESSENTIALS Employment disputes 44 PRODUCTS The latest retail profit opportunities 48 WITNEY WONDERS Oxford Products showcases 2024 line-up 50 MOTODIRECT 2024 product preview
60 NEW REGISTRATION DATA MCIA and Brazilian market statistics
y industr er 2021 scooter • Decemb ycle and industry scooter motorc the UKcle and
British
Dec 2023 issue 4 Nov 2023 Jan 2024 issue 6 Dec 2023 Feb 2024 issue 8 Jan 2024 Mar 2024 issue 5 Feb 2024
the knowledge
WATERPROOF
Colours
Dark Blue
Kevlar
Seasons Garra
Urano Man
rials Mate
Man Man
01 12
£129.99
5XL
Boots
RRP 2XL(INC. VAT)
£99.99
RRP VAT)
Black ls2helmetsukoffi 01 65 Man: 70040S cial
01 32 Man: 70021W 00 32 Lady: 70021W
Kubra Man
12 GOGGLES
Man: 65090F
Man from S to
GLOVES
Black
Black
01 55
Black H-V Yellow H-V ORANGE 7201003052
£49.99
01 56
Man: 70130F
|
Black Red
£69.99
RRP VAT)
NEW
nDoron on Doro Dor
Man
Man: 70109R
WHITE
Mustard Black
70021W 01 54
WATERPROOF
GLOVES
Colours
£44.99
(INC.
Man
12
RRP VAT)
Laminated
Unisex: S-XL RRP VAT)
REF: 65070F 01
PANTS
FABRICS: FABRICS: 3L LAMINATED 3L LAMINATED Dur ably Waterproof • Dur ably •Waterproof Extr emely Breathable Tear • Breathable • Extr emely Tearand abrasion Ex cellentand • Ex cellent• abrasion resistance resistance Fabric with fortitude • fortitude • Fabric with
Man: 65070F
Black Dark Grey
Man
Red H-V Yellow 01 64
7201003002 Tobacco Black
£49.99 01 63 Man: 70130F RRP
Man from S to
(INC.
Rust Man
Trade Hotline
Black H-V Yellow
Snow
GOGGLES
Black Dark Grey
Colours
Black Dark Grey
PANTS
Colours
820642 VES 54
GLOVES
13 h + FAST CHARG E
H-V Yellow
£139.99
01 12 Man: 70021W 00 12 Lady: 70021W
WATERPROOF
Man & Lady
NEW
01 65
Man: 70130F
RRP
2XL
£69.99
RRP VAT)
01 54
Black
2
WATERPROOF
WATERPROOF
8
(INC.
NEW
NAMIB Matt Grey H-V Yellow 46702 21 54 RRP
: 01670 8563 42
Man: 00 54 ukservice@ls2he Lady: 70021W lmets.com
www.ls
£59.99
RRP VAT)
NEW
NEW
NEW
NAMIB Gloss White Blue Red 46702 21 02
£139.99 Black Red
RRP
RRP 32 £139.99 01 Man: 70109R
(INC. VAT)
Man from S to Man: 70011F
2XL Man from S to to L Lady from XS
Chart EVO OPEN FACE
1
2
(INC.
NAMIB Gloss White Orange 46702 21 50
£139.99
Brown Black BLUE 7201001026
£49.99
(INC. VAT)
£59.99
RRP VAT)
OFF ROAD
2
2
Apollo Man
Unisex
MODULAR
Laminated 3XL-5XL M-L / XL-2XL / Unisex: XS-S /
Features Orange Blue H-V
NEW
Feng
01 26
Black H-V Yellow
OFF ROAD
Pants
Vest
NEW AUTUMN
WINTER 01 54 SUMMER SPRING 00 54 Features
Apollo
Man: 70130F
RRP
(INC. VAT)
ADVENTURE
£199.99
BOOTS
LS2 2024 product guide
Man: 64210F
5XL Lady: 64210F
from S toProtections on print Man Protections print on multi-layerNEW & Fabrics & Fabrics Protective, Protective, multi-layer Materials areas 23 01 areas CE Knee & Hip the high-impact 64210F 2 the high-impact CE Knee & HipRemovableEN1621-1: Man: 2012 Level Removable lock front closure 1 YKK slide Outer shell: Level 2 AUTUMN RRP 2012Protectors closure WINTER Man EN1621-1: with 3 adjustable lock front strap 1 YKK slide Protectors Knee protections 2 LS2 Adjustable Outer shell: 3 Layer CORDURA® (INC. VAT) SUMMER SPRING positions suspendersstrap Laminated Fabric with 3 adjustable protections DOBBY Knee 2 LS2 Adjustable cargo pockets 3 Layer CORDURA® 3 Waterproof 3 Layer OXFORD for boots Features Laminated Fabric positions suspenders Laminated Fabric 4 Leg zip openings thermal Protections Size on multi-layer print & Fabrics for jacket Insulation: detachable pockets Protective, 56 YKK Zipper DOBBY Materials cargo areas & Hip Waterproof 3 Knee liner 3 Layer OXFORD the high-impact S to 5XL Removable CE O 2012 Level 2attachment front closure 21000mm H Outer shell: Man From slide lock leather Protectors EN1621-1: YKK for boots Waterproofing: Laminated Fabric Reinforced imitation 3 adjustable zip openings Leg 4 with Adjustable strap Knee protections Layer CORDURA® LS2better 3/24hrs seat panel for Breathability: 16077g/m thermal Size positions suspenders Laminated Fabric durability and protection Insulation: detachable for jacket pockets DOBBY 5 YKK Zipper WATERPROOF Waterproof cargo 3 Layer OXFORD for boots Laminated Fabric Leg zip openings liner Size attachment detachable thermal O Man From S to 5XLInsulation: YKK Zipper for jacket 2 21000mm H liner leather attachment O Waterproofing: Man From S to 5XL 21000mm H leather 6 Reinforced imitation 2 Waterproofing: Reinforced imitation /24hrs /24hrs seat panel for better Breathability: 16077g/m seat panel for better Breathability: 16077g/mWATERPROOF durability protection and durability protection and
Materials
ADVENTURE
H-V YellowSUMMER Black SPRING
Man
Laminated
(INC.
AUTUMN
WINTER
Apollo Apollo
£149.99
RRP VAT)
54 S XS-S: 63020J 02 54 L M-L: 63020J 02 02 54 XXL XL-2XL: 63020J 02 54 4XL 3XL-5XL: 63020J
RED 7201003032
01 32
Man: 70011F
WATERPROOF
Black H-V Yellow
JUNIOR
Man
5XL Man from S to to 5XL Lady from XS
AURA
Man: 70011F
Blue H-V Yellow
(INC.
Jet II Man & Lady
+ FAST CHARG E
01 61
NEW
OFF ROAD
Man: 64210F
Black Red
£49.99
RRP VAT)
13 h
Green Blue H-V Orange
12 Man: 6200J 11 12 Lady: 6200J 10
2XL Man from S to to L Lady from XS
NEW NEW
8
Black Grey Red
£74.99
(INC. VAT)
01 32
NEW LS2 INTERCOM 4X 800700006
£239.99
RRP
WATERPROOF
Man & Lady
ENDURO 01 12 Man: 70011F SERIES 70011F 00 12 Lady:
BLACK 7201002012
£74.99
(INC. VAT)
Man: 64190W
LS2 4X is a bluetooth Grey Black H-V Yellow communication co-developed Black Dark system with CARDO 64190W 01 54 01 07 far LS2’s helmets. tailored speciallyMan: NEW Man: 64190W 00 07 5XL This special Lady: 64190W Man from S to model to 5XL environment RRP provides optimal Lady from XS £99.99 with (INC. VAT) intuitive operation bluetooth installation of the unit. and easy When riding you can listen and make to your music, phone calls GPS guide through bluetooth Unisex lntercom communication X-Rain connection. on one-to-one range is up WATERPROOF to 1200m based connection.
5XL Man from S to to 5XL Lady from XS
£179.99
RRP VAT)
NEW
HILL Gloss White Red Man 46702 22 32 RRP
2023-2024
H-V YELLOW 7201002054
£74.99
Black Grey Red
11 12 Man: 64130W 10 12 Lady: 64130W
£24.99
5XL Man from S to to 5XL Lady from XS
Black
COLLECTION
RRP
(INC. VAT)
01 12 Man: 64240W 00 12 Lady: 64240W
Black
BLACK 7202011012 RRP
(INC. VAT)
NEW
£119.99
RRP
£89.99
& APPAREL
FULL FACE
Black
H-V ORANGE 7201002050
£74.99
LS2 INTERCOM
Black NEW
£24.99
Man:
SOLID Matt Black 46702 10 11
ECE 22.06
Duster Man
£59.99
DUCK Matt H-V Green Yellow 46708 21 60 RRP
& APPAREL
RRP
(INC. VAT)
Man & Lady
£19.99
Matt 01 54 Man: 70120FBlack White RRP (INC. VAT) 46701 2100 54 Lady: 70120F 02 RRP £239.99
GOGGLES
Dart II
SOLID Gloss Black 36616 10 12 RRP
NEW
£89.99
HELMETS
Sepang
WHITE WATERPROOF 7201002002
£74.99
(INC.
£119.99
RRP
NEW
£59.99
RRP
01 12 Man: 70180S 00 12 Lady: 70180S
HELMETS
RRP
(INC. VAT)
NEW
WHITE 7202011002 RRP
(INC. VAT)
EAD
AUTOX Gloss Grey H-V Yellow 56908 20 54
£119.99
RRP
RRP
DUCK Matt H-V Orange Red 46708 21 51
£79.99 Black
FULL FACE
£24.99
ALWAYS AHEAD
£239.99 £49.99
RRP VAT)
NEW
SOLID Matt Black 46708 10 11 RRP
£39.99
(INC.
FULL FACE
RRP
(INC. VAT)
01 12 Man: 64030C 00 12 Lady: 64080C
Man & Lady
NEW
RRP VAT)
SOLID Matt Black 36616 10 11
ECE 22.06
Lady
ROAD
MX708 FAST II
ECE 22.06
2XL Man from S to to L Lady from XS
70140S 01 12
MODULAR
& Lady
WATERPROOF
NEW
NEW
BLUE 7202011026
£24.99
(INC.
£119.99
RRP
£139.99
Black Grey
II
NEW
DEVOR Matt White Blue 36606 22 23
£119.99
Man & Chaki OFF
RRP
II
NEW
2XL
MODULAR
(INC. VAT)
WATERPROOF
NEW
H-V YELLOW 7202011054 RRP
(INC. VAT)
Black
£149.99
RRP VAT)
Man from S to
Yellow ALTER Black H-V
OPEN FACE
Man £74.99 Bolton
EVO
BLUE 7201002026
01 32 Man: 70120F 00 32 Lady: 70120F
OPEN FACE
£24.99
RRP
ARCHED Black Silver Titanium 46700 31 04
£139.99
OFF ROAD
MX702 PIONEER
Grey Red
OFF ROAD
Man & Lady
NEW
H-V ORANGE 7202011052 RRP
(INC. VAT)
DEVOR Matt Black H-V Yellow 36606 22 54
£119.99
STOMP Fluo Orange Black 46700 30 52 RRP
01 26 Man: 70120F 00 26 Lady: 70120F
OFF ROAD
£24.99
RRP
Man
White 12 Black 01
Black Blue
ADVENTURE
Metropolis
NEW
RED 7202011032 RRP
(INC. VAT)
DEVOR Matt Silver Titanium Red 36606 22 32
£119.99
Bend
Man: 70120F
ADVENTURE
12 Man: 6200J 43 12 Lady: 6200J 42
RED 7201002032 RRP
NEW
ALWAYS AH
RRP
STOMP
Black
£119.99 Lady: 70120F 46700 00 12 30 02 RRP £139.99
GOGGLES
(INC.
5XL Man from S to to 5XL Lady from XS
Black
£119.99
RRP VAT)
01 07
£99.99
OF562 AIRFLOW
NEW
MUD Matt Black Orange 36606 23 51
£119.99
Matt Black 46700 14 11
RRP
SOLID Matt Black ALTER 46701 10 11 Matt Black Fluo Orange to 2XL Man from S46701 21 52 RRP £219.99 XS to L Lady from RRP
JACKET
Man: 64220F
RRP
NEW
PANTS
5XL Man from S to to 5XL Lady from XS
Grey Black Red
£74.99
£99.99
NEW
AUTOX Gloss White Red 56908 20 32
PANTS
CHARGER
AURA PRO
NEW
STARMA W Laminated Gloss Black 5XL S to Man from 46437J 33 32 RRP £499.99 (INC. VAT)
£74.99 RRP
NEW
SOLID Gloss White 56908 10 02
GLOVES
Black H-V Yellow 40437J 34 12 RRP
NEW
SOLID Matt Titanium 56908 10 07 RRP
£99.99
GLOVES
ECE 22.06
RRP
All Terrain SOLID £119.99
NEW
£119.99
£299.99
BOOTS
CRUSHER
£69.99
JEANS Gloss 36606 10 08
£99.99
Gloves
01 64 Man: 64030C 00 64 Lady: 64030C
£219.99
RRP
£199.99
ROAD Matt Black Blue 16808 23 11 RRP
SOLID Matt Black 56901 10 11 RRP
BOOTS
RRP
RRP
MODULAR
VIGNETTE
Black H-V Yellow 10353J 30 54
£59.99
RRP
SOLID White & Lady 46700 10Man 02 RRP
Brown
SOLID White 46701 10 02
ECE 22.06
RRP
NEW
£119.99
£299.99
JACKET
RRP
SOLID Matt Sand 36606 10 17
£99.99
ECE 22.06
OFF ROAD TRAIL
MX701 EXPLORER
AR
SOLID Matt Black 10353J 10 11
02
£59.99
RRP
SUBVERTER EVO II
Lady
WATERPROOF
SPLITTER Black White 16811 20 12
£199.99
VINTAGE Gloss White Blue Red 16808 24 13 RRP
SOLID White 56901 10 02 RRP
OPEN FACE
SOLID Gloss White 36606 10 02
£99.99
RRP
Man & Bullet £319.99
NEW
£329.99
RRP
NEW
£119.99
NEW
SOLID Gloss Black 56908 10 12
£99.99
FULL FACE
RRP
VICTORY Titanium Orange 46703 22 52
£319.99
NEW RRP
OPEN
SOLID White 10353J 10 RRP
RRP
MX700
RRP
Dark Grey
ADVENTURE 07 Man: 6200J 43 Gloss Blue 6200J 42 07 Lady: 46701 63 26
£329.99
TROPICAL Black White 16811 21 12
£199.99
FURY Gloss Black Red 16808 21 32 RRP
ECE 22.06
FULL FACE
SOLID Matt Black 36606 10 11
ECE 22.06
VICTORY Red White 46703 22 32
£319.99
EDGE Black H-V Yellow Titanium 46701 71 54 RRP
RRP
NEW
£119.99
£399.99
OPEN FACE
£199.99
RRP
Alba Man & Lady
METRIC White Titanium Silver 16811 23 08
£179.99
FURY Gloss Black H-V Yellow 16808 21 54 RRP
FUTURE White Blue Red 56901 23 23 RRP
JACKET
RRP
BARRIER H-V Yellow Red 46703 21 32
£299.99
£329.99
Black Dark Grey H-V Yellow 01 12 Man: 64220F GOGGLES
RRP
NEW
£99.99
£399.99
NEW
SOLID Matt Black 56908 10 11
ECE 22.06
OFF ROAD
RRP
EDGE Black Orange White 46701 71 52 RRP
RRP
DETACHABLE CHINBAR
SOLID Carbon 36603 50 99
ECE 22.06
SOLID Carbon 46703 10 99
ECE 22.06
RRP
FUTURE H-V Yellow 56901 23 54
£399.99
BOOTS
£139.99
CARBON
£69.99
Apollo Man
RRP
MODUL
RRP
MX703 X-FORCE NEW
COVER Gloss White Brown 36616 20 64 RRP
FRONTIER WATERPROOF Titanium Red FRONTIER 46701 61 08 NEW Black Blue 46701 61 12 £329.99 RRP £329.99
£299.99 JUNIOR
MX437 FAST EVO II MINI
FACE
£119.99
NEW
£69.99
Jackets
RRP
£269.99
RRP
OFF ROAD
RRP
SOLID Carbon 46701 50 99
ECE 22.06
RRP
II
NEW
CODEX White Black 56906 31 02
£269.99
RRP
FULL FACE FACE
COVER Matt White Red 36616 20 31
£69.99
CARBON
NEW
£89.99
SOLID Nardo Grey 16811 10 06
£179.99
SOLID Gloss White 16808 10 02
£99.99
FF901 ADVANT X
£379.99
PANTS
RRP
NEW
BRUSH Gloss Black H-V Yellow 36616 22 54 RRP
MX701 EXPLORER WASH Matt Dark Grey 46708 22 66 RRP
REVO Black H-V Yellow 56906 22 54
£269.99
GLOVES GLOVES
£69.99
ADVENTURE
GOGGLES
SPORT Gloss Black Blue Red 56906 35 23 RRP
OF606 DRIFTER
BOOTSBOOTS
RRP
NEW
£89.99
ECE 22.06
GLOVES
ECE 22.06
NEW
RUSH Gloss White Blue Red 36616 21 02
£59.99
WASH Gloss White 46708 22 02 RRP
RRP
NEW
RRP
MODULAR
£149.99
FUTURE Red 56901 23 32
JUNIOR
£259.99
RRP
SOLID Matt Black 16811 10 11
£179.99
SOLID Gloss Nardo Grey 16808 10 06
£99.99
JUNIOR
£249.99
RRP
II
CARBON
LINES Black Jeans 30601 20 08
NEW
SOLID Gloss White 36616 10 02 RRP
NEW
RRP
NEW
SOLID Gloss Black 16808 10 12 RRP
SOLID Black 56901 70 99
FF908 STROBE
OPEN FACE
OF603 INFINITY
SOLID Matt Black 30601 10 11
SOLID White 16811 10 02
ECE 22.06
NEW
£99.99
CARBON
NEW
KUKA Matt Black Red 56906 37 32 RRP £269.99
NEW
£59.99
£89.99 JUNIOR
FF353 RAPID MINI
£289.99
SOLID Matt Black 16808 10 11 RRP
FF901 ADVANT X
GOGGLES
SOLID Noir 56906 14 11
OFF ROAD SOLID Gloss Nardo Grey 36616 10 06 RRP
WASH Gloss Red 46708 22 32 RRP
RRP
II
NEW
ROKKU Matt Black H-V Yellow 16353 24 54 RRP
URE ADVENT
£199.99
SOLID Black 56906 10 12
£249.99
OPEN FACE
OF601 BOB II
RRP
II
STRONG Gloss White 16811 51 02
£289.99
ECE 22.06
NEW
£69.99
MODULAR
SOLID White 56906 10 02
ECE 22.06
RRP
SOLID Matt Carbon 30601 10 98
ECE 22.06
£149.99
CLAW Black 16353 22 12 RRP
JUNIOR
£119.99
RRP
RRP
NEW
£69.99
ES
NEW
ORION Matt Black Purple Blue 56908 23 11
£119.99
RRP
GOGGL
OF601 BOB II
CARBON
NEW
MONZA Matt Black H-V Yellow 56908 22 54
RRP
NEW
GLOW
ZOMBIE Gloss Black Red 16353 32 32
£69.99
S JACKET JACKET
£329.99
RRP
OPEN FACE
RRP
RRP
BOOTS
OBLIVION Matt Black H-V Yellow 56901 20 53
£329.99
RRP
FLUX Gloss Red 16811 50 32
£289.99
RACER Matt Titanium Orange 16800 21 52
£149.99
NEW
CIRCUIT Gloss White Red 16353 21 02
£69.99
JACKET
RRP
RRP
METRYK Black Gold 56901 22 12
£329.99
RRP
OPEN FACE
RRP
FF808 STREAM
RRP
NEW
CIRCUIT Gloss Black Red 16353 21 12
£69.99
MODULARFULL OPEN FACEMODULAR FACE OFF ROADOPEN ROAD ADVENTUREOFF JUNIOR ADVENTURE GOGGLES JUNIOR JACKET GOGGLES JACKETS JACKET JACKETS
SPECTRUM Black Titanium Blue 56901 21 08
£329.99
RRP
NEW
GRID Matt H-V Yellow 16811 53 54
£289.99
RACER Gloss Blue Red 16800 21 32
£149.99
MODULAR
RRP
PANTSPANTS
SPECTRUM Black White Red 56901 21 02
£329.99
RRP
RRP
FF811 VECTOR
NEW
GRID Matt Black Grey 16811 53 11
£259.99
POWER Matt Black Rainbow 16800 37 11 RRP
GLOW
HAPPY DREAMS Black 10353 42 12
£69.99
FF906 ADVANT
MODULAR OPEN FACE OFF ROAD
RRP
FULL FACE
£299.99
RRP
CARBON Gloss Carbon 16811 50 99 RRP
FULL FACE
£69.99
ROAD
RRP
OFF ADVENTURE
£59.99
£149.99
ADVENTURE
RRP
JEANS Gloss 16800 19 08 RRP
MODULAR
JEANS Gloss 56901 19 08
ECE 22.06
NEW
£149.99
FULL FACE
£59.99
£439.99
TRACKER Gloss Black Red 16800 24 32 RRP
JUNIOR
RRP
NEW
MODULAR SOLID Nardo Grey 56901 10 06
FULL FACE
SPACE Matt H-V Yellow Grey 16805 99 54
£439.99
£149.99
BOHO White Black Pink 10353 26 15
JUNIOR
RRP
TRACKER Gloss Black H-V Yellow 16800 24 54 RRP
NEW
GOGGLES
SUPRA Red Blue 16805 85 32
£439.99
£129.99
GOGGLES
RRP
SOLID White 16800 10 02 RRP
SOLID Gloss H-V Yellow 16353 10 54
PANTS GLOVES PANTS
ATTACK Red H-V Yellow 16805 87 31
£399.99
£129.99
SOLID Black 10353 10 12
MODULAR
RRP
GLOVES
RRP
SOLID Matt Black 10353 10 11
£59.99
OPEN FACE
RRP
OPEN FACE
SOLID Nardo Grey 10353 37 04
£59.99
OFF ROAD
RRP
ADVENTURE
SOLID White 10353 10 02
ECE 22.06
BOOTS
RRP
SOLID Nardo Grey 16800 10 06
£129.99
JUNIOR
November 2023 : Issue 268
RRP
Contents
Contents
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
FULL FACE
SOLID Carbon 16805 70 99
ECE 22.06
SOLID Gloss Black 16800 10 12
£129.99
GOGGLES
SOLID Matt Black 16800 10 11 RRP
GLOVES
£474.99
II
BOOTS
RRP
CARBON
NEW
FIRE Gloss Red Black 16805 99 32
£574.99
FULL FACE
ECE 22.06
JACKET JACKETS
GP PRO Matt Carbon 16805 52 11 RRP
FF800 STORM
£199.99
FF353 RAPID II
PANTS
CARBON
ECE 22.06
FULL FACE
BOOTS
FF805 THUNDER GP
SPLITTER Matt Titanium Yellow 16811 20 53 RRP
34 NOVEMBER 2023 3
Nine-month registrations held up by strong mid-market sales
ine months into another challenging sales year for the motorcycle trade, any prospect of significant market recovery now appears to be stillborn as the peak season ends and an autumnal hush descends over showrooms. BDN financial editor Roger Willis reports. The sterling input manufacturers have applied to create a plethora of new budgetoriented models addressing less-prosperous consumers has undoubtedly helped to keep wolves from dealership doors. But there’s no denying that the market is stagnant. Q3 closed with total YTD petrolhead registrations a marginal 0.4% up to 90,912 units. The alternativepower opposition is anything but electrifying, 43% down to an irrelevant tally of 3059, just 3.3% of entire registrations. Worries are evident at both ends of the spectrum. Up-to-
125cc mobility and fleet delivery products, which sustained dealers so well through the dark days of Covid, have lost some of their edge – currently 8.2% down to 35,644. And scooters of all capacities, generally dominating from the bottom upwards, are 15% lower
has distinctly cooled too. YTD numbers are positive by just 0.3% on 17,791. Only the middle ground, comprising 501-750cc and 7511000cc offerings with increasingly sensible prices, seems to be rewarding the effort. The former
The recent influx of cheaper sub1000cc twins and triples prove that, with affordability, hope can still spring eternal overall at 22,436. The next step on to modestly priced 126-500cc machines is weaker as well, having fallen by 6.7% to 13,653. Premium 1000cc-plus kit at the opposite extreme, where seriously proper money still lurks, has flattened via a 1.4% retreat to 15,907. The appeal of Adventure bikes, a stylistic stand-out cash cow for more than a decade,
has added 7.7% to 11,562, and the latter an especially useful 27% to 17,067. The aforementioned recent influx of cheaper sub1000cc twins and triples prove that, with affordability, hope can still spring eternal. Nevertheless, anecdotal rumours of distress discounting are now rife, driven both by dealers seeking bonus assurance and their
franchised supply lines pressuring them to meet corporate targets. Excuses are legion, inevitably tied to economic woes. The cost of living crisis endures. The Consumer pice Index (CPI) has been steadily falling (although it has stalled at 6.7% in September), but food price rises remained bonkers, an annualised 13.6% up. Mortgage repayments are excruciating, as the Bank of England base rate stays stuck on a deliberately punitive 5.25%. Job security has become an issue for many. Pay squeezes for those in public-sector employment exaggerate the impact of inflation on their spending power. As winter approaches and warfare in Ukraine is joined by conflict in the Middle East, energy costs are likely to run amok again. All these factors conspire together, throwing the off-switch on discretionary acquisition of recreational fripperies like PTWs.
AL LW WA A AY YS S A H EA AHE AD D
HEHE LMLM ETET S & S AP & AP PAPA RERE L CO L CO LLLL ECEC TIO TIO N 20 N 20 2323 -2-2 0202 4 4
Business news
Middle ground saves the day N
NINE-MONTHLY NUMBERS CRUNCH AS USUAL, OUR DATA HAS BEEN DEVELOPED from monthly MCIA top-ten brand charts – with some “guesstimate” qualifications explained as we work through gaps in the figures. At the halfway mark of 2023, Honda had been 1.9% in arrears and continued to decline through July and August. But an absolutely fantastic performance in September’s new-plate month dragged it back into positive territory. Yamaha, which was shiny side up by just 2.2% at Q2’s conclusion, gained consistently through Q3. BMW Motorrad boasted an impressive sixmonthly 16% gain, did alright in July but then began to lose ground in August and September. The chances of it reaching BMW bike boss Markus Schramm’s 10,000-unit annual target on British soil, without “price adjustments” or pre-registration shenanigans in Q4, are probably now remote. Triumph’s final push to pad out its financial year-end in June closed with a six-monthly advance of 5.8%. But two poor months (possibly afflicted by stock absence) chipped away at that advantage, until the new-plate booster kicked in. Some headcount relief in Q4 may emerge if the brand’s new budget 400cc single platform arrives in plentiful quantities. And the fact that KTM
4
NOVEMBER 2023
continues to extend its lead over a pair of erstwhile Japanese front-rankers is simply remarkable. Speaking of which, this is where the dodgy data department opens for business. Kawasaki certainly registered 5084 bikes in the relevant nine months. But our calculation of this good
Brand Honda Yamaha BMW Motorrad Triumph KTM Kawasaki Suzuki Royal Enfield Lexmoto
YTD Regs 17,829 10,324 8010 7765 5211 5084* 4202* 4101 2435*
YoY change +3.1% +7.7% +9.8% +3.2% +26% +22.8% N/A -10.1% N/A *estimated
fortune representing 22.8% growth versus Q1-Q3 in 2022 is dependent on adding a gestural 100 units to replace a failure to make the MCIA top ten in February last year. Suzuki’s status is even dodgier, because the brand was missing in MCIA top-ten action during February this year, so we didn’t fill the hole. The return of Suzuki as a mainstream contender
armed with attractive and price-conscious new products is nevertheless worthy of merit. And indeed,Wits registrations would have actually been WW.LS 2H WWW.LS ELMETS.COM 2HELMETS higher. Unfortunately, .COMguesstimating the scale of that increase was beyond the pale, given Suzuki failed to show up in the 2022 MCIA charts for January, February and August. Suffice to say a figure of around 50% would be realistic. Lexmoto, deeply troubled by Chinese inventorysourcing woes, was another case in point. During the equivalent nine months of 2022, Lexmoto registered 4549 machines. But in the same period of 2023, it dropped off the MCIA March new-plate chart, leaving 2435 units registered over eight months. Harley-Davidson actually took the final place in March’s chart, on 521 registrations. If a donation of 400 units had reached Lexmoto, then it would have been 37.7% in arrears. Credible? Not really for us to decide. Either way, a shortage of bargain-basement mobility products isn’t doing the market much good. Returning to YTD hard facts, Royal Enfield’s retreat is a mystery. Perhaps the transfer of outsourced distribution from hugely experienced MotoGB to the brand’s wholly-owned UK subsidiary didn’t go according to plan. Or maybe the retro bubble is about to burst?
www.britishdealernews.co.uk
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Business news
MCIA sets out licence change proposals
DVSA Module 2 Test
E
ven its most vigorous supporters would privately agree that the government is in a bit of a stasis at the moment, so praise is due to the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA), which has launched a fresh effort to lobby for changes to motorcycle licencing rules. The proposals, snappily titled “A Licence to Net Zero – Unleashing our Potential, Licence Reform Essential”, centre around reform to the whole licensing regime for motorcycles, mopeds and other light vehicles – including e-scooters and light quadricycles. The hook for the MCIA is the environmental impact and improved safety: getting people out of cars and on to lighter, low- or zero-emission alternatives makes a lot of sense, particularly in urban areas. Age 14 16
A1 (11kW) vehicles at age 16 with a full AM (Moped) licence
17
22kW vehicles at age 17 with a full A1 licence
18
A2 (35kW) vehicles at age 18 with a full A2 licence
20
A (unlimited) vehicles at age 20 after having held a full A2 licence for two years and passing the ATB assessment to obtain a full A licence
21
6
Proposed access Low power, electric, light mobility vehicles at age 14 New vehicle licence categories required
A (unlimited) vehicles at age 21 via Direct Access
NOVEMBER 2023
The proposals for bikes include an end to the ‘continuous learner’ position where riders of 125cc machines can re-apply for a new CBT certificate every two years. Instead, after two years, a rider would have to apply for a slightly more advanced “CBT Plus”, also valid for two years. After that, they would need to take a proper assessment test to get a full licence. The proposals also recommend a return to a single main test, dropping the need for a separate Module 1 and Module 2 as at present. The MCIA wants earlier access to light vehicles for younger riders, with 14-year-olds allowed onto E-scooters with a maximum of 500W power and a new electric light moped class with a max power of 1.5kW. They’ll need a licence, and insurance and helmets will be mandatory. It also suggests dropping the age of access to A2 bikes to 18, and a full licence to 21. Finally, the MCIA suggests incentivising a full AM moped and A1 125cc licence by allowing licence holders to ride the next class of bikes on provisional licences so that full moped licence holders could ride 15hp 125s and full 125 licence holders could ride bikes of up to 30hp. Tony Campbell, CEO of the MCIA, said: “The time has come for a full-scale review of L-Category licensing. The government’s recognition of our sector’s role in decarbonising transportation is commendable, but we need the tools to make it happen. The MCIA fully supports the government’s goals, but we must shed outdated regulations in order to thrive. Licensing is one of our sector’s
MCIA CALLS TO ACTION 1. Earlier access L-Category vehicles, including creating two new vehicle categories (electric light moped and the e-step scooter) 2. Incentives for moped and A1-category (125cc) vehicle users to gain a full licence, and lower access ages for A2 and Full A licences 3. All licence upgrades and access to L-Category vehicles up to 22kW to be carried out by a DVSA certified motorcycle instructor. The instructor must be working within an Approved Motorcycle Training Body (ATB) and will undertake additional training to become a DVSA certified assessor 4. CBT to be taken once, and valid for two years. After two years, users should take a new ‘CBT Plus’, valid for two years, to improve their skills rather than maintain their current level. After two years, users on CBT Plus will go on to take a final assessment carried out at their ATB to gain a full licence 5. Returning to a single event test, instead of the current Module 1 and Module 2 tests 6. A review of minimum test vehicle and licence entitlements for all electric L-Category vehicles 7. A review of tricycle and quadricycle licensing and testing (L2, L5, L6 and L7) that retains current regulation entitlements, but allows for additional access under provisional licence restrictions – age 16 for L2 and L6, and the introduction of direct access to L5 and L7 at 18 years of age
biggest hurdles, hindering growth and road safety over the last decade.” Craig Carey-Clinch, executive director of the National Motorcyclists Council, said: “The NMC shares the MCIA’s belief in the need for significant licensing reform via a comprehensive review of the current regime, particularly as intended benefits for road safety from the current regime have not materialised. Although there are some differences of detail in the NMC’s published proposals, both our positions on the fundamentals of licensing reform align, and we are pleased to support ‘A Licence to Net Zero’ in recognition of our shared aspirations.” www.mcia.co.uk E-Step Scooter Vehicle Category yet to be defined 250W max Continuous Rated Power (500W peak)
Electric Light Moped Vehicle Category yet to be defined 1kW max Continuous Rated Power (1.5kW peak)
Age 14+
Age 14+
Provisional A or B (Car) licence Basic Scooter Training
Theory Test
Can ride e-step scooter up to 250W The LO category does not currently exist. Proposal suggests the creation of this category to cater for new lightweight mobility solutions
CBT / CBT Plus Can ride L1-CA 1kW with provisional restrictions Pass ABT assessment Can ride L1-CA 1kW with no restrictions, Pass gives full AM 4kW entitlement at 16
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Broaden Your Horizon...
Become a Suzuki Dealership Today Suzuki will continue to increase sales of its Motorcycle and Scooter ranges through an expanded dealer network in the coming year, and why wouldn`t we? With growing market share, high customer satisfaction and excellent customer retention, our existing Suzuki dealerships are enjoying a successful year. Today we have further dealer opportunities in key territories across the UK.
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Business news
Paulo Alves, head of BMW Motorrad UK cuts the cake for his UK team
BMW celebrates 100 years with cake and new GS
B
DN has plenty of readers of very long-standing, but we don’t think we have any who were around at the launch of the first BMW motorcycle, the R32, in 1923. But the German firm has been celebrating a century of bikes – mostly Boxers like that R32 – by launching the latest incarnation of its most successful model ever, the Boxerpowered GS model. The new R1300 GS replaces the old R1250 GS with an all-new engine design that relocates the transmission to the bottom of the crankcases, a new frame, new styling, and even more high-tech adventure touring equipment. You could see competitor brands turning pale at the
news as they looked forward to seeing the ubiquitous Bavarian battle cruiser topping sales charts even more emphatically for the next few years. At BMW UK headquarters, the head of BMW Motorrad, Paulo Alves, cut a special centennial birthday cake, along with Elanor Milne, who is the newest member of the Motorrad UK marketing team to have gone through the firm’s rider training scheme and is en route to become a fully-fledged biker. Old BMW hands Howard Godolphin and Si Pavey were also on hand to relate the tale of how the GS found even more fame when Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman chose it for their Long Way Round TV epic.
R1300 GS TECH HIGHLIGHTS
• A NEWLY DESIGNED 1300CC BOXER ENGINE WITH a bottom-mounted gearbox and BMW ShiftCam technology. • More power and torque: 107kW (145hp) at 7750rpm, and a maximum torque of 149Nm at 6500rpm – this makes it the most powerful BMW boxer engine ever to be produced in series. • New matrix LED headlamp as standard. • Weight saving of 12kg compared to the previous model. • Four riding modes as standard: engine drag torque control (MSR), dynamic brake assist (DBC) and ride-off assistant (HSC) as standard. • Prices from £15,990.
Registration open for Motorcycle Live Trade Day REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR TRADE visitors to attend Motorcycle Live at Birmingham’s NEC for free, thanks to support from finance provider Black Horse. And the show organisers have come up with a list of five reasons to visit on trade day (Monday 20 November). First up – it’s free! Eligible trade visitors can apply online for up to four complimentary tickets per registered business address to attend the show on the dedicated Trade Day in association with Black Horse. Advanced adult tickets are priced at £23, so dealers could save up to £92 if they and three colleagues were planning to go to the show. Next – it’s a chance to meet up face-to-face. The show offers a great location to meet with existing and potential partners, brands and
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colleagues. You can also discover opportunities, strengthen relationships at the event, and scope out the latest bike launches. With lots of exciting reveals planned from manufacturers, there will be lots of brand-new models to see at the show – with no need to travel overseas events. You can also add new kit to that list: it’s not just new bikes on show. With everything from exhausts to ear plugs, helmets to heated grips and tail tidies to trips, Motorcycle Live offers the chance to check out the newest products, technology and services under one roof. Finally, the organisers reckon you’ll have plenty of fun at the show! Sometimes, it’s easy to forget what a great industry we all work in – very few people get to mix business with pleasure. Motorcycle Live offers the opportunity to put yourself in the customer’s shoes and enjoy the
world of motorcycling, reminisce, meet and enjoy! Tracey Gramsch, senior manager – manufacturer partners at Black Horse said: “Black Horse is proud to sponsor Trade Day 2023, which is a fantastic opportunity for trade partners to network and discuss the latest trends in our industry”. Finlay McAllan, MD of Motorcycle Live, adds: “We love welcoming the trade to the show and have aimed to make it as easy as possible. Last year, we combined our Trade and Media into one day to make for the most efficient trip for those attending – we’re also conscious that some dealerships find it less disrupting for staff to be out on a weekday. We look forward to welcoming you to Motorcycle Live.” For more information and to apply for tickets, visit: www.motorcyclelive.co.uk/trade-day.
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Business news
SHORT CUTS
ROYAL ENFIELD
ROYAL ENFIELD HAS CELEBRATED THE 12TH annual running of its One Ride event, a global ride-out across 420 cities in 58 countries around the world. On 22 September, the event saw Royal Enfield ride-outs from Nepal to the Netherlands, Australia to Austria, India to Italy and the UK to Uruguay.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
100,000 PEOPLE AND MORE THAN 70,000 motorcycles took part in the European Bike Week festival in the Austrian village of Faak am. The special event was held to celebrate Harley-Davidson’s 120th birthday, as well as the 40th anniversary of the Harley Owners Group and 25 years of the Harley-Davidson European Bike Week at the Faaker See resort.
SHED AND BURIED
A NEW SERIES OF THE HENRY COLE VEHICLE restoration show Shed and Buried has hit Freeview screens again this autumn. The longrunning series, where Cole and his team of helpers hunt for vintage treasure – generally including a motorbike or two – started back on the Quest channel from 16 October, with ten new episodes. It’s always worth a look, if only for Allen Millyard’s engineering skills.
MUC-OFF
BIKE CLEANING SPECIALISTS MUC-OFF HAS been named in the FEBE Growth 100 list of the most dynamic and fastest-growing firms in the UK. FEBE stands for ‘For Entrepreneurs, By Entrepreneurs’ and is a club aimed at company founders and entrepreneurs.
ABR FESTIVAL
THE ADVENTURE BIKE RIDER FESTIVAL HAS BEEN one of the big success stories in recent years, tapping into the adventure touring boom with a unique, outdoorsy festival-type show experience. The organisers are already getting set up for 2024, with an announcement of the booked music acts. They’ve gone heavy on the tribute acts, with the likes of ZZ Topp’d (ZZ Top), Quo’d (Status Quo), Let There Be D/C (AC/DC), The Police Force (The Police), The Konks (The Kinks) and The Smyths (The Smiths) all now confirmed. The bill also includes the legendary Dr Feelgood (the actual Dr Feelgood), who’ll be headlining the VIP Day Party on 27 June. Fancy something less predictable? Then, the new Bridgestone Stage Alternative Evening is set to feature more eclectic music, including world-class choirs, string quartets, and even a Brazilian dance troupe. Finally, the perma-ravers amongst you will be sorted out by international DJ and producer Krystal Roxx, who’ll be spinning classic Ibiza hits from the early 1990s. www.abrfestival.com
10 NOVEMBER 2023
Slick new service for waste oil disposal W
aste oil disposal probably isn’t the most exciting part of running a bike shop. But the messy, dirty, smelly stuff has to be got rid of somehow, and the law takes a very dim view of people dumping it or even burning it in heaters these days. Green regulations are becoming ever more important, and recycling dangerous waste like used engine oil is something every firm must do properly. There’s been a bit of an ad-hoc approach across the country until recently. Several firms pick up oil, but they’re naturally geared up for car and commercial vehicle operations, where the quantities are much higher. Getting a large-scale car operator to come and collect a small bike shop’s 200-litre drum every month or so isn’t always easy. Now a new operator is targeting the bike industry with an initial 12-month free pickup deal, nationwide coverage, and a large fleet of new tankers with fulltime permanent staff. The firm is called Waste Lubricating Oils, and the firm’s director, Chris Williamson, told us about the
operation. “We’ve got 18 trucks at the moment across the country,” he said. “We started with one truck and one employee two years ago, and we’re at 35 employees now, with another ten trucks in build. So by March next year, we’ll have 28, which will be the biggest fleet in the country.”
We recycle all of our oil here in England. We’re the only company who can give that guarantee Chris Williamson
According to Williamson, Waste Lubricating Oils has a unique recycling arrangement, which gives lower costs. “Most of the competition exports their oil: it goes to places like Denmark, Germany, France and Greece. But we recycle all of our oil here in England. We’re the only company who can give that guarantee.”
Josh Mead-Baker, licensed collector for the Kent and the South East
The base oil is cleaned, treated, refined, and re-used as an industrial lubricating oil. “The base oil never wears out; it just gets dirty, and the additives wear out,” said Williamson. When it comes down to practicalities, the Waste Lubricating Oils recycling arrangement couldn’t be more straightforward. “Where we differ is that our competitors will stipulate minimum collection quantities. Bike shops tend to store maybe 200-litres at a time, and some firms put a minimum band of 400-litres. We’re offering a free collection for bike dealers for 12 months. Normally, we charge a token amount, maybe £50-£80 per pickup, including VAT. We’re going to run that for a year and see how it goes. Currently, many companies charge a lot more, around £200 a lift. You can keep your oil in a 50-gallon drum for pickup, and grades can be mixed as long as it’s engine or gearbox oil, no brake fluid or anything else.” For more information or to book a pickup, check out the firm’s website at: www.wastelubricatingoils.co.uk or call 01226 954601.
Bob the Seat steps down
HE’S BEEN MAKING REPLICA motorbike seats and covers for four decades. But now Bob Dillingham, owner of Moretti Seats in Gloucester, has decided it’s time to retire and take the weight off. Dillingham, universally known as Bob the Seat, has supplied scores of trade customers across the world and in the UK with replacement saddles, including some highly
obscure fitments. But there’s good news for the nation’s biking behinds because production has been taken over by SaddleCraft Seating, which has bought all the manufacturing tooling and machinery from Moretti. Les Wood, owner of SaddleCraft, has known and dealt with Bob for about 30 years and will run production alongside his firm’s OEM seat
manufacturing. “Acquiring Moretti’s tooling will increase our range of seats and especially seat covers to around 500 models, possibly the biggest range of any aftermarket manufacturer,” Les said. “We would like to wish Bob all the best in his well-deserved retirement.” For enquiries, contact 0191 455 6262 or email info@saddlecraft.com.
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Business news
Missing MGP data mystery
T
he Manx Grand Prix languishes under a commercial cloud after a barrage of post-event criticism has been left unsubstantiated or otherwise by a complete absence of relevant hard data writes Roger Willis. This year’s Centennial Manx Grand Prix at the end of August once again ran to a controversially shortened itinerary, slimmed down from 14 days to just a nineday duration. Most of these days were taken up by practice and qualifying. Red-flag incidents and weather problems further limited track time. Only two and a half days were allocated to actual racing, and that programme was seriously scuppered by bad weather. Friday’s solitary curtainraising Lightweight race was postponed and then crammed into the tail end of Saturday’s revised schedule, which eventually saw it reduced to two laps from three as course visibility deteriorated. An earlier headline Classic Senior race was also cut from four laps to three. With no racing on Sunday, more inclement conditions affected the final Monday’s action too, which didn’t kick off until a late afternoon start. Overall, the mood among both visiting fans and local businesses reliant on them for turnover was a disappointment. Campsites around the course
had been noticeably thin on customers and popular trackside spectating locations often had empty hedgerows. Motorcycling road traffic volume appeared to be visibly lower as well. Celebrations dedicated to the MGP Centenary drew muted attendance responses and some activities were cancelled.
“I’ve heard nobody speak positively from any angle, not riders, race officials, visitors or locals Andy Saunders
Initial complaints after the event soon emerged in local print media, led by Andy Saunders, chairman of the Isle of Man Licensed Victuallers Association and landlord of the well-known Quids Inn hostelry in Douglas. “I’ve not met anybody that doesn’t want a return to the twoweek format,” Saunders told an Isle of Man Courier reporter. “I’ve heard nobody speak positively from any angle, not riders, race officials, visitors or locals. All of the town events that go on around the Island also got squashed in, so
they were all on the same day. This affected not just the hospitality sector but retailers too.” Most unusually, figures from the Isle of Man’s Steam Packet shipping line on ferry passengers and motorcycles carried during the MGP period still haven’t been released two months later. Equivalent flight passenger data from the Island’s Ronaldsway Airport is also absent. During this year’s TT, such information was almost instantly available, given it was conveniently upbeat. We know the Steam Packet suffered a couple of ferry cancellations at the beginning of 2023 MGP practice week owing to bad weather and struggled to provide replacement bookings within a reasonable timescale. Some reduction in headcount was anticipated, though. Numbers had been inflated for the revived 2022 event by advance ferry bookings made pre-Covid in 2019 and then rolled over. Many of those visitors were really annoyed because they were unaware that the format had been slashed to nine days until they arrived, and were left twiddling their thumbs for almost a week without any more racing to watch. Cynical observers are now suggesting that another dose of bad news is being buried by the Manx government, plus the ferry line and airport – both of which, of course, it is the sole proprietor.
Michael Dunlop piloting his team’s Honda 250 at the Manx GP
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NOVEMBER 2023 11
Business news
In love with Europe again? N
early seven and a half years after the Great British public voted for Brexit, many are questioning why they did so, and possibly just as many think it was a huge mistake and that the UK should now be looking to re-join Europe. It’s not for this publication to discuss the political niceties of whether the voters were right or wrong. However, we can look at what is being said and what recent surveys have found. According to a February 2023 YouGov survey, 53% of 17101 surveyed said the UK was wrong to leave Europe, while 34% said it was the right decision. But of the remainers, 90% said it was wrong to leave, with 6% saying the opposite. Interestingly, of the leavers, 73% thought it was right to leave, and 17% said they regretted the move. By May, the Independent quoted another YouGov survey. It found that overall, 62% of voters said leaving the EU had been “more of a failure”, with just 9% saying it had been a “success”; that among 18-24-year-olds, more than two-thirds said Brexit had been “more of a failure”. Less than one in 20 considered it a “success”; while support remains stronger in older age groups, almost half of over-65s now consider Brexit a “failure”. It’s clear that Brexit has not been the plain sailing that politicians in Westminster declared it would be. The UK government has since had to negotiate and sign the Windsor Protocol in relation to Northern Ireland; told UK firms
to prepare for a new UK-specific UKCA safety certification, which has now been abandoned for the foreseeable future; has re-joined the EU’s cross-border science and research programme – Horizon; and postponed already delayed customs checks.
The UK is now, in effect, on the outside looking in with no ability to influence EU decisions at a political level Beyond that, many have suggested that Brexit has increased inflation and hurt growth. And the UK’s ‘independence’ of action has been seriously stifled. The UK may have freedom of action when it comes to law, regulation and standards, but in reality, if UK firms want to trade in Europe, then – as Apple has recently found with its new iPhone when it had to abandon the lightning connector in favour of USBC – they must follow the EU’s rules. The UK is now, in effect, on the outside looking in with no ability to influence EU decisions at a political level. So what next? Could the UK re-join Europe? Demographics and the supremacy of the young over the old are bound to increase the likelihood of it happening. As the FT recently
noted, they are hugely pro-Europe, with 79% of 18–24-year-olds wanting to re-join. Naturally, anything is possible. But if the UK changed tack, the EU would sit smugly when considering an application for EU membership – especially as the UK was formerly a substantial net contributor to the EU budget and is a G7 economy that would significantly enlarge the EU’s single market and role as a major European military power. However, it would come at a price, with the UK going to the bargaining table with a weakened hand. First, the UK would probably have to abandon sterling and use the euro instead. Whereas in 1999, when the currency was first adopted, it was untried, now, 24 years later, it’s clear that the euro is here to stay. Allied to this, the UK would need to pay more into Europe’s coffers without the rebate that Margaret Thatcher famously negotiated. And with the potential for more (poorer) states to join the bloc, UK taxpayers will effectively be paying to level up Europe. Finally, the UK would most likely have to agree to freedom of movement and so have open borders. Is all of this likely? Only time will tell, but it’s a fair bet that it’ll happen. In the meantime, France and Germany are pushing plans that offer the UK and other European nations a form of ‘associate’ membership. Offering four membership tiers according to alignment with the EU, the floodgates may open.
Silence signs up new business development director ELECTRIC SCOOTER FIRM SILENCE HAS appointed a new business development director. Andy Fenwick joins the company with a list of targets that include building up the Silence UK dealer infrastructure, generating demand for the existing S01 and S02 electric scooters and preparing for the launch of the all-new Silence S04 electric nano car. Kevin Duck, founding partner of Silence UK, said, “We are delighted to welcome Andy to the Silence family; he was the natural choice for us in achieving our ambition to take Silence to the next
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level within the UK. Silence has a fantastic and expanding product range with excellent residual values, state-of-the-art technology and a highend facility in the Midlands; with Andy on board and a solid platform already in place, we aim to grow the market, the brand, and the opportunity for customers to have access to high-end, trusted and affordable transport.” Andy Fenwick (right) said, “I’m very much looking forward to working with the team at Silence UK. Silence is the leading manufacturer of electric light motorcycles in Europe; it has the
ethos, quality, history and ambition to make an extremely attractive product proposition and one I’m committed to continue to develop.”
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PURE PURE PURE MOTO MOTO MOTO
Ducati backs road safety-boosting technology
M
otorcycling can be dangerous – there’s no way around that. But technology has made a big difference in recent decades, with ABS, traction control, improved tyre and chassis performance, better helmets, riding kit and airbag systems. And now Ducati has confirmed its commitment to even more safety-assisting technology at a recent Connected Motorcycle Consortium (CMC) event. The aim of the CMC, which was founded in 2016, is to improve active safety by linking vehicles with a digital communication network. That means that cars and motorcycles will ‘talk’ to the road infrastructure and other vehicles to avoid collisions and crashes. That could be as simple as temperature sensors on the roadside telling your bike that there’s ice on a bend or your bike telling a car about to turn at a
junction that you have the right of way, preventing the vehicle from moving into your path. The possibilities are endless. Ducati, with help from its sister company Lamborghini, has been working on technology to avoid three incident types: the junction example (above), called IMA (Intersection Movement Assist), LTA (Left Turn Assist) – which would be a Right Turn Assist in the UK, of course – and DNPW (Do Not Pass Warning). The Turn Assist function will stop a driver coming in the opposite direction, turning across a bike’s path (a right turn in the UK and a left turn in Europe), and the DNPW will stop a car pulling out to overtake when a bike is already overtaking it. All the systems use a series of warnings in the car and on the bike to alert both riders and drivers of the approaching danger.
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SEE US AT Simone Di Piazza, Ducati innovation manager, said, “The road safety issue is really important for Ducati. We have already demonstrated this in the past, being the first motorcycle manufacturers in the world to have the entire range equipped with Cornering ABS and the first to introduce Blind Spot Detection. We are convinced that communication between vehicles, when ready enough to be introduced on all motorbikes and cars, will have a fundamental role in reducing the number and severity of accidents involving motorcyclists.”
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Haynes celebrate UK biking THE HAYNES MOTOR MUSEUM IN SPARKFORD, near Yeovil in Somerset, is set to unveil a major new exhibition telling the story of British motorcycling from its origins to the modern day. “Life on Two Wheels: The British Motorcycling Story” will provide a fascinating new perspective on the social history of the motorbike and the impact bikes have on society, technology and the economy, according to the organisers. Displays will showcase the role of motorbikes at work and during wartime as well as for pleasure and leisure, examine the changing fortunes of the British motorcycle industry and explore current market trends. “For the first time ever, this new exhibition will tell the entire story of British motorcycling from its beginnings at the very end of the 19th century to the current day,” said museum curator Dr Luca Hoare. “It
will also highlight the central role the motorbike has played in our society over the decades. The exhibition features many of history’s most iconic motorcycles, including a 1930s Brough Superior with sidecar and a 1970s Triumph Bonneville.” The exhibition opened on 21 October and is partfunded by the British Motorcycle Charitable Trust. It is the first permanent new display at the award-winning Somerset museum for three years. It is also the first to have been undertaken since the museum gained full Arts Council England Accreditation. Opened in 1985 by John Haynes OBE, the man behind Haynes motor manuals, the museum is home to one of the UK’s biggest exhibition of cars and motorbikes dating from 1900 to the present day. For more information, call 01963 440804 or visit: www.haynesmuseum.org.
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BSA back on the Continent
I
t’s been 50 years since BSA bikes were last on sale in France. But we’ll soon see the BSA Gold Star invading showroom floors across the Channel once again. The firm’s UK importer, Lukas Distribution, has teamed up with the French bike firm Peugeot Motocycles to distribute the Indianbuilt BSA single-cylinder roadster to dealers in France and Luxembourg – and there are plans to expand into Germany, Spain, Italy and Austria. It’s the first time that dealers outside of the UK have been able to sell a BSA Gold Star since the closure of the original BSA Motorcycles company in 1973. The new Mahindra-built BSA machine was launched in November 2021, and has been a big hit in the UK market, but until now, it hasn’t been available in any other country. Expanding supply to the EU marks the latest stage in the resurgence of the legendary brand. Ashish Joshi, CEO of Classic Legends and director of BSA Company Ltd, said: “We are thrilled to reach this milestone in our mission to bring BSA bikes to audiences worldwide.
The deal was done on paper earlier this year, but now it’s reached its most important stage: actually, getting the Gold Star into motorcycle enthusiasts’ hands. We have a valuable partnership with Peugeot Motocycles, and their extensive network of dealers is key to making the BSA experience accessible to as many people as possible.” Éric Apode, CEO of Peugeot Motocycles,
said: “We’re proud to be a part of the BSA Gold Star story and to support European dealers and motorcyclists by bringing this iconic bike within their reach. Our relationship with dealers is of utmost importance to us, so it’s pleasing to see how on-board and excited they are with this new arrival. It’s clear that the Gold Star is just as in-demand now as it was 50 or more years ago.”
MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE BSA AND THE NATIONAL Motorcycle Museum have helped make a classic motorcycle enthusiast’s dream come true. Richard George wanted to get his late father’s 1957 BSA A10 back on the road to celebrate his dad’s legacy. And, together with his brother Phil, restoration experts at the NMM and BSA, he’s aiming to ride it at the 2024 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. Roy Pinto, marketing manager
at BSA, said: “Richard’s story encapsulates the BSA spirit perfectly. This brand means so much to so many people, and our heritage and legacy live on in motorcycling communities and families. When we heard about Richard’s quest, we were touched by his story and keen to help him achieve his goal. BSA motorcycles have gone down in history as classics, and if we can work with Richard
Richard George, left, and Wesley Wall with the BSA A10 and the museum to keep this one alive, we not only further the A10’s legacy but that of Richard’s father too.”
TT headcount and revenue down THE ISLE OF MAN GOVERNMENT’S Department for Enterprise has revealed the findings of a survey it commissioned on this year’s TT event attendance, the first such in-depth research exercise conducted since pre-Covid 2019. In both cases, figures were extrapolated from extensive visitor interview samples. The overall number of visitors in 2023 was estimated at 43,272, 6.3% lower than the 2019 TT estimate of 46,174 – which had been 4% up on 2018 and the highest figure recorded since surveys of this type began. Average 2023 expenditure per visitor reached £834 and their total spend amounted to an estimated £36.1m. This contrasted with a pervisitor expenditure of £801 in 2019, adding up to a total of £37.5m, and therefore represented a 3.7% revenue decline.
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The average length of stay for visitors was 6.09 nights, down from 6.8 nights in 2019. 79.2% of them were staying in paid accommodation. 32.4% were camping and 23.5% resided in hotels or guesthouses. There was a 30.6% increase in those travelling to and from the Island by air, compared to 2019. And 90.7% of all visitors were from the UK and Ireland. The largest age group were 50–64-yearolds, comprising 38.3% of all visitors. This was followed by 22.6% in the 30–49-year-old bracket and 18.9% who were 65 years old or more. Just 3.7% were under the age of 18 years. 4.1% of TT visitors were registered disabled or had some form of sensory, physical or mental issues, which seems remarkably low considering a bunch of bikers were being surveyed!
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B
ike marketing specialist Digitally Charged, has announced a new online content and data management deal with online magazine SuperBike. The deal will see the Notts firm manage the SuperBike website, commissioning and generating content and delivering marketing opportunities to the industry. SuperBike ended its print magazine in January 2015 after 38 years of publishing. Since then, it’s been online only, with the strong appeal of the title name bringing huge engagement, particularly on global social media. SuperBike owner John Hogan (who is now marketing manager at Norton Motorcycles) said, “It’s possible I went all-digital too early, but I could see print sales declining almost as fast as the online thirst for content was growing. I gave the readers what they wanted and, within months, had a marketleading social media following of more than one million bikers. What we grew over the years was a very loyal digital following that I didn’t fully appreciate the strength of until I spoke to Chris at Digitally Charged.” Digitally Charged is a fullservice digital marketing agency that has been running for six years. The firm was created specifically for the motorcycle market by founder Chris Day after his time working at MotoDirect. “Knowing how to connect people with a product or service online isn’t difficult,” he said. “But matching
specific people, at a chosen time, with the right message to deliver a positive outcome is. That’s what my team had developed the ability to do. I don’t feel the need to pitch for new work aggressively; I ask people to look at our repeat business and speak to our clients. “Before taking over the SuperBike data, we ran some tests using some of our existing clients, and the potential is huge. Being on the other side of the fence buying in these services in the 12 years as a marketing manager for one of the largest clothing distributors/manufacturers, I’d like to think I understand more of what motorcycle marketing departments are looking for.” According to Day, pairing a strong online motorcycle media brand like SuperBike with a heavyweight agency like Digitally Charged means everyone wins. “Clients will know that their campaigns are being served to bikers in the UK rather than faceless bots, efficiently and with clear, deliverable goals in mind. “Achieving digital potential is what’s driving everyone involved at DC, and I look forward to sharing plans with anyone who wants to meet face-to-face at Motorcycle Live and show some of the innovative features, new websites and full suite of data options we’ll be launching in the new year.” Digitally Charged 01157 860680 ben@ digitally-charged.com
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Bridgestone wins again
THE ENDURANCE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IS ONE OF THE LAST major competitions without a control tyre, so there is some kudos to be gained for the rubber firm that supplies the winning team. And this year, it’s Bridgestone that snatched the crown after its Battlax race tyres helped the Yamaha YART team grab the title at the Bol d’Or round. It’s the third consecutive win for Bridgestone.
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Business news
NMC responds to prime minister’s net zero rethink
T
here was zero mention of motorcycling when Rishi Sunak set out the changes in his revised approach to environmental policy last month. But the policy changes extending the end of petrol and diesel car sales seems to suggest that a relaxation of the proposed 2030/2035 cut-off for petrolpowered motorcycles might be included. The National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) has welcomed the changes – but says Sunak and his government must end the pause on transport policy in other areas, including road safety changes aimed at motorcyclists and other vulnerable road users and updates to the motorcycle training and testing regime. The NMC also highlights the delay in legislation on e-scooters and other light zeroemission vehicles.
NMC executive director Craig Carey-Clinch said: “News of the prime minister’s rethink on net zero is very welcome. We look forward to common sense decisions which brings the UK into line with international developments in respect of decarbonisation. The NMC has long advocated that a sensible and pragmatic approach needs to be taken to motorcycle decarbonisation, working with international partners, and supporting the development of a range of alternative technologies and fuels. “In other areas of government business related to motorcycling, the ongoing delay in so many areas of policy create huge uncertainty and makes future planning very difficult. Ministers must pay attention to these areas and get policy-making processes moving again.”
The NMC also pointed out some recent positive changes, including progress on motorised vehicle access issues in the countryside, as well as direct support from the Cabinet Office on the issue of EU border crossing with classic, race and other motorcycles transported in vans or on trailers.
Norton invests in high-tech kit
T
here are many reasons for the decline of the British bike manufacturing base in the late 20th century. But failure to invest was surely a big part of that sad story. A visit to any bike factory today underlines the importance of smart machinery, producing engine parts and chassis components with incredible efficiency and accuracy. So it’s good to see that the revived Norton brand is no exception, with the firm unveiling advanced automated frame making capacity at its Solihull plant, to work alongside its traditional premium hand-
16 NOVEMBER 2023
built assembly methods. The machine is a Yamazaki Mazak VTC800/30 SLR, a five-axis CNC machining centre produced nearby in Worcester. The advanced manufacturing machine will be used for new product development and to assist with new cast frame technology. The Mazak kit points to future developments at the plant, which is set to move on from the very low production runs of the old regime, which used hand-welded frames. The firm’s senior manufacturing process engineer, Adam Green, outlines how the new machine will help. “Previously, we’d been hand-
bending and hand-scalloping the bike frames because we didn’t know how to do anything different,” he said. “We could get the casts pre-machined, but that would mean we had the welders controlling the tolerances. It’s difficult to hold a tight dimension while the component is moving around with all the variances, from the skill of the welder to the time of year. One idea is a cast frame and, instead of welding detailed components into the frame, we can machine the details into the casting, which gives us much higher tolerances.” Norton says its commitment to only using the highest quality
equipment led it to Japanese firm Yamazaki Mazak. “We looked at various options, but we wanted to be seen to be investing in the best available machine,” said Green. “Mazak are the kind of people we want to be doing business with. The size of the frame meant we needed a big machine but also one that could work to very high tolerances. It’s all about repeatability. The machine takes away the manual process. Now, every single dimension will be within 0.2mm of each other. We’ve tightened tolerances up by 80% whereas previously there was 6mm of difference at times from one frame to another.”
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IN WHAT WOULD HAVE SEEMED LIKE SCIENCE fiction ten years ago, specialist bike marketing firm Digitally Charged has launched its new LocationIQ advertising tool using consumers location information to tailor dealer’s adverts for them. It’s based on smartphone technology and the location data that most devices make available in anonymous form. LocationIQ lets you serve personalised adverts to people who have visited a specific location. For example, if a customer is in your dealership, you can show them your latest promotional material. You can also target an audience which has been at a specific location recently – say, a bike show or race meeting – it also enables retailers to go on the offensive and target people who have visited a competitor’s business location. You can even log the footfall of an advert – detailing who saw your ad, clicked on it, and turned up at your store.
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Digitally Charged says it has audiences built from all the relevant industry events this year and has scheduled all future events for the remainder of the year for future targeting by using catchment area, day parting and look-back time to ensure complete control over the data collected. “Imagine being able to target someone with digital messages who you know has previously and recently shopped/visited your competitor’s stores,” said Digitally Charged MD Chris Day. “These people are often in the market to make purchases now, and by using this data, you can promote special offers to win over competitor’s customers. This opens up a world of possibilities and allows businesses to increase competitor conversion rates significantly. Throw into the mix our custom-built social audiences, contextual motorcycle audiences, Adsmart from Sky programme targeting and our creative services, and
you’ll have the most advanced campaign in the industry.” More info on the LocationIQ product: www.digitally-charged.com.
NOVEMBER 2023 17
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Digitally Charged launches LocationIQ
Business news
e d i S y l p Sup
Despite all the problems in the wider economy, distributors and wholesalers appear to be reasonably confident about new season sales prospects. Alan Dowds takes a look at how the supply side of the trade is performing and their plans for the 2024 season
Returning to normal?
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etting back to normal. It’s a phrase we smaller firms. And the message that comes use all the time. But in recent years, it out is that times have become a bit tough – seems to have become more and more for a variety of reasons, especially during the meaningless. From the global financial crash second half of 2023. Arthur Macdonald of Moto Legends, in 2007/08 through to UK coalition who imports GPR Exhausts and government austerity, the Scottish Hepco & Becker luggage, independence referendum and We saw an kicked us off with a take Brexit, there’s been a litany increase in sales which would become of unfortunate – but weird in our calls. “The – circumstances through from January to common first half of the year went much of this century. The fairly to plan, i.e., very big bump in the road was June, and then similar to last year. July the Covid-19 pandemic July and August took a dip, which most – an utterly insane people attribute to the situation, straight out of a tailed off non-stop rain, and August is Hollywood film rather than Gavin McCaffery, SHAD usually quiet. This August was everyday reality. The Russian particularly quiet, and September invasion of Ukraine followed, hasn’t shown much recovery. Overall, heaping more misery onto the world, and as we go to press, the situation in the a very worrying set of results with very few Middle East has exploded, literally, once again. positive signs on the horizon.” David Waters, sales manager at parts The daily operation of motorcycle kit and distributor WMD, echoes that. clothing distributors might “All in all, it’s been a fairly slow seem far removed from these year, a slow start and an early headline-grabbing disasters. finish,” he said. “We’re hoping But they are, of course, very for 2024 to pick up a bit much linked. BDN has followed sooner and maybe go back to the many ups and downs of the normal, if that’s even a thing trade closely over the past few anymore. WMD customers are years, and we wanted to find cutting down on their stocks out how this vital part of the and only ordering what they industry is coping. We spoke to really need, as many retail helmet importers, tyre brands, customers are only buying the clothing manufacturers, hard luggage purveyors and exhaustGavin McCaffery bare essentials to keep their machines on the road.” mongers. We spoke to the big In the ‘posh aftermarket’ global operators as well as much
oto M re u P 18 NOVEMBER 2023
Moto Legends
Arthur Macdonald
sector, the situation has also declined since the start of 2023. Colin Peabody of Performance Parts shared his experience. “The first six months of the year were really good. If we wind the clock back a little bit, we had a lot of demand over the Covid and post-Covid era. It really was big demand, but the problem we had was we couldn’t fulfil that demand; we just didn’t get the stock. So, from a commercial perspective, we didn’t really capitalise. The manufacturers couldn’t react quickly enough. “So, at the start of this year, we thought right, supply has stabilised. It’s much better than it has been for the past two or three years, and we kicked-off with good stock, supply, and demand. Overall, we had a great start to the year. “But there’s been a slowdown. It’s been very abrupt, and it started shortly after the school holidays. I would say early August, something put the brakes on, and it hasn’t really recovered very well. We had a wet summer, and I think many people just went on holiday and
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LS2 Helmets Paul Haskins
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buggered off and forgot about the bike. It wouldn’t be the first year that that’s happened. But usually, it bounces back in September with the new registrations, but that hasn’t happened. It’s been a really slow September.” Gavin McCaffery at Shad importer Pure Moto, also says 2023 started well. “We specialise in luggage systems, and we saw an increase in sales from January to June, and then July and August tailed off. It was still up, but not the same way as in the first six months of the year. I can’t quite put my finger on why that is: I don’t know if people were in holiday mode and had bought luggage already, so it tails off a little bit when they go on holiday. There’s talk about the electric subsidy going down, and bike sales have dropped off a little bit as well. We’re still ahead of last year but just below target.” Pete Aikenhead looks after the genuine parts business at Fowler’s and reckons the sector has followed the trend. “For this year, the first quarter was really good, second quarter pretty good, but as of the start of August, it’s began to tail off. We’re probably about 10% down across the whole market. I can’t see why: maybe it’s the general economy and a lack of confidence.” The wider economy has to have an impact, of course. With the prices of essentials like food, mortgages, heating, and fuel all going through the roof, it’s not hard to imagine the impact on the leisure and luxury side of the trade. No one needs to buy a £1500 titanium race exhaust system or a £1000 racing helmet just to survive. But some regular spending seems to be suffering a bit as well. Steve Phillips at Fowlers gave us his view of that firm’s trade distribution. “Looking at dealers, they have been very cautious on stock and very selective on the range of products they carry. Most dealers have been sitting on a huge amount of stock from overordering due to Covid and online sales, so dealers have been very mindful of taking on new lines before clearing old or slow-moving products. Inflation and
W MD
David Waters
interest rates have also been the main factors in dealers’ and end users’ buying confidence.” Peabody also blames at least some of the downturn on external factors. “What do I attribute it to? Probably less disposable income would be my guess, and people have to prioritise. At the end of the day, you’ve got to pay the bills, pay the mortgage, feed yourself, and I guess motorcycle parts and accessories are not that important. None of what we sell is essential; everything we sell is ‘nice to have’.” Paul Haskins of helmet firm LS2 would go along with that sentiment for sure. “The economy is scaring people something silly, and it’s made a huge difference to where we could’ve been.” And Stuart Swaby, sales director at Feridax, agrees. “Considering the challenging economic climate and recent political turbulence there has undoubtedly been an impact on consumer confidence, and we see lots of people in the marketplace fighting hard to stand still. “Our experience at Feridax is that consumers are still investing in motorcycling, but people are now making more informed purchasing decisions rather than impulsive spending. “This shift in consumer behaviour reflects a desire for value and a focus on acquiring products that align with their specific needs at the right price.” On the flip side, though, the bike trade is lucky in its
Current world champion Dominique Aegerter WorldSSP
#77
sales@hocoparts.com +44 (0)1484 641 073 info@hocoparts.co.uk
NOVEMBER 2023 19
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use the textile jacket with the demographics. The majority thermal lining in.” of customers are older, and The poor weather also comes they often have mortgages up time and time again when paid off, or with low capital you speak to the trade. Of amounts remaining, meaning course, it’s an easy target, but interest rate increases have the UK was very wet through less of an effect. They may July and August, and it’s not even benefit from increased rocket science to imagine returns on savings. And some that impacting the use of of the industry experts we bikes, and the accompanying spoke to reckoned that the Colin Peabody expenditure. “I often feel it’s premium end of the market times like these where you see has been doing well. Norrie Kerr of scooter specialist firm VE the true bikers come out”, said David Waters (UK) said, “High-end items, kits and casings from WMD. “And not those who’ve bought into are still on top of our list as customers want a fair-weather biker lifestyle, as they truly love them now (or even sooner). The desire to and need their machines for everyday use.” But Martin King, MD at Motohaus have the fastest, the biggest capacity, and the most expensive is still a sales driver for us. We Powersports, reckons overall ‘climate are now supplying the biggest names in the change’ might be helping matters slightly performance world. Overall, we are in a good since it’s generally getting warmer in the place, and the customer base is strong. Long UK, with record temperatures in September and October. “Another positive may it continue.” contributing factor has been Colin Peabody again. “One We were the weather, which, while thing that is positive from not as extreme in recent my perspective is that fairly buoyant years, has nevertheless because we represent resulted in record premium, high-end in our predictions average temperatures brands, they tend for sales this year and across summer to be less affected. and autumn in the If you’re buying a despite the economic UK, giving bikers Ducati Panigale V4, fantastic conditions you’ve already got a downturn, we’ve to extend their riding bit of cash. We sell a exceeded our season for the year.” lot for that kind of bike Finally, on the and the BMW M1000 expectations downside, the sheer ‘up RR, you’ll be shocked how Keith Bloxsome, Covec and down’ nature of recent much we sell for that. It’s a years has had an impact of its 30-grand bike, so I think to that own. Simply trying to follow the peaks degree we’re a little bit less affected.” But Steve Phillips from Fowlers points and troughs of supply, demand, logistics, and out that buying top-end kit may also be a costs from Covid and Brexit has had an effect, response to tougher times, with well-informed according to James Franklin of clothing firm consumers spending wisely once rather than Merlin. “I know the market feels like it’s ending up paying twice for inferior products. tight, and I think that’s a result of post-Covid. “We have been seeing that the customer Distributors are trying to flush stock through has been buying more mid-range to top end so there’s been quite a lot of discounting products, so the product will last much longer going on and a bit of hesitancy in purchasing. and not need to be replaced for some time. We There’s been overcompensation for Covid, have also seen a change in leather and textile; with no stock, then too much stock, and it’s where in the past, the customer would have a hard to function as normal when things are bouncing up and down. It’s a shame because we were in such a buoyant position. We’ve not had the greatest summer either. I don’t think that’s helped, and I think a few retailers will find winter quite challenging. We just have to try and help in whatever way we can.” Don’t think that everyone is down, though. We spoke to plenty of Martin King people who are relatively upbeat about 2023 and 2024. Paul Haskins of LS2 leather product in the summer months and a helmets: “For us, it’s been a textile in the winter months, customers who satisfactory year so far; we’re ride all year round are now just buying a textile still ahead of last year, which jacket. So, in the summer, they will take the I wasn’t expecting, to be Steve Phillips inner lining out and leave venting pockets honest, but for us, it’s been wide open; in the colder months, they will a stock situation that’s been
Performance Parts
Motohaus
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Fowlers
a problem when moving from ECE 22.05 to 22.06. We’re seeing a change in the price point of helmets that we sell. We’re now selling more in the middle sector than the lower sector. We still do a lot of helmets in that sector, and it’s still very important, but we’ve certainly broken into selling more premium product, especially with the flip front helmets, so that has been great for us.” Motohaus’s Martin King is also optimistic. “From our point of view, the motorcycle accessory market has performed strongly throughout 2023, driven in part by the reallocation of consumer spending away from new motorcycles and into accessories, as riders look to postpone new motorcycle purchases in the face of tough economic times.” Keith Bloxsome of Covec has had a busy year with the main Bull-it clothing side of the business, as well as taking on a distribution deal for Furygan kit. “We were fairly buoyant in our predictions for sales this year and despite the economic downturn, we’ve exceeded our expectations for UK sales. This year has been our best year since we launched the Bull-it brand in 2010.”
Louis Moto
Torsten Petz
Meanwhile, Torsten Petz, head of marketing at German supplier Louis Moto, says the UK market is working well for them despite the headwinds. “Over the last 18 months, Louis Moto has had a renewed focus on the UK market. Despite the cost of living crisis during this time, we have seen a keen interest in our motorcycle clothing, kit and accessories products via our online shop. We believe this is due to offering a variety of exclusive brands covering all aspects of motorcycling, as well as global mainstream brands for riders to choose from.” Some day-to-day essential purchases remain strong, though, according to Steve Phillips. “We have not seen any drop in consumable items. We have seen oils and cleaning products and also security items performing well. Riders want to look after their pride and joy and ensure they are well maintained.” And at British accessories specialist R&G, MD Simon Hughes is also positive. “It’s a bit ‘up and down’… and people are definitely looking for value for money.
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front counter, and we continue to see growth in the market for spares. Royal Alloy spares is a new venture for us old-time Vespa/ Lambretta scooter dealers. “Generally, plenty of business is out there if you carry the stocks. Performance parts are at the top of our list. Next is the restoration owners who bring old scooters back to life. Then there are the road users who try to keep their scooters bang up to date. At VE, we are very lucky to have so many Simon Hughes suppliers who battle to get their parts to us – avoiding the delays from the EU.” And Stuart Swaby from Feridax We have occasional promotions, but on the whole, sales of R&G is also happy. “2023 has been a and Denali are holding up well. standout year for Feridax. While it wasn’t without its fair People are thinking carefully share of challenges, we before purchasing, and remained focused many companies We’ve on executing are doing more s p e c i a l s worked hard to our carefully laid-out plan, than usual. ensure consumer u l t i m a t e l y Those who to can offer confidence in our leading sales growth a bit extra across our in terms brands, which portfolio of of service remains healthy brands. We’ve seem to be worked hard to prospering.” Stuart Swaby, Feridax ensure consumer Norrie Kerr at confidence in our VE (UK) says new brands, which remains brand introductions have gone well for him, “2023 has healthy. Highlight categories provided a good platform for the have been Shoei helmets, Sena year for us at VE (UK). Business comms systems, and SP-Connect has been generally up on 2022. phone mounts. These have seen The introduction of Royal double-digit growth because Alloy scooters to the public has of our concentrated marketing helped, and the new models are a push and the dealer support milestone. The Royal Alloy sales and training we provide to our have brought new business to the network.”
R &G
TOUGH ON TYRES TYRES ARE AN ESSENTIAL PURCHASE FOR bikers, so how has this part of the trade been doing in 2023? According to Dave Plummer of Goodyear Dunlop and Gary Hartshorne of Bridgestone, the market is down in 2023. “The overall tyre market has fallen 12.8%, and August was awful,” said Plummer. “August was massively down by about 30%, so we’re waiting to see what happens in September.”
Dunlop
Dave Plummer
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NOVEMBER 2023
Another question that arose was company, we’ve learnt to adapt what firms are doing in response to the stress Covid, Brexit, and to these pressures. And there Putin have put on the world, and we’re managing was a variety to keep our of responses, stock levels as from expanding good as ever, ranges and lineeven if the prices ups, growing have marginally dealer networks, increased over looking at the last couple of pricing policies years. and pushing out “TRK is one new marketing James Franklin brand we at drives. People Wemoto and certainly aren’t WMD have just waiting to been developing and pushing see what happens next, it seems. Simon Hughes outlined a typical hard over the last few years. plan. “R&G is working on some The products are of outstanding third party distribution deals over quality, and we offer great the winter and will be releasing margins for WMD customers and some exciting new product lines of a lifetime warranty on stainlessits own over the coming months. steel piston kits for the end user. We’re always seeking new dealers, Slinky Glide has also recently and the brand is going from brought out some interesting strength to strength despite the additions, with their evergrowing bearing kits and cables.” turbulent market.” At Feridax, Stuart Swaby spoke David Waters at WMD spoke about stocking, margins and about development on several pushing new brands. “As a fronts. “The last 18 months have
Merlin
Covec
Keith Bloxsome
“The tyre market is struggling overall,” said Hartshorne. “Demand is down by just over 12%, but last year saw a bit of a spike from Covid, so it’s probably going back to 2018/2019 levels. It’s returning to normal, but we’ll see how the year ends.” There’s no clear trend to the changes, though. “It doesn’t seem like riders are switching to cheaper fitments, for example. There doesn’t seem to be many people making a switch from premium to budget, or premium to mid-tier tyres particularly,” said Plummer. “There might be some of that at the bottom end, but it’s very difficult to monitor.” There are positive signs in other areas, though. Brexit and Covid supply problems are at an end for most manufacturers, and stock levels are returning to normal. “Overall, it’s not too bad, to be honest,” said Hartshorne. “I don’t think supply has been great for anyone, but it’s improving. There’s been some shortage of components, but sometimes I’d rather be in a position where
Bridgestone
Gary Hartshorne
demand is better than supply – I don’t want a warehouse full of tyres!” Prices are also up by around 25%, though the firms reckon that’s still a historically good situation if you compare prices from 20-30 years ago and where they should be now. But while customers complain, those at the higher end aren’t cutting back on rubber – a false economy at the best of times. “The top-end product – adventure customers, the guys with the disposable income and the more expensive motorbikes – don’t seem to be changing their buying habits,” said Plummer.
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BEARING KITS Europe. European sales are still very strong but are marginally down on what we projected. Going into 2024, we’re confident of maintaining growth with more new products on the horizon.” Bill Brown of Wulfsport also sees strength in exporting in the off-road world. “The advantage to us is that a lot of our stuff goes overseas. Our products go to Latvia, Belgium, Germany... you name it! So, we are not completely reliant on the UK. And the pound going down helps with our exports. But on the whole, we can’t complain about sales in the UK.” Perhaps the biggest lament, though, was for some market stability. “Somebody said to me recently that they don’t think the market will normalise until 2025,” said James Franklin of Merlin. “We’ve just had many things come at once, and recently Covid threw everything out. We have to make people realise that the post-Covid world wasn’t real. It was never going to continue like that. What we experienced wasn’t real; the curve needs to flatten off, and we need to move ourselves back to 2018/19.” “It’s an ever-changing landscape,” said Colin Peabody. “We never see the same thing twice: you get Covid, then you’ve got the Ukraine war, then a recession, and you’re like ‘what’s next?’. There’s never a straight run. We need some stability and boredom! It just feels like we’re permanently fighting crises at the moment.” Getting back to normal – that would be great, it seems. But no one is holding their breath at the moment.
Wulfsport
eridax F www.britishdealernews.co.uk Stuart Swaby
VE
Norrie Kerr
Bearing Kits For Headrace & Swinging Arm
Bearing Kits For Suspension Linkage & Wheels
Made to original equipment specifications, Slinky Glide parts are precise fitting replacements for your machine
wmd-online.com 01273NOVEMBER 595746 2023 23
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been quite a transformative journey for Feridax. We’ve been hard at work investing in our team, tweaking and refining our business structures, pouring substantial resources into IT upgrades, and expanding our portfolio. All of this collective effort is aimed at one thing: delivering even better support to our dealer network. 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of Spada. We’ve just unveiled the Spada brand and a completely reimagined range to our Feridax dealers. Judging by the initial reaction, it’s going to be a gamechanger for us next year. “We’ve also witnessed the launch of the brand-new Shoei Neotec 3 and GT-Air 3 helmets, adding to our premium helmet offerings. A ddi t ionall y, we’ve welcomed the established brand Repsol Lubricants into our accessories range, further enriching our product line-up. Finally, we’ve introduced Bill Brown V i s i o d r y , a fantastic newcomer to the market that we see as a great opportunity for dealers. “We’ve recently concluded our Feridax Max dealer show, during which we unveiled a range of exciting initiatives and plans for the upcoming year.” One avenue that could be promising is overseas sales, especially with the pound being weak at the moment. “We’re still seeing growth globally,” said Keith Bloxsome of Covec. “Especially in Australia, where the economy seems unaffected by the factors we’ve seen in
International news
International news With financial editor Roger Willis
Boardroom shift at Dainese
The CFMoto headquarters in Hangzhou (the capital city of Zhejiang Province in China) covers a total area of 280,000m2 across two campuses, employing more than 4500 people
A
ngel Sánchez has become chief executive officer of Dainese Group, parent of the Dainese riding apparel, AGV helmet and TCX boot brands, as well as a recently acquired license for the Momo Design range of motorcycling products. He replaces former Ducati corporate veteran Cristiano Silei, who has served as Dainese’s CEO for the past nine years. Silei will remain with the business in a new role of non-executive chairman. Now majority-owned by global private equity investor Carlyle, Dainese achieved double-digit percentage growth reaching £260m in revenue last year. Forward steps during 2022 featured investment to establish a direct presence in China and opening a new production facility in Vietnam. Sánchez will be responsible for leading the company into its next stage of growth, including continued international expansion, development of its multi-channel proposition and a shift towards an increasingly direct-to-consumer distribution strategy. “We are pleased that Angel has joined Dainese at this important moment in its history,” commented Massimiliano Caraffa, MD of the Carlyle Europe Partners advisory team. “He brings with him a wealth of experience and an exceptional track record that make him the ideal candidate.” Prior to joining Dainese, Sánchez was CEO of Conserve Italia, one of the largest food and beverage cooperatives in Europe. He also previously held the position of CEO at ABM Italia, a European manufacturer of cabinets, shelving and other storage products, until the company was sold to Keter, a manufacturer of high-quality consumer plastic products. At Keter, Sánchez was chief marketing officer before his promotion to deputy CEO and head of Europe. Cristiano Silei added: “It has been an honour to lead Dainese, a phenomenal business with significant growth potential, and I am truly excited to welcome Angel and support him as we continue to consolidate the company’s positioning in R&D, innovation and technical excellence, while accelerating our expansion.”
Angel Sánchez is the new CEO of Dainese Group
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CFMoto signs Yamaha deal
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amaha Motor has dumped Jianshe, its long-term bike production affiliate in China, and established a new jointventure partnership with rapidly-growing Chinese motorcycle manufacturer CFMoto. Defining loss of this relationship, the Chongqing Jianshe Mechanical and Electric parent has been obliged to transfer its stake in Zhuzhou Jianshe Yamaha Motor to Zhejiang CFMoto Power, thus creating a fresh JV business subsidiary – Zhuzhou CF Yamaha Motor. CFMoto will hold a 50% tranche of the new business’s equity and Yamaha 44.23%. The remaining 5.77% is attributed to Tair Yea, a Hong Kong company likely to be responsible for associated exports. Operational production details have yet to be released but are expected to centre on CFMoto’s extensive facilities in Hangzhou, where it recently ramped up large-scale JV involvement with KTM parent Pierer Mobility and has a workforce
of more than 4500. A further 500 employees are reportedly required for the Yamaha commitment. Together with Jianshe, formerly a stateowned manufacturer of military firearms for the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army before moving into motorcycles, Yamaha had been making branded small-displacement machines up to 150cc at Chongqing since 1992, churning out around five million units in the intervening 30-plus years. British and European dealers will be particularly familiar with ubiquitous Jianshe-sourced Yamaha YBR125 model derivatives from 2005 onwards. Yamaha claims to have positioned China as one of its most important production and sales bases and says it will continue to discuss the direction of the joint venture with CFMoto going forward. However, fruition will be contingent on acquiring the clearances and permits required by Chinese competition laws and regulations.
BSA parent pumps up the volume INDIAN AUTOMOTIVE GIANT MAHINDRA’S Classic Legends retro motorcycle subsidiary is reportedly set to invest up to £100m over the next three years, to leverage its BSA, Jawa and Yezdi throw-back brands with broader petrolengined range offerings. Classic Legends is also working on a purely electric motorcycle prototype in conjunction
with the University of Warwick, destined for UK, European and other developed markets. This model is targeted for launch in 2024 and the company claims that it will be the most affordable electric motorcycle in its segment. Whether the battery cases on the new bike will be wearing a BSA or a Jawa badge is as yet unclear.
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Business news
Completely flies the flag at Sywell C
ompletely Motorbikes (CM), the UK’s leading supplier of used high-end bikes and holder of 16 franchises, continues its relentless drive to expand and reach new audiences. The latest promo push was a debut attendance at Sywell Classic Pistons and Props event at the Sywell Aerodrome, Northamptonshire. Invited by organiser Live Promotions to attend, CM displayed 28 machines for sale plus four CCMs for test rides. Also on the stand was CM-sponsored BSB rider 20-year-old Max Cook with his BSB Kawasaki Superbike and Superstock machines. CM MD Rob Ayland, interviewed him on CM’s massive display trailer and announced they had signed a further two-year contract to continue as the BSB series’ main sponsor. Cook, in his first year as a full-time pro rider, will next year be joined in the CM FS3 Kawasaki team by seasoned BSB rider Jason O’Halloran. CM currently supports 12 riders in various classes at BSB and attends all rounds with CM’s giant truck and trailer. “We are passionate about bikes, and we are here at Sywell with its 25,000 crowd to make new friends and reach a different audience,” said Ayland, whose son James, CM’s bike sales
director, was also in attendance. “We always see a sales bounce after a BSB round, and at MotoGP, where we have exhibited at the British round for the past three years. One customer has bought a bike from us each time at MotoGP. “I would like to see more manufacturers and dealers supporting these leading events,” added Ayland. “Usually, we are the only dealer with a presence. For example, no manufacturers were displaying at the Oulton Park BSB round.” Ayland said CM aims for 8000 bike sales and £100m turnover in 2023. Already with 21 sites, CM is contemplating possible expansion into Ireland and France and taking on further franchises to add to its portfolio of 16, including CCM, Triumph, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Maeving electric bikes. “We are looking at the geography of what we do and franchises we don’t represent,” he said. “And we plan to display at some main adventure bike festivals next year and have more open days.” Explaining CM’s diverse portfolio of new and used machines, Ayland added: “We call ourselves the country’s best superbike dealer. To us, the term superbike encompasses adventure bikes, scrambler-style models,
Completely Motorbikes MD Rob Ayland and sponsored BSB rider Max Cook, address the Sywell bikes, cars and planes crowd from the CM promo trailer
cruisers, retros, and sportsbikes. “The whole industry is moving to lifestyle, and we are alert to the trend. Also, we believe in solus premises. At Triumph Chester, we were in the top five in our first year of trading. We are keeping the momentum up and planning to expand in the spring.” CM has more than 200 staff working on bike sales and promotion. The Sywell debut came in the middle of a straight run of six weekends of outdoor events, including BSB rounds and the CM Kawasaki Yeovil open day.
Hackney bike parking farce rolls on THE IMPASSE BETWEEN HACKNEY BOROUGH Council and motorcycle campaigners rumbles on, with the Council refusing to answer what it terms as “vexatious” questions from local bikers at a Town Hall meeting, before ejecting them from the building. The situation stems from Hackney’s decision to impose hefty charges for parking bikes in the borough, with seemingly little concern for the impact on local residents and workers. The charges – which are the same as for a car – were outlined in a hugely complex consultation document seemingly prepared by people with zero knowledge about motorcycling. The document contained a massive focus on ‘diesel powered two-wheelers’, with a separate charging scheme, despite there being no such production vehicles on sale in the UK. The
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NOVEMBER 2023
scheme offers no free parking for even electric bikes, and according to campaigners, Save London Motorcycling, the costs are huge: up to £6 an hour, with annual permits costing up to £1800 for business users. Bikers attended a Council meeting at the end of September with their mouths taped shut to highlight Hackney’s failure to listen to their complaints. Outside, protestors parked their bikes in as many parking spots as possible, taking up the space they’re paying a car rate for. A Save London Motorcycling spokesperson told BDN, “The Council said the fact that a large number of motorcyclists wanted to ask questions about its motorcycle parking plans was “vexatious”, rather than recognising it as the tip of the iceberg for the thousands who are deeply concerned about
their chaotic and dangerous policy, initially espoused by now departed Hackney Labour councillors in an evidence vacuum. They also refused to answer on the basis that other questions about motorcycle parking had been asked ‘within six months’.” Conservative opposition Councillor Simche Steinberger said, “The fact that they have submitted questions and had them not accepted shows the lack of democratic process under this Labour regime. I’m not surprised because it’s not the first time I’ve seen this. It looks like this is the only way for the Council to push on with these unacceptable new parking charges for motorbikes.” Support Save London Motorcycling if you can: they’re on platform X, formerly known as Twitter, at @SaveLondonMC.
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JobScene
01237 422660 | adsales@dealernews.co.uk
MOTORCYCLE TECHNICIAN/MOT TESTER Daytona Motorcycles are a well-established, respected Kawasaki and Suzuki Motorcycle Dealership based in Ruislip Manor, Northwest London. We are actively looking for an experienced Motorcycle Technician/MOT Tester to join our dedicated workshop team. The successful candidate must have experience of modern motorcycle technology and be able to demonstrate an understanding of current diagnostic equipment. The role will be responsible for servicing and repairing predominantly Kawasaki and Suzuki motorcycles, preparing new and used motorcycles in readiness for selling as well as fitting tried and tested accessories and aftermarket components in line with a customer’s order. Full Manufacturer training will be provided over time as and when necessary. Importantly you should be able to work independently as well as part of the team, with a keenness to learn.
50%
A competitive salary and benefits package will be awarded to the successful applicant which will reflect both qualifications and experience.
RETAIL DEALER OFFER
If you feel that you have the skills, the experience and the drive to carry our this role, please forward your CV with a covering letter to; Dealer Principle, HGB Motorcycles (Ruislip) Ltd, 69-71 Park Way, Ruislip Manor, Middx HA4 8NS or email to brigid@hgbmotorcycles.co.uk
Contact Alison on 01237 422660 or adsales@dealernews.co.uk
Area Sales Manager, PTW Midlands, Wales & Southwest England An exciting opportunity has arisen within our Land Sales Division for a dynamic, self-motivated individual to be responsible for all motorcycle and scooter related product sales, area development and brand representation in the Midlands, Wales & Southwest England. Reporting to the Manager, Motorcycle & Scooter Sales and being part of a team of four within the PTW sales department, the successful candidate will be visiting, supporting, and motivating our current dealer network to enhance our place in the motorcycle & scooter markets as well as SPV which is currently evolving with the recent release of our new range of eBikes. You will also need to plan time to seek out new sales opportunities for an effective area vision plan within territory and remind our current network of additional parts and accessories sales potential. This role requires the energy and commitment to meet challenging targets whilst building relationships internally as well as externally. Effective and efficient travel planning will be essential to ensure consistency with business partner visits and at the foundation of these visits should be support for them to ensure that the Yamaha brand is represented correctly, and that the customer journey is being delivered to a high standard. Potential candidates must live on the territory patch to apply for this role. Principle Accountabilities are: • Dealer visits • Dealer retail sales to support company wholesale and market targets • Network reviews and open point opportunities • Attending regular sales meeting at HQ • Ensure the Yamaha brand is represented correctly throughout our business partnerships • Attendance at key shows, events and dealer exhibitions
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Experience and personal requirements: • Experience in a sales environment and working to targets • Product knowledge and industry understanding • Ability to analyse for area vision and opportunity • Ability to challenge effectively to deliver results • Familiarity with CRM systems such as Salesforce is desirable • Ability to self-organise and plan travel effectively • Ability to build different types of relationships • Understanding and competence of using Microsoft Office • A Team Player • Be an expert in your job • Commit to your promise In return we can offer a competitive salary, company car, access to a defined contribution pension scheme, private health care after one year service as well as other unique benefits. For the past three years we have also become Great Place To Work certified based on the results from our annual employee survey and are committed to continuing to enhance our employee experience. If you believe you are ready for the challenge, then please email your up-to-date CV with a covering letter (including your salary expectation) addressing the points above and why you would be suitable to the role to personnel@yamaha-motor.co.uk Closing Date 6th Nov 2023
No agencies please
NOVEMBER 2023 27
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Electric news
SELL UP OR RETIRE? Contact: adsales@dealernews.co.uk
Y
Electric news
An EV rEVolution from Kawasaki?
ou don’t have to be the most astute industry insider to know that electric two-wheelers are currently struggling in the UK. Technology that is gradually winning over in the car world can’t cut it for the typical big bike buyer, who wants a 130hp, 200kg machine with a 200-mile range for around £10-15k – simply impossible at present. Even the small urban bike sector, a much more plausible option for batterypowered machinery, has suffered, with sales figures dropping like a stone in the past year for various reasons. One thing that could make a difference is an electric model from a big, mainstream manufacturer. Suppose an established Japanese or European bike firm launched an electric product. In that case, the technology will become more established, consumers will take EV power seriously, and the market will get a boost while the underlying technology improves. And here it is – the new Kawasaki Z e-1, the first EV motorcycle from a major bike manufacturer. It’s a 125cc-level roadster with a weight and chassis design similar to the firm’s Z125 learner bike and a battery-powered electric powertrain replacing the petrol engine. The performance is, on paper, just about in the 125cc class, with a claimed continuous power output of 6.5hp and a temporary peak output of 12hp when the rider pushes an ‘e-Boost’ button. The claimed range is well down on a
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NOVEMBER 2023
125-petrol bike, though, with around 45 miles available from the twin removable 50V, 30Ah battery packs, which weigh 11.5kg each and live under the ‘fuel tank’. Recharging takes just over an hour and a half to get from 20% to 85% charge, and the batteries can be charged in or out of the bike. The battery packs also come with a five-year warranty, suggesting a second-hand market might be viable for the new machines. We rode the new Z e-1 for an afternoon around the busy streets of Paris, and it worked
and rear, ABS, colour dash, and nicely finished bodywork. Will the new Z e-1 help to revitalise the ailing electric bike sector? Kawasaki certainly hopes so – though it’s not the only answer. The Japanese firm is also launching a hybridpowered machine next month, with a 500cc twin-cylinder petrol engine and batterypowered electric motor running in parallel. In the meantime, the Z e-1 doesn’t look revolutionary enough to transform the market overnight. It’s expensive at £7799 (minus the £500 UK government grant), while the range limitations and low power will put many off, despite ultra-low running costs. As an urban commuter, it works well, and for those looking to dump petrol while sticking with a proper motorbike, it’s much more tempting than some of the smaller, less well known brands.
PCP DEALS well enough. The basic 6.5hp power output is just about sufficient to keep up with city traffic, and with the ‘e-Boost’ button, you’ll match other 125 urban machinery away from a red light. Beware, though: the boost only lasts 15 seconds (it’s limited because of heat generation in the powertrain) and takes over a minute to completely regenerate. The rest of the bike is pretty well put together: it’s like an uprated Z125 (both bikes are made in Thailand) with a steel tube trellis frame, mono-shock rear suspension, disc brakes front
Kawasaki UK was setting up finance and PCP deals for the Z and Ninja e-1 as we went to press: a typical Z e-1 PCP deal offers a 20% deposit of £1661, then 37 monthly payments of £129 and a final payment of £2822 for an APR of 9.9%.
NINJA E-1 Kawasaki also offers a faired Ninja sports bike version of the e-1, with a similar design to the Ninja 125. However, it’s 5kg heavier, slightly faster, and £500 more expensive.
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Alternative powered two wheeler registrations for September 2023 he battery-electric firmament hardly gets a bomb under it in any new-plate month, and this September was no exception. Market share slumped from 4.4% to an even more pathetic 3.1% year-on-year. Overall, monthly e-PTW volume dropped by 23% to 412 units. The basic dominant mobility sector, encapsulating up-to4kW mopeds and up-to-11kW small scooters and motorcycles, accounted for 376 of these, falling by 24.2%. SurRon’s trail bike brand provided best-sellers in the shape of 16 Light Bee mopeds and 41 Ultra Bee products in the A1 licence category affirming the brand’s dominance in the best-selling electric models of the year chart.
As ever, registrations of larger e-PTWs were miniscule. The up-to-35kW bracket contained precisely a dozen examples of the 15kW BMW CE 04 maxiscooter, a 20% (two-unit) improvement over the previous September. Over-35kW representation was 20% down to just eight units. Four of these were best-seller Zero Motorcycles SR ZF14.4 models. An additional 16 machines graded “exempt” or “unknown” plumped up the numbers. For the nine months of 2023 to date, battery-electric The Sur-Ron PTW market share has decayed Light Bee is the from 5.6% to 3.3%. Sales volume best-selling e-bike of 2023 has plunged by 43% to 3059 units.
2023 / 2022 Registrations by power band
Year to date
Sep 2023
POWER BAND
Sep 2022
% Change
Sep 2023
Sep 2022
% Change
Highest registering model by power band
Sep Regs
Under 4kW
192
227
-15.4%
1239
2434
-49.1%
Sur-Ron Light Bee
16
4-11kW
184
269
-31.6%
1540
2509
-38.6%
Sur-Ron Ultra Bee
41 12
11-35kW
12
10
20.0%
63
118
-46.6%
BMW CE 04
Over 35kW
8
10
-20.0%
47
109
-56.9%
Zero Motorcycles SR ZF14.4
4
Exempt
6
9
-33.3%
78
68
14.7%
Electric Motion Epure Race
5
Unknown
10
10
0.0%
92
129
-28.7%
TOTAL REGISTRATIONS
412
535
-23.0%
3059
5367
-43.0%
2023 / 2022 Registrations by style MOPEDS
Sep 2023
Sep 2022
% Change
MOTORCYCLES
Sep 2023
Sep 2022
% Change
Adventure
0
1
-100.0%
Adventure
3
2
50.0%
Competition
53
63
-15.9%
Competition
53
13
307.7%
Custom
0
0
0.0%
Modern classic
22
13
69.2%
EPAC
1
0
0.0%
Naked
42
83
-49.4%
Modern Classic
0
0
0.0%
Road sport
3
3
0.0%
Naked
31
24
29.2%
Scooter
91
192
-52.6%
Other L-Cat
4
1
300.0%
Unspecified
4
1
300.0%
103
138
-25.4%
TOTAL
218
307
-29.0%
0
0
0.0%
192
227
-15.4%
Sep 2023
Sep 2022
% Change
412
535
-23.0%
Scooter Unspecified TOTAL TRICYCLES
Sep 2023
Sep 2022
% Change
2
1
100%
TOTAL
TOTAL REGISTRATIONS
BEST SELLING MODELS 2023 YTD
Alternate power rolling year 1200
1. Sur-Ron Ultra Bee 239 2. Sur-Ron Light Bee 195 3. Maeving RM1 186 1. Vmoto Super Soco CPX 186 2. Vmoto Super Soco TC Max 115
2021/22
1000
2022/23
800 600 400 200
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Sep
Au g
Jul
Jun
Ma y
Ap r
Ma r
Feb
Jan
De c
No v
Oc t
Sep
0
Registration statistics supplied by the MCIA; tel 02476 408000; www.mcia.co.uk
ZERO MOTORCYCLES UK HAS announced a sales push on its full-power electric bikes, with up to £3500 slashed from the RRP of its biggest models. The range now starts at £9995 for the 2022 FXE model, up to £20,650 for the top-end DSR/X adventure bike – a reduction of £3500. The price re-alignment was hinted at by the firm earlier this year after it announced a new manufacturing deal with Philippines-based Integrated Micro-Electronics, which was set to cut costs and logistics expenses. Zero has also announced a new subsidised financing package aimed at commuters that lets buyers ride an FXE, S or DS model on a 46-month PCP deal from £35 per week. Dale Robinson, Zero’s UK country manager, said: “We’ve been running some promotions this summer, taking up some of the deficit left by the removal of the government’s plug-in vehicle grant. It’s great that we have been able to make these promotional prices permanent. This coincides with the launch of our ‘Own Your Commute’ campaign, which allows commuters to own a Zero for less than the cost of a monthly travelcard.”
Energica supplies Les Flics
E
nergica has pulled off a public sector sales coup in France after a deal for the Italian firm to supply its Experia adventure touring bikes to the National Police and Gendarmerie, both in marked-up form and unmarked, with specially adapted lights, siren and radio equipment packages. “We are delighted to be working with such an important institution,” said Livia Cevolini, CEO of Energica Motor. “This new business extension opens up extraordinary possibilities for the immediate present and the company’s longterm future.”
NOVEMBER 2023 29
Electric news
push Registrations data Sales from Zero T
Off-road news
LINEAR The UK’S TOP SELLING OFF-ROAD RACE WEAR 01900 873456 www.wulfsport.com
Off-road news With off-road correspondent Rick Kemp
T
riumph’s new 250cc motocross bike was revealed in public for the first time at the SuperMotocross World Championship Final in September at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in California. The official full factory launch will be later this month. At the reveal, the new production-specification bike was ridden by Jeff ‘Six Time’ Stanton, who won his last Championship at the Coliseum and is the current manager of Triumph’s Adventure Experience in the US. He was joined by Ricky Carmichael, whose bike featured his own graphics and non-standard specification components. Triumph also launched its new Triumph Racing website and social channels to mark the moment. You can follow the see Monster Energy as a brand action @OfficialTriumphRacing partner. This two-year deal will see Monster Energy become the on Instagram and Facebook. Talking to his fellow title sponsor of the Triumph MX2 commentators after his ride, team for the period. Revealing Carmichael said, “I’m so happy to imagery of the race bike for the finally show the fans what we’ve first time, Triumph and Monster been working on for the past four Energy will be sharing the name years. The bike feels great, it looks of the new team – Monster Energy great, and it’s fast. I’m pleased Triumph Racing. The highly respected, with what we’ve delivered.” Stanton was equally experienced, and accomplished enthusiastic, “The Coliseum is duo of Thierry Chizat-Suzzoni a special place for me, and to and Vincent Bereni will manage be back here on the Triumph is the team. The pairing has helped an absolute honour. The new guide multiple riders to success, graphics look like nothing else winning no fewer than 80 GPs in the paddock and give the bike in the FIM Motocross World a sharp and distinctive new look Championship. Chizat-Suzzoni will handle the role of team owner. that the fans will love.” SKYRICH-2023-210x76.pdf 15:08:51 Triumph chief product officer The 2024 FIM MX21 2023-10-12 Motocross World Championship package will Steve Sargent is delighted with
Triumph launches 250cc motocrosser the arrangement and commented, “Partnering with a prestigious and passionate company like Monster Energy as we enter the ultracompetitive FIM MX2 World Championship is hugely exciting for Triumph Racing. We know just how competitive the series is and that being at the sharp end of the field will be no easy task. But having a partner such as Monster Energy, who have built a long relationship over many years with Thierry and Vince, is a very proud moment for us, as is revealing our MX2 race bike. I’d like to thank Monster for their belief in our project and we look forward to a very exciting 2024, and beyond, with the Monster Energy Triumph Racing team.” Monster Energy director
Aaron Nixon O’Neil was equally enthusiastic, “We are thrilled to reveal the Monster Energy Triumph Racing team bike and team name. We’re excited to get on the racetrack with this worldclass team. It’s been almost ten years since we first partnered with Thierry, and we have enjoyed huge success together. Along with Vince and the whole team at Triumph, we are ready to get behind the gate and launch into the 2024 FIM MX2 World Championship. We commend Triumph Racing and the entire team, as this has not been an easy task. The sport is ultra-competitive, and the level of racing today is at an all-time high. We look forward to the first round and getting the season underway.”
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INFO@LARSSON.UK.COM 30 NOVEMBER 2023 MOTORCYCLE PARTS | LUBRICANTS | CONSUMABLES | TOOLS | WORKSHOP EQUIPMENTwww.britishdealernews.co.uk | DIAGNOSTICS WWW.LARSSON.UK.COM
become a Can-Am dealer Husqvarna reveals 2024 Enduro Pro models HUSQVARNA’S LATEST additions to its Enduro Pro line-up are the 2024 TE300 two-stroke and the FE 350 four-stroke. Husqvarna claims these latest models have been “designed from the ground up to give experienced and ambitious enduro riders the performance edge they need to excel at the highest levels of competition”. Both models feature new frames, bodywork, suspension and brakes, plus a host of engine refinements. A WP XACT closed cartridge fork incorporates a mid-valve piston for smooth action and a hydrostop in the final 68mm of travel to help maintain momentum. The redesigned rear shock features a new piston and is 100g lighter and 15mm shorter than its predecessor, while retaining 300mm of travel. Both fork and shock settings can be
adjusted by hand. The TE 300 Pro engine is fuelled by Throttle Body Injection (TBI) technology which is said to give more consistent and controllable power throughout the rev range. In turn, the FE 350 Pro’s new and more compact DOHC unit is tilted back in the frame by 2o compared to previous models, further centralising mass and contributing to improved anti-squat characteristics. A with all new bikes these days, tech is to the fore – both models’ Engine Management Systems offer two pre-set riding maps to suit varying terrain, with each gear matched to tailored power delivery. The four-stroke model also offers additional rider aids, including traction control and a quick-shifter for positive upshifts, even under heavy load.
Sur-Ron Ultra Bee Black Carbon edition
S
ur-Ron’s Ultra Bee mid-sized electric-powered, off-road styled, bike has been given a limited-edition upgrade. The Ultra Bee R in Black Carbon edition has a new high-performance wheelset for both road and off-road adventures – with all-terrain tyres front and rear for better lateral support and traction. Designed to be suitable for daily city commuting and offroad riding, the new setup offers even more versatility than before. The Ultra Bee Black Carbon Edition is available in two road-legal model variants: The Ultra Bee R model, homologated for road use with allterrain tyres, and the Ultra Bee T model, homologated for road use with EXC tyres. The Sur-Ron Ultra Bee is also available as an off-road-only variant: The Ultra Bee X model. The road-legal variants, have an SRP of £6999, and both qualify for the Plug-In Motorcycle Grant of £500. The off-road Ultra Bee X has an MSRP of £6299.
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brp.com/en/become-a-dealer.html Craig Morison, craig.morison@brp.com, 07909774767 JOIN US AT MOTORCYCLE LIVE ON STAND 3E28. ©2023 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, TM and the BRP logo are registered trademarks of BRP or its affiliates.
NOVEMBER 2023 31
Off-road news
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Off-road news
The comfort you need, from the city to the open road.
Airoh off-road returns to MRS
O
ff-road importers Malcolm Rathmell Sport (MRS), has announced that it has secured sole distribution for all off-road Airoh helmets and products to add to its list of top-quality brands such as Gaerne, Michelin, Rock Oil, Forcefield, Braktec and Galfer to name but a few. Most dealers will remember that MRS had the importership
up until six years ago, when UK distribution moved to Halesowen-based wholesaler Feridax. MRS says it intends to drive Airoh back to the top in all categories of off-road competition where the brand has previously claimed 132 World Championships. Airoh owner, Antonio Locatelli, has a similar philosophy to MRS. While being
highly motivated to sell his products, Locatelli has a great admiration for off-road sport and adopts the “win on Sunday, sell on Monday” mantra. MRS was expecting to have stock in early October, but the full range of helmets can be viewed at www.mrsltd.co.uk. MRS 01423 772 885 info@mrsltd.co.uk
Alpinestars launches 2024 MX Honda range
Halo Smart diamond-quilted design over a top-notch leather, fleece-lined glove.
£44.99RRP COLOUR: BLACK SIZE: XS - XL
FOR MORE INFORMATION: W: www.weiseclothing.com E: info@weiseclothing.com
32 NOVEMBER 2023
BORN FROM THE SYNERGY BETWEEN ALPINESTARS AND HONDA, which extends to all types of top-tier racing, the two companies have collaborated to create the MX24 Collection of Alpinestars Honda MX gear. The new 2024 MX range is designed to provide Honda off-road riding enthusiasts with protection, comfort, and style. New introductions to the range include the Honda SM5 helmet, three full-gear sets, the Honda Tech 7 Enduro Drystar boots, and body protection. The Honda Iconic Gear comprises jersey and pants which feature a new ergonomic, multimaterial construction for improved ventilation and enhanced freedom of movement. The Honda Tech 7 Enduro Drystar boots incorporate a waterproof Drystar membrane and have a compound sole for better durability, grip, feel, and levels of structural rigidity. They also have high levels of ankle protection and good feel for bike controls, making them ideal as year-round footwear for adventure-touring riders. The highly ventilated Honda Bionic Plus V2 Protection jacket offers motocross and off-road riders high levels of impact protection thanks to its CE level 2 armour on the chest and back, and CE level 1 shoulder, elbow, and forearm protection. Finally, also for motocross riding, the Honda Full Bore gloves have a padded palm, as well as neoprene and TPR reinforced zones on the backhand knuckle area for extra levels of protection.
Ultimate KTM Desert Experience KTM HAS CREATED AN Ultimate KTM Desert Experience event, with just 34 places available for buyers of the new 2024 KTM 890 Adventure R Rally. The event will take place in Morocco and be split across two dates in March 2024. Participants will be offered a full-factory style package by KTM, including the use of a fully-prepped bike, technical support, transport during the trip and luxury accommodation for a three-night stay. To top it off, attendees will spend one special night camping in the desert. The trip costs a sturdy €4900 on top of the £20,899 price for the 890 Adventure R.
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LS2 clothing & helmets
Pump up the volume
The LS2 helmet brand was launched here back in 2008 but MHR, the Chinese parent manufacturing company, has been around for considerably longer, this year marking 33 years of production: BDN was invited to its all-new European operation centre to see what’s new for 2024
B
ased just outside Barcelona in Terrassa, LS2 has been expanding, and the new warehouse holds more than 180,000 helmets and 50,000 jackets in an ultra-modern 16,000m2 logistics centre. The high-end office and showroom area takes up three floors, and the main warehouse services more than 7000 dealers across Europe through five main European distributors in the UK, France, Italy, Germany and Spain. The LS2 brand globally is now sold in more than 115 countries worldwide. The lion’s share of helmet design is carried out in the Barcelona design studios, where European designers develop helmet graphics and designs for shells to meet European style
requirements. The firm prides itself on its vast product range, from entry-level products right through to high-end GP racing helmets. In total, 24 different models of helmet are available in the UK in more than 130 designs. The Mini off-road range starts with an open face for three-year-olds, and at the top end, there’s the FIM Racing, homologated Thunder GP. A recent runaway success, according to UK sales director Paul Haskins, has been the new Advant helmet with its 180-degree flip-front, which benefits from dual homologation and is now available as a carbon option. Paul Haskins is pleased with the company’s performance in the UK this year. A year in
New helmets LS2 HAS BEEN BUSY ENSURING ALL ITS VAST range of helmets meet the new ECE 22.06 regulations. Older 22.05 spec lids are no longer being produced but are perfectly legal for UK consumers to use. Fortunately for its dealers, LS2 had plenty of new helmets on show in Barcelona, from the new Advant flip-front helmet through the Vector II sport touring helmet to the new Stream II and entry-level – volume-selling Rapid II. The Advant is perhaps the most eye-catching for UK buyers, bringing the LS2 package of hightech construction, advanced design and good value SRPs to the modular or flip-front sector. The firm has a history here; its Valiant flip-front helmet was a big hit, and the Advant aims to build on that success. Featuring KPA Kinetic Polymer Alloy construction, the base design has a unique 180° rotating chin bar, auto visor lift mechanism, internal sun visor, metal microadjust buckle, and supplied Pinlock. Prices start from £249.99. Next in the range is the Advant X, which uses LS2’s HPFC High-Performance Fibreglass Composite shell and a KPA chin bar. The X also has a different shell shape to the
34
NOVEMBER 2023
standard Advant, with a more organic form at the rear, giving a better aerodynamic performance plus extensive venting. Finally, there’s the top-end Advant X Carbon, which not only uses carbon fibre for the shell, but also for the chinbar, making it the only full carbon convertible helmet on the market. The carbon version weighs in at just 1550g, with the Advant X at 1600g and 1650g for the base Advant. SRPs are attractive: £299.99 for the standard model, £329.99 for the X and £379.99 for the carbon model. And that’s not all; there is a new intercom system for 2024, developed for LS2 in conjunction with industry-
Advant X Carbon
which the brand has further raised the bar with the product it offers and a year in which the company has had its busiest-ever month on record. “We have sold far more helmets outside the entry-level sector where we have dominated for years. We don’t want to lose the entry-level market, as that is part of the company’s ethos, but we have to step it up; the factory’s continual development of new helmets and clothing linked to our racing involvement has enabled us to grow into market sectors we used to struggle to get serious traction in. “Multiple RiDE magazine Best Buy and Recommended awards have given us great leading communications manufacturer Cardo Systems. The new LS2 4X Intercom is a Bluetooth system. Initially, four helmets will come with the intercom pre-installed. The Advant X Carbon, Advant X and standard Advant in matt black, alongside the Vector II sports touring helmet (also in matt black)– will all be available with the new intercom pre-installed and LS2 is offering a special communications package, which works out to be the SRP of the helmet plus £100 for the comms system. The new LS2 4X system will also be widely available across the 2024 range of helmets for an SRP of £239.99. As you may have guessed from the name, the new Stream II touring helmet is an updated version of the popular Stream EVO helmet. It features an entirely new KPA (Kinetic Polymer Alloy) shell, which is available in three shell sizes and homologated to the ECE 22.06 standard. The newly designed shell is said to be aerodynamically shaped to aid stability and has a drop-down sun visor. Scratch and UV-resistant, the visor is Pinlock ready and is also primed to accept the new LS2 4X intercom. The interior lining is removable, washable and hypoallergenic. Available in sizes XS-XXL in
Vector II
Stream II
www.britishdealernews.co.uk
GOGGLES
JUNIOR
LS2 clothing & helmets
oron
New Clothing
PANTS
JACKETS JACKET
Kubra reviews in the consumer press. Our new Vector LS2 LAUNCHES ITS 2024 CLOTHING RANGE high-end II helmet was a clear winner in the sub-£200 with the new adventure-focused Apollo jacket AAA-rated suit class, with the RiDE panel of judges impressed and matching pants. This new four-season backed by a fiveby the Vector’s fit, venting and an impressive designed jacket tops the range and is made year warrantee. array of accessories supplied as standard, with a three-layer Cordura Laminate featuring Next is the including a Pinlock Max Vision visor insert. And a removable thermal liner and removable neck softshell Bolton it proved to be the quietest helmet on test, too.” collar. It also has extensive adjustments on jacket, which LS2 will once again be a major helmet collars, cuffs, arms and waist for a comfortable is water and windFeatures sponsor in BSB, with Jason O’Halloran, fit. The Apollo is also ready for chest Colours and back resistant and includes a removable thermal liner. Danny Kent, Dan Linfoot and many more protectors and even comes with a built-in Available in men’s and ladies’ sizes from XS-5XL, already committedHigh for the quality 2024 season kidney belt and is loaded with ventilation it also boasts LS2’s own ‘slow bounce’ cow suede ensuring a heavy paddock presence at every panels using the magnetic Fidlock system for CE-approved Blackarmour at the elbows MMER absorbing round, something Breathable Haskins has been aand strongsweat maximum breathability and ease of use and shoulders, plus a provision for Man insole advocate of since taking over as UK sales for the rider. The Apollo pants benefit an optional LS2 chest and back REF: 71090S 01 12 director in 2018. from removable CE level 2 knee protector. It has an urban look for
Adjustment with laces and hip protectors, with the knee
use on and off the bike and an SRP protectors being adjustable to of £129.99. Doran Micro-Tech Fabric Charger suit leg length. YKK zips are used The Sepang jacket looks set to all round. The jacket is available continue as a big seller for LS2 dealers and Leather Gear shift pad is sizes from small to 5XL at an SRP of £499.99, training schools. The entry-level design features a White Black Anti-shock and strong grip rubber and the matching pants have an SRP of £349.99, 600-denier polyester outer shell with a waterproof ell fabric and three plain colours at £99.99 SRP and eight which is very competitively priced for such a breathable membrane, outsole Man removable thermal liner graphics at £119.99 SRP. and LS2’s ‘soft bounce’ CE armour 01 at elbows REF: 71090S 13 and The off-road sector has always been shoulders, with a back protector pocket. The price important for the LS2 brand, and the is set to continue at £99 for 2024. It is available . new ECE 22.06 designs underline that. in three colourways (black/grey, black/red, The new Fast II has a KPA polymer shell black/H-V yellow). EN shell 13634: Additional Top pairpicks of white and is available in three sizes. It2017 from thelaces new gloves and boots available box. weighs in at only 1050g, has an adjustable addedin to the the 2024 collection include the Level 1|2|2|2 peak, and it the first LS2 off-road helmet new Kubra summer glove, which comes in to be offered ready for the new LS2 4X sizes S-2XL and is available in three new intercom. It will be available in sizes 2XScolourways alongside the new fashionable 3XL and SRP’s are £79.99 for solid colours Doran boots (pictured above). and £89.99 for graphics. Bolton Sepang Apollo (VAT. INCLUDED) LS2 has also added to its range of goggles for 2024. The newly launched Charger goggles join the Aura Pro and Aura Enduro 181 Series launched this year, with the Aura featuring Pinlock technology in a world first for S AY the company. The new Charger goggles feature YS A WA LW AL D AD EA A HE AH iridium lenses as standard and are available in six different colours. They are aimed squarely LS2 DEALER SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE FROM FIVE E SL TS ET MA LM H RE EL EL HE PARALW APP AYS AHEAD & at the the entry-level price bracket with an SRP independent agents who cover the UK and Ireland & AP of £24.99. and, of course, are supported from head office, where the experienced team can offer expert • Contact Trade Hotline: 01670 856342 product advice. The dealer sign-up process is simple, • Paul Haskins, LS2 UK Sales Director: and there is no minimum stocking requirement; 07932 725119 display units, branded floor mats and other POS materials are readily available. “Everything we do is INDEPENDENT AGENTS aimed at the dealer and supporting our network to • Dave Priddle, South West & South Wales: increase the sales of our products. We don’t retail, 07900 682775 and there are no wholesalers or intermediaries to • Jon Russell, London & South East: 07582 512581 add an extra layer of margin. We are proud to be • Lee Bell, Midlands & North Wales: 07582 178996 factory direct, which means we control our pricing, • Peter Campbell, North East, North West & Scotland: keeping SRPs down while at the same time giving 07966 431388 Fast II our dealers a healthy margin,” added Haskins. • Peter Emmett, Ireland: 0876 622644
GLOVES
rics
Certifications
FULL FACE
BOOTS
£119.99
RRP
FULL FACE
FF805 THUNDER GP
FF805 THUNDER
CARBON
FIRE Gloss Red Black 16805 99 32
£574.99
RRP
FULL FACE
CARBON
GP PRO Matt Carbon 16805 52 11
ECE 22.06
FF811 VECTOR II
NEW
£474.99
RRP
SOLID Carbon 16805 70 99
ECE 22.06
ATTACK Red H-V Yellow 16805 87 31
£399.99
RRP
FULL FACE
£199.99
RRP
SPACE Matt H-V Yellow Grey 16805 99 54
£439.99
RRP
£439.99
RRP
SOLID Gloss Black 16800 10 12
£129.99
RRP
FULL FACE
SOLID White 16800 10 02
£129.99
RRP
SOLID White 10353 10 02
£129.99
RRP
RRP
TRACKER Gloss Black Red 16800 24 32
SOLID Matt Black 10353 10 11
£59.99
RRP
SOLID Nardo Grey 56901 10 06
£59.99
RRP
SPECTRUM Black White Red 56901 21 02
£329.99
RRP
SPECTRUM Black Titanium Blue 56901 21 08
£329.99
RRP
SOLID Black 10353 10 12
SOLID Gloss H-V Yellow 16353 10 54
£59.99
RRP
£149.99
RRP
BOHO White Black Pink 10353 26 15
RRP
£149.99
POWER Matt Black Rainbow 16800 37 11
£149.99
RRP
£329.99
RRP
CIRCUIT Gloss Black Red 16353 21 12
£69.99
RRP
RACER Gloss Blue Red 16800 21 32
£149.99
RRP
£59.99
RRP
RRP
£199.99
RRP
SOLID Black 56906 10 12
£59.99
RRP
£249.99
RRP
£249.99
GLOW
ZOMBIE Gloss Black Red 16353 32 32
£69.99
£69.99
RRP
RRP
£69.99
COVER Matt White Red 36616 20 31
RRP
£69.99
ECE 22.06
£199.99
£329.99
RRP
RRP
£59.99
SOLID Matt Black 10353J 10 11
RRP
£59.99
GOGGLES
VIGNETTE Black H-V Yellow 10353J 30 54
RRP
£69.99
ECE 22.06
CRUSHER Black H-V Yellow 40437J 34 12
BARRIER H-V Yellow Red 46703 21 32
£299.99
£329.99
ADVENTURE Gloss Blue 46701 63 26
RRP
£24.99
£24.99
£74.99
RRP
£74.99
RRP
RED 7201002032
RRP
£74.99
RRP
£24.99
FUTURE Red 56901 23 32
£379.99
FUTURE H-V Yellow 56901 23 54
£399.99
RRP
RRP
FUTURE White Blue Red 56901 23 23
£399.99
£319.99
£24.99
REVO Black H-V Yellow 56906 22 54
£269.99
RRP
CODEX White Black 56906 31 02
£269.99
RRP
SOLID Matt Sand 36606 10 17
£99.99
£269.99
£24.99
SOLID Gloss Black 56908 10 12
£99.99
RRP
SOLID White 56901 10 02
ECE 22.06
8
NEW
SOLID Matt Titanium 56908 10 07
NEW
SOLID Gloss White 56908 10 02
£99.99
RRP
AUTOX Gloss White Red 56908 20 32
£99.99
RRP
NEW NEW
AUTOX Gloss Grey H-V Yellow 56908 20 54
£119.99
RRP
RRP
www.britishdealernews.co.uk
£119.99
OF562 AIRFLOW II
RRP
DEVOR Matt Silver Titanium Red 36606 22 32
£119.99
RRP
DEVOR Matt Black H-V Yellow 36606 22 54
£119.99
£119.99
RRP
NEW
DEVOR Matt White Blue 36606 22 23
RRP
£119.99
RRP
(INC. VAT)
£74.99
£239.99
NEW
SOLID Matt Black 36616 10 11
ECE 22.06
RRP
H-V ORANGE 7201002050
RRP
£74.99
£59.99
OFF ROAD
£119.99
RRP
STOMP White Black 46700 30 02
RRP
NEW
STOMP Fluo Orange Black 46700 30 52
£139.99
ARCHED Black Silver Titanium 46700 31 04
£139.99
RRP
NEW
£139.99
RRP
SOLID Matt Black 46708 10 11
ECE 22.06
RRP
OFF ROAD
(INC. VAT)
NEW
SOLID Gloss Black 36616 10 12
£59.99
RRP
£219.99
ALTER Matt Black Fluo Orange 46701 21 52
RRP
£239.99
NEW
DUCK Matt H-V Orange Red 46708 21 51
£79.99
RRP
NEW
DUCK Matt H-V Green Yellow 46708 21 60
£89.99
£89.99
RRP
NEW
ALTER Matt Black White 46701 21 02
RRP
£239.99
SOLID Matt Black 46702 10 11
ECE 22.06
RRP
NEW
£119.99
HILL Gloss White Red 46702 22 32
NEW
£139.99
RRP
NEW
NAMIB Gloss White Orange 46702 21 50
RRP
£139.99
NEW
NAMIB Gloss White Blue Red 46702 21 02
RRP
£139.99
H-V YELLOW 7201002054
RRP
(INC. VAT)
£74.99
NEW
NAMIB Matt Grey H-V Yellow 46702 21 54 RRP
£139.99
AURA ENDURO SERIES
BLACK 7201002012
RRP
(INC. VAT)
£74.99
RED 7201003032
RRP
(INC. VAT)
BLUE 7201001026
£49.99
RRP
(INC. VAT)
£49.99
WHITE 7201003002
RRP
£49.99
(INC. VAT)
H-V ORANGE 7201003052
RRP
(INC. VAT)
£49.99
H-V YELLOW 7201001054
RRP
(INC. VAT)
£49.99
BLACK 7201001012
RRP
(INC. VAT)
£49.99
NEW
Trade Hotlin
e:
01670 8563 42
LS2 INTERCOM 4X 800700006
ukservice@ls2helmets.com
13 h
+ FAST CHARGE
|
ls2helmetsukoffi
www.ls2he
cial
lmets.com
COM ELMETS. COM WWW.LS2H ELMETS. WWW.LS2H
8
£299.99
RRP
MX708 FAST II
SOLID Matt Black 46700 14 11
£119.99
RRP
SOLID Matt Black 46701 10 11
RRP
NEW
£119.99
SOLID Matt Black 56901 10 11
£299.99
RRP
MX702 PIONEER II
£219.99
LS2 4X is a bluetooth communication co-developed with CARDO tailored system far LS2’s helmets. specially
RRP
ROAD Matt Black Blue 16808 23 11
RRP
NEW
£99.99
RRP
NEW
MUD Matt Black Orange 36606 23 51
£119.99
RRP
SOLID White 46700 10 02
ECE 22.06
SOLID White 46701 10 02
RRP
This special model provides optimal environment with bluetooth intuitive operation installation of the and easy unit. When riding you can listen to your music, and make phone calls through bluetooth GPS guide connection. lntercom communication range is up to 1200m on one-to-one based connection.
024 4 23-2 -202 ON 20 2023 ECTI COLL ECTION COLL
£199.99
RRP
NEW
£119.99
NEW
SOLID Matt Black 56908 10 11
ECE 22.06
JEANS Gloss 36606 10 08
£99.99
RRP
LS2 INTERCOM
NEW
BLACK 7202011012
RRP
(INC. VAT)
WHITE 7201002002
£74.99
NEW
WHITE 7202011002
RRP
(INC. VAT)
£399.99
RRP
SUBVERTER EVO II
VICTORY Titanium Orange 46703 22 52
RRP
ECE 22.06
BLUE 7201002026
RRP
(INC. VAT)
NEW
BLUE 7202011026
RRP
(INC. VAT)
SPLITTER Black White 16811 20 12
£199.99
VINTAGE Gloss White Blue Red 16808 24 13
RRP
NEW
GOGGLES
NEW
H-V YELLOW 7202011054
RRP
(INC. VAT)
RRP
NEW
£329.99
NEW
H-V ORANGE 7202011052
RRP
(INC. VAT)
RRP
NEW
£119.99
OPEN FACE
£319.99
RRP
£329.99
FURY Gloss Black Red 16808 21 32
RRP
NEW
(INC. VAT)
£24.99
RRP
SOLID Gloss White 36606 10 02
£99.99
RRP
VICTORY Red White 46703 22 32
£319.99
RRP
EDGE Black H-V Yellow Titanium 46701 71 54
RRP
NEW
RED 7202011032
ECE 22.06
MX700
SOLID Carbon 46703 10 99
RRP
EDGE Black Orange White 46701 71 52
NEW
RRP
£149.99
RRP
SPORT Gloss Black Blue Red 56906 35 23
AURA PRO
STARMAW Gloss Black 46437J 33 32
CHARGER
(INC. VAT)
£269.99
SOLID Matt Black 36606 10 11
ECE 22.06
GOGGLES
SOLID White 10353J 10 02
£69.99
RRP
TROPICAL Black White 16811 21 12
£199.99
RRP
NEW
£119.99
MODULAR
OFF ROAD
RRP
METRIC White Titanium Silver 16811 23 08
£179.99
FURY Gloss Black H-V Yellow 16808 21 54
RRP
FF901 ADVANT X
SOLID Black 56901 70 99
MX701 EXPLORER
FRONTIER Black Blue 46701 61 12
£329.99
RRP
RRP
NEW
£99.99
RRP
OF606 DRIFTER
RRP
SOLID Nardo Grey 16811 10 06
£179.99
SOLID Gloss White 16808 10 02
£99.99
RRP
NEW
ROKKU Matt Black H-V Yellow 16353 24 54
OFF ROAD TRAIL
FRONTIER Titanium Red 46701 61 08
£299.99
JUNIOR
MX437 FAST EVO II MINI
RRP
NEW
SOLID Gloss Nardo Grey 16808 10 06
£99.99
RRP
DETACHABLE CHINBAR
SOLID Carbon 36603 50 99
ECE 22.06
CARBON
COVER Gloss White Brown 36616 20 64
£69.99
RRP
RRP
SOLID Matt Black 16811 10 11
£179.99
NEW
SOLID Gloss Black 16808 10 12
£99.99
NEW
CLAW Black 16353 22 12
OPEN FACE
£139.99
RRP
NEW
SOLID Carbon 46701 50 99
ECE 22.06
JUNIOR
FF353 RAPID MINI
RRP
RRP
NEW
MX703 X-FORCE
NEW
CARBON
NEW
£89.99
RRP
RRP
NEW
SOLID Matt Black 16808 10 11
ECE 22.06
FF908 STROBE II
MX701 EXPLORER
WASH Matt Dark Grey 46708 22 66
£89.99
£149.99
NEW
£69.99
RRP
KUKA Matt Black Red 56906 37 32
£259.99
RRP
CARBON
LINES Black Jeans 30601 20 08
£119.99
RRP
NEW
BRUSH Gloss Black H-V Yellow 36616 22 54
NEW
WASH Gloss White 46708 22 02
RRP
SOLID White 16811 10 02
ECE 22.06
CARBON
NEW
CIRCUIT Gloss White Red 16353 21 02
RRP
SOLID Noir 56906 14 11
OF603 INFINITY II
SOLID Matt Black 30601 10 11
ECE 22.06
NEW
RUSH Gloss White Blue Red 36616 21 02
NEW
£89.99
RRP
NEW
OPEN FACE
OF601 BOB II
SOLID Matt Carbon 30601 10 98
ECE 22.06
NEW
ADVENTURE
WASH Gloss Red 46708 22 32
RACER Matt Titanium Orange 16800 21 52
£149.99
RRP
OFF ROAD
RRP
£289.99
FF901 ADVANT X
£69.99
RRP
SOLID White 56906 10 02
ECE 22.06
OPEN FACE
OF601 BOB II
£119.99
RRP
NEW
SOLID Gloss White 36616 10 02
RRP
GLOW
HAPPY DREAMS Black 10353 42 12
£69.99
OBLIVION Matt Black H-V Yellow 56901 20 53
£329.99
RRP
NEW
ORION Matt Black Purple Blue 56908 23 11
£119.99
STRONG Gloss White 16811 51 02
£289.99
RRP
MODULAR
METRYK Black Gold 56901 22 12
£329.99
RRP
CARBON
NEW
MONZA Matt Black H-V Yellow 56908 22 54
RRP
FLUX Gloss Red 16811 50 32
£289.99
NEW
£69.99
RRP
OPEN FACE
SOLID Gloss Nardo Grey 36616 10 06
NEW
GRID Matt H-V Yellow 16811 53 54
RRP
FF808 STREAM II NEW
JEANS Gloss 16800 19 08
FF906 ADVANT
JEANS Gloss 56901 19 08
£299.99
RRP
FF811 VECTOR II
NEW
£289.99
RRP
NEW
MODULAR
SOLID Nardo Grey 10353 37 04
£59.99
RRP
GRID Matt Black Grey 16811 53 11
£259.99
RRP
NEW
TRACKER Gloss Black H-V Yellow 16800 24 54
MODULAR
2424 -20 -20 2023 2023 ION ION LECT LECT COL COL REL REL & APPA & APPA ETS ETS HELM HELM
Nationwide support
SOLID Nardo Grey 16800 10 06
£129.99
RRP
FF353 RAPID II
ECE 22.06
CARBON Gloss Carbon 16811 50 99
ECE 22.06
FULL FACE
SOLID Matt Black 16800 10 11
ECE 22.06
FULL FACE
CARBON
SUPRA Red Blue 16805 85 32
£439.99
RRP
FF800 STORM II
SPLITTER Matt Titanium Yellow 16811 20 53
13 h
+ FAST CHARGE
NOVEMBER 2023 35
Business Beat
Business Beat
INCORPORATE IN HASTE AND MAKE MISTAKES AT LEISURE
Company tax laws can trip up most business owners. To understand where forms can make expensive mistakes, Adam Bernstein sought the expertise of two leading accountants
A SEPARATE ENTITY
TRANSFER OF ASSETS
In being a separate legal entity, a company needs to have its own bank account, and the funds in that account belong to the company. Helen Thornley, technical officer at the Association of Taxation Technicians says, “A company is owned by the shareholders and run by directors.” Even so, she reminds us that “the assets of a company belong to the company, and director-shareholders are not allowed to use the company account as their personal piggy bank, even if they own 100% of the shares.” Directors wanting access to company cash will need to pay themselves a salary or vote dividends, both of which will have personal tax consequences for the individual.
The second cause for concern for Thornley is that of asset transfer. She warns that “the transfer of assets such as property, plant and machinery all have tax consequences. There
36
NOVEMBER 2023
Particular care needs to be taken with assets which are used both in the business and personally, and also with land and property
are reliefs and elections available to mitigate the tax costs of incorporation, but certain conditions will need to be met.” Thornley says that “particular care needs to be taken with assets which are used both in the business and personally, and also with land and property.” And then there’s the question of whether or not to transfer property such as trading premises into the company.
OVERDRAWN DIRECTORS’ LOAN ACCOUNT The third mantrap outlined by Thornley follows from failing to keep company and personal expenditure separate as it can lead to an overdrawn directors’ loan account. In overview, if a director has put money or
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Cloud-based Dealer Management System
with Adam Bernstein www.abfeatures.com assets into the company, then the company owes the director. The problem arises, as Thornley says, where a director draws more money out than the company owes them, which is effectively treated as a loan to the director: “If this loan is not repaid within nine months of the company’s year-end, the company must pay what is effectively a penalty charge of 32.5% of the amount overdrawn at the year-end to HMRC.” The net effect is that either the director will need to transfer money (or assets) back to the company or vote themselves more dividends or salary – which will have a personal tax consequence – to give them the funds to repay the loan. And if a director is overdrawn by more than £10,000 at any time during the year, they must also pay interest to the company at a minimum rate set by HMRC or be assessed on a benefit in kind.
STATUTORY DUTIES The last of Thornley’s trouble spots revolves around company directors not fulfilling their legally set responsibilities to the company. She says that these include acting to promote the success of the business, exercising reasonable skill and care, as well as avoiding or managing conflicts of interest between what is for the benefit of the company and what would benefit the director personally: “Failure to do this can result in serious legal consequences for the director who might be held liable personally for any failures to uphold their duties.”
PAYROLL AND PAPERWORK Kieron Batham-Tomkins, senior tax manager at accountancy firm BHP, sees clients who don’t understand that on top of Companies House and HMRC filing requirements, there are details and “obligations of running a payroll and the need to complete paperwork such as dividend vouchers.” “Directors,” as Batham-Tomkins points out, “with a limited company as the working entity,
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Phone 020 8541 4131 Web deepbluesystems.com Email sales@deepbluesystems.com
extract profits via salary and dividends, and in order to pay salary, some form of payroll system will be required which allows Real Time Information to be sent to HMRC and provides a payslip each month, along with a P60.” He adds, “When declaring dividends, it is also important to make sure that paperwork is completed regarding board minutes and dividend vouchers.”
NOT CHECKING TAX RATES. Another problem area for Batham-Tomkins is the lack of tax planning when directors pay themselves.
Failure to do this can result in serious legal consequences for the director who might be held liable personally for any failures to uphold their duties As a rule of thumb, the most tax-efficient way of extracting profits from a company is via a NI level salary and the remainder being extracted as dividends. By this, he means a level of salary where no employee National Insurance arises but where the individual will still receive a stamp towards their state pension. Batham-Tomkins explains that with a NI level salary, “the company will also receive a corporation tax deduction for the salary paid, unlike dividends which come out of posttax profits – a potential saving.”
But there are other considerations beyond a NI level salary for those extracting monies from a limited company, says Batham-Tomkins – the relevance of the state pension age. Batham-Tomkins says that “if an individual is over state pension age and therefore at a point where no employee national insurance is due, then they should run calculations as to whether salary is more efficient than dividends.”
TRIVIAL BENEFITS ADD UP Another mistake that Batham-Tomkins sees directors and companies often making is the failure to use the trivial benefits exemption. Under the exemption, a director can receive six lots of £50 gifts from their company each year with no tax implications. But there are rules to observe, and BathamTomkins details that “the gift cannot be cash or cash vouchers, and it also can’t be a reward for service or performance, but as long as there are six reasons throughout the year then the company can provide a director with up to six gifts throughout the year – completely tax-free.”
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE END? Batham-Tomkins says that as a sole trader, it can be relatively straightforward to end a business as all income was taxed as it was earned. But the situation is very much different for a limited company. He says that “thought needs to be given on how the company may be wound up.” He asks: “Can the company be sold? Is it going to be passed to the next generation? Has the company come to an end, and if so, how are funds going to be extracted – by dividend or through liquidation?” From his perspective, too few company owners think about the end game in good time and so either lose value, pay too much tax on the exit or both.
NOVEMBER 2023 37
Business Beat
DeepBlue CloudDMS
Racebikebitz
The Racebikebitz team. From left: Will, Shaun, Richard, Robert, Charlie, Sally and Bruce
TURNING ON THE
WATERWORKS Racebikebitz is the factory-approved international distributor of Samco Sport motorcycle products. Rick Kemp met up with Richard Murphy, MD of Racebikebitz, and headed off to the Samco Sport global headquarters in Pontyclun, Mid Glamorgan, to find out more
S
amco silicone hoses can be found on anything from scooters to earth-moving vehicles. The one thing they all have in common is a lifetime guarantee and the fact that they are all made in Wales at the Samco Sport global headquarters and production facility in Pontyclun, Mid Glamorgan. Samco’s popularity in the racing world is a testament to their manufacture, performance and durability. Proof, were it needed, was demonstrated at this year’s Senior TT, where the entire entry had been fitted with Samco Sport hoses. The motorcycle range of aftermarket Samco Sport hoses is handled entirely by Racebikebitz, based in Royston, Hertfordshire, so it’s a genuinely British operation – no outsourcing to Far Eastern concerns here. Heading up the company is Richard
38 NOVEMBER 2023
Murphy, who worked at a Ford main dealership in Cambridge after serving his time and qualifying as a vehicle technician. Murphy then joined nearby Bailey Motorsport, a respected 1990s Ford Cosworth and RS Turbo specialist tuning company, where he became involved in selling and distributing Bailey Motorsport fabricated and machined parts worldwide. This was where Murphy met Bruce Hatton, who had come from Ripspeed, where he had been export manager, selling Samco Sport products since 1996. Together, Murphy and Hatton successfully sold a lot of Samco Sport silicone hoses that proved very popular for use on high-powered turbocharged cars where OEM parts would not stand up to the job. At one point, Bailey Motorsport was
the leading UK company selling Samco Sport hoses. Samco had a minimal motorcycle application list at this time, covering around half a dozen models, such as the 1998 Yamaha R1, Ducati 916 and 998. These had been made for specific clients, and no-one was retailing them at the time. Murphy saw an opportunity, having been to several British Championship Motocross events where the Samco Sport product had yet to make its way into the motorcycle world. A few trips to World and British Superbike rounds and various bike shows confirmed to Murphy that the circumstances were right for creating demand and building a business in this untapped market. He knew the quality of the product and that it had the back-up of a great British manufacturer.
Murphy and Hatton set up Racebikebitz 15 years ago. They persuaded Samco to develop and test a dedicated motorcycle range that could retail independently through its own website, eBay and retail shows like the Dirt Bike Show and MCN London show. It wasn’t long before the trade started showing interest, and the decision was made to switch from eBay to supplying trade customers and setting up a dealer network. In 2009, Racebikebitz and Samco exhibited in the USA at what was then the Indy Dealer Expo. In 2010, Racebikebitz and Samco Sport exhibited at Intermot for the first time. Murphy recalls, “It was a big eye opener and steep learning curve next to the big exhibition stands, but it really did carve the way to an international dealer network.” Soon afterwards, in January 2011, Racebikebitz exhibited at the Motorcycle Trade Expo, as it did for many years to come, and again, this was a major part of meeting UK dealers and growing the business into what it is today.
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“We consolidate the jobs, partly by colour. Then we create what we call a ‘nest’ containing a colour sample, job sheet and any additional information required so all the jobs of the same colour can be programmed together before they go to the cutting machine. Each job has
a unique barcode, which we put in the hose to determine the oven temperature. We can then track the hose through the system: once it gets to inspection, it is given a different barcode. That lets us know exactly where everything is and who’s been responsible for what.” The main silicone sheetcutting machine took Samco about 18 months to adapt and is controlled by unique software developed in-house so that the sheets used to make the various hoses are cut in the most economical way. At any one time, up to 200 different part numbers can be catered for. Once the hoses have been made up by hand, they go to the testing laboratory where the most important part in the stage takes place: underwater pressure testing. They can be certificated if the customer requires it. Also, at this stage, special fittings can be attached, for example, T-pieces for KTM applications.
It has everything you need to set up as a dealer selling Samco Sport, either instore or online Samco Sport hoses are seriously over-engineered for motorcycle applications as the same materials and construction are used for all applications, including turbocharged race cars and dragsters. By comparison, motorcycles are ‘no pressure’. With off-road motorcycles, particularly when a bike goes down, it’s easy for the exhaust system to get misaligned and end up closer to a radiator hose. This can also occur when an aftermarket exhaust system has been fitted. The standard OEM hoses tend to be made from EPDM rubber, which doesn’t have the same resilience as silicone. Murphy says that on several
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Feature
Racebikebitz now has a warehouse packed with thousands of Samco Sport products, offering next-day free delivery options to the UK and US and a one/ two-day option elsewhere. It has everything you need to set up as a dealer selling Samco Sport, either in-store or online, with trade packs containing all the necessary information, images of every product available and up-to-date application lists that are constantly being increased and updated. The company now claims to be ‘The Number One Worldwide Silicone Hose Supplier’, providing the largest selection of Samco Sport silicone coolant hoses online. With more than 1200 applications, Racebikebitz is committed to holding 89% of the motorcycle range in at least one colour, and it stocks some hose kits in as many as seven colours. A warm welcome was extended to BDN to witness the production process first-hand. When you enter a major production facility for the first time, it can be pretty confusing; fortunately, we had the Samco Sport general manager, Paul Hinder, on hand to explain things. “We start with the silicone raw material, which is precompounded, has got colour in it and everything it needs to cure. We then put it onto a machine [pictured below] to turn it into sheets, with or without reinforcement depending on what we’re making. This particular one is a food grade, something we use quite a lot of at the moment for the hydrogen market, in particular hydrogen fuel cells.
All the rider needs
occasions at major motocross events when riders have had to retire because of a melted or burst hose, it presents the perfect sales opportunity for Samco Sport, and many race teams have become regular customers. In fact, some factory race team bosses have said they wouldn’t run a bike without Samco Sport hoses. Andrew Lloyd, managing director of
T-pieces for KTM applications
Samco Sport, said, “I was walking along a byway with my wife on one of the recent hot weekends, and a group of bikes came along. They slowed down for us, and my wife pointed out that they’d all got Samco hoses fitted. I explained that it was because they might not ride that often, and when they do, they don’t want anything to go wrong. Along with tyres, failed radiator hoses are probably the most common cause of bikes staying in the garage. “It’s not just off-road bikes that are ridden intermittently. We do a lot of hose kits for older Japanese road bikes too, some of which no longer have the OEM parts available.” Lloyd acknowledges that ‘Made in Britain’ is a good sales point with dealers worldwide. It also means that Samco products may not be the cheapest alternative available due to labour and raw material costs, but Samco is very happy to offer its Lifetime Warranty. Lloyd says that globally, you can count the annual number of claims on one hand, most of which are settled on a goodwill basis. Racebikebitz 01763 249807 sales@racebikebitz.com
EUROPE’S LARGEST GENUINE PARTS STOCKIST Easy to use Online parts catalogue
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Marketing Matters
MARKETING
MATTERS
Expert adv ice to improve how you promote and sell you r products or services
DAN SAGER FROM FAB-BIKER PR CONTINUES HIS SERIES ON marketing for motorcycle businesses by asking some of the big questions. fab-biker.co.uk
WEATHERING A SOCIAL MEDIA STORM
It is said that those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. In a new six-part series, Dan Sager at Fab-Biker PR investigates some famous public relations failures and asks what could have been done to avoid them
S
ocial media is a volatile space. People are quick to take offence, and there’s a very vocal minority who appear to be spoiling for a fight. It is considered good manners never to discuss politics or religion in polite company, and that is also a pretty good rule for social media. Sometimes corporations, keen to show they have a caring side, ignore this advice and find themselves navigating choppy waters. In June last year, the Halifax bank sent out a tweet to its 118,000 followers with a picture of a name badge saying “Gemma (she/her/ hers)” stating that “Pronouns matter”. This triggered a backlash from many customers, complaining that banks should focus on banking, not policing how its customers speak. This might have fizzled out and become a Twitter storm in a teacup were it not for how the Halifax social media team responded to
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several comments. To one person who posted that this was “pathetic virtue signalling”, the bank replied; “We strive for inclusion, equality and, quite simply, in doing what’s right. If you disagree with our values, you’re welcome to close your account.” At which point it blew up into a national news story, with headlines like “Halifax bank tells customers to close accounts if they don’t like staff pronoun badges”. And that’s from The Independent, not the Daily Mail! This sorry mess could have been avoided so easily. Firstly, businesses should not get involved in religion or politics on social media. Your customers aren’t interested in your opinions; they are far more concerned about quality/service/value. Secondly, don’t argue with customers in public. Should you need to deal with a disgruntled customer on social media, either hide the conversation or, better still, move it
onto email, where it’s private. Finally, always try to see things from your customer’s point of view. Don’t tell them what they should do for you; instead, tell them what you’re doing for them.
NEXT MONTH Doing a Ratner. When the joke’s on you.
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The Business The latest news and views in the world of business
Talking away trouble Employment disputes do arise and can be expensive to resolve. However, mediation offers a cheaper and more amenable alternative
A
s any employer who has been involved in an employment dispute will know, those that end up before an Employment Tribunal can be costly, timeconsuming and distracting to resolve. And this is a key reason why more are looking to mediation to resolve disputes with employees. Firms that prefer to have their day in front of a judge will pay for the privilege. Solicitors can charge from £3500+VAT and disbursements to handle an unlawful deduction of wages claim, more for an unfair dismissal claim, and in excess of £9000+VAT and disbursements to defend a discrimination claim. On top of that is management time and any awards made in favour of the claimant. But regrettably, some firms do end up before an Employment Tribunal. At the time of writing, there were 140 decisions relating to motorcycling on the government’s Employment Tribunals decisions website.
THE POINT OF MEDIATION In describing the alternative mediation process, Mali Smith, a director and mediator at legal firm Wright Hassall, says that it is voluntary confidential and uses a third party to try to reach an agreed resolution. As Smith outlines, mediators themselves are independent, professionally-trained individuals, many of whom are lawyers. She says that “mediators do not offer any opinions on the dispute; they are there purely to facilitate a solution and help parties reach
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Mediators do not offer any opinions on the dispute; they are there purely to facilitate a solution and help parties reach an agreement that works for all an agreement that works for all.” In her view, this approach is far more constructive than adversarial court proceedings. And the benefits of mediation for employers can be substantial. Firstly, costs are generally considerably lower than when pursuing a tribunal claim. Next, the process can be significantly faster – there is no tribunal backlog to negotiate, and depending on the matter being mediated, a dispute can be resolved within a short timeframe. Thirdly, mediation is confidential; the result is not made public. Lastly, mediation can save a considerable amount of management time.
THE PROCEEDINGS With the benefits laid out Smith is keen to emphasise that a mediator will not advise either party within the mediation. She says, “mediators are impartial, and both parties are encouraged to speak openly; the mediator will only disclose information to the other side if agreed.” She adds that “the mediator will also stress the importance of both parties taking legal advice to complement the mediation that takes place, which is why most are accompanied by their legal advisers.” All need to understand the legal consequences of any agreement they make. As to how the process works, parties are
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invited to provide a short summary of their case for the other side and for the mediator. They agree on a suitable venue with at least three rooms. The mediator will circulate a mediation agreement, setting out the mediation terms, including confidentiality. Each party then retires to their respective rooms, and the mediator moves between them, questioning their cases and drawing out the salient facts. Because the mediator must remain neutral, as Smith explains, “questions will be open and will not allow the mediator to offer a solution – any solution must come from the parties themselves with the assistance of the mediator.”
PREPARATION IS KEY No one in their right mind would walk into a courtroom unprepared, and mediation is no different. So, Smith’s advice here is clear: “Parties should start their preparation with a position statement and evidence that outlines their case and which offers a solution that looks into the future.” From her standpoint, the aim is to reach a resolution so that a compromise is inevitable. However, she knows from experience that not all mediation leads to a settlement or resolution, but at least “the parties at the end of the mediation should know, sometimes for the first time, each other’s position and how far they are willing to go in finding a settlement.” She continues: “Sometimes, though, after mediation parties will meet and sign a settlement agreement between themselves. Mediation can lead to ‘out of the box’ solutions being discussed at mediation that lead to a resolution.”
SUMMARY In short, mediation should be, and is being, actively encouraged as a way of resolving employment disputes. It is cost-effective and can produce a better outcome if both parties fully commit to the process.
• Find a mediator: Civil Mediation Council: civilmediation.org • Employment Tribunal decisions: www.gov.uk/employment-tribunal-decisions
THE SECTOR IN THE SPOTLIGHT There have been several cases involving the motorcycle sector. Starting in March 2019, there was a case involving Mr N Coulson and Henfield Motorcycles Limited over an unlawful deduction from wages[1]. The claimant won the case. The firm was also ordered to pay £1885 for the deduction plus a further £408 for a breach of its duty to provide Coulson with a statement of employment particulars. In August 2021, Mr Daniel Marsden took Pan Motorcycles Ltd to the Employment Tribunal over claims for an unlawful deduction from wages and breach of Working Time Regulations[2]. The claim for unlawful deduction of wages succeeded, and Marsden was awarded £1334.67 gross. Notably, Pan Motorcycle’s application to postpone the hearing was refused. And in December 2022, Mr G Burgar had his claims for breach of contract and Working Time Regulations against Newstreet Motorcycles Limited heard[3]. The judge found for Burgar on both counts and ordered
Newstreet to pay Burgar £2764.13 subject to deductions for tax and National Insurance, and £263.55 gross with no further deductions made. The principal sum was made up of one month’s wages, £2,333.33 and £430.80 for four days leave – both subject to deductions for tax and National Insurance. Burgar was also awarded £326.40 for contributions to a workplace pension that should have been made at the statutory minimum rate of his salary for the duration of his employment plus notice period. • [1] assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/ media/5c9b91dfe5274a5278f2753c/Mr_N_Coulson_v_ Henfield_Motorcycles_Ltd_2304359-2018_Judgment.pdf • [2] assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/ media/61127e8ed3bf7f044974c7a2/Mr_D_Marsden_v_ Pan_Motorcycles_Ltd_2307410-2020_Judgment.pdf • [3] assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/ media/63bd48088fa8f55e2df4bd7c/Mr_G_Burgar_v_ Newstreet_Motorcycles_Limited_2302366-2022_ Reserved_Judgment_21.12.2022.pdf
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Products
CLEAN DETAIL MAINTAIN WITH MINT
The latest products for your showroom
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Motul NGEN
ByCity Tokio 5 SPANISH CLOTHING AND HELMET BRAND BYCITY likes to follow a retro path with its designs, and its latest gloves are no exception. The Tokio gloves feature a perforated leather outer with anti-abrasion fabric and Aramid reinforcements on the palms. Touchscreen compatible tips to the middle and index fingers mean they can be used with a smartphone or satnav screen. A Flexshock knuckle guard helps the gloves achieve the necessary EN13595 rating. They come in yellow, grey, green or black for an SRP of £43.50. Dot4Distribution; 0203 514 2413; info@dot4distribution.com
MOTUL’S NEW NGEN RANGE FOR motorcycles claims to set new standards for sustainable lubricants. They are manufactured using a high proportion of ‘regenerated’ oil – oils that have already been used and are then recycled – which has obvious environmental benefits. There are two different specifications – NGEN 5 and NGEN 7. NGEN 5 is made from 75% regenerated oil and contains the same additives and Ester formulation as Motul’s traditional 5100 engine oil. It is said to be optimised for starting and gear shifting behaviour, as well as for fuel economy. NGEN 7 is for sportier riding conditions and higher performance engines and is made of 50% regenerated oil. Its additive spec is the same as used in Motul 7100 for better high temperature performance and improved clutch grip. Both oils come in a range of popular viscosities, all of which are JASO2 certified and meet current API standards. Available in 1-litre and 4-litre containers. MotoDirect; 01773 864420; sales@moto-direct.com
Optimate update 4 OPTIMATE BATTERY MONITORS HAVE BEEN A staple in showroom and workshop for many years, providing a quick and simple way to check a bike’s battery with a ’traffic light’ LED lamp showing the state of charge at a glance. The new updated version provides the same level of practicality with the added addition of an SAE socket so a suitable charger can be plugged straight in to refresh a tired battery. The monitor can be used with AGM, Gel or standard 12V batteries and now comes with ring connections for both M6 and M8 bolt terminals. It is weatherproof, and operates in temperatures down to -40oC, so can be left attached all year round, even on bikes that live outdoors. SRP is £26.90. Motohaus; 01256 704909; info@motohaus.com Probike; 01604 660555; www.probike.co.uk
LeoVince X3 Evo
Axxis Horrorland HORRORLAND IS A NEW SUPERNATURAL-THEMED graphic for the Axxis Draken S helmet. An ECE 22.06-compliant full-face lid, the Draken S has a thermoplastic shell and a 2.2mm-thick visor which comes with a Pinlock Max Vision anti-fog insert. SRP is £79.99. Bickers; 01394 604040; www.bickers-online.co.uk
A NEW LIGHTWEIGHT END CAN FROM ITALIAN EXHAUST MANUFACTURER LEOVINCE, the X3 Evo is a off-road specific fit, with kits for GasGas, Husqvarna, KTM, Suzuki and Kawasaki enduro machines. The X3 Evo is made from TIG-welded stainless steel with a matt-finish carbon fibre endcap, and weighs in at a svelte 2.6kg. Mounting brackets are fitted with anti-vibration fittings or there is a full-carbon strap. A dB killer is fitted along with a spark arrester, and the thoughtful team at LV even include a bung to plug the hole when washing the bike. SRP is €486.95. Moto.GB Distribution; 01706 212102; leovincegb@gmail.com
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Product news
CFMoto 450NK CFMOTO HAS LAUNCHED ITS LATEST MODEL INTO THE burgeoning 400cc sector, where it will face competition from ranks of retro, naked and sportsbike competition. CFMoto is tackling the A2-licence compatible class with a sporty-styled naked with a 449cc parallel twin motor producing 46hp, which is good for a 110mph top speed. CFMoto claims a curb weight of 165kg, making for nimble handling, which is further helped by the addition of traction control and a slipper clutch. As with all new bikes, tech is important, so the 5in TFT display has optional smartphone connectivity for anti-theft and tracking capabilities and to show real-time vehicle information. The 450NK comes in Nebula white or Zephyr blue for an OTR price of £4999. KTM; www.ktm.com
Balance bar ends 3 PUIG HAS LAUNCHED A COLOURFUL NEW design of handlebar end to fit most bikes. The Balance bar end weights are CNC machined from billet aluminium in three parts: the main central body, an edging ring which comes anodised in a choice of colours, and an etched end cap. A pair of bar ends has an SRP of £53.99 and comes with 12 coloured rings – two each of blue, black, red, silver, gold and orange. For undisclosed reasons, if you want green ones you have to buy them separately. Puig; 0034 938 49 06 33;info@puig.tv
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A carefully formulated, award winning range of specialist cleaning products to make your pride and joy ‘best in show’
LS2 Stream II THE STREAM FULL-FACE HELMET FROM LS2 HAS BEEN GIVEN A thorough update, to the extent that it’s really a completely new model that just retains the name. The budget-priced lid is now ECE 22.06 approved thanks to a new KPA (Kinetic Polymer Alloy) shell which comes in three sizes. Aerodynamic efficiency has been improved for better stability and reduced wind noise, and ventilation has been upgraded with intakes on the chin and forehead and exhaust ports at the rear. Inside is a hypoallergenic liner, which is removable and washable, a Pinlockready visor, plus a drop-down tinted sun visor. The Stream II comes in sizes XS-3XL in solid colours for £99.99 or graphic finishes for £119.99. LS2 Helmets UK; 01670 856342; ukservice@ls2helmets.com Chain Cleaner OC200
1L Bike Wash OC100
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Product news
SHORT CUTS
GBRACING
GBRACING HAS UPDATED ITS CLUTCH covers for the Ducati 937cc V2 engine used in the 2021-23 Supersport 950 and 20192023 Hypermotard 950 to accommodate the revised engine design. Waterpump and alternator covers from the 2016-2020 models continue to fit the updated motor. SRP of the revised clutch cover is £103.32. GBRacing; 020 8275 2630; enquiries@gbracing.eu
Royal Enfield Bullet THE BULLET 350 IS NOT EXACTLY A NEW ENTRY INTO THE MID-CAPACITY retro sector, since it is an evolution of a model launched in 1932 with more than 90 years of history behind it. The updated for 2023 model therefore has a tricky brief to fulfil – to be retro enough to appeal to the Enfield faithful who want to revel in the thump of an old-school single, yet modern enough not to scare off newer riders. The 349cc engine is still an air-oil cooled single, but these days it is fuel injected and produces 20hp. A balancer shaft cuts down on vibrations, and it is mated to a five-speed gearbox. A revamped chassis is claimed to be firmer for better handling and manoeuvrability, and front and rear disc brakes are fitted with ABS. The looks are freshened with a revised bench seat, new mudguards and a new “digi-analog” instrument cluster with a LCD info panel and USB charging port blended in with the traditional dials. The Standard version comes in black or maroon with hand-painted gold pinstripes for £4629. The Black Gold version has the same mechanical spec, but has copper pinstripes on the matt/gloss black tank and a blacked-out engine and components for its £4709 price tag. Royal Enfield; www.royalenfield.com
V-Strom exhausts 6 OXFORD PRODUCTS
AFTER A YEAR ON SALE, OXFORD HAS finally caved in to tradition and has made its Rockland modular laminate jacket and pants in an all-black colourway. The spec of the adventure style suit is unchanged, and pricing is the same as the Arctic (red, white and blue), khaki and charcoal versions launched last year at £249 for the jacket and £199 for the matching pants. Oxford Products; 01993 862300; info@oxprod.com
EXHAUST DESIGNERS HAVE BEEN BUSY PORING OVER the new Suzuki V-Strom 800DE, resulting in the launch of systems from two of the sector’s biggest names. From Akrapovič there’s a titanium slip-on silencer with a twin exit carbon fibre end cap and a carbon fibre heat shield. It has been shaped to allow it to fit around the OE panniers, and is said to be both lighter than the stock can by 1.2kg, and to add a useful 1.5hp of extra power and 1Nm of extra torque. SRP is £1156. From Yoshimura is the RS-12 ADV stainless steel slipon end can which also comes with a carbon end cap and carbon heat shield. This manages to be even lighter, than the Akra shaving more than 2kg off the OE weight, and adds 1.4hp and 1.3Nm of torque. SRP is £783. Performance Parts; 01327 706139; enquiries@performanceparts-ltd.com
VESPA DROP KIT
SIP HAS A NEW LOWERING KIT FOR THE VESPA GTS/GTV and GT models. It fits the 125cc-300cc models and lowers the rear of the scooter by approximately 20mm by replacing the shock absorber mount and fitting an adaptor to the strut. All parts are made from stainless steel to avoid corrosion. SRP is £108. SIP Scootershop; +49 (0) 8191-96999-69; ralf@sip-scootershop.de AWARD WINNING CLEANING PRODUCTS
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Andy Tiernan calendar AS ANOTHER YEAR HEADS TOWARDS ITS WINTERY end, so the Andy Tiernan calendar emerges for its annual launch. As always, the 2024 edition of the calendar fulfils dual duties – providing a delightful artwork to pin to the workshop or office wall, as well as raising vital funds for East Anglian Air Ambulance. This year the six bi-monthly pictures illustrate the history of Yorkshire manufacturer Panther, showing models of the now-defunct marque from 1918 until 1960. All the paintings are by automotive artist Mike Harbar. www.andybuysbikes.com/Calendars /Calendar%20page.html
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Product news
Bike It phone charger BIKE IT’S LATEST HANDLEBAR PHONE MOUNT features Qi 15W wireless charging technology which allows cable-free charging of a huge range of phone models as it automatically changes its power output to suit the phone being charged. Made from aluminium alloy, the unit is IP66-rated for water and weather resistance and is fitted with a vibration dampener to improve screen stability and reduce wear on the phone componentry. It can be rotated between portrait and landscape modes, and has an LED power indicator lamp. Suitable for phones from 4in to 7in in size, SRP is £119.99. Bike It; 02380 658700; tradesales@bikeit.co.uk
Honda protection 5 GBRACING HAS DESIGNED A SET of secondary protection covers for the Honda 755cc parallel twin engine used in the CB750 Hornet and the XL750 Transalp. A combined alternator and waterpump cover is £96.34, a clutch cover which also protects the oil level check is £95.47, and a pulse cover is £78.12, or the set of three can be purchased for £256.43. GBRacing; 020 8275 2630; enquiries@gbracing.eu
Hitchcox exhaust 5 A UK MADE EXHAUST MAKES A NATURAL PARTNER to an iconic UK bike such as the Triumph Scrambler 1200. Hitchcox Motorcycles’ new shotgun-style system is designed to bring a desert-sled vibe to the bike, and also to give it a bark to match its bite. The minimalist style hides specially designed perforated tubes and dampening material to give a distinctive sound without being unsociably noisy. Removable DB-killers are also fitted to bring the volume down a notch too. The system is made from A-grade 304 stainless steel and comes in two options, each available in brushed or ceramic black finishes (for an extra £100). The Raw Straight option has minimalist stagger-cut straight tubes with no detailing for £465 SRP; the Machined End option adds a conical end and etched logos for an SRP of £670. They are a straight fit for Scrambler 1200 XC and XE Euro 4 or 5 models and come with all fittings required. Hitchcox Motorcycles; 07845 587742; tom@hitchcoxmotorcycles.com
Trooper mat 5
Ruroc Star Wars RUROC’S NEW STAR WARS THEMED GRAPHICS FOR ITS ATLAS 4.0 CARBON HELMET ARE A BIT MORE subtle than some, to the extent that non-fans might not even notice they are not just stylish graphics. To fans of the space-opera ennealogy and its multitudinous off-shoot TV series though, these lids instantly conjure up the images of Darth Vader, Stormtroopers or the bounty hunter Boba Fett. Underneath the decorative carbon shell, the ECE 22.06-accredited Atlas 4.0 retains a multi-density EPS structure and RHEON polymer technology strong enough to protect against any galactic attack. Followers of the Dark Side can purchase their favourite for £450 SRP. Ruroc; www.ruroc.com
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IN A SORT OF BRAND-WITHIN-Abrand marketing opportunity, Bike It has produced a limited edition re-run of its Trooper garage mat. The flag-carrying “Eddie” character and logos are licensed by heavy metal legends Iron Maiden to their own-brand Trooper beer brand. The three-legged Triskelion symbol on the flag is Isle of Man property, and the Trooper-sponsored PHR team of Peter Hickman also gets its logos on there. It’s all a bit incestuous and complicated, but the upshot is that these mats apparently sell out within hours, so you have to be quick. SPR is £69.99. Bike It; 02380 658700; tradesales@bikeit.co.uk
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Product news
WITNEY WONDERS
O
xford Products has been sponsoring race riders for decades, with its familiar logo emblazoned on the fairings of circuit and road racers since 1973 in a range of championships from BSB to the Isle of Man Classic TT. Despite this racing pedigree, Oxford has not made the most of its association with the sporting side of motorcycling, so it is now making a renewed bid for trackday enthusiasts’ and sportsbike riders’ custom with a new The ARMR brand range of one and twohas been revived piece racing leathers along with matching boots and gloves. Top of the sporting range is the new Nexus 1.0 one-piece race suit and its two-piece counterpart, both of which are AAA rated. The suit is £499 SRP, while the jacket and pants are £299 and £249 respectively. One step down in terms of price and protection is the AA rated Cypher two piece at £229 for the jacket and £189 for the pants in a choice of
Oxford’s new sports leathers range
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three colourways. Both outfits are designed with comfort in mind, with lots of stretch material and accordion panels incorporated to give freedom of movement as well as making them slightly more flattering for those who don’t rock a racing-snake physique. Matching boots are also new, and are available in full, medium and shortie lengths and, of course, the current Nexus gloves match to complete the look. At the opposite end of the biking enthusiast spectrum there is an increased focus on clothing for new and younger riders, with a widened range of urban wear such as the AA-rated single layer Armalite hoodies, shirts and jeans, and the new Ridgeback shirt which has a thick fleece thermal liner to encourage styleconscious riders to venture out in winter. This has also led to the reintroduction of the ARMR brand originally launched by the nowdefunct distributor Tri-Motive, which Oxford bought back in 2017. ARMR is targeted to appeal to a younger clientele than Oxfordbranded clothing, and its £129 and £169 waterproof jackets feature bolder colours and more prominent logos and branding to echo the look seen in sportswear and fashion clothing. Also in the range are an armoured softshell jacket and, possibly a first for the industry, armoured jogging bottoms which it is hoped will encourage younger bikers to leave their Nike and Adidas gear at home and wear something with a CE rating. Other additions to the range include the Faringdon, an urban-styled £199 softshell jacket with a detachable hood; the Mondial Street, which is a two layer laminate in black and khaki for £249; and the £299 Henlow leather jacket
which is made from extra-soft and supple leather to give a fashionable and very-much not motorcycle-oriented look.
ATLAS LUGGAGE One of Oxford’s most renowned products is its soft luggage range, which has proved its mettle across millions of miles of commuting and touring on everything from scooters to adventure bikes. Now there’s the new Atlas range of modular soft luggage with a practical and slightly militaristic aesthetic that fits right into the go-anywhere look that is currently in favour. The new bags – 10, 20 and 30-litre tour packs and 20 or 30-litre backpacks – come in an all-black or equally understated black/ charcoal colourways and feature subtle branding and stitched logos on their water resistant ripstop PU exteriors. Versatility is the watchword, promising numerous and adjustable methods of attachment to almost any bike, and there are numerous hidden MOLLE-style fabric loops which allow bags to be linked together in various combinations to provide up to 70 litres of storage space. As well as the polyester-backed exterior material and the roll top closure, each bag has Aquaguard zips and a fully waterproof removable internal liner to keep belongings dry whatever the conditions. The backpacks feature magnetic Speed Lock buckles for quick and one-handed fastening of the four-point adjustable shoulder straps
Atlas waterproof luggage
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Product news
Alpinestars Supertech R10
ALPINESTARS ANNEXE we have more items ready for immediate delivery to dealers.” Upstairs, the new showroom area is light and airy, with walls festooned with shelves of boots, racks of gloves and a multitude of jackets and pants. Again, the extra space means that more of the range is on display, allowing dealers to get up close and personal with the products. In terms of product, the biggest news is the “production” version of the Supertech R10 helmet, which was launched as a limited edition back in June and sold out within a few minutes of going online. It features a multi-layer shell which combines carbon, glass fibre and aramid layers to maximise strength and minimise weight. There are four shell sizes for a snug fit and a svelte profile, and inside is a multi-
THE
density EPS impact absorption layer. As you’d expect of a premium racing lid, aerodynamic efficiency has played a big part in defining the styling, with the integrated rear spoiler and side-mounted winglets helping with stability and reducing drag by 4.5%. To aid comfort over a long ride or race there is a plush lining, along with provision to route a hydration hose to keep fluid topped-up. The non-limited R10 will come in a choice of plain carbon or a couple of graphic options for an SRP of £849 or £999 respectively, and is expected to arrive early in 2024.
BENCH MARK PERFORMANCE FOR
IT WOULDN’T BE A TRIP TO Oxford Products if it didn’t include a tour around a new building or extension. The relentlessly expanding company’s latest acquisition is brand new premises to house the Alpinestars stock and showroom previously held in the main warehouse. The 12,000sq.ft building is part of a brand new commercial development just around the corner from Oxford’s HQ and is spread across two floors, with the ground floor providing warehousing and the upper floor a large and well-lit display area for the Alpinestars range. “Our warehousing space has tripled, so we’ve now got enough room to keep around 85% of the motorcycle range in stock,” says Oxford’s Alpinestars sales manager Danny Manville. “This means that
SILICONE
HOSE RACEBIKEBITZ.COM
01763 249807 SALES@ RACEBIKEBITZ.COM The MT Helmets range is also getting a welcome revamp of new models and colours as production moves across to the ECE 22.06 standard, and the streetfighter style Venom, Speed and Darksome ranges from Simpson have also had the paperwork for ECE 22.06 HELMETS signed off. New for the 2024 season is the HJC HJC V10 Foni Obviously that isn’t everything RPHA 91, which we looked at in the channels 1970s vibes that Oxford Products has up its sleeve September issue of BDN, and the longfor 2024, as its R&D department is always busy anticipated RPHA 12 sports helmet which will pushing forward with new concepts and designs. replace the RPHA 11. There are also new colours We’ll be covering more on our Product News pages and graphics too numerous to mention across the whole range, including a selection of 1970s-inspired in the near future, so stay tuned for the latest developments. retro graphics for the vintage-look V10 lid. and a direct vent to keep the rider’s back cool. Obviously, they can also be used as a tailpack, and they come with a plethora of straps and buckles to facilitate this.
SCAN FOR
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DEALER PACK NOVEMBER 2023 49
Product news
SHORT CUTS
Cardo Edgephones
HJC
AFTER DECADES OF MAKING RIDER-TO-RIDER intercom systems, Cardo has introduced a slightly more niche addition to its range of Packtalk Bluetooth comms devices. The new Packtalk Edgephones are a pair of over-ear headphones for off bike use which can connect to Cardo users while they ride. They are designed with a boom microphone and a magnetic Air Mount socket to accept a Packtalk Edge unit, allowing the user to communicate remotely with up to 15 riders. Cardo says the Edgephones are ideal for coaches, parents and pit crew on the sidelines who need to communicate anything from tips to lap times to a rider in action, or they could be used to direct a rider during photoshoots or video production, or for CBT trainers to instruct pupils ... the possibilities are almost endless. The water-resistant headphones have 40mm JBL drive units with three audio profiles, passive noise reduction and noise filtering for the microphone to give improved clarity, and they fold to make storage easier. SRP is €159.95. Pama & Co; 0161 494 4200; cardo@pama.co.uk
HELMET BRAND HJC has launched a couple of new race-inspired graphic options to celebrate its involvement in MotoGP. The race-ready RPHA1 can now be ordered with a £799.99 SRP Red Bull colourway marking the Spanish GP at Jerez (above), or alternatively there is an £849.99 SRP replica of Fabio Quartararo’s lid from the French GP held at Le Mans (left). Oxford Products; 01993 862300; info@oxprod.com
Wunderlich seat 5
SCOOTER MATS
PROTECT THE FLOOR OF ROYAL ALLOY AND Scomadi scooters with these branded floor mats. They simply slip into place, so can be easily removed for cleaning. There are two versions, one fits RA GT125/200 models and Scomadi TL models and the other is for RA GP125/200/300 and TG125/300 models. Both have an SRP of £49.99. VE (UK); 01159 462991; sales@ve-uk.com
PUIG
PUIG’S LATEST ADDITION TO ITS HUGE range of aftermarket lighting is the Olde indicator. A very compact and unobtrusive design, they have a minimalistic and retro style ideal for nakeds, bobbers and customs. The 12mm lens is available in clear or smoked tints and is backed up with a 2.7W LED in the black anodised aluminium housing. SRP is £75.99 per pair. Puig; 0034 938 49 06 33; info@puig.tv
Ring starter 5 RING HAS INTRODUCED A professional heavy duty lithium jump starter for workshop use which is highly portable, thanks to its 2kg weight and compact size. The RPPL1000 has a 1000A starting capacity and 1500A peak current and is capable of performing multiple starts from one charge. It can be used for petrol and diesel engines up to 10,000cc, so can do the company cars and vans as well as bikes. Recharging the unit takes two hours with the optional PD60W charger (sold separately) or four hours via a USB-C cable, and there’s a handy indicator on the front to show the charge level. Reverse polarity protection is built in, and there is an audible warning if the battery voltage is too low, less than 1V, indicating it is too depleted to be recovered. SRP is £299.99. Ring Automotive; www.ringautomotive.com.
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NOVEMBER 2023
DUCATI MULTISTRADA V4 RIDERS WHO WANT TO CUT MORE OF A dash while riding in comfort can now choose to fit a new black and red version of Wunderlich’s Aktivkomfort seat to complement their Rosso paintwork. It comes in a choice of three heights. SRP is €439. Wunderlich; +49 2641 3082-703; sales@wunderlich.de
Shark Ridill 2 SHARK’S RIDILL ENTRY-LEVEL FULL-FACE HELMET HAS BEEN UPDATED to comply with the latest ECE 22.06 standards. The version 2 lid has a revised Lexan polycarbonate shell in two sizes, with a new tool-free removal system for the anti-scratch visor, which is ready to take an optional Pinlock anti-fog insert. The drop-down sun visor is anti-fog and antiscratch treated, and the multi-density EPS padding has been designed to be intercom system-ready. The liner uses a combination of four technical fabrics for comfort, and is removable and washable. The Ridill 2 comes in a choice of 11 solid and graphic colour options, with a choice of six optional tinted visors, for an SRP of £139.99. Nevis Marketing; 01425 478936; info@nevis.uk.com
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Product news
Trilobite gloves 36 TRILOBITE IS A RELATIVELY unknown name in the UK, but the Czech firm makes some well-regarded protective jeans, and has now added two pairs of gloves to its repertoire. The Parado gloves are made from denim across the back of the hand with a calf leather palm. An Aramid fibre liner provides essential abrasion resistance and soft and hard protectors are fitted at the knuckles and other impact zones. Stretch panels between the fingers aid dexterity and there is an adjustable Velcro strap on the wrist for security. They come in a choice of blue or black to match your favourite jeans for an SRP of £84.99. 1942 Cafe The vintage-style 1942 Cafe gloves combine classic cafe racer looks with a “dirty wax” finish for a weathered Parado look. They’re made from drum-dyed leather with an extra layer of goat hide on the palm. High density soft moulded knuckle protection and an Aramid lining provide the protection required for CE approval. To improve fit and comfort the fingers are pre-curved and there is four-way stretch material used between them. They come in a choice of dark blue or brown finishes for an SRP of £69.99. Forcefield Body Armour; 01933 410818 info@forcefieldbodyarmour.com
Moto Guzzi V7 Stone Corsa THE V7 IN ITS VARIOUS GUISES HAS BEEN ONE OF MOTO GUZZI’S biggest-selling models since the name was relaunched in 2007. Since then, it has been continually updated, helping the brand in the popular midcapacity retro naked sector and introducing a whole generation of younger riders to the Italian marque. The latest version to arrive on UK shores is the V7 Stone Corsa, which is heavily influenced by cafe racers of yore, with a bikini fairing and a single-seater style saddle. The two tone red and silver paintwork harks back to classic racing liveries, and it is paired with new bar end mirrors and blacked-out engine, suspension and trims. Piaggio Group; 00800 818 29800; www.piaggio.com
Casa gear 4
Watsonian Rebel kit ANOTHER NEW SIDECAR FITTING KIT IS NOW AVAILABLE FROM Watsonian; this one is for Honda’s custom cruiser CMX1100 Rebel. The kit consists of four powder-coated steel arms with clamps that fit onto the bike’s frame, allowing the sidecar to achieve the correct axle lead, toe-in and lean out for stability and handling. The kit has an SRP of £595. Watsonian Squire; 01386 700907; www.watsonian-squire.com AWARD WINNING CLEANING PRODUCTS
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IF YOU HAVE UPPED THE POWER OF YOUR LAMBRETTA YOU NEED TO make sure all the other parts are up to the job too. So Casa has made a reinforced gearbox end plate to suit S1, S2, S3, GP DL and Servetta models made from high grade steel for increased strength and durability. Unlike cast iron plates it won’t crack, and it has four 6mm threaded holes to make pulling it off the gearbox easier and safer. It comes with a pair of stepped locating dowels for an SRP of £99. There is also an upgraded drive sprocket sleeve which allows the use of shorter high-tensile crank screws and has an 18mm cap nut to replace the standard 8mm bolt. SRP is £80 SRP. VE (UK); 01159 462991; sales@ve-uk.com SEE THE FULL RANGE AT OXFORDMINT.CO.UK
NOVEMBER 2023 51
Product news
“T
MOTODIRECT
2024
PRODUCT PREVIEW
52 NOVEMBER 2023
Sticking with the helmets, Bell he worst-kept secret launched its new Lithium fullin motorcycling,” was face lid in MIPS and non-MIPS how sales manager versions. MIPS is Bell’s system Darren Thipthorpe introduced to reduce rotational forces in the the new Arai Tour X5 helmet. event of an impact, but other And indeed, the assembled mix than its inclusion the two models of journalists and dealers at are identical. They each come in MotoDirect’s 2024 Preview Event three shell sizes to maintain an were all well aware of what lay optimum thickness of impacthidden under the cloth, they just absorbing EPS, and the shell itself didn’t know the details. is a new narrower shape. The Tour X5 is a replacement The Lithium is the first Bell for the venerable Tour X4 helmet, design to feature a drop-down which has been serving the visor, although for riders who adventure and touring market find that too much like hard since 2011, so is more than due work there is an optional an update. The X5 isn’t a radical photochromatic visor that goes departure from its predecessor – from clear to dark tint (or vice Arai is not a company that rushes versa) in around 15 seconds into fashionable trends for the depending on UV exposure. Prices sake of it – and the uninitiated are £179 for plain and £199 for graphic will have to play spot the difference, colourways of the Lithium, and £219 and despite the fact that not a single part £249 respectively for the MIPS-equipped is shared between the two models. The version. Superfibre shell now uses a peripherally The rest of Bell’s range is being updated belted construction, the same as the rangeto ECE 22.06 spec, which means a couple topping RX-7V Evo, with a new shape that of models are being dropped and will be is flared by 5mm around the base, making replaced by new equivalents. Some models it easier to put on and take off. Despite the extra 10mm width, the fit and security are also making a surprise reappearance: the Eliminator full-face was launched isn’t compromised as new 3D cheek pads a few years back but is finding a new are double-curved to hold better around audience with 90s retro and streetfighter the rider’s jaw. As is Arai’s way, pretty aficionados, so there are new colours and a much all the padding inside the X5 can be Steve McQueen homage. swapped for thicker or thinner versions to ensure a perfect fit. The most obvious change is in the RST mounting system for the peak and visor. When it came to MotoDirect’s flagship The X4 required users to fiddle about clothing brand RST, brand manager removing screws, which could take several Joe Ross says that 2024 is a season of minutes. The new system evolution, not revolution, involves simply popping with a focus on technical off the side pods and then improvements. Many both peak and visor can popular garments have be wriggled free – taking been given mild makea matter of seconds. overs, with improvements The helmet can be used to fabrics, plastic-toothed without the peak, useful zips replacing more snagfor long motorway runs, prone metal items and or with goggles to replace new colours. the visor for more intense Ross says that RST off-road use. To help with has, anecdotally, this, the visor aperture is around a 50% share of deeper than on the X4 to the trackday leathers allow space for different market. Obviously brands of goggles. The The Bell Lithium MIPS that isn’t enough, as visor has also been one of the reveals at redesigned with a rounder, less angular, the launch event was a new Pro Series shape for better fitment of a Pinlock Evo suit aimed at trackday riders. An 120XLT (eXtra Light Transmission) antiAAA-rated one-piece, the Pro Series Evo fog insert. features a less aggressive cut than RST’s More hidden is the revised ventilation race offerings, and incorporates plenty system, which now produces vastly more of abrasion-resistant stretch material airflow thanks to eight vents, including a panels for comfort, as well as accordion lower-profile top vent and a directionally panels to allow expansion room for the adjustable chin vent. integrated In&Motion airbag. A removable The X5 Tour will come in a total of 15 washable lining makes everything a little colourways – four plain colours for £599 more hygienic and less odorous. When it SRP and 11 graphic options, including two comes to colours, this suit is definitely for Honda Africa Twin-specific liveries, for riders who like to be noticed: as well as the £699 SRP. relatively subdued red/black and white/
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Endurance textile pants
Havoc jacket
Pro Series Adventure X
new shades: camo/red, silver/ black digi-camo fade options, black and graphite/fluo yellow. there are fluo yellow tiger stripe and black and white Joker limited Matching jeans are also available. In the more casual, but still editions that really catch the eye. protective, realm of urban SRP is £949. clothing there are several new Also in the leather department offerings. The Roadstar Air is is a revised £549, AAA-rated a perforated jacket for summer Tractech Evo 5 suit, which has use, made from a combination been upgraded with a new collar of aniline cowhide with mesh design, bigger Keprotec stretch panels and a mesh liner. SRP panels, and is now fitted with is £289. The Havoc is also new level-2 armour throughout. It for 2024 and is a CE A-rated also comes in a flattering ladiessoftshell jacket with a specific cut, or as a two SinAqua waterproof piece jacket and pants membrane, blending combination. a sporty fashion In the Adventure look with a splash sector, the topof practicality. of-the-range Pro It is fitted with Series Ranger lightweight jacket and pants and low profile now come in Airflow a new sand/ armour that is graphite inconspicuous colourway for on and off the £399/£299 bike. The hood SRP, while is removable the Paragon RST Loadout and it comes in black, jacket has full zip jacket grey or a graphic printed been updated to version version that is highly reflective 7 with improved fit and finish, for visibility at night. SRP is £149. extra ventilation, level-2 armour The Loadout pull-over jacket has throughout and pockets for been joined by a full-zip version an optional chest protector. which makes it easier to put Waterproofing is provided by on and take off. A Kevlar layer a SinAqua Pro membrane, and provides abrasion resistance, a heavyweight thermal liner there’s a waterproof membrane, also makes it an all-year-round and a Sherpa fleece thermal proposition for commuters and liner. It comes with a detachable tourers for £259. Also in line for hood, in black or splinter camo some new colours are the £229 colourways for £169. Maverick Evo, which has a navy On top of all that were new blue/silver option, and the £199 Ranger gloves that match the Endurance, which has three suit, and Tractech Evo 4 gloves which are updated with level-2 knuckle protection, double layer kangaroo leather and a Kevlar liner. They come in colours to match the Evo 5 suit, plus a few other equally flamboyant patterns for £99. Overall, a comprehensive offering from MotoDirect for 2024, which should give its dealers the confidence that they can cater for almost any type of Pro Series one-piece leathers in red/ customer that walks through the black and tiger stripe fluo yellow door. ■
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NOVEMBER 2023 53
Product news
THE UK’S NO.1 DESTINATION FOR TYRES
Product news 50 shades of Venhill 5
Aprilia RS457
VENHILL HAS INTRODUCED A NEW GREY COLOUR OPTION FOR ITS speedo and tacho cable ranges. Said to be more discreet than the previously black-only versions when fitted on British or Japanese classic bikes, the new cables feature a right-hand wound inner shaft and a PVC coated double wound outer sheathing for flexibility and strength. Brass drive ends are fitted for a more accurate fit and come in two sizes: 3mm AF for traditional British bikes and 2.5mm AF for Japanese classics. Cables with a mix of ends are available to allow Japanese clocks to be fitted on British machines. Venhill Engineering; 01306 885111; sales@venhill.co.uk
THE MID-CAPACITY 400CC-CLASS SEEMS TO BE WHERE ALL THE action is at the moment, so Aprilia has joined the party with a new racystyle lightweight sports bike – the RS457. The new Aprilia closely echoes the styling of its bigger RS660 sibling, and it steals a march on its Kawasaki, Honda and Yamaha rivals by using an aluminium frame with the engine as a stressed member rather than a steel frame. This helps keep overall weight down to 175kg wet which, with the parallel twin motor providing the A2 maximum of 47hp, helps the 457’s claim to have the best power-toweight ratio of any A2-licence compliant model. Suspension is provided by 41mm diameter forks with adjustable preload up front and an adjustable monoshock attached to a steel swingarm at the rear. Technology isn’t forgotten either, with three riding modes for different conditions and three levels of traction control which can be selected from the bars. Pricing is yet to be confirmed. Piaggio Group; 00800 818 29800; www.piaggio.com
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A NEW MOTORCYCLE AND recreational vehicles (quads, jetskis, etc) scan tool, the CanDo Moto Pro can diagnose issues with the engine, brakes and transmission in the majority of European, US and Asian-made motorcycles – including generic Chinese brands. It allows codes to be read and cleared, live data to be viewed and tests on parts such as injectors to be run. It will calibrate idle and throttle actuators and even work with immobilisers. It comes as a rugged 8in Android tablet along with a huge suite of connector cables to plug it into almost any model of bike. SRP is £4497. Parts Europe; 0049 6501 9695 1035; sales@partseurope.eu
THE EXTRAVAGANTLY-NAMED MO.ST.EQ (MOTORCYCLE STREET EQUIPMENT) Field Waterproof Primaloft jacket tells you much about its underlying structure from its name – it’s a waterproof jacket made from lightweight ripstop material with a detachable 170g recycled Primaloft insulating gilet. It’s classed by Alpinestars as a multi-season urban jacket so has been given some practical features for off-bike use, such as a packable hood and elbow armour that can be removed via external pockets. It comes in sizes S to 4XL in a choice of practical black or a slightly less practical sand colourways. SRP is £479. Alpinestars; 0039 0423 5286; sales@alpinestars.com
V-Strom protection SW-MOTECH HAS DEVELOPED A SET OF ENGINE PROTECTION bars to suit the latest addition to Suzuki’s V-Strom family – the 800DE. Made from 22mm heavy-duty steel, the bars protect the fuel tank, fairing and upper engine casings against damage from low speed drops, impacts, and slides and falls. They fit to existing anchor points on the frame, so there is no drilling, cutting or additional brackets required, and have been shaped for a snug fit, adding very little in extra width. They come finished in an anticorrosion black powder coat for an SRP of £194.04 for a pair. Motohaus; 01256 704909; info@motohaus.com
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On the Money
On the Money A
I have assiduously avoided the subject of Brexit for some time. But now it’s starting to unravel into a comedy of monumental errors, which seems like an excellent opportunity for rampant remainers’ revenge. A recent pithy op-ed piece from Financial Times political editor Robert Shrimsley got me into gear with throttle on max revs. Shrimsley highlighted some unwelcome home truths for the raggle-taggle band of true-blue Brexiteers who still believe the future belongs to them. Multifarious opinion polls now show clear and consistent expressions of regret over what was a very narrow referendum decision to quit the EU. “Some even suggest a majority for rejoining,” he added with mischievous relish. It’s become undeniable that many die-hard leavers have given up arguing in favour of Brexit’s merits, keeping their heads below the parapet to avoid embarrassment as attempts to replace reason with fanciful notions of sovereignty are quietly abandoned. BDN’s September issue reported on the demise of an obvious example impinging on the motorcycle aftermarket. Post-Brexit, a UKCA (United Kingdom Conformity Assessed) safety standards regime was supposed to replace the established Europewide CE mark on riding apparel, helmets, etc. However, parallel home-spun testing infrastructure wasn’t in place, leading to repeated implementation delays. Furthermore, international distribution meant manufacturers would have to double up on testing, to gain both CE and UKCA marks. Not anymore. Business secretary Kemi Badenoch eventually heeded warnings that such duplication was a costly and pointless impediment to businesses thus afflicted. So, in a classic reverse-ferret, her UK Ministry has
now conceded that stand-alone CE approval will be accepted indefinitely. That decision was swiftly followed by a fifth (and probably not final) delay to the introduction of post-Brexit border controls on animal and plant products for food and horticulture imported from the EU. Scholars of political obfuscation may recall that the ability for Britain to regulate its own borders was a central tenet of Brexit. However, yet again, Badenoch, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and PM Rishi Sunak kicked this can down the road, owing to the sudden cost burden and bureaucracy magnitude about to
Pragmatism is steadily overwhelming the inflexible hard-Brexit Tory cult descend upon disgruntled importers – and the subsequent knock-on to headline UK inflation. Obligatory paperwork at the UK border, including expensive export health certification on EU-sourced products, has been pushed back from October to January 2024. And costly physical checks won’t be required until next April. Possibly… In response to repeated warnings from logistics and food industries, that the new border checks will drive up UK food prices, Cabinet Office minister Lucy Neville-Rolfe has since confirmed, in a letter to Labour Movement for Europe chairwoman Stella Creasy, that they will impose an additional estimated cost on importers of £330m annually. Creasy and Shane Brennan, chief
executive of the Cold Chain Federation lobby group, suspect a further £520m “saving” on border operations cited by Neville-Rolfe is arrant nonsense. Such controls were originally meant to start in January 2021, when the bare bones of Boris Johnson’s dysfunctional EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement came into force, and dastardly Europeans began to apply full checks on British exports into the EU. Furious previously Brexit-supporting UK farmers, horticulturalists and fishermen found themselves facing a barrage of new veterinary and phytosanitary export requirements, competing against continental rivals on a decidedly uneven playing field. Presumably, they are now repenting at their leisure, as those rivals continue to evade similar grief crossing still-open British borders. Farmers, in particular, are also outraged that the UK government had started phasing out EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) subsidies in 2021, long before replacement post-Brexit UK farming subsidy schemes were fit for purpose. Under these supposedly balancing green environmental targets with food self-sufficiency, many livestock farms are being paid 50% less than they got from CAP. Revising especially stupid aspects of Johnson’s Trade and Cooperation Agreement in relation to the thorny subject of Northern Ireland’s status quo has been another win for pro-Europeans. The “Windsor framework” negotiated by Rishi Sunak jumping into bed with EU President Ursula von der Leyen, reinforced the absence of a de-facto border between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland, leaving the latter with unique access to both EU and UK markets. Pragmatism is steadily overwhelming the inflexible hard-Brexit Tory cult, much of it
International Share Prices USA – A BAD WEEK FOR HARLEY War in the Middle East dominated US news feeds and caused bouts of market jitters, but that didn’t stop Wall Street cashing in. Defence stocks soared, and the quarterly reports from big banks revealed healthy bottom lines, thanks to high interest rates. So the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average respectively closed on 0.4% and 0.8% weekly gains. However, the tech-focused NASDAQ Composite fell by 0.2% and S&P’s MidCap 400 finished 0.5% down. A notable loser was Harley-Davidson, soon to file its Q3 report. With shares sinking into the $20 range, their lowest for almost three years, Harley supremo Jochen Zeitz now has a question mark hanging over the efficacy of his plans for rebooting Milwaukee’s finest. Worse, the Zeitz-
58 NOVEMBER 2023
initiated LiveWire electric motorcycle spin-off isn’t doing too well either.
EUROPE – LOOKING AWAY? Israel-Hamas conflict fears inevitably had some impact on European market indices and Frankfurt’s Xetra Dax fell for a third consecutive week. But this movement was relatively minor, just 0.3% down, and biker-related Teutonic automotive stocks weren’t troubled. Milan’s FTSE MIB was completely unscathed, adding 1.5%. Piaggio wasn’t a beneficiary though and has now lost approaching a fifth of its value in the past month. Elsewhere in the eurozone, the Wiener Börse ATX in Austria recovered, rising by 0.9%. Nevertheless, KTM parent Pierer Mobility shares continued to slide.
JAPAN – READY TO COUNT PROFITS Advent of the autumnal corporate reporting season is certainly important to Japan’s business-centric culture. Casting other issues aside, Tokyo investors piled in to push the Nikkei 225 index skywards by a generous 4.3% in the past week. For those of a motorcycling bent, Q2 reports from Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki will be first on the grid. A rarity among Japanese firms, Yamaha follows with nine-monthly numbers from Q3 of its westernstyle calendar year.
INDIA – FESTIVAL FEAR FACTOR Investor doubts about Diwali’s ability to get tills jingling in November haven’t gone away and Mumbai’s S&P BSE Sensex market index struggled for traction, delivering only
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Contact 01237 422660 or adsales@dealernews.co.uk emanating from Chancellor Jeremy Hunt. It’s worth noting that Hunt campaigned to remain in the EU during the 2016 referendum. And he is the only cabinet-level survivor of Boris Johnson’s ruthless cull of remainers in a formerly broad-church parliamentary Conservative Party. A recent revival of a “Brexit dividend” notion through Treasury deregulation was swiftly shut down after Hunt was called in by City of London banking grandees. Fearful of destroying the fragile “equivalence” regulatory relationships they had developed with European financial centres post-Brexit, Hunt was told to stick any such ideas where the sun doesn’t shine. And he meekly complied with their wishes. The realisation that British enthusiasm for Brexit is waning has started to open European doors, motivated by enlightened self-interest. Speaking to a BBC interviewer at the International Monetary Fund and
A snapshot of share performance across key manufacturers and markets a 0.4% weekly gain. Motorcycle manufacturing equities were more positive, and two stood out thanks to electrification input. Hero MotoCorp has acquired a stake worth £89m in leading indigenous e-scooter brand Ather, and TVS Motor has launched a premium e-TVS X, which claims to set “new global benchmarks” for the EV industry.
CHINA – HOLIDAY HANGOVER As the Chinese population return to work after well-lubricated Golden Week public holiday breaks, major stock exchanges in Shanghai and Shenzhen opened for business to be met by distinctly subdued activity from investors. Among the ten motorcycle manufacturer listings, half were mildly positive. But only predominantly state-owned Jialing parent CETC advanced with anything approaching verve.
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World Bank’s annual jamboree in Morocco during October, German finance minister Christian Lindner was keen to offer an olive branch: “We would really appreciate it if we can intensify our trade relationship again,” he said. And pertinently, Lindner also held meetings with UK counterpart Hunt at the event to discuss reducing post-Brexit red tape. His stimulus, of course, was that Brexit has been bad for German business too. According to Germany’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce, German goods exported to the UK were 14.1% down by 2022 post-Brexit; the UK had slipped from third most important German export partner to eighth and was no longer in the top ten of Germany’s two-way trading partners. So where do we go from here? Sadly, the answer appears to be: “Not very far.” The FT’s Robert Shrimsley lined up a grim rank of obstacles to becoming fully-fledged Europeans again. They include the harsh reality that even keen Europhiles feel queasy about reopening the most divisive chapter in
modern British history. Given that Keir Starmer’s Labour Party will probably be in power by the end of next year, instead of sovereignty-crazed Little Englander loonies of the Jacob Rees-Mogg ilk, a friendly renegotiation of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (scheduled for 2026) is certainly on the cards. And a drift towards some sort of EU single market, customs union and freedom of movement adoption might be possible in the longer term. But even a “halfway house” would be risky for Starmer, considering his reliance on anti-immigrant working-class supporters who voted for Brexit in the first place. Shrimsley thinks a full application to rejoin is probably at least a generation away. Whether or not 27 EU member states will agree unanimously to let us back in is a different matter. Personally, I have ridden motorcycles through 18 of those countries since Britain joined the EU in 1973, as a citizen of Europe until 2021. Advancing old age means the timescale isn’t on my side and I’m unlikely to reprise that role.
Price
Week
Month
Price
Week
Month
USA (dollar) Harley-Davidson Polaris Industries Textron Ideanomics (Energica) Niu Technologies LiveWire
29.79 97.13 78.29 2.37 2.31 7.72
-1.5% -0.3% +1.8% +4.9% -10.5% -8.7%
-10.7% -9.1% +2.7% +12.9% -20.9% -22.8%
India (rupee) Hero MotoCorp Bajaj Auto TVS Motor Eicher Motors Mahindra
3098.45 5052.40 1600.90 3476.40 1562.45
+2.0% +0.8% +6.6% +0.8% +0.9%
+1.1% +1.5% +6.5% +1.4% -2.4%
Europe (euro) BMW Volkswagen Pierer Mobility Piaggio Group
97.76 121.50 61.80 2.91
+2.1% +0.2% -3.7% -1.4%
+0.3% -2.4% -13.9% -18.5%
Japan (yen) Honda Yamaha Suzuki Kawasaki
1682 3885 5955 3680
+4.0% +4.6% +3.3% +9.1%
-3.9% -3.5% -5.5% -5.2%
China (yuan) Qianjiang Zongshen Sundiro CETC (Jialing) Lifan Loncin Linhai Guangzhou Auto CFMoto Xinri E-Vehicle
14.05 6.85 2.35 14.75 3.70 5.79 8.99 10.31 135.19 13.83
-0.4% +0.3% -4.9% +8.0% +1.4% -0.7% -2.6% +3.0% -3.6% +0.1%
-1.5% +3.6% -6.7% +11.0% +1.6% +7.4% -2.7% +2.2% -3.7% +1.2%
Share performance as of 13 October 2023
NOVEMBER 2023 59
On the Money
Market analysis with financial editor Roger Willis
New scooter and motorcycle registrations for September 2023 2023 / 2022 Registrations by style MOPEDS
Sep 2023
Year to date Sep 2022
% Change
Sep 2023
Sep 2022
Highest registering model by style
% Change
Sep 2023 registrations
Moped Naked
83
58
43.1%
405
489
-17.2%
Vmoto Super Soco TSX
13
Moped Other
113
95
18.9%
847
933
-9.2%
WK Bikes Scrambler 50
23
Peugeot Kisbee
42
327
Moped Scooters
464
554
-16.2%
2881
4316
-33.2%
TOTAL MOPEDS
660
707
-6.6%
4133
5738
-28.0%
MOTORCYCLES Adventure
2649
2336
13.4%
17791
17732
0.3%
BMW R1250GS Adventure
Competition
548
438
25.1%
4819
4507
6.9%
Sur-Ron Ultra Bee
41
Custom
961
760
26.4%
6497
6471
0.4%
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
112
Modern Classic
1267
1293
-2.0%
9542
9942
-4.0%
Royal Enfield Classic 350
113
Naked
3113
2447
27.2%
21304
19350
10.1%
Honda CB750 Hornet
217
Road Sport
926
933
-0.8%
7615
7352
3.6%
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX
99
Scooter
2918
2776
5.1%
19157
21674
-11.6%
Yamaha NMAX 125
493
Touring
331
341
-2.9%
2226
2441
-8.8%
Honda NT1100
102
Unspecified
17
12
41.7%
172
84
104.8%
12730
11336
12.3%
89123
89553
-0.5%
TOTAL MOTORCYCLES TRICYCLES Other
42
40
5.0%
317
252
25.8%
BRP Can-Am Ryker 900 ACE
8
Scooter
39
54
-27.8%
398
415
-4.1%
Multiple Items
13
TOTAL TRICYCLES
81
94
-13.8%
715
667
7.2%
13471
12137
11.0%
93971
95958
-2.1%
Highest registering ICE model by capacity
Sep 2023 registrations
TOTAL REGISTRATIONS
2023 / 2022 ICE Registrations by capacity ENGINE BAND
Sep 2023
Sep 2022
Year to Date % Change
Sep 2023
Sep 2022
% Change
0 – 50cc
468
480
-2.5%
2894
3304
-12.4%
Peugeot Kisbee
42
51 – 125cc
4472
4190
6.7%
29,829
32340
-7.8%
Yamaha NMAX 125
493
126-500cc
1793
1618
10.8%
13653
14631
-6.7%
Royal Enfield Classic 350
113
501 – 750cc
1498
1190
25.9%
11562
10738
7.7%
Honda NC750X
115
751 – 1000cc
2521
2048
23.1%
17067
13442
27.0%
Honda CB750 Hornet
217
over 1000cc
2307
2076
11.1%
15907
16136
-1.4%
BMW R1250 GS Adventure
327
TOTAL REGISTRATIONS
13059
11602
12.6%
90912
90591
0.4%
Registration statistics supplied by the MCIA; tel 02476 408000; www.mcia.co.uk
International registrations They’ve got an awful lot of motorbikes in Brazil BRAZIL IS THE LARGEST MOTORCYCLE MARKET in South America. The country is also a large production base for motorcycles, with an output of 1.413 million machines in 2022, making it the seventh biggest producer of PTWs globally, according to motorbike and bicycle trade association Abraciclo. Brands building bikes in the country include Honda, BMW, KTM, Triumph and Harley-Davidson, all taking advantage of a skilled workforce and comparatively low cost base. Most of these machines are for domestic consumption, but some are subsequently exported – 55,300 in total for 2022, an increase of 1.8% over 2021. These were shipped to Argentina, Columbia, the USA, Australia and Canada. In terms of market share, the out-and-out bestselling brand is Honda, with the Japanese brand’s
60
NOVEMBER 2023
Brazilian arm claiming an amazing 75% of the total market. Yamaha makes a valiant bid for second but is well down in terms of volume. Following on are a flotilla of Chinese and Brazilian brands – Outros, Shineray, Haojue and Mottu. Small capacity machinery rules the roost on the streets, with the under 160cc category taking more than 82% of the market. Large capacity bikes (in Brazil’s case this means anything over 450cc) take up a meagre 3.2% market share, but that still represents a total of 37,500 for the January to September period of 2023: a significant market for big-bike specialists like Triumph, Harley and BMW to fight over. In terms of styles, Street is the biggest selling category by a country mile, with Trail bikes appearing as Brazil’s second favourite way of enjoying a two-wheeled trip.
Motorcycle brands by market share 2022 Source: Statista
Yamaha Honda
200000 160000 120000 80000 40000
Annual motorcycle sales 2003-2022
0
20 03 20 04 20 05 20 06 20 07 20 08 20 09 20 10 20 11 20 12 20 13 20 14 20 15 20 16 20 17 20 18 20 19 20 20 20 21 20 22
New registrations
UK registrations
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New registrations
Top Ten Manufacturers September 2023
September 2022
1. Honda. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2862 (50.3%) 2. Yamaha. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1487 (28.3%) 3. BMW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1218 (-6.7%) 4. Triumph . . . . . . . . . . . . 1131 (5.4%) 5. KTM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 743 (56.1%) 6. Suzuki. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 682 (44.7%) 7. Kawasaki . . . . . . . . . . . . 667 (59.6%) 8. Royal Enfield . . . . . . . . . 543 (-10.5%) 9. Lexmoto. . . . . . . . . . . . . 390 (-22.0%) 10. Ducati. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295 (n/a)
1. Honda 2. BMW 3. Yamaha 4. Triumph 5. Royal Enfield 6. Lexmoto 7. KTM 8. Suzuki 9. Kawasaki 10. Piaggio
1904 1306 1159 1073 607 500 476 471 418 384
Rolling Year Comparison 20000 18000 16000 14000 12000 10000 8000 6000 4000
2021/22
2000
2022/23 g Sep
Au
Jul
Jun
r Ma y
Ap
Ma r
Feb
Oc t No v De c Jan
Sep
0
For registration statistics for alternative power two-wheelers, see page 28
Registration statistics supplied by the MCIA; tel 02476 408000; www.mcia.co.uk 2022 and 2023 motorcycle registrations data from Brazil 200000
Motorcycle sales Jan-Sep 2023
160000 120000 80000
2023 2022
40000 0
Jan
Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul
Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan-Sep Sales
Market Share
Jan-Sep Sales
Market Share
Capacity
Street 614,500 Trail 218,300 Large-wheel 161,100 Scooter Scooter 105,600 Naked 26,100
52.0% 18.5%
Up-to 160cc
964,400
81.7%
161cc-449cc
179,100
15.1%
Over 450cc
37,500
3.2%
Total
1,181,000
100%
Style
13.6% 8.9% 2.2%
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New-plate booster lifts regs THERE WAS AN ALMOST audible sigh of relief when September’s new-plate stimulus delivered a welcome registrations result. BDN financial editor Roger Willis was among those celebrating. Total monthly headcount of 13,471 units bounced back by 11% from a particularly weak equivalent last year when the new-plate seasonal swansong actually declined. Motorcycles led the charge, 14.6% up to 9812, and scooters added 5.1% to 2918. Perhaps best to ignore the trivia of a 6.6% retreat to 660 for mopeds and trikes going backwards by 13.8% to 81. Among the petrolhead products predominantly keeping dealers happy, the upto-125cc mobility and fleet sector was nevertheless thin, rising by just 5.8% to 4940 units. However, a solidly best-selling chunk of that was the tally of 493 Yamaha NMax 125 delivery delights. Double-digit percentage increases ruled the roost from there onwards. The progressively more lucrative 501-750cc and 751-1000cc bands were strongest, respectively 25.9% higher at 1498 units and 23.1% up to 2521 units. Honda claimed bestselling accolades in both, thanks to its NC750X in the former and CB750 Hornet in the latter. Premium 1000cc-plus steeds put on a useful 11.1% to 2307. As usual, our electrified future was disappointing, with total sparky numbers in September falling by 23% to a mere 412 units.
The roll call of best-selling brands saw Honda aggressively reminding lesser competitors of absolute hegemony, with volume 50.3% up. Runner-up Yamaha increased by 28.3%, that aforementioned fleet of NMax 125 scooters representing slightly more than a third of its entire monthly output. BMW Motorrad occupied the final podium step, 6.7% down. At least getting rid of some 327 samples of the soon-to-be-obsolete R1250GS Adventure (September’s 1000ccplus best seller) was conveniently involved, accounting for 26.8% of overall Motorrad sales. Triumph, in fourth spot, put on a modest 5.4%, a percentage dwarfed by 56.1% growth for KTM in fifth. Suzuki and then Kawasaki followed, respectively adding 44.8% and 59.6%. Royal Enfield was a surprise loser in eighth place, declining by 10.5% despite style category sales accolades for the Super Meteor 650 and Classic 350, and the latter also topping the 126500cc band. No surprise, though, for troubled Lexmoto down in ninth with a 22% retreat year-on-year. Ducati made a guest appearance as tail-end Charlie, usurping Piaggio from that duty in September 2022. Before we get carried away with celebrations, it’s worth noting that total year-to-date registrations remain negative, 2.1% in arrears on 93,971 units. Within that, scooters have fallen by 11.6% to 19,157 but motorcycles are 3% up to 69,966. Mopeds have sunk by 28% to 4133.
The roll call of bestselling brands saw Honda aggressively reminding lesser competitors of absolute hegemony
NOVEMBER 2023 61
New registrations
73 Plate change puts PTW market back on track
“A
s predicted, September’s new number plate has proven to be a boost for PTW registrations”, says Symon Cook, head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA), commenting on the latest MCIA registration figures. “In September, there was a notable 11% increase in total registrations. This growth is attributed to the new 73 number plates introduced in September. However, overall the market is still lagging behind last year’s figures by -2.1%, with 93,971 registered this year, compared to 95,958 at the same point last year. These year-to-date figures indicate that we are still striving to match previous performance, with moped sales plummeting by 28% and motorcycles experiencing a marginal 0.5% dip. “Certain sectors exhibited outstanding performance, such as the Unspecified category, which witnessed a staggering 104.8% surge. Naked models increased by 10.1%, while Competition grew by 6.9%. “In the current market landscape, ICE motorbikes continue to dominate, in contraset to their electric counterparts, which have seen registrations drop by 43%,” Cook added. “The interesting fact for this month is a huge decline in interest for electric scooters, driven by the recent announcement of a delay of the ICE ban to 2035. “Honda emerged as the top-selling brand in the market, with a remarkable 2862 units sold. Yamaha also enjoyed a significant boost in sales.” Cook concluded, “Hopefully, the freakishly warm weather we are currently experiencing through September and well into October will generate plenty of footfall into our dealerships, and the added benefit of the ICE ban delay will help consumers decide to update their current rides to the latest models available.”
Glass’s motorcycle market overview Following a downturn in August, data published by the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA) showed that registrations in September grew by 11% compared to 2022. This reduced the year-to-date deficit to only 2.1% behind last year. Despite the recent growth in registrations, dealer feedback regarding activity in September was rather mixed, suggesting that whilst it was a reasonable month, it was also somewhat disappointing for fresh enquiries. The majority of manufacturers have supported sales promotions in 2023, which has gone some way to help boost interest, but the market has been more challenging than has been the case over the last couple of years. Some dealers believe the market is currently more in line with pre-pandemic conditions. Most dealers are well stocked following improved levels of manufacturer supply, with some even reporting that they are concerned they are a little heavy on numbers for the time of year.
Some dealers believe the market is currently more in line with pre-pandemic conditions
USED MOTORCYCLE FEEDBACK NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE DEALERS ASSOCIATION
reported similar levels of activity to last year, while some found it more challenging due to manufacturer promotions on new units making them more appealing than latemodel used machinery. Stock availability continues to improve, with a marked increase in offers from the public recently. As a result, the majority of dealers are well stocked, with some saying they are at full capacity. Other dealers have not reached capacity but are unwilling to purchase any more machines as they look to reduce stock levels as we move into late autumn and winter. Demand continues to be strong across the board, with modern retro-style machines particularly sought after.
Used sales and enquiry levels were also fairly variable in September. Some dealers
OUTLOOK Following a record-breaking warm but mixed September, October also started on a very warm note, with some late summer-like weather during the second week. While this will assist a lengthened season, considering the time of year and the fact that most dealers are well stocked and may soon look to offer end-of-season sales, Glass’s expects values to ease during the coming weeks. Paul McDonald Leisure vehicles editor
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Used bike data What’s hot and what’s not in the used-motorcycle world
SET FOR ADVENTURE WELL, JUST LIKE THAT, SUMMER’S OVER, BUT WE’RE still enjoying riding our bikes into the cooler months. During October, we’ve seen some interesting data on the MCN website, including Honda’s dominance in bike reviews starting to wane. This is very likely because we haven’t seen any new bike launches from Honda recently, while others have had a head start. Naked bikes are increasing in popularity, with the sector accounting for 24% of all traffic to our bike reviews. The screaming new Kawasaki ZX-4RR is the most
popular sports bike, while Honda’s perennially popular NC750X is the adventure bike of choice, and Yamaha’s MT-07 is the naked bike most readers are looking at. Over in Bikes for Sale, Honda retains its 21% market share, with the three most popular bikes of the month: the Gold Wing, NC750X and Africa Twin. Adventure bikes are becoming increasingly popular as the weather turns. GARETH EVANS Online editor, MCN
Bikes for Sale
Percentage of views by type
25%
Trail
Retro
Classic
Touring
Supersport
Sport/Tour
Scooter
2022
Naked
CN Bikes for sale ws by sector/type
2023
Custom
1. Honda GL1800 Gold Wing 20% 2. Honda NC750X 3. Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 15% 4. Harley-Davidson Fat Boy 5. Yamaha R1 10% 6. Honda CB500X 7. Honda MSX125 Grom 5% 8. BMW S1000 RR 9. Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 0% 10. Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa
Adventure Sport
Most viewed models
MCN Reviews
25%
2023
Trail/Enduro
Retro
Touring
Supersport
5%
Sport/Tour
10%
Scooter
15%
Electric
2022
20%
Naked
Review views by sector/type
Percentage of views by type
30%
Custom
1. Honda___________ 17.4% 2. Yamaha___________ 11.5% 3. Kawasaki_________ 10.9% 4. BMW_____________ 9.1% 5. Suzuki_____________ 8.6% 6. Triumph___________ 8.0% 7. Ducati_____________ 6.1% 8. KTM______________ 3.5% 9. Harley-Davidson_____ 3.4% 10. Aprilia_____________ 2.4%
Adventure Sport
Most viewed brands
0%
Top 5 Bike Reviews by type
Naked
Sports
Adventure Sport
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
2021 Yamaha MT-07 2021 Triumph Trident 660 2017 KTM 390 Duke 1996 Suzuki GSF1200 Bandit 2023 Honda CB750 Hornet
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
64
NOVEMBER 2023
2024 Kawasaki ZX-4RR 2019 BMW S1000 RR 2020 Aprilia RS660 2022 Yamaha R7 2023 CFMoto 450SR
2014 Honda NC750X 2023 Honda XL750 Transalp 2022 Honda CB500X 2022 Triumph Tiger 660 Sport 2008 BMW F800 GS
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Used bike data
NEW MARKET INTELLIGENCE REPORT FOR USED BIKES
T
levels. Mirroring the trend observed in the previous month, riders continue to show a preference for newer bikes up to three years old. As the season draws to a close we see a robust finish with adventure and naked bikes powering an impressive 16% growth year-to-date compared to last year.
he number of visits to Auto Trader Bikes saw a modest decrease compared to August 2022. This resulted in a cumulative year-to-date growth of 4% in the number of visitors compared to the same period last year. Whilst the audience has dropped for the first time this year, buyer engagement remains high, playing a pivotal role in driving purchases for bikes. Used bike sales in 2023 are 10% down yearon-year, but significantly up since pre-pandemic
.
LEWIS NORTON Insight manager, Auto Trader Bikes
USED BIKES SOLD 100 90
MARKET HEALTH YOY Demand for used bikes was slightly behind the previous year and yet again the growth in supply continued to outpace it, resulting in a negative market health of 11% on a year-on-year basis. Newer bikes (up to three years old) saw the biggest improvements in demand, although with the market bouncing back from the supply constraints from the pandemic, these have also seen the biggest increases in supply.
(Indexed to January 2019)
80
Used bikes sold
70
Demand YOY
60
Type
50
50%
40
Adventure
30
Classic
20
Jul 23
Aug 23
Jun 23
May 23
Jan 23
Mar 23
Nov 22
Jul 22
Sep 22
May 22
Jan 21
Mar 22
Nov 21
Jul 21
Sep 21
May 21
Jan 21
Mar 21
Nov 20
Jul 20
Sep 20
May 20
Jan 20
Mar 20
Nov 19
Jul 19
Sep 19
May 19
Mar 19
Jan 19
10%
30%
Market health YOY 50%
70%
Naked
MEDIAN DAYS TO SELL
Roadster/retro Scooter Sports tourer
90
Pre-pandemic trend line
Super moto
SLOWER
80 70
Super sports Tourer
60 50
Vehicle age
40
Up to 1 year
30
1 - 3 years
20
3 - 5 years
QUICKER
10
5 - 10 years 10 - 15 years
Aug 23
Jul 23
Jun 23
May 23
Mar 23
Jan 23
Nov 22
Sep 22
Jul 22
May 22
Mar 22
Jan 21
Nov 21
Sep 21
Jul 21
May 21
Mar 21
Jan 21
Nov 20
Sep 20
Jul 20
May 20
Mar 20
Jan 20
Nov 19
Sep 19
Jul 19
May 19
Mar 19
0 Jan 19
Supply YOY 10%
Custom cruiser
10 0
30%
With dealers replenishing stock quickly as used sales increased, supply continued to grow and outpaced demand, resulting in used bikes taking on average seven days longer to sell than in August last year. Even with this deceleration, used bikes sold notably faster than pre-pandemic levels (11 days faster). The fastest-selling bike in August 2023 was Yamaha’s MT-125, which took an average of just 11 days to sell.
15 years +
Fuel type
Fastest selling bikes on Auto Trader in August
Average number of days advertised before sale 1. Yamaha MT-125____________ 11 2. Triumph Street Twin__________ 13 3. KTM 125 Duke_____________ 13 4. Honda CBR125R___________13.5 5. Yamaha XSR900____________ 14 6. Honda CB125F_____________ 14 7. BMW R1250 GS____________ 15 8. Triumph Tiger 900___________ 16 9. Yamaha MT-07_____________ 17 10. Honda CBF125____________17.5
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11. Suzuki GSX-R750____________ 18 12. Honda CMX500 Rebel________ 18 13. Yamaha XSR125____________ 18 14. Suzuki V-Strom 650_________18.5 15. BMW R nineT_______________ 19 16. KTM 890 Duke_____________ 19 17. Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin___ 19 18. Yamaha YZF-R125___________ 19 19. Triumph Sprint ST 1050______19.5 20. Honda CBR600RR__________19.5
Petrol Electric
Biggest electric brands Advert views by brand August 2023
1. Super Soco______________________ 26% 2. Sur-Ron________________________ 13% 3. Zero Motorcycles_________________ 13% 4. Niu_____________________________6% 5. Lexmoto_________________________5% 6. BMW____________________________5% 7. Piaggio___________________________5% 8. Vmoto___________________________4% 9. Silence___________________________4% 10. Talaria___________________________3%
NOVEMBER 2021 2023 65
Market Watch
Market Watch
Trade & industry report with cap hpi motorcycle editor Alan Elsworth NEW MARKET THE UK ECONOMY GREW BY 0.2% IN August, in line with expectations. GDP slightly increased as growth in services overcame falls in manufacturing and construction. The economy has also shown modest growth over the past three months. According to Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt: “The UK has grown faster than France and Germany since the pandemic, and data shows the economy is more resilient than expected. While this is a good sign, we still need to tackle inflation to unlock sustainable growth.” Analysts believe UK economic activity is on a “flat-toslightly-rising trend”, which should help the Bank of England keep interest rates at 5.25%. However, the British Chamber of Commerce has warned that the economy “remains in a precarious position”. Head of research, David Bharier, said: “Our research is clear about the issues UK firms are facing – three years of economic shocks, high inflation and interest rates, skills shortages, and trade barriers with the European Union.” On top of that the war in the Middle East is pushing up oil prices, not helping inflation worries and added to negative concerns impacting on the world economies. By this time next year, campaigning for the next General Election will be underway. A change of government could be seen as a positive in some camps, but it will extend the economic uncertainty into a fourth year since the start of Covid. The motorcycle industry will survive, but recovery may be slower than before and certainly take longer than desirable. Even in the midst of all these barriers to good business, the latest MCIA new sales data published for
September shows better numbers than preceding months, finishing a strong 11% up. There have been conversations around residuals on two-wheeled EVs, and unlike the car market, there has been a significant lag in take-up, especially large power motorcycles. Finance companies, as with the rest of the industry, have been in a position of entry into the unknown. This has led to little availability of PCP-type deals. A possible further barrier to increasing EV sales was the recent announcement by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pushing back the date of a UK ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles. The question from many in the business of funding is what will happen with regard to EVs. ICE residuals remain reasonably consistent, but EV residuals have always been looked at as an unknown, with little real research data available. Residuals are currently being set significantly lower in percentage terms than an equivalent ICE model. This position is currently not envisaged to change. The MCIA September registration data contains better news than in the preceding months, with a strong performance finishing at plus 11% overall. The year-to-date total market is still lagging slightly behind 2022 figures by 2.1%, or in real number terms, 93,971 registered this year, from 95,958 last year. Within that, there is a slowing of the decline in the Moped sector down 6 % compared to the YTD 28% decline. In the Motorcycle band, the bigger negative figures seen in some months have had a respite in September, with a few small dips, but overall,
USED MARKET
AUCTION OVERVIEW
AFTER THE SUDDEN SLOWDOWN IN THE used market a couple of months ago, things have changed little in the intervening period. The larger dealers, where there is a significant overhead in just opening the doors, are perhaps the ones leading the field in discounting, but it is generally being seen across the industry as retailers compete for a share of the shrinking pie. There is a point where, unless a loss on a sale is to be avoided, price reductions can only go so far, especially on bikes acquired early in the season when prices were high. To a certain extent, this can accelerate the lower prices dealers wish to pay as the nights start to close in by not wishing to overstock for the next few months and bidding low to
try and avoid buying part exchanges but have a backstop of cheap bikes if the price offered is accepted. This time of year, the mantra has always been “behind book” for this reason, and if needed, PX’s can always be sold off into the trade. A noticeable change from recent years is that stock availability has been lower when dealers with a cash flow that allows buying through winter, keep prices higher as they prepare for next year. This year, there appears to be a lack of confidence in the market to do this, and consequently, there has been a significant drop applied to this month’s published data, more akin to what would have been seen a decade ago when stock availability was not a major concern.
There is a point where, unless a loss on a sale is to be avoided, price reductions can only go so far, especially on bikes acquired early in the season when prices were high
66
some quite substantial increases: Naked increasing monthly sales by 27.2% and still the best improver at 10.1%. With registrations in a similar position to last year both in numeric and percentage terms, as mentioned previously, with the leisure bike buyer more attuned to a plate change, it would not be a shock to surmise that manufacturers time their incentive schemes around the change. September this year looks like there has been little change to that, especially in the 500cc plus sectors. Suggestions that some of the new models are not immediately going into private ownership and are being pre-registered or are replacing demo fleets have been heard during the course of our research. Still, definitive numbers will always be challenging to pinpoint.
NOVEMBER 2023
I
t will come as little surprise to most in the industry that fewer than 40% of entries into auction over this research period were sold. It also won’t be a shock to learn that prices are lagging “behind book”. The eyebrow lifter, however, might be the average difference between hammer and book prices of 9% – the most significant differential seen in recent times and an indication of the state of play in the industry. One point worth noting is that Euro Zone buyers appeared to be very active .
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