Roger Willis reviews registrations for the first nine months
The three quarters of 2024 to date have featured a sliding scale of motorcycling consumer reluctance to engage, for a variety of reasons. Attempts to fend off creeping weakness with what could have been a post-peak sales reward in September’s newplate seasonal finale, through an urgent rash of discounting and seductively cheap finance, came far too late to make any impression. We have now entered the usual Q4 challenges ill-equipped, in a market which has already dropped by 3.8% to 87,429 units.
And the devil is in the detail. Dealer profitability is desperately thin. Inevitably narrow mobility/fleet margins in our biggest 51125cc sector have shrunk by 7.4% to 27,615. That’s 2215 fewer budget units sold.
Shuttered
Growth has been exclusive to the booming 126-500cc sector, 20.4% up at 16,434, adding a 2780 headcount. But it’s been a deeply budget-oriented proposition as well, driven by Triumph’s spectacular introduction of competitively-priced, single-cylinder 400cc models claiming responsibility. Royal Enfield, having overcome issues associated with taking distribution in-house from Moto GB during the previous year, was supposed to own this plot, but Triumph intervention stole the show, as Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X numbers headed for the magic 3000-unit marker by the end of Q3.
Then it was all downhill. The 501-750cc sector fell by 6.4% to 10,817, losing 743 sales, and 751-1000cc was 8.7% down to 15,583, a
1484-unit shortfall. And worse still, a fairly large proportion of the bikes that were selling represented an influx of lower-priced twins rather than premium kit. Finally, arriving at 1000cc-plus offerings hopefully calling for muscular margins, the higher end declined by 10.6%, 1688 units absent, to 14,219. Altogether, 3915 units had gone missing from the market above 501cc compared to the same period for the previous year.
No wonder manufacturers have quietly abandoned early-season optimism loaded with plentiful inventory and are now pressurising dealers to shift showroom dustgatherers by any means at hand. As our MCIA-based brand chart highlights, Honda and Yamaha are both more than 7% adrift year-on-year. BMW Motorrad’s UK outpost was marginally positive at the halfway point of 2024 but has now slipped into negativity. The target set by its masters in Munich last year, of achieving 10,000 units annually, is probably out of reach. KTM’s plunge is a reflection of not only wider woes afflicting its Austrian parent Pierer Mobility Group, but also a surfeit of obsolescent stock, for which its outlets are struggling to find buyers. Even Triumph’s good fortune is based on a foray into minimalistmargin territory.
Against such a background, Kawasaki deserves applause. And so does Chinese champion Lexmoto. The brand’s 2024 nine-month tally is approximately 40% up on performance in the same period last year. But BDN’s number cruncher couldn’t be precise, because the brand missed one monthly MCIA chart presence in Q1 2023. Suzuki also failed to make a solitary Q1 2023 chart visit. Sadly, though, that contributed to our arbiter pointing in the opposite direction – revealing Suzuki’s 2024 nine-month total was about 23% lower.
The most worrying facet has become a recent dealership attrition rate surfacing in the pages of BDN. Shuttered showrooms and the disappearance of long-established enterprises are gaining frequency. Unfortunately, you may be reading about some of them elsewhere in this magazine.
Norton fundraising for kids’ hospital
SOLIHULL-BASED BIKE
maker Norton Motorcycles, has partnered with the James Brindley Academy at Birmingham Children’s Hospital on an art charity project. Norton invited 25 children, all in-patients at the hospital, to colour the outline of a Commando fuel tank with their own designs. Norton’s in-house design team then digitally rendered the illustrations, with four designs hand-painted onto actual half-tanks. Great care was taken to mimic the brush strokes used by the children in their original drawings.
An exhibition featuring all 25 renderings alongside their original drawings and the four hand-painted tank halves was then displayed at Minima Studio, located in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, on 17 October in a free event.
Following the exhibition, the National Motorcycle Museum was set to host a live auction on 30 October for the four painted tanks, with proceeds going to the Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
Dr Robert Hentschel, CEO at Norton Motorcycles, said: “We pride ourselves on our charity work, supporting the Birmingham Children’s Hospital. This project with the James Brindley Academy has given patients a fun, creative outlet, and the exhibition will allow them and their families to see their work come to life.”
More information on the exhibition: www. eventbrite.com/e/nortonmotorcycles-art-exhibitiontickets-1036632986167.
Ducati marches on with another new dealership
Hot on the heels of the Vertu Ducati Sunderland opening (see BDN October), the Bologna firm has teamed up with the Sykes family to open a new outlet in Hailsham, East Sussex, prime territory for well-heeled southern bikers.
Sykes has been in business, holding the Harley-Davidson franchise since 2002. Owners John and Denise Sykes say they can’t wait to open the doors of their new Ducati store. The all-new dealership will be one of the largest in the UK when it opens early next year, at more than 7000sq.ft. And it’s being fully renovated with a new state-of-the-art fourbench workshop, specialist tooling, new service and parts departments, a bespoke customer area and a dedicated Scrambler zone, with the final touches expected to be completed by December.
up and running, even before the official opening, with a temporary marketing suite at Sykes’ current showroom in Holmes Hill, East Sussex BN8 6JA. Email stevew@ ducatihailsham.com for more details.
Located just outside Eastbourne in Swallow Enterprise Park, north of Hailsham, the Sykes Ducati Hailsham store will showcase the latest Ducati and Scrambler machinery, along with official accessories, apparel, e-bikes, and the Ducati Approved used bike programme. Plus, a fully equipped service centre will be staffed by expert technicians.
The new Ducati business is already
Fabrizio Cazzoli, MD of Ducati UK, is pleased with the new partnership deal: “We’re very glad to be working with Sykes in Hailsham. They’re one of the most trusted names in the UK in motorcycling, and this new showroom will offer motorcycle lovers in Sussex a top-tier Ducati experience.”
The Quorn, Leicestershire,
Completely Motoring seeks buyer after entering administration
As BDN went to press, news emerged that Completely Motoring Limited is looking for a buyer to rescue the car and motorcycle retail group. Following days of trade speculation, the group went into administration on 11 October. The company’s website currently displays information about its administrators, and notices have been posted on social media channels.
Rob Ayland founded Completely Motoring in 2009 and operated it with his sons George and James. The business consists of 14 showrooms across 11 locations, with 165 employees. The group includes Completely Motoring Limited, John Wilkins Motor Engineers, and Thunder Road Motorcycles Limited, trading under the names Completely Motoring, Completely Motorbikes, and Completely Suzuki.
Jonathan Amor and Matthew Richards, licensed insolvency practitioners with top ten accounting and advisory firm Azets, have been appointed joint administrators along with Alessandro Sidoli of Xeinadin Corporate Recovery Limited.
They urged interested parties to contact them promptly “to maximise their chances” of securing the future of the £70m turnover group. Amor, a
restructuring partner at Azets, said: “The group has faced financial challenges following a disappointing summer sales period. Consequently, the group has been placed into administration for protection. We are currently exploring sale options with interested parties. We have already received several expressions of interest and encourage other parties to get in touch as soon as possible. Our goal is to secure a future for the group and preserve as much of the business and as many jobs as possible.”
For the year ending 31 March 2023, Completely Motoring Limited made an operating profit of £7.7m, up from £4.6m in 2022, from a turnover of £78.4m, up from £50.3m the previous year.
STATEGIC FAST TRACK GROWTH
The Completely Motorbikes retail group has experienced significant growth, predominantly since the onset of the Covid pandemic and associated lockdowns. The company strategically expanded its footprint by acquiring longstanding dealerships in Wales and the South West. The acquisition trail began in September 2019 when Completely bought Skellerns of Worcester. The move opened up sales potential in the Bristol and Swindon areas.
In mid-2021, the group bought Woods Motorcycles of Abergele in North Wales (established in 1981), along with its Triumph and Ducati franchises, and in early 2022, the group moved in on another acquisition, this time acquiring the landmark Thunder Road sites in Bridgend, Cwmbran, and Gloucester. The Bridgend business had a heritage dating back to 1954.
In 2023, the company unveiled further expansion plans by announcing a new 12,000sq.ft distribution and
Completely Motorbikes MD Rob Ayland announcing the relocation of Thunder Road Gloucester to the firms Staverton site in July this year
distribution centre was opened in 2023
retail centre in Quorn, Leicestershire, followed by the news that the company had taken over the Worcester Ducati and Kawasaki Yeovil businesses. Then, in late 2023, Completely announced the opening of a new purpose-built Triumph showroom in Chester, which led to the end of Triumph’s 28-year partnership with Bill Smith Motors.
In a BDN interview in September 2023, Completely Motorbikes owner Rob Ayland discussed the company’s rapid growth and attributed its success to its online sales and the national delivery model it developed during the pandemic. “Completely offers free nationwide delivery using its fleet of 17 vans operated by uniformed drivers. This approach sets Completely apart from its competitors, who often use third-party delivery services with poor communication”, said Ayland.
Despite challenges such as interest rate rises and the cost-ofliving squeeze, Ayland expressed satisfaction with the company’s performance, focusing on a commitment to excellence in sales. He also noted an improvement in postCovid stock availability from most brands, of which Completely represented the vast majority. In addition to Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Ducati, the group held franchises for Piaggio, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, MV Augusta, Indian and CCM, with electric brands Mae ving and SurRon also added in 2023.
its brand exposure, and late last year it announced the official Completely Motorbikes Kawasaki team on its stand during the final Brands Hatch round of the 2023 season. Also announced was the team’s rider line-up of Jason O’Halloran and Max Cook.
WHAT WENT WRONG?
The motorcycle industry has seen its fair share of ups and downs, especially with large-scale groups that operate on a high-volume, low-margin ethos. Many in the trade will remember the similar woes of Motorcycle City, George White, Riossi, Carnell, and, more recently, Bikes UK. All of which left shockwaves behind their closures.
The motorcycle industry has seen its fair share of ups and downs, especially with large-scale groups that operate on a high-volume, low-margin ethos
Running multiple dealerships comes with high overheads – from staffing and maintenance to marketing and logistics. That usually means substantial financial support from the banks, and as sales begin to dip, fixed costs can become a heavy burden. Completely Motoring expanded very quickly, which could have stretched its resources too thin. Though details about the group’s financial position are not yet fully clear, there are signs that Completely Motoring struggled with cash flow and mounting debts in recent months.
In the BDN interviews Rob Ayland was up-beat about current trading conditions: “We’ve taken the line of not discounting or distressing the market. We’re very much looking at selling motorcycles to people who want to buy them and making our customer service best in class. It sounds like a well-worn cliché, but at the end of the day, if you look at Google, our Hinckley site reviews are the best in the country. Hinckley is now selling more than 2000 bikes annually from a standing start two years ago in lockdown. There is more to come from Completely; we’ve got various things going on over the next six months. We’re far from finished!”
In 2020, the company signed a sponsorship deal for the Bennetts British Superbike Series to increase
The Completely Motoring Group’s administration highlights the broader challenges facing the industry. As consumer habits shift and economic uncertainty increases, more dealerships find themselves in similarly precarious positions; after a “no-show” summer, New motorcycle registrations were over 14% down in September alone. Traditionally, September’s new-plated metal boosts much-needed sales as the trade goes into the darker, wetter, and more challenging winter sales period. First nine months new registrations now stand 3.8% down at 90,406 units.
The downfall of Completely Motoring Group is a sobering example of how even well-regarded companies can succumb to financial pressures in a challenging marketplace. While the full details may take time to emerge, the collapse reflects the broader economic challenges and shifting consumer trends that many retailers are now grappling with.
The group had 14 showrooms across 11 locations. Top to bottom: Ducati Worcester, Staverton Yamaha, Triumph Chester, Kawasaki Yeovil, Hinckley distribution centre. All offered free UK delivery
Kove Moto sets up dealer network
Following the brand’s launch into the market earlier this summer, Kove Moto UK has announced details of its official dealer network. The company says it is strategically working with experienced partners in key areas of the country.
Initially launching with four dealers, the team at Kove Moto UK has concentrated on working with partners who already boast experience and exceptional customer service. The brand looks to offer premium levels of service that befit Kove’s global approach to its product and aftersales offerings.
Lee Westbrook of Kove Moto UK announced details of the network at the brand’s inaugural dealer meeting earlier in October at Market Bosworth Hall, Leicestershire, commenting: “We are delighted to confirm details of the launch of our dealer network. It’s really important for us to agree terms with partners who understand Kove as a brand and what we are trying to achieve here in the UK.
“Kove is a very exciting proposition, built on strong motorsport foundations
that set it apart from every other brand hailing from its home region. For this reason, we need partners who understand this approach and want to deliver a premium service to our customers. With the four partners we have agreed terms with, we feel we have a good spread geographically and, more importantly, a network that will represent Kove in the best way possible. We look forward to kicking things off and getting Kove
Zerofit appoints Feridax as exclusive Moto distributor
FERIDAX HAS BEEN APPOINTED AS exclusive Moto distributor of Zerofit’s innovative motorcycle base layers throughout the UK and Ireland. Zerofit will expand Feridax’s existing portfolio of brands, strengthening its position as a leading supplier in the motorcycle industry.
Zerofit claims that its popular and award-winning Heatrub Ultimate base layer has been independently tested and proven to provide five times more warmth than a standard base layer. The garment features technologically enhanced “heat threads” that are activated by even the slightest movements. These threads gently brush against the skin to instantly generate warmth, which is then retained within the garment.
Motorcyclists can benefit from top-totoe heating with Zerofit Heatrub Ultimate leggings, socks and neckwarmers, which
are made from the same material as the base layer and work in the same way.
Zerofit’s Cold Skin and Ice Weave products have been engineered to deliver efficient cooling and sweat management and will be added to the range in early 2025. Leading Bennetts British Superbike riders, including Northern Ireland’s Glenn Irwin and England’s Kyle Ryde, rely on the performance of these base layers.
product out on the road and in the dirt.” Kove Moto UK’s initial dealer network comprises: Kove Midlands – PCRE; Kove South – Rugged Roads; Kove North – Motorrad Connection; and Kove Hub Oxford – Unity Moto. More announcements will follow, including the brand’s Scottish presence.
Kove Moto UK info@kovemotouk.com kovemotouk.com
Zerofit Moto products will be available for next-day delivery to UK mainland dealers and within 48 hours for most other regions. Feridax will offer comprehensive support to stockists through a dedicated team of account managers and product specialists.
Feridax sales director Stuart Swaby
commented: “This partnership is another significant step in Feridax’s ongoing portfolio development. With Zerofit’s game-changing thermal technology and the backing of our dedicated sales and marketing team, we are excited to offer this innovative base layer solution to riders across the UK and Ireland.”
To enquire about stocking Zerofit, or for more information, contact a Feridax account manager or apply online at www.feridax.com . Contact Mathew Hall on 01384 41384; 07456 057881; mathew.hall@feridax.com to request samples.
From left: Alan Gardner (PCR), Lee Westbrook (Kove Moto UK), Annette Parker (Rugged Roads), Jonathan Parker (Rugged Roads), Jon Mathers (Unity), Oliver Bessant (Unity), Jon Stone (Motorrad Konnection), Charlotte Stone (Motorrad Konnection) and Paul Curran (PCR)
Vincent breaks world record at Stafford Show
The final big show of the classic bike season went off with a bang, as the Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show at Stafford Showground notched up another hit weekend. Race legends Carl Fogarty and Frankie Chili wowed the crowds with stories from their incredible careers – and they were joined by two of their famous race bikes, too. Carl Fogarty’s Ducati 916 and Frankie Chili’s Ducati 998.5 were displayed together, bringing back memories of their fierce ontrack rivalry. Those Ducati factory machines carried both legends to some of their greatest triumphs: Fogarty cementing his legacy as a fourtime WSBK champion on the 916 and Chili achieving 17 WSBK race wins on his bike.
The show also featured a charity auction, in which Chili’s infamous pit-lane dressing gown was sold, with proceeds going to the NSPCC children’s charity.
Exhibition manager Nick Mowbray said, “We couldn’t be happier with how this year’s show has gone. Carl Fogarty and Frankie Chili were a fantastic addition to the weekend, and it was clear that the crowds loved seeing
them here. It’s great to see the passion for classic bikes continuing to grow.”
At the Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show, Bonhams’ motorcycle department presented 395 lots of collectors’ motorcycles, memorabilia, and spares at The Autumn Stafford Sale. The two-day sale generated a total of £3,236,000 with an impressive 92% sellthrough rate. The auction attracted 1250 bidders from more than 36 countries, with many participating in person, over the phone, online, or via the Bonhams app.
The top-selling lot was a 1936 Vincent-HRD 998cc Series-A Rapide, the second example ever produced and the oldest surviving complete model. This meticulously restored motorcycle, which debuted at the 1936 Olympia Motorcycle Show, set a new world record
price of £322,000. Sales of Vincent marque bikes totalled more than £600,000.
The second highest-selling bike was a 1928 Brough Superior SS100 from a deceased estate, which sold for £161,000. In third place was a 1974 Ducati 750SS that fetched £140,300.
Two limited-edition Triumph motorcycles, inspired by the bikes used in the 25th James Bond film, No Time To Die, were also highlights of the sale. Gifted by Daniel Craig to raise funds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, the motorcycles raised a total of £60,000. The Scrambler 1200 Bond Edition sold for £28,000, while the Tiger 900 Bond Edition fetched £32,000.
Ben Walker, motorcycle department director, noted that the market for collectors’ motorcycles remained strong despite international economic and political uncertainties. He attributed the success of the auction to high-quality consignments, well-researched history, a beautifully presented catalogue, competitive estimates, and the auction’s conjunction with a renowned motorcycling event.
1936 Vincent-HRD 998cc Series-A Rapide, sold for £322,000, a world record price for the model
RoadSmart blames the youth
ANALYSIS OF NEW DVLA figures by IAM RoadSmart reveals a concerning trend of dangerous driving among young drivers aged 17 to 25. Despite making up only 7% of all full license holders, this age group now accounts for more than a third (38%) of new dangerous driving licence endorsements.
Data obtained from the DVLA shows an increase in the number of drivers aged 17 to 25 receiving DD40 (dangerous driving) endorsements. In 2021, 1585 drivers in this age group received DD40 endorsements, representing 27% of all endorsements issued. By 1 June 2024, 1128 new endorsements were issued to this age group, accounting for 38% of all endorsements.
IAM RoadSmart’s director of policy and standards, Nicholas Lyes, expressed concern over the declining driving standards among younger drivers and suggested the consideration of a graduated driver licensing (GDL) system to improve road safety. This system would involve extending the learning period, introducing a probationary period, and potentially reducing motor insurance premiums for younger drivers.
IAM RoadSmart has also called for social media companies to promptly take down content showing law-breaking activities, such as filming while driving, to discourage such behavior.
Lind swaps Harley for Ducati at its Watford branch
Premium bike retailer
Lind Group, has switched its Watford dealership from HarleyDavidson to Ducati, effective from the end of October. In an announcement on its website, the firm confirmed the closure of the Harley dealership, with owners being directed to its Newmarket HarleyDavidson outlet instead. The firm’s Guildford Harley store remains open.
A parallel announcement outlines plans for a Ducati North London store at the Watford site, set to open in early 2025. This will further expand the Italian brand’s network not long after the launch of Vertu’s Ducati Sunderland store (October BDN).
Ducati says the new dealership will offer the full Ducati and Scrambler new bike range, alongside parts, accessories, servicing and Ducati Approved used machines. The existing
building will be rebuilt over winter, and will include a new purpose-built service reception area. It will be the first Ducati outlet for Lind, the franchise joining its existing BMW, Harley and Triumph franchises.
We are working for success, not only focusing on the immediate, but looking at the long term
Fabrizio Cazzoli, Ducati UK MD
Lind’s Russ Dacre said: “We are extremely excited to welcome Ducati to the family. We are looking forward to the opportunity of working with a hugely popular manufacturer with such an inspiring heritage. We’re particularly
looking forward to providing an outstanding experience to a new customer base, and the team are learning all about the new brand and the impressive product range. The opening of Ducati North London aligns with our strategy to grow with the key premium motorcycle brands in the UK.”
Fabrizio Cazzoli, MD of Ducati UK, said: “Ducati’s strategic strengthening of its distribution network continues. It is a long process, but we are working for success, not only focusing on the immediate but looking at the long term. We are very pleased to announce this new opening as well as the new partnership with one of the most successful retailers in the country, Lind Group. London is a strategic market, both for its positioning and for its sales potential. I’m sure Lind’s retail experience in the area will be instrumental for Ducati’s growth.”
Parts Europe takes on Öhlins
MAJOR COMPONENT DISTRIBUTOR, PARTS EUROPE HAS ANNOUNCED a new deal to sell Öhlins suspension parts. The new partnership, effective immediately, will see the premium Swedish brand, made famous by MotoGP, WSBK and other performance applications, distributed through the Parts Europe dealer network for the first time.
Parts Europe says the arrangement will start with supplying HarleyDavidson aftermarket cruiser/custom fitments, with parts for all other brands and segments following soon after. More info: www.partseurope.eu
55 not out for Furygan
CLASSIC FRENCH BIKE KIT MAKER FURYGAN IS CELEBRATING
55 years in business this year and is marking the milestone with a reflective look at its achievements. Founded in Nîmes in 1969 by Jacques Segura, the firm’s panther logo is instantly recognisable, and both its leather and textile kit has been a stalwart of the trade. The brand now sells in more than 50 countries on every continent, and it equips some of the best riders on the planet, including Isle of Man TT record-holder Michael Dunlop, Suzuka 8 Hour winner and MotoGP rider Johann Zarco, and WSBK ace Andrea Locatelli.
Now leading the company his father started in 1969, David Segura reflects on the Furygan past, present and future: “Our culture at Furygan has been shaped by our roots and values. We have witnessed and been part of the rise of textile and leather motorcycle apparel and its progression, expanding our knowledge to stay at the cutting edge and beyond as a pioneer. Technical challenges of manufacturing and productivity are natural, and our factory in Nîmes continues to upgrade with innovative technologies like laser marking and cutting, eco-friendly leather printing and automated cutting tables to optimise our processes to be even more competitive and efficient with ever-higher expectations.
“I wish to thank the men and women who have made and will continue to make Furygan products for sharing the Furygan vision and high standards on a daily basis. It is their energy, their ideas and determination that fuels our brand today.”
Free finance across Suzuki’s big bike range
Zero-percent finance is back from Suzuki, and it's available on some of the Japanese brand's premium large-capacity models. The high-spec, new-for-2024 GSX-S1000 GX adventure tourer is now being offered with 0% finance, a £2986 deposit, and £119 monthly payments. Similar deals are available on the GSX-S1000 GT and GSX-S1000, plus the Katana 1000, GSX1300R Hayabusa, and DL 1050 V-Strom DE off-road-focused machine.
The offer runs until 16 December and excludes the smaller 800 twin V-Strom and GSX models.
TOP RATED
TOP RATED
(Nevis area sales manager), Toby Dixon (Nevis area sales manager), Gareth Wyatt (Nevis area sales manager) and Dave Phillips (Nevis commercial manager)
Hiplok secures distribution deal with Nevis
High-tech bike lock maker Hiplok, has appointed Nevis Marketing as its exclusive distributor for the UK. Hiplok, initially set up in 2009 as a bicycle security firm, has developed its own advanced locks that resist cutting with power tools. In 2021, it moved into powered two-wheelers, launching the Sold Secure Diamond-rated D1000 angle grinder-resistant D-lock for bikes. It also produces highsecurity ground anchors using the same technology, alongside a 22mm hardened chain and other locks. The new deal will see the full range of Hiplok motorcycle security on sale across the Nevis network of dealers in the UK
and Ireland. The partnership will be officially announced to the public at Motorcycle Live, where the Nevis and the Hiplok team will be on stand 4A07 to demonstrate the product range.
“Sadly, motorcycle theft continues to be a big issue. In partnering with the Nevis team, who are specialists in the motorcycle accessories market, we’ll combine our expertise to bring the very best security solutions to motorcyclists across the UK and Ireland,” said Ben Smith, Hiplok co-founder.
“We take great pride in representing only the very best brands, with the most exciting and innovative products in the motorcycle
industry,” said Nevis MD Scott Empson. “We have been looking for some time to complement our range with a lock brand that encompasses this philosophy, and finally, we have found it.
“Hiplok is a prominent brand within the cycle industry and is now striving to be the same in the motorcycle industry. With original and unique designs, producing the very toughest locks available, and clever storage and carrying solutions for today’s riders, we are absolutely sure they will succeed.”
Nevis Marketing 01425 478936 info@nevis.uk.com www.nevis.uk.com
New SHARP helmet ratings released
AS BDN REPORTED LAST MONTH, THE government’s SHARP helmet rating scheme has been relaunched with a new operator, Transport Research Laboratory (TRL). The scheme has been testing new helmets and has announced five new ratings. It has awarded ratings to the Arai RX-7V EVO: Arai RX-7V EVO (five stars), Scorpion EXO R1 EVO (four stars), HJC RPHA 91 (four stars), Shark Spartan RS (four stars), and AGV K1-S (five stars). All of these helmets performances are available on the SHARP website: sharp.dft.gov.uk
SHARP will be exhibiting in Hall 4, stand 4C04 at the Motorcycle Live show at the NEC in Birmingham from 16-24 November. TRL has also announced that it has been commissioned by the Department for Transport to conduct research on headlight glare from new cars and bikes. The project will take place over the winter, using a specially equipped car to measure light levels on UK roads. The goal is to gain a better understanding of the issue and develop appropriate recommendations for the DfT to take action.
From left: Gemma Jones (Hiplok marketing manager), Ben Smith (Hiplok co-founder), Aharon Southern (Nevis customer service/aftersales manager), Scott Empson (Nevis managing director), Stuart Bailey (Hiplok international sales manager), Lars Ishojer
Motorcycle Live schedule hots up
As BDN went to press, the annual Motorcycle Live industry event in Birmingham was taking on its final shape. The ‘festival’ theme of the show has been underlined by a new event on the final Saturday night (23 November) – a rock and dance music festival in Hall 4, which kicks off at 5:30pm when the bike show finishes. The event, sponsored by Indian Motorcycles, features Rick Parfitt Jr and his band and DJ Rosie. The organisers say plenty of food and drink will still be available at the festival.
In a similar musical vein, Yamaha is backing a live music event at the show – The Live Lounge. The Japanese tuning fork firm is supplying musical equipment for bands to turn up and play on a new dedicated music stage in the show’s main halls throughout its nine-day run. Suzuki is marking 25 years
of its mighty GSX1300R Hayabusa with a special display of standard, custom and drag-racing Hayabusas. Kawasaki is running its Elektrode kids’ electric offroader on a trail-style indoor course for kids aged 7-12 years old. The firm is also backing its in-house stunt rider, Jonny Davies and his JG Stunts show, who will perform wild tricks on his Kawasaki stunt bikes daily in the Festival Zone.
Motorcycle Live takes place between 16-24 November, and for further information on the show and to register for trade tickets, visit: www.motorcyclelive.co.uk.
SPORT
URBAN
CAFFÈ RACER
Real passion, Italian design, strong technological ideas and specific knowledge of materials: these are the key factors of the international success of GIVI, which led a small factory in Brescia to become the leader in motorbike accessories. A constant commitment which has been translated with the introduction of new technological solutions of a great functionality, attention to details and the design of reliable accessories, with the“Made in Italy” key factor.
New government, new opportunities
Craig Carey-Clinch, executive director, NMC
Remember that old phrase: “You wait ages for a bus, and then two come along at once?” We’ve had a very similar experience in relation to ministerial contact in recent months –nothing from the various government departments post-election, then two ministerial meetings at the Department for Transport in quick succession immediately after the summer recess.
But looking back over recent months, this has been a summer of political flux. A general election called early, a victory by an opposition that had yet to develop detailed policy outside basic manifesto commitments, immediately followed by just over two months of recesses, with only a short return to parliament in early September. Focus has been on key headline government bills and various other eyecatching announcements, with a couple of scandals thrown in for good measure. But civil servants have remained silent when it comes to the more ‘granular’ aspects of policy, the plethora of ‘management’ that are the engine room of day-to-day government policy. “Ministerial priorities are under consideration” has been the message to all.
However, engagement with the various departments has quietly continued over the summer months. Discussions were held with officials over the future of various public bodies where the motorcycle lobby holds memberships, consultations on potential agendas for higher-level meetings yet to be agreed and so on. The overall sense, though, is that as newly-minted ministers continue to get used to their new portfolios, departments have yet to set more detailed
agendas on a range of issues which lie under manifesto commitments, and officials are wary about saying too much. Overall, a sort of hiatus, with activity continuing behind the scenes.
This all changed the day the party conference recess ended. The National Motorcyclists Council (NMC), along with several road safety organisations and the four-wheeled industry, were summoned by the secretary of state for transport to a high-level session to kick off work to bring to life the administration’s
We now know that there will be a huge focus on safety and related areas from this ‘new’ DfT
Craig Carey-Clinch, NMC
manifesto commitment to a new road safety strategy. It was attended by both secretary of state Louise Haigh and the minister for the future of roads, Lilian Greenwood. This was a high-level session that focused on broad safety themes rather than on specific policies, it was an opportunity to draw attention to outstanding issues for motorcycle safety, such as the need for reform to training and testing, default access to bus lanes and work to refresh the former government’s motorcycle strategy –something that was originally developed by the previous Labour administration, working in partnership with the original NMC.
A week later, the NMC was back at DfT HQ in London, this time with its Pothole
Partnership colleagues, the AA, British Cycling and JCB. This was for a more detailed meeting to look at how Labour’s manifesto commitment to fix the roads can become reality. Minister Greenwood was keen to discuss what could be done and is clearly committed to the task. All good, but it remains to be seen how far the new government can deliver given the monumental – and still growing –scale of the problem, against a backdrop of the current state of public finances. Our message was to use the funding that there is much more smartly – focussing on permanent rather than costly and ineffective temporary repairs.
We now know that there will be a huge focus on safety and related areas from this ‘new’ DfT. The question is what about other areas? In relation to motorcycle decarbonisation, there is long overdue certainty in this area, and so far, the government has said nothing about the issue – not yet confirming future policy across various transport sectors. Training and testing are key issues for us, and given that this is about safety, it’s likely that the discussion about reform could soon restart. This could be enabled by the move of a senior DfT official over to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency to take charge of this very area. Provision of tests, backlogs in the system, plus other areas, guarantees a very full inbox for the new boss, who is someone well acquainted with the motorcycle lobby.
Other previous consultations remain unanswered by the government, which includes areas such as anti-tampering rules, and there is also work related to green roads access and other areas relating to the sport which cross over
to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport. A busy agenda. Plus, the budget looms and what this could mean for the motorcycle business as a whole.
For the NMC the goal of a new government motorcycle strategy remains essential work. A strategy that properly recognises motorcycling as a transport mode and an alternative to the car opens up a much more dynamic discussion about safety investment, recognition in local policies, better and safer road infrastructure and ensuring accessibility for those who ride, particularly in urban areas, for both practical and leisure reasons. Plus, of course, there are the opportunities that motorcycling represents for rural transport and the potential support for post-test training. A proper strategy would provide a framework from which other policies and initiatives would flow, not just on safety but also in relation to support for the sector as a whole.
CRUCIAL MONTHS AHEAD
However, it’s still early days, and the months ahead are crucial for the NMC lobby, plus for the individual
public affairs efforts of its member organisations and the NMC’s partner, the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA). Our aim is to turn threats into opportunities, create further opportunities and work with the government to create a better and more supportive environment for motorcycling as a whole. Government engagement has now stepped up a gear, and the NMC has an active work programme planned for DfT and other government departments. Plus, of course, with parliament, where meetings are currently being held with new and returning MPs.
Key to all this is partnership. The NMC has forged a range of relationships with organisations from the trade, the industry and other motorcycling organisations, as well as from other sectors. Partnerships increase ‘constituency’, create better relations with those who may have been previously sceptical of motorcycling, opens better dialogue with government and ultimately help to “shift the dial” towards what motorcycling needs.
A new government is always a time of change, but the NMC was ready for this and looks forward to the work ahead to create a better environment for motorcycling and the trade.
MOTORCYCLE
Blinded by the light
SPECIALIST MOTOR INSURANCE LOSS adjuster Claims Management & Adjusting (CMA) has highlighted a disturbing rise in increased glare-related claims resulting from drivers being blinded by bright car headlights.
Traditional halogen headlamps typically produce around 1000 lumens, whereas the latest LED models can produce up to 4000 lumens. They also emit a whiter light, rather than the more yellow light emitted by halogens, exacerbating the dazzling problem.
According to research by the RAC, a massive 89% of drivers feel that certain car headlights are excessively bright. These dazzling incidents have the potential to cause serious collisions, highlighting the urgent need for increased vigilance, especially during dawn and dusk. The previous government’s commission of research into this issue in April was a step in the right direction, CMA says, and the company urges its continuation.
SHORT CUTS
R&G WINTER TRADE DEALS
BRITISH CRASH PROTECTION SPECIALIST R&G Racing has launched what it calls a winter stockpile sale. It’s offering dealers the chance to stock up on products in the quiet winter months, with an extra 5% on pricing and a ‘buy ten get one free’ deal on selected items. For more information, contact: chris.williams@rg-racing.com
BIKER SAFETY CAMPAIGN
THE WARWICKSHIRE ROAD SAFETY
Partnership hosted a free interactive webinar alongside the National Young Rider Forum last month. The webinar was aimed at parents and new or young riders aged 16 to 24 to help them develop the skills and knowledge to stay safe. It covered licence requirements, personal protective equipment, the science of being seen, and advice on the CBT.
SHED AND BURIED
HENRY COLE IS BACK ON THE TELLY THIS month (was he ever really off it?) with a new series of Shed & Buried. Cole and his gang are emitting their curious retro collector/restorer/petrolhead vibe on the Quest channel on Freeview channel 12 right now, and it is generally worth a look, if only for Allen Millyard. www.henrycole.tv
AKRAPOVIČ HRC RALLY-RAID DEAL
AKRAPOVIČ HAS EXTENDED ITS partnership with Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) in the World RallyRaid off-road championship. The deal sees the Slovenian pipe maker supply high-end race exhausts for Honda’s CRF450 Rally, including the Dakar Rally in January.
MV AT MILAN WATCH WEEK
ANYONE WORRIED THAT MV AGUSTA might be considering a move downmarket can rest easy after the firm showed off its bikes at a chic luxury watch event in Milan. The Varese firm showcased some of its most exclusive pieces of motorcycle art during the Milano Watch Week exhibition at Terrazza Martini and at a series of invitation-only events in the city.
Four-day week to become the norm?
Acouple of years ago, between June and December 2022, 61 employers ran a trial organised by non-profit 4 Day Week Global that involving 2900 workers to see how a four-day week would pan out.
Companies, which included a range of organisations from diverse sectors and sizes, were not required to rigidly deploy one particular type of working time reduction or four-day week, so long as pay was maintained at 100% and employees had a ‘meaningful’ reduction in work time. As there is no one-size-fitsall process, employers were permitted to tailor the programme to their needs.
According to a report on Autonomy.work, the trial “was a resounding success. Of the 61 companies that participated, 56 are continuing with the four-day week (92%), with 18 confirming the policy is a permanent change.”
The report also noted that “employees also found it easier to balance their work with both family and social commitments – for 54%, it was easier to balance work with household jobs – and employees were also more satisfied with their household finances, relationships and how their time was being managed.” Further, 60% found an increased ability to combine paid work with care responsibilities, and 62% said combining work with social life was easier.
But as a story on the BBC noted, the trial didn’t work universally: “Some firms
abandoned the experiment; others haven’t yet made the move to adopt the format full-time. Even those firms continuing with reduced hours are navigating new challenges arising from shortened workweeks.”
One firm, engineering and industrial supplies company Allcap, joined the trial but rushed the process across its five sites and eventually quit two months early. It
A
shorter working week is looking more and more inevitable
Labour MP Peter Dowd
found that as opposed to ten normal workdays, employees would have nine extreme ones, and once they got to their scheduled day off, they were exhausted. With holidays, sickness, and caring responsibilities, the firm also found it hard to find cover for an employee on their rest day.
And earlier this year, Morrisons scrapped fourday working weeks for its head office staff following feedback. To make the fourday week work, staff had to work some Saturdays, which resulted in complaints and dissatisfaction.
But another trial being run in October, this time organised by the 4 Day Week Campaign in partnership with flexible working consultancy Timewise, with research support provided by the
University of Cambridge, Boston College and the Autonomy Institute. The results of the trial will be presented to the government, which is said to be thinking about enhancing flexible working rights with a new right to work four-days a week – albeit the same pay for the same number of hours.
However, the Department for Business and Trade said: “Any changes to employment legislation will be consulted on, working in partnership with business.” It’s unclear how the change will be made – if at all – but one option is to make it harder for employers to refuse a request.
An ITN report noted that campaigners hope the government will see the fourday work week as a route to bringing much-needed change to the UK. Indeed, Labour MP Peter Dowd, commented: “With the rollout of artificial intelligence… a shorter working week is looking more and more inevitable.” Another Labour MP, Clive Lewis, has spoken about the societal need for change, saying that “overwork, burnout, and mental health issues are far too common, a four-day week is desperately needed.”
Whatever the government plans – or does not plan – employers may want to consider what a four-day working week might mean for them and, in particular, whether joining a voluntary trial might be worth exploring. While nothing has yet been announced, there is a chance of change.
MCIA claims industry credit for bike theft drop
Good news for the biking world from the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA), which reports a decline in the bike theft rate of 7.9% year-on-year.
The total number of bikes stolen in the first eight months of 2024 was significantly down – around a fifth less than in 2017. The association suggests this is down to a number of factors, including industry initiatives such as the MCIA Secured scheme, advancements in security technologies introduced by manufacturers, public awareness campaigns, and enhanced law enforcement collaboration.
Tony Campbell, MCIA CEO said: “The sustained decrease
in motorcycle thefts is a clear indication that coordinated industry-wide efforts are yielding positive results, providing hope for even lower theft rates in the future, and hopefully a reduction in insurance premiums. Whilst this is encouraging news, the volumes of stolen motorcycles being recovered post-theft has dropped significantly, meaning it is likely more are being shipped abroad.
The MCIA, representing the sector, is working closely with authorities to see what can be done at the main ports in order to understand the scale of the problem and put in place measures to combat the issue.”
MCIA
02476 408000 info@mcia.co.uk / www.mcia.co.uk
New finance deals from Kawasaki
THERE IS GOOD NEWS FOR customers, as Kawasaki has launched a new consumer finance deal, with 0% interest on bikes under 650cc with a HP agreement, or 5.9% interest on PCP deals. The offer covers the Z125, Ninja 125, Z500, Ninja 500, Eliminator 500, Z650, Z650RS, Ninja 650, Vulcan S and Versys 650 models. The offer requires a £999 deposit, and applies to 2024 bikes.
Buyers of bigger machines aren’t forgotten, there’s a £900 contribution to deposit
or official accessories on the Z900, Z900 SE, Z900RS and Z900RS SE, with £1000 on the Ninja 1000SX, Versys 1000 or Ninja ZX-10R.
Craig Watson, sales and marketing manager at Kawasaki Motors UK, said: “With these latest offers, there has never been a better time to buy your first, or next, Kawasaki! We’re really excited to be bringing back our 0% offer for the first time in a long time, allowing customers to end the year riding away on their dream Kawasaki.”
Benefits of the Bikesure Dealer Scheme:
• Specialist SchemesMulti-bikes, 125cc & scooters, Classic Bikes, Electric Bikes Plus much more
• Dealer point of sale supplies provided
TJW Groombridge closes landmark site
he extensive John W Groombridge Motorcycles site at Cross-inHand, which has been a landmark on the Eastbourne to Tunbridge Wells Road since 1951, ceased trading on 28 September after 73 years in business.
Long-time employee Keith O’Regan, who purchased the business from Clive and Keith Walton in August 2020, said: “I know many people are shocked and saddened by the news, none more than myself and the fantastic team that has worked tirelessly alongside me since I took ownership four years ago. It’s not been an easy decision to reach, but due to continuously rising costs, pressure within the industry, reduced profits, and the current economic climate, the business has become non-viable.
“Over the last 13 years at JWG, I have met lots of amazing people, many of whom have become friends and I would like to thank all those who have contacted me and the team for their kind words and support during this difficult time.
“I would also like to thank our many customers, and, of course, all those who have worked for the company and I wish them all the best in their future endeavours.”
Groombridge celebrated 60 years as a Suzuki dealer earlier this year. Dealer
principal Keith O’Regan and his wife Tracy were presented with a long service award at this year’s Suzuki dealer conference.
When Clive and Keith Walton took over the business in 2006, they transformed the site into a one-stop destination for bike enthusiasts, at the same time maintaining a small business personal touch.
In 2009, a two-story building was opened to house a new Suzuki showroom and workshop along with a large clothing and helmet showroom. Developments continued when Groombridge got the Kawasaki franchise in 2010. At that time, the new Kawasaki showroom was the only one in East Sussex and also served
Climbing for charity
MITAS MOTORCYCLE TYRE’S SALES manager, Steve Smith, is preparing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for two important charities: The Down’s Syndrome Association and Young Lives vs Cancer. The charities hold special significance for Steve as his son, Alfie, was diagnosed with Down’s syndrome at ten days old and with Leukaemia in February 2020. Young Lives vs Cancer provided invaluable support to the family during this challenging time, and after two years of treatment, Alfie has made a full recovery.
The Kilimanjaro Challenge is organised by Discover Adventure, a company that specialises in providing challenges to help raise funds for charities. Steve’s climb is considered one of the most extreme challenges, with the final ascent to the summit at 5985m followed by a long descent to Millennium Camp.
Steve says he is grateful for the support received so far and encourages more to contribute. Fundraising has already reached more than £1500, and donations can be made at: donate.com/fundraising/ kilimanjaro-clamber.
West Kent. Other developments included remodelling the original building into a modern MOT test station, adding a tyre fitting bay and installing another stateof-the-art workshop.
In 2015, a new two-story showroom was added to the front of the original building. It provided maximum visibility in both directions from the road, with the ground floor given over to Kawasaki with service reception area and Royal Enfield showroom.
Former owner of John Groombridge Motorcycles Clive Walton, who died in 2022, had a career in the motor trade spanning more than 40 years, during which time he worked with his brother Keith. From 1979 to 1988, they ran a motorcycle business in Hailsham Road, Heathfield, Sussex, before moving into the car business. In 2006, they acquired the Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Royal Enfield dealership from the Groombridge family, and under their management, the business saw significant growth in turnover. Clive played a key role in remodelling and updating the business, establishing it as a prominent multifranchise dealership in the South East. In 2020, Keith and Clive retired, and the business was successfully transitioned to long-term employee Keith O’Regan.
The 2019 Suzuki Dealer Conference/Awards in York where John W Groombridge Motorcycles was presented with a 55 year’s service award. From left to right: Nobuo Suyama, managing director, Suzuki GB PLC, Jean Walton and Clive Walton
Steve Smith with Alfie and Mount Kilimanjaro’s 5985m challenge
Gift a life-saving bike to Africa with charity Riders for Health
The Riders for Health charity is one of the best-known in the bike world, thanks to its work at MotoGP and other events. And it does an incredible job, supplying healthcare workers in poor parts of Africa with motorcycle transport. Tough go-anywhere bikes help doctors, nurses and other workers get about where roads are in poor condition or nonexistent.
The charity that supports Riders for Health, Two Wheels For Life, has just launched a new “Gift a Motorcycle” campaign aimed at businesses and individuals who want to pay or donate their own motorcycle. The cost is £1400, which will buy a Yamaha AG100 for health workers in the Republic of The Gambia in West Africa. The AG100 is specially designed for the job, with an enclosed chain, fork gaiters, front and rear carrier, crash bars, and a super-tough air-cooled reed-valve twostroke engine. Gift Aid can be added, and the cost is also tax-deductible as a charitable donation.
Zoe Herron-Coleman, head of communications at Two Wheels for Life, said: “What’s great about the Gift a Motorcycle campaign is that the individuals and companies taking part will have the satisfaction of knowing that a community nurse is using the actual vehicle they have donated to deliver vital, life-
saving care to vulnerable communities. It’s the first time we’ve done anything like this, and we hope that the chance to provide a motorcycle to a nurse working in one of the most challenging environments in the world will appeal to the practical and generous nature of the wonderful people in the world of motorcycles.
“When donating to a charity, it’s often not clear where the money donated is going, so we hope that donors being able to see their name or logo on the motorcycle they fund and knowing exactly how it will make a difference will inspire many businesses and individuals to support this very special campaign.”
Two Wheels For Life has currently raised enough for 16 out of the targeted 35 motorcycles from businesses, including Malle London, Yell4Repairs, Pinhoe Garages, and Potski Media (the charity’s PR agency).
David Carter from Pinhoe Garages in Exeter said: “We saw the stand at the ABR Festival in June and chatted with everyone there. Initially, we were going to make a financial donation, but we had a chat about donating a whole bike between us. This quickly turned into a bike each as their need for bikes is greater than our need for the money!”
Further info on the campaign here: www.twowheelsforlife.org/ donate-save-lives-win-2024/ gift-a-motorcycle.
Area Sales Manager
Covec gets the boot
Hampshire-based motorcycle apparel manufacturer and distributor Covec has been selected as the UK distributor for Forma Boots. The well-known Italian boot brand produces a wide range of motorcycle boots and is a useful addition to Covec’s expanding collection of apparel now available to dealers. It comes after the recent inclusion of the Macna and Dane clothing ranges, alongside Covec’s own award-winning Bull-it jeans range – see page 50 for info on next year’s products.
Founded in 1999, Forma offers a range of boots to meet every rider’s needs and budget. The comprehensive 2025 boot range certainly looks expansive enough to meet the needs of urban, adventure, touring, and trials riders, as well as world championship offroad racers, World Superbike, and MotoGP riders.
Agnese Wisniewska, head of sales at Forma Boots S.p.A, has expressed enthusiasm and pride regarding the partnership with Covec,
viewing it as a significant opportunity for growth within the UK market: “Forma’s focus on quality and innovation, achieved through meticulous model studies, cutting-edge technologies, and the use of premium materials, underscores our ambition to develop products that meet the demands of the market”.
Keith Bloxsome, founder and managing director of Covec, has emphasized that incorporating Forma boots into its portfolio enhances the already strong product line-up and aligns with Covec’s corporate and manufacturing values. He is confident in its ability to elevate Forma’s brand presence and sales through the dealer network.
Covec 01489 582707 sales@covec.co.uk
Fowlers optimises OptiMate
THE KEY COLLECTION AT Fowler’s has announced a new partnership offering dealers access to the full range of OptiMate motorcycle battery chargers and accessories. The new deal allows retailers to efficiently manage orders by integrating OptiMate products with other popular lines from the multi-award-winning Bristol-based wholesaler.
In addition to the new OptiMate range, dealers have access to a diverse range of products, including clothing from Weise and Duchinni Youth, Gear Gremlin accessories, Kovix security, S100 bike care products, Silkolene lubricants, Ugly Fish eyewear, and Scottoiler, all under the The Key Collection banner.
Workshop-focused dealers can also add OptiMate products to their daily spare parts orders via Fowler’s Parts. The firm offers genuine parts from 17 leading manufacturers, including Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki, KTM, and Triumph. Next-working-day delivery is available on all orders received before 6pm.
Lee Martin, operations manager at OptiMate’s importer ProBike, is excited about the benefits
The Key Collection brings to the brand: “OptiMate is the most trusted name in motorcycle battery chargers, and working with The Key Collection significantly increases our reach through the dealer network. Ultimately, that makes OptiMate easier for riders
to find and buy, which is good news for everyone.”
Steve Phillips, senior manager at The Key Collection, shares Martins’s enthusiasm: “Thanks to OptiMate’s reputation for quality and reliability, it’s the perfect fit for our other brands. Adding it to our portfolio was, quite simply, a no-brainer!”
In addition to battery chargers and maintainers, OptiMate also offers a range of monitors and testers, as well as cables for charging and powering most popular devices and accessories.
To find out more see our launch preview coverage on page 46, or visit: www.thekeycollection.co.uk; www.fowlersparts.co.uk.
Administrators take control of Pidcock Motorcycles
Pidcock Motorcycles has entered administration, leading to the closure of two of its dealerships. The longestablished retailer, which had franchises for BMW, Ducati, and Triumph, went into administration on 21 October after experiencing a prolonged period of challenging trading conditions.
Founded in Beeston, Nottinghamshire, and Long Eaton, Derbyshire, in 1975, Pidcock Motorcycles has served the East Midlands for almost 50 years. The company’s closure is believed to be linked to rising operational costs and a decline in consumer demand.
Nathan Jones and John Lowe, partners at FRP Advisory, have been appointed as joint administrators. They confirmed the permanent shutdown of the Ducati dealership on Queens Road in Beeston and the Pidcock Triumph site on Tamworth Road in Long Eaton. These closures will result in 18 job losses.
The administrators noted that they have received interest in the BMW site on Fields Farm Road in Long Eaton and are actively considering offers from potential buyers.
All sales at the company’s three sites have been temporarily halted to ensure a structured and carefully
managed process for retrieving vehicles already purchased by customers. Customer deposits will be protected throughout the administration process. FRP Advisory has
stated its commitment to maintaining open lines of communication and will provide detailed updates regarding how customers can retrieve their vehicles or reclaim their deposits.
With financial editor Roger Willis
Another biker brand carve-up
The iconic US motorcycle brand Bell Helmets and its recently associated bigleague motocross apparel brand Fox Racing, have fallen into the hands of a new team of private equity investors. Strategic Value Partners has bought them as part of a cash deal apparently worth a cool $1.125bn (£862m in proper money).
They were included in a portfolio of other brands –Giro, Bushnell, Stone Glacier, Camelbak, Sims, Camp Chef, Primos and QuietKat – during an assets carve-up of previous owner Vista Outdoors Inc. Taken together, they constituted Vista’s Revelyst group of companies, built up over the past two decades. Bell, along with some of the other brands, had been acquired by Vista for $400m in 2016. Fox Racing was added
operations to attract buyers, reducing workforce headcount and streamlining production facilities to just three locations, at Irvine and San Diego in California, and Bozeman in Montana. Its adventure sports, outdoor performance and precision sports technology brands were concentrated across these sites. A press release from Strategic Value Partners subsequently said its investment would “unlock
Quite what the outcome for a truly historic enterprise like Bell Helmets will be is a moot point. Founded as Bell Auto Parts in 1933, it was acquired by Roy Richter in 1945 and he produced a first batch of production helmets in 1954. These featured polyurethane foam liners and hand-laminated fibreglass outer shells. Bell moved to Long Beach, California in 1968, from where the first
Riddell to form Bell-Riddell in 1980. The Bell-Riddell motorcycle division was sold in 1991, becoming Bell Helmets. The rest was renamed Bell Sports until the auto racing division was sold and split into Bell Racing Company North America and Bell Racing Europe in 1999. Bell Sports reacquired Bell Helmets in 2002 and it merged into Easton-Bell in 2006, ten years before the Vista acquisition. In 2023, Vista Outdoors was notable for slashing the number of Californian Bell employees in an attempt to integrate relevant motorcycle brands into Fox Racing.
In a separate deal from the Strategic Value Partners purchase, Vista Outdoors hastily remonikered a second corporate entity alongside Revelyst as Kinetic Group, to sell off its lucrative but
Brembo in shock move
Leading Italian automotive and motorcycle brake manufacturer Brembo, has swallowed Swedishbased suspension systems specialist Öhlins Racing in a £310m ($405m) cash deal – Brembo’s biggest-ever acquisition.
Brembo executive chairman Matteo Tiraboschi, said Öhlins was a “strong fit” which would help to expand its offerings for the automotive and motorcycle markets.”
Since its foundation in 1976, by Kenth Öhlin, the business has had a chequered ownership background. Early success for Öhlins suspension in World Motocross Championships, in the hands of Yamaha riders Heikki Mikkola and Hakan Carlqvist, attracted factory interest. And so, in 1986, Yamaha Motor bought a big stake in Öhlins Racing.
Öhlins Racing chief executive Thomas Wittenschlaeger was altogether more effusive: “It will represent a marriage of two iconic brands, engendering iconic performance, iconic style, and reflecting a long history of sporting success, from Formula One to MotoGP and NASCAR.
“In that we have dedicated ourselves to defining the paradigm of ride dynamics and racing suspension across innumerable vehicle platforms, we see the opportunity to become a member of the worldrenowned Brembo team at a segment-redefining moment.”
World Superbike star Noriyuki Haga would go on to win a first WSBK race for Yamaha using Öhlins electronic suspension in 2008. But by then Öhlins Racing had already partnered with US automotive components manufacturer Tenneco, to develop its controlled electronic suspension (CES) for cars in 1998 and founder Kenth Öhlin had reclaimed a 95% shareholding in his company during 2007.
However, Tenneco bought a majority Öhlins stake in 2018 and subsequently took 100% of the firm with backing from the private equity arm of its asset-rich financial parent Apollo Global Management. Apollo/Tenneco has now sold this on to Brembo.
Bombardier’s fiddlesome figures
Canadian powersports giant Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), best known in the UK for Can-Am branding on ATVs, ORVs and road-going trikes, doesn’t make life easy for those attempting to explain the financial performance of its business activities. A tendency to swerve away from GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) into the convenient rabbit-hole of non-IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) measures might be acceptable in Canada’s refrigerated hinterland. But such moves would be deemed suspicious elsewhere! An odd-ball current financial year, starting on a 1 February 2024 and finishing on 31 January 2025, doesn’t help much either, particularly when content isn’t especially attractive.
Six-monthly BRP 2025 results through to 31 July 2024 were typical. Leaving the grid in GAAP formation, they admitted that revenue had slumped by 25.6% to £2.15bn. However, rather than sticking to a straightforward and widely applied operating profit indicator, (EBIT, earnings before interest and tax), BRP chose the deeply questionable yardstick of EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation
Global recall hits Royal Enfield
LUCKILY FOR ROYAL ENFIELD’S INDIAN parent Eicher Motors, the company enjoyed a bumper profit in the first quarter of its current fiscal year to the end of June. Q1 earnings reportedly surged by more than 20% year-on-year to just over £100m. Overall quarterly revenue from operations, which also include truck and bus assembly, grew by in excess of 10% to almost £400m. In both cases, analyst estimates were
and amortisation) instead. Legendary US equities investor Warren Buffett, one of the world’s richest men, famously abused EBITDA as “bullshit profit’. Worse, BRP’s EBITDA to 31 July has been “normalised” by non-IFRS intervention from its bean counters, falling by 47.6% to £248.8m.
They admitted that revenue had slumped by 25.6% to £2.15bn
We were then given alternative versions of half-yearly net income at 31 July. On a GAAP basis, BRP recorded a net loss of £111,000, plunging from a net profit of £275.1m in the equivalent period of 2023. However, non-IFRS “normalisation” translated this into a £66.3m net profit, versus a £249.6m net profit in 2023.
Three-monthly Q2 numbers to 31 July received similar intermittent treatment. Revenue was 33.7% down to £1.027bn. “Normalised” non-IFRS EBITDA sank by 58% to £110.7m. GAAP-calculated net income featured a mere £4m profit, compared to £189m in Q2 2023. NonIFRS “normalisation” modified that to a net profit of £25.9m, against £142.5m.
under-estimated. Strong domestic sales of higher-margin motorcycle models, such as the Himalayan 450 and Interceptor 650, were largely held responsible.
However, towards the end of Q2 in September, Eicher was obliged to announce a global recall affecting motorcycles it had manufactured between November 2022 and March 2023. This followed emergence of a defect involving rear and side reflectors fitted to some of these machines, potentially scuppering their visibility in lowlight conditions.
While the company claims that the issue has only been identified in a small number of manufactured units, the exact figure remains undisclosed. But it
Gloom and dodgy bean counting aside, BRP is nevertheless enhancing product lines. These include new Can-Am Outlander 850 and 1000R ATVs, the CanAm Maverick R Max ORV range and a new Can-Am Canyon three-wheeler. It has also formally launched a return to powered twowheelers, via Can-Am Pulse and Can-Am Origin electric motorcycle introduction.
Given an 18% slump in North American powersport retail sales, BRP chief executive José Boisjoli is forthright about some of the woes afflicting his business. These, he admits, will see full-year 2025 revenue decline from the previous year’s £5.786bn to somewhere between £4.354bn and £4.466bn.
“Our results were in line with expectations and reflect an ongoing focus on reducing network inventory to maintain our dealer value proposition,” Boisjoli said. “We have made great strides on that front. But the retail environment is more challenging, with the economic context pressuring consumer demand. As such, our priority is to continue proactively managing production and inventory levels, which leads us to revise year-end guidance.”
Canadian dollar to Sterling translation at forex rates applicable on 2 October
acknowledges that rider safety could be at risk if reflectors fail to function properly and has therefore opted for a widespread recall and replacement.
Royal Enfield is planning for dealerships to carry out replacements, obviously at no cost to motorcycle owners, in phases. Besides Indian home turf, the programme will start in South Korea before expanding to other international markets, including the US, Canada, Latin America, Europe and the UK. While cost per replacement item and fitment time of about 15 minutes will be trivial, the exercise in its entirety is bound to be expensive.
Rupee-Sterling currency translation at forex rates applicable on 3 October
Global share prices
A snapshot of motorcycle and ATV industry share performance across key manufacturers and major global markets at the trading week closure on Friday 18 October. BDN financial editor Roger Willis reports
USA
– ECONOMIC RECOVERY REWARDED
A plethora of excellent third-quarter results from major Wall Street banks, hi-tech US manufacturers and leading mega-buck consumer brand of the Apple ilk continued to drive investor sentiment upwards, pushing New York stocks to fresh highs.
Market indices mounted to close comfortably positive, with S&P’s MidCap 400 in the lead, 1.4% up. The blue-chip S&P 500 added 0.9%, NASDAQ’s Composite put on 0.8% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 1%. Most US powersports share prices benefited. However, NASDAQ-listed electric bike makers took a hammering. The abrupt bankruptcy of its star turn, Italian sparky superbike manufacturer Energica, saw Ideanomics plunge in value. And Chinese electric delivery scooter champion Niu also suffered yet another a sell-off.
EUROPE – INTEREST RATE BOOSTER
The European Central Bank cut eurozone interest rates by 0.25 percentage points to 3.25%, thus elevating key market indices. Frankfurt’s Xetra Dax and the FTSE MIB in Milan respectively climbed by 1.5% and 2.6% as investors cheered. However, the four automotive manufacturers with motorcycling presences floundered as their Q3 results loomed. Worst afflicted was Austria’s KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas and MV Agusta parent Pierer Mobility, which is still reeling from its halfyear collapse in profitability.
JAPAN – SOBERING MOOD
Japanese corporate sentiment waned as the release of half-year and Q3 reports became increasingly imminent. The key Tokyo/ Osaka Nikkei 225 stock index fell by 1.6% as gloom spread. Among the four big indigenous motorcycle-associated brands, only Yamaha –which is now three quarters of the way through its untypically calendar-based fiscal year –displayed a glimmer of positivity.
INDIA – CASHING IN THEIR CHIPS?
Mumbai’s two key market indices, S&P’s BSE Sensex 30 and the NSE Nifty 50, were stuck in a third consecutive week of negative trading, with respective losses of 0.2% and 0.4%. Among the five major Indian motorcycle manufacturers,
only Royal Enfield parent Eicher managed to escape a share price decline. Speculative profittaking was almost certainly responsible for Bajaj Auto’s sharp sell-off after several months of rampant gains.
CHINA – LAST MINUTE SAVIOUR
Chinese stocks suddenly recovered in volatile trading sessions, after a face-saving and damage-limitation weekend press conference exercise by the Beijing government’s finance ministry. This finally announced some realistic details of plans to stimulate China’s struggling economy. Market indices evidenced the bounceback. Shanghai’s SSE Composite put on 1.4% and the blue-chip Shanghai/Shenzhen CSI 300 rose by 1%. Many biker stocks had been able to hang onto much of their gains accrued in the previous rally.
USA
Europe
Japan
India
China (yuan)
Customer shortage ends Energica’s rocky road
Mercurial Modena-based electric motorcycle manufacturer, Energica has filed for a “bankruptcy judicial liquidation” under Italian insolvency law. This will, according to its beleaguered board of directors, “allow repayment of creditors to an extent possible from the proceeds of liquidation”. No doubt such creditors shouldn’t hold out much hope of any worthwhile recompense.
Originally founded in 2014 as a spinoff from Franco and Livia Cevolini’s CRP Group motorsports business, Energica’s rocky road began with an earlier electric race bike design in 2009. More practical prototypes were developed and these progressed to production in 2016, funded by a listing on the Borsa Italiana’s small-cap AIM (Alternative Investment Market) Italia – since renamed as Euronext Growth Milan. This capitalised the company to the tune of €37.3m (£31.2m).
Energica’s highest profile came in 2018, when MotoGP promoter Dorna chose it
as sole motorcycle supplier for the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup championship, a role held for four seasons. The company remained tight on cash and short of new investors, though, until the NASDAQlisted US company Ideanomics intervened with finance for a new Experia model launch in 2021. It reportedly achieved a record sales volume and tripled annual revenue to €13m.
Ideanomics, which billed itself as a global company focused on accelerating the commercial adoption of electric vehicles, then mounted a successful takeover bid in March 2022, acquiring a 72.42% equity shareholding. Energica was delisted from Milan’s Borsa Italiana and privatised. The Cevolini family was left with a minority 17.62% stake but only a measure of operational control. Whoever owns the missing 9.96% was unlucky too.
Their relationship with Ideanomics proved to be a poison chalice. According to the swansong statement from Energica directors, a subsequent crisis
in the electric market (presumably a widely recognised shortage of customers for high-performance and premiumpriced ePTWs) and an associated decline in sector investments, impacted Ideanomics’ room for manoeuvre and consequently compromised Energica’s capabilities for attracting new investors.
In fact, Ideanomics has been in trouble for some time, with its share price calculated in a few cents rather than dollars. The company has also recently been under investigation by the US Securities and Exchange Commission regulator for issuing potentially misleading or fraudulent financial reports. Full-year results from Ideanomics published in June this year revealed a net loss of $234m. And aptly-named chief executive Alf Poor, announced that it would be henceforth reorganising its business to concentrate on last-mile and local delivery EVs, effectively condemning his corporate dalliance with high-end recreational electric steeds to oblivion.
NEW DEALER PARTNERS REQUIRED IN SELECTED AREAS PLEASE CONTACT ED@VMOTO.COM FOR FURTHER INFO
Police taking illegal e-bikes off the streets
UK law on e-bicycles and scooters is a mess. But the police are now, it seems, trying to do something about the more egregious breaches in the legal mishmash surrounding the new urban mobility kit – by seizing illegal high-powered e-bikes. The law limits the top speed of electrically assisted bicycles to 15.5mph. If a bike can operate without being pedalled, then it’s legally viewed as a motorcycle, so it needs type approval, registration, VED, MOT, insurance and licence to go with it.
So police across the country have been setting traps for users of illicit machinery, stopping bicycles that are too fast or magically traversing steep hills without the rider pedalling. ITV news recently reported on an e-bicycle seized in the
City of London that could do 70mph and had 6000 miles on the odometer!
Out of 46 police forces, 27 responded to a recent freedom of information request. The figures revealed an 83% increase in seizures over the past year. The majority of offenses appear to be linked to courier and food delivery riders. While the riders themselves may face charges for various road traffic offenses, most forces opt to confiscate and destroy the bikes instead.
The real root of the problem – the lack of a modern legal structure around new urban mobility machinery – doesn’t seem likely to change any time soon, because there is still no sign of a Transport Bill from the UK government to put e-scooter and e-bicycle use on a proper footing.
F1 E-scooter firm hits funding target
F1 E-SCOOTER COMPANY PURE Electric, has achieved its funding goal by securing £2.27m in investment. This injection of capital comes on top of the £60m already personally invested by Adam Norris, the father of F1 driver Lando Norris and the owner of Pure Electric. Despite facing hurdles in obtaining road legal status, the e-scooter market is showing significant growth, and Pure Electric says it is poised to take advantage of this expansion.
Slinky Glide produce bearing kits for wheels, swingarm and suspension linkage, as well as upgrade tapered bearing headrace kits.
CALIPER REBUILD KITS
TRK caliper kits cover a huge range of models including over five decades of motorcycles. TRK stainless steel brake pistons come with lifetime guarantee.
CHAIN & SPROCKET KITS
Large range of DID chain & sprocket kits with the choice of Afam or JT sprockets. All kits are listed to model of bike with standard size front & rear sprocket with a choice of DID chain
Registrations data
Alternative powered two wheeler registrations for September 2024
With September’s mainstream newplate registrations mired in a separate set of woes, typical batteryelectric volume suffered a lonely decline. Should we cheer that its market share of total monthly registrations rose to a meagre 3.2% from 3.1% year-on-year? Perhaps not. Actual numbers dropped by 10.9% to just 366 units.
The up-to-4kW moped sector was 30.9% down to 132, led by 20 examples of the dirt bikestyled Sur-Ron Light Bee.
4-11kW products in the A1 licence arena equivalent to 125cc were 12.6% up to 206. Best-sellers were a 39-strong fleet of SurRon’s similarly off-road inspired Ultra Bee.
And then, as usual, quantities plunged to a
gestural level. Sinking by 33.3%, the 11-35kW sector harboured only eight machines. Seven of them were BMW Motorrad’s premium (i.e. over-priced) CE 04 maxiscooters. The 35kWplus sector was far worse, containing precisely two unidentified electric motorcycles. They represented a 77.8% retreat. The mysteriously “exempt” category flaunted a 133.3% increase to 14 bikes, half of which were 2.5kW Electric Motion Epure Factor-e models. Another four bikes of unknown provenance completed the tally.
Overall year-to-date electric registrations have now risen by 2.6% to 2977 units. Year-on-year share of the entire UK PTW market has flatlined at 3.3%.
The Sur-Ron Ultra Bee was the month’s best-seller
Off-road news
With
off-road correspondent Rick Kemp
Triumph launches Carmichael 450
Triumph has launched the TF 450-RC Edition, named after motocross and supercross champion Ricky Carmichael. He has been involved with Triumph’s motocross programme since its inception, and the bikes feature his own specifications and signature graphics.
The TF 450-RC Edition claims to have the highest power-to-weight ratio in its class. The new 450cc competition powertrain is compact, mass-optimised, and designed for exceptional power, control, and flexibility, says Triumph.
Steve Sargent, Triumph’s chief product officer, explained: “Triumph revealed the long-awaited TF 250-X at the end of 2023, marking the debut of an all-new range of off-road motorcycles. Now, we have a brand new 450cc competition motocross powertrain developed with the expertise of Ricky Carmichael, who is undoubtedly the best in the business. The TF 450-RC Edition sets a new standard in the 450cc motocross class with its balance of power,
precision, and durability. It’s only fitting that the first edition bears Ricky’s name.”
The colour scheme combines black and white with Triumph Performance Yellow accents. It also features Carmichael’s iconic number 4, the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) logo, and key sponsor details, adding a competition touch.
The single-cylinder, SOHC 450cc engine is specifically built for racing. It features top-tier components, including a Konig forged aluminium piston for strength and durability at high speeds, and DelWest titanium valves for improved airflow and faster actuation. The five-speed gearbox comes with a quick-shifter for clutch-less upshifts from 2nd to 5th gear.
The TF 450-RC is also equipped with a cutting-edge engine management and intake/exhaust system, featuring an integrated Dellorto throttle body. This system allows riders to adjust various parameters, such as traction control and launch control, via the MX Tune Pro smartphone app, offering adaptable
performance for varying track conditions. The TF 450-RC also features selectable engine maps, including a unique map customized by Carmichael. Launch control is handled by the XTrig holeshot device, which preloads the front suspension to lower the centre of gravity and reduce front wheel lift for quicker acceleration.
The aluminium chassis contributes to its class-leading power-to-weight ratio, providing exceptional rigidity for mounting the KYB AOS (Air-Oil Separation) coil front suspension and the three-way piggyback rear shock.
This new model comes with highspecification ancillaries, including D.I.D DirtStar rims with Dunlop Geomax MX34 tyres and Brembo brake calipers with Galfer discs. Specialist equipment and accessories range from an Akrapovič titanium exhaust with a dedicated engine map, to a WiFi module kit, and air filter covers to a Gripper seat.
The TF 450-RC will retail from £10,695. www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk.
Husqvarna Pro Enduro for 2025
Husqvarna has unveiled new Pro Enduro models for 2025: the two-stroke TE 300 Pro and the four-stroke FE 350 Pro. Both bikes have been refined to improve looks and handling.
Riders get updated WP XACT closed cartridge forks, with a new adjustable spring preloaded base valve for improved high-speed compression damping. The WP XACT rear shock is adjustable by hand to allow a personalised suspension set-up.
The engine management system enables customisation of power delivery on both models. A choice of two engine maps can be selected to suit the terrain or the rider’s preference. The system also allows
KTM celebrates 50 years with EXC Champions Editions
for further fine-tuning of the FE 350 Pro engine, with standard features such as traction control and a quickshifter.
Both models share an extensive list of technical accessories, including Factory Racing wheels with highstrength Excel Takasago rims, Pro Taper handlebars, Galfer brake discs, Brembo clutch and brake systems, a Supersprox Stealth rear sprocket, and front and rear disc protectors. Soft ODI grips, a dark grey seat cover with additional ribs for extra grip, and a skid plate with added linkage protection are also included.
The 2025 TE 300 Pro and FE 350 Pro will be available for retail prices of £11,999 and £12,199, respectively.
IN 1974, KTM WON ITS FIRST 250CC MOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP with racer Gennadij Moiseev, marking the beginning of the firm’s motorsports journey. In 1990, KTM claimed the inaugural Enduro World Championship title with riders Paul Edmondson and Peter Hansson. Now, with over 50 years experience and more than 340 world titles to its name, KTM has introduced the Champions Edition to pay tribute to both past and present KTM champions.
The Champions Edition sets itself apart with a Red Bull KTM Factory Racing graphics kit, distinguishing it from the standard KTM EXC and KTM EXC Six Days ranges. In addition to the new graphics, the range includes a frame protection set, orange factory racing seat, grey ODI lock-on grips, a semi-floating front brake disc and a Supersprox Stealth rear sprocket, included among other specialised parts.
The new range encompasses the 250 and 300 EXC two-strokes, as well as three four-stroke models: 350 EXC-F, 450 EXC-F, and 500 EXC-F. These models are now available for order, with retail prices starting at £10,500 for the 250EXC and reaching £11,899 for the KTM 500 EXC-F.
24MX increases racing exposure
INFRONT MOTO RACING WELCOMED THE return of 24MX as a partner for this year’s Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations at Matterley Basin a the beginning of October. The renewed collaboration followed previous partnerships between MXGP and 24MX, bringing one of Europe’s largest online shops for spare parts, off-road gear, and accessories back into the spotlight at one of the biggest and most prestigious events in the motocross calendar.
The Motocross of Nations draws a global audience, giving 24MX the opportunity to engage with both motocross fans and riding professionals.
It is estimated that 30,000 people attended the Hampshire event, but as it was a world event, many more could have been watching coverage online, thus benefiting all the major sponsors.
Lighter lid from 6D Helmets
American company 6D Helmets has released its ATR-3 off-road helmet. Building on the legacy of the wellreceived ATR-2, the ATR-3 is designed to provide riders with high levels of protection and comfort and features an upgraded Advanced Omni-Directional Suspension (ODS) system, improved ventilation, and a lighter overall weight.
6D’s rebuildable ODS 5 system combines a multi-impact outer liner, a replaceable EPS inner liner, and elastomeric isolation dampers, making it lighter and better at absorbing impacts. The helmet also includes a magnetic chinstrap clasp, a removable roost guard, mud visor extension, integrated speaker pockets, custom titanium D-rings, and drinks tube compatibility.
Available in three shell sizes from XS to XXL, the ATR-3 comes with a three-year limited warranty at an SRP of £639.99.
Trak Industries 01403 621092
sales@trakindustries.co.uk
Business Beat
TRYING TO LOWER BUSINESS RATES
Business rates are a much-hated tax that some consider unfair, but they can be appealed
Business rates as a method of paying for local services on non-domestic property have a surprisingly long and storied history, harking as far back as the Vagabonds Act of 1572! But history aside, the fact remains that business rates are as unpopular as they are expensive, and ratepayers naturally want to find ways of reducing them.
THIRD HIGHEST OUTGOING
As for why they are so disliked, Alex Izett, a partner at Daniel Watney, says that not only are they a tax on occupation, but they’re “often the third highest outgoing for most businesses after salaries and rent.”
Worse, as he explains, “business rates are calculated based on the hypothetical rental value of the property at a specific date in time, also known as the
property’s rateable value.”
Alan Morrish, a chartered surveyor at Ameliorate Consultancy, isn’t that enamoured with business rates either.
He comments, “The rate used to calculate rate bills is far too high at circa 55p in the pound. In 1990, the rate at the point was circa 30p. Property values have increased substantially since 1990 – meaning rates have become another stealth tax.”
The attraction for government, as Morrish sees it, is that rates are easy to collect and hard to avoid: “Politicians frequently pledge to scrap or change the rating system but then realise that £30 plus billion of rates income has to be replaced by some other tax.”
It’s worth pointing out that the last rating revaluation in England and Wales came into effect from 1 April 2023 and should reflect a property’s rental value
as of 1 April 2021 – the valuation date. These values will be in effect until the next revaluation which is due to take place with effect from 1 April 2026.
DEALING WITH HIGH RATES
Now, while properties are assessed by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), part of HMRC, Izett says that ratepayers can challenge the accuracy and fairness of their assessment by registering themselves on the Check Challenge Appeal government gateway[1].
As he says, there can be several reasons for bills that are higher than they should be, and they all revolve around incorrect data held by the VOA.
This is why he says to use the Check Challenge Appeal process to examine, at the check stage – and if necessary, dispute – factual matters such as floor area, specification, age, etc. – “all of which may have an impact on the value of the assessment.”
Morrish details the process further.
He explains that “the first stage is about factual matters such as HMRC thinking that premises measure 1000m2 but in reality are 100m2.”
“The next stage,” he says, “is about matters of opinion.” By this, he means that premises are assessed at £100 per m2 but should really be £50 per m2. In this instance, he says that the onus is on the ratepayer to prove their case with evidence and detailed reasoning.
At the challenge stage, ratepayers will need to disclose the passing rent and other comparable rental evidence to support a requested reduction in the value of an assessment.
If the parties cannot agree, the ratepayer can appeal to an independent tribunal of laypeople.
Morrish emphasises that it’s important to be mindful that “properties are assessed from the desk by the VOA, so there are [likely to be] errors given the bulk valuation exercise.” He adds that the rateable value is the estimated rental value of a property based on values as of 1 April 2021; if physical changes are made to a property, then these will be reflected in its assessment – but only if the VOA becomes aware of them.
But suppose the VOA refuse to grant a reduction at the Challenge stage. In that case, a ratepayer may proceed to the Appeal stage, whereby, as Izett outlines, “both ratepayer and Valuation Officer present their respective cases to a panel of lay members to decide the correct value of the assessment.”
Another route is to see if there are any reliefs and exemptions that can be applied for – under the retail, leisure, and hospitality relief scheme, for
example, qualifying businesses can apply for 75% relief up to a cash cap limit of £110,000 per business.
Beyond that, Morrish advises looking at small business relief, which can zero a bill, but “only if the rateable value is below £12,000 and the business occupies a single property.” Izett develops the point, noting that the relief is then tapered between £12,000 and £15,000. Regardless, by definition, this won’t be of use to anything other than a very small firm.
The good news, if any, is that Labour’s manifesto pledged to scrap business rates
One final option is that there are exemptions for empty or redeveloped properties, but these have to be applied for.
Overall, though, Morrish comments that “local authorities offer very little in the way of discretionary relief these days.”
BE CAREFUL, BE SURE
As might be expected with anything procedural, there are catches, chief of which is that the process could lead to a rate rise – something referenced by Morrish, who says to “don’t draw attention to yourself unless you are sure.”
Further, there is always the risk of fraud where money is involved.
Consequently, Izett says that he would “advise seeking advice from a rating practitioner who is a member of one of the professional bodies – IRRV, RICS and RSA – before challenging
an assessment or contacting the local authority for relief.”
Further, he highly recommends “doing your homework before agreeing on instructions as, unfortunately, there are a number of rogue agents out there.”
Of course, using a third party carries a cost; a rating agency will usually charge a percentage of any actual savings achieved over the period of liability or rating list period – whichever is shorter.
LOOKING AHEAD
As for the future, ratepayers need to be aware of a change coming – a ‘Duty to Notify’ that Izett says has already been legislated for.
According to Izett, the duty will “effectively require ratepayers to provide the VOA with detailed property information via an annual return and to notify them of any property changes made within 60 days of the change.” This new duty, backed by fines and criminal sanctions, is expected to be implemented in 2026.
The good news, if any, is that Labour’s manifesto pledged to scrap business rates. But as for the reality they have yet to work out where the “lost” £30bn will come from!
EXAMINE, COMPARE, CONSIDER
Business rates aren’t going anywhere, for the moment at least. Firms should, therefore, take time to examine their position, compare data with similar premises, and consider an appeal. But they should only do so on the basis of good advice.
Expert advice to improve how you promote and sell productsyour servicesor
THE SOCIAL MEDIA MAZE
Social media has been around for close on 25 years, yet some dealers still regard it as new technology! In this new six-part series, Dan Sager at Fab-Biker PR explores the social media maze
Technology marches on, but the basic rules remain unchanged. This is as true in marketing as it is in science. Jet propulsion enables us to defy gravity and travel huge distances at great speed, but Newton’s law of universal gravitation from 1687 still applies.
Most marketing experts agree that social media should form part of a digital marketing strategy. That might sound like jargon, but put simply, familiar things like websites, email newsletters, and eBay shops all fall under the umbrella of digital marketing. We often hear people say that they need to do more on social media, but when pressed, they aren’t certain what they should be doing more of.
A good starting point is to go back to the basics of marketing and ask yourself the following three questions.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE?
At the most basic level, having a Facebook page or an Instagram profile is another way for people to find your business. If you aren’t on popular social media channels like these, then potential
customers can’t find you there.
Taking things up a gear, you can use social media to engage with your customers. It’s the ideal place to start conversations about your products and services, as well as showing the more human side of your organisation. However, without a clear objective, you won’t know what to post on your social media channels and it will be impossible to measure your success, so that needs to be defined first.
WHO ARE YOU TRYING TO REACH?
Unless you have unlimited funds to burn, marketing needs to be targeted, so you need to figure out what categories your typical customers fall into. These could be broad, such as age and sex, or rather more specific, like interests and geographic location.
WHICH IS THE BEST CHANNEL TO USE?
Once you have decided what you hope to achieve and who you want to target, you will be ready to choose the most appropriate channel. There are two things to consider at this point. Demographics is the first. The average age of a UK motorcyclist is 54, and nearly half are over 60, in which case Facebook, which is popular with older users, would be suitable. Secondly, the type of content you can produce needs to be considered. Instagram is very image-based, whereas TikTok is all about videos. Meanwhile, on X, formerly known as Twitter, you can simply post using only words.
In today’s highly connected world, businesses and brands need to be on social media and considering the above aspects will give you the best chance of success.
NEXT MONTH
We’ll take a look at Facebook, offering some basic guidelines on best practice for marketing activity
DAN SAGER
View from the top
Senior figures from the motorcycle industry give their thoughts on the future
ANGELA GOULDING HAS SERVED AS managing director of commercial assets and powersports at inventory finance firm DF Capital since the beginning of the year. Goulding and her team play a crucial part in supporting dealers, manufacturers, and distributors in the motorcycle, marine, specialist automotive, and commercial assets sectors. They provide award-winning inventory finance and top-notch customer service to help businesses grow, as well as take advantage of current commercial opportunities.
THE ROAD AHEAD
“As we navigate through the twists and turns of the past year in the motorcycle market, we are seeing that a mixture of factors – such as economic uncertainty, interest rates, unpredictable weather and changing consumer perceptions – is adding complexity to the journey ahead.
THE
ECONOMY AND RAIN!
“The UK’s interest rate environment, political uncertainty and a higher cost of living have undoubtedly impacted consumer spending behaviours. However, amidst this backdrop, some optimism is returning. The Bank of England cut interest rates in August, bringing them down from a 16-year high and this offers hope for improved consumer confidence and spending in the longer term.
“Our climate also plays a significant role. Last year, we had a very short summer season due to the late-running winter and a wet July and August – and this dampened sales somewhat. The weather this year has also remained unseasonable, with unpredictable sunny spells. It’s not quite what we were hoping for, as we tend to find that when the sun is out, and people have time off, they are often inspired to purchase a new vehicle and trade in their old one.
TRENDS
“One exciting opportunity we’re observing is the increasing interest in motorcycling among younger and more diverse groups. This emerging demographic presents a good chance for the industry to actively promote motorcycling as an inclusive and appealing activity for all ages and genders, moving beyond the outdated perception that it is primarily for older males.
“The electric powertrain segment is slowly growing, and we are currently
supporting a number of specialist players. However, potential customers have concerns about range, speed, power, and charging infrastructure. That said, recent Department for Transport statistics reveal that 71% of journeys are less than four
One exciting opportunity we’re observing is the increasing interest in motorcycling among younger and more diverse groups
Angela Goulding, DF Capital
miles, so this shouldn’t really be an issue.
“The broader category of powered light vehicles, predominantly with zero/low emission powertrains, should appeal to those with a short commute, poorer public transport connections and limited parking space. They are efficient, produce fewer emissions, and are easy to park, making them an efficient and practical form of commercial and personal mobility.
A lot will hinge on what the government is doing to motivate the uptake of these vehicles, so it will be interesting to see what happens in the next year or so. Additionally,
routes to market need to be addressed. If powered light vehicles are aiming at a different audience, they probably need to be sold and promoted in new ways – not just via traditional motorcycle retailers.
“From our perspective, this category has a lot of opportunities beyond the classic distributor network. Observing the current trends, it’s clear that manufacturers and distributors are looking beyond traditional channels to market and exploring other routes to attract a wider audience. For instance, people who own caravans or motorhomes could be interested in owning an e-bicycle to take with them on their travels. Partnerships with leisure vehicle retailers also present a promising way to expand the market, offering numerous opportunities for growth.
“We’re also seeing an upward trend in the use of electric mobility scooters, which fulfil a practical need for an ageing population. It’s a growth market, one that can benefit the lives of its users and it’s exciting to see further developments in this space.
LAST WORD
“While challenges exist, there are significant opportunities for growth and innovation across the motorcycle sector. By embracing change, adapting strategies, and fostering collaboration, these dynamic sectors have a very bright future.”
Angela Goulding, managing director of commercial assets and powersports at DF Capital
IN WITH THE NEW OUT WITH THE OLD
The LS2 helmet brand made its debut in 2007, originating from its parent company, MHR, which has an extensive history in helmet manufacturing. This year, the company celebrates 34 years of production. BDN’s Andy Mayo visited its state-of-the-art European operations centre to find out about the latest product developments for the new season
LS2’s main European distribution centre and HQ is strategically located just outside Barcelona in Terrassa, from where it services more than 7500 dealers across Europe through its five main European distributors in the UK, France, Italy, Germany and Spain. The LS2 brand has achieved a global presence, with products now sold in more than 125 countries worldwide.
The company takes pride in its wide range of products, including both entry-level and high-end GP racing helmets. There are 26 different
models available in the UK, featuring more than 155 unique designs. The Mini off-road range includes helmets for three-year-olds, and at the top end, there’s the FIM Racing homologated Thunder GP, alongside the X-Force, the first off-road helmet to achieve FIM 2 homologation. The all-new Advant II system helmet, with its 180o flip-front and dual homologation, is expected to be a top seller.
Paul Haskins, LS2’s UK sales director, is pleased with the company’s performance this year. “We have achieved further growth in sales of mid to high-end helmets, defying the challenging retail environment. Despite consumer weariness in the run-up to the election and what has been a pretty lacklustre summer, we are gearing up for an even stronger performance in 2025. Thanks to the ongoing development of new helmets and clothing
at the factory, we are confident that we have the perfect product mix to ensure another successful year. Our introduction of top-end clothing perfectly embodies our commitment to high-value, high-quality, and high-margins.”
LS2 maintains a prominent position as a helmet sponsor in the BSB series, supporting superbike riders Jason O’Halloran, Danny Kent and Andrew Irwin as well as the most successful SuperSport rider in BSB history, Jack
The 2025 product catalogue, dealer range guide and price list has already been launched. Pre-orders were available from 1 November
Kennedy, thus ensuring a strong presence at every round. LS2’s commitment has been spearheaded by Haskins, who took on the role of UK sales director six years ago. “The increase in marketing and racing support has
BDN’s Tried and Tested rating, which awarded the helmet a four-star rating – over a test of 13,500 miles.”
NEW HELMETS
LS2 showcased a range of new helmets and graphics at its 2025 product launch in Barcelona.
undeniably elevated the LS2 brand in the UK. Through our track presence and effective digital and print media strategies, we have enhanced the brand’s visibility and won some leading awards along the way. Our Vector II and Storm helmets have gathered
Among the new offerings are the Advant II flip-front system helmet, the Dragon sports touring helmet, and the updated Kid helmet.
The Kid’s newly designed shell replaces the Rapid Mini helmet, featuring a new KPA (Kinetic Polymer Alloy) shell that meets the 22.06 standard. It also comes with an anti-scratch and UVresistant visor that is Pinlock ready, as well as a removable,
The introduction of top-end clothing perfectly embodies our commitment to high-value, highquality, and high-margins
Paul Haskins, LS2 UK sales director
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multiple accolades from RiDE magazine, being recognised as Best Buys and RiDE Recommended. The Vector II, in particular, has been lauded for its exceptional fit, ventilation and included accessories, such as the Pinlock Max Vision visor insert. It has been noted as the quietest helmet in testing, a feature echoed by
Tried & Tested
washable, and hypoallergenic interior lining. The Kid helmet is available in two plain colours at £59.99 SRP and three graphic options at £69.99 SRP.
The new Dragon helmet is probably the most eyecatching helmet in the range, offering the LS2 package of high-tech construction, advanced design and
Contact
The Vector II sports touring helmet has won a series of press accolades. Graphics have been updated for the new season
Flip-front system helmets are a big seller for LS2. The new Advant II has further raised the bar set by the Valiant model when it was first launched in 2017
FOCUS ON SALES
LS2 SAYS IT IS DEDICATED TO supporting its dealer network and focuses solely on helping dealers increase product sales. The dealer sign-up process is designed to be hassle-free, with no minimum stocking requirement. Instead of using wholesalers or distributors, the company operates on a factory-direct model and does not engage in retailing. This approach enables the company to control pricing, keeping suggested retail prices competitive while ensuring that dealers make a healthy margin on sales.
CONTACT TRADE HOTLINE: 01670 856342
good-value SRPs to the mid-sector. Feature-rich and easy on the eye, the new Dragon has a full 6k carbon shell, available in three shell sizes; it comes equipped with an integrated drop-down sun visor, double-D fastening, and a Pinlock 120 Max Vision is included in the box. The new sport touring model is also ready for the LS2 4X intercom powered by Cardo. It’s available in two carbon options, one as standard weave and also the new forged carbon option at £349.99 SRP and four graphic carbon options at £379.99 SRP.
The Advant II is a brand-new helmet that fits into the modular or flip-
NEW SEASON, NEW APPAREL
LS2 LAUNCHED ITS 2025 clothing range with the new adventure-focused Apollo jacket and matching pants. This new four-season jacket tops the range and is made with a three-layer Cordura Laminate featuring a removable thermal liner and removable neck collar. It also has extensive adjustments on collars, cuffs, arms and waist for a comfortable fit. The Apollo is ready for chest and back protectors, and even comes with a built-in kidney belt. It is loaded with ventilation panels using the magnetic Fidlock system for maximum
front sector of LS2’s 2025 range. The manufacturer has a successful history here; its Valiant flip-front helmet was a big hit, and the original Advant has been a best seller for the firm. The Advant II aims to build on that success: featuring a dual KPA and carbonconstructed shell, the base design has a unique 180° rotating chin bar, auto visor lift mechanism, internal sun visor, metal micro-adjust buckle, and it comes with a Pinlock 120 Max Vision. Prices start from £249.99 SRP for a mono colour (which includes a really nice Nardo grey option) to £269.99 SRP for the five graphic options. The helmet’s new shell design offers better aerodynamic performance and extensive venting. It weighs just 1750g and is LS2 4X intercom ready.
LS2 UK SALES DIRECTOR
Paul Haskins: 07932 725119
ALWAYS AHEAD
INDEPENDENT AGENTS
• Dave Priddle: 07900 682775
South West & South Wales
• Jon Russell: 07582 512581
London & South East
• Lee Bell: 07582 178996
Midlands & North Wales
• Peter Campbell: 07966 431388
North East, North West & Scotland
• Peter Emmett: 0876 622644
Northern & Southern Ireland
breathability and ease of use for the rider. The Apollo pants have removable CE level 2 knee and hip protectors, with the knee protectors being adjustable to suit leg length. YKK zips are used all round. The jacket is available in sizes from small to 5XL at an SRP of £499.99, and the
matching pants have an SRP of £349.99, which is competitively priced for such a high-end AAArated suit. It is backed by a two-year warranty. The fast-selling Alba jacket has been replaced for the 2025 season by the new Garda Air summer mesh jacket. It uses extralarge pattern mesh fabric panels across the front and rear of the jacket, as well as on both arms. Critical impact areas are covered with ripstop fabric for extra abrasion resistance, and CE level 1 armour is fitted at the shoulders and elbows. There is also an optional CE level 2 back and chest protector. Snap-fit adjustment is provided
at the waist, arms and cuffs, allowing some extra room for a base layer if the temperature drops. The Garda Air comes in black or dark grey, with the option of red or hi-viz yellow highlights and stitching, in sizes XS-5XL in both men’s and women’s sizes, for an SRP of £119.99.
The LS2 UK team pictured alongside the top company brass. From left: Peter Cambell, Jon Russell, Peter Emmett, Paul Liao, Dave Priddle, Arthur Liao, Paul Haskins and Lee Bell. As you can see by their faces, they are all excited about the new Glitterball open face glass helmet (right) – ECE 22.06, pending testing!
Apollo mens jacket
A selection of the new 2025 glove range. From left: Octane, Hiker and the Ravin
LS2’s new Adventure boot
Artificial intelligence is everywhere, but is it good for business?
Artificial intelligence, or AI, is a technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human intelligence and problem-solving capabilities. It’s the buzzword of the decade and is being rolled out everywhere – from automated chatbots on websites to enhance customer service efficiency to online apps such as ChatGPT that can answer written questions and write documents (not this one) and apps that can edit images smartly to apply the head of one individual onto the body of another.
But AI can do so much more in the workplace. In terms of security, it can help with data analytics and surveillance; it can offer speech-to-text and text-tospeech converters; it can help target areas of a given market; it can aid datadriven business forecasting; it’s used for fraud detection and risk mitigation; and when it comes to hiring staff, it seeks to give an impartial – subject to programming - data-driven employee performance assessment.
In the right hands, AI can be a force for good. But in the wrong hands, or used incorrectly, AI can do serious damage to an individual or a business precisely because it cannot apply the nuances of life that we humans understand.
HOW AI CAN BENEFIT THE WORKPLACE
Streamline processes: None of us are experts in everything, so it makes sense to use AI to tap into knowledge and skills that we don’t possess. Consider
The Business
The latest news and views in the world of business
Is AI OK?
the spreadsheet. A formula is needed for a given calculation, but we don’t know how to write it. Rather than spending hours tapping away and hoping for the best, AI can generate what we need in seconds if asked the right question. Enhance productivity: Humans have finite concentration spans. Technology, however, doesn’t get tired or distracted. Just as we tire, AI stays alert and can stay creative. As a result, AI can help firms think outside the box.
Think about writing a job advert. A manager can scope out a job description and advert in an afternoon. But how successfully could that same manager then tailor the advert to different audiences and distinct demographics –or even languages? Again, the correct command to ChatGPT could have the system rewrite the text differently. This could save a small business much time
and money by not having to use a thirdparty recruitment provider.
Improve quality: Just as technology and automation have done much to remove the drudgery from repetitive manual tasks, AI can help employees focus on the right and productive things that both interest them and benefit the business. Not only will this mean greater levels of efficiency and productivity, but it can also help employee engagement and lower the odds of staff leaving for better and more interesting jobs.
So, returning to the spreadsheet example earlier, AI can be set to look for anomalies, errors, and other concerns –tasks that may be too difficult for a human.
WATCH THE RISKS
AI is helpful but it is far from perfect, and it helps to understand its limitations. Simply put, machines
Essentials
aren’t intelligent and cannot learn like a human. However, they’re great at taking information and interpreting it.
CONFIDENCE
By extension, it’s necessary to recognise that using public AI system means a loss of confidentiality. So, uploading something for ChatGPT to look over –proposals, papers, contracts, means that it’s going to amalgamate information uploaded with what it has. That puts the upload in the public domain where it cannot be secured. Firms need to recognise this and create a policy over its use so as to not breach confidentiality obligations.
The GDPR has relevance here and certain types of personal information will be doubly protected as a breach could be very serious with potential for serious harm to data subjects.
GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT
As said before, AI is good, but it lacks the nuance that humans can provide – even if the output is grammatically perfect.
Not only can ChatGPT create something that reads poorly, but it can also inadvertently reuse the content of others and breach their intellectual property rights.
In the real world, being caught out using someone else’s material, and poorly too, is a surefire way to lose credibility with customers. The only solution is to label AI-created material as such.
Similarly, it needs to be remembered that AI ‘learns’ according to what it’s been
taught. That means, for example, if it’s been taught to look at CVs – and the base material relates only to men – then the AI system will more than likely skew output towards men and so discriminate against women. In an employment tribunal, it can get very expensive if proven; AI will leave the firm carrying the can.
Let’s not forget the pop-up chat box on a webpage that offers live chat. These tend to be AI-based in the first instance until the matter is handed over to a call centre. In one instance, a customer taught a chatbot at DPD to swear, call itself useless, and write a poem about how bad the company was.
In many situations, there’s no substitute for human interaction.
AI FOR DECISION-MAKING
As digitisation continues to increase, some businesses are turning to AI to analyse data and make decisions regarding creditworthiness and identity verification. Consequently it’s essential to ensure that AI-generated results accurately reflect the underlying data –businesses must exercise caution and not solely rely on automated decisions. The use of AI in staff management should be approached with the same level of caution. While AI systems can be used for disciplinary matters and making accommodations such flexible working arrangements, humans should always be the ones to make the final decisions.
TRAIN STAFF
With all that’s been noted above, it
FORBES LIST OF AI TOOLS
THERE ARE AI TOOLS FOR JUST ABOUT anything needed for a business: marketing and sales, drafting business plans, financial management, and human resources – and often at little or no expense.
A few tools to try:
• Upmetrics – Tool for writing business plans with 400 templates to choose from
• ClickUp – Cloud-based project management tool
• Jasper – Content generator for articles, blogs, social media posts, and marketing copy
• Zoho’s Zia – Sales tool for lead generation, lead management, data collection, and writing sales copy
• ChatSpot by HubSpot – Free sales and marketing tool, even if you’re not a HubSpot user
• DALL-E 2 – Creates realistic images from written descriptions for creative development
• Manatal – HR recruitment tool
• Motion – Calendar tool to track your time and build itineraries
• Lumen5 – Video creation tool
• Otter.ai – Meeting assistant tool that records conversations, takes notes, transcribes interviews, and generates summaries
is key to ensure that those using AI in any form are trained on correct protocol and data protection, confidentiality and content usage. They need to understand that AI is not infallible. In other words, they need to be taught to question when results don’t seem right.
Products
All the latest products, with Colin Williams
Oxford ramp
A LIGHTWEIGHT foldable ramp makes loading a motorbike into a van a piece of cake. Oxford’s new design is made from stainless steel with a flat deck to make it easier to push a bike up. A textured pattern and drain holes help to avoid tyres slipping. It’s sturdy enough to take bikes up to 300kg, and costs £129.99 SRP.
Oxford Products; 01993 862300; info@oxprod.com
Bootlift 5
DO YOU HAVE CUSTOMERS WHO ARE VERTICALLY challenged and nervous about getting their feet on the floor from a lofty adventure-style motorcycle? Then Scottish brand Bootlift has the product for you! It’s a fairly simple solution to the problem, consisting of a thick rubber sole that fits over (and under) a conventional biking boot. It’s weighted to provide a natural feel on the controls, and it adds 38mm to the leg reach of a pint-sized pillion or rider.
The Bootlift comes in one universal size to suit feet from size 6 to 9.5, for an SRP of £87.99. Bootlift; https://bootlift.store/
Merlin heated gloves
JUST IN TIME FOR THE WINTER SEASON, MERLIN HAS launched a brace of heated glove designs – the Curborough and the Minworth II. Both designs make use of cuff-mounted rechargeable 7.4V batteries to provide power, with three heat settings chosen using a single-button controller on the back of the hand. These will last up to 3.5 hours on the highest setting.
The Minworth II is a retro-style glove made from goatskin with a microfibre overlay to provide grip on the palm. Thinsulate insulation – thicker on the back of the hand than on the palms – adds extra cold-beating performance, while a Hipora breathable membrane makes them waterproof. D3O pre-curved knuckle protectors and foam scaphoid protection are built in, along with reinforced seams, helping to achieve a CE KP level 1 rating. Conductive finger and thumb sections are added on both hands to allow touchscreen compatibility. They come in a choice of black or brown in sizes S to 4XL for an SRP of £229.99 including batteries and charging cable.
The Curborough gloves are more of a touring style, combining leather and textile for the outer shell along with suede overlays on the palm, but beyond that they share the Minworth’s spec for armour, insulation and weather protection. They only come in black, also in sizes S to 4XL for £229.99 SRP. Merlin; 01543 270299; info@merlinbikegear.com
VE Fabbri
CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE SPENT CASH UPRATING THE ENGINE OF THEIR SMALL FRAME VESPA need to make sure the clutch is up to the job, if they’re to get the best out of it. So Fabbri has created an adjustable clutch to suit all levels of tuning, from 10hp touring motors to 30hp track burners. The kit comes with 12 interchangeable springs to adjust friction levels, with extra springs available for the most powerful engines. The clutch has four plates with organic friction material and three in dotted steel. It suits small frame motors from 50-125cc, and has an SRP of £214.52. VE (UK); 01159 462991; sales@ve-uk.com
Minworth II
Curborough
E-bike lift 5
IF YOU DO SERVICING WORK on pedelecs, you’ll be aware that conventional bicycle workstands just aren’t beefy enough to hold a heavy e-bike, and also it can be a backbreaking exercise to lift an e-bike up onto a stand or bench.
Probike’s new motorised cycle lift overcomes these issues, lifting e-bikes of up to 50kg to a height of almost 2m for convenient access. The column and base have a combined weight of 80kg, and it can be bolted to a floor for extra stability. The motor operates via a wired remote control, and claims to have been tested up to 50,000 operations. Features include a tool tray, Pro-Elite quick release clamp, and Flop-stop handlebar lock for an SRP of £1995. Probike; 01604 660555; www.probike.co.uk
Pama Ridecast
Acerbis dresses the Himalayan
ITALIAN OFF-ROAD SPECIALIST ACERBIS HAS LAUNCHED A range of accessories for the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. To make the Himalayan more suited to cross-continent adventures, there is a 24-litre oversized fuel tank. Made of polyethylene, it is designed to increase the bike’s range while also providing greater resistance to knocks and impacts.
Also protecting the bike from rocks and obstacles are a set of X-Power engine covers, along with a sturdy skid plate, designed to protect the frame and the underside of the engine, and a chain guard. To protect the rider there are handguards – Endurance-X models from the Acerbis range can be fitted thanks to a new Himalayan-specific mounting kit.
The tank comes in red, white, black or grey for an SRP of £449.99; the engine guard is £64.99; the skid plate is £139.99; the chain guard is £49.99; and the handguards are £139.99. Acerbis; 01582 491076; ukinfo@acerbis.co.uk
Stelvio guard 4
FOLLOWING ON FROM LAST-MONTH’S Carpuride test, Pama has revealed a similar wireless smartphone system. The Ridecast can connect via Bluetooth to an Android or iPhone to provide touchscreen music and comms capabilities. It’s waterproof and can be hardwired to the bike or charged via the USB socket. The high-definition screen has an antiglare coating and is detachable to combat theft. Hands-free operation is possible using Google Voice or Siri to set destinations, make calls, or change the music on the go. SRP is £189. Pama & Co; 0161 494 4200; sales@pama.co.uk
PYRAMID HAS INTRODUCED A NEW radiator guard for Moto Guzzi’s adventure-style V100 Stelvio. Designed to provide robust protection against damage from road debris and gravel thrown up during the course of a ride, the guard is made from durable aluminium with a textured matt black finish. It fixes to the bike using existing mounting points, so no drilling or cutting is require. Price is £59.99 SRP. Pyramid Accessories; 01427 677990; support@pyramidmoto.co.uk
NEW CORROSION CONTROL
Designed to protect your bike from existing and new corrosion. This product is easy to apply, and once used it forms a thin film that creates a protective barrier against corrosion.
Weise guys Weise guys
THE KEY COLLECTION HELD A SERIES OF dealer days in October to show its network what is in the pipeline for next season, and beyond. The Bristol-based distributor is in charge of an array of brands, but the jewel in the crown is its own-brand Weise clothing, which has been protecting bikers for more than 30 years.
Weise produces clothing for everyman (and woman, it has an extensive women’s range) bikers, with a range that isn’t flashy or gaudy, but is designed to provide weather and rider protection to a high standard without fuss. All Weise protective garments are at least CE AA-rated, and this focus on the protective quality of its garments has helped it become the brand of choice for delivery companies (all Pizza Hut deliveries, for example, are in a Weise outfit), plus several police forces and other professional riders. For the 2025 season, the design team has mostly concentrated on evolution rather than revolution, with new and updated garments offering improved performance along with better
comfort and fit. Features such as Fidlock clips for collars and vents, more defined stiching, replacing Velcro adjusters with metal pop-studs, and chunky YKK zips have been added, along with recyclable and biodegradable ReZro armour in all new garments.
However, there are a couple of new developments which catch the eye: leathers and luggage. The new racing leathers are a direct result of Weise’s sponsorship of Peter Hickman, star of BSB and Isle of Man TT record holder. Weise has not had racing leathers in its range for well over a decade, despite its long-term link with one of the UK’s top racers, but it is now making the most of Hicky’s knowledge and experience by getting him to collaborate on the design of AAA-rated Tornado one-piece and twopiece leather suits. The one piece will retail for £499, with the jacket and pants of the two-piece £299 and £249 respectively, making them well within reach of the occasional trackday enthusiast or the junior racer. They will come in black with white or red trims, and include nine-piece armour, as well as knee-sliders.
The other new project is Weise’s first foray into motorcycle luggage after a 15 year absence, with the development of the Tempest waterproof rucksack. It should be a solid seller, with 25 litre capacity, separate document and outer pockets, and a helmet sling to carry a lid off-bike. The roll-top closure cleverly incorporates a bleed-off valve to allow trapped air out in order to keep volume to a minimum. The big selling point should be its £79.99 SRP, which comfortably undercuts rivals in the market. And the rucksack is only the opening salvo, more luggage options are due to follow.
Continuing with the all-weather theme, the Tempest waterproofs, in one- or two-piece style, plus a new salopettestyle trouser with a higher front panel and shoulder straps, are a classic Weise product – practical, useful and sensible: expect to see them adorning scooter riders and commuters soon. The Ripstop waterproof outer comes with either a lightweight mesh liner or, for colder weather, a fixed thermal liner. Practical points include a chunky neck-to-knee YKK zipper, and speedy Velcro fastening at the bottom of the leg on the trousers. The thermal liner stops a few inches short of the hem on trousers to prevent “soak up” of water from boots – another touch that means the design team is paying attention to detail. In a similar vein, the Vision super-reflective oversuit has been updated to the Vision 2.0 which sees it becoming fully waterproof, as well as highly visible.
A step up in waterproofing and
New Tempest waterproofs come in one-piece, two-piece and salopette styles
The two-piece Hydra 2.0 laminate leather touring suit
The Tempest waterproof rucksack hides lots of clever details
protection is promised by the new Navigator, which tops Weise’s adventure jacket range. It’s made from laminated fabric, and features novel raised chest air vents with a zipped and Fidlock-fastened waterproof covering flap. It gets the full complement of new Weise features – ReZro armour, YKK zips, neoprene collar – plus a removable thermal liner that doubles up as a ‘destination’ jacket for off-bike use. It’ll come in both men’s and ladies’ versions for £359. To make sure that the ladies’ version is up to scratch, Weise held a focus group attended by 40 female riders and pillions to provide feedback on everything from vent positions to hip sizing and colours.
For those preferring leather to
textile, there is a new laminated Hydra 2.0 touring suit that provides modern performance such as waterproof zips, direct vents and taped seams together with no-nonsense styling. It even has a TFL coating to lower the surface temperature on sunny days. The jacket retails for £499 and the pants for £449.
In the more casual, urban or street style range there are new four-pocket Kevlar shirts in a brushed cotton finish with contrasting cuffs. The design team is making the most of the dealer days to garner feedback on these to finalise details and colour options. Also in development are wax cotton twill jackets with traditional styling. These will appeal to retro and classic riders, with looks that will be at home at a country fayre or pottering along the lanes.
And that lot is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of new content, there are new retro cotton twill jackets, urbanstyle leather jackets, numerous gloves, new jeans and much more to follow. We’ll keep you updated as the season progresses. The Key Collection; 01179 719200; sales@thekeycollection.co.uk
Ducati Charles watch 56
FOLLOWING PROJECTS WITH WATCHMAKERS BREITLING AND Locman, Ducati has now teamed up with Swiss firm Gerald Charles to create the Maestro 4.0 Ducati 30o Anniversario 916 watch. Only 250 deep-pocketed individuals will be able to enjoy examples of the Maestro, made to celebrate the anniversary of the iconic 916. It features a “jumping-hour complication” (which means there isn’t an hour hand, instead the numbers on the watch face rotate anticlockwise once an hour) designed to look like the three-spoke wheels used on the 916. The case is made from marbled black forged carbon, with a ceramic bezel and titanium crown, case-back and buckle. The back of the case has a crystal window to show off the hand-crafted 265-piece movement. The vulcanised red rubber strap comes in three sizes and, somewhat bizarrely, has a vanilla scent added. Given the price, you’ll be delighted to know that it is water resistant to 100m and also shock resistant to 5G. Yours to pre-order now for just £40,340.
Gerald Charles; https://geraldcharles.ducati.com
Rayven gloves
A TRIO OF NEW BUDGET-PRICED, CEapproved glove designs has just arrived from Rayven.
The Alaska is a full-length glove made from goatskin with a Hipora waterproof membrane and a Thinsulate thermal liner. There’s high density knuckle padding and a reinforced palm, and plenty of adjustment on the wrists and cuffs. It only comes in black, in sizes up to 3XL, for an SRP of £39.99.
The Dakar II gloves have a similar spec to the Alaska but in a shorter style and without the Thinsulate liner, but they do get a silicone panel on the palm to improve grip. They come is sizes up to 3XL, in men’s and ladies’ fits, for an SRP of £39.99.
The Oslo has a goatskin and Hypertex softshell material outer layer, with Thinsulate and Hipora linings inside making it warm and waterproof. There’s a silicon grip on the palm, and the knuckle armour is leather-covered. In black, in sizes up to 3XL for an SRP of £39.99. Midwest Marketing; 01527 574422; infor@rayvan.co.uk
Cotton twill Kevlar shirts are under development for next season
New Tornado AAA race suit
Alaska
Dakar II
ARMR Kiso 4.0 5
YOU CAN KIT A CUSTOMER OUT HEAD-TO-TOE IN THE NEW Kiso 4.0 suit, gloves and boots for well under £400, making it an affordable waterproof outfit to get through the winter.
The jacket and pants have a Dryguard Waterproof membrane and a laser-quilted thermal liner, and just in case climate change kicks in, there is an airflow ventilation system to reduce the risk of overheating. Ripstop material is fitted in zones vulnerable to abrasion. Protection comes from CE level 1 armour fitted in all the usual places, with a rear pocket left vacant to be filled with the customer’s choice of back protection. Details include a neopreneedged collar, reflective trims, multiple adjustment for fit and a connection zip. The jacket come in three colour choices for an SRP of £129.99, while the pants are in black for £99.99.
The Kiso 4.0 gloves are also designed for the colder months, with Thinsulate insulation and a Dryguard membrane to keep the weather at bay. A goat leather palm adds reinforcement to the textile outer of the gloves, and Amara overlays help to increase the seam strength and durability in critical areas. They come in black with reflective or hi-vis trims for an SRP of £34.99. The Kiso boots have microfibre uppers, a rubber sole and a CE certificate that shows they achieved the highest possible rating in all four test criteria. As well as the high protection levels, the boots feature comfort improvements such as stretch panels front and rear and a Dryguard membrane to keep rain and spray out. They come in sizes EU 40-47 (roughly equating to UK sizes 6 to 13) for an SRP of £119.99.
Oxford Products; 01993 862300; info@oxprod.com
BMW screen protection 5
WORD HAS RAPIDLY SPREAD AMONGST THE CRIMINAL CLASSES about how easy it is to remove the expensive TFT displays from BMW R1250 GS and GS Adventure models. No tools are needed – a quick tug in the right direction will overcome the three snap rings used to secure the device, leaving the owner stranded. To slow thieves down, and hopefully cause them to move on to easier targets, Wunderlich has developed an anti-theft protection frame that screws into place. It’s made from black powdercoated stainless steel and fits across the 6.5in display without affecting visibility. Unfortunately BMW has not really learned from experience, and the TFT screen of the new R1300 GS (and presumably the recently-launched Adventure version) is similarly vulnerable, so Wunderlich’s made a frame for that too. Both models have an SRP of €59.90.
THE BOOST X IS A NEW RANGE OF THREE JUMP STARTERS which are said to be more powerful than previous models. They use Noco’s latest PX Lithium battery technology to provide between 1250A and 2500A depending on model. They can be charged using a supplied USB-C cable, and can go from 0% charge to enough to jump start a vehicle in under five minutes. There is a 60-second timeout feature to conserve power, and the UltraSafe 2.0 system provides spark-proof operation, reverse polarity protection and better thermal management to improve performance. And the icing on the cake is that each Boost X also features a built-in LED torch, making it easier to see when trying to connect leads. They’re suitable for cars, motorcycles, trucks, ATVs, boats, vans and tractors with up to 8.5-litre petrol engines, so plenty of power even if trying to coax a Rocket 3 into life! Prices start at £145.95 SRP. Bickers; 01394 604040; sales@bickers-online.co.uk
Givi 70.1 Vector
GIVI HAS EXTENDED ITS OFF-ROAD HELMET RANGE WITH the new 70.1 Vector, which its Italian PR people say has been “designed especially for lovers of the gusset”. Something may have been lost in translation here, but moving swiftly onwards, the motocross style lid has a lightweight carbon fibre shell which Givi says is aerodynamically shaped. It comes in two shell sizes for a sleeker fit, and incorporates twin front-mounted air intakes, a rear extractor and a removable peak. Inside is a removable and washable liner, with double-D ring fastening. It comes in two colours in sizes from 54 to 63. Givi UK hasn’t worked out pricing yet, but the European price of €429 gives an indication of where it will fit into the market.
Givi UK; 01327 706220; info@givi.co.uk
CCM Street Moto 5
THE LATEST MODEL TO ROLL OUT OF CCM’S BOLTON FACTORY gates is the Street Moto – a lightweight naked machine inspired by the firm’s racing heritage.
The Street Moto takes the familiar CCM qualities but moves slightly away from retro styling with the aim of appealing to a younger audience. Mechanically it uses the family 600cc single pushing out 55hp, tied to a TIG-welded, satin-black trellis frame, with performance measured in smiles per gallon rather than top speed.
It come in two versions: Core, and an uprated R model that adds in a underseat titanium exhaust, uprated brakes and shocks, Dymag race wheels and a smattering of carbon fibre, along with a couple of exclusive paint colours. The Core comes in a choice of three colours, with spoked wheels, for an SRP of £9995, while the premium R has an SRP of £11,495. CCM Motorcycles; 01204 544930; www.ccm-motorcycles.com
Alpinestars’ new Collections 46
ALPINESTARS HAS LAUNCHED A TOTAL OF 45 new garments spread across three different collections – Adventure, Racing Sport and Contemporary – for 2025.
Highlight of the Adventure Collection, the new AMT-8 Drystar XF jacket and matching pants are designed to offer maximum freedom of movement (AMT stands for Alpinestars Motion Technology). It’s a two-layer design, with the waterproof Drystar XF (Xtra Flow) stretch liner able to be used as an inner windproof layer if worn under the jacket or pants, or as a waterproof layer when worn over them. When not in use, the liner can be easily packed up to go in a rear pocket. Stretch materials are used extensively, and there’s high levels of breathability and airflow thanks to plenty of vents. Protection is provided by a set of Nucleon Plasma Pro CE level 2 armour, with CE level 1 only used on the hips. Users wanting to go a step further can add in a suitable airbag, as the whole suit is Tech-Air ready. SRP is £519.99 for the jacket in black or khaki/ brown, and £359.99 for the pants in black.
The Racing Sport Collection majors on the brand’s MotoGP experience, so it makes sense that the star garment is a new set of one-piece leathers. The GPR7 is designed for both road and track and is made from 1.3mm thick cow leather, doubled-up in strategic areas, with kevlar used at the inside of the knee for better tank grip. The fit is said to be “racy”, so best start that workout regime if you want to slip into a set. Extensive use of perforated panels maximise airflow, and there is a rear hump to improve the aero. These also uses Alpinestars’ Plasma Pro level 2 armour, with the option to upgrade to a Tech-Air 5, 10 or 7x airbag system. They come in red, black or white colourways in sizes from 44 to 62 for an SRP of £1199.99.
The urban/casual style Contemporary Collection combines retro styling cues with streetwear inspiration, or so the PR says. The waterresistant Clayton and ladies’ equivalent Isla jackets neatly fit that genre-busting description, with the Clayton sporting quilted detail on the shoulders on an otherwise clean design, and the Isla adding subtle contrast panels to the chest and flanks. They are both made from matt-finish polyester with stretch panels on the chest, torso and arms for comfort, and have a removable thermal gilet to make them more usable in the British climate. They both come in light brown/gold or black for an SRP of £249.99.
Covec is well known for specialist motorcycle jeans. It has been designing, making and distributing its Bull-It range for nearly 15 years, and during that time it has developed and tested new materials to create the single layer AA-rated and AAArated jeans that underpin the company’s progress.
The jeans part of the business has required Covec to develop an extensive dealer network across the UK and worldwide, and the next stage of progress for the company has been to leverage this network and become a distributor for other brands, the latest of which are Macna and Dane.
Macna is a huge Netherlands-based motorcycle clothing manufacturer, probably the biggest brand you have
almost never heard of! To give an idea of the scale of the business, the full clothing catalogue runs to more than 500 pages. Fortunately, Covec has selected a slightly more concise collection to start with, but still big enough to cover everything from adventure to race track.
Covec has taken over Macna’s UK distribution following the recent demise of Factory Agencies, which represented the brand for a number of years. Covec MD Keith Bloxham says the new relationship is working right from the start, claiming that his team has processed more Macna sales in just a few months than the brand managed in its best ever year.
While Macna’s range runs the full gamut of motorcycle clothing, the focus for Covec in the winter season is with the brand’s extensive range of heated clothing – many
clothing brands have a pair of heated gloves in their range, but Macna goes several steps further by offering seven different styles of glove, plus four heated men’s jackets, two heated ladies’ jackets, a gilet, pants, and even some heated socks.
the tips, to work more efficiently
Integration is the name of the game, with Macna’s heated garments able to interconnect and be controlled by a Bluetooth smartphone app to manage heat settings, set timers, check battery status and more. This is especially useful when access to a garment’s control buttons is difficult. The app and Bluetooth battery combo also remembers settings, so if you disconnect from the bike during a break, it will reset everything with a single press of a button when reconnected.
Top of the heated gloves range is the Progress 2.0, which Macna claims is the only heated laminate glove on the market. The laminate layer means the fabric doesn’t soak up the rain, which helps stop the gloves getting sodden and heavy and also minimises wind-chill. In turn, that allows the heating elements, which extend the entire length of the fingers, including wrapping around
As with the rest of the glove range, apart from the budget Evolve RTX which is bike batterypower only, the Progress 2.0 gloves can be powered by either cuff-mounted rechargeable 7.4V batteries, a 12V battery stored in a jacket pocket, or be wired to the bike’s battery.
It also has all the niceties of a premium glove, with seamless Armax protection, reflective Night Eye fabric and touchscreen-compatible fingertips. SRP is £249.
Away from the heated range, Macna does every style of motorcycle clothing you can think of, from leathers to textiles, mesh to denims. One of the standout garments is the Tryton jacket, which has what might be called Marmite styling – you either love it or hate it. It’s got a rugged anorak style, taking lots of cues from mountain equipment, and combines technical fabrics with leather to distinctive visual effect. Eye-catching features for its £450 SRP include an off-centre front zip, large kangaroo pocket on the front, and a rear air vent panel which can be opened by pulling on two cords on the front of the jacket,
The Progress 2.0 heated glove has Bluetooth capabilities
The Tryton jacket (above right) has distinctive styling that will stand out in the showroom. The Bradical jacket (left) follows similar styling cues but is less extreme
parachutist-style. As with many items in the Macna ranges, clever little features abound: in this case they include zipped cuffs which attach the thermal liner to avoid snagging, EPG loops to tidy up cabling to heated gloves, and reflective Night Eye fabric panels. If that is all a bit much, there’s a slightly less extreme version called the Bradical with a slightly more subtle appearance for its £279 asking price. This is a design for milder conditions, with mesh panels and a detachable Raintex ML waterproof liner which can be rolled up and stored in either the front kangaroo pocket or the rear poachers pocket.
PREMIUM GORE FROM DANE
The second brand to enter Covec’s stable this year is Dane, a competitor to high-end touring and adventure clothing brands such as Rukka. The brand makes the most of its Viking heritage, extolling the virtues of adventure and exploration, “harnessing the power of nature and beating the elements” –qualities it says its clothing also possesses.
Premium materials are used extensively, with Dane delving deep into the Gore-Tex range for its Pro, two-layer laminate, stretch laminate and Z-liner materials which are used throughout the range. In fact, it is only the summer-weight Solrig and Sundby jackets that don’t include Gore materials.
Top of the jacket range is the Nimbus 2 Pro, which uses a mix of Gore-Tex for its outer shell: Gore-Tex Misano three-layer laminate material for extreme waterproofness, Gore-Tex Armacor abrasion resistant reinforcement on
the shoulders, elbows and back, Gore-Tex Gecko stretch laminate in the sleeves, and Stretch Gore-Tex Stormcuffs. That lot is supplemented by Superfabric bolstering the shoulder area and pricey YKK Aquaseal zips on the chest and sleeve vents. These zips were originally designed for diving suits and watersports kit, so they should be pretty waterproof! Underneath that lot goes a removable DuPont ComfortMax thermal liner and a full set of SAS-TEC CE level 2 armour. The Nimbus comes in three colourways (black, black/yellow and grey/black/red/blue) for £1129 SRP, and comfortably undercuts the competition. One step further down the pricing pyramid is the Bornholm Pro which includes much of the same material technology as the Nimbus, but foregoes the arm vents, replaces the Superfabric shoulder protection with leather and is fitted with RISC, rather than SAS-TEC, CE level 2 armour. That brings the pricing down to £999 SRP.
Covec is also investing time into making sure its new brands have the backup that dealers rely on. To show off the ranges there is a new display area within the warehouse, with the UK ranges of both Macna and Dane displayed on POS racking. Catalogues giving details of the UK range will follow shortly.
And it doesn’t end there – Keith, Elliott and the rest of the team are keen to take the business onwards and upwards, confiding that other brands will soon be helping to fill their Southampton warehouse – the first of which has been signed up since our visit. See page 22. Covec; 01489 582707; www.covec.co.uk
Tiernan calendar LAST YEAR’S CALENDAR raised a whopping £3421 for the East Anglian Air Ambulance, and Andy Tiernan is hoping to do even better with this year’s version. The 2025 calendar fulfils dual duties – providing a delightful artwork to pin to the workshop or office wall, as well as raising vital funds for the charity. This year the six bi-monthly pictures illustrate a range of classic Royal Enfield models, although there is an interloper in the form of a Swiss-built Motosacoche – included thanks to it using an extensive list of Enfield parts, and the close ties the two companies shared in the early part of the 20th century. All the paintings are from the talented hands of automotive artist Mike Harbar. www.andybuysbikes.com/ Calendars/Calendar% 20page.html
TRIPLE-S COLOURS
RIDERS CAN NOW BRING SOME COLOUR TO Sur-Ron and Talaria electric bikes by fitting a Triple-S STD 420 chain, available in a choice of five colours. The chains are available in sizes from 420-106 to 420-116, and come in eye-popping purple, green, blue, gold or orange to complement or contrast with the bike’s trim. Prices start from £15.73 SRP. Bike It; 02380 658700; tradesales@bikeit.co.uk
NEW DRIFTER COLOUR
LS2 HAS LAUNCHED A NEW COLOUR scheme for its urban-style Drifter helmet, which has a removable peak and removable chin guard to make it versatile enough for all types of conditions. The new Mud graphic in the very current colour combo of matt orange and grey has an SRP of £119.99. LS2 Helmets; 01670 856342; ukservice@ls2helmets.com
CFMoto exhaust 5
AKRAPOVIČ HAS INTRODUCED AN ALL-NEW EXHAUST TO ITS range with the launch of a carbon slip-on for the CFMoto 800NK.
The compact new can has a lightweight carbon-fibre outer sleeve and clamp, a titanium end cap, and a stainless-steel link pipe, which together save 0.9kg over the stock exhaust. It is also said to give a power increase of 1.7hp and an extra 2.5Nm of torque, which should come in handy in the twisties.
The system comes with an EC/ECE type-approval certificate (Euro5) and can be easily installed without the need for remapping. SRP is £735. Performance Parts; 01327 706139; enquiries@performanceparts-ltd.com
Dane’s Nimbus jacket makes use of top-grade branded materials in its construction
Kriega OS-Platform 56
KRIEGA HAS UPDATED ITS OS-PLATFORM – AN injection-moulded panel that fits to most popular OEM and aftermarket pannier frames and allows soft panniers to be strapped on. The new design isn’t a radical update, it centres around smaller changes to improve performance: the new DuPont Zytel material used is 40% lighter, and is cheaper to produce. They come as a pair with fittings to attach to a pannier frame. They are covered by a 10-year warranty, for an SRP of £189. Kriega; 01244 280487; sales@kriega.com
Vespa panels
GOT A RUSTY OR DAMAGED VESPA PK IN THE workshop? Then these new Italian-made pressed steel repair panels will make the repair much quicker and easier. They replace the legshield and floor areas and the two versions available are suitable for Vespa PK50FL, PK50XL and PK100XL and PK50S, PK100S and PK125S models respectively. SRP is £136. VE (UK); 01159 462991; sales@ve-uk.com
Handguards 3
SW-MOTECH HAS RELEASED TWO SET OF handguards, aimed at the sporting naked and adventure bike markets. Both are made from a tough matt-finish polypropylene shell with an aluminium bracket mount. They are modelspecific fits, using existing points on the bike for mounting, so no drilling or cutting required.
The adventure guards are available for major dual-sport models such as the R1250 GS, Africa Twin, Ténéré 700, Tiger 1200, DesertX and larger-capacity V-Stroms for an SRP of £148.
The Sport guards fit the Yamaha MT-07 and MT-09, Honda Hornet and KTM 990 Duke for £148. If they prove to be not protective enough, extension pieces are available at £23.99.
SW-Motech; 01256 704909; info@motohaus.com
Oxford Rainseal Bright
OXFORD PRODUCTS’ UBIQUITOUS RAINSEAL waterproofs have been around for ages, protecting commuters and delivery riders in a lightweight, easy stow manner. They do the job so well that updates and improvements are usually just almost-invisible detail changes, but the latest update is about as inyour-face as you can get. It takes the Rainseal design and fashions it from highly-reflective material that lights up when headlights hit it. It makes riders, especially in urban environments, almost impossible to miss even in the darkest conditions. It comes as a two-piece outfit at £69.99 for the jacket and £59.99 for the pants.
Oxford Products; 01993 862300; info@oxprod.com
Lockstop savers
R&G HAS EXTENDED ITS RANGE OF LOCKSTOP Savers to include versions for a selection of newer motorcycle models. Designed to add another layer of protection, the Savers fit using a simple jubilee-style clip and prevent the lockstops on the yokes being broken off in the event of a crash or fall, which can lead to further frame damage. As well as the range of model-specific fitments for sports machines, with prices starting from £14.99, there are universal fit versions in sizes from 11 to 37mm in height for an SRP of £34.99.
R&G; 01420 89007; info@rg-racing.com
UA Essential grips 5
ULTIMATEADDONS HAS EXTENDED ITS range of heated grips just in time, as this morning’s heavy frost and chilly ride in to BDN Towers confirmed. The Essentials have five heat settings going up to a toasty 80oC, allowing their claim of them being the hottest on the market. The external single-button controller is a compact 38.5mm square, making it easy to position on the bars or mirror stalks and within easy reach. The grips come with cabling to connect direct to the battery, with a low-battery warning to help avoid accidentally draining the battery completely. There are two size options –120mm or 130mm long – that fit over 22mm bars, making them compatible with a huge range of models.SRP is £75 per pair.
News that high-profile Italian electric motorcycle brand Energica had collapsed into bankruptcy, reported on page 28 of this issue, was hardly surprising. Consumer resistance to PTW electrification and associated financial losses are becoming steadily more widespread.
Harley-Davidson’s sparky spin-off LiveWire has been losing money hand over fist ever since its NYSE flotation in the autumn of 2022. Harley, which retains a majority shareholding in the electric bike sideline, published full-year 2023 figures featuring a £92.1m loss for LiveWire. Its operating loss in the first half of 2024 amounted to £44.7m. In the second half, a US government subsidy worth £69.3m has been helping to keep LiveWire’s head above water. Global sales volume totals in a few hundred rather than thousands of motorcycles. The same goes for much longer-established Californian competitor Zero Motorcycles. Founded
in 2006, it has since consumed £349m in total funding through repeated cash-raising rounds from an array of institutional and industrial investors, none of whom have seen any movement towards a profitable return on their capital injections. Zero is a private American company which isn’t obliged to reveal
To all intents and purposes, it’s already game over. However, the fight-back against electrified climatechange orthodoxy across Europe has only just begun in earnest. European Commission climate czar Wopke Hoekstra is geared up to brief Euro-parliamentary hearings that the EU cannot and should not roll
Italy’s business minister Adolfo Urso has warned that a 2035 ban would create a terrible indigenous motor industry crisis
gory financial details, but it has self-evidently failed to achieve break-through volume in worldwide sales. US business commentary websites speak of Zero’s rapidly shrinking dealer network on its home turf.
In the UK, the ninemonthly 2024 MCIA headcount of the 35kWplus slot where Energica, LiveWire and Zero products tend to lurk plunged by 51.7% to just a handful of 29 units, down from 60 in the previous year’s same period.
back existing legislation to outlaw the sales of new vehicles burning fossil fuels by 2035. However, a steadily increasing number of automotive manufacturers are being assailed by a huge slump in demand for the electric vehicles they make at the moment and the treekisser market’s preference for dirt-cheap Chinese electric imports, so they are crying “foul”.
Almost all the main manufacturers have issued profit warnings this year;
Volvo has announced pointblank that it’s abandoning an all-electric target by 2035 regardless; Volkswagen is threatening to shut down plants in Germany for the first time during its 87-year history. Better still, from our perspective, a growing range of senior EU member states with large motor (and some motorcycle) industries are now refusing to sing from Hoekstra’s hymn sheet altogether.
Strident Italian voices have petitioned the European Commission to push back its 2035 ban indefinitely. Italy’s business minister Adolfo Urso has warned that it would create a terrible indigenous motor industry crisis otherwise. Stellantis (formerly Fiat) autoworkers have begun to march through the streets of Turin, protesting about the threat to their jobs. The French are seeking considerably more “flexibility” in application, probably to a degree where the ban will quietly disappear down a Gallic rabbit hole. And magnificently leading the resistance
Italian minister for business Adolfo Urso
pack, Germany’s coalition government has now come out in favour of keeping internal combustion engines far into a future without limitation, as long as they run on alternative carbonneutral fuel rather than fossil juice. Again, being fearful of the wrath from militant Teutonic trade unions seeking to protect the status quo is a big mood changer. It has to be said, though, there are still plenty of dogmatic climate-activist politicians challenging our escape clauses, on the basis that there would be no incentive to build battery giga-factories if an internalcombustion ban fell by the wayside. Inevitably, climate czar Hoekstra’s in there like a dog with a bone, talking nonsense. He argues that the 2035 ban will mean “predictability for investors and manufacturers” and that it is essential for the EU to reach its goals on reducing carbon emissions. He also says the ban will “strengthen the competitiveness of the EU automotive industry”. Oh, really? Much of his
twaddle seems to be aimed at destroying the automotive industry.
Most bizarrely, Austrian climate and energy minister Leonore Gewessler recently got her knickers completely in a twist, proclaiming “the future of the automotive industry is electric” –despite her nation hosting Europe’s largest motorcycle
Transport & Environment is a typical example. “Car makers should focus on ways Europe can help build a competitive EV industry, such as an EU battery fund, and policies that reward clean, local manufacturing,” she opined effusively in support of Hoekstra.
Lack of lithium-ion battery production in Europe is a
Wopke Hoekstra is geared up to brief Euro-parliamentary hearings that the EU cannot and should not roll back existing legislation
manufacturer Pierer Mobility. Its eponymous supremo, Stefan Pierer, is a keen campaigner for alternative fuels to keep mainstream motorcycling alive alongside low-power electric scooter solutions for urban deployment.
There are also what I would regard as some “malign influencers” in the mix, moving goalposts. Julia Poliscanova, the senior director of lobbyist group
particularly sore point for many of her ilk. Most of those currently installed in European-made EVs still come from China and elsewhere in the Far East. Attempts to localise sourcing have proved to be a monumental embarrassment. In the UK, British Volt’s planned gigafactory on a vast site at Blyth in Northumberland went comprehensively tits up before construction had even begun.
Northvolt in Sweden, once hailed as Europe’s great battery hope, is now on the verge of collapse. Founded in 2017, with high-level backers including Volkswagen and Siemens, it grew rapidly to a more than 7000-strong workforce. But incompetent management, poor safety standards, an absence of essential skills and over-reliance on Chinese technology have left it strapped for cash and teetering on the brink. BMW recently pulled its $2bn contract with Northvolt and moved orders to Samsung in South Korea. Other investor withdrawals have become so frequent that they almost certainly spell doom.
All of this suggests that there might be some sort of hidden agenda behind the scenes, keeping us busy going nowhere while tree-kissers undermine the public right to individual transportation. We may be left with ridiculously over-priced EVs becoming exclusive to a minted minority, with the rest of us riding Shanks’s pony.
European Commission climate czar Wopke Hoekstra
@11.00am
Used bike data
SEASONAL SHIFT IN USED MARKET SEARCHES
AS SUMMER FADES INTO autumn, so the sands are shifting on the MCN website. In our bikes for sale section, for example, there’s a changing of the guard for the three most popular bikes, with the traditional Honda triple-lock (NC750X/CB500X/Goldwing) smashed. Instead, the trio at
1. Honda VFR800
2. Kawasaki Z900RS
3. BMW R1250 GS Adventure
4. Honda NC750X
5. Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin
6. Honda GL1800 Gold Wing
7. Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade
8. Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa
9. BMW R1200 GS
10. BMW S1000 RR
the top are the Honda VFR800, Kawasaki Z900RS and BMW R1250 GS Adventure.
Adventure bikes are gaining popularity in general, commanding 19% of the sessions in bikes for sale, behind only naked bikes at 20%.
Honda tops the bikes for sale market share with 19%, with
Triumph, BMW, and Yamaha duking it out for second place. Honda also remains the most popular manufacturer in bike reviews, this time with 18%.
Naked bikes still account for a quarter of all sessions in our reviews, followed by sports at 18% and adventure at 17%. The Royal Enfield Guerilla 450 is the
most popular naked, the new Panigale V4S the hottest sports bike, and CFMoto’s 450MT is king of the adventure segment.
GARETH EVANS Online editor, MCN
AS WE MOVE INTO THE colder months, it’s good to see that demand for used bikes on AutoTrader continues to grow, at 3% up year-on-year. This increased interest in secondhand machines is somewhat tempered by the fact that there is more stock on the forecourts, with 11% more
used machinery available now compared to this time last year. With stock levels outweighing demand we are seeing market health down overall, to -5%. Despite that, the average number of days to sell a bike remains static, at 31.
The quickest selling machines on the Auto Trader website
are still 125s, this month from Lexmoto, KTM and Suzuki. However, compared to last month’s clean sweep of the top ten, 125s are in retreat, as four mid-capacity sports and naked machines have filled singledigit positions. Larger capacity machines are still slow out of the blocks. Triumph’s veteran
Thunderbird cruiser was the only over-1000cc machine to even make the list.
EDDIE BAHN
Account director, Auto Trader Bikes
selling bikes on Auto Trader in September
UK registrations
September sales more than disappointing
SO MUCH FOR SEPTEMBER’S traditional new-plate sales boost, to sign off the season in style. The MCIA’s application of “disappointing” was a staggering understatement. BDN financial editor Roger Willis reports.
Total monthly registrations fell by 14.1% to 11,570, a loss of 1901 units year-on-year. Motorcycles were 9.5% down to 8880. Over-50cc scooters plunged by 28.4% to 2089. Mopeds were 18.2% in arrears at 540 and trikes retreated by 24.7% to just 61. Petrolhead products incurred a 14.2% decline to 11,204. Battery-electric input shrank by 10.9% to a negligible 366. The winter of our discontent will hove into view shortly.
In detail, the up-to-125cc mobility and fleet delivery market shrivelled by 20.9% to 3908 units (408 of which were mopeds). A modest fleet of Honda PCX125 scooters, 294 of them, took its turn to claim that particular accolade – closely pursued by 269 Honda CB125F motorcycles. The recently face-saving budget 126-500cc sector only managed minimal 2.6% growth to 1839 this time around, headed up again by Triumph’s Speed 400. The Speed 400 tally of just 112 units included one bought by BDN’s registration correspondent, who plaintively complained that the original
Motorcycle casualty rates
OTR price slightly under five grand had gone up by £200 since August! Some 63 samples of Royal Enfield’s Meteor 350 also got an honourable mention as best-selling Custom steed.
Marginal positivity could be found in the 501-750cc slot too, rising by a slim 3% to 1543. The Honda NC750X usurped Honda’s regular CBR600RR appearance as
The best-selling brand chart sharply exposed the severity of September’s punishment year-on-year
best-seller, although the Honda CBR650R wasn’t far behind. Then a consistent losing streak set in. 751-1000cc sales shrank by a painful 16.7% to 2100. A gaggle of budgetpriced Honda CB750 Hornet twins led the field.
Finally, 1000cc-plus premium kit was most definitely on the back foot, 21.4% down to 1814. BMW Motorrad’s bestselling R1300 GS flagship maintained hegemony. But the brand’s imminent R1300 GS Adventure replacement for the R1250GS Adventure was conspicuous by its absence. At least Q4 should see numbers massaged upwards by a host of new-model
dealer demonstrators as the year-end approaches. Or maybe it’s a Q1 2025 surprise?
The MCIA best-selling brand chart sharply exposed the severity of September’s punishment year-on-year. Only two contenders out of ten enjoyed any growth whatsoever. While Honda remained undisputed market leader by a long way, its monthly sales volume dropped by 19.1%. And although runnerup Triumph was more than a thousand units adrift, the company added 4.3% in volume. BMW in third spot copped a 5.9% loss. Yamaha in fourth plunged by 27.4%. Kawasaki in fifth fell by 13.6% and Suzuki in sixth was 18% down. Royal Enfield in seventh dropped by 8.8%. And then Lexmoto in eighth briefly interrupted this doom-stricken flow with a 22.1% upwards lunge, albeit from a poor baseline 12 months earlier. There was no such mercy for KTM in ninth, though, its volume plummeting by 37.7% despite virtually every bike throughout its UK dealer network currently available on lavish distress discounts. Ducati, last on the list, wasn’t awash with glory either, with sales 25.6% in arrears.
Total YTD registrations now stand 3.8% down at 90,406 units. Within that, ICE machines are also 3.8% lower on 87,429 and almost irrelevant battery-electric products are 2.6% lower on 2977.
RECENT FIGURES FROM THE Department for Transport show a decline in the number of motorcycle users killed or seriously injured (KSI) in accidents for the most recent year stats are available for (2023).
The KSI figures have trended steadily downwards over the last decade, bottoming out in 2020 due to the pandemic lockdowns, which lowered traffic levels nationally and reduced the opportunities of bikers to be involved in an accident. Since then numbers have gradually returned to the trend, with the number of deaths in 2023 falling to 306, the lowest since 2014, excluding Covid-afflicted 2020.
Honda’s CB125F led the budget 125-500cc sector
September plate change fails to lift motorcycle market
Despite September being a plate change month, it failed to deliver the anticipated boost to the new motorcycle market. This marks the fourth consecutive month of decline, with total registrations down by 14.1% for the month,” says Symon Cook, head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA), commenting on the latest MCIA figures.
“In September, total registrations decreased by 14.1%, from 13,471 to 11,570 units. Total motorcycle sales fell by 13.8%, from 12,730 to 10,969 units, and moped registrations also declined by 18.2%, to 540 units. Year-to-date figures show a slight decline of 3.8% for total registrations.
“The various categories of motorcycles exhibited a wide range of performances, modern classic witnessed growth of 3.0% for the month to 1307 units. Adventure saw a drop of 11.3% to 2349 units. Scooter saw a decrease of 28.4% from 2918 to 2089 units.
“Electric motorcycles dropped 10.9% from 411 to 366 units. Year-to-date electric figures still remain just below the corresponding period last year, down 2.6% from 3058 to 2977 units.
“In terms of the different engine capacities, the 126-500cc category witnessed growth (2.6%), whereas the larger engines saw a decrease, with 751-1000cc contracting by 16.7% and over-1000cc shrinking by 21.4%.
“Honda once again emerged as the bestselling brand of the month, with 2314 units sold. It was followed by Triumph (1180) and BMW (1146), while Ducati rounded out the top ten with 218 models sold.”
Cook concluded: “This downward trend is concerning, with several key metrics showing a notable decline compared to last year. Consumer confidence in both the motorcycle and electric vehicle markets appears to be waning in the face of tough economic conditions and global instability.
“As winter approaches, it is evident that the government needs to take swift action to restore confidence in the market. The budget at the end of October presented a critical opportunity for the government to address many of these issues.”
Glass’s motorcycle market overview
DATA PUBLISHED BY THE MOTOR Cycle Industry Association (MCIA) showed a significant decline in September, with registrations 14.1% behind last year. However, the modern classics style category bucked this trend, increasing by 3%, with the competition and road sport categories also seeing rises, of 4.4% and 8.9% respectively. Year-to-date registrations to the end of September were 3.8% behind last year. Feedback from dealers in September continued the mixed theme of late, with some dealers finding the market challenging, whilst others reported activity to be fair, with targets achieved. However, it is currently a price-driven market, a result of various manufacturer incentives and dealer discounts. Negative press stories about the October budget may have further hindered consumer spending, combined with a lack of ‘feel good factor’ and no real light at the end of the tunnel. Even premium brands, which are typically less impacted by economic uncertainty, are feeling the effects now.
profit from sales. Some training schools remain busy with newcomers of all ages, so it’s not all bad news. Lower-priced machines, as well as smaller to mid-range models, are in strong demand. 2024 has seen a definite trend away from larger machines to middleweights, possibly due to riders preferring a more manageable ride.
OUTLOOK
Negative press stories about the October budget may have further hindered consumer spending
The summer months are now behind us, and autumn has arrived. September was a mixed month in terms of weather, with warm spells interspersed with colder conditions, and October started on a similar note. With the clocks going back, daylight hours are rapidly decreasing, reducing the opportunities for getting out on a bike. Taking this into account and the fact that the market is suppressed, Glass’s expects residual values to ease across most segments during the coming weeks.
Paul McDonald Leisure vehicles editor
The Suzuki GSX-8R continues to be sought after, and the new Suzuki GSX-S1000 GX has also generated interest among dealers. The Honda PCX125 remains in strong demand.
USED MOTORCYCLE MARKET
Sales activity for used machines in September was generally tough, particularly for late-registered machines, partly a result of the strong deals currently being offered in the new market. However, workshops have remained busy for certain dealers, helping make up for the shortfall in
