Rubber cushioned sprockets have been widely used by the major Japanese motorcycle manufacturers since early 1990’s to dampen the chain impact on the teeth of the front sprocket. This reduces noise and roller wear.
JT Rubber Cushioned Front Sprockets are of the same quality, design and OEM proven technology as those supplied to the motorcycle manufacturers and genuine replacement parts.
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COMPARISON WEBSITE LEASING.COM, has expanded its car, van, and truck lease aggregation business to include motorcycle and scooter leasing. The new service features leasing options from major two-wheeled manufacturers, including Yamaha, BMW, Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki and Zero. The firm says it’s launching the new service with an initial focus solely on business leasing, to support “fleet diversification, employee mobility and operational efficiency”. Personal leasing deals will, it claims, follow shortly.
The new service will also list all-terrain vehicles, alongside both petrol and electric bikes and scooters, giving businesses more flexibility to transition to low-emission transport.
Mike Fazal (below), CEO at Leasing. com, said: “Our move into motorcycle leasing is a natural evolution of our platform and a direct response to growing demand for alternative mobility solutions. We’re proud to be first to market with a comparison service that brings the same transparency and choice to motorcycle leasing as we’ve delivered for cars, vans and used electric vehicles.”
For further information, leasing.com
Indian has new Scottish dealer
Perth dealership Revolutions has taken on Indian Motorcycle as part of its retail operation, alongside Royal Enfield and Norton. Revolutions is a family-run business with a long history of specialising in heritage brands – it also sells Caterham and Morgan cars –and boasts an 8000sq.ft facility, located just off Perth’s ‘Motor Mile’ automotive retail zone.
Indian says that Revolutions will be offering the full brand experience to riders across Scotland, including new and used bike sales, demo rides, servicing, maintenance, clothing and accessories.
“We’re delighted to announce the appointment of Revolutions as Scotland’s newest Indian Motorcycle
sales manager for Indian Motorcycle. “Riders can look forward to discovering the full Indian Motorcycle range in a welcoming showroom with expert advice from an enthusiastic team. With their central location and years of specialist knowledge, we are sure that Indian Motorcycle Perth will become a destination dealer for Scottish riders and the start of something truly special for Scotland’s riding community.”
Revolutions director Elliot Paterson said: “We’re thrilled to welcome the legendary Indian Motorcycle to Perth. With its distinctive style and rich history, the brand was a perfect fit for what we do here at Revolutions. Our goal is to create not just a dealership but a community hub for riders who are as passionate about
From left: Elliot Paterson, director, Revolutions; James Tonks, district sales manager, Indian Motorcycle and Russell Paterson, director, Revolutions
EU’s deal with US
THE EUROPEAN Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM), has expressed “serious concern” about the latest trade deal between the EU and the US, pushed through by Donald Trump’s administration.
According to ACEM, the deal falls short in addressing the trade challenges faced by the European bike industry in the USA, leaving them to face the new general 15% tariff on products exported to the United States, as well as 50% tariffs on imports with steel content. ACEM also says that the punitive tariffs threaten European firms’ competitiveness, risking jobs throughout Europe – and the US. And the European body adds that the current arrangement introduces discriminatory treatment, undermining decades of successful transatlantic business.
“deeply inadequate” says ACEM Performance Parts adds HP Corse exhausts
Antonio Perlot, ACEM secretary general, said: “While we acknowledge the commission’s efforts, this Framework Agreement, as it stands, represents a deeply inadequate response to the challenges facing European industry. On top of the 15% tariff for general products, the newly introduced 50% tariffs on steel content render much of the agreement’s benefits meaningless for motorcycle manufacturers. We cannot accept a situation where European companies remain at a severe competitive disadvantage due to incomplete negotiations. The European motorcycle industry calls for a balanced, negotiated solution for transatlantic trade that restores fair competition and mutual market access.”
Phoenix launches demo ride scheme for young riders
Getting new riders into motorcycling is an essential job for the industry. And bike training firm Phoenix Motorcycle Training is doing its bit, with a new Try Rides scheme aimed at getting young people onto bikes and making them safer at the same time.
Phoenix Motorcycle Training has teamed up with the National Young Rider Forum (NYRF) to launch the initiative, which it says is an inclusive, stress-free motorcycle experience that young people can enjoy before committing to doing CBT.
Designed for 16-24-yearolds just about to get into motorcycling, Try Rides give
budding riders their first experience of motorcycling. There are online theory and practical elements:
This gives hundreds of young people the chance to find their freedom on motorcycles
Mark Jaffe, owner, Phoenix Motorcycle Training
after completing the online training, the practical part takes place with an instructor at one of the 21 Phoenix
Motorcycle Training centres across the UK.
Try Ride experiences typically cost £40, but the first 300 people who take part in this initiative and complete both the practical and online sessions will be refunded half of the cost.
Mark Jaffe, owner and chief instructor of Phoenix Motorcycle Training, said: “We are thrilled to roll out this exciting initiative, which has the potential to not only give hundreds of young people the chance to find their freedom on motorcycles, but also make them safer riders.”
More info can be found at: phoenixmotorcycletraining. co.uk/course/try-ride
Italian exhaust maker HP Corse has signed a new distribution deal with leading high-end accessory firm Performance Parts. Based in Bologna, HP Corse specialises in fitments for popular models from brands such as Ducati, Aprilia, KTM and BMW, with innovative Italian design and using premium materials like titanium and stainless steel. Performance gains are dyno-tested, and the pipes boast
race-inspired sound profiles. Interested dealers should contact enquiries@performanceparts-ltd.com or call 01327 706139.
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BMW goes top in spring NMDA dealer survey
There were few surprises in the National Motorcycle Dealer Association (NMDA) Spring 2025 Dealer Attitude Survey, with BMW, Royal Enfield and Honda topping the list of 10 brands evaluated by NMDA members.
Having said that, Royal Enfield’s massive improvement in how its dealers value the franchise, up by 3.2 points to 7.5, compared to BMW’s 7.8, elevated it to second place, achieving the same value of franchise rating as third-place Honda.
The spring survey was conducted throughout July, with dealerships responding to questions about key aspects of their business relationship with their respective motorcycle manufacturers. The survey achieved a response rate of 46%, a notable 16% increase on the previous year. Lexmoto and KTM both participated, but their response levels did not meet the minimum threshold required for inclusion. Ducati franchise dealers, who did not participate in the previous survey, requested to be included this year.
OVERALL MANUFACTURER RATING
The Spring survey revealed an overall average manufacturer value of franchise rating of 6.4, representing a 1.4-point increase from the Spring 2024 score, a 29.4% improvement year-on-year, marking a positive shift in dealer sentiment across the sector.
Key takeaways from the survey include:
• BMW achieved the highest overall manufacturer rating, securing top spot with a score of 7.8, an improvement from second place in the previous survey
• Harley-Davidson recorded the lowest
overall manufacturer rating with a score of 3.4
• Suzuki was the only brand to see a decline in its overall rating, dropping by 0.2 points compared to 2024
• Royal Enfield demonstrated the most significant improvement, with its overall score increasing by 3.2 points
CURRENT AND FUTURE PROFITABILITY
The survey revealed positive sentiment for current and future profitability with dealer scores increasing across both measures. Notably, there is more optimism with ratings for future profitability marginally exceeding those for current returns, suggesting, says the NMDA, a cautiously optimistic outlook.
The question “How satisfied are you with the profit return from your franchise?”, saw a 27.1% increase overall, reflecting improving perceptions of current profitability. Triumph achieved the highest score at 3.4, but BMW was relegated to the bottom three, alongside Piaggio Group and Harley-Davidson, despite its overall strong performance in most other survey areas.
The survey’s “Future profitability of your business” question recorded a 19.1% increase, reflecting optimism about longterm prospects. Royal Enfield achieved the highest score at 3.4, while BMW improved, compared to its poor performance in the current profitability question.
ELECTRIC CONCERNS
There was a modest improvement in dealer sentiment regarding electric vehicles (EVs) since the last survey, but EV-related questions continue to
BDN RANKINGS ACROSS ALL QUESTIONS
FOR A COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW
of how motorcycle franchises are assessed by their dealers, BDN added up the scores from all survey questions to give an overall ranking and a comparison between 2024 and 2025. 2025’s results hold few surprises: BMW and Honda keep the top two spots, and Piaggio and HarleyDavidson are again at the bottom, but this year they have swapped positions so it is Harley propping up the table. In a close-packed mid table,
Kawasaki improved its score for every single question asked of its dealers, and was rewarded with a jump of four places up to third, leaping over Royal Enfield, Triumph and Suzuki in the process. Ducati’s re-entry into the NMDA survey was a mixed bag, seeing it score well in questions regarding product image and new models, not scoring at all for electric model provisions, and getting mid-table scores for everything else.
receive some of the lowest scores across the entire survey. It indicates persistent concerns among dealers with the current and future viability of manufacturers’ electric product strategies.
Across the board, manufacturers scored at or below average for their current electric product offerings. BMW achieved the highest score at 2.6, while Harley-Davidson recorded the lowest at just 1.0, suggesting significant dealer dissatisfaction.
In terms of manufacturer support for electric power transition, including charging infrastructure, dealer training, and customer education, BMW again led with a score of 3.2. For future product plans, particularly proposed EV/plug-in ranges over the next two years, Honda scored best with a rating of 3.1, indicating some growing dealer confidence in its electric roadmap.
Despite slight gains, the overall picture suggests that dealers remain cautious and, in many cases, remain unconvinced by current EV strategies, highlighting an area that requires continued focus and improvement across the industry.
Symon Cook, head of the NMDA, concluded: “So far, 2025 has proven to be a challenging year for the motorcycle industry. Year-to-date registrations have been inconsistent, largely driven by weak consumer confidence under ongoing economic uncertainty, making it difficult for many dealers to match 2024’s performance. Congratulations to BMW, which has moved up the rankings to surpass Honda and become the overall winner in the Spring 2025 Dealer Attitude Survey.
Q10a
Q19b Are your manufacturer’s standards realistic compared to return on investment?
Q23a
Q23b
Bimota’s back!
It’s had more than its fair share of ups and downs over the years. But legendary Italian exotic superbike maker Bimota is finally on an even keel, after a full takeover by Kawasaki in 2021. Now the brand has just completed its relaunch in the retail market, with an initial tranche of four dealers and a range of three bikes.
BDN’s Alan Dowds went to Kawasaki HQ in Bourne End to speak with marketing manager Ross Burridge and hear how the firm plans to develop Bimota as a brand in the British market.
Firstly, when did KMUK know the Bimota project was coming? “It wasn’t out of the blue, but it’s been gradually progressing over a number of years,” said Burridge. The UK operation has been following a Europe-wide pathway, with the other major markets also taking on the Italian brand. “Kawasaki France, Kawasaki Germany and Kawasaki Italy, have all taken it in-house over the last couple of years. We’re one of the final branches to do that, and we’ve been spending this year developing Bimota UK. So it’s been over a period of about eight months or so.”
Who had been dealing with Bimota in the UK before? “The distributor was a company called Signature Moto, based in Norwich; they’d been the Bimota distributor for a number of years. They’ve been very helpful: they’re no longer the distributor, but they are one of our dealers.”
Bimota now has four dealers: Signature Moto, Cobb & Jagger, Hyside Motorcycles, and Chris Walker Motorcycles. Is the firm looking for more? “We will look to expand the dealer network in the future as the product becomes more widely available,” said Burridge.
We will look to expand the dealer network in the future as the product becomes more widely available
Ross Burridge, marketing manager
That expansion will be an issue for Bimota, which still operates from its original, rather small, production base in Rimini. But Burridge confirmed Kawasaki will be developing the facility: “We will be looking to expand production capacity at the Rimini factory.”
In the meantime, those lower production volumes mean KMUK will have some time to develop its dealer network and the UK operation properly. That’s good news for a brand that has, over the years, suffered from not having a solid operational foundation. The ownership by a Japanese giant like Kawasaki might stifle the brand in the future – for example, the ability of the original Bimota designers to pick and
choose engines from anywhere – Ducati, Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, BMW – has now gone. But that seems a small price to pay for a long-term, solid business, making and selling unique, high-end, exotic motorcycles to dedicated fans.
One of the new Bimota dealers is Chris Walker Motorcycles, and Walker told me how it’s been going. “I’ve always had an interest in Bimota, going back many, many years. When I started racing, my leathers sponsor was David Pickworth, who worked at Bimota Galleria, so I’ve known about it for a long time. I actually ordered a V-Due back in the day – but it never arrived…
“Now, though, with Kawasaki involved, it’s given it a bit of a kickstart. Having a proper engine and Japanese reliability with electronics, plus a consistent supply, just lifts the brand. We’ve been Kawasaki dealers for 10 years now, we also have Ducati, and we do very well with both of those. Now we’ve got Bimota, which goes hand-in-hand really, it’s easier to show someone a £30k Bimota when they’ve been looking at a £30k Ducati!
“We’ve sold two Teras already, one’s been back for its first service, and the owner loves it. The other will be here in October: it’s on order.
“I don’t expect we’re going to sell big numbers; it’s not intended to compete with Ducati. But it will sit alongside what we’ve already got, in a nice little corner of the showroom, giving another option to customers.”
Bimota launches at Hyside Motorcycles in Maldon, Essex, and Cobb & Jagger Bimota in Shipley, West Yorkshire
THE NEW BIMOTA RANGE
BIMOTA MADE ITS NAME BUILDING SUPERtrick chassis, then bolting in high-powered engines from all the Japanese manufacturers, plus the odd Ducati lump. Now, though, it will obviously stick to engines from Kawasaki.
Currently, there are three models: the Tera, the KB4, and the KB998 Rimini. There’s a bit of a hiatus at the moment thanks to the Euro 5+ emissions rules, which means neither the ZX-10R engine in the KB998 or the Ninja 1000 SX engine in the KB4 are homologated for road use. Both bikes are derogated, but there is remaining stock of the KB4, and the KB998 can be registered under the SVA scheme if necessary (we imagine new Euro 5+ versions of both bikes will appear soon). The Tera, on the other hand, uses a Euro 5+ compliant H2SX supercharged engine, so it is fully homologated for registration and use.
operated by the front swingarm via a long beam underneath the engine.
I grabbed two Bimota test bikes – a KB4 and a Tera – for a quick spin during my visit to Bourne End. I kicked off with the Tera, which is a radical piece of design, using Bimota’s trademark Tesi hub-centre-steering front end, in a ‘crossover’ style that has a hint of adventure touring design. It’s a wild-looking design, with the front swingarm and a pair of Öhlins monoshocks mounted behind the 200bhp supercharged engine. One shock is for the rear wheel, and the other is
The engine and electronics are familiar to anyone who’s ridden the Kawasaki H2 models: it’s very fast thanks to an abundance of power and torque, along with the unique chirp of the supercharger blow-off valve when you come off the throttle. The handling is surprisingly normal, once you get used to the lack of dive from the front end under braking. There’s plenty of steering lock when manoeuvring at slow speeds, and on the move, the Tera feels much lighter and nimbler than it appears. It’s an expensive prospect at £34k, but you get a lot of performance, design and exclusivity for that cash.
The KB4 is a much more conventional supersports machine, with a retro hint to the design, and an old-school head-down sportsbike riding position. The performance is very modern though: there’s plenty of power from the 140bhp Ninja 1000 SX engine and it’s nearly 40kg lighter than the Kawasaki at 194kg wet. The chassis is the main story though: Öhlins suspension all round gives a superb ride, and the Brembo brakes are excellent. The handling is classic stuff: it reminded me of a Ducati 916 with a lot of weight over the front end, yet super-stable. It’s the ‘cheap’ option from Bimota at £31k, but as with the Tera, you get a really interesting, premium machine for the money.
SHORT CUTS
DF CAPITAL LAUNCHES FUND MANCHESTER-BASED BANK AND FINANCE specialist DF Capital, has launched the DF Capital Foundation, a brand-new fund created in partnership with Forever Manchester, a charity dedicated to funding and supporting community activity across Greater Manchester. Carl D’Ammassa, DF Capital CEO (above), said: “Supporting our local communities and giving back is something strong in DF Capital’s DNA. The DF Capital Foundation takes our community commitment to another level, supporting an even broader range of grassroots projects over and above what we already do today.”
R&G FIGHTING CANCER UK ACCESSORY FIRM R&G RACING, IS supporting youth development team RD Racing’s campaign to raise funds for cancer charities Prostate Cancer UK and CoppaFeel! Breast Cancer Awareness. R&G is selling special bright pink and blue T-shirts from its Technical Centre at every BSB round, with all proceeds going to the two charities.
NECO MOTO NC50 HITS No1
THE NECO MOTO NC50 TOPPED THE MCIA sales charts in the ‘naked mopeds’ sector in August. It’s the sixth time the supermoto-styled four-stroke machine has taken the top spot in the eight months of 2025 so far. Priced at £2399, the Moto NC50 is imported by HDM Trading. More information at 01507 499107; henry@ hdmtrading.co.uk;www.neco.be
Bimota Tera
Bimota KB998
MAG summer campaign updates
THE MOTORCYCLE ACTION GROUP (MAG) has issued a series of updates on recent campaigning activity.
Its first topic is the forthcoming legislation on automated vehicles. MAG responded in-depth to a consultation on the relevant safety principles, recommending a variety of vital principles it says need to be incorporated into future law to protect motorcyclists. Those principles include “anticipatory safety” requiring proactive hazard detection, “dynamic risk management” based on actual conditions rather than speed limit compliance, “consequence-aware decision-making” prioritising vulnerable road user protection and “predictable behaviour” helping other road users safely adjust to vehicle actions.
On a slightly more prosaic front, MAG has renewed its efforts on bus lane access for motorcycles, with a new parliamentary petition aimed at gaining a debate on the subject totaling more than 27,000 signatures, indicating broad support for a default law giving access to bus lanes nationwide.
Finally, MAG has submitted three major policy reports to the Department for Transport and Transport for London. The reports propose solutions for casualty reduction stagnation across all road users. The group says its suggestions present a complete framework for implementing MAG’s “Welcoming Roads” approach, developed through four years of policy work.
MAG director Colin Brown said: “Motorcyclists occupy a unique space in road safety discussions. We understand vulnerability because we live it. But we also understand the realities of motorised transport. This dual perspective has shown us that the biggest safety gains come from systematic approaches. These consider all road users together, rather than policies that fragment by transport mode.
“We’re not claiming to have all the answers, but our position between different road user communities has given us insights that could help break the stagnation. These reports offer practical solutions developed through that distinctive viewpoint.”
Pothole alliance turns up the heat
We’re probably used to the idea that cold, wet, frosty weather can cause serious damage to roads, but the National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) has raised concerns that hot weather can also have an impact on roads. Through its membership of the Pothole Partnership organisation, the riders’ rights group has called for more action after a rise in pothole-related incidents and breakdowns, and it says that bikers are particularly affected.
Figures from the AA in July showed a 2% increase in callouts for pothole damage, and the AA attributes this to several factors. Firstly, extreme heat, thought to be caused by climate change by most scientists, is stressing already weakened road surfaces, especially where tarmac or asphalt starts to soften and melt. Those same higher temperatures also affect tyres, meaning weak or damaged rubber can fail suddenly. And good weather can also mean more trips on unfamiliar rural roads, which often receive lower priority for repairs.
Craig Carey-Clinch, NMC executive director, said: “Although the NMC has welcomed recent investment announcements, the July Pothole Index underlines that the urgency of the
problem remains. Potholes, damaged surfaces and other related road conditions remain a serious hazard for motorcyclists and other two-wheeled users, with riders often citing this as a major road safety issue for them. Local authorities must act on recent investment announcements, including undertaking the requirement for road maintenance reporting, which will unlock additional funding.”
Meanwhile, AA president Edmund King said: “This summer’s heatwave has starkly exposed the fragility of Britain’s roads. While investment and repair campaigns have made a difference, the recent setback illustrates that much more must be done to create a safe and reliable road network for everyone. We urge the government and local authorities to redouble their efforts in tackling the pothole crisis.”
THERE’S BEEN A LOT GOING ON AT KTM since last year’s Milan show. But the firm has released new information on its production plans for the 2025 machinery unveiled last year. The main tranche of new bikes, including 990 and 1390 models are going into production this month, with other models starting in November. One model, the 1390 Super Duke GT has been postponed until 2027. As a result, the 990 RC R, 1390 Super Adventure R, S and S
EVO and the 990 Duke R are all now listed as 2026 models and will be in production before Christmas 2025.
KTM is also offering a complimentary four-year Premium Manufacturer’s Warranty on all new 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 LC8 and LC8c Street and Adventure models. This extended warranty adds two extra years of coverage and is presumably part of the firm’s efforts to regain market confidence.
Short-lived revival shock for M&P
Earlier this year, the longestablished Welsh bastion of the division remained unprofitable, even though the Swansea site briefly traded liquidation. To this end, Charlotte Jobling and Michael Goldstein of licensed
MEET THE INDIAN MOTORCYCLE TEAM AT MOTORCYCLE LIVE
Are import rules about to change?
The retail world has undergone significant changes in recent years, largely driven by the advent of the web and the growth of online shopping.
Where once consumers would go to a store or use mail order and wait weeks for an order to be received, now it’s possible to order online – from the other side of the world – and receive goods in just a few days.
Naturally, governments aim to protect domestic businesses and collect tax revenue, hence the application of import duties and VAT on goods entering a country. But to ease trade, there’s the application of a ‘de minimis’ rule, which effectively exempts goods below a certain value from import taxes.
De minimis plays a crucial role in global shipping and customs, significantly impacting e-commerce businesses and those who purchase products internationally. Its value is determined by individual countries and can vary significantly from one country to another.
In the UK, it’s £135, in Australia, it’s AUD1000, and €150 in the EU. And until recently, it was $800 in the US.
However, President Trump signed an executive order on 30 July “to deal with national emergencies and save American lives and businesses now” that removed the exemption from 29 August. The move is to be enshrined in law from July 2027. And it looks like the EU will follow suit, given time.
The effect on the US is yet to be seen,
but US nationals are likely to pay more for small items they buy online, assuming that firms outside the country still find it economical to send such goods.
Notably, there are calls within the UK for the government to follow the US example; inexpensive small goods imports worth £5.9bn entered the
The British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA) is very unhappy that the government has, thus far, taken no action to limit abuse of the £135 de minimis rule
UK tax-free during 2024-25 according to HMRC data released to Sky News following a Freedom of Information request. This is a 53% increase on the previous year’s figure of £3.9bn.
In particular, companies such as Shein and Temu have taken advantage of the exemption and led the charge in increasing the volume of inexpensive goods being imported into the UK.
The British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA) is very unhappy that the government has, thus far, taken no action to limit the abuse of the de minimis rule.
It cites research from Sky published at the end of July, which said that “companies like Shein and Temu have become big players in British retail, not to mention elsewhere around the world, by manufacturing cheap products in China and then posting them directly to consumers, benefiting from the de minimis rules.”
BIRA reckons that de minimis is having a detrimental effect on independent retailers as well as manufacturers across the UK.
That said, if the de minimis rule were to be abolished, then, as in the US, lower-income households would end up paying a proportionately higher amount for their purchases from overseas.
Clearly, a government in need of tax revenue will welcome the value that duties on low-value goods might bring; just a simple tariff of 20% on the £5.9bn imported last year would add £1.18bn to the Treasury if volumes of goods imported didn’t drop.
The government is still deliberating on the topic, with no date yet set for an announcement.
Regardless, it needs to be noted that the removal of de minimis is a doubleedged sword; while it hampers the ability of overseas firms to sell inexpensive goods to UK consumers, it also has the same effect on UK firms selling overseas. As the Scotsman observed, the rule’s removal with a 10% duty “could add $80 to Scottish products sold in the USA” based on an import value of $800.
Who wins then?
Riders’ rights group the National Motorcyclists Council has released information on the latest DVLA registration policies for repaired, modified and restored bikes. The agency has clarified its rules on what owners need to tell it about modifications to already-registered machines, following a call for evidence which NMC member the Vintage Motor Cycle Club responded to, along with other historic vehicle groups.
The key changes mean that like-forlike repairs and restorations will no longer require notification to DVLA, providing the vehicle’s appearance is the same as when it was originally manufactured and there are no changes to the log book (V5C). Vehicles that have been subject to significant structural modifications will be able to keep their original Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and registration number, and vehicles that have been converted to electric power will also retain their original identity, but the DVLA must be notified of the changes in both cases.
Under the previous rules, a range of modifications required notification and sometimes a complex and expensive inspection and re-
DVLA eases mod and repair rules
registration. The new rules simplify those requirements, though bikes with replacement frames, frames with significant structural modifications, or where a VIN number changes, will still require notice to DVLA. Structural difference for motorcycles is defined as “including, but not limited to, any lengthening, shortening, or widening of a vehicle’s frame or changing its appearance.” There are separate rules for tricycle builds.
Neil Lewis, president of the VMCC, said: “The VMCC welcomes these headline changes as it will make the notification process for already registered, restored historic motorcycles much more straightforward than it is at present. On the issue of
criteria for reconstructed classics, we will be seeking clarity from the DVLA in relation to what components are included in the 25-year rule. The VMCC will also continue discussions with DVLA and DfT on other areas related to historic motorcycle regulations”.
NMC executive director Craig CareyClinch added: “The revised regulations apply to motorcycles of all ages, and not all owners may have realised that certain types of repair or modification were previously supposed to be notified to DVLA. This new guidance will bring greater peace of mind.”
For more details on the DVLA guidance see: assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/ media/6899c2cf3080e72710b2e335/ INF318_making_changes_to_a_vehicle.pdf.
Manufacturers Manufacturers
Summer is definitely over, with chilly mornings and damp air spreading across the country. Us Southern softies are already digging out the heated vests and winter gloves, as the autumn equinox passes and the nights draw in.
What better time, then, to have a catch-up with some of the major players in the bike importing and distribution field, to get a sense of what’s going on in the market? As always with this regular feature, I knocked on doors to speak to the people who make it happen at the largest mainstream firms and smaller, more niche operators.
As dealers start to think about 2026, how did this year’s new bike sales market go in the end? It’s been a mixed bag,
it seems, with some good trends and some bad, both internal and external. One obvious thing which everyone mentioned, with a half-smile, is the weather. “It’s stating the obvious,” said Adam Kelley, general manager at Yamaha Motor UK, “but the weather has really helped. It has boosted dealers’ showroom footfall and put more bikes through their workshops, and they’ve been pretty positive about that.”
Fabrizio Cazzoli, Ducati UK’s MD, agreed. “First of all, the weather has been much more generous than last year! Probably last year was the worst winter, sorry, summer, in
2025 has been a year to forget. 2026 can only get better! Alan Dowds talks to the people in the trade who can make it happen
terms of weather conditions. This year, we don’t have that excuse…”
Overall a fair wind (pun intended) for that aspect of the business and one to be grateful for. Also out of industry control has been the wider economy. It’s fair to say that the financial environment remains challenging for many, with living costs remaining high, stubbornly high inflation, and stagnant growth in certain areas. But there are some optimistic signs for the bike trade, as Devron Boulton, Triumph UK’s general manager, told me. “For some of the key drivers of our market, the horizon is starting to look a bit more positive. Interest rates, in particular, the general view, I think, is that they will gradually fall. When, is the question. When they do, it will help with retail funding costs. There’s been a series of shocks to the business, and that’s been one of them.”
The weather has really helped. It has boosted dealers’ showroom footfall and put more bikes through their workshops
Adam Kelley Yamaha
Cazzoli agrees. “There’s been a general reduction in interest rates, and with it a stabilisation of running costs”. Adam Kelley at Yamaha adds to that with his view on a typical biker’s financial approach to their hobby: “One thing we do seem to have now is an attitude amongst riders that ‘the one thing I want to keep in my life is my motorcycle’. There seems to be enough of them to keep dealers selling, because these are the hardcore customers that still love motorcycling.” Kelley also accepts that the older demographic that
makes up a lot of biking, perhaps with mortgages paid off and decent pension pots, is better-placed to buy. “Yes, a plus about the mature rider is that they have the ability to spend.”
When it comes to internal factors affecting the market, a major one was the change to Euro 5+ emissions rules at the start of 2025. That caused a significant shock to new bike sales, with many non-compliant bikes being pre-registered and then released into the market. The ensuing glut of new, but already registered, machines meant new registration figures suffered for most of the first half of the year. Even firms that had managed their stock in late 2024 and had little or no non-compliant bikes to pre-register were caught off guard, as customers were tempted by cheaper deals on pre-Euro 5+ models from other brands.
There’s been a general reduction in interest rates, and with it a stabilisation of running costs
Fabrizio Cazzoli
Ducati
The impact was severe, but thankfully, the effects now seem to be dissipating. Andrew Mineyko, head of motorcycles at Honda, said virtually all of Honda’s Euro 5 backlog has been cleared. “They’ve all been sold through; there’s only a dozen or so in the network now.” Part of that is down to careful planning and stock clearing, Mineyko giving the example of the CBF125. Honda didn’t bring in the new Euro5+ model until later in 2025, and pre-registered a large batch of 2024 models, but in a smart way. “Half of all the bikes that we pre-registered were CBF125s, and we informed the network
well in advance that the new year model wasn’t being released until July. At the same time, we asked them to pre-register a large number of bikes on interest-free stocking. It meant they did not have to pay for them, or panic sell them, which kept them going until July.
“Because the big bike market tailed off at the back end of 2024, it left us with a little bit of surplus stock. Again, we went to our dealers and, through the dealer council, agreed on the best strategy. It meant that every dealer had an equal opportunity. Stock didn’t just go to the big boys with the large cheque books. The bikes were offered to every dealer, with interest-free stocking, so they didn’t have to pay for them and worry about it. That allowed them to retain profit and gave them some additional sales or substituted sales for bikes we didn’t have.
For some of the key drivers of our market, the horizon is starting to look a bit more positive
Devron Boulton
Triumph
“It was all structured, as we always do and always have done, in conjunction with the dealer council. Every single dealer volunteered and supported it and took part. Not one dealer refused or said no, and that’s because it was a plan put together with them and us.
“The end result is that if you add in the Euro 5 bikes to what our network did, we’d be ahead of this time last year. As it is, if you take those out, we’re a little bit behind last year. But we’re bucking the market trend and our market share is growing.”
There’s no hiding that 2025 hasn’t been a great year in terms of sales. Almost everyone I spoke to recognised
that sales were down across the board, with only some small wins here and there. Paul de Lusignan, director at Suzuki GB motorcycles, was direct with his thoughts. “It was quite a tough season. There was a slow start to the year due to the impact of Euro 5 pre-registrations. That obviously impacted everybody in the market; we weren’t immune. However, things picked up towards the end of the season, and we had some good results in August and September. Also, consumer confidence has been quite low this year, and I think everyone’s feeling that.”
Devron Boulton gave me an overview of the last 12 months, from a Triumph point of view. “Picking up the market from last year, it was quite interesting, because Triumph’s first quarter [July-September 2024] had been quite a challenging period for the market, with sales something like 14% down over the period in the 500ccplus categories. And then we saw this massive swing to growth in Triumph’s second quarter, which I think everybody ultimately understood was a consequence of the Euro 5 runout, and a lot of that product needed to be registered.
“And, of course, that wasn’t all true retail business, and there was that lump of registrations that had flattered the results. I think there was always an anticipation that it would unwind, and that we would see registrations suffer as a consequence. Not necessarily sales suffering, because they were registered bikes we were selling, but registrations were expected to be challenging. And from a statistical point of view, that’s proven to be the case. But I think demand has also been challenging as well
within that, so there’s been two things going on in parallel.”
“We’re roughly in line with the market,” said Adam Kelly at Yamaha. “But availability has been a frustration, and we’ve certainly lost out on some sales because of it. And definitely, that transition to Euro 5+ has certainly made our larger capacity bikes a bit more of a challenge.”
Lexmoto will continue to grow, and we are already preparing to launch a new model for next year
Yamaha’s not been alone in having to work on stock supply. Ducati’s been a victim of its own success with its new range of V2 models, where demand has exceeded supply. “The new line of product based on the V2 engine has been a great success,” said Fabrizio Cazzoli. “We still have a waiting list for some of these models. And we are just coming up to meeting the demand for some other models.”
Honda also saw demand outpacing supply for popular new models, such as its hit entry-level single, the GB350. “We’ve got a little bit of time to go before our next batch arrives,” said Andrew Mineyko. “It’s been incredibly popular, and we’ve already sold more than our initial order we placed with the factory. We can change our order every month up or down, but it takes three or four months for that to filter through.”
Suzuki also saw some of its important 2025 models arriving late, such as the DRZ-4 dirtbike/supermoto and the GSX-8T/TT retro roadsters. However, Paul de Lusignan says stocks are now arriving, and dealers
Rob WoolleyLlexeter
are happy. “The new bikes have all been really well received. The GSX8T and TT are now starting to appear in showrooms, and some customers have already taken test rides. They’ve done really well. We had pre-orders for those bikes before they landed, which was great. The DRZ-4 is also arriving; it’s not here yet, we have another month or so to wait, but we had really strong pre-orders for that as well. Bikers are seeing positive press reports from our various launches, and our first two deliveries are already sold out.”
“outstanding year”. Brand manager Rob Woolley commented: “We’re on target to distribute nearly 10,000 bikes to dealers. The Lexmoto brand has been incredible, and with what looks set to be another strong year, we sometimes find ourselves a victim of our own success, with stock levels suffering in recent months. In particular, during Q3 this year, we had more pre-orders than ever for bikes still on their way here.
One importer that has had a very good year is Llexeter – though it too has suffered from supply issues. The importer of small-bore Lexmoto and Talaria electric machinery reports an
The
“Lexmoto will continue to grow, and we are already preparing to launch a new model for next year. But only when stock consistency is secured and we have assured dealers that we can keep bikes flowing smoothly.
GB350 has been incredibly popular, and we’ve already sold more than the initial order we placed with the factory
Andrew MineykoHonda
“Our Talaria electric brand has also had a record year. When we first began with Talaria three to four years ago, there was another importer, but now we are the sole distributor, and the brand has thrived. I strongly believe we are now the number one-selling e-bike brand in the UK.”
Talking about dealer network health, Woolley commented: “The UK market does seem to be taking casualties this year, which is sad to see. Growing economic pressures are taking their toll on dealers, and the struggles they face are very clear. We’ve noticed an increasing trend of dealers taking on too many brands, which has led to customer confusion and stretched marketing resources.”
The ever more difficult landscape for retailers is accepted, and the importers I spoke to all said they were hoping
to ease the stress on their networks. “2024 was a year where the financial burden for dealers was extremely heavy,” said Fabrizio Cazzoli. “The industry has suffered several closures, though in the case of Ducati, we’re not experiencing that now. Actually, we are in a much better position; the profitability of our dealer network has improved significantly. I think we all learned many lessons from last year, and we have implemented measures to better align with the dealer stock situation. So, despite the dealer network stock being more or less in line with last year, the age of our stock is completely different; it’s much healthier, and that means the cost of stock for dealers has reduced dramatically.”
Yamaha has been working actively to optimise stock and supply across its network, too, says Adam Kelley. “We’ve been actively reducing dealers’ stock to give them a better turnover of stock and better cash flow. Now, rather than dealers A and B having 10 of something and dealers C and D having none, we have improved availability for our dealers, allowing them to maintain a healthier stock turnover, which in turn avoids excessive pressure on them. Our stock position in the dealer network is nearly 30% lower than it was this time last year, which is a planned reduction.
“Yes, we lost some dealers last year; it was a tough year for them. However, we have been actively reducing dealers’ stock, and that’s been really well received by dealers, and it’s something we will continue. That said, there are some shortages around, and we’re talking to our dealers to make sure that they’ve got the right stock over the last part of the season to make sure they can get the sales.”
Suzuki’s also looking to help dealers out over
I knew the GSX-R1000R would be a nice surprise for dealers and bikers. We’ve had a lot of pre-orders already, so many in fact that our first delivery is sold out
Paul de Lusignan Paul de Lusignan
Suzuki UK
the end of this year, with some new financial deals and promotions. “We’re talking to our dealers about simplicity, and having very simple offers for the market”, said Paul de Lusignan. “One of the things we are doing is price realignment on some of our models, and simplifying our offer by doing that. For example, on our scooters, we’re reducing the retail price by £400 for each of our three models. That’s a significant decrease. Also, the V-Strom 800 DE is going to come down by £1000. The GSX-S1000 GX+ will be down £900. Essentially, these are our new on-the-road prices, thereby simplifying the offer
strong dealer council which meets up regularly, and we also have dealer roadshows for the rest of the network, with attendances the best we’ve ever had.”
He went on to outline a couple of schemes Honda is launching to provide dealers with more practical help. “We’ve launched our six-year service-activated warranty, which is there to drive customers back into showrooms. It’s all about customer retention. If you have customers coming in three, four, or five years later, buying genuine parts, it’s good for everyone.
time for dealers, so we went to a centralised build about a year ago, where we build the bikes at Swindon before they’re delivered. We’re now moving onto a centralised PDI facility, which will roll out over the next six months or so. Everything we’re doing is to help create more opportunities for dealers. If a dealer is doing a build and PDI, for example, they charge it out to themselves internally, maybe at a cheaper labour rate of £20 or £30 an hour. But if we can free that time up and they then charge it out to retail, at a £90 labour rate, it’s got to be better for them.”
Gareth Hughes Gareth Hughes
Vmoto
the market, but UK MD Gareth Hughes has to look after his dealer network too. “We’ve gained a couple, we’ve lost a couple, but we’re still going to grow. I don’t want 100 dealers, I just want one in each territory, and I’m all for supporting the dealers. The Chinese owners’ primary objective is to increase market share. The CPx alone has got 16.1% market share year-to-date.”
Hughes concedes this year has been challenging in his part of the market. “I would say 2025 has been interesting; lots of challenges have been thrown up, but we’re getting there; there’s light at the end of the tunnel. We’re heading in the right direction, and there’s a plan for where we want to be in a couple of years.
“At the beginning of the year, we had questions about the government’s £500 electric plug-in bike grant, which could end next April. Luckily, being manufacturerbacked, I was in a position to factor that into my margins for the dealer. If it goes, you’re still going to make ‘£x’ or ‘£y’. We’ve prepared for the worst: if the grant stays, dealers can make more money.”
With the Milan and NEC shows on the horizon, we asked how 2026 was looking in terms of product. We’ve already seen some forthcoming models: Ducati has just released information on three high-end machines in the run-up to the shows, the Diavel RS, Multistrada RS and the Panigale V4R.
“Ducati is a product-driven manufacturer,” said Fabrizio Cazzoli. “And I always say, if you consider the size of the company, the investment in R&D, in new products, even in a segment where you see much bigger manufacturers struggling or giving up, as our CEO says; “If there is going to be a last-ever superbike it will be a Ducati!”
Suzuki also has an eagerlyawaited 2026 model, the GSX-R1000R, announced, to the surprise of many, at the
Suzuka 8 Hour endurance race in August. Paul de Lusignan knew it was coming. “It wasn’t a surprise for me – I’d known for a long time! And I knew it would be a nice surprise for dealers and bikers. We’ve had a lot of pre-orders already, so many in fact that our first delivery is sold out.” He also confirmed that Suzuki will announce pricing information on the new GSX-R at the NEC Birmingham MCL show.
Other distributors are keeping their cards close, but both Yamaha and Honda seem set to release some interesting new bikes for next year. Yamaha has a few gaps in its line-up, especially when it comes to the super-naked class, where its MT-10 has been ruled out as non-Euro 5+ compliant. “We’re certainly looking forward to the Euro 5+ replacements,” said Adam Kelley. “We’ve got to be patient with some models, but we’ve got new product announcements coming at EICMA , which will make our range complete again.”
And Kelley also hopes that with the headache of Euro 5+ gone, there might be some plain sailing ahead. “It’s been such a complex transition through Euro 5 to Euro 5+, and we’re hoping to have a nice, clean year next year, without any distortion. We all want to get back to sensible, normal and profitable sales for dealers from the current and new models that we’ve got coming.”
Honda has already launched a couple of electric models for 2026 – the CUV e: urban mobility machine, and the full-power ‘EV Fun’ bike, the WN7 – and Andrew Mineyko says there’s more on the way. “We’ve done the trailers for the WN7, which will be arriving next spring, and we’ve got more big bikes for 2026. We’ve got a lot of new product coming, year in, year out, for the next few years as far as I am allowed to see, which is quite a long way ahead…”
ANCLA C9311/C9312
STAG CU58
BEHEMOTH CU07/CU08
New plans for flexible working
The law on flexible working changed in 2024 – but further changes are on the way
Since the Covid-19 pandemic reshaped the world of work, flexible working has quickly become a vital part of how many people balance their professional and personal lives.
Recognising this shift, on 6 April 2024, the Tory government introduced several changes to flexible working legislation, making it easier than ever for employees to request flexible arrangements from the very start of their employment.
Labour’s ‘Plan to Make Work Pay’, promises to take things even further, strengthening employee rights and making flexibility the default, not the exception.
Given the new landscape,
it makes sense to explore what’s has changed over the past 12 months and what might be coming next, to help employers navigate this new world of work.
request flexible working – they can do so from their very first day on the job
• More opportunities to request: Employees can now submit two requests every 12 months as opposed to just one
It remains the case that employers can’t just say ‘no’ to a flexible working request
WHAT CHANGED IN APRIL 2024?
On 6 April 2024, the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023 came into force. The new legislation brought in four key changes:
• Day one access: Employees no longer have to wait 26 weeks to
• No need to justify: Employees no longer need to explain how their request for flexible working might impact their employer
• Faster decisions: Employers now have just two months to respond to a request (including any
appeal) instead of three. This timeline can still be extended with agreement
It remains the case that employers can’t just say ‘no’ to a flexible working request – they must consult with the employee first. What’s more, any decision to reject a request must align with one or more of the following eight business reasons set out in the Employment Rights Act 1996, namely the burden of additional costs, an inability to reorganise work amongst existing staff, an inability to recruit additional staff, a detrimental impact on quality, a detrimental impact on performance, a detrimental effect on the ability to meet customer demand, insufficient work available for the periods
the employee proposes to work, or planned structural changes to the employer’s business.
To provide further direction, the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) issued a new code of practice on flexible working requests, which also came into effect on 6 April 2024. This replaces the previous version, the ACAS code of practice on handling requests to work flexibly in a reasonable manner.
While failing to follow the code won’t automatically land an employer in legal trouble, it’s not something to ignore, as employment tribunals will take it into account when reviewing relevant cases.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR FLEXIBLE WORKING?
As part of its ‘Plan to Make Work Pay’, the government aims to make flexible working the default from day one, unless it’s genuinely not feasible.
Labour wants to build on the April 2024 legislation by tightening up how requests are handled, ensuring more transparency and fairness. It plans to do this by:
• Introducing a test of reasonableness where an employer refuses a statutory flexible working application;
• Requiring employers to state their ground(s) for refusing an application, and justify why each ground is reasonable, when communicating their decision to the employee; and
• Setting out clear steps that employers must take to comply with the requirement to consult. This could include inviting the employee to a meeting to discuss the request, allowing the employee to be accompanied, and maintaining a written record of the discussion (as outlined in the ACAS Code of Practice)
WHAT COULD THIS MEAN FOR EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES?
These proposed changes aim to make flexible working not just more accessible, but also fairer and more transparent. The key benefits for employees include greater protection against unfair refusals, clearer and more transparent decisions, and more meaningful consultations.
While the changes aim to empower employees, they could bring new challenges for employers. With tougher rules around refusals, it’s likely to become more difficult to say no to flexible working requests, opening the door to a potential rise in tribunal claims. That said, it’s worth noting that the compensation cap for a successful claim remains unchanged – a maximum of eight weeks’ pay.
WHAT SHOULD EMPLOYERS DO NOW?
It would be wise for employers to review their flexible working policies and procedures to understand what changes may be needed once the new legislation comes into effect. In doing so, it would be useful to think about how flexible working requests are currently handled.
The timing of these changes remains uncertain, as an implementation date has yet to be confirmed.
The updates to flexible working form part of the wider Employment Rights Bill, which is still progressing through parliament, with many of the reforms unlikely to take effect until early 2026, according to a government roadmap on the bill published at the start of July 2025. That said, the proposed changes to flexible working are relatively straightforward – so there’s a chance they could be introduced sooner, potentially later this year.
LOUISE HARVEY
Louise Harvey is a consultant at employment law firm Worknest
ESJOT sprockets for Parts Europe
ANOTHER MONTH, another new product line for spares distributor Parts Europe. This time it’s ESJOT drive sprockets, a high-end German brand, with Parts Europe carrying the full range in stock.
According to the firm, ESJOT has built a strong reputation for precisionengineered sprockets offering superior performance and durability. The brand supplies OEM manufacturers and aftermarket customers with both on- and off-road lines, with precision German engineering, strength and lightweight design, for front and rear sprockets. More information is available at www.partseurope.eu
Motorcycle Live plans warming up
As we go to press, there are less than two months before the bike industry’s annual flagship show kicks off in Birmingham, and the organisers of Motorcycle Live are ramping up their preparations, with a series of announcements about November’s show.
First up is the newly sponsored Fuchs Silkolene Trade Day, which allows dealers and trade contacts to apply for up to four tickets priced at £5 each. There is eligibility criteria, and multi-franchise dealers are limited to four tickets per registered business address. More information is available at www.motorcyclelive.co.uk/ trade-day. MCIA members will automatically receive two complimentary tickets to attend the show on any day of their choosing, and if dealers want to organise a trip to the show for customers, there’s a 10% group booking discount for 10 or more tickets. Group tickets can be used on any one day of the show and the group do not need to travel together –for more information, contact
groups@seetickets.com. There’s also discounted advance parking, which can be booked for £10 via the NEC website.
In terms of what’s on, the show organisers have listed the different attractions under a series of headlines. The retail side will showcase the latest 2026 bikes, riding kit and accessories from some of the biggest brands, while the Free Riding Experiences give kids and adults the chance to test ride their favourite bikes.
On the entertainment front, there’s an upgraded Festival Zone where visitors can kick back with a wide range of street food, plus live music each day. The Moto Action Show
Indian theme for season-ending Ardingly Classic Motorcyle show
OCTOBER SEES THE LAST CLASSIC BIKE Show and Jumble at Ardingly this year, and the organisers have planned a special theme, focused on the Indian Motorcycle marque. Attractions include a special talk by Allan Ford, who ran and rode the Motodrome Wall of Death using Indian twin-cylinder machines. Ford will tell the Wall of Death story and is bringing his own 1926 Indian, once used in the attraction. The session will be compered by technical expert Rick Parkington, who previously worked at Edinburgh’s
Motolux Indian workshop.
The Indian Riders Motorcycle Club will be in strong attendance, bringing along rare and fascinating examples of the breed, while Karl Foulkes-Halbard of Filching Manor Motor Museum adds to the line-up with his veteran Indian single and twin. The show takes place on October 26 at the South of England showground at Ardingly, near Gatwick, RH17 6TL. Tickets are £7 for adults, and kids under 16 go free. For more information, visit www. elkpromotions.co.uk .
features exhilarating stunt displays, extreme freestyle motocross and indoor trials displays, presented by Matt Crowhurst. The evergreen Black Horse Stage will host celebrity interviews from the world of two wheels, hosted by James Whitham and Jack Burnicle, while rising star Grace Webb will introduce the Expert Lab, featuring technical demonstrations and conversations with industry professionals.
The Motorcycle Live show runs from November 15-23 at the NEC in Birmingham. More information and show opening times can be found at www.motorcyclelive.co.uk
Off Road Centre helps global adventure bike theft victim
Nottingham dealer The Off Road Centre, hit the headlines after it stepped in to help a roundthe-world adventure rider stranded by bike thieves. Yogesh Alekari, from India, had travelled through 17 countries, covering 15,000 miles, on his KTM 390 Adventure before it was stolen from Wollaton Park in Nottingham at the end of August. After seeing Alekari’s plight on social media posts and in the news, The Off Road Centre in Mansfield Woodhouse supplied him with a new KTM 790 Adventure, plus kit, to get him back on the move.
Ben Ledwidge, boss at The Off Road
our home town, we thought let’s see if we can help him.
“I don’t think he believed it to begin with. We’re going to follow his journey now and see how he gets on.”
The Off Road Centre held a special going-away event on 19 September, which included Hindu ceremonies at the local temple, as Alekari set off for the next leg of his world tour, to Africa.
Meanwhile, according to the BBC, Nottinghamshire Police have arrested an 18-year-old man in Doncaster on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and other offences. A firearm, an extendable baton and quantities of cannabis were also recovered from a
property, and the man was further arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm without a certificate, possession with intent to supply Class B drugs, and possession of an offensive weapon in a private place.
Officers are, though, still trying to trace the stolen motorcycle!
Yogesh Alekari with his new KTM 790 Adventure
Vmoto on the move
It’s the biggest electric bike brand in the UK. And Vmoto has just moved into new, bigger, better premises.
BDN’s Alan Dowds went along for a look
The electric bike market remains moribund in many ways. But one area of success is in the urban mobility sector, and Chinese brand Vmoto is top of that class. Its range of scooters, motorcycles, mopeds and three-wheelers covers both burgeoning fleet demand and the growing consumer side of the low-power short-range battery-powered market, meaning it’s permanently sat at the top of the sales charts. Now the British arm of the business has moved from its old base in Guildford to new premises in
Maidenhead, with better facilities and room for expansion.
“Guildford wasn’t really fit for purpose,” said Vmoto UK MD Gareth Hughes (above), when I visited the new building. “We just couldn’t grow, that’s the long and short of it. A couple of weeks ago, I sat down with a fleet customer, and as well as putting together a big order,
We’ve been in a fortunate position where we have been able to fund the move and fit out the new premises with a mezzanine floor
Gareth Hughes, MD, Vmoto UK
they wanted me to hold a minimum of 100 bikes in stock, which they could draw down on any time when they were busy. If I had stayed in the old Guilford building, I couldn’t have offered that sort of service.
“So bringing the warehousing in-house just made sense. And I do have to thank Steve Burgess and his team, at SCH Motor Prep in Sywell. They housed us in the beginning and also helped with the transition of moving the stock; they’ve been really good to us.”
Why has Vmoto ended up in Maidenhead? “This unit came up, it was double the size of what we had in
Guildford, but I wanted to retain staff, and moving to Maidenhead is about the same journey time for them. Also, the Chinese owners’ criteria is to keep the business within one hour of London. Heathrow is 15 minutes away, and once I explained that I’ve had their full support; they’re 100% behind the move.
“Their other key criteria was that the UK business financed the move, and thankfully, we have. We’ve been in a fortunate position where we have been able to fund the move and fit out the new premises with a mezzanine floor. Maidenhead is also a great location in terms of logistics. We’re just off the M4, and for air freight, stuff is here within a day. We get smaller, lighter parts delivered by air freight. Also, being located here, we have a couple of dealers who just come and pick their bikes up. We can get machines built up for them,
Vmoto is already supplying dealers with Super Fast Chargers
Battery Charging Walls allow fleets to keep bikes on the road 24/7
or they can take it in its box. We use Move Motorcycles to deliver all our bikes and we have an agreement with the dealers where they can have a bike delivered in five to seven working days.”
That’s all vital because logistics is a massive part of the Vmoto operation. The business-to-business side is about 60% of the business at the moment, with the firm supplying most of the big players in the food delivery industry – household names like Uber, and less-well-known fleet service firms which supply scooters as a business tool, looking after bikes, insurance, maintenance and repairs. That means Hughes is dealing with buyers who are sourcing hundreds of machines at a time, rather than the traditional, smaller-scale orders of ‘normal’ businessto-consumer motorcycle retailing.
“I’ve got a meeting next week with one customer,” said Hughes. “They’re looking to purchase quite a hefty number of vehicles for next year. The fleet side has been an interesting aspect of the business for me to learn from, given my background in dealerships and area sales work.
“They’re spreadsheet people: they’re not buying a bike because they want a bike, it’s a tool to do a job that is cost-
The fleet side has been an interesting aspect of the business for me to learn from, given my background in dealerships and area sales work
effective, and I’m going in because Vmoto is the perfect product for them.”
Looking round the new premises, there’s certainly a lot of stuff happening, rows and rows of new electric bikes in crates, racking for spare parts and tyres, as well as a new battery room with diagnostic and repair kit, charging centres, and a workshop, together with a boardroom, offices and PDI build stations.
A large delivery of the firm’s threewheeled cargo bikes has just arrived, and they are set to feature in a new project –
supplying maintenance teams at a major airline with clean, electric transport at international airports. “We’ve had talks with one of the big airlines about using the three-wheeler,” said Hughes. “That’s probably a 12-month project to get to the table, and it has taken a lot of time and effort. But from a sustainability level, many large companies are thinking they can take a diesel van off the road and, for a fraction of the price, replace it with an electric vehicle that will do the same job.” www.vmoto.co.uk
Gareth Hughes, MD, Vmoto UK
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Your thoughts and opinions on the trade’s top topics
Roads are killing bikers
I’d bet a pound to a penny that most of last year’s 9% increase in motorcycle road accident deaths was due to the terrible and deteriorating condition of the roads, more specifically B-class roads and rural lanes, where the majority [60%] of motorcycle miles take place. I thought North Devon’s roads were bad enough, but a recent visit to Kettering was a real knee-jerker in every sense of the word; the roads were a disgrace. Whoever in Northants is responsible should be dragged from behind their desks and given shovels. Statistics are needed to prove that potholes and dangerous road surfaces are killing and injuring bikers and cyclists. And they exist. They are not available from the Department for Transport, but they can be obtained from the UK’s 48 or so regional police forces, many of which would, no doubt, be happy to supply them, given that they attend and report the cause of all serious road accidents and that they have to close roads, help clear up the mess and then tell relatives, etc, the sad news.
Instead of muttering about the problem without any supporting facts, maybe one of the biking associations, trade or consumer, should talk to the police, collate their accident figures, if need be under the freedom of information route, to establish how big the problem is and how many riders are needlessly being killed by our roads. If nothing else, the stats can be used when the Department for Transport comes up with yet another maze of licensing regulations designed, they say, to save lives. The sad fact is that those lives could already have been “saved” if our roads were fit for purpose.
Colin Mayo, publisher, BDN
Write to BDN with your points of view on the topics that make the trade tick : editorial@dealernews.co.uk
I’ve just marked 30 years in the motorcycle industry, having worked across parts, clothing and sales, in both dealership and corporate roles. My enthusiasm for the trade has never faltered – but with the recent closure of dealerships, including Pidcock Motorcycles, where I began my career, I believe it’s time to scrutinise the business model that underpins our industry.
Dealership closures rarely come down to a single issue. Poor management, overspending on vanity projects, and the relentless pressure of online discounting all play their part. But manufacturers, too, must shoulder a significant portion of the responsibility.
The so-called “dealer standards” imposed by manufacturers have become a major burden. Dealers are required to meet demands for specific signage, flooring, paint, and showroom refits – often at enormous cost. I know of dealers who have spent £70,000-£100,000 to achieve little more than a showroom that looks like a fast-food outlet. Meanwhile, margins on new bike sales are wafer-thin, with manufacturers arguing that dealers make their money back on partexchanges and workshop jobs. That is not a sustainable model. Why should anyone tie up half a million pounds in
new stock when the same investment in used bikes could return three times the profit? If the model truly worked, wouldn’t manufacturers be running their own profitable retail outlets? History shows that most attempts have failed.
Let’s be honest: fitting a new suspended ceiling doesn’t sell a single extra motorcycle. Even if sales did increase, any additional profit would be swallowed by the cost of the refit. Likewise, being forced to invest tens of thousands in corporate clothing ranges – only to discount them heavily at season’s end – puts dealers in an impossible position. It’s a one-sided relationship where dealer interests come a distant second.
Manufacturers must become more empathetic and flexible. A week spent inside each dealership, not a halfday visit, speaking with staff and management, would give them far greater insight into the real challenges we face – and how both sides could grow together.
Unless this mindset shifts, dealership closures will only accelerate. And if that happens, none of us – manufacturers, dealers, or staff – will have an industry left to work in.
Paul Day, territory marketing and sales representative, Klim UK & Ireland
New product lead and London outlet for Zapp
Electric scooter maker
Zapp has appointed a new product development lead. Tom Briscoe takes on the role after holding senior positions at Pure Electric and Dyson, to help Zapp develop new urban mobility transport.
“Tom brings extensive experience in design and development to define and deliver Zapp’s future product strategy,” said David McIntyre, Zapp CEO. “His leadership will be instrumental as we
scale our product offering and continue to push boundaries in the two-wheel EV category.”
Briscoe added: “Joining Zapp at this pivotal moment is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of two-wheel electric mobility. Zapp stands at the intersection of sustainable transport, cutting-edge design, and British engineering excellence; all of which are values I've long championed.
I'm looking forward to driving product innovation to expand our portfolio.”
Bull-It jeans get new branding
THE BULL-IT JEANS BRAND HAS been given a refresh, with new branding and logo.
The latest branding drops the familiar “Bull’s head” motif of old, replacing it with a wordmark incorporating stylised horns on the initial letter. This allows consistent use of the horned “B”,
ZAPP IN SELFRIDGES
Meanwhile, Zapp has announced a new distribution partnership which sees its scooters on sale in London’s high-end Selfridges department store in Oxford Street.
The ‘Bike Shop’ showcase introduces potential customers to Zapp’s £5495 i300 model, which they can reserve in-store for delivery later this year.
More info is available from: www.zappev.com.
R&G RACING HAS appointed a new senior sales executive. Ed Boxell joins R&G from electric bike importer Vmoto and will be responsible for helping the brand to grow its presence both in the UK and globally, working alongside head of sales Chris Williams. Commenting on his appointment, Boxell said: “I’m really excited to be joining R&G. They are renowned for their extensive range of highquality crash protection, and I’m really looking forward to starting to immerse myself in the product range and help to bring these essential products to even more bikers.”
whether as part of the complete new logo or as a stand-alone monogram.
The redesign means that the brand’s extensive jeans range will be treated to revised tabs, buttons and Jacrons to bring them into line. And sales manager at Bull-It parent company Covec, Elliot
Bloxham, says the company is working on new POS, to give the brand a distinctive shop-floor image in what is a crowded sector of the market. Covec 01489 582707; www.covec.co.uk
Tom Briscoe, product development lead, Zapp
David McIntyre, Zapp CEO
John Nicholas Jeffery
1948-2025
The funeral of John Nicholas Jeffery, known to everyone in the trade as Nick, took place at Aylesbury Vale Natural Burial Meadow on 2 September. Those in attendance celebrated his life and achievements. Family, friends, former colleagues, and members of the trade gathered to pay their respects to a man who had an unwavering love for motorcycles and the motorcycle industry. He was 78 years old.
Born in Wallington, Surrey, Nick was bright and intelligent as a lad, easily securing a place at Wallington Grammar School. He later earned an apprenticeship with Morris Motors and became the first student to be sponsored as a Nuffield Scholar in mechanical engineering.
During the vibrant era of the ‘Swinging 60s,’ Nick enrolled at Oxford University, where he found himself juggling many interests, often detracting from his studies. Nevertheless, he excelled in subjects that captured his attention, and motorcycles were his greatest passion, inspired by his older brother Richard. Though they shared a love for biking, rivalry existed; Richard favoured Nortons while Nick preferred Vincents. He was never slow on a motorcycle.
One of his proudest achievements during his time at university was riding from Oxford to John O’Groats, then from John O’Groats to Land’s End, and back to Oxford – a journey he completed in around 40 hours, stopping only for fuel and to unfreeze his leg when he could no longer change gears!
His love of speed inevitably caught up with him. By his mid-20s, after receiving four speeding tickets, he lost his driving license. However, he still managed to earn a degree in mechanical engineering in 1976 with minimal studying.
He started his career with British Leyland, later moving to Suzuki GB, where he served as national service manager, and then to Kawasaki UK as technical service manager, where he even learned Japanese.
During this time, Nick courted Ellie, whom he’d met at Oxford. When Ellie moved to Australia, Nick wrote to her regularly, and when she returned to the UK, their bond deepened, and they married in 1977, settling in Bledlow, Buckinghamshire.
In the early 1980s, now in his mid30s, Nick left Kawasaki to pursue an MBA in business administration and German at Cranfield University. During a dinner conversation, a friend challenged him; “If you know the law so well, why aren’t you a lawyer?” That motivated Nick to
go on to study law at Wolverhampton Polytechnic, which he completed in half the usual time.
He went on to join Renault Trucks as an in-house legal executive and, eager to enhance his professional skills, learned French and Swedish. His thirst for knowledge and remarkable capacity to learn were truly phenomenal.
Nick remained with Renault Trucks until the company announced it would be moving north to Warwick. Unwilling to relocate, Nick opted for retirement. However, retirement did not mean slowing down. He was never bored; he didn’t know the meaning of the word! His interests expanded, and his quest for knowledge deepened. An avid reader, Nick could often be found opening his Kindle in a queue or at the roadside on biker ride-outs while others tended to lesser things!
Throughout his life, he collected books, motorcycles, and cars; spent hours tinkering in his workshop; and dedicated his time to riding and campaigning. His unwavering commitment to campaigning for rights of way earned him wide respect. Known for his anti-establishment views, he possessed a strong sense of right and wrong and displayed incredible stamina when fighting for what he believed in.
Beneath his passionate exterior, Nick had a gentle side. He was always willing to help others, exhibiting kindness and thoughtfulness that often went unnoticed, except by those he assisted. Reliable, dependable, and generous, his legacy will surely be shared by family and friends as they remember him with affection and respect.
THE RETURN OF A FULL fortnight’s activity for the amateur Manx Grand Prix and reintroduction of the Classic TT heralded a record-breaking number of visitors.
According to the Isle of Man Steam Packet ferry line, it shipped in 31,406 passengers for the overlapping events, which ran from 17 to 29 August. Theis was up from 26,296 last year, and was reportedly the highest since 1993. The previous record number of inbound ferry passengers during the Manx GP had been 29,824.
This year, the extended schedule and return of the Classic TT brand provided a big boost. But it wasn’t without some embarrassment for the Steam Packet. On one occasion, the flagship ferry Manxman had to be chaperoned to its berth in Douglas harbour by a tugboat, with passengers stood by for an emergency evacuation, because the vessel’s machine room was full of smoke.
Meanwhile, reserve ferry Ben-My-Chree, which was loading in Hexham harbour, had a parallel mishap. Rumour has it that crew members had heard of the Manxman’s troubles and were laughing so hard that they dropped a lorry onto their external freight deck’s fire safety equipment, which then had to be repaired before the Ben-My-Chree could put to sea.
On a brighter note, the ferry operator monitored a 9.6% rise in passengers coming to the Island across this year’s excellent summer holiday period in July and August, carrying 150,672 inbound visitors, up from 137,483 last year. This volume would have included improved input from motorcycle fans attending the Southern 100 races on the Billown Circuit in July.
As for the MGP and Classic TT, a negative aspect during August was the 7.7% footfall decline, amounting to a 4695 passenger reduction, travelling through the Isle of Man’s Ronaldsway Airport.
Another more profound disappointment came from the final few days of the Classic TT, when the previously good weather petered out. On the final afternoon, as bad weather cleared and the track dried rapidly, a magnificent “run what you brung” assembly formed up for the Classic Senior, ready to roll onto the grid and race. But despite the fact that treaded tyres were de rigueur, a stretch of the Mountain Course up from the Bungalow was still deemed too damp and Clerk of the Course Gary Thompson abruptly called “game over” on the paddock tannoy. Bitterness among the assembled throng was profound. Shortage of marshals was later added as an excuse. A lot of those competitors may never return.
EXPERIENCED MOTORCYCLE TECHNICIAN
Experienced motorcycle technician required by multi-franchise dealer based in Clacton on Sea, North Essex. You would need to be familiar with most manufacturers. Our brands include Benelli, Keeway, Voge, Royal Alloy, Sym, Zontes and Royal Enfield, but a good all round knowledge of the trade is essential. Able to use modern diagnostics. MOT ticket for class 1 and 2 vehicles would be preferred, but not essential. Good rates of remuneration for the right person. Friendly, family run business, established in the area for more than 45 years. Full motorcycle licence essential.
Apply with CV by email to sales@manleysmotorcycles.com
MOTORCYCLE TECHNICIAN REQUIRED // BRIGHTON
Full-time experienced technician required to join the team at On The Wheel Superstore.
Ability to undertake all aspects of the role on a variety of lightweight and large capacity bikes.
MOT Tester qualifications or willingness to be trained is desirable but not essential. Competitive salary & benefits.
Please send CV to Helen.King@onthewheel.co.uk
With financial editor Roger Willis
New owner for Belstaff
No sooner had Belstaff motorcycle sales manager Steve Robinson finished regaling peripatetic BDN correspondent Alan Dowds with the brand’s plan to raise its apparel game in the “proper” two-wheeled world once more, than their crystal-clear joint narrative vanished down a proverbial rabbit hole before our September issue –in which Dowds’s story appeared – hit the collective readership mat.
It transpired that Sir James Ratcliffe, billionaire supremo of petro-chemical giant Ineos, had just agreed to sell his sideline Belstaff business to blossoming Manchester-based sportswear brand Castore. This transaction took place on 28 August and included Ineos also acquiring a strategic slice of Castore.
According to Financial Times reporter Samuel Agini, the deal marked a latest reconfiguration of Ineos’s consumer investments following a downturn in its core chemicals business and an increase in net debt at other key Ineos divisions. These featured paying $1.6bn for a 29% vanity slice of struggling football club Manchester United and buying Belstaff from JAB Luxury in 2017, as it expanded into sport and consumer industries, all of
which are now being scaled back. The Ineos hygienics division, established during the pandemic to make hand sanitiser, was sold off in May, and a wide range of sports sponsorship interests have been cut. Prospects don’t bode well for Manchester United either, given it was recently kicked out of the Carabao Cup by Grimsby Town.
The Ineos tie-up was a “demonstration of commitment to our business and global growth ambitions”
Tom Beahon, Castore CEO
Castore has bought Belstaff from Ineos without taking on its debt or cash. Neither company disclosed finance details. In a statement, Castore chief executive Tom Beahon said the Ineos tie-up was a “demonstration of commitment to our business and global growth ambitions” and praised Ratcliffe for “steering Belstaff into profitability after a challenging period for the retail sector” – suggesting that it had been in difficulties and ripe
for disposal anyway. Indeed, Belstaff had booked an £18m annual loss in 2023, the Daily Telegraph revealed.
Beahon and his brother Phil founded new Belstaff parent Castore in 2016 as a challenger to big-league sportswear brands Adidas, Nike and Puma. Castore was valued at £950m in November 2023, following a fundraising exercise led by US investment bank Raine Group. It has worldwide commercial player and fan replica partnerships generating profits across a wide range of ball sports – cricket, football, golf, rugby, tennis etc – plus motorsports on four and two wheels.
The latter span liveried official apparel for the Formula One McLaren and Red Bull teams, plus a solitary intervention in MotoGP to provide official team kit during its 2023 season for Repsol Honda, after it had ditched a relationship with Alpinestars in that role. Hardly a pivotal presence. Obviously, the contrasting chasm between Belstaff’s historic motorcycling stock in trade, centred around waxed cotton waterproof and protective riding apparel with a good dose of purely fashion stuff thrown in, is enormous. Quite how Castore will interface with the average motorcycle dealer may take some explaining.
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 19 September. BDN financial editor Roger Willis reports
USA – WALL STREET SOARS ON RATES CUT
New York stocks went crackers as the weekend approached, with all major market indices on record-breaking streaks after the US Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate for the first time since last December. Analysts saw this move as the best of both worlds – still strong activity data and earnings outlook, but set against a weakening labour market prompting rate cuts. MidCap manufacturing stocks were typical of this – with HarleyDavidson and Indian Motorcycle parent Polaris both actually losing value, while the tech sector packed with chipmakers was mightily buoyed.
EUROPE – SUCKING THE
SAUCE BOTTLE
Equities indices on our side of the Atlantic also climbed on Friday after the Fed decision. The pan-Eurozone Stoxx Europe gained 0.8% and Frankfurt’s Xetra Dax jumped by 1.3%. But the effect was marginal for motorcyclerelated European automotives. BMW and Volkswagen were both losers, and KTM parent Pierer Mobility pretty much flatlined, even though it had just announced an acceleration of production recovery at its Austrian HQ in Mattighofen. Italian scooter giant Piaggio got the best of it, keeping it ahead for the month.
JAPAN – POLITICAL NIGHTMARE
Japan’s Nikkei 225 stock index slumped into 0.6% negativity as the country’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) descended into a bitter succession conflict. Large corporates are being distracted from sensible business. As one wit pointed out, it had taken exiting Ishiba Shigeru 15 years and several attempts to become Japan’s prime minister, and then taken him less than a year to lose the job. The queue of candidates to replace him features a pair of prospective champions, and leading the charge is a woman, Takaichi Sanae, a standard bearer for the LDP’s extreme right wing. This contest is due to get messy.
INDIA – LOOKING FOR CLUES
Also suffering a distressed political and business background, the ruling Indian elite has yet to reach terms on how to handle the Donald Trump menace. Mumbai’s Bombay Stock
Exchange S&P BSE Sensex 30 and the National Stock Exchange’s Nifty 50 indices struggled to gain pace in the past week, respectively rising by only 0.9% and 0.8%. Share price movements among India’s five indigenous motorcycle manufacturing giants were minor.
CHINA – YUAN THREAT TO THE DOLLAR?
According to The Economist, debate among China’s leadership now apparently includes an epic opportunity. Trump’s erratic trade policy is potentially destabilising the US dollar, and foreign investors are piling into Chinese markets, keen to seek dollar alternatives with which to trade. Naturally, Beijing is increasingly pleased to facilitate further internationalisation of its domestic currency – the yuan. Could this be relative to increasing exports of China’s rapidly improving motorcycle output?
SHARE PERFORMANCE
19 SEPTEMBER 2025
Europe
India
China (yuan)
BMW gets back into its cage!
There have been a few bikes which came in ‘ahead of their time’, and the BMW C1 was arguably one of them. The 125/200cc scooter with a roof and a roll cage appeared at the end of the 1990s, promising an option for car drivers to beat traffic while staying dry and safe inside a solid steel structure. Two seatbelts kept the rider inside, and a helmet was not required when riding in the EU (though this convenience was scuppered in the UK when the DfT insisted that riders wore one). The C1 was a commercial failure at the time, though it’s attracted a cult following in recent years amongst fans of practical urban mobility machines.
Now, BMW has shown off a prototype C1 equivalent at the IAA Mobility 2025 motor show in Munich. The new Vision
CE features an electric powertrain and a similar crash-proof, protective cage setup to its predecessor. It’s only a concept at the moment, and there’s little in the way of concrete specs, but what it does have, apparently, is a built-in “balancing function” which lets it stay upright automatically at a standstill. There’s no word on how this works, but BMW has been working on selfriding bikes for at least a decade now, and Honda also showcased a self-balancing twowheeler back in 2017, so the technology has been in development for a while.
The Vision CE could be a very interesting option for future urban transport –assuming it ever makes full production. It will, though, have to do a lot better than BMW’s current electric scooters in the UK, whose sales remain moribund.
Royal Enfield to open Paris Flying Flea store in 2026
THERE’S BEEN NO OFFICIAL timetable for the launch of Royal Enfield’s new Flying Flea lightweight electric bike range, but the Indian manufacturer dropped a big hint last month when it announced the opening of a Flying Flea flagship store in Paris in “early 2026”.
Since it would make little sense to have a flagship electric bike dealership without any electric bikes, we’re guessing that means we’ll see the new battery-powered urban mobility machinery finally launched at this year’s Eicma show in Milan. Also, 2026 will be the 125th anniversary year of the Royal Enfield brand, so it is a fitting launch date for a new sub-brand.
The announcement itself came during Paris Design Week. Mario Alvisi, chief growth officer at Flying Flea and Royal Enfield Electric Vehicles, said: “France is where the original Flying Flea motorcycle played a pivotal role during World War II, and today Paris stands not only as a global epicentre of design and culture but also as one of Europe’s most dynamic two-wheeler EV markets. Therefore, we are excited to announce the opening of our first companyoperated flagship store here in Paris, with this being our first step towards cementing our long-term commitment to the city and its people.”
Registrations data
Alternative powered two wheeler registrations for August 2025
Just like the slack mainstream motorcycle activity, battery-electric business during August wasn’t exactly a high-voltage experience either. Total sparky registrations plunged by 28.3% to just 253 units. Their share of overall consumption shrank from 4.6% to 3.7%.
Every “leading” sector underperformed. Up-to-4kW moped volume was 54% down to a mere 64 units. 13 of these were Sur-Ron Light Bee products, claiming best-seller status. In the 125cc-equivalent slot up to 11kW, the retreat was more modest, falling by 13.5% to 180 units. Some 47 samples of Vmoto’s Super Soco CPx scooter led this field.
Beyond that, the market was virtually nonexistent. Three unidentified machines were registered within the 11-35kW range. And then no over-35kW motorcycles whatsoever joined them. The “exempt” category featured four machines, two of which were 2.5kW Electric Motion Epure Factor-e products, the others unidentified. A further pair of unknown origin joined them to complete the MCIA’s headcount.
For the eight months of 2025 to date, battery-electric registrations are now 16% down to 2194 units. Market share has marginally improved from 3.3% to 3.4%.
Dunlop enhances its enduro range
DUNLOP HAS UPGRADED its enduro tyre line-up with the new Geomax EN92, available in medium and soft compounds. The new tyres are claimed to offer off-road riders improved performance and versatility across various terrains. The Geomax EN92 is available in two front sizes and three rear sizes, offering excellent grip and traction on dry, grassy and dirt surfaces. The softer version enhances capabilities on wet and rocky terrains.
Up front, the tyre features an optimised block layout for improved grip on hard surfaces and Progressive Cornering Block Technology (PCBT) for better cornering. The rear tyre incorporates V-Block Technology for traction and controlled sliding, along with Reinforced Scoop Technology for digging into soft ground.
The new range will be available in Europe starting early 2026, with recommendations to pair it with the new Geomax Mousse puncture-proof inserts, which are due out later this year.
Off-road news
With off-road correspondent Rick Kemp
At long last the green light for Welsh Motocross Experience Centre
Planning permission has been granted for a Motocross Experience Centre at Rhydblawd Farm, Disserth, Builth Wells, based on the premise that Powys will benefit from what will be a major new tourism and recreation development.
Motocross has been a prominent feature at Rhydblawd Farm for more than 30 years, benefiting some of the UK’s best riders. Nearly 10 years ago, Nightfly Limited purchased the site with a vision to transform it, focusing specifically on electric bikes. Electric motocross bikes offer a cleaner and quieter alternative to traditional petrol-powered
machines. Electric bike noise reduction is beneficial to local wildlife, which has led to the installation of multiple animal boxes, and a mammal ‘ledge’ to support local ecosystems.
The Centre will also include seven log cabins for holiday accommodation, alongside essential infrastructure such as bridges, foul-water systems, and highway upgrades. This project is expected to generate £1.5m in capital investment, create up to 13 local jobs, and provide a variety of environmental enhancements.
However, the development decision took seven years to conclude and follows a successful planning appeal by
Mr Phil Wilding and Nightfly, owners of Rhydblawd Farm. As Doug Hughes of Hughes Architects, who has been working with Nightfly since the first planning application, said: “This decision is the result of many years of dedicated work to bring forward a development that balances tourism growth with environmental responsibility. We’ve worked tirelessly to ensure the scheme meets the highest planning standards, and it’s deeply rewarding to see that effort recognised. The Inspector’s decision confirms what we’ve known all along – that this is a well-designed, policy-compliant project that will benefit Powys for years to come.”
OXA Factory Products now available from Parts Europe
PARTS EUROPE HAS SIGNED a deal to become the official distributor of OXA Factory products, providing dealers and customers across Europe with access to a comprehensive range of high-quality twostroke exhaust systems.
OXA Factory says its silencers are designed to enhance torque for stronger acceleration and smoother power delivery at high RPMs, while its precision-engineered front pipes optimise exhaust flow, improving performance and efficiency for a more responsive riding experience. www.part-europe.eu.
Can-Am introduces 2026 range
Canadian off-road specialist Can-Am has launched its 2026 range, with some high-tech new designs. The line-up of ATVs and sideby-side vehicles includes the batterypowered Can-Am Outlander Electric, the hardcore dirt-plugging Outlander MAX 6x6 and, a first for the industry, a semi-active suspension option.
The Outlander Electric uses the firm’s Rotax E-Power powertrain, which
offers 47hp and 53ft-lb of torque, and a range of up to 50 miles. Can-Am says it also features instant throttle response, selectable ride modes – normal, sport, and work – and can charge from 20% to 80% in just 50 minutes using a level 2 charger. It’s claimed to be super-quiet with low-noise tyres and cooling system, yet provides 830kg of towing capacity. Meanwhile, the 6x6 Outlander and Outlander Max offer six-wheel traction to perform in the most difficult off-road conditions, powered by a 999cc Rotax V-twin engine putting out 101bhp and 69 ftlb through a CVT auto box and viscous locking differentials.
modes: comfort, normal, sport and work.
Finally, Can-Am has launched its new Smart-Shox semi-active suspension, which electronically adjusts shock compression and rebound settings on the move, with four different ride
Julie Tourville, director, global marketing, Can-Am Off-Road at BRP, said: “The 2026 Can-Am off-road line-up marks numerous innovations and industry firsts that showcase our relentless pursuit of the ultimate rider experience. From the first fullsize production electric ATV to the next evolution of our Maverick R and Maverick platforms, we are proud to be on the leading edge of the powersports industry.”
KTM launches 2026 EXC 6Days range
ON THE BACK OF THE 2025 6Days FIM Enduro of Nations, KTM seized the opportunity to launch its 2026 6Days range. It comprises the two-stroke 300 EXC 6Days, and the four-stroke 250 EXC-F 6Days, 350 EXC-F 6Days, 450 EXC-F 6Days and KTM 500 EXC-F 6Days range.
The new bikes benefit from revised material and settings for the 48mm WP XACT closed cartridge forks as well as a WP XPLOR PDS shock to achieve less weight, improved feel and increased stability. KTM has also improved the fuelling system for all models with a new protector cap, and
bolstered cooling reliability with a more resistant radiator closure. Radiator fans also come as a standard fitment.
The two-stroke EXC 6Days model includes a glossy orange frame, CNC-machined triple clamps, front axle puller,
chain guide, frame protectors and Supersprox stealth rear sprocket. 6Days branding is used on the handlebars, silencer and wheel rims.
Other 2026 highlights include: floating front brake disc and solid rear disc, rear brake pedal safety wire for increased resistance, weightsaving skid plate, map selector switch and Metzeler 6Days Extreme tyres. Retail prices range from £10,949 for the 300 EXC 6Days two-stroke up to the £11,849 tag on the 500 EXC-F 6Days.
For further details, visit: www.ktm.com.
MOVING THE GOODS
Using a third-party service to deliver and collect stock has many advantages, particularly during the winter. Rick Kemp visited Andy Gifford at Move Motorcycles to discuss his ever-growing dealer service
When bike sales slow down in winter, some dealers simply go on holiday or ride out the quiet months, but in today’s market, standing still means falling behind. Dealers that survive are those who think bigger, widen their customer base, and expand their operations nationwide. That’s where Andy Gifford comes in.
The boss at Move Motorcycles, Gifford, says: “Dealers, particularly independents, enter the winter period with trepidation. When trade drops off and there’s no money coming in, they still have wages to pay. These days, they have to think further afield. Let’s say a dealer is in Brighton and the potential customer is in Harrogate. The customer will think that it’s too far to travel, but if the
dealer’s advertisement said, ‘nationwide delivery available for £229’, then the customer might click on the advert.
“We have fixed delivery rates, but the dealer can, if he wants to, subsidise the rate to make a deal more attractive.”
Another thing dealers use Move for is buying used stock, says Gifford. “You can look on eBay or Bike Trader, and we can organise collections, even from auctions. We can get a bike to a dealer from anywhere in the country within seven days. Some dealers are more proactive than others – BMW, Harley, and Triumph dealers
will source a particular new or used bike for a customer, and we deliver it for them. A lot of dealers have drivers/valeters, but that can be self-defeating if it takes a day to go and get a bike, it means no bikes are being prepared for sale.”
Move operates with a planned seven-day turnaround. Rather than randomly criss-crossing the country, collections are grouped by region, bikes are brought back to Move’s central depot and then sent out in organised loads. Weight distribution, unloading order, and routes are all meticulously planned – a logistics operation
Andy Gifford, owner of Move Motorcycles
Move Motorcycles new 6m trailer can carry seven bikes
complex enough to keep several computers busy around the clock.
“At the moment,” says Gifford, “we’ve got 10 vehicles, including a 6m trailer that carries seven bikes, which helps with fleet vehicles such as police and NHS blood bikes. We go to every county every week, so some dealers use us on a regular basis to collect bikes they’ve bought on the internet. Apart from helping to keep dealers supplied with used bikes, we can also assist with warranty claims by picking up the bike, taking it back to the dealer to be fixed, then returning it to the customer before they get fed up and want their money back.”
Move is, in many ways, a dealership on wheels. On delivery, the bike is unloaded and presented to
WHAT DEALERS SAY
DAVE LILLEY
Triumph West London
“We have been using Move now for around five years (the start of lockdown), and in that time we’ve shipped out more than 240 new and used bikes!
the customer just as it would be in a showroom. Everything is fully insured, and the signed paperwork is uploaded immediately, so the dealer can see it in real time. Currently, Move has the capacity to handle 600 bikes per month. As regular customers are aware, once a delivery is booked, status updates are sent via text message at every stage of the process to keep both the customer and the dealer informed.
Gifford has been in the bike trade since the mid1980s and has run his own dealerships, later adapting to the industry’s digital transition. Today, his business bridges that gap, combining old-fashioned service with modern reach. Dealers don’t pay up front; invoices are sent once the job is done,
The booking system is easy to use, and communication is always spot on for us and, more importantly, the customer. With distance sales, we know how tricky some customers can be, and Move is the face of our dealership when the bike is delivered. If there is ever a problem, it’s swiftly sorted with no fuss, and the customer is kept fully informed.
Having known Andy for more than 30 years, I know he puts 110% into everything and is always looking to improve. He’s also not shy of investing, having just added another two vans. I will continue to use Move, and I suggest other dealers do too!”
JOE YOULES
Youles Motorcycles, Manchester and Blackburn
“Youles Motorcycles is proud to work alongside Move Motorcycles, a company that shares our passion
and customer feedback via Trustpilot speaks for itself. In an era where customers buy bikes with a single click, the ability to move stock quickly, safely and nationally isn’t a luxury – it’s a lifeline. For dealers, Move Motorcycles isn’t just a delivery service; it’s a sales partner, a stock lifeline, and a professional first impression at the customer’s door. In short, it helps dealers keep moving – even when the market slows down.
for two wheels and excellent customer service. Move has built a reputation for reliability, expertise, and a genuine commitment to riders. Move takes pride in its workmanship and always ensures good communications with both customer and dealer. Like us, Move understands that motorcycles are more than just machines – they’re a way of life – and the company’s dedication to quality and customer care makes Move a trusted name in the industry.
“We use Move Motorcycles for delivering bikes to customers and collecting bikes we have purchased – they certainly aren’t scared of a big job. Andy is always accommodating and helps us wherever possible. We look forward to building our relationship and using Move for years to come.”
GARETH ROBINSON
5–Ways Motorcycle Centre, Kingston upon Hull
“We’ve been using Move Motorcycles as our trusted longdistance logistics partner for nearly five years now.
The B2B booking app is simple to use and, once the delivery has been booked, they provide good communication to both us and to the customer, notifying
them of delivery timings. Once the bike is delivered, we are again notified, and then photographic evidence and the customer’s signature can be viewed and uploaded from the app.
“With the increases in fraudulent activity, finance companies have stringent requirements for distance transactions: verifying customer identity, confirming residency, ensuring the individual accepting the goods is indeed the finance applicant, and maintaining verifiable documentation. During our collaboration with Move, they have developed updates to their booking system to assist us in maintaining a strong delivery process that directly addresses our concerns regarding fraud, identity verification, and finance compliance.
“They keep detailed records of each delivery, including what ID was checked, time and place of delivery, and who signed or accepted the goods. This precise documentation is invaluable to us and the finance companies if ever a dispute arises or where audit trails are needed. It bolsters our overall accountability.
“Andy and the whole team at Move work hard to provide us with an excellent service, and our customer feedback reflects this. Their delivery practices make them a standout in balancing customer service, risk management, and compliance.”
to improve how you promote and sell productsyour servicesor
MATTERS MARKETING Expert advice
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO GET MORE REVIEWS?
It’s very simple and low cost – ask them! Many customers will leave a review if prompted
Online reviews build trust, improve visibility and can help drive sales. Consumers rely heavily on them before making purchasing decisions, and they can also boost search engine optimisation (SEO). Additionally, they offer valuable feedback for product and service improvements. Major retailers and brands, from Amazon and Argos to Iceland and Ikea, spend a great deal of energy encouraging their customers to leave a review, for good reason.
But how do you get in on the action without breaking the bank?
The answer is simple – just ask! A significant number of consumers will leave a review if prompted. The key is to make it as easy as possible.
This could be in-person if you’re a bricks and mortar business. Train your staff to ask satisfied customers for a review before they leave. For a less inyour-face approach, place QR codes on receipts or posters in your showroom. When scanned, the code should take the customer directly to the review page on your website.
For online transactions, a personalised email to customers a few days after a purchase has been delivered would be effective. My bank seems to like text messages, although I find that rather intrusive!
Some retailers offer an incentive
for leaving a review, usually a voucher or discount code to use on future purchases. This has the added benefit that it encourages repeat business, so it’s a win-win.
It’s OK to ask customers to leave a review, and you can offer incentives, provided you do so openly. Don’t pay people to write good reviews or hide bad ones
Remember to respond to all reviews. For positive ones, thank the customer for their kind words. A simple, polite response goes a long way. This also encourages others to leave their own feedback. When negative, stay calm, be professional, and never get defensive. Apologise for any issues, take responsibility if a mistake was made, and offer to resolve the issue privately (e.g., via email or phone). This shows prospective customers that you handle criticism well and are committed to customer satisfaction.
KEEP IT LEGAL
Under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, businesses must take “reasonable and proportionate steps” to prevent and remove misleading reviews. These include;
• Fake Reviews: It is illegal to submit or commission a fake review that falsely claims to be based on a genuine experience
• Incentivised Reviews: Offering incentives (e.g., discounts, free products) in exchange for a review is not banned, but the incentive must be clearly and transparently disclosed
• Manipulation is banned: You must not suppress genuine negative reviews, selectively promote positive ones, or use misleading star ratings or rankings
In summary, it’s OK to ask customers to leave a review, and you can offer incentives, provided you do so openly. Don’t pay people to write good reviews or hide bad ones. Trust in the quality of your products and services and let customers know you value their feedback.
NEXT MONTH
Dan starts a brand-new series exploring common problems facing the motorcycle industry
Contact 01237 422660 or adsales@dealernews.co.uk
The Business
The latest news and views in the world of business
Points to consider before signing a franchising deal
Franchising is a relatively easy way to get a business off the ground, but it’s not without its challenges
Franchising is a wellestablished and wellunderstood business arrangement, at least in terms of its principles and general outline. Designed to enhance the territorial reach of franchisors, it involves for them some degree of cost control, while also enabling franchisees to enter a market sector with a known and established brand and reliable levels of business support.
There are many different types of franchising, but they share a range of common principles. From a legal perspective, a recognisable set of core key terms warrants consideration, irrespective of the type of franchise operation concerned.
In the UK, there are no franchise-specific laws or regulatory requirements; however, there is some self-regulation through the British Franchise Association. This means that the legal issues surrounding franchising in this country are grounded in either laws of wider application than just franchising, such as competition law or rules on unfair contract terms, or in common law.
Some of the key issues in franchising agreements and arrangements include (in no particular order) the following, which by no means constitute an exhaustive
list of the sorts of issues warranting consideration.
IP PROTECTION AND USE RIGHTS
Franchisors need to ensure they have their relevant intellectual property (IP) rights properly protected not only in the territory where they are based and operate, but also in the territories they are looking to enter via franchise arrangements. This may seem obvious, but it cannot be overstated as it’s critical to proper franchise planning. They also need to be clear on what IP they intend to license to franchisees and how franchisees will be entitled to use it, as well as how to treat ownership of any new IP created by the franchisee during the course of the franchise relationship. Franchisees will be keen to be provided with documentation setting out the IP and knowhow involved, and what
The initial term needs to be long enough to allow the franchisee a reasonable opportunity to develop its franchise business
use of it is operationally expected and permitted. This is usually achieved by way of an operations manual or similar, to which franchisees will usually have only limited access before being legally bound into the relationship, as such a manual will undoubtedly contain commercially sensitive information such as the franchisor’s “special sauce”.
INITIAL TERM AND RENEWAL RIGHTS
Franchise agreements, by definition, anticipate ongoing relationships. As such, they always operate for a clear initial period but typically contemplate renewal conditions and rights, thereby enabling both parties to plan
reasonable medium – and longer-term aims. The initial term needs to be long enough to allow the franchisee a reasonable opportunity to develop its franchise business and realise a decent return on investment.
For all these reasons, extension or renewal rights in franchise arrangements are typically structured as conditional rights for franchisees to extend/renew, rather than having renewal as a matter for the franchisor to grant or withhold at its discretion.
SUPPORT OBLIGATIONS
It is clearly in both parties’ interests for the franchise agreement to be clear on what support the franchisor will
Essen tials
with Adam Bernstein www.abfeatures.com
provide to the franchisee, both initially and as the relationship develops. Initially, support, including training, will be needed to get the franchisee’s business operation up and running. What this may entail should be set out in the franchise agreement. This should include how associated costs will be borne and shared, for example, initial training costs and both initial and ongoing travel, subsistence and accommodation costs.
Having said this, support and training can easily be an area for disagreement, even conflict, over who is responsible for what and whether they satisfactorily discharged their obligations, particularly if a franchise is underperforming financially.
FEE STRUCTURES
Fee structures can involve a variety of operational and legal issues, and increasingly, how third-party intellectual property system and platform costs are to be shared, as franchise arrangements are not immune from dependency on thirdparty licences, networks and arrangements, including a wide variety of matters such as customer relationship management platforms, digital loyalty arrangements, use of mobile apps and other matters.
renewals over time, and so forth.
Also worthy of mention here is the potentially thorny issue of how a franchise business is to be valued if, say, a franchisor is to have a right of first refusal on sale by a franchisee of their business operation during the term of the franchise. Franchisee business sale rights and conditions are a whole separate issue of their own.
TERRITORY AND EXCLUSIVITY
Every franchise agreement should always define as clearly as possible the territorial area within which the franchisee can conduct their operation, and whether (and how) they are to have exclusivity in that territory. An interesting thought process worth considering in this context is how, over the lifetime of a franchise agreement, which will typically
so far as appropriate, to be
The whole point of franchising, from a franchisor’s point of view, is to expand the reach of its business and brand
span several years even in its initial phase, both territorial scope and exclusivity may warrant revisiting in light of how commercial, demographic, and consumer taste factors and variations evolve over time.
Obviously, franchise arrangements include a great variety of cost considerations, including issues such as initial fees payable by franchisees on becoming members of a franchise network, royalty payments for ongoing use of franchisor IP, marketing contributions to be made by each party for advertising, fee restructurings on term
PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT
The whole point of franchising from a franchisor’s point of view is to expand the reach of its business and brand both speedily and cost-efficiently. In order for a franchise to be successful, it also needs to be done reliably, in the sense that the franchisor’s USP and overall look-and-feel need,
risk (another fertile area for disagreement), among others.
This brief overview is not meant to be an encyclopaedic review. Instead, it should provide food for thought for both franchisor and franchisee.
CHRIS GELBER
Chris Gelber is a senior commercial lawyer at solicitors Wright Hassall.
Building for the future
Covec is a company on the move. In a relatively short time it has gone from being a manufacturer of technical jeans for motorcycling to being the UK importer and distributor of several major European brands. First came the wide-ranging Dutch clothing brand Macna and specialist brand Dane, and now it has added Italian boot maker Forma and French lubricant brand Ipone.
Macna has a huge catalogue of garments, with leathers, textiles, armour, gloves and more in its range, with some innovative products that really make a splash.
elements from outdoor clothing, special forces gear and backstreet hoodies. A multitude of fabrics and finishes are used (including patches of highly reflective Night Eye material) to add to the technical appearance, along with a plethora of vents, zips and straps.
With the £379.99 AArated Tryton jacket, Macna has gone full ‘Marmite’, creating something that some customers will love and have to buy, and others will run away from. It’s got aggressive styling that combines
The off-centre main zip allows for a large kangaroo pocket on the front, and the rear air vent panel is opened by pulling on two parachutestyle cords on the front of the jacket. There’s even a detachable hood with a ‘hoodie holder’ to stop it flapping while on the move. Despite the extreme looks, it is actually quite practical, with removable thermal and waterproof liners making it a four-season jacket. A similarly-styled, but more lightweight option is the £189.99 Rebelite jacket, which has
Covec has grown from a technical textiles company to a fullyfledged distributor. Colin Williams visited its Southampton base to find out more
mesh panels covering the chest, arms and back giving a slightly less complex aesthetic than the Tryton.
The £169.99 Torido/Torida mesh jackets hide a unique party trick: they unzip, turn inside out and convert into a handy rucksack, with space for gloves, accessories or even a helmet. This makes it much easier to carry kit around and keep it safe at a café, event or just around town.
WATERPROOF TO THE CORE
Dane specialises in robust garments suited to the UK’s changeable weather. Its latest offering is the
top-of-the-range Nimbus 3 Gore-Tex Pro jacket. This update brings numerous small but important upgrades to improve performance. It uses Gore’s highly breathable Proshell triple-layer laminate fabric made with a more environmentally friendly PFAS-free ePE membrane, topped with a DWR coating to ensure water beads up and rolls off, keeping the jacket, and wearer, dry. The forwardfacing vents are sealed with YKK Aquaseal zips, as used on deep-sea diving suits. Dane tests its garments under water jets for several hours to ensure they will stand up to the rigours of a typical UK touring ride without water creeping in. There’s a fold-away hood that goes under a helmet to stop rain running down the back of the neck, a detachable storm collar, extra hem zippers to allow more comfort when seated on the bike, a crotch strap to stop the jacket riding up, waterproof pockets,a PrimaLoft thermal layer that
Falco Leijten, director of operations for Dane, models the new Dane Nimbus 3 Gore-Tex Pro jacket
The anorak-styled mesh Rebelite jacket
The Torido (and Torida ladies’ version) jacket folds up into its own rucksack
Macna export manager Olaf Melker wearing the Macna Torido – a jacket that transforms into a backpack
doubles up as a destination jacket... the list goes on. It’s not cheap, at £1149.99 SRP, but it undercuts rivals by a decent margin, and claims to be considerably lighter and sleeker to wear.
BOOTING UP
Forma joined Covec at the end of last year, and now has a full season of sales under its belt. The Italian brand, which still makes its boots in Europe, is probably best known for its long-lived Adventure Dry model, which has been selling well for more than 20 years. And now it has finally been replaced with the new £299.99 Adventure Air Dry, which brings oiled leather and Putek abrasion-resistant fabric construction, D3O Aeromax ankle protection, memory foam padding, and improved ventilation.
The £209.99 ADV Kite is also part of the Adventure collection, but with more of a hiking boot design. Its got convenient rachet wheel closure, D3O on the
ankles, a Vibram sole, Drytex waterproof membrane and an anti-bacterial insole.
For the ladies who want to make a statement, the £199.99 Rebel Dry is a thicksoled, waterproof bovver-boot with familiar styling cues.
With new products filling the warehouse and a focus on providing high quality brands with both broad and specialist appeal, Covec is a distributor on the move, with a firm eye on the future.
Covec; 01489 582707; www.covec.co.uk
LUBING UP WITH IPONE
NEW TO THE COVEC STABLE is lubricant brand Ipone. Despite the overtly Japanese themes running through the brands marketing, it is a fully French manufacturer, owned by Motul. Ipone only makes motorcycle lubricants and it uses the same research and development facilities as Motul, as well as the same testing labs, to create its own formulations suitable for high-performance two- and four-stroke engines.
One of its Ipone’s most distinctive products is the strawberry-scented twostroke oil that keeps many a
motocross paddock smelling like a summer garden, but the bread-and-butter offerings expected to make up the bulk of sales are the fully synthetic Katana and semi-synthetic R4000. Above those in the range is Shogun racing oil, also available in both road and offroad versions.
Sales manager Elliot Bloxham says that interest in the new oils from dealers has been strong, and the team is working on point-of-sale packages, with the option for dealers to purchase in small quantities rather than having to take complete cases of product.
the month of October, all Motorcycle tyres go carriage free!
Top: The Forma Lady Rebel Dry Above: The Forma ADV Kite
MAINTAIN WITH MINT
All the latest products, with Colin Williams
Single seat
for GS 5
BMW F900 GS RIDERS WHO DON’T want the burden of a pillion ruining their tour can pick a single-seat option from the BMW options list, and those that take the plunge can now upgrade the standard perch to a Wunderlich Aktivkomfort
single seat. The Aktivkomfort promises improved comfort and a sportier riding position, with an ergonomically designed core which incorporates a ‘wind tunnel’ to add ventilation, and better weight distribution to reduce fatigue. The cover is made from waterproof and sweat-proof material with ThermoPro technology, which claims to reduce the
surface temperature in direct sunlight by up to 25oC. Its finished with Alcantara piping and an embroidered Wunderlich logo.
The single seat can be finished with the OE cover plate in the pillion position or, for even more versatility, there is a Wunderlich aluminium luggage rack that can replace the cover. It allows bags to be strapped on using its multiple lashing points, with a centre cut-out allowing smaller items to be secured.
The seat has an SRP of €629, with the luggage rack at €129.90. Wunderlich; +49 2641 3082-703; sales@wunderlich.de
Stormex Topbox
LS2 Scope II
LS2 HAS UPDATED ITS SCOPE FLIP-FRONT helmet to create the new ECE 22.06-approved Scope II.
New features include a sturdier chin bar locking system, a removable Coolmax liner and built-in readiness for a Bluetooth intercom. The shell is made from HPTT thermoplastic, and comes in three sizes to make the helmet as sleek and close-fitting as possible right across the XS to 3XL size range. It also helps to keep the overall weight down to a competitive 1750g. The visor is scratch resistant, and a Pinlock 70 MaxVision anti-fog insert is included in the box. It even has a drop-down sunvisor.
Three solid colours are available for £129.99, with graphic options at £149.99.
LAST MONTH WE FEATURED OXFORD PRODUCTS’ AQUATEX PRO COVER SUITABLE for bikes with a top-box fitted, and this month it launched its higher-spec sibling, the Stormex, also in a luggage friendly format.
The Stormex Topbox is a water-resistant cover with externally bonded and taped seams and a splash protector, with a padded liner that helps to protect against small knocks and bumps. The Stormex design incorporates lots of practical details, such as a clear window to display the numberplate if required for parking permits, with an optional ‘curtain’ to hide the plate away if preferred. Another window on the front has a pocket behind to hold a solar charger to keep the battery topped up. Obviously there are holes to allow fitment of a lock or chain, and there’s even a pouch to hold the padlock off the ground. It comes in four sizes, suitable for pretty much anything from a scooter to a Gold Wing, at a price of £89.99. Oxford Products; 01993 862300; info@oxprod.com
The single seat conversion can be fitted with a useful luggage rack
Motoclean Bike Wash Gel Formula
PRODUCTS TO EFFORTLESSLY bring a motorcycle back to sparkling condition are a popular buy for time-stressed bikers, with multiple cleaners promising the best results. Any new cleaner on the market has to have a USP to stand out from the crowd and to justify a prime position on dealers’ shelves.
Motoclean Bike Wash’s distinctive feature is that it is a gel, rather than a liquid, which the firm says helps it to cling to grease and grime for longer, allowing it to work more effectively. It should also drip less, resulting in reduced wastage and a cleaner driveway. The pH neutral formula is non-acidic and biodegradable, establishing its eco-friendly credentials, and claims to leave a high-gloss finish without watermarks on paint, plastics and chrome. Trying it on a grubby BMW, I followed the instructions to the letter – wet the bodywork, spray on the Motoclean Bike Wash, leave for five minutes for it to get to work (agitating with a brush or sponge for stubborn dirt) and then rinse off.
to the bodywork as promised, with no drips sullying the tarmac, but it also means that it doesn’t spray out evenly, so it needs to be spread around to give an all-over coverage of the thick lather.
After leaving the gel to do its thing for the stipulated five minutes I thoroughly rinsed everything off with a hose.
Tried Tested&
Initial results were mixed. Most of the dirt rinsed off, but it didn’t leave the bike completely clean, with notable watermarks and streaks evident as the bike dried. This wasn’t a big problem, but it meant the fairing and tank required another wipe over with a microfibre cloth to bring it up to scratch and ready for some wax or polish.
Overall, the finished results were good, but it wasn’t quite as effortless as I had hoped. Washing my test bike more regularly would probably reduce the elbow-grease required, and Motoclean’s drip-free formulation reduces wastage meaning a £14.99 1-litre bottle will provide numerous applications.
And the result? Well, the gel’s thick consistency means it sticks
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.
A grubby and greasy fairing provides a strong cleaning challenge
The narrow spray pattern means the gel doesn’t cover evenly
After being left for five minutes, the gel hasn’t slid down or dripped off
The foam needed to be distributed across the fairing with a sponge
Rinsed and wiped with a microfibre cloth, the fairing is clean and ready for wax and polish
Tested by Colin Williams
SHORT CUTS
CST LEGION TRIALS RANGE
CST TYRES HAS ANNOUNCED THE launch of its new Legion Trials range into the UK market. The 400 x 18 tubeless rear tyre features an ultra-soft rubber compound and a dynamic tread design developed for maximum grip across rock, mud, and root surfaces. Paired with the tubed 275 x 21 front, CST says the Legion Trials range is engineered to perform in both traditional and arena-style sections. SRPs are £100 for the rear and £60 for the front.
Bickers; 01394 604040; www.bickers-online.co.uk
BARKBUSTERS BLACK
BARKBUSTERS HAS ADDED A NEW OPTION to its range of handguard hardware –selected kits are now available in a gloss black finish. Fitting a wide variety of motorcycle models, both on- and off-road, the powdercoated aluminium brackets can be paired with plastic guards from the Jet, VPS, Storm and Carbon ranges. SRPs vary depending on model, but start at £118.80 SRP.
R&G; 01420 89007; info@rg-racing.com
Givi screens 5
EVEN RETRO-STYLE NAKED MACHINES CAN benefit from the addition of an aftermarket screen. Givi has developed a trio of windscreens that can fit a collection of modern classics – the Honda GB350S; Royal Enfield Bear 650, Triumph Speed Twin 900 and Triumph Speed Twin 1200; and the Kawasaki Z650RS – when used with one
of four different fitting kits. Each is made from 4mm-thick plexiglass with black screen printing on the sides and an aluminium Givi badge front and centre. The three screens all have an SRP of £101, while the fitting kits range in price from £36 to £61 SRP.
Givi UK; 01327 706220; info@givi.co.uk
MT Thunder 4
MT HAS LAUNCHED A LIMITED EDITION COLOUR SCHEME for its top sports touring helmet, the Thunder 4 SV. The new livery features highly-saturated colours and organic stencil art creating a vibrant look. The helmet features a polymer shell with a hypoallergenic liner, drop-down sunvisor and a main visor featuring a quick-release system that MT claims is the easiest on the market to use, even allowing visor swaps with the helmet on. The list of features belie its budget pricing, with emergency release cheek pads, a visor lock and even a Pinlock MaxVision included in the £159.99 SRP. Oxford Products; 01993 862300; info@oxprod.com
FORZA MALOSSI
THE HONDA FORZA, ADV AND SH 350cc Euro 5 and Euro 5+ models can now be given a mild performance boost by fitting a high-flow Malossi air filter. The filters are made from long-fibre cotton gauze sandwiched between two epoxy-coated aluminium wire screens, fitted into a polyurethane frame. The filters are washable and reusable. SRP is £45. VE (UK); 01159 462991; sales@ve-uk.com
Zard exhaust 5
ITALIAN EXHAUST MAKER ZARD HAS GONE full retro style with a new twin-silencer design for the modern retro Yamaha XSR900 GP. It’s a full system, with stainless steel headers and twin satin black stainless steel silencers, that weighs an impressive 4.8kg – 2.5kg lighter than the OE system. It’s also more free flowing, so it releases an extra 6hp as well as providing a deeper sound. The system is compatible with both Euro 5 and Euro 5+ versions of the XSR GP, and has an SRP of £1406. Performance Parts; 01327 706139; enquiries@performanceparts-ltd.com
Weise Norvik
THE NORVIK IS A NEW classic-style single layer protective jean from Weise. It’s made from 390gsm denim, with double and triplestitched main seams to add strength helping the garment to achieve an AA rating. Flexible ReZro biodegradable (better for the environment) impact protection is fitted at the knees and hips. The cut is traditional, with a fivepocket layout and what Weise calls a “semibootcut” leg. They come in men’s sizes 30-42in waist in a choice of three leg lengths, or in women’s sizes 8-22 in a single leg length for an SRP of £159.99. The Key Collection; 01179 719200; sales@thekeycollection.co.uk
Venhill MX hoses 5
VENHILL HAS DEVELOPED A RANGE OF CONTROL CABLE AND hose upgrades for Triumph’s new TF250X and TF450RC motocross machines. The kits encompass front and rear brake hoses, clutch line and throttle cables. The hoses have a Teflon core for reduced fluid turbulence, and a braided stainless steel sleeve to reduce expansion under pressure and protect against abrasion. The throttle cables are made to Venhill’s Featherlite spec – which puts a marine-grade stainless cable inside a PTFE liner to reduce friction and improve feel. Front brake kits are £65.20 and rears are £45.35, while the clutch hose is also £45.35. The throttle cables are £43.73 for the pair. They can be ordered with extra length for custom installs, and come in a range of colours to match or contrast as desired.
OWNERS OF VESPA GTS AND GTV MODELS FROM 2023 onwards can give their scooters an individual look with the new Koso LED rear lamp conversion. The kit features a dark tinted glass cover for a stealthy look, with a gloss black housing and twin LED lamps for improved visibility. It’s fully road legal, and is stamped with the requisite E-number. SRP is £167.46 + VAT.
DUCHINNI’S RANGE OF motorcycle clothing is unique in that it only caters for the youth market. The latest addition to its range is the Jago Air, a mesh jacket suitable for bikers aged 6 to 14. The jacket features large mesh panels on the front, back and arms to give maximum airflow, and it’s even better than some adult mesh jackets as it achieves a AA-rating. Level 2 armour is fitted at the shoulders and elbows, and a level 1 back protector is included. Youth-specific features include a zipped 3cm extension panel on the sleeves that means they won’t grow out of it too quickly, while more traditional features include a neoprene collar, reflective detailing and plenty of pockets. The Duchinni Jago Air comes in black/grey in sizes XS to XL for an SRP of £119.99.
The Key Collection; 01179 719200; sales@thekeycollection.co.uk
AUXILIARY LIGHTING IS A POPULAR FIT, ESPECIALLY ON ADVENTURE BIKES, AS IT provides not only improved vision in low light conditions for the rider, but the ‘three light triangle’ created is said to make it much easier for drivers to see the bike, hopefully resulting in a few less “sorry mate...” moments. Wunderlich’s latest lighting kit for the BMW R1300 GS Adventure is the Microflooter 3, which uses a pair of LEDs in each lamp to give up to 8000 lumens of extra brightness without dazzle. The colour temperature of the LEDs matches that of the OE headlamp for a more factory look. The anodised aluminium housings are IPX7 rated for water and dust proofing, and are fitted with fold-down protective grilles. The kit includes wiring loom, illuminated switch and a powdercoated stainless steel bracket for the SRP of €499. Wunderlich; +49 2641 3082-703; sales@wunderlich.de
Casa Lambretta X300 5
CASA LAMBRETTA IS THE OFFICIAL TUNING AND RACING ARM for original Lambrettas, the brand’s equivalent to AMG, Alpine or Abarth. The modern iteration of Lambretta has now linked up with the esteemed tuning firm to create a special edition X300 – the Casa Lambretta X300.
The standard X300 features a 25hp motor, a semi-monocoque chassis, articulated front suspension and double-shock rear suspension. Tech extends to LED lighting all round, a colour TFT instrument panel and ABS braking. The Casa edition adds a carbon fibre aero kit including windscreen, spoiler and suspension arm covers, a two-tone paint scheme, custom badging, and Pirelli Angel tyres. Only 999 examples will be made, with just 36 being earmarked for the UK. Price is £5999 including a certificate of authenticity and a commemorative pack including a T-shirt, hat, drinks bottle and other branded knick-knacks. Standard versions are available from £4899. MotoGB; 0844 412 8450; www.lambrettauk.co.uk
Royal Enfield fender extenders
NOT ONE, NOT TWO, BUT A TOTAL OF THREE FENDER extenders are being produced for Royal Enfield’s Himalayan 450 by British firm Pyramid. The trio add extra length to both the front and rear factory mudguards, providing additional protection from water, mud and debris. They’re made from high-impact black ABS and are designed to blend in with the bike’s lines to give a factoryfit look. The front mudguard can be fitted with a leading edge beak for £24.99 SRP, and rear edge deflector for another £24.99 SRP. The rear hugger extension is £29.99.
ALL ENGINES ARE, AT HEART, AIR PUMPS, SO IT MAKES SENSE to get as much lovely flammable oxygen into them as quickly as possible. VMC’s Venturi airbox is designed to do that for large frame Vespa 125, 150 and 200cc motors by having a larger internal volume and a smooth venturi-effect ‘horn’ which increases the flow of air, resulting in increased power, acceleration and speed. The VMC comes with a choice of two filter elements – a higherflow open mesh and a denser high-filtration mesh. An adapter is available to fit the airbox to T5 models equipped with the shorter carb. SRP is £118, with the optional adapter at £8.83 SRP. VE (UK); 01159 462991; sales@ve-uk.com
Armr Aki 54
GETTING ‘DA YOOF’ TO WEAR ANY form of protective gear when riding a scooter or motorbike can be an uphill struggle, as style always beats safety in the mind of a teenager. So Armr has launched new street-inspired hoodie and jogging bottoms to tempt them in by stealth, providing A-rated abrasion resistance and CE level 1 protectors in garments that look like regular fashion items. The Aki hoodie has shoulder and elbow armour, along with a pocket for an optional back protector, plus some practical biking features such as Aramid reinforcement and loops to connect to jeans. Thumb loops stop the sleeves riding up, and there’s a drawcord to adjust the hood aperture. The matching Jogger bottoms have CE level 1 knee armour and optional hip protector pockets. The heavyweight kit fabric is interwoven with nylon, and there’s a breathable mesh lining for comfort. Neither makes any pretences about being waterproof –these are aimed at short-trip urban riders, not touring wear. Both hoodie and joggers come in black for £99.99 SRP. Oxford Products; 01993 862300; info@oxprod.com
Kappa K’rugged side bags 5
A NEW OPTION FOR ADVENTURE BIKE RIDERS, KAPPA’S AV07 side bags are a waterproof soft luggage system suitable for a wide range of bikes. The semi-rigid shell attaches to the bike via a quick release Monokey system, and then the 30-litre waterproof soft bags fit inside. The shell is made of PU coated polyester with a board panel reinforcement on the attaching side, and has MOLLE strapping to attach additional bags if required. The inner bag is made of heat-sealed tarpaulin with a roll-top closure and Velcro straps. SRP is £367.31.
Hoco Parts UK; 01484 641073; info@hocoparts.co.uk
Touratech Expedition XL guard
TOURATECH HAS GONE LARGE WITH ITS LATEST ENGINE guard for the BMW R1300 GS, the Expedition XL. The extra size compared to the OE sump guard comes from some extra material at the front and sides, as well as it being extended down to the collector. It’s made from 4mm aluminium plate and bolts to multiple mounting points to better spread energy in the event of a grounding or impact. Replaceable plastic rails are fitted on the underside to help the bike glide smoothly over obstacles. It comes in silver or black for an SRP of £303.42. Touratech; +49 7728 9279-0; info@touratech.de
Return of the Gixxer 5
IN A SURPRISE MOVE, SUZUKI HAS CONFIRMED THAT ITS GSX-R1000 R WILL return to UK dealerships in 2026 thanks to an updated engine that is now compliant with Euro 5+ regulations. Extensive changes were needed to bring the engine into line – a new crank, crankcases, pistons, conrods and exhaust plus the inevitable ECU upgrade. All these mechanical changes mean that, despite the reduction in noxious gases exiting the bike’s rear end, the 1000cc inline four still manages to eke out a creditable 192hp. The twin-spar aluminium frame and swingarm remain unchanged, but they are now fitted with Showa forks and rear shock. Bodywork alterations are limited to a pair of race-developed winglets to aid stability. The electronics see the biggest changes, with a new system incorporating a six-direction IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) which helps to provide data for the 10-mode traction control, anti-wheelie and roll torque control systems. The latter system calculates the bike’s lean angle and speed to predetermine what level of power output is optimal, preventing wheel spin and providing seamless acceleration. The GSX-R1000 R comes in three retro-inspired liveries, all adorned with a 40th Anniversary decal on the fairing and fuel tank. Pricing is yet to be confirmed, but should be known by the time the bike makes its first public appearance at the NEC show in November. Suzuki; www.bikes.suzuki.co.uk/franchise
Oxford USB
THESE DAYS, AN easily accessible USB charging port is virtually a necessity on every motorcycle. So, for bikes that don’t come with one factory fitted, Oxford Products has a slim handlebar mounted twin-port USB socket for charging phones, cameras, helmets… It houses two 15W fastcharging USB sockets – a Type A and a Type C – and clamps onto most 22-25mm handlebars, with a 1.8m fused cable to connect to the bike’s battery. A hinged silicon cover makes sure that water and dust don’t get inside when not in use. SRP is £39.99.
Oxford Products; 01993 862300; info@oxprod.com
Alpinestars
Bionic LT THE BIONIC LT protection vest from Alpinestars has been designed for all types of off-road riding, providing impact protection without compromising movement. It’s made from four-way stretch viscoelastic material, which ensures that the CE level 1 Nucleon chest and back protectors are kept close to the body to dissipate impact energy, and there is extra Plasma padding around the collarbone and abdominal areas to add more protection. It comes in sizes S to XXL for an SRP of £179.99.
Also in the range is the Bionic LT “short sleeve jacket”, which is really more of a T-shirt format. It mirrors the vest for most of its specification, but adds in some Nucleon CE level 1 shoulder armour and height adjustment for the back protector. SRP is £199.99. Bickers; 01394 604040; www.bickers-online.co.uk
Ninja panniers 6
SPORTSBIKES CAN BE TRICKY TO FIT LUGGAGE TO, SO SW-MOTECH has developed a bespoke fitting kit to attach its Pro Blaze panniers to the Kawasaki Ninja 500. The fitting kit uses discreet model-specific brackets permanently fitted to the bike, with a removable support arm that can be fitted or removed in a couple of seconds. The panniers then click into position, leaving plenty of clearance for the high-mounted exhaust. Each pannier is made from laminated EVA plastic covered with 1680D ballistic nylon with a water resistant coating. They each provide up to 20 litres of storage capacity in a toploading main compartment and zipped outer pocket. The complete system includes the brackets, arms, a pair of panniers, waterproof inner bags, paint protection film and all the fixings for an SRP of £362.99.
SW-Motech; 01256 704909; info@motohaus.com
On the Money
As doom finally looms for the farce of electric motorcycle racing, I can reflect with pride on my own cast-iron cynicism, and opposition, from the genre’s earliest appearances.
An electric TTXGP, effectively a dummy race run, debuted on the Isle of Man’s TT Mountain Course in 2009. This coincided with my own reduction in publishing commitments, and I’d already signed up to have some fun as a TT course marshal the year before. And in 2010, the Isle of Man Government announced officially sanctioned annual TT Zero events. By then, I was a fully-trained “Incident Management Course” graduate marshal, posted to Greeba Bridge, fully able to exercise the anti-electric sarcasm pertinent to my new qualification.
Along with Greeba comrades in arms, we applied our sarcasm to the additional TT Zero items in our equipment box. These were now composed of a couple of pairs of industrial highvoltage electrical rigger’s gauntlets. We were told
Mark Miller, won the inaugural TT Zero Race astride a US-built MotoCzysz. Neither he nor any of us were electrocuted during this stunningly tedious episode chasing much faster petrol-fuelled travelling marshals.
Mark Miller, won the inaugural TT Zero Race astride a US-built MotoCzysz. Neither he nor any of us were electrocuted during this stunningly tedious episode chasing much faster petrolfuelled travelling marshals
these should be employed to safely handle any crashed or dysfunctional electric bike on our patch, without fear of electrocution. The risk wasn’t taken seriously. An American,
In subsequent TT Zero races, we noticed that the rigger’s gauntlets had mysteriously disappeared from our equipment itinerary.
Instead, Fire Brigade advice was that the tightly packed lithium-ion battery arrays of crashed TT Zero bikes were likely to ignite and were beyond the capabilities of the powder fire extinguishers with which we were tooled up. So we should henceforth retire to a safe distance from any burning bike and associated toxic fumes until a Fire Appliance arrived. Fortunately, we were never faced with such a challenge. Time marched on.
America’s MotoCzysz brand receded from view and Japanese Mugen products became the dominant force. Allegedly bankrolled with a three million quid annual budget, Mugen was almost certainly a covert developmental offspring of mighty Honda. The boredom factor grew and grew and new electric contenders beyond the Mugen fold
became as rare as rocking horse droppings. Mugen won six consecutive TT Zero races between 2014 and 2019. Victory in that final outing went to Michael Rutter, setting the TT Zero outright lap record of 121.909 mph. The yawns in the pit lane (and at Greeba Bridge) were palpable. TT Zero organisers were ready to pull the plug long before the advent of Covid temporarily aborted the entire TT in 2020 – and I hung up my marshal’s orange bib.
But two years before TT Zero bit Glencrutchery Road’s dust on the Isle of Man and a disgruntled Mugen went home with corporate tail between its legs, the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme and MotoGP promoter Dorna Sports were quietly plotting to launch what would be billed as bike racing’s electric revolution. What would become the MotoE World Championship initially depended on Dorna commissioning an identikit fleet of Energica Ego Corsa electric race bikes from Italian specialist Energica, to form what would begin life as the MotoE World Cup.
Very little went according to plan. The inaugural season in 2019 was supposed to
provide eight-lap MotoE support races for MotoGP rounds at five European circuits. But laughably calamitous circumstances, based on a script I couldn’t have made up in my wildest dreams, knocked that on the head. Among the confusion of a pre-season shakedown held at Jerez, the entire Energica fleet was parked up in a track-side facility for re-charging. They were supposed to be ready for a launch in May.
Suffice
inability of underperforming Energica hardware to achieve eight-lap lengths at some of the circuits. In 2023, Energica got the sack, Ducati took over bike provision and the series was upgraded to FIM MotoE World Championship status, still run in parallel with some MotoGP rounds. Spectator interest had visibly declined, though.
The fertiliser eventually hit the fan with a thump this summer, with revelations
to say all the brandnew competition e-bikes were destroyed in a huge conflagration.
Whoops!
It took Energica until late July to replace them
Details of what happened next remain unclear. Suffice to say all the brandnew competition e-bikes were destroyed in a huge conflagration. Whoops! It took Energica until late July to replace them, when a sixrace schedule at four venues finally took place. Matteo Ferrari was declared the first MotoE champion.
The MotoE World Cup format subsequently blundered on, hindered by disruption from the Covid pandemic and then the
from Dorna Sports and the FIM that their MotoE support class will cease to exist at the 2025 season’s conclusion. In a brusque statement, FIM president Jorge Viegas unveiled its death-knell: “We announce the suspension of the FIM MotoE World Championship as from the end of this season. In fact, and despite all the best efforts to promote this innovative category together with Dorna, the truth is that we haven’t reached our
objectives, nor has the industry associated with performance electric bikes.”
However, it’s easy to smell the concealed rat. Dorna is now completely beholden to its new commercial parent, the US-based Liberty Media Corporation, and has to play by the rules to which it has signed up. These currently include willing observance to a fully synthetic Gasoline Alley from 2027 onwards, and by definition the Trump government’s extreme distaste for tree-kissing motive electrification.
The latter doesn’t really bother me, because I don’t mind seeing all the plonkers who have been relentlessly plugging e-bikes thrown out on their ear. But it would be better if this was in the context of carbonneutral fuel adopted right across the global motorcycle industry and not just for the convenience of some sporting ghetto applicable only to predominantly American fans. And who wants to rely on a selfappointed Swiss-based body like the FIM, wallowing in its own dubious agenda? If we’re going to pick heroic champions to maintain an internal combustion future, let’s make sure we get the right ones.
WHERE HAS THE SUN GONE?
In a rather abrupt changing of the seasons, the weather is now turning, and we are seeing darker mornings and shorter evenings roll in.
MCN’s bike review pages are a hive of activity. Honda taking the top spot with 15.6% of manufacturer web traffic.
Used bike data
Big-capacity machines dominate the bikes for sale section, with the BMW R1250 GS Adventure in first, followed by Yamaha’s FJR1300 and Honda’s NC750X.
Naked bikes are still the most visited category, with one-fifth of web traffic looking at roadsters for sale and nearly
a quarter checking reviews of naked machinery.
The Honda CB1000 Hornet SP is still the favourite naked bike review. Most popular sportsbike review is the Chinese-built CFMoto 675SRR, and it’s no surprise that the new Voge DS800X Rally has kicked up a fuss and is the most
visited adventure review. It’s a lot of bike for the money, making it difficult to ignore.
LIGHTWEIGHTS DOMINATE THE FASTEST-SELLING MODEL CHARTS
IN AUGUST, USED BIKE SALES on the Autotrader Bikes website saw an 11% increase compared to August 2024. Additionally, used bikes in 2025 are selling on average, two days faster than they did last year. According to the latest sales data, secondhand bikes typically sold from the site within 29 days.
The Benelli BN 125 topped the model chart for the fastestselling motorcycle model in August, taking on average just four days to sell. It was closely followed by the Zontes ZT125 and the Suzuki GSX-R125, both of which find new owners within a week. The proportion of 125cc motorcycles in the top
20 fastest-selling models has increased again, now making up 85% of the list.
Autotrader Bikes has reported 21 consecutive months of growth in the used market, with 17 of those months showing double-digit advances – a clear indication of sustained used bike sales momentum. However,
market health dipped slightly in August, with increasing demand countered by a drop in the availability of used stock.
EDDIE BAHN
Account director, Autotrader Bikes
on Autotrader in August
UK registrations
Disappointing August figures
FOR THOSE AMONG OUR throng who relaxed when the MCIA revealed July’s registration data – mercifully pleased that aberrant motorcycling consumer behaviour during 2025 had finally returned to some recognisably comprehensible pattern with a trivial monthly decline of only 2.4% – August’s headcount must have been a bitter disappointment.
There were no redeeming excuses for an abrupt drop of 11.5%, to a total of 6846 units registered – the lowest August result since 2013. It was a reflection of inherent market weakness, without any meaningful recovery in view. Sure, August is generally thin, a time when the customer base tends to be riding pre-acquired products rather than heavy on fresh purchases. But not like this.
Motorcycles and scooters fell by 10.2% to 6439; mopeds were 27.7% in arrears at just 373; and trikes slumped by 26.1% to a mere 34. Dominant petrolhead products copped a
10.7% retreat to 6593. And for what it’s worth, battery-electric performance deteriorated by 28.3% to 253 sparky registrations.
Sticking with ICE meat and two veg for hard-pressed dealers, almost every capacity class racked up losses. Basic mobility and delivery kit in the 0-50cc bracket sank by 18.3% to 308. The broader 51-125cc firmament was 4.9% down to 2734, a 260-strong phalanx
Chinese brand Voge made its debut in the manufacturers top 10 thanks to strong sales of its bargain-priced adventure and naked models, such as the DS625X adventure touring model pictured
the 1000cc-plus premium range seemed almost abusive, capped as it was by yet another wedge of 89 best-selling BMW R1300GS Adventure models.
Sticking with ICE meat and two veg for hard-pressed dealers, almost every capacity class racked up losses
of Honda PCX125 scooters snatching best-seller status.
Considerably more disturbing was a 26.8% decline for the 126-500cc entry-level bargain basement to 961 units, followed by 13.6% and then 10.5% respective reductions to 758 units and 1002 units for the 501-750cc and 751-1000cc slots. Finally, somewhat cheeky 1.1% growth to 830 units for
Class 1 and 2 MOT tests and fails
As for August 2025 bestselling brands, there was a distinct smell of absent stock availability. This didn’t apply evenly, though, in the year-on-year growth stakes. Honda, BMW and Suzuki had gained sales. Yamaha, Triumph, Lexmoto, KTM and Royal Enfield were all losers to varying degrees. Kawasaki pretty much flatlined. Tacked
on the end were a couple of hundred representatives of the latest serious Chinese interloper – Voge – a brand with which the trade will soon become accustomed.
There now is only one proper suck of the registrations sauce bottle left, as September’s forthcoming new-plate month flags up the season’s effective end. And there’s little prospect of any subsequent surprise sales surge in the offing.
For the almost consistently blighted eight months of 2025 to date, overall registrations have fallen by 17.2% to 65,314 units. That’s a YTD decline of 13,522 machines dealers haven’t sold, leaving aside the squalid mess of preregistration disposals through much of this year’s first half.
Number of MOT tests taken Number of MOT tests failed April to March total tests taken/failed
THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT, OVER THE last five years, the number of motorcycles taking an annual MOT test has increased by more than 40,000, meaning more business for dealers with MOT stations. In tandem, fewer bikes are failing the test, with the rate dropping from 16.7% to 14.0%, indicating that bikes are generally better looked after and maintained to a higher standard.
According to DVSA data the most frequent cause of failure is lamps and reflectors, while the least common is operation of the horn. Over the five years covered, the proportion of failures for suspension and braking issues has increased while defects with the horn and, more importantly, tyres have decreased.
Glass’s motorcycle market overview
registrations 11.5% behind last year.
THIS SUMMER WAS THE HOTTEST ON record for the UK, even surpassing the memorably sweltering summer of 1976. It was also drier and sunnier than average. Dealers benefited from this, with sales enquiries stronger than expected, leading to consistent month-on-month sales volumes.
For used motorcycles, stock supply is variable, with some dealers finding it challenging to find good quality machines, while others are more satisfied with their stock levels as autumn approaches. Quality 125cc geared machines remain the most difficult to source.
The naked category is very buoyant, with Triumph’s Street Triple proving particularly popular with consumers. Demand for adventure machines also remains strong, especially around the 650cc category. Royal Enfields are popular, and Triumph 400s are now entering the used market, generating strong interest. Meanwhile, larger capacity machines continue to see a reduction in popularity due to size and price.
NEW MOTORCYCLE MARKET
The latest data published by the Motor Cycle Industry Association showed a market decline in August, with
Following an improvement in July’s statistics, this is disappointing, however the downturn was less significant than that seen between January and June. The adventure and scooter categories recorded growth for the second month in a row.
Year-to-date registrations to the end of August were 17.2% behind last year.
Quality 125cc geared machines remain the most difficult to source
Recent feedback from dealers suggests that the market has seen an uplift in recent weeks, supported by stronger summer sales, partly driven by attractive manufacturer offers. Demand is focused on smaller to mid-range machines, such as the Honda GB350 and BSA Bantam, as well as Honda’s big-bore Hornet 1000, which are all proving popular at the moment. Rising insurance premiums remain a major stumbling block, however, especially for riders in urban areas without access to a garage.
OUTLOOK
Following the hot summer, September has started on a much more unsettled note weatherwise, with typical autumnal conditions and a notable reduction in temperatures. Many areas are seeing their first significant rainfall in months. Glass’s expects values to ease slightly across most segments in the coming weeks as the peak season has now passed and daylight hours are diminishing.
Paul McDonald
Senior residual value analyst
The BSA Bantam, along with other mid-capacity machinery such as the Honda GB350S and Triumph’s 400 Scrambler and Street models, have helped sales
