The latest European registration data from Brussels based ACEM, for January to September 2020, shows motorcycle sales in the five largest European markets (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and UK - about 80% of the Europe total) reached 708,503 units - down by -3.3% in the first nine months of 2019. However, the intra-annual trend data is positive with the first six months down by -17% in comparison.
Electric motorcycle registrations in Europe's 'Big Five' markets are up by +75.7% for the January to September 2020 period at 13,897 units from 7,909 for the first nine months of 2019.
California based suspension specialist Storz Performance is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Best known for Ceriani brand USD front ends and steering dampers, owner Steve Storz is the universal 'Go To' for classy Sportster conversions and components for Big Twins, V-Rods and Dynas - anything that helps it go quick and stay on the road!
The MIC is reporting a new-model sales increase for the third quarter of this year. Year-to-date sales of new motorcycles and scooters through September increased +10.2 percent compared to the same period in 2019.
Custombike Show, scheduled to take place at Bad Salzuflen, Germany on 4-6 December has been cancelled due to the worsening COVID-19 across Europe. The 2021 show will take place on 3-5 December.
The 2020 Distinguished Gentleman's Ride (DGR) took a very different approach in 2020 - men and women around the world "rode solo together" on Sunday the 27th of September 2020, raising $2.74m for men's health charitable foundation 'Movember'. Founded in 2012, this year the event was supported by global sponsor Triumph Motorcycles and is said to have "brought together" over 56,000 motorcyclists from 171 countries and 2,531 cities.
In coordination with the Association of Swiss Motorcycle and Scooter Importers (motosuisse), Swiss-Moto has suspended plans for its 2021 Expo (Zurich, February 18-21) and will instead trial proposals for a digital/virtual event. Swiss-Moto usually attracts more than 65,000 visitors and plays host to Swiss Custom - a very high caliber custom bike show.
When Cyberpunk 2077 hits gaming platforms in November 2020, it will do so complete with Canadian superhero and noted motorcycle enthusiast Keanu Reeves and a future envisaged version of the Arch Method 143. Sadly, the T143 2,343 cc (143 ci) fuel-injected S&S V-twin powerplant has been replaced with something a tad more late-century politically correct - but hey, by then we will all have been obsoleted!
Kawasaki Heavy Industries in Japan has announced a plan to split off its motorcycle business into a separate business unit. As one of a range of corporate reorganizations, KHI cites the "considerable success" of its Powersports and Engine divisions during the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting "reignited interest in our industry" as among the reasons for this strategic change.
Outdoor Network, the parent company of Partzilla.com, is to invest some $22m expanding its Georgia facility, creating some 90 plus new jobs. The growth stems from the consolidation and expansion of the company's existing call center and distribution headquarters in Albany-Dougherty County, as well as the location of an advanced manufacturing operation producing 125-200 hp diesel outboard engines for OXE Diesel.
Sources: AMD, IDN, FT, Reuters, PSB, MPN, B&B, BDN, MCN, AP, Bloomberg, MSNW, Electrek, electricmotorcycles.news, RideApart.com, Motor1.com