Two AMA-sanctioned ISDE Qualifier Series will be used to determine which amateur off-road racers will represent USA at the 2021 FIM ISDE on Aug. 30-Sept. 4 in Lombardy-Piedmont, Italy. This will be the 95th edition of the ISDE, and the USA team won the World Trophy and Women's World Trophy championships at the 2019 event, as well as the Club Cup title. The American Junior World Trophy team placed second in its class. The 2020 ISDE was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Royal Enfield has confirmed the launch of its all-new Meteor 350 cruiser in the Americas in 2021. Named after a popular 1950s model, it has been designed at Royal Enfield's technical centers in Chennai, India, and Bruntingthorpe, UK. The balancer shaft designed, fuel injected 349 cc air-oil cooled single-cylinder engine is said to generate 20.2 bhp and 19 ft-lbs of torque at 4,000 rpm.
Italian electric sportbike manufacturer Energica had a strong year in 2020. The company has seen its global dealer and importer network expand to some 73 partners with estimated turnover for 2020 +87% over 2019 at around € 6m (USD $7.3m) - meaning that its turnover has grown by a factor of 12 times since posting half a million euro in 2017.
Cycle World reports that according to patent applications, Honda is working on a radar-assisted adaptive cruise control system for its future GL1800 models (Gold Wings). The first production bikes with radars have already been revealed in the form of BMW's 2021 R 1250 RT and Ducati's Multistrada V4 - largely thanks to the work of Bosch, which has developed the first viable motorcycle radar cruise control system.
Mahindra Automotive North America (MANA), the domestic US subsidiary of the USD $20.7bn Indian conglomerate (ROXOR, JAWA, BSA etc.) has won what should be a binding last chapter in its long running trade dispute with Jeep. The International Trade Commission (ITC) has issued its final ruling and determined that the redesigned 2021 ROXOR does not infringe on the "Jeep Trade Dress" claimed by Fiat Chrysler (FCA). This follows on the heels of earlier ITC and Federal District Court rulings that Mahindra did not infringe on any of FCA's registered trademarks. The ruling validates Mahindra's redesign of its ROXOR ORV. Mahindra employs over 200,000 people across 100 countries.
Indian conglomerate Bajaj is now said to be the most valuable motorcycle manufacturer in the world - despite not being directly present on the North American or European markets. As the 47.97% owner of the KTM Group and manufacturer of several of its machines for Asian and South American consumption, in addition to its own brand offerings (in India in particular), the company says that it has now recorded the highest ever market capitalization for a motorcycle manufacturer at around USD $13.6bn. A fourth factory is expected to be commissioned in India later this year where production will include the small displacement Triumph models that will be sold worldwide.
Provo, Utah three-wheel (reverse trike) Roadster specialist Vanderhall is gearing up to go off-road. Based on its Matrix platform technology, the 'Navarro' will be a four-wheel, long travel suspension electric off-road adventure vehicle that is said to have been inspired by Trophy Truck racing.
Brembo has reported Q3 margins in line with the same period of 2019 and net profit of €51.7m (8.5% of sales) "despite the complex context." Revenues were down by -5.9% compared to Q3 of the previous year. Results for the period ended 30 September 2020 were €1,559.9m (-20.9%).
Sources: AMD, IDN, FT, Reuters, PSB, MPN, B&B, BDN, MCN, AP, Bloomberg, MSNW, Electrek, electricmotorcycles.news, RideApart.com, Motor1.com