ACEM

12-Month EU Extension for Unsold Euro 4 Inventory

Although strong sales since the peak of the first coronavirus lockdown in Europe earlier this year may have helped lessen the problem, at one stage this year it looked like the motorcycle market in Europe may have been headed down a bottomless pit.
The cause of the travail was the timing of the end of the new motorcycle Euro 4 to Euro 5 transition period. All new motorcycles in Europe had to be Euro 5 compliant at the start of 2020, but all unsold Euro 4 inventory as December 31 2020 would have been rendered unsellable.

Fortunately, common sense has prevailed - the EU Council and European Parliament have agreed to a 12-month derogation that will give dealers until the end of 2021 to be able to clear Euro 4 inventory legally.
Brussels based international motorcycle industry trade association ACEM and the various national motorcycle industry trade associations around Europe have lobbied hard to achieve this result and have now welcomed this revision of Euro 4 "end of series" provisions.
"The motorcycle industry in Europe welcomes the recent decision by the Council of the EU and the European Parliament to endorse the European Commission's proposal adapting the rules on end of series vehicles in EU Regulation 168/2013," said Antonio Perlot, ACEM Secretary General. 

Antonio Perlot, ACEM Secretary General - "The motorcycle sector thanks the European Commission's President von der Leyen as well as Commissioner Breton and his team at DG GROW for their decisive political dealership and swift response to this crisis."

The proposal, supported by the two legislative bodies, will cover only the vehicles that were in stock at the moment when national lockdowns were introduced across the EU. More specifically, the amount of vehicles benefiting from the revised end of series measures will not exceed the number of Euro 4 L-category vehicles in stock in the EU on 15 March 2020 - which was estimated by industry experts at around 550,000 units.
It is worth emphasizing that the amendment to the end of series provisions in EU Regulation 168/2013 will not affect the original timeline foreseen for the introduction of the Euro 5 standard, i.e. 1 January 2021, for existing moped and motorcycle models type-approved before the 1 of January 2020.

News Briefs

 

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

Arlen Ness

Go Big with Ness Big Brake Rotor Kits

Arlen Ness 14" and 15" Big Brake rotor kits "drastically improve braking performance as well as upgrade the style of the factory front wheel.
"Our 420 stainless steel rotor is engineered for optimum performance and heat dispersion. Billet brake caliper adapters are included in each kit to precisely relocate the factory caliper to the proper position."

15" Big Brake rotors, hub mount

15" Jagged Big Brake rotors, hub mount

The kit utilizes the factory brake caliper, rotor hardware and brake hose. It is an easy bolt-on installation with no need to re-bleed the brake system, and the kit is designed to work with factory or aftermarket front fenders.
Designed to fit '08 and up H-D FLT Touring/Bagger models, the extra braking leverage delivered by the massive 14" diameter rotor is a similar dynamic to using a larger wrench to more easily turn a bolt - it really is that straightforward. Drilled for optimum performance and heat dispersion, they ship with CNC-machined billet aluminum and black anodized rotor carriers.

14" Jagged Big Brake rotors, FLT spoke mount

14" Big Brake rotors, FLT spoke mount

 

The Ness 15" Big Brake rotor kits (also in 420 heat treated stainless) can also be installed with the supplied factory caliper relocation brackets, use the factory brake caliper, rotor hardware and brake hose without needing to re-bleed the brake system.
They are designed to fit Dyna, Softail and Sportster models equipped with factory hub mounted rotors (5-bolt hub mount fitment) and also work with factory or aftermarket fenders.

ARLEN NESS ENTERPRISES
www.arlenness.com

Zodiac

Zodiac Additions

Kellermann - Atto Integral Turn Signal and RTB

 
German manufacturer Kellermann's popular Atto LED lights are also available as build-in units. With a lens diameter of just 8.9 mm and 13 mm length (16 mm for the DF), these can be installed virtually anywhere, and with an input of between 1.5W to 3W, they hardly require any power from the battery at all. They are available with clear or dark lens and amber or red light, plus as a DF integral with clear lens, amber turn signal and red tail and brake light.

Müller Easy Pull Hydraulic Clutch

Hydraulic clutches are usually way easier to operate than a conventional cable clutch, but the OEM Harley hydraulic clutch seems to be the exception to the rule. Müller's Easy Pull hydro clutches are Made in Germany and give a 35% lever effort reduction on Twin Cams and an even better 45% lever effort reduction on Milwaukee-Eights. They are a direct replacement for the OEM hydraulic slave cylinder that is fitted behind a cover on the right side of the transmission.

PM Mid-Controls for M-8

Performance Machine mid-controls "are the mandatory upgrade for Milwaukee-Eight Touring and Softail models when performance riding is the goal. They allow for a much more aggressive riding position and provide increased ground clearance for attacking corners." Made from 6061-T6 billet aluminum, these controls are strong, lightweight and can be used with the stock or a PM rear brake master cylinder.
They have steel brake linkage and chrome Heim joints for easy brake actuation and a short throw shift lever for quicker and more precise shifting. The simple bolt-on design means no cutting into the primary cover and no modifications. The stock H-D style clevis is compatible with PM foot and toepegs as well as other aftermarket pegs (available separately). They are available in Black or Gold Ops for 2017 Touring and 2018 and up Softails.

Replica Keihin CV Carburetor

A perfect replica of the Keihin CV (Constant Vacuum) carburetor - all interior parts are quality items from Cycle Pro and feature its emulsion tube as supplied with its EZ Quick tuner kits. Comes complete with a selection of main and slow jets to tune it for your model and year. Tuned engines may require the separate purchase of bigger jets.

Replica Linkert M88 Carburetor

Completely built in Europe from all new parts, this replica looks completely the same as the original found on 1940 and later WLA and WLC 45 ci side valve (Army) models.

ZODIAC INTERNATIONAL BV
www.zodiac.nl

Mupo

FTR 1200 Adjustable Cartridges

Ideal for track and road FTR 1200 riding and fully adjustable for optimal driving in all conditions, the LCRR front suspension by Italian specialist Mupo "has been designed to transform the original forks into high performance road eating bend huggers," according to Sales Manager Leonardo Borghi.

The name derives from the expression "left compression, right rebound", used to describe modern forks with separate and independent hydraulic adjustments.
The 25/30 mm cartridges have 25/30 mm pistons manufactured in zinc aluminum alloy (Ergal) and have progressive system calibration with a 12 mm rod in Ergal, floating rod guide bushing, chrome-silicon steel springs with Ergal spring guide and fork caps with spring preload on bearings and breather screws.
Adjustments are 40 clicks of compression and extension and 30 clicks of spring preload (15 mm).
By simply replacing the entire original cartridge group with the LCRR, equipped with oversized pistons with progressive system, greater driving precision and better performance are guaranteed in terms of stability, handling and ability to read, ride and respond to the irregularities of the asphalt surface.
The spring preload adjustment in both legs makes it easy to find the ideal setting for additional loads or riding two-up while still maintaining comfort and driving dynamics. The wide range of Mupo springs available means it is possible to customize the front forks for weight and riding style when ordering.
Mupo suspension products come with a two-year warranty as standard - this can be extended to six years by following the review and maintenance schedule per the product service book.

MUPO S.R.L
www.mupo.it

The Jekill And Hyde Company

FXDR 'Demon'

Dutch sound management engineers at The Jekill And Hyde Company have a new exhaust design for the FXDR, the 'Demon'.
Designed for them in Germany by Rolf Reick of Krautmotors, 'Demon' is made in stainless steel with a carbon fiber heat shield and end caps and is available in pearl grey or black.

For the rider who prefers a more traditional look, the company also offers a signature V-strike header set with a 2-in-2 system where the rider can choose between Shorty or Jekill Bomb bodies with a choice of end caps.
Operated by handlebar-mounted switch, the sound management system features three modes - silent, deep and rumbling, or the dynamic mode between the two.
Thunderbike Harley-Davidson (Hamminkeln, Germany) has customized a FXDR - also with 'Demon' - to showcase the new exhaust and an online configurator is available for riders to create their ideal Jekill & Hyde custom exhaust.
With more than 65,000 exhaust systems sold in the last ten years, The Jekill And Hyde Company says it is the leading manufacturer/supplier of electronically adjustable exhaust systems in the world and backs its products with a 4-year warranty.

THE JEKILL AND HYDE COMPANY
www.jekillandhyde.com

ODI Grips

ODI Brand Ambassador Carey Hart

Riverside, California based ODI Grips has continued to take inspiration for its V-twin products from the motocross market, and with design input from brand ambassador Carey Hart has unveiled a new V-twin-specific Lock-On grip set.
"When I ride any motorcycle, the feel at the handlebars is crucial to me," says Hart. "Having a background in motocross, I have become accustomed to a grip set-up that is very specific. With the growth in performance V-twin, it only made sense to leverage my background in motocross to develop our new V-twin product." 

ODI says that this Moto-inspired Full Waffle design was developed to provide improved comfort by reducing vibration while also offering a grip with exceptional traction and control in severe riding conditions. The ODI genuine Lock-On technology was used to provide the most secure mounting system while also allowing easy installation and removal.
"Each set is manufactured with a model-specific in-molded throttle tube. The proven billet aluminum clamp system is made available in anodized colors to match the components on your custom build."

The Moto-inspired grip system uses proprietary medium-compound materials to "provide excellent durability and comfort. The Full Waffle Moto pattern reduces vibration and provides improved grip in all conditions and the heavily knurled base pattern delivers solid traction and control."
The billet aluminum clutch-side clamp is said to ensure 100% slip-free security (the need for set screws is eliminated) and T15 Torx bolts ensure extra secure clamping "for solid, twist-free mounting."
Available grip/clamp colorways include black/black, black/gunmetal or black/bronze. Available fitments include 1984+ H-D cable-actuated models, 2008+ H-D Throttle-by-Wire and 2018+ Indian Throttle-by-Wire models.
The grips are distributed by Drag Specialties and HardDrive in the USA, and by Zodiac and Parts Europe in Europe.

ODI GRIPS
www.odigrips.com

Kodlin Motorcycles

Kodlin 'Elypse' turn signals

Noted German customizer and parts designer Kodlin Motorcycles continues to add to its fast growing parts and accessory range with these 'Elypse' LED front turn signals.
Engineered in Germany and available in chrome or black finish as universal fit or a direct bolt-on for M-8 Softails, they are described as a "super small, amazingly bright amber turn signal with smoked lenses and SMD-LED technology."

The housing is CNC-machined from billet aluminum and to add the running light function to the Kodlin turn signals (dual-function), Kodlin suggests using Badlands part number IHL-03 or Kodlin part number KUS11300. Some applications may require the use of a load equalizer.

KODLIN MOTORCYCLES & PARTS
www.KodlinUSA.com