French motorcycle manufacturer Peugeot Motocycles is gearing up for significant growth in the Italian market, bolstered by a promising collaboration with the iconic British brand BSA.
This strategic partnership comes as Peugeot Motocycles enjoys newfound stability under the ownership of German firm Mutares.
Peugeot Motocycles, known for its retro-style and mid-capacity scooters, has recently expanded its Italian sales network with the addition of 43 new dealers, bringing the total to 144. This substantial increase in the sales network reflects the company’s commitment to strengthening its foothold in Italy.
The highlight of this expansion is Peugeot’s role as the exclusive distributor of the highly anticipated BSA Gold Star within the Italian market. This collaboration is a relatively new development, involving a series of ownership changes within Peugeot Motocycles.
Since the beginning of 2023, Peugeot Motocycles has been firmly under the ownership of the German company Mutares. Notably, Mahindra & Mahindra, the former owner of Peugeot, remains a key shareholder in the company and holds a significant stake in BSA as well. Leveraging this unique connection, Mahindra & Mahindra aims to capitalize on Peugeot’s enhanced distribution network to promote the new BSA Gold Star in Italy.
The BSA Gold Star, a retro-inspired machine, is equipped with a powerful 652cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine. With a respectable power output of 46hp @ 6,000rpm and 55Nm @ 4,000rpm, it promises a thrilling riding experience for enthusiasts.
In addition to this exciting partnership, Peugeot Motocycles is set to introduce the PM-01, a 125 cc naked bike aimed at the premium entry-level market in Italy.
The PM-01 features a distinctive front light cluster design inspired by Peugeot cars, adding a touch of elegance to the motorcycle. Furthermore, Peugeot plans to diversify its product portfolio in the first quarter of 2024 with the release of the PM-03, a 300cc motorcycle.
While Peugeot has chosen not to participate in EICMA 2023 in Milan, redirecting its trade fair investments toward Eastern markets, the company remains committed to innovation.
Peugeot Motocycles is actively expanding its electric vehicle range and is set to introduce the e-Streetzone scooter, demonstrating its dedication to sustainable mobility solutions. The company is also investing in the development of battery-powered motorcycles, signaling its commitment to the future of electric mobility.
KTM has confirmed its participation in the upcoming 2023 EICMA. The company is all set to unveil a range of new and updated motorcycle at the world biggest two-wheel exhibition.
From November 7th to 12th, 2023, at the Rho-Pero Fair in Milan, the renowned Team Orange will showcase its latest models, including the Duke, Adventure, EXC, SX, Sports Tourer and SuperSport.
After a two year absence, KTM will once again take center stage, allowing all motorsport enthusiasts in general, to join in the celebration of the brand’s recent victories and successes in prestigious competitions like MotoGP™, the Dakar Rally, and the MXGP.
Tommaso Telaro, the Managing Director of KTM Sportmotorcycle Italia, expressed his delight, stating, “We are thrilled to announce our return to EICMA in this highly significant year for us. Being present at one of the most important international industry events is crucial. Although our strategies have differed in the recent past, we felt it was essential to make an additional effort to participate this year. Through our presence, we aim to send a strong message to the market, industry insiders, and the enthusiastic general public.”
Giacomo Casartelli, the Executive Director of EICMA, shared his enthusiasm for KTM’s participation, stating, “We have eagerly awaited the presence of KTM, and this announcement is indeed significant news. As organizers, we are delighted to welcome such a prominent group as one of our exhibitors for the 2023 edition.
“It demonstrates how EICMA continues to serve as an essential platform for communication and market expansion in the ever-evolving world of two-wheelers. We are confident that this news will be received with great enthusiasm by both the brand’s fans and the general public attending EICMA.” he said.
With KTM’s confirmed presence, visitors can look forward to a thrilling display of cutting-edge motorcycles and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere at EICMA.
Italy’s two-wheeled market has reported a significant upswing in Q1 2023, with March alone recording impressive sales figures for both scooters and motorcycles.
Italian motorcycle market recorded a surge in sales for the month of March 2023.
BMW R 1250 GS, Honda Africa Twin and Benelli TRK 502 continue to dominate the market.
According to the National Association of Cycle Motorcycle Accessories (Confindustria ANCMA), the country’s two-wheeled market posted a 26.7-percent spike in March, translating to growth of 27.6 percent in Q1 2023.
In March, scooter sales amounted to 17,777 units sold, representing a 31.5-percent increase, while motorcycles recorded 18,221 new registrations, reflecting a 25.8-percent boost. The surge in sales has been welcomed by dealers, who are looking to build on the growth gained at the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023.
The Confindustria ANCMA has also broken down the top-selling motorbikes in Italy for March 2023. Moto Morini’s X-Cape 650 adventure bike made it into the top ten list with 283 units sold, followed by Honda’s NC750X with 303 units moved.
Meanwhile, Yamaha’s Tracer 7, Moto Guzzi’s V7, and Yamaha’s Ténéré 700 round out the top ten, with Honda’s new CB750 Hornet cracking the top five with 401 units sold.
The top three places go to the Honda Africa Twin, BMW R 1250 GS, and Benelli TRK 502, respectively, with Italian consumers registering 674 Africa Twins, 621 R 1250 GSs, and 600 TRK 502s throughout March 2023.
Fantic and Motori Minarelli have officially begun production on the Issimo City electric scooter at the Calderara di Reno factory.
The Issimo City electric scooter line includes the L1 and L3 variants, both powered by a Dell’Orto 3-kilowatt motor.
Fantic and Motori Minarelli have begun production of the Issimo City electric scooter in the Calderara di Reno factory.
The production launch was celebrated with the presence of important local officials, including Emilia-Romagna Region Economic Development Councilor Vincenzo Colla, Bologna mayor Marco Panieri.
The Issimo City electric scooter is the result of Fantic’s acquisition of Motori Minarelli from Yamaha in January 2021. The acquisition allowed the Bologna-based firm to lay the groundwork for its transition to electric mobility models. Now, more than three years later, Fantic and Motori Minarelli are reaping the fruits of their labour.
The Issimo City electric scooter line includes the L1 and L3 variants, both powered by a Dell’Orto 3-kilowatt motor. The L1 model has a maximum speed of 45 kilometers per hour (28 miles per hour), while the L3 model can reach up to 65 km/h (40 mph). The standard 2.2-kilowatt-hour battery yields 72 kilometers (44.8 miles), and the 4.4 kWh option extends the range to 140 km (87 miles).
According to Motori Minarelli General Manager Vittorino Filippas, Fantic and Motori Minarelli are not caught unprepared for the opportunity presented by the increasing demand for sustainable mobility.
He said, “People’s sensitivity towards more sustainable mobility will further accelerate the demand for light mobility. Fantic Motor and Motori Minarelli do not want to be caught unprepared for the opportunity this challenge presents us with. Indeed, as early as 2023, 50% of vehicle production will be entirely electric.”
The Calderara di Reno factory can manufacture up to 100 units per day, which means that Issimo City production is capped at 20,000 units in the first year alone. The Emilia-Romagna Region has shown its support for Fantic’s electrical project, which relaunched the historic Bolognese brand Motori Minarelli.
This support has helped Fantic become one of the beneficiaries of regional law 14 on attractiveness, which focuses on sustainable innovation and creating new employment opportunities.
Last year proved to be a strong period for the global motorcycle industry.
6,543 units Benelli TRK 502 sold in Italy, outsell the BMW R 1250 GS (4,062).
Tenere 700 is third best-selling bike in Italy with 2,762 units registered.
In Malaysia, more than 700,000 units of motorcycles sales were recorded in 2022, which is the biggest number ever registered despite the country was still in the process of recovering from Covid.
Italy also recorded significant sales throughout 2022, with 291,661 bikes sold.
Meanwhile, the Benelli TRK 502 emerged as the most popular full-size motorcycle for 2022 in Italy, with 6,645 units sold. More importantly, the Chinese-made motorcycle also outsold BMW’s R 1250 GS.
As a result, the 500cc parallel-twin ADV bike becomes the most popular motorcycle in Italy for the third consecutive year.
Interestingly, no motorcycles could exceed the 6,000 figure other than the TRK 502 in the last five years.
Below is the number of units sold for the best-selling motorcycles in Italy in the last five years:
Ducati officially marked a big step towards a sustainable feature with the opening of a new eco-friendly facility in Bologna.
Ducati latest facility includes an underground rainwater storage.
Equipped with photovoltaic system that provides clean energy.
The new facility, called the Finitura e Delibera Estetica (Finishing and Aesthetic Resolution) will host the final phase of Ducati’s production cycle which include verifying the quality of each bikes produced.
The 13,000 square-foot building features photovoltaic system and a rainwater recovery system which contributes to making the build nZEB (nearly Zero Energy Building).
However, the photovoltaic system played a bigger role in achieving nZEB status as it helps to produced more than 200 MWh of clean energy pear.
“This year has been truly splendid for Ducati, and the inauguration of the new Finitura e Delibera Estetica manufacturing represents yet another moment of pride.
“This building embodies an investment that brings value to the company but also to the territory in which Ducati operates.
“The new space will house a strategic phase of production where we focus on the attention to detail and beauty of our motorcycles so that they are perfect when they arrive to our passionate Ducatisti,” said Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati.
Interestingly, the facility took less than eight months to complete with the construction work only began April this year.
Other notable features also includes an underground rainwater storage tank that guarantees the recovery of 90 per cent of the rainwater.
Chear Global, the official distributor of Italjet Dragster scooter in Malaysia has announced the recommended retail price for the Dragster 125 and Dragster 200.
The Italjet Dragster 125 dan Dragster 200 is the most premium and exclusive scooter ever built.
The Italian built scooter features unique bodywork and components.
The high-spec and premium Dragster 125 and Dragster 200 is available for RM29,500 and RM34,800 respectively.
That said, the Italjet Dragster is the most expensive scooter in its respective segment.
As previously reported, the Dragster 125 and Dragster 200 share similar bodywork and design language; the primary difference is the engine displacement.
The Dragster 200 features a 181cc single-cylinder DOHC engine, while the 125 trim gets a 124cc single, Euro5 compliant powertrain.
Power output is claimed to be 17.2hp @ 8,000rpm and 15.5Nm @ 7,750rpm for the Dragster 200, while the Dragster 125 makes 9.2hpp and 10.5Nm.
Meanwhile, power is delivered to the rear 13-inch wheel via an automatic gearbox with belt drive.
The Italjet Dragster is suspended by a unique independent steering system (ISS) at the front that separates the steering and suspension components. The new feature allows better manoeuvrability for city riding.
Coming in standard on the Dragster twin is two-channel ABS, Brembo hydraulic callipers mated to a single 200mm disc at the front and 190mm disc at the rear.
Other notable features on the Dragster include bright LED headlights (80,000 lumens to be exact), a 9L fuel tank, a USB port and 140kg kerb weight.
Few brands enjoy a brand loyalty as fierce and thorough as Ducati does. And no where is that loyalty more evident than the bi-annual World Ducati Week held in Misano, Italy.
First held in 1998 as a way of getting closer to its fan base, Ducati has been organising the WDW, as it’s affectionately known, every year since. Unfortunately the Covid-19 pandemic put an end to that run.
But what a comeback it has been. According to Ducati, the 2022 and eleventh-edition of WDW welcomed over 80,000 attendees from 84 different countries.
The Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” was also open for guests to ride or drive on and a total of 5,805 laps were recorded by cars and motorcycles. The cars were mostly Audis and Lamborghinis, understandably so since Ducati is part of the Audi Group, as is Lamborghini.
The WDW is a true gathering of Ducati enthusiasts and 235 official Ducati clubs from around the world attended the event, a mega testament to the love and passion Ducati enjoys from its fan base.
The great thing about this unique relationship is that Ducati loves to give back to its fans as well. As part of the WDW, the iconic Lenovo Race of Champions is also organised as a sub-event.
The 2022 Lenovo Race of Champions is where official Ducati riders (the highest number ever) from MotoGP, Superbike and Supersport Championship Series will compete against each other on equal bikes. This year’s starting grid included 21 champions such as Pecco Bagnaia, Jack Miller, Michele Pirro, Johann Zarco, Jorge Martin, Enea Bastianini and even Danilo Petrucci.
The Race of Champions is an exhibition race meant to get the fans closer to their racing idols, but you can’t tell a pure-bred racer that he is just putting on a show. And as such, the eight laps of the Race of Champions offered some heart stopping action.
The only difference here is that every rider is on a road going Panigale V4S and a Panigale V2 which can be bought at any Ducati store anywhere in the world. The only modification done is that the tyres have been swapped for full slick race tyres and the standard exhaust swapped for a full Akrapovic titanium exhaust while certain parts from the Ducati Performance Parts catalogue were sprinkled on for good measure.
MotoGP rider Pecco Bagnaia of the Ducati Lenovo factory team won the Panigale V4S category while the Panigale V2 category was won by Italian rider Federico Caricasulo.
The best part of the Lenovo Race of Champions is that the bikes that were raced by the champions are available for sale to select customers almost immediately after the race.
Astonishingly, all bikes that were raced during the exhibition race were sold in just a few hours. The first to be snapped up in mere minutes was Jack Miller’s number 43 bike followed by the number 63 bike of Pecco Bagnaia and the number five of Johann Zarco. Each bike was characterised by the riders racing livery with the triple clamp bearing a lasered logo of the rider’s name.
But the World Ducati Week is not only about motorcycles and races, it’s also about celebrating Ducati and everything it has to offer.
For those who love a little bit of off-roading, there was a specially laid out course where attendees could try out the latest Ducati dual-purpose machine – the Desert X!
There was even a mountain bike course since Ducati also offers e-mountain bikes now. This was open to anyone who wanted to try out the latest Ducati e-bikes.
During every edition of the WDW, thousands of Ducati fans gather together to collectively ride the Misano World Circuit. There were so many motorcycles gathered together on track this year that it took a full 33 minutes for them all to snake out of the circuit.
From the circuit, the thousands of bikes then rode on parade to the coastal town of Riccione for the Scrambler Beach Party. And at the head of the ‘big red snake’ was Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati who rode together with MotoGP and superbike riders as well as Ducati management, leading the way for the thousands of Ducatisti.
The Scrambler Beach Party is another must attend event held in conjunction with the World Ducati Weed. Held exclusively in Riccione, this year’s party was headlined by legendary Italian DJ Benny Benassi.
The World Ducati Week ended with a mega barbecue party held on the pit straight of the Misano circuit. The barbecue was headed by three-star Michelin chef Enoteca Pinchiorri who was assisted by the top management of Ducati in one of the largest barbecue party this writer has ever seen. The day ended with the Ducati race riders meeting their fans, an incredible firework display and a DJ set from Meduza.
The World Ducati Week is a must attend event for every self-respecting biker. It is not only an event for Ducati owners or fans, but it has a culture of inclusivity that celebrates the spirit of riding. Among the thousands of Ducatis there were BMWs, Kawasakis, Yamahas, Aprilias and other brands. They parked among the Ducatis and made merry with Ducatisti. This is the spirit of Ducati, the inclusivity for everyone who loves motorcycles.
Triumph Motorcycles has enjoyed success outside of the UK for 2022, with the British company has broken its record for the most bikes registered in one year in Italy.
Triumph sold a record-breaking 6,088 units between June 2021 and July 2022.
The Triumph Trident 660 emerged as the most popular motorcycle in Italy.
For the first time in the company’s history, Triumph sold over 6,000 units between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2022, breaking the previous record of 5,749 bikes sold back in 2008.
Moreover, Triumph marks an increase of over 50% compared to the company’s 2019 sales.
On another note, it also signals the company’s recovery in the Italian market after the 2008 financial crisis while proving effective in dealing with the Covid-19 situation.
Also, Triumph’s made a considerable leap since the firm expanded its dealer network in the region. The company has added ten new dealers over the last two years, while 17 new showrooms have been opened.
According to reports, the Trident 660 took the top spot with 18% of the share, followed by Tiger 900 (17%).
Benelli is making great strides in 2022, with over 8,522 new motorcycles registered in Italy.
Benelli sold more than 8,000 units in the first six months of 2022.
The TRK 502 is the brand’s most famous motorcycle, with more than 4,000 units registered in Italy in 2022.
According to the company, the sales projection marks a six per cent increase compared to last year’s period.
For a company that Chinese-based QJ Motors own, the numbers certainly seem that Italian riders are satisfied with the brand.
Thanks to the trust, Benelli became the best-selling motorcycle brand in Italy for the first six months of 2022.
Moreover, for a brand that has to compete with big players like Ducati and Aprilia, becoming the best-selling motorcycle brand in Italy is a historical moment.
While some might question the authenticity of Benelli as an Italian brand, the reality is that plenty of companies are financed by other firms that is based elsewhere.
Considering Benelli is making great strides in terms of sales in Italy; clearly Italians are in love with the brand.
Interestingly, the TRK 502 has played a pivotal role in Benelli’s 2022 success so far. Out of the total, Benelli sold 4,436 units of the TRK 502 in the first six months of 2022.
“Today, we are facing a historic result. An extraordinary milestone, achieved thanks to the incredible commitment, passion and determination of all those who are part of this company,” said Benelli Italia sales manager Gianni Monini.
Chinese motorcycle manufacturer Voge has introduced the 2022 Valico 300 Rally variant in Italy.
the 300 Rally now joins the base strim in Italy.
features 292cc single-cylinder engine that puts out 28.6hp and 25Nm.
The Rally variant will now join the based model launched just one month ago in the country.
Powered by the same engine as the standard trim, the Valico 300 Rally features a 292cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine that pumps a respectable 28.6hp @ 9,000rpm and 25Nm @ 6,500rpm.
The drivetrain is mated to a six-speed manual transmission with the engine fed from an 11L fuel tank. In addition, Voge claimed that the Rally could reach around 300 kilometres with a full tank of gas.
Like the base model, the Valico 300 Rally is fitted with high-strength steel tubes, an upside-down front fork with 205mm of travel, and an adjustable preload mono-shock at the rear.
Braking is done with a single axial-mounted calliper with a 265mm disc at the front and 220mm disc at the rear and regulated by a dual-channel ABS. The ABS can also be deactivated.
Considering the Rally is a motorcycle built for gnarly road conditions, the Valico 300 Rally features all the necessary aspects to make it off-road capable, including a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel, 1,430mm wheelbase and seat height of 905mm. Weighs just 150kg (dry), the Rally is suitable for not only experienced riders but also beginners.
Other notable features include:
digital LCD instrument cluster
USB port
handleguards
halogen headlamps with LED taillights
According to Voge, the Valico 300 Rally is available in Italy for a recommended selling price of EUR4,440 (RM20.4k).
A small Italian town issued their own “Ducati” banknotes.
It is distributed to residents who are in need.
The notes enable the folks to shop in local businesses.
A small Italian town with only 550 residents called Castellino del Biferno minted their own “Ducati” banknotes during the current Covid-19 pandemic lockdown.
Italy was the nation hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic after China, before surges in other countries. The government has since placed the entire nation under lockdown to stem the spread of the disease.
Obviously, the lockdown has also hit the town which is situated in southern Italy. The town’s mayor, Enrico Fratangelo explained the decision to save the local economy. There are only four businesses open now.
The central government had previously disbursed a € 5,500 grant to distribute food vouchers to the townsfolk. The town council added some of its savings and came up with the Ducati banknotes. The notes were then distributed to some 200 families with various needs.
The local residents can then spend the money at local businesses. Shops will send the notes to the local council every fortnight and be reimbursed. The mayor believes the notes will also impart a sense of belonging.
One “Ducati” is worth € 1, “Five Ducati” are equivalent to € 5, and so forth. The mayor says doing so avoids confusion especially among senior citizens.
