International Dealer News IDN 144 August/September 2018

COMMENT: EU new motorcycle registrations for first half of 2018 estimated to increase ..... Page 4 Italian new motorcycle registration growth still strongest in Europe .............................................................................. Page 6 Record numbers of 'Ducatisti' faithful flock to declare fealty at World Ducati Week ................................... Page 12 Dell'Orto selected as FIM Enel MotoE World Cup data acquisition partner ...................................................... Page 17 MAG sells British manufacturer Renthal back to company founder Henry Rosenthal The Texas based Motorsport Aftermarket Group (MAG) has sold Stockport, UK off-road and street parts specialist Renthal back to founder Henry Rosenthal. Renthal was formed in 1969 by motorcycle and engineering enthusiasts Andrew Renshaw and Henry Rosenthal, initially making handlebars for trials bikes. In 1975 the company entered the motocross market and its lightweight, high-strength aluminium handlebars revolutionised motocross racing – attaining 198 World Championships and 205 US titles in the decades since. Renthal became the first aluminium handlebar to be fitted as original equipment on a Japanese off-road motorcycle in 2004, with Honda, Kawasaki and Suzuki (plus KTM) still using Renthal handlebars for their performance motocross models. Most recently Renthal has successfully entered the MTB market. Noted for their manufacturing quality and innovation in engineering, these days Renthal offers a wide range of parts and accessories for street and off-road applications such as grips, bar mounts, levers, handguards, chainwheels, chain and brake pads, in addition to the handlebars and sprockets for which it remains best known. Rosenthal sold the company to MAG in 2006, where it joined a then growing stable of internationally respected aftermarket brands that includes the likes of Vance & Hines, Kuryakyn, Performance Machine, Roland Sands Design and Progressive Suspension. In 2014 MAG merged with Tucker Powersports (formerly known as Tucker Rocky), one of the U.S. market’s leading aftermarket parts and accessory distributors, with deep roots in the off- road industry as owners of brands such as MSR, Pro-Taper, DragonFire and Answer. Henry has remained in an active leadership role at Renthal, and commenting on the deal to sell Renthal back to its founder, Andy Graves, MAG’s President and CEO said: “Renthal has performed very well under MAG ownership, and we are excited to continue our close relationship as their leading US distributor going forward. Henry’s passion and experience in the off-road market gives us confidence in the brand’s continued success built upon great products”. As part of the deal, Tucker Powersports has entered into a multi-year distribution agreement that will see it continue to represent the British manufacturer to its dealers in the United States. The sale of Renthal marks the completion on MAG’s plan to withdraw from its European investments, having recently also sold its UK based subsidiary MAG Europe to Dutch distributor Motorcycle Storehouse. In other corporate news, French helmet manufacturer SHARK also has new ownership. Prior owner Naxicap Partners, a Paris based private equity investor, has sold a majority stake in French motorcycle Continues on page 10 >>> AUG/SEPT 2018 ISSUE #144 STATZONE 6-9 ➠ HARLEY AND POLARIS STARTING TO FEEL THE TARIFF PAIN HELLO CURTISS 'GIRL POWER' 10% Discount IDN DEALER SPECIAL NEws ROOM 6-23, 48 TRADEZONE 45 INDEX 46