H Touring Bikes

Happy Hump Day from the wBW team!

Today, we have an exciting range of updates from various sectors of the Powersports industry:

1. CCM is gearing up for a global launch into new markets.
2. Yamaha is working on a V4 engine: Learn about its anticipated launch and the implications for future models in Yamaha’s lineup.
3. Harley-Davidson has lost a significant lawsuit and will be subject to a staggering 56% tax on HD motorcycle sales in Europe.
4. Ducati has capped its production at 200,000 units per year, and now we know the reason behind it.

Let’s kick things off with CCM, especially since that Harley lawsuit is quite the hot topic…

CCM Unveils Plans for International Expansion

A view of a CCM motorcycle. Media sourced from CCM.

…Featuring a “Three-Year Model Plan”

The last significant update on CCM was back in 2022 when they unveiled a titanium-framed Spitfire for their Golden Anniversary. Currently, it seems Clews’ Competition Motorcycles is keen to emulate Buell’s success, as they’ve recently announced ambitions for international growth, with their Managing Director sharing:

Why the sudden push for expansion, you ask?

It appears that CCM recognizes that its current 600cc engine does not meet Euro5+ standards and considers achieving compliance a “complex and challenging process.”

Currently, CCM utilizes the Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) process to sell bikes in the UK. This lengthy process requires a thorough inspection from a DVSA examiner, which has limited CCM’s market reach (hence the company’s desire to innovate for its clientele).

The “new” offerings are expected to include a revamped engine within two years and the upcoming “Project X,” an adventure concept featuring their existing engine planned for a debut around Q2 next year (2025).

For those curious, the road-ready version of Project X is projected to be priced around £13,995 plus OTR. Specs will likely feature retro Dakar rally designs, including spoked wheels, a sizeable fuel tank, and a compact head fairing, complemented by a USD fork and long-travel rear suspension.

CCM expects this new adventure bike line to absorb about 50% of their production capabilities, with estimates of around 300 units per year, although this could increase as discussions of international market entry progress.

Broome’s pragmatic approach offers realistic timelines and expectations for model success, especially considering the inherent risks associated with international expansion:

Would you like to see CCM’s single-cylinder Spitfire available in the U.S.?

Yamaha Sets the Stage for V4 Engine in MotoGP

Quartararo on Yamaha’s 2023 YZF-R1. Media sourced from GPOne.

Inline-Four Replacement Expected by 2025

The journey of a motorcycle typically includes various iterations, tweaks, and upgrades until inevitably it falls from favor or is withdrawn from the market due to economic challenges, regulatory shifts, or emissions demands.

Such is the fate of Yamaha’s R1, once touted as one of the finest supersport motorcycles ever created. While R1 enthusiasts continue to embrace it on the racetrack, markets lament the loss of the signature inline-four roar echoing on the country roads.

For those missing that sound, we bring you exciting developments around Yamaha’s potential inline-four replacement: a V4 engine poised for its debut on the MotoGP circuit.

Discussion surrounding this engine has circulated widely, but let’s rely on insights from Alex Rins (sourced from Visordown) for credible information:

1. Currently, Yamaha stands as the only manufacturer in MotoGP utilizing an inline-four engine.
2. The switch to a V4 configuration aims to enhance Yamaha’s competitive edge against rivals like Ducati, Aprilia, and KTM, who successfully employ similar engines.
3. Yamaha has recruited an array of talent, including engineers and technicians from Ducati, to fortify their MotoGP team.
4. Leading F1 engine consultant (Luca Morini), formerly associated with Aprilia, is among the new faces advocating for the transition to V4 power.
5. The unveiling of the new V4 engine was scheduled for Jerez but was delayed.
6. The V4 is now expected to make its first appearance at the Sepang Shakedown test in February 2025.

There’s a strong belief that this V4 engine will eventually lead to a street-ready bike capable of approximately 800cc’s. Transitioning from MotoGP to production often takes three to six years or more, so only time will reveal Yamaha’s production plans for the evolving V4.

How do you think Yamaha’s V4 will stack up against the previous inline-four?

Tariff Tribulations: Why Harley-Davidson Lost the Massive EU Lawsuit

Harley-Davidson’s 2024 Road Glide Limited. Media sourced from Harley-Davidson.

…And Why America’s Iconic Motorcycle Brand is Set for Price Hikes in Europe

Back in 2021, we reported on Harley Davidson’s efforts to shift their production to sidestep additional EU tariffs. At that time, the European Parliament Trade Committee was not pleased, citing specific grievances:

Despite Harley-Davidson’s press release claims, we now know that, as of early December, the European Court of Justice is not permitting any company “to evade additional duties unless relocation is economically justified.”

With Harley’s recent attempt to offshore production to Thailand seen as unjustified, the company will now face a staggering +56% tax on each motorcycle they import into Europe.

Ouch.

We aim to provide you with precise information, so here’s a quote from Global Tax News, along with the official Appeal Dismissal from European Union Law fresh from the courts:

The official appeal dismissal stated that Harley-Davidson failed to prove sufficient economic justification for their attempted production shift to Thailand, leading the EU Court of Justice to uphold the European Commission’s decision to deny Harley-Davidson’s request for lower tariffs.

Reports indicate that the General Court of the ECJ has also decided not to hear an appeal, making Harley’s unfortunate outcome final.

No reversing this means Harley bikes are on track to become very costly for our friends across the Atlantic.

We’ll keep you updated on what this means for Harley-Davidson motorcycles heading to Europe; in the meantime, stay tuned… and don’t overlook your HOG, Americans!

What is the cost of riding a Harley bike in the EU?

Industry Insight: Why Ducati Capped Sales Below 200,000 Units Annually

A view of a Ducati Panigale V4. Media sourced from Ducati.

“The Message to Those Who See You Must Be Clear”

In a market where abundance reigns, Ducati champions the idea that exclusivity is paramount—especially for a prestigious motorcycle manufacturer.

Ducati’s longstanding CEO, Claudio Domenicali, shared his philosophy with MotoSprint:

This ethos has benefitted Ducati, as they maintain hundreds of millions in sales, enabling them to support numerous specialized events, emphasizing what it means to be a “Ducatisti.”

For the Ducati brand, the power of restraint plays a critical role in market perception:

Recently, Ducati unveiled their 2025 Panigale V4, boasting the legendary Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine, delivering a robust 1,158cc of raw power, approximately 215.5 hp (160 kW) @ 13,000 rpm with torque ratings reaching 93.7 lb-ft (127 Nm) @ 9,500 rpm.

Congratulations to Ducati, and we eagerly anticipate what comes next!

Are you a Ducati rider?

*Media sourced from CCM, GPOne, Harley-Davidson, and Ducati*