Honda (UK) has signed the fastest female on two-wheels to compete in the British Superbike Championship.

Honda (UK) has signed the fastest female on two-wheels to compete for its official team in the UK’s premier motorcycle racing series – the British Superbike Championship. Cheshire-based rider Jenny Tinmouth will be the only woman to race in the series in 2015, joining fellow riders Jason O’Halloran and Dan Linfoot on the three-strong Honda Racing squad.

Tinmouth – who has achieved many firsts for women in motorsport – has competed in the British Superbike Championship since 2011 and is the first and only female to have ever ridden in the series – an accolade for which she was awarded a Guinness World Record. Having previously run her own private team, Tinmouth will now join the official Honda squad, racing in the prestigious premier class aboard the championship-winning Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade.

Tinmouth’s racing career also includes numerous successes at the world famous Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) road races, where she holds the current record as the fastest female around the notoriously difficult 37-mile course. Tinmouth broke the female lap record in her first year at the event and went on to break her own record the following year with an average lap speed of 119.9455mph – for both she received further Guinness World Records.

In 2012, Tinmouth received The Women’s International Film and Television Showcase, International Visionary Awards ‘IT Girl’ award for her commitment and dedication to her sport, siting her as an inspiration to women of all ages around the world. Tinmouth will begin her 2015 BSB campaign with Honda Racing at the first round of the 12-round championship at Donington Park from 4-6 April. To follow Jenny’s progress in the Championship follow Honda on Facebook and Twitter.

Nick Campolucci, Head of Motorcycles at Honda (UK), sees the addition to the squad as a natural progression for both Jenny and Honda Racing:

"There'll be a focus on Jenny because she's a female racer, of course. After all, she's the first and only woman rider to compete in British Superbikes. But she's a proven competitor and current Isle of Man TT lap record holder. Jenny joins the team on merit and we are very pleased that we have the opportunity to work with her. 

Honda has served up a number of firsts when it comes to broadening the representation of women in motorsport and Jenny is the latest female member of the Honda Racing family. She joins British motocross sensation Natalie Kane and Laia Sanz who achieved the highest ever placing in this year's Dakar Rally, by a female rider, finishing ninth overall in this year's race."

Jenny Tinmouth:

"I'm absolutely over the moon and cannot believe I'm riding for Honda Racing in the British Superbike Championship. The offer was totally unexpected. I went for a meeting with Nick (Campolucci) to discuss the season and had a few cheeky questions I wanted to ask about Honda helping me out with bikes, and when the offer came I couldn't believe what I was being asked. I went into the meeting thinking it would just be some help and came out as a full-time Honda rider. It's always been my ultimate dream to ride for the team and to have the opportunity this year is just amazing. I’m riding the Honda BSB bike for the first time during a team test in March and I can't wait."

BMW Motorrad has yet another record year for sales in 2014.

In 2014 BMW Motorrad sold more vehicles than in the year before, thus achieving a record sales figure for the fourth time in a row. With 123,495 (previous year: 115,215 units) vehicles sold in 2014, the manufacturer delivered more motorcycles and Maxi Scooters than ever before in the company's history. 

This is an increase of 7.2% compared to an already very strong showing in 2013. In December deliveries rose by 10.9% to 7,032 units (previous year: 6,343 units).

Germany continues to be the most successful single market for the Bavarian brand. 21,714 vehicles, roughly a fifth of all units, were sold in the home market last year. Once again BMW Motorrad was the market leader with a market share of over 25%. The USA follows in second position with 15,301 vehicles sold. 

The UK, 1,201 more BMW motorcycles were sold than in the previous year. The next largest single markets are France (11,600) and Italy (10,487). Brazil continued to perform strongly with 7,603 units.

In the relevant market segment of the 500 cc and above categories, BMW Motorrad remained the market leader not only in Germany but also in Italy and Spain.

Stephan Schaller, President of BMW Motorrad: "We can look back on a successful year. For the first time in company history, BMW Motorrad sold more than 120,000 vehicles. This is an increase of 7.2% compared to the already outstanding result of the previous year and is the fourth year of record sales in a row. I would like to express my sincere thanks to all our customers for the trust they have placed in BMW Motorrad."

In 2014 we launched no less than five new models worldwide. These made a major contribution towards achieving the positive sales numbers. With the R nineT we seem to have our finger firmly on the pulse of many BMW Motorrad fans. It got off to a phenomenal start and leapt to fourth place in our bestseller ranking right from the start. This success exceeded our own expectations. BMW Motorrad also ushers in a whole new era in the area of urban mobility with the BMW C evolution . 

The electric Maxi-Scooter is the first vehicle of its type for BMW Motorrad. It builds on the experience and innovations of the BMW Group and represents an integral part of our sustainability strategy. Almost 550 units have been sold since last May. The good level of acceptance by our customers shows that we have chosen the right approach with this first step towards electric mobility", says Schaller.

Water-cooled R 1200 GS the most successful BMW motorcycle.

The most popular BMW Motorrad models with over 40,000 units sold are the R 1200 GS (24,380) together with its sister model R 1200 GS Adventure (16.242). The BMW R 1200 RT takes third place with 12,140 units sold. The R nineT sold exceptionally well. In its first year of sales already 8,488 units were delivered worldwide. 

This makes the roadster the fourth most successful model in the BMW Motorrad product portfolio. With more than 10,000 units sold, the S 1000 R and the S 1000 RR both achieved an outstanding sales result. 

The middle range models F 800 GS/GS Adventure (7,040/4,278 units) and F 700 GS (6,499 units) as well as the F 800 R (3,953 units) and F 800 GT (3,901 units) also remain very popular. The Maxi Scooters C 650 GT and C 600 Sport (6,391 units) were also well received.

A look ahead to 2015 for BMW Motorrad.

The coming season will see numerous innovative and emotional vehicles added to the product portfolio. The new BMW S 1000 RR will be for sale at dealers from spring 2015. The next generation of the supersports bike offers increased engine output, a 4 kg weight reduction and even greater usability. With the new BMW R 1200 R and the R 1200 RS two new flat-twin models will be launched into the coming season. In the new edition of the F 800 R, BMW Motorrad is continuing its series of powerfully distinctive parallel twins.

With the S 1000 XR, BMW Motorrad is also launching the fourth series of its family of high-performance, sports-oriented motorcycles with 4-cylinder inline engine. It unites the qualities of the BMW Motorrad GS, Touring and Sports models resulting in a new breed of motorcycle – Adventure Sport.

Stephan Schaller, President of BMW Motorrad: "BMW Motorrad continues on its course of growth. We will win over new customers for the brand, enter into new segments and expand our portfolio further. Our aim is to achieve record sales in 2015."

Ducati gives parent company cause to celebrate with increased sales in 2014.

• Fifth consecutive growth year for Bologna-based bike manufacturer
• Record sales achieved thanks also to the new Monster and 899 Panigale
• USA confirmed as Ducati’s most important market, with Asia growing fast (+ 11%)

In 2014 Ducati Motor Holding spa achieved a new sales record by delivering 45,100 bikes to customers, 2% more than in 2013, marking the fifth consecutive year of growth.

This increase also stemmed from the introduction of new products that, despite market uncertainty, made a clear contribution to what has been an outstanding result for Ducati. More specifically, with the introduction of the new Monster 1200 and Monster 821, Monster family sales rose by 31%, with 16,409 new bikes sold. 

The Superbike family, thanks to the widespread introduction of the 899 Panigale, which scored a +74% sales success with 5,806 bikes delivered to customers, enjoyed an overall growth of 12%, with a total of 9,788 bikes sold in 2014.

North American sales performance was in line with that of 2013, with Mexico experiencing 8% growth. The U.S. continues to be Ducati’s top market, with 8,804 units delivered to customers. Despite difficult market conditions, sales in South America increased considerably, especially in Brazil (+ 74%, 1,174 bikes sold); this was achieved thanks to considerable expansion of the dealership network in that country and the market introduction of the full model range with local CKD production.

In Europe sales slowed a little (-3% with 19,743 bikes), mostly due to challenging conditions on several markets. However, while sales in Italy fell short of those attained the previous year (-14% with 4,284 bikes), other European countries were almost stable, with the UK actually experiencing significant double-digit growth (+16% with 2,742 bikes).

Double-digit growth was also seen in Asia, where Ducati achieved an all-time sales record (+11% with 5,787 bikes). Performance was particularly strong in Thailand (+22% with 3,057 units) and China where sales volumes, with respect to 2013, almost doubled (+97%).

Ducati also succeeded in boosting sales in Australia (+13% with 2,132 bikes) and strengthening its performance in Japan (+1% with 2,558 units).

UK RECALL #35 - YAMAHA - Indicators may fail to work correctly.

Vehicle Details
Reference :	RM/2014/044
Manufacturer Ref :	MRM14001TW
Make:	YAMAHA
Model :	NXC125 Cygnus
Launch Date :	19/12/2014
Numbers Involved :	4037
Build Start Date :
Build End Date :

Recall Details
Concern :	INDICATORS MAY NOT FUNCTION
Description :	The indicator relay may not be correctly located. Movement may cause a wire to break and render the indicator inoperative.
Remedial Action :	Fit new indicator relay wiring kit.
Vehicle Id :	SE411101412 to SE411425771

Other Vehicles Affected (Click the vehicle to perform an extended search)

YAMAHA - NXC125

UK RECALL #15 - YAMAHA - Possible issues could cause the engine to seize.

Vehicle Details
Reference :	RM/2014/036
Manufacturer Ref :	MRM1436
Make:	YAMAHA
Model :	YZ250F
Launch Date :	28/11/2014
Numbers Involved :	13
Build Start Date :
Build End Date :

Recall Details
Concern :	ENGINE MAY SEIZE
Description :	In extreme cases the engine balance shaft drive gears could break and cause the engine to lock. This can lead to an elevated risk to the rider and other road users.
Remedial Action :	Recall the machines that are likely to be affected and fit new quality assured balance shaft drive gears.
Vehicle Id :	CG34C0010903 to CG34C0011201

Other Vehicles Affected (Click the vehicle to perform an extended search)

YAMAHA - YZ

UK RECALL #12 - YAMAHA - Scooter may loose stability due to lower Yoke issues.

Vehicle Details
Reference :	RM/2014/038
Manufacturer Ref :	MRM1434
Make:	YAMAHA
Model :	HW125 Xenter
Launch Date :	27/11/2014
Numbers Involved :	432
Build Start Date :
Build End Date :

Recall Details
Concern :	VEHICLE MAY LOOSE STABILITY
Description :	Under extremely bad and bumpy conditions, coupled with relatively high road speed, a potential defect with the steering under bracket stem (lower yoke) may cause it to crack and eventually break. If a break occurs, the control of the machine will be adversely affected.
Remedial Action :	Recall the affected machines and replace the steering under bracket stem (lower yoke) with a remedial part.
Vehicle Id :	SE591011001 to SE591019570

Other Vehicles Affected (Click the vehicle to perform an extended search)

YAMAHA - HW125