News and stories from the world of Powersports business.
Roadskin Announces Groundbreaking Partnership with RHEON LABS to Revolutionise Motorcycle Apparel.
London, UK — Roadskin, a leader in innovative protective apparel for motorcyclists, has announced a pioneering partnership with RHEON LABS, the cu ing-edge material technology company developed at Imperial College London. This collaboration ushers in a new era of motorcycle gear, blending style, comfort, and unparalleled safety with the introduction of the RHEONTM Armour collection, set to hit shelves in Summer 2024.
For years, Roadskin has been at the forefront of designing modern, stylish motorcycle wear that harmoniously combines everyday comfort with the highest protection standards. From armoured jeans and hoodies to shirts, t-shirts, and gloves, Roadskin’s o erings have catered to the demands of bikers who refuse to compromise on either safety or aesthetics. With industry-leading protection
ratings from A to AAA, Roadskin gear is engineered not just to save skin, but to be a comfortable staple in any rider’s wardrobe.
Building on this legacy, Roadskin’s latest venture with RHEON LABS introduces an innovative material performance not seen before in the motorcycle apparel industry. The RHEONTM Armour technology, a result of over 15 years of development in the aerospace sector and at Imperial College London, features a highly strain-rate sensitive super-polymer. This material is designed to remain
pliant under normal conditions but instantly sti ens upon impact, o ering advanced protection that is practically unnoticed by the wearer.
Key highlights of the RHEONTM Armour collection include:
- All-Day Comfort: Engineered to be virtually invisible within Roadskin’s motorcycle jeans, providing the feel of everyday apparel—with protection built-in.
- Slim Profile and Lightweight: The RHEONTM Armour’s breathable, fl exible design ensures riders enjoy unrestricted movement, making long rides more enjoyable.
- Responsive Protection: The super-polymer is so to the touch yet hardens on impact, delivering EN1621-1 Level 2 protection at an astonishingly thin 10mm. This allows riders to concentrate solely on the joy of the ride.
This landmark collection marks a significant step forward in motorcycle safety, ensuring riders no longer must choose between comfort and protection. Roadskin and RHEONTM are proud to offer a product that signifi cantly enhances the riding experience, ensuring motorcyclists can enjoy the road ahead with confi dence and style.
The RHEONTM Armour range will be exclusively available from May 2024 on roadskin.co.uk.
This partnership exemplifies Roadskin’s ongoing commitment to innovating for the motorcycle community, prioritizing riders’ safety without sacrifi cing the lifestyle they love.
For more information, visit www.roadskin.co.uk or contact Roadskin directly at [email protected]. For more information about RHEONTM Technology visit www.rheonlabs.com or contact [email protected]. - https://rheonlabs.com/engineered-with-rheon-how-it-works/
- https://rheonlabs.com/rheon-technology-products/set-001/
ProTaper’s New Titanium Footpegs Designed for Strength, Durability and Reduced Weight
ProTaper, a leading innovator in motocross handlebars and accessories, is proud to introduce its all-new Titanium Footpegs, engineered to deliver unparalleled durability and control for aggressive riders.
ProTaper’s Titanium Footpegs are crafted from aerospace-grade Gr5 titanium, making them over two times stronger than steel and a staggering 3.5 times stronger than aluminum. Despite their incredible strength, the pegs come in at an ultra-lightweight 350 grams per pair, reducing overall bike weight for a competitive edge. The laser-cut teeth provide a confident grip to a rider’s boot and the open structure ensures that mud and debris easily clear from the peg.
The magnesium-colored cleats look great on any MX bike and ProTaper’s five part-numbers for the peg ensure confident fitment to all popular motocross motorcycle brands.
“Our new Titanium Footpegs are built to withstand whatever conditions come your way, whether it’s on a track, a trail or a favorite fire road,” said ProTaper Brand Manager Paul O’Brien. “The combination of strong, lightweight titanium construction and the laser-cut teeth will give riders ultimate confidence on their bike.”
ProTaper Titanium Footpegs, along with the brand’s selection of high-performance handlebars for off-road and adventure bikes, are available now at ProTaper dealerships around the country.
“We know that motocross success is based on having great control of your bike,” continued O’Brien. “The grip, the weight, the natural self-cleaning and the strength of these pegs make for a winning combination.”
Updated Grom Headlines Honda miniMOTO/Scooter Announcement
American Honda revealed today that the Grom—one of the powersports industry’s most popular models—gets an exciting aesthetic makeover for the 2025 model year. In the same announcement, Honda confirmed the return of several other models that are small in size but big in fun: the incredibly affordable Navi is back, offered in a host of fun new colors, while three popular scooters—the “City Adventure” ADV160, the industrial Ruckus and the Euro-influenced Metropolitan—are again being offered for 2025.
“When it comes to diminutive powersports models, Honda consistently outpaces the competition,” said Colin Miller, Assistant Manager of Public Relations at American Honda. “There’s no better example of that than the Grom, and we know that the enjoyable, sporty vibe of this gen-4 refresh will be a hit with our customers. Following in the Grom’s miniMOTO tradition is the Navi, which has quickly captured the hearts of American customers looking for a bike that’s easy to ride and easy on the wallet. On the scooter front, the ADV160, Ruckus and Metropolitan all possess the mix of practicality and fun that this category demands. Add it all up, and the five models in this announcement are a reminder that at least sometimes, smaller can be better.”
The updated Grom and other Honda miniMOTO models will be on display this weekend during the Barber Small Bore event at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama.
2025 GROM
Small in stature, but huge in popularity and fun, the Honda Grom is back with a fresh new look for the 2025 model year. Marking the fourth generation of the immensely popular pint-sized model, this update brings redesigned bodywork for an aggressive new look. Popular in part for its customization potential, the Grom can be customized via a full range of new Honda Accessories, including both storage and style upgrades. Appealing to riders of all backgrounds, thanks to its approachable, peppy and smile-inducing character, the Grom continues to be one of the powersports industry’s top-selling models—and the undisputed emperor of the miniMOTO world.
- Colors
- Grom: Candy Blue; Pearl White; Cherry Red
- Grom SP: Matte Black Metallic
- Grom ABS: Pearl White
- MSRP
- Grom: $3,599
- Grom SP: $3,699
- Grom ABS: $3,799
- Available: June
- Info
2024 NAVI
As the most affordable and approachable road bike in Honda’s powersports lineup, the Navi is all about opening the door for new riders to experience the freedom and enjoyment that can only be found on two wheels. With its compact size, light overall weight and automatic CVT transmission, the Navi makes developing the core motorcycle-riding skills simple and unintimidating. In just three years on the U.S. market, the Navi has become one of the top-selling motorcycles in the industry, thanks in part to its popularity among Gen Z riders (highlighted in the photo and video content from Honda’s collaboration with integrated marketing agency Hakuhodo). The Navi’s recipe of a super-low MSRP, gas-sipping performance and long maintenance intervals makes it incredibly practical and accessible to almost any customer, and it’s now available in not only standard, non-painted White, but also three new painted colors.
- Colors
- Non-painted: White
- Painted colors: Arctic Silver Metallic; Pearl Red; Blue Metallic
- MSRP
- Non-painted: $1,999
- Painted colors: $2,099
- Available: June
- Info
2025 ADV160
Designed and developed around a “City Adventure” concept, Honda’s capable-but-rugged ADV160 delivers an enjoyable sense of exploration on even the most mundane commutes. Some of its main features include a low vehicle weight and practical features like an automatic transmission, two-stage adjustable windscreen and under-seat storage, resulting in a sensible machine that adeptly traverses metropolitan roads and is even up for mini-adventures.
- Colors: Pearl Blue; Matte Black Metallic
- MSRP: $4,499
- Available: June
- Info
2025 RUCKUS
With its industrial design and peppy performance, Honda’s Ruckus has been a hit for years, even launching its own subculture of scooter customization and group rides. Oozing character, the Ruckus has an exposed frame and round headlights which—when combined with its affordable price and ease of use—make it the perfect canvas for personalization. It’s also a great option for unique, around-town transportation, and even in stock form, the Ruckus is a head-turner wherever it goes.
- Colors: Black; Beige
- MSRP: $2,899
- Available: July
- Info
2025 METROPOLITAN
When it comes to practical urban transportation, few machines can match the Honda Metropolitan. Utilitarian features like the large under-seat storage compartment, automatic transmission and convenient storage hook are matched with an affordable MSRP and legendary Honda reliability. The stylish, rounded bodywork is a nod to its classic European heritage, reminiscent of the scooters that fill the streets of Paris and Milan. Simple and fun to ride, the Metropolitan is the perfect companion for everything from around-town adventures to weekend coffee runs.
- Colors: Denim Blue Metallic; Red
- MSRP: $2,649
- Available: June
- Info
American Motorcyclist Association Announces 2024 ISDE U.S. Teams
The American Motorcyclist Association is thrilled to announce the 10 Trophy and 21 Club Team riders who will represent the United States at the 98th FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE), which takes place Oct. 14-19 in Galicia, Spain.
The 10 Trophy riders will make up the U.S. World Trophy, Junior World Trophy and Women’s World Trophy teams. Each participating country is allowed four riders on its World Trophy team, three riders 23 or younger on its Junior Trophy team, and three female riders on its Women’s Trophy team.
The United States hopes to build off a strong showing in 2023, in which its World Trophy and Women’s World Trophy teams brought home first-place finishes. The U.S. Junior World Trophy team earned a second-place finish, while U.S. Club Team XC Gear finished first among club teams.
“We are coming off a stellar result from last year and our team is striving to repeat the success again this year,” KTM Director of Offroad Racing, and ISDE Team Manager, Antti Kallonen said. “Once again I’m pleased we are able to bring the best riders to the race and they all have the same, one and only goal in mind,” “These riders should excel very well in the conditions we see in Spain this October. It was 8 years ago when USA won their first World Trophy title in Spain, so we have a good feeling heading in to this year’s event.”
Looking to defend their 2023 title, the 2024 U.S. World Trophy Team includes Dante Oliveira (KTM), Johnny Girroir (KTM), Craig Delong (Husqvarna) and Josh Toth (GAS GAS).
“All four World Trophy riders Dante, Johnny, Craig and Josh are eager and willing to put forth the effort it takes to win together,” Kallonen said.
Also seeking a second-straight title, the 2024 U.S. Women’s Trophy Team is running it back with its trio of Brandy Richards (KTM), Korrie Steede (Husqvarna) and Rachel Gutish (Sherco).
“It is my pleasure to welcome back the same Women’s team as it has been the last two years,” Kallonen said. “These women have proved they are the fastest in the world, but we won’t let our guard down and will focus on the preparation and the race ahead just like every year.”
After last year’s second-place finish, the 2024 U.S. Junior Trophy Team — which consists of Mateo Oliveira (KTM), Grant Davis (KTM) and Jason Tino (Husqvarna) — looks for continued growth in Spain.
“Our Junior team is getting stronger and stronger each year,” Kallonen said. “We now have good talent coming through the pipeline and I’m extra focused on this team to fight for the championship this year. Mateo and Grant had great success last year and I’m looking forward to our newcomer Jason to join them for the success.”
The AMA’s two three-day qualifiers resulted in the qualification of 21 riders to U.S.-represented club teams:
Team GTBN:
• Jaden Dahners (KTM)
• Jhak Walker (BETA)
• Layton Smail (Sherco)
Team Hough Legacy Racing:
• Tyler Vore (Rieju)
• Trevor Maley (KTM)
• Tanner Whipple (KTM)
Team XC Gear:
• Copper Jones (KTM)
• Cole Whitmer (Gas Gas)
• Hunter Smith (KTM)
Team Elizabeth Scott Community:
• Alex Dorsey (KTM)
• Lane Lorenzo (KTM)
• Ryder Thomaselli (Husqvarna)
Team US Sprint Enduro:
• Zachary Toth (KTM)
• Anson Maloney (KTM)
• Anthony Ferrante (KTM)
Team Missouri Mudders:
• Huck Jenkins (Yamaha)
• Eric Forsberg (KTM)
• Eric Stevenson (Gas Gas)
Team Eric Cleveland Memorial (Women’s Club Team):
• Ava Silvestri (Gas Gas)
• Olivia Pugh (KTM)
• Jocleyn Barnes (Husqvarna)
All club team riders have started raising money to support their efforts to attend the 2024 ISDE in Spain. To help support these riders, check in with everyone to discover how you can help them represent the United States in Spain this October.
The AMA’s ISDE effort would be impossible without the support of the ISDE Advisory Committee, which includes Michael Jolly, Antti Kallonen, Robert Pearce, Jay and Jarred Hall, AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Jeff Fredette, Eric Fredette, Dave Chamberlain, and Asa Abel, and the team’s sponsors. Sponsors include KTM, FMF, Trail Jesters, Bonanza Plumbing, Motion Pro,Spectro, Rabaconda, and Arai Helmets.
After ten years of supporting Team USA Rabaconda has made a limited-edition tire charger with the proceeds from sales going toward the team efforts. For more information, visit https://us.rabaconda.com/collections/tire-changers/products/isde-limited-edition-dirt-bike-tire-changer.
Also in its tenth year is the ISDE Trophy Team Golf Tournament. If you wish to attend or donate, more information can be found at https://www.eventcreate.com/e/isdeusgolftournament.
To learn more about the U.S. ISDE team, visit https://americanmotorcyclist.com/racing/off-road/isde-international-six-days-enduro/.
Those planning to travel and stay with the U.S. team can register at https://form.jotform.com/amatech/2024-ama-isde-registration. The deadline for registration is July 10.
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