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NEWS
BRIEFS
From 2026 GASGAS has pulled its factory team out of the World and Spanish Trial Championships. " This strategic shift will allow us to focus more closely on enhancing our industrial and commercial operations."
At the end of September 2025, Brembo officially announced that it has succeeded in developing a process that allows it to use 100 percent recycled aluminium in OEM brake callipers. This latest triumph of sustainable ' reduce, reuse, recycle ' engineering won ' t be seen in aftermarket, race or OEM motorcycle products any time soon though- initially it is entirely aimed at automotive product.
Ducati is not going to be drawn into what it sees as a ' race to the bottom ' as the industry falls over itself to offer smaller displacement models. Giulio Fabbri, Ducati ' s Head of Product Communications, told Motorcycle News that the company had made a decision many years ago not to build low-cost models, and that it sees no reason for it to change direction now, despite an increase in market demand.
Yamaha opened registration at the end of October 2025 for the 2026 YZ BLU CRU FIM Europe Cup. After a record-breaking 2025 edition featuring 818 riders from over 30 countries, those aiming for a place on the start gate at the 2026 YZ BLU CRU SuperFinale, held alongside the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in Ernee, France( 2 to 4 October 2026). Registration closes on March 2nd, 2026.
The Economist reports that the International Monetary Fund forecasts that government debt across the world as on course to hit 100 % of global gross domestic product( GDP) by 2029- that will be the highest level since the aftermath of the second world war. That will be up from the 93 % of global GDP estimated for 2024. Private debt( businesses and consumer) is even worse, totalling 143 % of global GDP. This puts total global debt at $ 324tn, some 235 % of global GDP as of May 2025( a new record). The United States has the largest national debt at $ 36tn as of May 2025- a debt to GDP ratio of 122 %- followed by UK, France, Germany and Japan.
AFAM adds new battery and chain line
Backed by 45-years of proven expertise, AFAM ' s reputation for precision in motorcycle power transmission is well established. Riders and professionals worldwide know AFAM chains and sprockets for their reliability, performance, and engineering integrity. At EICMA, AFAM added a brand-new expansion to their portfolio of motorcycle battery lines. " This move is not a leap into the unknown," said GM Rolf Verhagen " but the result of decades of hands-on experience within DC-AFAM, the group behind two established battery brands NITRO( SLA) and SHIDO( Lithium). " With that expertise, AFAM now brings a complete, exclusive AFAMbranded battery program to the global market with AFAM Lithium for a new level of flexibility and performance, and AFAM SLA GEL – featuring true GEL technology." The company ' s new and exclusive Lithium range combines several technical advantages which are said to make it unique in today ' s motorcycle battery market with features such as a quad-terminal option, reversible polarity, overcharge protection and advanced casing engineering greatly increasing the applicability of each model " while maintaining maximum safety," says Rolf. " This gives distributors and workshops a compact battery line that is easy to stock and install and built for performance-focused riders." The AFAM SLA GEL range is built using what Rolf describes as " real GEL electrolyte, not AGM variants marketed as gel. This ensures better performance in extreme temperatures,
AFAM General Manager Rolf Verhagen: " With this expanded portfolio, we now offer a complete ecosystem of drivetrain and power solutions- a compelling opportunity for distributors seeking to offer their dealers a trusted, high-quality brand with global recognition."
long service life, and fully leak-proof operation." For large V-twin motorcycles AFAM GEL HVT adds " reinforced internal construction for high vibration resistance, higher cranking power and accessory load stability- creating a dependable upgrade for touring and cruiser riders."
Additionally, for users needing long storage capability and controlled activation, the maintenance-free AFAM MF + Acid Pack line offers " a safe and practical solution, becoming maintenance-free once activated. Also launched at EICMA, a refreshed AFAM Chain Line completes the package of workshop, service department and parts counter updates. The new chains range includes the AFAM XHR4( Hyper Reinforced), XSR4( Super Reinforced), and, born from AFAM ' s historically close ties to MXGP, the MXPRO- a professional motorcross grade chain. " All are presented in new, dealership and retail friendly corporate packaging that leverages but updates the iconic, traditional black-yellow-white AFAM identity, unifying the new chains and batteries into one strong, instantly recognizable premium brand." Rolf concluded by saying that with this expanded portfolio, " AFAM now offers a complete ecosystem of drivetrain and power solutions- a compelling opportunity for distributors seeking to offer their dealers a trusted, high-quality brand with global recognition." www. afam. com
18 INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS- JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2026 www. idnmag. com