International Dealer News 193 November/December IDN 193 Nov/Dec 2026 | Page 48

Sources: AMD, IDN, FT, Reuters, PSB, MPN, BDN, MCN, AP, Bloomberg, MSNW, Electrek, electricmotorcycles. news, RideApart. com, Motor1. com, Cycle World, motorbikewriter. com news ROOM

NEWS

BRIEFS

The FIM will stage a second biennial Intercontinental Games( ICG) from 11-13 December at the Autodromo Internacional Ayrton Senna in Goiania, Brazil- " where teams from all six FIM Continental Unions( CONU) will come together for this biennial gathering of the FIM Family." The successful first edition was held at Spain ' s Circuito de Jerez- Ángel Nieto in 2024- won by FIM Europe, who will be the defending Champions in Brazil.
Kawasaki ' s 2026 Q1 wholesale unit motorcycle volume( to June 30, 2026) reached 59,000(+ 11.3 % yoy) in developed countries, with European unit volume + 4.6 % at 22,000 units, North America ' flat ' at 23,000 units and Japan at 10,000 units. In emerging markets, volume was 63,000 in total, The Philippines continuing as the major market( 46,000 units). Their Power Sports & Engine segment is described as posting a " notable profit increase driven by fixed cost reductions and tariff refunds."
Suzuki reported strong quarterly sales of 548,000 units globally(+ 4.9 % yoy) for the April-June Q1 of its 2026-27 FY, " driven by robust performance in India and Latin America." In Europe Suzuki reported a " noticeable increase " its Q1 unit sales performance- " aided by aided by price realignments and expanding model lineups " in certain key markets. The GSX-S1000 / GX and 800 cc GSX-8S / R parallel twin were among the company ' s best sellers.

Sprint Filter ' s growth- from racing to original equipment and aftermarket

In the last edition of International Dealer News, we carried a report about Ducati ' s decision to use Sprint Filter ' s advanced non-woven polyester dry filter technology as the original equipment specification throughout the Panigale family of models. When we met with Sprint Sales & Marketing Manager Fabrizio Marcucci shortly after the news was announced, he told us that " the Sprint brand will be the Sole original equipment air filter supplier for Ducati ' s Panigale V4 family through 2028, fitted to limited editions from Borgo Panigale and Noale, and used by 70 % of MotoGP teams
' for dealers, the proposition is straightforward '
" Sprint is the world ' s oldest performance air filter manufacturer and in recent years has also been strengthening its aftermarket role. We are a Latvian company with Italian origins, founded in Italy in 1952 with ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 Certified manufacturing in Latvia." The Sprint Filters technology is built around a proprietary dry, singlelayer polyester filtering medium. The filter needs no oil, is cleaned with compressed air only and is designed to last the life of the vehicle. It is the uniform structure of the polyester that ensures predictable, constant airflow over time and Sprint says that its proprietary patents make the company " the only manufacturer able to offer a water-repellent filtering medium." Ducati has used Sprint Filter as original equipment and in its aftermarket catalogue since 2013. The relationship began with the 1199 Panigale R. It continued through a succession of special and limited editions: the 1199 Superleggera, 1299 Superleggera, 1299 Panigale R Final Edition and
Hall 5 M58
Superleggera V4. In July 2026 Ducati selected the Sprint Filter P08 as the sole original equipment air filter for the entire Panigale V4 family, from 2026 to 2028 inclusive. The agreement covers the Panigale V4, V4 S, V4 R, Superleggera V4 Centenario and Superleggera V4 Tricolore, as well as future special editions on the V4 platform. It also extends to spare parts, the Ducati
Performance catalogue and Ducati Corse. " It is the first time a performance air filter manufacturer has been chosen as sole original equipment supplier for an entire flagship supersport family " says Fabrizio. " At Aprilia, the P08 F1-85 is fitted as standard on limited editions such as the RSV4 X, Tuono X and X Trenta. It is our highest-permeability medium. The
Sales & Marketing Manager Fabrizio Marcucci: Our original equipment credibility is rooted in competition. Sprint Filter air filters are used by 70 % of MotoGP teams. Our application catalogue is the most extensive in the performance air filter segment. It covers scooters and road, sport, racing, adventure and off-road motorcycles.
most recent is the Aprilia X 250TH, unveiled at COTA [ Championship Of The Americas, Austin, Texas ] in April 2026 to mark 250 years of American independence." Just 30 units were built, with 240 HP and a Sprint Filter racing air filter in an upgraded airbox. All units sold out within 14 days! " Our original equipment credibility is
Continues on page 10 >>>