Some positive news emerged as the July issue of BDN went to press. Langen Motorcycles has stepped in to help out the owners of CCM Motorcycles after the Bolton firm went into administration last month.
In an online post reported by Motor Cycle News, Langen founder Christofer Ratcliffe said: “Several of our team members have a professional history with CCM and are fortunate enough to call many of the current and previous staff friends. We also have a deep engineering knowledge of the bikes, having been involved in all models from 2010-2020.”
Langen says it’s setting up a space at its facility to work on CCMs and is also looking to source and supply spare parts for the CCM Spitfire and GP450 models. Anyone looking for help should contact [email protected].
Administrator moves in at CCM Motorcycles
CCM Motorcycles fell into administration last month after more than 50 years in the motorcycle manufacturing business. Founded in 1971 by Alan Clews, the company was originally called Clews Competition Machines, and it operated from its long-term home at Jubilee Works in Bolton.
Jason Broome, CCM managing directorMore recently, the business received significant investment from Pitalia Capital, backed by entrepreneur Anil Pitalia, which initially enabled expansion to meet “pent-up demand across Europe and the United States.”
However, in February, Motor Cycle News reported that CCM had reduced its workforce to just 12 employees as part of a “strategic” downsizing. Development of its upcoming Project X adventure bike was also paused. The company faced additional headwinds following the closure of one of its largest retail partners, Completely Motorbikes, last year. Broader challenges in the industry, including a slump in new bike sales and the introduction of Euro 5+ regulations, further impacted the business.
“Last year wasn’t the best for dealers,” CCM managing director Jason Broome told MCN. “One of our major dealer partners closed, which had quite a detrimental effect. We don’t see this year as being much stronger than last year. Our average annual production has typically been around 300 bikes, but we didn’t make nearly as many in 2024 – maybe about 150.”
Despite these difficulties, Broome stated in March: “No one’s coming to foreclose or put us into administration,” suggesting the company was still in a relatively stable condition. However, on 2 June, six related entities – including CCM Motorcycles (UK), Jumptec, Clews & Sons, Alegatum, and two Project Black Investor companies – were formally appointed administrators.
CCM’s collapse highlights a wider downturn in the motorcycle market. Last October, Completely Motorbikes shut down, and three other dealerships entered administration. In March, Mutt Motorcycles in Birmingham also went into administration, citing falling demand, around the same time CCM announced delays to Project X and its reduced staffing levels.
Manchester-based business restructuring firm KR8 Advisory Ltd has been appointed as administrator. Contact; [email protected].