Yamaha does not have to fear race bans or a points deduction for missing the Qatar Grand Prix, because the FIM rulebook provides no basis for them. At the same time, MotoGP deputy CEO Carlos Ezpeleta admits that the series hurt itself with the commotion surrounding the race.
Following its separation from Polaris, Indian Motorcycle is cutting around 70 positions and plans to fill almost as many again. Most of the new jobs are in manufacturing in Spirit Lake, and that shows where new owner Carolwood is steering the brand.
From 2027, MotoGP will air exclusively on ESPN in the USA, under a two-year deal that also includes Latin America. This ends the Fox Sports era, but unlike Fox, ESPN has not committed to showing every race live.
With the T802, Morbidelli is launching three adventure bikes on a shared platform that differ only in their wheels, suspension travel and seat. Anyone interested in one of the three mainly needs to know how much off-road riding they really plan to do.
Benelli is bringing back the three-cylinder, though for now only in a concept bike. At EICMA 2026, the Tornado Naked Tre 903 shows a new engine, a frame made of three modules and winglets that adjust themselves while riding.
Decisions on new closures and restrictions for motorcycles are usually made once the season is over. On the B500, near Oberhof and at the Sudelfeld, such decisions are due in the coming weeks.
In the Außerfern region, further roads could soon be closed to motorcycles with a stationary noise level above 95 decibels, as the Tyrolean state parliament reviews an extension of the ban. Ironically, the justification is motorcycles that are avoiding the existing closures.
Italy has issued new rules for underride protection on crash barriers, which is meant to protect fallen motorcyclists from posts and edges. A single serious accident can trigger an obligation, but designers and road operators may opt out with a justification.
