Marc Marquez remains the man to beat in the 2025 MotoGP season. The Ducati rider secured his seventh consecutive double victory – consisting of the sprint and main races – at the newly added Balaton Park Circuit in Hungary. Despite an incident right after the start, Marquez dominated the race and significantly extended his lead in the world championship.
Buell Motorcycles is on the verge of a potential milestone in its eventful history. With the Super Cruiser, the traditional manufacturer is returning to the stage—this time with a model that combines classic cruiser elements with sporty technology. The motorcycle is currently undergoing final testing.
In recent years, Aprilia has become one of the most innovative manufacturers in the field of MotoGP aerodynamics. Newly published patent specifications provide detailed insights into previously unused developments of the RS-GP for the first time. The documents come directly from Marco De Luca, a former Formula 1 aerodynamicist who now heads the technical development department at Aprilia. The focus is on concepts that are intended to emphasize ground effect and cornering stability even more than is currently customary in MotoGP.
Barcelona-based company Stark Future wants to shake up the road motorcycle market with a new electric model series. According to the company, the upcoming models will be more powerful than their gasoline-powered counterparts – in all relevant categories.
NEW MOTORCYCLES
BMW Motorrad France is launching two limited edition models in late summer 2025: the BMW R 1300 GS Dark Edition and the BMW F 900 GS Dark Edition. Both feature a distinctly dark appearance and include additional equipment at significantly reduced prices. The promotion is valid exclusively in France and only until the end of September 2025.
Hero MotoCorp announced during a recent investor meeting that it will expand Harley-Davidson's 440cc range with another model by September. The new machine will be based on the existing X440, making it the third joint model from Hero and Harley-Davidson.
The QJMotor SRT400X has appeared in Chinese registration documents and is set to compete in the growing mid-range adventure bike segment. With a 449cc parallel twin and a clear focus on off-road use, it will compete against the CFMoto Ibex 450 and the upcoming BMW F 450 GS, among others.
Legals
A recent discussion paper in the London City Council is causing unrest among motorcyclists. The initiative, presented by Green Party MP Caroline Russell, proposes to include motorcycles in the existing city toll (Central Congestion Charging Zone, CCCZ). Until now, motorcycles and mopeds have been exempt from this charge, as well as from penalties in the Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ), provided they meet at least the Euro 3 emissions standard – which applies to most models built since 2007.
In recent weeks, various media outlets have reported that the Spanish traffic authority DGT is allegedly planning to make airbags mandatory for motorcyclists from 2026. In addition, claims have been circulating that similar regulations are already in force in France and Italy. However, these claims have been proven to be false.
MOTORSPORT
With a daring stunt, German freestyle motocross rider Luc Ackermann has opened a new chapter in the history of extreme sports. On a highway in North Rhine-Westphalia, the 27-year-old performed a tsunami backflip over a nine-meter-high height control barrier – from one moving truck to another. He covered a distance of 40 meters and had barely more than half a second to complete the jump.
Marc Marquez continued his impressive winning streak at the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix. For the first time, the Ducati factory rider also triumphed at the Red Bull Ring – twice: both the sprint and the main race went to the Spaniard. However, rookie Fermin Aldeguer provided some excitement with a strong comeback to second place, putting Marquez under pressure at the end.
Jonny Davis, better known as JD Stunts, is planning a spectacular weekend. The British stunt rider wants to set two Guinness World Records at Elvington Airfield. To do so, he will be using his specially modified Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, which has been adapted for these extraordinary challenges.
At the “Legends Parade” at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, one special guest took center stage: Casey Stoner, two-time MotoGP world champion (2007 with Ducati, 2011 with Honda) and 38-time Grand Prix winner. The Australian, who ended his active career at the age of 27, used his visit not only to appear in front of the fans, but also to settle scores with the current development of the premier class of motorcycle racing.
Harley-Davidson and MotoGP have officially unveiled the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup. The racing series will be held for the first time in 2026 and is considered the first international championship specifically designed for powerful Harley-Davidson baggers.
Audi and Ducati have once again staged an acceleration duel, but this time with a special line-up. Instead of professional test drivers or well-known car influencers, the two most successful MotoGP riders of the season competed against each other in 2025: Marc Márquez and his younger brother Alex.
TECHNOLOGY
In motorcycle racing, precise management of tire pressure and temperature is playing an increasingly important role. In MotoGP in particular, tire pressure is constantly monitored – if it is too low for a prolonged period, penalties are imposed. This is where Honda's latest patent comes in: a newly developed rim and brake system designed to minimize heat transfer to the tires.
A motorcycle that smells like French fries and is powered by a tractor engine—what initially sounds like a crazy DIY project is actually the result of years of work by 22-year-old student Alex Jennison. Using a 1999 Harley-Davidson Softail frame as a basis, he has created an unusual vehicle that runs on biodiesel made from frying oil. Jennison is currently on a 1,900-kilometer tour along the US West Coast with his homemade creation to raise awareness of the practicality of alternative fuels.
Continuously variable transmission (CVT) has been the standard in many side-by-sides and UTVs for years – from work-oriented utility vehicles to high-performance models such as the Polaris RZR or Can-Am Maverick X3. The technology, which originated in automotive engineering and was even used in Formula 1, allows engine speeds to be kept constant, thereby optimally controlling efficiency and power output. However, there has been one major drawback up to now: the transmission ratios of a CVT defined at the factory cannot be changed during operation – unless complex modifications are made.
In recent years, the topic of aerodynamics in motorcycle construction has changed significantly. Winglets, i.e., small wings on the fairing, were long considered an exclusive feature of racing motorcycles such as those in MotoGP or high-priced superbikes. However, these distinctive attachments can now also be found on production bikes of various displacement classes – from 1000cc super sports bikes to sporty 400cc models. Even in the accessories trade, retrofittable winglets are available for almost every motorcycle.