Yamaha is apparently working on a comprehensive overhaul of the aerodynamics for its super sports bikes, relying on technology that has previously been used primarily in automotive engineering. A new patent for the Yamaha R1 shows active cooling air outlets on the side fairings for the first time, which open or close automatically depending on various parameters. This system is designed to help reduce drag and improve both performance and emissions.
Rubber is a key material in vehicle construction. Whether tires, bushings, seals, or handles—almost every motorcycle part requires elastic components that must withstand heavy loads in everyday use. The problem: Over time, aging and stress cause cracks to form, which can lead to the failure of individual components. This is a known weak point, especially for frequently used parts such as hoses, chassis seals, and rubber bearings.
What was once a barely noticed detail is now a central element of MotoGP technology: aerodynamics. In the past, the focus was on the interaction between the engine, chassis, and tires, but for about a decade now, targeted airflow has had a significant impact on how a motorcycle accelerates, brakes, and corners. At the heart of this development are winglets, spoilers, and air ducts, which not only ensure faster lap times but also have a profound impact on racing.
With the RS 125 GP Replica, Aprilia is launching a new top model in the 125cc class in June 2025, which is closely based on the RS-GP25 MotoGP racer in terms of both appearance and technology. Like the factory bike, which will be ridden by Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi in the 2025 season, the Replica features a detailed replica of the official livery and the distinctive sponsor logos of the Aprilia Racing Team.
NEW MOTORCYCLES
The CFMoto 500SR Voom caused a stir when it was unveiled in 2024 – but the sporty four-cylinder was initially intended exclusively for the Chinese market. Now there are concrete indications that the retro sports bike could also be coming to Europe. New patent images show the machine in a version optimized for the European market with specific details that have not been seen before.
To mark the 83rd birthday of Giacomo Agostini, one of the most important figures in motorcycle racing, MV Agusta has unveiled a special edition model: the Superveloce 1000 Ago. Only 83 units will be built, each priced at €83,000 (around US$89,300). In Germany, the price is €80,700 (around US$86,800). The presentation took place on June 16, 2025, the birthday of the 15-time world champion.
Suzuki appears to be expanding its range of sporty mid-range tourers. New documents submitted to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) indicate that two new models, the GSX-8T and GSX-8TT, will be launched with the proven 776 cc parallel twin engine.
Legals
Since June 12, 2025, new, stricter regulations have been in force in Italy for the use of speed cameras, known as “Autovelox.” According to the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, these measures are intended not only to increase road safety, but also to ensure greater transparency and fairness. The reform was preceded by a long-standing debate about questionable speed camera locations and ever-increasing fine revenues.
Greece is significantly tightening its road traffic regulations. With the aim of reducing the high number of traffic accidents, the Greek parliament has passed a comprehensive amendment. This affects both locals and tourists. Anyone who fails to comply with the new rules from 2025 onwards will face drastic fines and long driving bans. The measures include cell phone violations, speeding, drink driving, and parking motorhomes.
MOTORSPORT
The Sachsenring is preparing for the highlight of the year: From July 11 to 13, 2025, MotoGP will be hosting the Liqui Moly Motorcycle Grand Prix Germany at the traditional race track in Saxony. Last year, the event attracted over 250,000 visitors, making it the largest single sporting event in Germany. Organizing this major event requires a logistical masterpiece that begins weeks before the first practice run.
With the final and unrestricted approval of the European Commission, Liberty Media's acquisition of MotoGP and WorldSBK is nearing completion. The company, which has already had a significant influence on the development of Formula 1, will hold a majority stake in both racing series in the future.
At the 2025 Italian Grand Prix on the legendary Mugello circuit, Ducati once again proved itself to be the team to beat. Marc Marquez prevailed after an intense battle with his brother Alex and secured his 93rd Grand Prix victory. After 23 laps, the Spaniard crossed the finish line in 41:09.214 minutes with a lead of 1.942 seconds over Alex Marquez. Fabio Di Giannantonio completed the Ducati podium after overtaking Francesco Bagnaia, who had been battling for a long time, in the final stages to take third place.
Michael Dunlop, 36 years old and a living legend of road racing, has now been officially honored for his extraordinary achievements at the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy. The Northern Irishman from Ballymoney was awarded the title of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by the British royal family – one of the highest civilian honors in the United Kingdom.
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu will make the long-awaited move to MotoGP in 2026, and it has now been officially confirmed. The two-time Superbike World Champion from Turkey has signed a two-year contract with the Prima Pramac Yamaha Team. After a brief but successful intermezzo with BMW, the 27-year-old is thus returning to the Yamaha family - but this time on the big stage of Grand Prix racing.
A weekend for the history books: Marc Márquez triumphs with a perfect weekend in Aragon, his brother Alex completes the family party. Francesco Bagnaia makes an impressive comeback after a difficult few weeks.
TECHNOLOGY
The BMW Group has reached an important milestone: After years of research and development, natural fiber composites are now ready for series production and will be used in future models. These new lightweight materials consist mainly of flax fibers, a renewable raw material that was previously known primarily in the textile industry. Through its cooperation with the Swiss cleantech company Bcomp, BMW was able to meet the high requirements for material strength and safety that are particularly necessary for roof structures in series-production vehicles.
For a long time, the return of the two-stroke engine was considered virtually impossible. Strict emissions laws and high fuel consumption were seen as insurmountable obstacles. But US start-up Alpha-Otto has unveiled the REV Force, an engine that has little in common with classic two-stroke engines. It combines the latest high-tech solutions with the advantages of the two-stroke principle – and aims to make the combustion engine fit for a clean, flexible, and powerful future.
Japanese automotive supplier Toyoda Gosei is turning its attention to a previously neglected issue: active accident protection for motorcyclists. By developing its own airbag system for motorcycles, the company aims to help reduce injuries and fatalities in road traffic in the future.
Yamaha is marking a milestone in the motorcycle world with the introduction of adaptive Matrix LED headlights in the revised Tracer 9 GT+. This is the first time that this technology, familiar from the automotive sector, has been used as standard on a motorcycle. While it has been established in cars for over a decade, a number of technical hurdles had to be overcome before it could be used on two wheels.