In January of this year, Kawasaki caused a stir with a short and mysterious video message on social media and YouTube. In it, the company announced that it would be reviving two-stroke technology. However, apart from a 20-second clip featuring the characteristic sound of a two-stroke engine, no further details were provided. It remained unclear whether this would be a new road motorcycle, an off-road machine, or an entirely different model category.
With the registration of the brand name “Electra” in India, Norton is announcing a remarkable change in strategy. The traditional British brand, previously known primarily for large-displacement machines, now wants to get involved in the lightweight motorcycle segment.
Royal Enfield is causing a stir in 2025 with the presentation of an extremely limited edition FT450 Flat Tracker and a first glimpse of the upcoming Himalayan 650. With the FT450, the traditional brand is launching a pure flat track machine based on the new Guerrilla 450 platform and developed exclusively for its own Slide School program. At the same time, there are increasing indications of a larger adventure series: the Himalayan 650 is apparently close to series production.
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.
With the KLX230 Sherpa, Kawasaki is launching a new, small adventure enduro in 2026 that stands out above all for its lightness, robustness, and affordable price. It is positioned as an uncomplicated off-road bike for beginners and experienced riders alike – and could soon be available in Germany.
Royal Enfield continues to push ahead with the electrification of its adventure segment: The traditional Indian brand is currently testing the HIM-E, a fully electric version of the popular Himalayan, under real conditions in the high mountains. During a trip over the Khardung La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world (5,359 m / 17,582 ft), both the HIM-E and a potential new model with a combustion engine – the Himalayan 750 – were put through their paces. Also present: CEO B. Govindarajan and chief designer Mark Wells.
The KTM 450 Rally Replica 2026 represents the latest state of development in the rally-raid segment. Built on the basis of over two decades of Dakar experience and success, it is by far the closest motorcycle to the factory race bike. Developed and produced in Austria, it is limited to 150 units - supplemented by five extremely exclusive Sanders Edition models.
With the new X-Cape 700 Gold Edition, Moto Morini is launching an exclusive special edition of its mid-range touring enduro on the market in June 2025 - but only in Italy for the time being. The special edition combines stylistic accents with enhanced comfort and technical features, positioning it at the top of the X-Cape 700 series.
With the Rock 707, Chinese motorcycle manufacturer Benda presents a model that clearly stands out from the company's previous machines. The mixture of modern technology and classic cruiser styling shows that Benda is increasingly to be taken seriously - especially for riders who want to switch from automatic scooters or electric bikes to a “real” motorcycle.
The Chinese brand Kove, known for its ambitious export plans and models such as the 800X Pro, is preparing the next step with the 625X. The new mid-range touring enduro has been officially type-approved in China and is set to go into series production this year - with a clear message to the established Japanese manufacturers in the segment.
With the E-VO, Honda is finally entering the high-performance electric motorcycle segment - and with a striking break in style: the machine combines modern e-mobility with a classic café racer look. It was developed by the Chinese joint venture Wuyang-Honda. It has been available in China since May 2025 under the model name WH8000D. In addition to its retro look, the E-VO impresses above all with its extensive equipment and sophisticated technology.
The rumor mill surrounding an electric version of the KTM Duke has been given new fuel: An Instagram video by official KTM stunt rider Rok Bagoroš shows a near-production E-Duke prototype model for the first time at the KTM Motohall in Mattighofen. This confirms what Pierer Mobility had already announced in 2022: the iconic Duke naked bike series will soon also be available electrically.
Suzuki GSX-S950 (2025): Naked bike with cultivated four-cylinder engine and modern technology update
Suzuki is noticeably refreshing the GSX-S950 for the 2025 model year. The sporty naked bike has been given a new 5-inch TFT LCD color display with a comprehensive display and better readability, now meets the Euro 5 Plus emissions standard and comes in two new, eye-catching color variants. This means that the machine not only remains technically up to date, but also sets fresh visual accents.
The clues have been gathering for months - now it's official: Kawasaki is launching a new Z1100. Fresh certification documents from the Netherlands confirm what was previously only speculation. The large naked bike is not only a reinterpretation of the familiar Z design, but also uses tried and tested components. This positions the Z1100 as a powerful four-cylinder road warrior below the Z H2 - with a clear focus on riding fun instead of electronic overkill.
Ducati has officially unveiled the next-generation Panigale V4 R during a two-day Superbike test at the Misano World Circuit on May 27, 2025. The bike, destined for competition in the 2026 World Superbike Championship, was ridden by test rider Michele Pirro, who completed 39 laps. His best lap time was 1:34.574 minutes—about 1.5 seconds slower than Toprak Razgatlioglu's fastest time of the day (1:33.034) aboard a BMW.
A new chapter in Ducati's company history begins: with the Desmo450 MX, the traditional Italian brand is entering the motocross motorcycle segment for the first time. On May 26, 2025, the first production model rolled off the production line at the Borgo Panigale plant - a highly symbolic moment that was attended by motocross legend Tony Cairoli and Italian champion Alessandro Lupino, among others.
As part of the prestigious Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on Lake Como, BMW Motorrad presented a visionary concept that offers a concrete preview of the next generation of its own RR superbikes: the BMW Motorrad Concept RR. The show bike combines the latest racing technology with futuristic design and illustrates BMW's ambition to remain at the top of the superbike segment in the future.
General Motors - a name previously associated primarily with V8 engines and muscle cars such as the Camaro or the Corvette - could soon be involved in a completely new segment: the market for electrically powered motorcycles. Patents that have now been published by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) suggest that the US car manufacturer is working on an electric motorcycle.