With the Xpulse 450, Hero MotoCorp enters the fast-growing class of light adventure bikes between 400 and 450 cc. The key data for the engine and fork are confirmed, but the manufacturer is still keeping quiet about weight, price and launch date.
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News
In this category you will find the latest news from the motorcycle world. This includes developments from manufacturers, technical updates, market movements, as well as topics related to industry, business and regulation.
The list below brings together reports from various areas — ranging from racing and new models to corporate decisions and regulatory changes. Articles are presented in a factual manner and, where available, include relevant background information.
This section provides a central overview of current events and developments within the motorcycle sector.
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.
Kove developed the 350RR using know-how from the Supersport 300 World Championship and sells the A2 sports bike in France for 4,999 euros. First riding impressions from the track show where the twin scores and where its compact design reaches its limits.
The final technical regulations for the sidecars at the Isle of Man TT 2027 demand new engines, control electronics and significantly heavier outfits. Several teams have already announced their withdrawal, and the organiser wants to discuss transition rules on 16 November.
At the MotoGP test riders’ final outing before the start of the 850cc era, Nicolò Bulega set the fastest lap in Jerez. Aprilia’s Lorenzo Savadori was just over three tenths behind, while KTM dropped to third after topping the wet session.
Suzuki has built 100 million motorcycles and ATVs worldwide since 1952, passing the milestone back in July 2026. The manufacturer needed less than half as long for the second half of that total as for the first.
Benda is building an international design team in Salzburg that includes former Kiska staff. It is the source of the brand’s first models designed specifically for European riders.
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.
If the sign is missing at a roundabout in Italy, vehicles entering can currently have right of way. The draft of the new highway code wants to reverse this and, for the first time, also sets fixed rules for multi-lane roundabouts.
Ducati turns the Desmo250 MX into the Desmo250 EDX for enduro and cross-country racing. A larger tank, an 18-inch rear wheel and its own suspension setup make the difference – but so far the new model is only offered in North America.
Jorge Lorenzo supposedly struck Valentino Rossi from the debate about the greatest motorcycle racer of all time – but the decisive sentence did not come from him. The former world champion accuses several media outlets of manipulation and demands severe penalties for such reports.
Indian Motorcycle is expanding its involvement in the US race series King of the Baggers and wants to field up to ten teams with factory support in the 2027 and 2028 seasons. At the same time, company boss Mike Kennedy is calling on Honda, BMW and Ducati to enter the class themselves following Harley-Davidson’s departure.
Pecco Bagnaia has undergone successful surgery on his right foot in Turin following his crash in the Qatar sprint. Whether he can ride again at the Portuguese Grand Prix depends on how the injury heals over the next few days, while Ducati is confident about Valencia.
Avon Tyres showed the Trailrider 2 at EICMA 2026, a new adventure tyre designed mainly for the road and meant to see gravel only occasionally. The brand also showed four familiar tyre lines, some of which have recently gained new sizes.
If Marc Marquez wins his eighth premier class title in Portimão, he will draw level with Giacomo Agostini. Jorge Lorenzo sees him as the best rider of the modern era, Ducati calls Qatar a key race, and Valentino Rossi gets people talking with a fresh dig.
The Netherlands wants to raise its fines for traffic offences again on 1 January 2027, for motorcyclists and car drivers alike. However, nothing has been finally decided yet, as parliament is demanding that the increase be dropped.
The French Hill Climb Championship for motorcycles grows to eight rounds in 2027 and starts as early as the beginning of April in Brittany. Sancey and Rogliano, two venues with a long history, join the calendar, while the previous opener in Chanaz is missing.