The long-standing single-cylinder engine in the 390 series may soon be obsolete. According to reports, KTM is working with its partner Bajaj on a new two-cylinder engine below the 500 cc mark.
Browsing: Rumors
Rumors
In this category you will find reports on current rumors, speculation and information that has not yet been officially confirmed within the motorcycle industry. This may include potential new models, technical developments, planned collaborations or possible changes in racing and manufacturer strategies.
The list below brings together related reports and places them into context. It is clearly indicated whether the information is based on official statements, insider reports or industry speculation.
This section provides an overview of topics that are still in development or under discussion and whose details may change over time.
A fully clad sports bike prototype from BMW has been spotted in India, based on the new 450 platform. There are many indications that BMW is preparing a sporty F 450 RR for the A2 class in addition to the F 450 GS.
Norton is breaking new ground with the Manx, consistently developing it into a road-oriented naked bike. The focus is on torque-oriented power delivery, reduced design, and clear practicality.
The next generation of the KTM 790 Duke has once again been spotted during test drives outside Europe. Recent spy photos show significant design changes and, for the first time, in-house WP brake calipers on the front and rear wheels.
TVS has filed a design patent in India for the RTR HyprStunt stunt bike concept. The application is fueling speculation that the study could eventually lead to a street-legal naked bike.
Three years after switching to the V4 engine, the Ducati Diavel appears to be undergoing a model update. Initial indications come from design registrations published by the European Union, which reveal numerous visual and technical changes.
MotoGP is facing a major upheaval, as new technical regulations requiring 850cc engines will come into effect in 2027. At the same time, speculation is rife as to whether new manufacturers will enter the premier class of motorcycle racing.
The first teaser for Avengers: Doomsday shows Chris Evans once again as Steve Rogers. What is striking here is not so much the brief reunion as Captain America, but rather an unexpected change of motorcycle.
New patent drawings hint at another electric motorcycle from Honda. The as-yet-unnamed model features an unusual combination of scooter and cruiser and is intended to further expand Honda’s electric strategy.
Ducati is apparently preparing a new model with historical references for its anniversary year in 2026. A US homologation points to the Ducati Formula ’73, which is said to be based on the Scrambler series from a technical standpoint.
Honda is apparently working on a new V4 engine. Highly detailed patents suggest that the traditional concept could be making a comeback.
Kawasaki is working on an unusual means of transportation that aims to completely reinterpret the off-road experience. Corleo, a four-wheel-drive off-road system on robotic legs, is set to be used at major events and in everyday alpine life in the coming years.
According to statements by leading managers, Yamaha is working on several new models, including a possible return of the R1 as a street-legal superbike version and a Ténéré offshoot with a three-cylinder engine. At the same time, the manufacturer has confirmed the end of the XSR700 without a Euro5-plus successor.
Ducati is turning its attention to its next generation of models in the off-road segment. Two new models are set to be released in summer 2026, expanding the brand’s existing off-road range.
Statements by Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta are stirring up discussion about possible MotoGP city races. New impetus from Liberty Media is reinforcing considerations as to whether selected Formula 1 tracks could be considered as venues.
With the Himalayan 450 Rally Raid, Royal Enfield plans to introduce an even more off-road capable version of its well-known Adventure series. The motorcycle is set to be unveiled on November 4, 2025, at EICMA. Even before the official premiere, the first details about the features and technology have been leaked.
Honda is preparing to launch an innovative naked bike with the new V3R E-Compressor. Honda’s V3 Concept already attracted a lot of attention at EICMA 2024. The production version is now set to be unveiled at EICMA 2025, with a teaser video providing the first details and impressions.
Shortly before EICMA 2025, rumors are intensifying about a new Ducati DesertX model. Various sources report on a possible version with a V2 engine, as already used in the Multistrada V2 and Multistrada V2 S. While Ducati itself has not yet made any official confirmation, test rides with a prototype version have recently been spotted, allegedly hinting at the development of a DesertX with an 890cc V2 engine.
Yamaha has filed a patent that addresses a well-known problem with electric motorcycles: many motorcyclists find the switch to electric drive less exciting because they miss the typical engine noise and vibrations of a combustion engine. A novel technical solution is intended to compensate for this disadvantage.
With the upcoming market launch of the Kawasaki Z1100 in model year 2026, a familiar concept is back in the spotlight – but with targeted technical and visual innovations. The first hints of the new model appeared in official documents back in May 2024. Now, European design applications are providing concrete insights into the Japanese brand’s upcoming naked bike.