Damon Motorcycles is once again making headlines - not with a finished product, but with a new prototype and a remarkable change in strategy. In cooperation with the Italian design and development company Engines Engineering, a new “HyperSport Race Program” is to be created. This project serves as a technology demonstrator and could point the way for the future of the company - provided it actually results in a marketable product this time.
Winglets are no longer just reserved for the aerodynamically advanced prototypes of MotoGP. More and more manufacturers are adapting the technology for production motorcycles, especially in the high-performance segment. But Kymco - previously better known for scooters and small motorcycles - is surprising us with an innovative approach: the company is working on actively adjustable winglets that react automatically to wheelies and thus improve riding stability when accelerating.
The motorcycle industry has undergone an enormous transformation since its beginnings: from handmade frames and heavy cast iron engines to sophisticated aluminum bridge frames, carbon fairings and coated engine components. Advances in materials science have made motorcycles not only lighter and more powerful, but also more efficient. However, as technical sophistication increases, so does the complexity of manufacturing - and this is where a revolution could be on the horizon.
Since Triumph became the official engine supplier for the Moto2 class in 2019, there has not been such a major technical overhaul as for the 2025 season. The British manufacturer has developed a completely new engine and integrated a fully-fledged racing gearbox for the first time. But what exactly makes this new version so special?
Radar-based driver assistance systems (ADAS) have been making their way into the motorcycle world for several years now. Manufacturers such as Ducati, KTM, Kawasaki, Yamaha and Moto Guzzi offer adaptive cruise control with front radar, while Triumph and Indian also use rear radar for blind spot assistance. However, Honda, the industry giant, has so far dispensed with such a solution - and could instead take a new approach.
Honda is attracting attention with an unusual prototype: from March 7 to 9, 2025, the Japanese brand will be exhibiting a motorcycle based on the legendary Pokémon Koraidon at the Welcome Plaza Aoyama in Tokyo. What initially looks like a pure marketing campaign for Pokémon fans reveals a serious project with advanced technology behind it on closer inspection.
A team of researchers from the Robotics and AI Institute (RAI) has developed a robot that not only rides a motorcycle on its own, but can also perform stunts. The Ultra Mobile Vehicle (UMV) can jump, perform tricks and stop abruptly. This is made possible by the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Automatic and semi-automatic motorcycles are becoming increasingly popular, but outside of the scooter segment, most manufacturers rely on electronically controlled manual transmissions instead of continuously variable transmissions (CVT). CFMoto seems to want to change this: A newly filed patent shows a parallel-twin engine combined with a belt-driven CVT transmission.
From March 7 to 9, 2025, Honda will be presenting a special vehicle at the Welcome Plaza Aoyama in Tokyo: a life-size, rideable Koraidon, inspired by the Pokémon of the same name from the Pokémon Crimson and Purple games. At first glance, the idea may sound like a fun project, but behind the eye-catching shell lies modern technology that Honda has been developing for years.
Chinese manufacturer QJMotor could soon be adding a three-cylinder engine to its portfolio. A patent application published in February 2025 points to a new triple - and it is even said to be equipped with an automated manual transmission (AMT). As Benelli belongs to the Qianjiang Group, it is conceivable that this engine will also be used in new models from the Italian brand.
Hybrid technology has been established in the automotive industry for years, but it has been a rarity in motorcycles until now. Now Yamaha has officially unveiled its first hybrid drive system: the Series Parallel Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV). In a recently published video, the manufacturer shows how the system works and what possibilities it offers. The test platform shown is based on a modified Yamaha XMAX, suggesting that it could be the first market-ready hybrid scooter or motorcycle of this type.
KTM North America has announced a recall for certain Husqvarna and GasGas models. The reason for this is possible material defects in a specific front brake caliper that was only installed in certain model years and models. According to the company, the irregularities affect a batch of brake calipers from a supplier. Specifically, there is a risk of a crack developing in the upper guide pin holder, which could impair braking performance.
Showa and Nissin, both subsidiary brands of Hitachi Astemo, have developed a new product that was first presented at the end of last year and went somewhat under the radar at EICMA. It is an innovative system in which the fork and brake caliper are made from a single block. This design is said to offer several advantages, including lower weight, better heat dissipation and increased rigidity.
With the new Bimota KB998 Rimini, a revolution in the aerodynamics of superbikes could be imminent. For the first time, Bimota is using an adaptive wing concept in which winglets automatically adjust their position depending on the riding situation in order to optimize aerodynamics. The aim is to maximize downforce depending on the situation - for example during acceleration to avoid wheelies or when braking to keep the front stable on the road. On long straights, on the other hand, the winglets are designed to minimize drag in order to increase top speed.
Electric motors continue to impress with their high power density. Enormous horsepower figures can be achieved with compact dimensions. A current example of this is the new in-stroke motor from Donut Lab, which was presented at the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2025 in Las Vegas. With a weight of just 40 kg (88 lbs) and an output of almost 1,000 hp (around 735 kW), the motor impressively demonstrates how much potential there is in small, electric drives.
In Sakura, Japan, an inconspicuous factory facility will play an important role in Honda's strategy in January 2025: the pilot production of solid-state batteries. This technology is seen as a promising step towards solving the biggest challenges of current lithium-ion batteries. The aim is to make future generations of electric vehicles - including electric motorcycles - lighter, cheaper and more powerful.
Honda is working on a further development of its technologies for motorcycles, especially for the Gold Wing, one of the best-known models in the touring segment. Recent patent applications indicate that Honda is working on a system of lidar, radar and camera technologies to enable 360-degree monitoring. This combination could provide the Gold Wing with numerous new rider assistance systems.
The companies Michelin and Brembo are pooling their know-how in a new partnership to make braking processes safer and more efficient. They are combining their expertise in the fields of tire development, brake technology and software solutions. The aim of this collaboration is to use intelligent technologies to increase vehicle performance and improve safety and comfort standards.
Honda has announced a recall in the USA for certain Africa Twin models from the 2022, 2024 and 2025 model years. The reason for this is a software problem in the Fuel Injection Electronic Control Unit (FI-ECU), which can lead to engine hesitation or unclean acceleration under certain circumstances. This could increase the risk of an accident.
In 2024, Kawasaki has launched two recalls with the hybrid models Ninja 7 Hybrid ABS and Z7 Hybrid ABS. The first recall in September related to a problem with the ECU (engine control unit), while the second recall in November concerns a completely different problem. The recall originated in the US. However, as motorcycles are usually manufactured in one factory for worldwide sale, other markets could also be affected.