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.
The Isle of Man TT 2025 will kick off with a precisely structured race calendar. As usual, the action-packed race week starts at the beginning of June, with each race day having clearly defined start times and road openings. As always, there is a certain amount of leeway for weather-related adjustments - changes at short notice cannot be ruled out.
The final qualifying session of the Isle of Man TT 2025 ended on Sunday evening with impressive times in all classes. Michael Dunlop in particular showed impressively what he is capable of.
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.
NEW MOTORCYCLES
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.
MOTORSPORT
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, currently one of the most spectacular and successful riders in the World Superbike Championship (WSBK), will make the leap to MotoGP in 2026. According to information from Motorsport.com Global and Speedweek.com, a corresponding contract with Yamaha has already been signed. The exceptional Turkish rider will join the Pramac team - making history: he will be the first Turkish rider in MotoGP.
The fourth qualifying session of the Isle of Man TT 2025 provided thrilling action despite changeable conditions. After the morning fog had cleared, the riders took advantage of the dry but windy weather to make final adjustments to their machines - with clear exclamation marks in the Superstock and Superbike classes.
Bright sunshine also accompanied the riders on Friday on the Isle of Man as they lined up for the second qualifying session of the Tourist Trophy 2025. The focus was not only on spectacular lap times, but also on new best performances in several classes. First and foremost: Dean Harrison, who set the fastest time of the day on his Honda Racing Superstock machine with an average speed of 132.853 mph (approx. 213.8 km/h) - only just under his record from Wednesday.
The Tourist Trophy 2025 kicked off its first qualifying session in perfect conditions. The focus was particularly on Honda rider Dean Harrison, who dominated the Superbike category with a record lap of 133.069 mph (214.219 km/h) - the fastest lap ever set on an opening evening of TT qualifying.
After weather-related delays, free practice for the Isle of Man TT 2025 finally got underway on Tuesday evening. In drying conditions and sunny spells, the field completed their first, still untimed practice laps on the 60.72 km (37¾ mile) Mountain Course. Despite the remaining damp sections of the track - including Braddan, Laurel Bank, Glen Helen, the 11th Milestone, Glentramman and Keppel Gate - the planned program could be implemented almost in full.
The Austrian motorcycle brand KTM has stood for uncompromising motorsport for years - especially in MotoGP. KTM CEO Gottfried Neumeister has now commented on the company's long-term motorsport strategy in a detailed interview with the Salzburger Nachrichten newspaper. Despite economic caution and changing framework conditions, such as those that could accompany Liberty Media's entry into MotoGP, the course remains clear: KTM wants to remain true to racing.
TECHNOLOGY
BMW is currently working on an innovative system that uses high-pressure air jets to actively influence the aerodynamics of motorcycles. The focus is on a type of “jet assistance” that is intended to increase grip and improve handling in cornering situations. Initial patent applications provide an insight into the complex system, which could represent a new evolutionary stage in active aerodynamics.
While Honda is preparing for series production with the V3R E-Compressor and electrically powered supercharger, Yamaha is taking a completely different direction - with an electrically assisted turbocharger, or E-Turbo for short. New patent applications now provide insights into Yamaha's approach to combining increased performance, efficiency and reduced emissions in motorcycles.
Electromobility is currently experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions. While the initial euphoria has waned and political setbacks under the renewed presidency of Donald Trump are causing uncertainty in America, development is not standing still. A technological breakthrough by General Motors (GM) and LG Energy Solution could give new impetus to electromobility - especially for motorcycles and off-road vehicles.
Suzuki is reportedly pushing forward with the development of a Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system for its small-capacity motorcycles. Recently surfaced patent documents reveal that the Japanese manufacturer is working on a VVT system tailored for its 249cc single-cylinder engine – the one currently powering the V-Strom 250 and GSX-250R.