The MotoGP sprint at Phillip Island was remarkable in many ways. Marco Bezzecchi secured victory despite suffering from severe back pain following a collision with Marc Márquez in Indonesia. The Italian was reliant on painkillers, but not only did he master the competition, he also had to contend with wildlife. At the start of the warm-up lap, Bezzecchi collided with a seagull that got caught in the fairing of his Aprilia RS-GP.
In October 2025, motorcycle noise in the Danube Valley was once again the focus of political attention: the Petitions Committee of the Baden-Württemberg State Parliament dealt with a petition calling for a ban on combustion engine motorcycles on State Road 277 between Fridingen an der Donau and Sigmaringen on Sundays and public holidays, as well as the targeted promotion of electric motorcycles. According to the petitioners, the aim was to reduce noise pollution for the local population and those seeking relaxation. However, I do not know exactly who submitted the petition, what demands it contained in detail, or how many people supported the cause, as I have not yet been able to find the petition.
MotoGP Saturday at Phillip Island offered numerous highlights, a historic double victory for Aprilia, and unexpected incidents.
Kawasaki is introducing the new Z 650 S for the 2026 model year, positioning the naked bike as the modern successor to the long-running, successful Z 650. With an advanced design, optimized ergonomics, and technical updates, the model is set to maintain its place in the top 5 best-selling motorcycles.
Triumph is about to launch one of the biggest model offensives in its history. Over the next six months, 29 new or redesigned motorcycles are set to be unveiled worldwide. Eighteen of these models have been announced for Germany and Austria. This aggressive product offensive follows directly on the heels of a record year in which Triumph delivered a total of 141,683 motorcycles between July 2024 and June 2025. Compared to 2019, this represents a 136 percent increase in sales. The British company now has over 950 dealers in 68 countries.
Shortly before the Grand Prix in Australia, there is plenty of news coming out of the MotoGP paddock. Sports penalties, injuries, and a final transfer spot for the coming season are dominating the headlines. The developments surrounding Marc Márquez and Marco Bezzecchi are particularly in focus.
Ducati has made it clear that the Italian manufacturer will not be offering motorcycles with small displacement engines, such as those in the 400 cm³ range. The company continues to pursue a consistent premium strategy and does not intend to develop affordable models like those offered by some of its competitors.
According to the manufacturer, the KTM 990 models for the road set new standards in terms of riding dynamics. A comprehensive chassis optimization is now available for ambitious riders of this series: WP APEX PRO COMPONENTS have been specially developed to further enhance the performance of the KTM 990 RC R, KTM 990 RC R TRACK, and KTM 990 DUKE R on both the road and the racetrack. The development is based on experience gained in MotoGP racing and the expertise of the WP Factory Racing Team.
In the final race of the German Endurance Cup for motorcycles at the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben, Harley-Davidson secured a place among the top ten teams in the Superbike class. The six-hour race was considered a test for both riders and machines. The US brand demonstrated both technical development and endurance in the demanding motorsport environment.
At EICMA 2025 in Milan, tire manufacturer METZELER will present three new motorcycle tires that will be added to its product portfolio starting in the 2026 season. The two supersport models SPORTEC 01 and SPORTEC 01 RS will be presented, as well as the enduro tire KAROO 4 Street. The new products will be on display from November 4 to 9, 2025, at the METZELER booth in Hall 5, Booth i54.
Honda is introducing the CMX1100 Rebel, the touring-oriented CMX1100T, and the customized CMX1100SE with revised color options for the 2026 model year. The model family continues to feature the high-torque 1,084 cc twin-cylinder engine, which provides a balanced mix of performance and everyday usability. In addition to the classic six-speed manual transmission, the standard and touring models are optionally available with Honda's dual-clutch transmission (DCT), while the SE version comes with DCT as standard. A comprehensive update for the 2025 model year already brought an improved driving experience and modern connectivity features. In 2026, the focus will continue to be on customization options, modern assistance systems, and comfortable ergonomics.
With the Stark Varg SM, the young Spanish company Stark Future is presenting a new generation of electric supermotos. The model, which is based on the Varg EX enduro variant, combines low weight, high performance, and innovative technology. According to the manufacturer, the SM has been developed for use on the road and on racetracks and, with its impressive power-to-weight ratio, is positioned at the top of all series supermotos.
In October 2025, the BMW Group, Lother GmbH, and German eFuel One GmbH reaffirmed their joint intention at the BMW plant in Berlin to promote the use of eFuels as the initial fuel for new vehicles with gasoline engines from 2028 onwards. This was documented with the ceremonial signing of a letter of intent (LOI). This puts the focus on CO₂-reduced fuels as part of a technology-neutral approach to reducing emissions.
Marc Márquez successfully undergoes surgery on his right shoulder – return to racing still uncertain
After injuring his right shoulder blade, Marc Márquez underwent a medical examination. A team of doctors at the Ruber Internacional Hospital in Madrid diagnosed a fracture of the coracoid process and damage to the ligaments. The affected shoulder was immobilized for a week. However, there were insufficient signs of stabilization in either the bone or the ligaments.
Polaris Inc., the well-known US manufacturer of powersports vehicles, has made a surprise announcement that it will sell a majority stake in its subsidiary Indian Motorcycle to private equity firm Carolwood LP. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026 and has already caused a strong reaction on the stock markets: following the announcement, Polaris shares rose by 9 to 11 percent in after-hours trading.
Lane splitting and lane filtering in Minnesota: Three months after legalization – Initial assessment
Since July 1, 2025, lane splitting and lane filtering have been officially permitted in the US state of Minnesota. Three months after its introduction, the local traffic safety authority has made an initial assessment: the change has brought relief to many motorcyclists, but at the same time has sparked debate – both among motorcyclists and car drivers. There is no clear consensus on the issue.
Honda is planning a major investment in its plant in Manaus, Brazil, with the aim of further expanding its market position in the country. With a market share of around 67 percent in the Brazilian motorcycle segment – equivalent to around seven out of ten newly registered motorcycles – the Japanese manufacturer not only wants to consolidate its leading position, but also expand it further.
TVS Motor is preparing for a major appearance at EICMA 2025. The company has released a teaser video hinting at the presentation of a new motorcycle on November 4, 2025, in Milan. Official details are scarce at this point, but there are indications that TVS could be introducing a completely new model series. Particular attention is being paid to a potential sports machine, the Apache RR450.
By lowering the minimum age for 125cc motorcycles to 16 in 2021, Switzerland adopted an EU regulation. Since then, the number of serious accidents involving young motorcyclists has risen significantly. According to the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention (BFU), the number of serious accidents involving 16- and 17-year-olds has almost tripled. Last year, 156 young people between the ages of 15 and 17 were seriously injured in motorcycle accidents, six of whom died. The average number of seriously injured young people in the four years prior to the change in the law was significantly lower, as confirmed by the BFU. The advisory center had spoken out against lowering the age limit in advance and sees its fears confirmed by current developments.
Toprak Razgatlioglu, currently one of the most successful riders in the Superbike World Championship, faces a new challenge starting in the 2026 season: The Turkish rider has signed a MotoGP factory contract with Yamaha and will compete for the Pramac Racing team. However, Razgatlioglu will have to give up his long-standing starting number 54. The reason for this is that it is already used by Spaniard Fermin Aldeguer, who has firmly associated the number with his career.