The CFMoto 500SR Voom caused a stir when it was unveiled in 2024 – but the sporty four-cylinder was initially intended exclusively for the Chinese market. Now there are concrete indications that the retro sports bike could also be coming to Europe. New patent images show the machine in a version optimized for the European market with specific details that have not been seen before.
Suzuki appears to be expanding its range of sporty mid-range tourers. New documents submitted to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) indicate that two new models, the GSX-8T and GSX-8TT, will be launched with the proven 776 cc parallel twin engine.
With the KLX230 Sherpa, Kawasaki is launching a new, small adventure enduro in 2026 that stands out above all for its lightness, robustness, and affordable price. It is positioned as an uncomplicated off-road bike for beginners and experienced riders alike – and could soon be available in Germany.
Royal Enfield continues to push ahead with the electrification of its adventure segment: The traditional Indian brand is currently testing the HIM-E, a fully electric version of the popular Himalayan, under real conditions in the high mountains. During a trip over the Khardung La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world (5,359 m / 17,582 ft), both the HIM-E and a potential new model with a combustion engine – the Himalayan 750 – were put through their paces. Also present: CEO B. Govindarajan and chief designer Mark Wells.
Two of the world's most up-and-coming motorcycle brands appear to be preparing for a strategic cooperation: Royal Enfield and CFMoto. While Royal Enfield has been particularly successful in India, Europe and South America with models such as the Meteor, Hunter and Shotgun, CFMoto has made a name for itself with powerful and attractively priced machines such as the 250 NK and 300SR - especially in Asia and Europe.
Harley-Davidson may be on the verge of a decisive change. In view of an ageing customer base and a changing motorcycle market, the long-established US manufacturer is considering a return to the light motorcycle segment. Kolja Rebstock, Vice President for International Markets at Harley-Davidson, gave the first indications of such plans in an interview with MCN.
The rumor mill surrounding an electric version of the KTM Duke has been given new fuel: An Instagram video by official KTM stunt rider Rok Bagoroš shows a near-production E-Duke prototype model for the first time at the KTM Motohall in Mattighofen. This confirms what Pierer Mobility had already announced in 2022: the iconic Duke naked bike series will soon also be available electrically.
The clues have been gathering for months - now it's official: Kawasaki is launching a new Z1100. Fresh certification documents from the Netherlands confirm what was previously only speculation. The large naked bike is not only a reinterpretation of the familiar Z design, but also uses tried and tested components. This positions the Z1100 as a powerful four-cylinder road warrior below the Z H2 - with a clear focus on riding fun instead of electronic overkill.
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.
General Motors - a name previously associated primarily with V8 engines and muscle cars such as the Camaro or the Corvette - could soon be involved in a completely new segment: the market for electrically powered motorcycles. Patents that have now been published by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) suggest that the US car manufacturer is working on an electric motorcycle.
With the new Diavel V4 RS for the 2026 model year, Ducati appears to be following the same path as the Multistrada V4 RS - a sportier, more powerful variant that is intended to take the already potent base model to a new level. The information comes from the USA, where the machine became public via an entry in the VIN decoder of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This provides the first tangible indications of the technical orientation and performance potential of the new powerhouse.
BMW is preparing for the next technological leap in the superbike segment. On Friday, May 23, 2025 at 7 p.m., BMW Motorrad will unveil a new concept bike at the traditional Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on Lake Como. The first teaser images already suggest a new generation of the BMW S 1000 RR or M 1000 RR - with a clear focus on uncompromising performance and state-of-the-art technology.
Honda is causing a stir at the Beijing Motor Show 2025 with the unveiling of a new electric sports bike. Still unveiled without an official name, this concept follows on from the already familiar EV Fun (a naked bike) and EV Urban electric scooter models, which were first unveiled at EICMA 2024. With this step, Honda is underlining that the electrification of the two-wheeler fleet is now a central theme of the brand strategy.
The future of Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM seems secure for the time being - thanks to a massive financial commitment by Indian co-owner Bajaj. Just a few days before the legally stipulated deadline for satisfying creditors expires, there has been some movement in the restructuring process. The Indians have secured a loan of 566 million euros (approx. 614 million US dollars) via three international banks - an amount that should be sufficient to almost completely satisfy the creditors' share required in the restructuring plan.
What began as a promising partnership threatens to become one of the biggest misunderstandings in recent MotoGP history. Jorge Martín, MotoGP World Champion in 2024, is apparently on the verge of terminating his contract with Aprilia early - despite it running until the end of 2026. This is due to disappointing sporting prospects, ongoing injury problems and a profound loss of trust between rider and team.
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.
Rumors are intensifying: Ducati could present a brand new Panigale V4 R in 2026. This is indicated by a current document on chassis number decoding (VIN decoding), which, according to Cycle World, allows conclusions to be drawn about a previously unknown model with the letter “P” - a letter that has not been used in Ducati's VIN system to date.
The Ducati Monster will appear in a new guise in 2026 - the first prototype images from test rides in Italy leave no doubt: the traditional naked bike series will receive a comprehensive technology and design update. Although the striking basic shape remains the same, a completely new concept is concealed underneath, which is based on modern Ducati platforms. This is the next big step for the Monster series.
The news surrounding KTM has come to a dramatic head in recent months. The traditional Austrian motorcycle manufacturer, once celebrated as the innovation engine of the European motorcycle industry, is currently in a profound crisis. In addition to financial difficulties, production stoppages and internal power struggles, a potential buyer is now at the center of attention: the Canadian group Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), known for brands such as Can-Am, Ski-Doo and Rotax.
With the “Concept 01 Corleo”, Kawasaki presents a futuristic project that is equally reminiscent of a sci-fi fantasy creature and modern robotics. The four-legged robot named “Corleo” was presented at an event for the upcoming Expo 2025 in Osaka and is intended to represent nothing less than a new form of personal mobility - somewhere between a motorcycle, quad bike and mechanical mount.