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.
With the registration of new trademark rights in the USA, there are increasing indications of an upcoming production model from Honda that is making technology enthusiasts particularly curious: the V3R E-Compressor will not only feature a rare V3 engine, but also an electrically powered compressor - a first for production motorcycles.
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.
Honda is opening a new chapter with the CB1000F - a production-ready concept that combines modern technology with classic design. Presented at the Osaka Motorcycle Show 2025, the CB1000F is officially still a concept, but all signs point to series production in the near future. Honda is thus bringing a worthy successor to the legendary CB models back onto the road.
The collaboration between KTM and Brabus is entering the next round: with the Brabus 1400 R, a new high-end naked bike is about to be unveiled. Following the success of the limited Brabus 1300 R, the successor is now being announced for 2025 - more exclusive, more powerful and even more unique in terms of design. Despite the financial challenges that KTM has recently had to overcome, it is clear that no money is being saved on this prestigious project.
Suzuki's traditional participation in the Suzuka 8 Hours is celebrating a remarkable comeback in 2025 - and under completely new circumstances. With the renewed use of the GSX-R1000R as part of the “Team Suzuki CN Challenge”, the Japanese manufacturer is not only committing itself to motorsport, but also clearly to sustainability. Despite withdrawing from MotoGP and the World Superbike Championship (WSBK), Suzuki is maintaining its presence on the race track - albeit in a different form.
The rumor mill surrounding Toprak Razgatlioglu and MotoGP is picking up speed again. According to the latest information, the two-time Superbike World Champion could make his first appearances for Honda in the premier class of motorcycle racing as early as 2025 - but initially only as a wildcard starter.
Aprilia appears to be preparing a new edition of the RSV1000. At the beginning of 2025, Piaggio, the parent company of the Italian brand, had the model name “RSV1000” protected again - initially in the USA. This trademark protection is valid until at least November 2026 and covers both motorcycles and accessories with this name. While official confirmation from Aprilia is still pending, there are many indications that the traditional brand is working on a new V2 super sports bike.