The 5 Trends of the 2025 Motorcycle Season Plus Model Highlights

For the upcoming season, several trends can be observed in the motorcycle market:

• The A2 class is more populated than ever
• Automated transmissions are advancing into new (price) classes
• Honda is shaking up the next class(es) with competitive pricing
• The Gaulish villages are falling - electronics are making their way everywhere
• Less is more! Downsizing is arriving in the two-wheeler segment

From each of these trends, I would like to present a model highlight that I am personally looking forward to.

Already on the first day of EICMA 2024, it was clear: the upcoming season is all about the A2 class. I've rarely seen so many new models up to 48 HP in Milan. From retro bikes to naked bikes and supermotos to adventure bikes, everything was represented. Royal Enfield showcases very mature motorcycles with the 650 models Bear and Classic, while Aprilia introduces a Tuono 457 below the 660. The adventure bike sector, which continues to boom, is also seeing a lot of activity. In addition to established manufacturers showcasing production models (Honda CRF 300 Rally, KTM 390 Adventure) or very production-near concepts like the F 450 GS Concept, models manufactured in China, such as the Brixton Crossfire 500 Storr, the Moto Morini Alltrhike, or the Morbidelli T502X, are pushing into the market.

For those who like to dig in the dirt without a fairing, there are also pleasing new developments. Suzuki and KTM are bringing enduros in the 400 class: small, light, and accessible, while not having to forgo electronic features like traction control and riding modes. Even more pleasing—and here I come to my highlight—is the return of supermotos! On one hand, Suzuki is bringing the DRZ-4 SM as the successor to the legendary DRZ 400, and on the other hand, KTM is finally answering the calls of fans for an affordable supermoto below the 690 models after years. The 390 SMC-R is my highlight in this category because it could be the KTM that leads to a departure from the eternal "higher, faster, further" mantra. Simple, honest riding pleasure with a model from the market leader in the supermoto segment of the last two decades at a fair price—this formula should fit!

The list of manufacturers offering an automated transmission continues to grow. The major leap in 2025 in this sector is not just that big brands like KTM and BMW are jumping on this Japan-initiated bandwagon, but that the technology is arriving in the beginner-friendly mid-range class. Specifically, it's Yamaha's bestseller, the MT-07, which in its newly developed 2025 version not only upgrades its safety systems but is also available in an AMT variant.

This development is accompanied by the grumblings of (mostly older) motorcyclists - "if you want that, buy a scooter!" or "before I buy that, I'll stop riding motorcycles!" - and I myself wouldn't want to miss shifting gears. However, this technology could play a crucial role in encouraging young or older newcomers to dare to get on a motorcycle, thus bringing fresh blood to our aging community. In this sense, we look forward to the first test with the Yamaha MT-07 AMT!

After the highly successful Honda CB750 Hornet two years ago, Honda is introducing the big sister CB1000 Hornet for 2025. The recipe for success hasn't changed: you get a lot of bike for your money with the thousand as well. The winged empire is targeting two classes with the new Power Naked Bike. On one hand, the established middle class, with representatives like the Yamaha MT-09, Kawasaki Z900, Triumph Street Triple, and KTM Duke 990, which cost the same or more and deliver about 30 hp less, but are also lighter than the Honda. On the other hand, the "weaker" Hyper Nakeds, like the Yamaha MT-10, Aprilia Tuono V4, or BMW S 1000 R, which deliver about 20 hp more but cost almost twice as much depending on the equipment!

The only vehicle currently truly on par with the big Hornet is built by Suzuki and is called the GSX-S1000. But when looking at the price tag of the Honda, the folks at Suzuki must have been quite taken aback, as they say in Austria. Just because of the multitude of comparison possibilities, the anticipation for the CB1000 Hornet and its SP sister is extremely high - a highlight for 2025!

Even with some models where we thought it would never happen after all these years, 2025 has brought a change. Assistance systems and electronic features are becoming widespread. Particularly striking examples, because they were so persistent until now, include the Yamaha Tenere 700, which is receiving traction control and riding modes for the first time, the Kawasaki Z900, which is finally equipped with a quickshifter and lean-angle dependent assistance systems, and the traditional Moto Guzzi V7, which in 2025 will feature riding modes and, in the sport variant, also lean-angle dependent aids. I would also call the latter my highlight of this trend, as the classic forms of the Guzzi seem to be in stark contrast to the modern technology.

For years, increasing displacement has been the solution for most motorcycle manufacturers to meet stricter emissions regulations. And this trend is not over in 2025, as seen with models like the Kawasaki Versys 1100 or Ninja 1100 SX. However, another trend is emerging: Ducati is introducing a new V2 engine that is smaller, significantly lighter, and weaker than its predecessor, offering only 890 cc instead of the previous 955 cc. This engine is used in the street models Panigale V2 and Streetfighter V2. The latter is my highlight in this category, as I expect the biggest leap compared to its predecessor, which had a power band barely usable for the road. For completeness, it should be mentioned that the Multistrada V2 also features the same engine, but here an additional 2 hp was achieved compared to the old 937 cc V2.

In the Middle Kingdom, specifically at CFMOTO, a completely new engine has been developed. The 675 cc three-cylinder will power the new models 675NK and 675SR-R in the upcoming season. Particularly, the naked bike is suspiciously close to the 800NK Sport and Advance, which are still equipped with the Euro 5 engine developed in a joint venture with KTM.

The old adage "less is more" brings us not only Italian and Chinese new models from the sporty corner but also delightful Japanese retro bikes. The Honda GB350 S and the even more delicate Kawasaki W 230 and Meguro S1 deliver only around 20 hp peak power, but they could still generate significant demand among customizers in the hipster districts of German cities.