The motorcycle world is revving into high gear as we approach the 2025 EICMA show in Milan—a global stage where manufacturers unveil their boldest innovations. From Honda’s mysterious V3-powered naked bike to Norton’s long-awaited revival and Yamaha’s game-changing automatic Tracer 7, the next few weeks promise to reshape the industry. Whether you’re a weekend rider in Tromsø, a track-day enthusiast in Texas, or a commuter in Mumbai, these updates matter.
In this comprehensive roundup, we dive deep into the latest developments across the two-wheeled universe—verified with up-to-date sources, enriched with expert insight, and written with the passion of real riders. Buckle up: the future of motorcycling is arriving faster than you think.
🔥 Honda’s V3 Eco Compressor Naked Bike: A Radical New Engine Layout?
One of the most electrifying teasers of the season comes from Honda, the Japanese giant known for engineering surprises. In late October 2025, Honda dropped a cryptic video on YouTube and Instagram showing what appears to be a V3 engine configuration—a layout almost unheard of in modern production motorcycles.
While the full bike remains shrouded in mystery, keen-eyed fans spotted three distinct exhaust headers, strongly suggesting a three-cylinder V-engine. This isn’t just a wild concept: Honda executives have confirmed they’ve been testing a running prototype at their Japanese facilities. The official reveal is scheduled for November 4, 2025, at 10:00 AM CET—the opening press day of EICMA.
Why does this matter? Because if Honda brings a V3 to market, it could redefine engine architecture in the naked and sport segments. With eco-compressor technology rumored to boost efficiency without sacrificing performance, this could be Honda’s answer to tightening global emissions standards—while still delivering the thrill riders crave.
Fun Fact: The only modern production V3 motorcycle was the 1990s Honda NR750, with its oval pistons and exotic engineering. A new V3 would be a spiritual successor—but far more accessible.
🏁 Limited-Edition Fireblade SP: Dean Harrison TT Replica Hits £26,749
For Isle of Man TT fans, Honda has dropped a collector’s dream: a Dean Harrison Replica Fireblade SP. Only 12 units will be built, each priced at £26,749 (approx. $33,500 USD).
This isn’t just a paint job. The replica includes:
- Custom livery matching Harrison’s 2025 Supertstock-winning bike
- HRC-branded engine covers and oil filler cap
- Tall windscreen and seat cowl
- Radiator guard
- Signed display lid
- Paddock stand and premium garage mat
While the price puts it out of reach for most, it’s a tribute to one of road racing’s toughest disciplines—and a nod to Honda’s racing DNA. For die-hard TT enthusiasts, this could become a future classic.
🏍️ Norton’s Resurgence: Mans, Mans Are, and Atlas Confirmed for EICMA
After years of turmoil, Norton Motorcycles is making a serious comeback. At a recent press briefing (ahead of EICMA), the British brand confirmed it will unveil three new models on November 4:
- Mans
- Mans Are
- Atlas
While details remain under wraps, industry insiders speculate these could span modern classics, adventure tourers, and even performance nakeds—all built on Norton’s new modular platform developed at their Solihull facility.
This marks a pivotal moment for Norton. After its 2020 collapse and 2022 relaunch under new ownership, the brand is betting big on heritage, craftsmanship, and exclusivity. If executed well, the Atlas could rival Triumph’s Tiger 900 or BMW’s R 1250 GS in the premium adventure segment.
Did You Know? Norton’s 2024 revenue surged thanks to limited-run models like the V4SV. The new lineup aims to scale production while maintaining that hand-built British prestige.
⚙️ Yamaha’s Big Moves: R7 Engine for Moto3 & Auto Tracer 7
🏁 Yamaha R7 to Power Moto3 from 2028
In a major shift, Yamaha will become the official engine supplier for Moto3 starting in 2028, replacing the long-standing 250cc single-cylinder units with a tuned version of the R7’s CP2 689cc parallel-twin.
Key specs:
- 90 horsepower (up from 72 hp in the road-going R7)
- 120 kg minimum weight
- €50,000 max build cost
This move could democratize Grand Prix racing, offering teams a more powerful, reliable, and cost-effective platform. More excitingly, performance upgrades developed for Moto3 could trickle down to future R7 models—potentially closing the gap with rivals like Honda’s CB750 Hornet (90 hp) and Triumph’s Daytona 660.
🛣️ Tracer 7 Now Offers YMT Automatic Transmission
Yamaha quietly updated the 2026 Tracer 7 with its Yamaha Motor Transmission (YMT)—an automated manual system similar to Honda’s DCT or BMW’s ShiftCam.
With YMT:
- Riders can choose fully automatic (twist-and-go)
- Or manual mode using paddle-style buttons on the handlebars
- No clutch lever or foot shifter needed
This is a game-changer for urban commuters, touring riders, and those with physical limitations. The Tracer 7—already praised for its agility and comfort—now becomes even more versatile. Pricing hasn’t been announced, but expect a €1,500–€2,000 premium over the standard model.
Pro Tip: Automatic transmissions are booming in Europe and Asia. BMW reports over 30% of R 1250 GS sales now include ShiftCam. Yamaha’s move is both timely and strategic.
❌ Ducati Says “No” to Small Bikes—Here’s Why
Despite booming demand for sub-500cc motorcycles (thanks to Triumph’s 400 series and KTM’s 390s), Ducati has firmly ruled out small-capacity models.
In a recent interview with Motorcycle News (MCN), Ducati’s Head of Product Communications stated:
“Our pillars are style, sophistication, and performance. If you try to combine these in a small-capacity bike, you end up priced out of the market.”
Translation: Ducati won’t compromise its premium identity. And it’s working—Ducati reported over €1 billion in revenue for the third straight year in 2024, driven by high-margin models like the Panigale V4 and Multistrada V4.
While this may disappoint budget-conscious riders, it reinforces Ducati’s luxury positioning—akin to Ferrari in the automotive world.
🛒 Royal Enfield Sells Motorcycles on Amazon—Yes, Really
In a bold retail experiment, Royal Enfield has partnered with Amazon India to sell its 350cc lineup—including the Classic 350, Meteor 350, Bullet 350, and Hunter 350—in five major Indian cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad).
How it works:
- Customers browse and reserve bikes on Amazon
- Local Enfield dealers handle registration, insurance, and delivery
- The transaction is fulfilled offline—but initiated online
This isn’t just a gimmick. With over 1 million Enfield units sold in 2024, the brand is leveraging e-commerce to reach younger, tech-savvy buyers. It’s also a test bed for global expansion—imagine ordering a Himalayan on Amazon UK or US in the near future.
Would you buy a bike on Amazon? Let us know in the comments!
🛵 Honda Replaces the Super Cub 50 with the Super Cub 110
The iconic Honda Super Cub—the best-selling motor vehicle in history (over 100 million units)—is evolving. In Japan, Honda has launched four new 110cc models, including the Super Cub 110 and Cross Cub 110.
The Super Cub 110 replaces the aging 50cc version, offering:
- 5 horsepower (modest, but sufficient for city use)
- Smaller wheels for agility
- Front basket and rear rack for utility
But the real star is the Cross Cub 110, which resembles the global Trail 125—with rugged tires, higher ground clearance, and adventure styling. For urban adventurers or delivery riders, this could be the perfect urban runabout.
Note: These models are currently Japan-only, but global availability is likely if demand surges.
✝️ The Pope’s BMW R18 Sells for €156,000 at Charity Auction
A custom BMW R18 Transcontinental, built specially for Pope Francis, fetched a staggering €156,000 at auction in October 2025. The bike—painted entirely in glossy white, including the seat—was auctioned by Sotheby’s to benefit children’s aid projects in Madagascar.
While impractical (imagine cleaning white leather after a rainy ride!), the bike symbolizes BMW’s commitment to social causes. All proceeds go directly to charity, making this one of the most meaningful motorcycle sales of the year.
🏭 GasGas Production Moves from Spain to Austria
KTM has consolidated GasGas motorcycle production into its Austrian headquarters, closing the Spanish assembly line. Around 20 employees are affected, though KTM insists design, marketing, and R&D for GasGas will remain in Spain.
This move streamlines operations across KTM, Husqvarna, and GasGas—three brands that already share engines and chassis. Expect future GasGas models (like the popular SM 700 or ES 700) to become even more badge-engineered—but with distinctive red styling and off-road focus.
📅 Upcoming Motorcycle Launches: What to Watch This Week
Mark your calendars—November 2025 is packed with reveals:
- Today: Ducati’s new Monster (V2-powered)
- Tomorrow: Kawasaki’s middleweight KLE adventure bike (6:00 PM UK time)
- October 28: Triumph’s “Made to Upstage” model (likely a high-spec Bonneville or Speed Twin)
- November 4: EICMA Day 1—Honda V3, Norton Atlas, plus dozens of global debuts
Final Thoughts: A New Era of Motorcycling
From radical engine designs to e-commerce sales and charity auctions, the motorcycle industry is more dynamic than ever. Whether you’re drawn to Honda’s engineering audacity, Norton’s British revival, or Yamaha’s tech-forward Tracer 7, there’s something for every kind of rider.
As we head into EICMA 2025, one thing is clear: innovation isn’t slowing down—it’s accelerating.
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