2025 was a big year for the motorcycle industry. Harley-Davidson hired a new CEO, Polaris sold their majority stake in Indian Motorcycle, Norton announced an all-new range, and the Indian powerhouse Bajaj rescued KTM.
In between the hubbub, the year yielded a slew of noteworthy production models and concept bikes. So we’ve added a new Top 10 to our annual set of round-ups—one that puts the spotlight firmly on announcements from major marques.
BMW Motorrad Concept RR
BMW has long used the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza as a platform for unveiling concept motorcycles. At this year’s event, they pulled the wraps off their fastest one yet—the sharp-edged BMW Motorrad Concept RR.
Derived from Razgatlioğlu’s WSBK-winning M 1000 RR, the Concept RR is shrouded in aluminum and carbon fiber bodywork, every inch of it honed for aerodynamic domination. Powered by an engine that’s good for at least 230 hp, it’s a speed machine of the highest order. It also raises the question of whether this is a glimpse of a future production model, or if BMW is setting its sights on MotoGP. [More]
BMW R 12 G/S
Despite BMW Motorrad’s bizarre reliance on AI-generated imagery this year, there was one gem among the Bavarian marque’s press releases. New for 2025, the BMW R 12 G/S takes the updated BMW R 12 platform, dresses it in classic BMW rally threads, and adds real-world off-road capability.
Replacing the outgoing BMW R nineT Urban G/S, the R 12 G/S looks sharper and is better equipped. You get long-travel suspension and a terrain-eating 21” front wheel, with an optional 18” rear wheel available if the stock 17” hoop isn’t to your liking.
It’s what many have asked for: a classic BMW GS that’s actually useful as an adventure bike (and weighs less than a BMW R 1300 GS). But will it sell? Only time will tell. [More]
BRABUS 1400 R Signature Edition
Essentially a KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo redressed as a two-wheeled luxury SUV, the BRABUS 1400 R Signature Edition marks the latest collaboration between KTM and the German auto tuning outfit BRABUS. And as we’ve come to expect from past KTM x BRABUS machines, it is as unapologetic as it is expensive.
Limited to 100 units worldwide, the BRABUS 1400 R Signature Edition is loaded with carbon fiber bodywork, with an aesthetic that echoes the aesthetic of BRABUS’ high-spec custom Mercedes-AMG G-Class builds. Its 17” wheels are moto-specific versions of the firm’s Monoblock II Evo ‘Platinum Edition’ car hoops, the upholstery is luxe, and the finer details are to die for. All this for the tidy sum of €49,900. [More]
Honda V3R 900 E-Compressor
Last year, Honda teased a triple-cylinder engine with an electronically-controlled compressor. This year, at the massive EICMA trade show, they took the concept a step further with a complete build—the V3R 900 E-Compressor Prototype.
The 900 cc engine is packaged in a trellis frame, wrapped in streetfighter styling with edgy bodywork and aggressive ergonomics. The side fairings are asymmetrical, presumably to optimize airflow for the compressor. Finished in a camo livery, the Honda V3R 900 E-Compressor Prototype looks bonkers—but we’ll probably have to wait another year before we see a production model. [More]
Indian Girder Concept
According to our good friend and Indian Motorcycle’s Director of Design, Ola Stenegärd, Indian Motorcycle’s design and engineering team is a stacked roster of riders and custom bike builders. So they relish creating one-off builds like the neo-retro Girder Concept.
Paying homage to the 1946 Indian Chief, the Indian Girder Concept uses a Thunderstroke 116-powered Indian Chief as its foundation. Working between their US and Swiss studios, the Indian team designed and produced everything from the bike’s one-off girder fork to its vintage-inspired racing seat and rear fender. They finished it off with a smattering of parts from elsewhere in the Indian range and a pixel-perfect paint job.
The Indian Girder Concept hit the scene amidst news of Polaris selling a majority stake in Indian Motorcycle—suggesting that rumors of the historic American marque’s demise may have been greatly exaggerated. [More]
Italjet Roadster 400
Known for its outlandish Dragster sport scooter, Italjet surprised us earlier this year with the retro-futuristic Roadster 400. Part The Jetsons, part Cyberpunk, it immediately shot to the top of the list of scooters we’d love to own.
The Italjet Roadster 400 has all the wild engineering you’d expect from the Italian company. Turbine-like side pods cool its twin radiators, while Italjet’s new ‘Dynamic Linkage Articulated’ suspension system props the Roadster up with Öhlins shocks. Stacked with stylish surface finishes, it’s as whacky as it is desirable. [More]
LiveWire S4 Honcho
The motorcycle industry is quickly realizing that electric drivetrains make most sense in small, beginner-friendly bikes that prioritize ease-of-use over speed and range. Enter the LiveWire S4 Honcho—a 125 cc mini-moto with retro pit bike styling.
LiveWire showed the S4 Honcho in ‘Street’ and ‘Trail’ trim, implying that the platform itself is highly configurable. If the price is right, we expect it to gain popularity as a short-range urban runner or campsite cruiser. [More]
MV Agusta Superveloce 1000 Ago
How do you make the MV Agusta Superveloce 1000 even more alluring? Put Giacomo Agostini’s name on it, treat it to a throwback silver and red livery, and limit it to just 83 units.
Beyond the trimmings (which include Ago’s signature on the fuel tank), the MV Agusta Superveloce 1000 Ago sports all-carbon bodywork, Öhlins suspension, Brembo brakes, and stunning Kineo wheels. MV Agusta’s signature Superveloce aesthetic is cranked up to eleven, with a screaming 208-horsepower engine offering enough go to match the show. [More]
Norton Manx R
When Norton announced that they were ending production of its existing model range, we wondered what the Indian-owned British marque was cooking up. It didn’t take long for Norton to debut a new range with four motorcycles—one of which is the Norton Manx R.
Billed as Norton’s new flagship bike, the Manx R combines slick, minimalistic styling with an all-new 72-degree 1,200 cc V4 engine, good for 206 hp and 130 Nm of torque. There’s a six-speed transmission, a quick-shifter, a cast chassis, semi-active suspension from Marzocchi, carbon fiber wheels from BST, and Brembo Hypure brake calipers. What there isn’t is an over-the-top aero package—a welcome break from the current trend in modern superbikes. [More]
Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RX
In Triumph’s nomenclature, the ‘RX’ suffix means that the company has taken an already sporty motorcycle and made it sportier. This year, they did it with the Speed Triple 1200 RX—a limited edition version of the acclaimed Speed Triple 1200 RS with more aggressive ergonomics and a mouthwatering spec sheet.
You get Triumph’s intuitive Öhlins electronic suspension, Brembo Stylema brakes, Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 tires, and a lightweight Akrapovič muffler. A handful of carbon fiber bits and a retina-searing Triumph Performance Yellow paint job make the message clear; the Speed Triple 1200 RX means business. [More]
