EICMA

'EICMA.SHIFT UP' - "Legends of Speed" brings the history of MotoGP to Milan for the first time

For the first time in the history of EICMA, more than 70 years of premier-class racing will come together in an exhibition covering over 1,400 sq m (approx. 15,000 sq ft) featuring more than 35 motorcycles, the MotoGP Gaming Arena, fan engagement activities and the chance to win exclusive experiences at the 2027 Italian Grand Prix.

Just over three months after announcing the strategic partnership between MotoGP and EICMA, the first major project to come out of the collaboration is "Legends of Speed" - an exhibition that will bring a major showcase dedicated to more than 70 years of premier-class Grand Prix motorcycle racing to the show for the first time in EICMA's history. 

The journey will begin with the AJS Porcupine 500, the motorcycle on which Leslie Graham claimed the inaugural 500 cc World Championship title in 1949, before travelling through the great eras of the Championship: from the three- and four-cylinder MV Agusta 500s ridden by Giacomo Agostini and Phil Read to the Yamahas that shaped the history of the premier class, including Valentino Rossi's; from the legendary Honda NSRs to the Suzukis of Kevin Schwantz and Franco Uncini, through to the Ducatis of the more recent era and an absolute masterpiece of Italian engineering, the Moto Guzzi 500 V8. 

Bringing the journey full circle will be the official MotoGP machines from the five manufacturers competing in the 2026 World Championship, brought together as part of the exhibition.

Features will include a high-impact visual installation, archive images and materials, audiovisual and interactive content - "an experience designed to engage both passionate fans and new generations."

Paolo Magri, CEO of EICMA, and Pietro Meda, President of EICMA S.p.A. said "Legends of Speed perfectly embodies the spirit of SHIFT UP: bringing together the highest expression of motorcycle sport with the place where the global two-wheel industry meets and presents its future."

But "Legends of Speed" will be just one chapter in the MotoGP–EICMA partnership. "Backed by FIM, motorcycle racing will become part of the EICMA experience through activations and touchpoints throughout the event, fan engagement initiatives, digital content and activities dedicated to the public." 

These will include the MotoGP Gaming Arena, a space dedicated to gaming and younger generations, adding another dimension to the MotoGP experience at EICMA.

The 83rd EICMA edition - 5 to 8 November 2026 at Fiera Milano Rho

Yamaha

Yamaha YE-01 – Kando at the MXoN

Yamaha announced a late decision (September 25, 2026) to display and conduct an exhibition run of its YE-01 Racing Concept at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations 2026 (MXoN 2026) at Ernée, France, (2-4 October). 

Yamaha displayed and ran the electric prototype on the track alongside Honda's CR ELECTRIC PROTO during joint demonstration laps over the MXoN weekend.

On Yamaha's part, this initiative is aimed at eventual participation in MXEP, an electric motocross racing series scheduled to launch in the near future. Honda is no doubt also eying the MXEP as a competition platform for its electric off-roaders.

Jointly designed with French electric motorcycle manufacturer, Electric Motion SAS (EM), it has been developed under Yamaha's "Expanding the Possibilities of Riders and Machines" concept. Founded in 2009 by Philippe Arnuad and Philippe Arestan (near Nimes in southern France), the EM brand's motorcycles are said to be sold in some 40 markets worldwide with around 85% of production exported.

The core focus for EM is electric trials and off-road competition motorcycles, including competition-ready and leisure trials bikes like the Epure and Escape ranges. EM recently unveiled the EP01 enduro prototype to expand into the competitive electric enduro category.

Yamaha Motor Company secured a minority equity investment in Electric Motion SAS to collaborate on EV powertrain technology and sustainable off-road competition. The YE-01 Racing Concept blends Yamaha YZ450F chassis tech with EM electric power units and was first shown at EICMA 2025.

Through its Group Environmental Plan 2050, Yamaha is working toward achieving carbon neutrality throughout its entire supply chain, including the Company's business activities, by 2050.

"As the Kando creating company, Yamaha Motor will continue delivering greater excitement and enjoyment to customers through its products and services that harness the unique appeals of electric power. Kando is a Japanese word for the simultaneous feelings of deep satisfaction and intense excitement that we experience when we encounter something of exceptional value."

MV Agusta

MV Agusta Restructures - Again

Some 18 years after announcing its ill-fated (and ill timed) acquisition by Harley-Davidson, Varese, Italy based manufacturer MV Agusta is facing financial uncertainty again.

Reports of fresh financial troubles had been circulating for at least a couple of months, and September saw the business finally issue a statement in an attempt to "provide some clarification."

The company states that following the separation from the KTM Group and the subsequent reacquisition of 100% of MV Agusta by the shareholder Art of Mobility (controlled by the Sardarov family - the pre-KTM owners), "the Company has been engaged for several months in a comprehensive process aimed at restoring MV Agusta's full operational, industrial, and financial balance.

The shareholder Art of Mobility says it has has initiated and assessed "a number of discussions regarding potential developments in MV Agusta's shareholding structure. 

"As part of this process, MV Agusta has also entered the Composizione Negoziata della Crisi (CNC), a framework provided for under Italian law to enable companies to address situations of temporary financial imbalance through a structured process assisted by independent professionals."

The procedure allows the Company to "assess its situation, engage with its various stakeholders and identify the most effective actions to support the rebalancing and relaunch of the business."

At its historical peak over the past 20 years (around 2015), MV Agusta was manufacturing and selling nearly 9,000 motorcycles per year globally. When Timur Sardarov took full control of the brand as CEO in 2019 (having bought out the Castiglioni family), he announced an ambitious five-year business plan targeting a production and sales volume of 25,000 units annually. However, at the point at which KTM took full control of MV Agusta it was selling some 4,000 units a year. 

In the first half of 2026, MV Agusta recorded 2,166 global retail registrations, an increase of 3.4% compared with 2,094 units during the same period in 2025.

Positive results were also achieved in France, with growth of 42.3, and in the United States, with an increase of 24.2%.

Harley paid around $108m to Claudio and Giovanni Castiglioni for ownership of MV Agusta in August 2008 - the month before the notorious 'Lehman Apocalypse'. They sold it back to the Castiglioni family in 2010 for one euro. The intervening years have included several financial crises for MV Agusta, despite having a good reputation for their motorcycles. The period also included a minority ownership position by the Mercedes Benz Group.

Leonart Motors

Leonart-x-Bultaco

Based on the Leonart Motors Rally 300 platform, the Barcelona off-road to cruiser to 125 cc specialist has given the Bultaco brand another chapter in its story.

The Bultaco Rally GT 300 is described as a "trail-focused motorcycle designed for those seeking an agile vehicle for everyday use without sacrificing the ability to explore beyond the asphalt."

It has been prepared in collaboration with the Bultaco Racing team - "which has actively participated in the development and fine-tuning of the model to guarantee dynamic performance in line with the brand's historical values."

This is no retro replica but an updated, contemporary reinterpretation of the brand with included 'creature comforts' such as an integrated 5" TFT screen and DashCam and full LED headlights with integrated front turn signals.

The engine is a 292 cc DOHC liquid-cooled CF300 single with Efi that delivers 28hp/18.5kW at 9,500 rpm with 25 Nm maximum torque, multi-disc in oil bath clutch, 6-speed gearbox, perimeter style chassis, inverted front forks, rear mono shock and front and rear disc brakes with ABS. It weighs in at 150 kg. It is presently being offered in Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, Slovenia and Malta.

www.leonartmotors.com

LeoVince

LeoVince LV-14 R range

The LeoVince LV-14 R range "represents a new evolution in LeoVince design, combining bold lines, advanced materials and meticulous craftsmanship to enhance the character of the latest generation of Supersport motorcycles, such as the Yamaha YZF-R9.

"Its aerodynamic shape and distinctive asymmetric cuts create an elegant and recognisable exhaust, designed to integrate seamlessly with the motorcycle's aggressive styling and enhance the riding experience."

Titanium

The range is available in three versions, allowing dealers to recommend the finish that best matches the style of their customer's motorcycle and personality. It features an AISI 304 stainless steel body with a matte finish - "selected to ensure strength and reliability."

The Black Edition has a matt black ceramic-based coating, "designed to give the exhaust an even bolder appearance."

The third option has a Grade 1 Titanium outer sleeve with a shot-blasted finish, "combining lightness and strength with a technical, contemporary aesthetic."

The headers for all three versions are also made of stainless steel, "ensuring strength, durability and reliable performance over time.

Black edition

"A defining feature of the entire range is the end cap with its distinctive asymmetric cut, made from 2x2 pre-preg carbon fibre and a special resin capable of withstanding high temperatures", a material that makes it possible to create a "lightweight, durable component finished with meticulous attention to detail." The matt coating protects the carbon fibre from UV rays while highlighting its distinctive weave.

To give the Yamaha YZF-R9 an even sportier and more aggressive appearance, LeoVince has also developed an optional, black-finished aluminum bracket, which allows the passenger footpeg to be removed and "completes the exhaust design with a clean and distinctive detail."

Stainless steel

The silencer incorporates high-temperature-resistant packing material, assembled around a direct-flow absorption core fitted with a dB-killer to "deliver the unmistakable LeoVince sound. Handcrafted TIG welds, performed by skilled technicians, ensure long-lasting strength and reliability, while the laser-etched LV logo - featured as the dedicated 'LV Titanium' logo on the Grade 1 titanium version - completes the design with an additional distinctive detail."

LEOVINCE

www.leovince.com

Kappa

Universal handlebar smartphone holder

Italian brand Kappa has expanded its accessory range with the addition of KPM1, a universal handlebar smartphone holder. It is "compact, sturdy, and intuitive solutions designed to boost comfort and convenience, whether for everyday rides or longer trips".

It allows the smartphone to be attached in just a few moments to handlebars with a diameter ranging from 22 to 32 mm. The installation is versatile and compatible with different types of two-wheeled vehicles. 

Compact and lightweight (weighing only 124 g), KPM1 features a body made of reinforced nylon with TPU side inserts that help dampen vibrations and impacts, improving the device’s stability and screen readability. 

The quick-release mounting system allows to attach or remove the smartphone in about one second, while the adjustable mount accommodates devices measuring 65 to 90 mm in width. It feature 360° rotation and a design engineered to leave the camera completely unobstructed.

KAPPA

www.kappamoto.com

RK Chain

Honda Africa Twin - RK's 525ZXW Chain

Spanish professional enduro and adventure rider "continues to push the boundaries of adventure riding with his Honda Africa Twin." Now featuring a refreshed new bike design, the gold-colored RK #525ZXW chain is his trusted choice for extreme journeys and demanding terrain.

RK's Overseas Sales Manager Daisuke Takagoshi told IDN: "The Honda Africa Twin has become the ideal platform for Kirian's exploration style, offering the right balance of performance, durability, and versatility that is needed for long-distance adventure riding. He pairs it with a curated selection of high-quality components that are designed for extreme use, and the RK ZXW Series chain was developed to meet the demanding requirements of modern superbikes and adventure motorcycles." 

Featuring RK's exclusive XW-Ring technology, the chain incorporates two lubrication pools and three contact lips to create an advanced triple-barrier sealing structure. This design significantly improves lubrication retention while reducing contamination from dust, mud, and other external elements.

Daisuke went on to say that "reliability is essential for adventure riders. A chain must deliver consistent performance through thousands of km of challenging terrain, changing weather conditions, and demanding riding situations. The RK 525ZXW chain provides exceptional durability, strength, and smooth power transmission, making it the perfect match for the Honda Africa Twin.

"With its distinctive gold finish, advanced engineering, and proven performance, the RK 525ZXW represents the connection between technology and adventure. As Kirian continues to explore new frontiers and inspire the next generation of riders, RK remains his dependable partner on every journey.

"Known for his creative approach to motorcycle adventures, Kirian is always searching for new challenges and unique experiences that go beyond traditional riding. From frozen landscapes in Nordic countries to vast desert environments surrounded by wildlife, he constantly explores places where few riders dare to go. His adventures are not only about covering distance but also about discovering new environments, testing motorcycle capability, and sharing inspiring stories with riders around the world."

www.rk-europe.com