MV Agusta

MV Agusta emerges from KTM shadow

In a release at the end of January 2025, MV Agusta confirmed that Art of Mobility S.A., a company controlled by the Sardarov family, will regain full control of the MV Agusta Group, officially marking its separation from KTM. The Sardarovs were the prior owners of MV Agusta, before KTM/PIERER Mobility took a controlling ownership position.

"After a successful year for MV Agusta, the financial situation that recently unfolded at PIERER Mobility AG could have significantly impacted the Italian brand's operations. This strategic agreement ensures that MV Agusta remains completely uninvolved in KTM's ongoing financial restructuring process, allowing the company to continue its positive growth path. 

"Over the past 18 months, MV Agusta has strengthened its financial stability under a fully revitalised management team. In 2024, the company sold 4,000 motorcycles, achieving an annual growth rate of 116% compared to 2023, with the 2023 sales total already matched by July 2024. The year also marked MV Agusta's best ever in parts sales terms, with a 99% availability rate covering models produced up to seven years ago."

With this move, the company says it also aims to safeguard its network of suppliers and dealers, shielding them from any potential financial disruptions, keeping them from being affected by KTM's restructuring process, and reinforcing MV Agusta's stability and commitment to its stakeholders.

"As for MV Agusta's global sales network, all 219 active sales points, including 41 service points, will continue business as usual, with the total number expected to reach 270 this year. Additionally, 20 non-European importers are already part of the distribution network. MV Agusta's business partners have played a crucial role in the company's 2024 achievements, and they will continue to be key contributors to the brand's future growth."

The company went on to say that it has "everything in place to continue its positive expansion and to keep delivering on its commitments. MV Agusta's operations remain fully independent, with Varese proudly continuing to serve as the central hub for all key activities, including product development, production, sales, marketing, and after-sales services. 

"The development of next generation of motorcycles is progressing as planned, paving the way for a renewed, innovative, exclusive range and as always focused on celebrating its famous claim 'Motorcycle Art'.

Timur Sardarov – CEO of Art of Mobility S.A. said: "This is a moment of pride for all of us at MV Agusta. Regaining full control of the company means we are now stronger and more focused than ever on delivering excellence. 

"Over the past two years, the company has significantly strengthened its processes, systems, and workforce. These structural changes are the foundation of the extraordinary results achieved in 2024 and will continue to drive our success in the years to come. I have full confidence in our leadership team, whose vision, combined with the dedication and professionalism of our renewed dealer network, will take MV Agusta to new heights. 

"My commitment, and that of my family, is to be a vital force for the Varese team, the region, and all our partners."

For its part, Pierer Mobility AG/KTM stated that it had sold all its shares back to the minority shareholder Art of Mobility S.A. for an enterprise value in the mid double-digit million euro range. 

That is the 51.1% shareholding that it increased its original 25.1% stake to in spring 2024 - less than a year ago. It has acquired that original 25.1% stake in November 2022.

www.mvagusta.com

Aprilia

Aprilia Tuono 457 departs from tradition

By Ben Purvis

In prime position to capitalise on the growing sales of sub-500 cc bikes Aprilia's new Tuono 457 could be the most important new model added to the brand's 2025 range - and what's more, it's better-looking than anything to carry the Tuono badge in the past.

While the addition of a Tuono model based on the RS457 sports bike doesn't come as a surprise - Aprilia always tends to offer naked versions of its sports bike models - the formula has now been changed. 

Every previous Tuono, regardless of capacity and going right back to the first, RSV Mille-based machine more than 20 years ago, has used a fixed front fairing and the same rear bodywork as the sports bike it's based on, often resulting in a slightly awkward look. It's a traditional 'streetfighter' formula, but the combination of high, wide bars and a fixed headlight in a cut-down nose means other Tuonos have often looked unconvincing, with too much front overhang.

For the Tuono 457, that problem is gone as Aprilia has given the bike entirely bespoke bodywork rather than borrowing as much as possible from the RS457. There's a new tail and seat unit, a new fuel tank, new radiator cowl panels and most importantly a headlight and front cowl that's mounted on the forks to turn with the bars. The result is a much more balanced, attractive style than other Tuonos, even though the triple headlight setup with a spoiler underneath them intentionally draws parallels to the 2006 Tuono 1000 R.

Under the all-new skin lie the same mechanical parts as the RS457, with an identical 35kW parallel twin engine, aluminium half-chassis and 41mm inverted forks, single front brake disc with ByBre caliper, and alloy swingarm and monoshock rear. Max power comes at 9,400 rpm and maximum torque of 43.5 Nm at 6,700 rpm, while the bike weighs an impressive 159 kg dry - likely putting it right on the 175 kg minimum weight allowed with the 35 kW power under A2 licence rules when weighed wet with all fluids and a full tank of fuel.

Aprilia 660 twins updated

The bikes powered by Aprilia's 660cc parallel twin engine - the RS660, Tuono 660 and Tuareg 660 - have all been updated for 2025 with engine changes to meet the latest Euro5+ regulations. 

On the RS660 and Tuono 660, there's a power increase from 100 hp to 105 hp, thanks to larger 52 mm throttle bodies that replace the previous 48 mm versions. The Tuareg 660, which is joined for 2025 by a more extreme Tuareg 660 Rally variant, also gets the bigger throttles but retains the same 80 hp as previous models.

The RS660 gets additional updates including a new fairing with redesigned side panels and a nose that now incorporates a front spoiler and winglets, and Aprilia has added an RS660 Factory model to the range that includes Ohlins NIX30 forks and an Ohlins STX36 shock.

The Tuono 660 Factory is revised for 2025 to get the same Ohlins components, superseding the Kayaba forks and Sachs shock of the previous generation, and all the RS and Tuono 660 models get a new 5-inch TFT dashboard and launch control added to the rider assists.

More power for RSV4

Aprilia claims that the 2025 RSV4 and RSV4 Factory are the most powerful standard production bikes the world has ever seen thanks to revisions that see their outputs hiked to a remarkable 220 hp in showroom form.

Like the related 660 cc twins in the Tuono, RS and Tuareg 660 models, the RSV4's 1,099 cc V4 gets 52mm throttles instead of the previous 48mm units, as well as a revised exhaust and repositioned catalytic converter to meet Euro5+ rules around emissions monitoring.

Visually, the 2025 RSV4 models get revised bodywork with MotoGP-style winglets on the front, new side panels, and a redesigned tail, claiming 6% less drag than before and an 8% reduction in the tendency to wheelie. The higher-spec RSV4 Factory, with its Ohlins semi-active electronic suspension, also gets the ability to set traction control and wheelie control modes corner-by-corner for track use, harnessing GPS to monitor where the bike is on the circuit. 

Tuono V4 uprated with 1099cc V44

For 2025 the naked Aprilia Tuono V4 drops the previous 1,077 cc version of the V4 engine in favour of the same 1,099 cc capacity of the faired RSV4. 

That comes with a power increase to 180 hp, plus revisions to the styling that once again add dual-layer winglets that one claimed to add 2.5k g of downforce at 250 km/h, plus new side panels and radiator cowls. Meanwhile the bellypan of the previous model has been removed, giving the updated Tuonos a more genuinely naked style for 2025.

CFMOTO

New V4 engine previews CFMOTO's ambitious future By Ben Purvis

Rumours of a 1,000 cc V4 superbike from China's CFMOTO have swirled for the last couple of years and at EICMA the company confirmed those plans by unveiling the engine that will power it into the top echelon alongside the best that Europe and Japan can offer.

The plan is to have a competitive machine to enter WSBK, which means a street-legal superbike is needed, and alongside the new engine - dubbed V.04 and sub-headed 'Core of Speed' - CFMOTO showed a stylised sculpture of that bike, branding it 'Master of Speed.'

The engine is understood to have been under test in China for at least a year already. It's a 90-degree V4, measuring in at 1, 000 cc and featuring a conventional, modern design with DOHC cylinder heads, the inlet cams chain driven from the crank and then geared to the exhaust cams. Those camshafts operate finger-followers to the conventionally sprung valves.

Like the Ducati Panigale V4, the CFMOTO V.04 engine uses a reverse-rotating crankshaft to cut down on the bike's gyroscopic forces, making it quicker to turn into corners, as well as better resisting the tendency to wheelie. The exhaust ports are oval, and the intakes feature secondary fuel injectors spraying straight into the open mouths of the intake funnels.

The throttles themselves are ride-by-wire electronic units, as you'd expect on a modern superbike, and CFMOTO claims a peak power of 209 hp (156 kW) at 14,500 rpm, building on a maximum torque of 114 Nm at 12,500 rpm. 

'450' electric CFMOTO motocross bike previewed

As electric motorcycles continue to struggle to gain a substantial foothold on the sales charts a growing number of companies have spotted that motocross is perhaps the ideal proving ground for the technology - allowing them to demonstrate their capabilities in terms of performance without highlighting the shortcomings when it comes to range.

In motocross, races are short and a combination of torque and traction are more important that flat-out pace, playing directly into the areas where electric powertrains excel and meaning they don't have to be hamstrung with big, heavy batteries to give a viable real-world range. CFMOTO's CF-X concept - which, like the V4, isdestined for production in the near future - illustrates those advantages and is intended to have performance on a par with 450 cc motorcross machines.

The electrical system is more advanced than most, with 400V architecture that could open the door to rapid charging. While CFMOTO hasn't revealed the battery size, it's likely to be quite small, as the bike's all-in weight is a competitive 125 kg. That powertrain is liquid cooled, but thanks to the different cooling requirements of an EV, the radiator is positioned under the rider's seat where it's well protected from damage.

675NK triple joins 675SR-R sports bike

CFMOTO's 675SR-R - its first three-cylinder machine and a rival to the likes of Triumph's Daytona 660 - was launched in the USA and China a few months ago and made its European debut at EICMA alongside a new spin-off version in the form of the naked 675NK roadster.

It's not unexpected. CFMOTO has 'NK' versions of all its sports bikes, and the current market suggests that a three-cylinder roadster like the 675NK will sell in larger numbers than the 675SR-R. The bike's specifications are similarly within expectations, with virtually every major component shared with the 675SR-R. 

That means a 675 cc triple with a 72mm bore and 55.2 mm stroke putting out 66 kW (88.5 hp) at 11,000 rpm and 68 Nm at 8,250 rpm - exactly matching the Euro-spec 675SR-R. It sits in the same steel tube frame, ahead of a cast aluminium swingarm, and the two bikes even share an identical kerb weight of 189 kg. 

Both use 41mm, fully-adjustable USD forks from KYB and a rear monoshock that can be tweaked for rebound and preload, plus 300 mm discs gripped by J.Juan four-piston calipers, harnessed to ABS. 

CFMOTO 125NK fills a vital gap in the range

A year ago CFMOTO showed a concept version of its 125NK roadster and now the production model that closely follows the style of that 2023 show bike has been launched.

The concept's single-sided swingarm is gone, as is the carbon-fibre rear wheel shroud and the front brake cooling ducts, but the overall shape is retained - even if the addition of mirrors and a slightly larger dashboard means the stance isn't as nose-down as the concept's.

The bike fills a vital and surprising gap in CFMOTO's range, which until now has lacked a 125 cc learner-legal machine.

Power comes from a 124.2 cc single, with a 58 mm bore and 47 mm stroke and a peak of 10.6 kW (14.2 hp) at 10,500rpm - just under the 11 kW legal maximum for learners. Max torque is 10.2 Nm at 8,500 rpm, making for numbers that are in line with expectations in the class. The engine itself is a DOHC, liquid-cooled single, designed to meet the latest Euro5+ emissions rules.

CFMOTO 800MT-X challenges KTM

Another bike to make the transition from concept to showroom is the CFMOTO 800MT-X - shown at EICMA 2023 as the MT-X Concept and now launched as a full production model looking all but identical to that 2023 version.

Like the more road-biased 800MT, the 800MT-X uses the 799 cc LC8c parallel twin engine from KTM's 790 Adventure and 790 Duke models, which are manufactured by the CFMOTO/KTM joint venture in China. It's mounted in a frame that's also very KTM-like, if not identical to the chassis of the 790 Adventure, and unlike the 800MT, the MT-X even uses the same low-slung, side-mounted fuel tanks that are a signature of KTM's parallel twin adventure models.

Where the CFMOTO strays from the KTM it's based on is the suspension - KYB instead of WP components are used, with 48mm inverted forks and a rear monoshock, both fully adjustable and offering 230 mm of travel - and the styling, which is in the mould of CFMOTO's other adventure models. In line with the bike's serious off-road intentions, the front wheel is 21 inches and the rear is 18 inches in diameter.

Peak power is 67kW (90hp) at 8,250rpm, with 86Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm, and with its 22.5 litre tanks filled the bike weighs in at 220 kg. An extra 8-litre auxiliary tank is optional.

The high equipment level includes cornering ABS and traction control, along with a portrait-oriented, 7-inch TFT dash and full LED lighting. 

Honda

All Change at the Next Stop?

The planned merger between Honda and Nissan - Japan’s second and third largest auto makers after Toyota - would be the largest merger between carmakers since that of Fiat Chrysler and PSA Group in 2021. 

Some commentators are pointing to it having the potential to mean enhanced distribution opportunities for Honda motorcycles. 

This is just the latest in a series of Japanese corporate plays that have seen their 'majors' starting to work with once fierce rivals to produce strategic collaborations and consolidations. 

This has already been seen in the motorcycle industry where issues such as hydrogen power, swappable batteries and connectivity have seen the 'Big Four' collaborate as they seek a shared critical mass.

In 2016 Honda and Yamaha began discussions toward a possible business alliance in the Japanese Class-1 category motorcycle market to address various challenges, including compliance with increasingly stringent safety standards and emissions regulations, as well as the pursuit of electrification. 

The key areas of discussion included supplying 50 cc scooter models as an OEM, joint development/OEM supply of next-generation 50 cc business scooter models, and collaboration toward the popularization of electric motorcycles in the Class-1 category. 

Based on that discussion, in March 2018, Honda began supplying 50 cc scooter models to Yamaha as an OEM. In the second half of 2024 it was announced that they had reached an agreement for Honda to supply Yamaha with electric motorcycle models for the Japanese market, based on the Honda 'EM1 e:' and 'BENLY e: I' Class-1 category models, as an original equipment manufacturer. 

Despite an aborted 2004 plan to 'soft-merge' much of their motorcycle business interests, Kawasaki and Suzuki have been sharing common parts for competitive platforms since 2014. 

Although 2005 saw a plan floated for Kawaski and Suzuki to merge ultimately came to nothing, that had been seen as an extension of a 2001 collaboration on shared componentry for compatible platforms. That partnership was largely aimed at dirt bikes, but the two still do share compatible common parts of in some model families - they have been doing so with GSXR and ZZR components for years and do so in some of their ATV/Quad models too.

Honda's deal with Hitachi to bring Showa Suspension, Keihin and Nissan all under common shared ownership (Hitachi Astemo) suggests an interesting, and as far as can be seen so far, viable model for future 'quasi mergers'.

In an international motorcycle industry that could see considerable change to the established Japanese OEM landscape in the coming years, don't be surprised to see significant changes in the traditional brand, market and ownership footprints of the 'Big Four'.

Don't be surprised either to see Chinse motorcycle and automotive manufacturers start to flex their considerable fiscal muscles beyond the acquisition of western legacy brands. They will likely start to take ownership positions (controlling and otherwise) in European and even American majors. Rumours are currently swirling about both KTM and Harley-Davidson, and regardless of whether or not anything comes involving either of those two, it's not difficult to see plenty of other such developments on the horizon.

Moto Morini

Moto Morini X-Cape 750 coming soon 

By Ben Purvis

Moto Morini was one of the surprises of last year's EICMA when it unveiled an array of bikes including two new 750 cc V-twin models - the Corsaro roadster and Corsaro Sport sports bike. Now the same new engine is set to make its way into an adventure model that's likely to be called the X-Cape 750.

Morini already makes a smaller parallel twin X-Cape 650, using a CFMoto-based engine and is due to add the larger X-Cape 1200 to its range, having already shown that bike last year. It uses a version of Moto Morini's own 1,187 cc Bialbero CorsaCorta V-twin, which was also shown at EICMA in 2023. 

With adventure bikes still topping sales charts all over Europe, the idea of an X-Cape 750 based around the new Corsaro's engine makes a lot of sense as a middle point between the two existing models.

Just such a bike has appeared in design registrations filed by Moto Morini, as you see here, and it's instantly apparent that the styling is a substantial step forward compared to the existing X-Cape machines. Where the 650 and 1200 models share a similar style, the new bike takes its cues from the Corsaro and Corsaro Sport and looks like a more modern machine altogether. 

"designs show new V-twin adventure bike"

It's not just the engine that comes from the Corsaro models, as the frame - a combination of an alloy casting at the front and steel trellis towards the rear - is also straight from the Corsaro bikes, and despite the high stance and long forks, the wheels are 17 inches at each end, showing it's a street-oriented bike rather than a real off-roader.

The front end styling is particularly distinctive, with two large air intakes below a small pair of headlights. Above them sit striped running lights, with two illuminated lines on each side, a cue that's shared with the Corsaro and Corsaro Sport.

The fairing side panels are dual-layered, with an outer section that 'floats' above the inner radiator cowls, and there's a similar winglet-style panel higher up on each side of the windscreen. 

Performance-wise, the Corsaro engine makes 96 hp, so with the right price, the X-Cape 750 will sit between the 60 hp X-Cape 650 and the 125 hp X-Cape 1200 without stealing sales from either model.

BAAS Bike Parts

BAAS StartSystem on-board socket

This new kit from electronic accessory specialist BAAS Bike Parts (Abstatt, Germany) includes the BS11 STARTSYSTEM on board socket for connection of a wide range of accessories such as booster cables, chargers and electronic devices.

It is splash waterproof with a folding cover and features a 0.65 m/6 mm2 for jumpstarts. The BAAS BS12 STARTSYSTEM booster cable has small, fully insulated clamps to take simple and fast jumpstarts for motorbikes and quads - it is 160 cm long with flexible 6mm2 copper cable.

Further optional system accessories include the BAAS BS20 system plug and BS22 adaptor with system plug to cigar socket.

Seen in IDN last year the BAAS USB twin socket converts the input voltage of 12/24V on-board electrical systems to the USB standard 5V. It has two USB-C output sockets and together offers a max. charging power of 3.6A QC quickcharge.

USB twin socket

BAAS BIKE PARTS

www.baas-parts.de

MG Biketec

KTM 990 Duke from 2024

Austrian custom parts specialist MG Biketec has had a busy year already, demonstrating the breadth of its market coverage, releasing new product application programmes for a number of new models - including the Ducati Supersport 950, Husqvarna Norden, Yamaha MT-09, Kawasaki Eliminator 500, Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC/XE/X and Speed 400, and several Suzuki models such as the GXS-S 125, 8R and V-Strom 800.

Seen here for the KTM 990 Duke, MG Biketec has managed to further improve the look by developing a plug and play compact and lightweight, high-strength CNC-machined aluminium licence plate holder that allows the installation of KTM indicators/taillights and KTM licence plate lighting. The angle of the licence plate holder can be adjusted continuously from 30° in accordance with regulations.

Ergonomics play an important role in the performance and handling of any motorcycle, so MG Biketec's plug and play footrest system is a high rigidity, good grip, ultra-light and completely 7075 and 6082 aluminium CNC-machined design, adjustable in 18 positions, up to 45 mm backwards, 10 mm downwards and 20 mm upwards. Brake and gearshift pegs are each adjustable by 10 mm.

Also available are MG Biketec tail tidy and mounting brackets for the KTM indicator/taillight units and KTM licence plate light, a rearset upgrade based on its race-winning WES 24Hr design that is fully ergonomically adjustable and extremely rigid, MG Biketec mirror set, race-proven polyamide PA6 front fork protection with aluminium and stainless steel hardware, wire-lock-ready oil filler caps, front wheel spacers, chain tensioners in high-strength 7075 aluminium that have 20% more material at the break point on the left side than the original part, and MG Biketec's shift reversal kit.

All MG Biketec products are designed, manufactured and assembled in Austria and backed by a lifetime warranty.

MG BIKETEC GMBH

www.mg-biketec.com

Hornig

BMW F900GS conversion by Hornig

German BMW parts and accessory specialist Hornig has turned its attention to the versatile, mid-range F900GS 'multi-role capable' touring and adventure hybrid.

Featured Hornig product designs (model-specific and universals) include handlebar risers which raise the handlebars by 25 mm, mirror extensions that are said to significantly improve the rear view, and air deflectors mounted behind the handguards to provide additional protection against wind and weather. 

The Quiklox cradle, together with the compatible smartphone support, ensures ergonomic smartphone positioning, especially when being used for navigation, and Hornig says it has "the perfect solution for protecting the TFT display and ensuring clear visibility in form of our display protection foil. This is complemented by our glare protection for the connectivity combo instrument".

In terms of seat comfort, the original seat of the F900GS is replaced by Hornig's upholstered variant. The crash bars, fork crash protectors and rear swingarm crash protectors all collectively act as a damage protection system.

"Our black anodised oil filler plug can be opened with a Torx key and combines safety with visual charm. The anodised shift lever extension provides a secure grip due to its larger surface area. The side stand foot enlargement in combination with our heightening side stand extension guarantees a secure stand for the motorcycle on all surfaces. 

"The main stand seen on our F900GS is invaluable for tasks such as oil changes. Various GIVI tank bags can be attached to the tank bag mounting. The licence plate bracket made of stainless steel is adjustable.

"The individual touch of our F900GS conversion is highlighted not only by the visual enhancements of the centre cap top yoke with emblem and the frame covers, but also by the tank pad made of 3M carbon film, which prevents unsightly scratches, and, of course, the custom film-coating.

MOTORCYCLE PARTS HORNIG 

www.motorcycleparts-hornig.com