A record 127,000 riders participated in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride (DGR) this year, raising $7.6m USD for men's health. The top three fundraisers each received a brand-new Triumph Modern Classic motorcycle. Officially the world's largest charity event for classic and vintage motorcycle enthusiasts, 1,038 rides took place in 108 countries simultaneously on Sunday 18 May 2025. The overall winner, who is rewarded with a Bonneville Scrambler 1200 Icon Edition, was Canadian Joseph Mancinelli. He raised $62,625 this year riding in Hamilton, Ontario, bringing his total raised since his first ride in 2017 to an incredible $550k. Also winning their choice of a Triumph Modern Classic motorcycle, were Andrew Cook from Idaho, US, who raised $56,640, and Nick Politis from Florida, US, who raised $46,999. The 2026 Ride is slated for May 17; www.gentlemansride.com
Energica in Italy looks to be on the comeback trail after its bankruptcy and subsequent liquidation. Global Sales Director Stefano Benatti has announced the completion of a sale to a Singapore based group of investors. Founded at Modena in 2014, he says that the new iteration of the company will continue with a new financial base and the same development team; www.energicamotor.com
Finnish electric motorcycle manufacturer Verge is to offer its rim mounted motor drive concept to other manufacturers. The company has created a division called Verge Next for this and other components that it thinks can be propagated across the electric PTW ecosystem. The motor is mounted firmly on the rear frame, around which the spokeless (and therefore hubless) rear wheel rotates - as if on rails. The concept was developed by partner company Donut Lab, and the motor is available in various sizes; www.vergemoptorcycles.com
Six-time World Champion Jonathan Rea is to retire from full time racing when hi present contract with Yamaha Motor Europe expires at the end of the 2025 season. Having made his debut in the Superbike class as a wildcard in 2008, the Northern Irishman has lined up for an astonishing 459 races over his 17 years racing at the highest level. His 119 victories, 264 podium places, 44 pole positions, 104 fastest laps are highlighted by his six consecutive WorldSBK championship between 2015 and 2019 - making him the most successful rider in WorldSBK history.
The UK's oldest motorcycle shop has closed after 125 years. Lloyd Cooper of Watford, England was still located at the same premises where it was founded by Richard Cooper in 1900. The shop has only had four owners in its history, and if you don't count the founder they had all been employees of some kind at some stage. Most recently the dealership had been a Motorcycles Direct branch and featured one of Kawasaki's largest UK showrooms.
Norton has filed a pair of Trademarks in India - for the Electra and Combat names. Owner TVS has made no secret of its Norton ambitions for its home market and rather than limiting its aims to scooters, electrics or the range of upcoming smaller displacement bikes, or even trying to recreate the brand's 'big bike' reputation there, the trademark filing points to highway capable machines that can exceed 64 mph (103 kph). This makes it look like these will be a new 450 cc platform that shares its engine with the BMW F 450 GS single.
Invented in 2019 by Moses Shahrivar, Sweden's Mo'cycle offers unique wearable airbag tech. In addition to inflatables to protect the rider's torso, the multi award-winning EU approved brand also offers what are described as "the world's first and safest motorcycle airbag jeans." A 'modular solution' the jeans and jackets can be bought complete, or the inflatables can be bought as a stand-alone product for use with any riding jeans; www.mocycle.com
