This year saw the new pope, the American Leo XIV, presented with a specially modified R 18 Transcontinental by German manufacturer BMW. In 2012 the German Pope, Benedict XVI, had to settle for a couple of Harley-Davidson gas tanks to launch the MoCo's upcoming 110th anniversary. The idea was that he'd sign them, with Harley then putting them on a pair of bikes that it would auction off. Following Benedict's retirement, one of the bikes was subsequently presented to his successor Francis in 2013, so all the German Pope got from the American manufacturer in return for participating in a cheap and cheesy publicity stunt was diddly-squat.
Royal Enfield sold more than 100,000 bikes in September, shattering previous sales records. In total it sold 124,328 motorcycles in September 2025 alone. For context, that was up from 86,978 bikes in September 2024 - up by +43%. India accounted for 113,573 of those sales, compared to 79,325 in September 2024. Exports also increased dramatically, with 10,755 bikes shipped overseas versus 7,653 the year before.
Co-founded by Joe D'Ercole, Brisbane, Australia-based electric bike maker Benzina Zero (Italian for 'zero petrol') has appointed Spanish firm Torrot as its European distributor. For Torrot, CEO Mark Franklin says that "there is considerable synergy between our two companies and by combining the strengths of the two brands we aim to leverage the market power of our extensive dealer network;" www.benzinazero.com, www.torrot.com
The most successful team in World Supersport 300 history, MTM Kawasaki will step up to the new World Sportbike Championship in 2026, competing with the support of Kawasaki Motors Europe and the new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R 636. Loris Veneman will continue with the team and will be joined by former Moto2 and Moto3 rider Xavi Artigas.
EICMA saw newly independent MV Agusta showing a 5-cylinder engine concept. In-line triples have been an industry staple for nearly 100 years, but while the new "quadrato" may well be an "engineering masterpiece" (according to the Schiranna, Italy based manufacturer), but the distinctive 'cranktrain' layout, with a 3-cylinder front crankshaft and twin-cylinder rear crankshaft in a "U" configuration does take some getting used to. "Developed to redefine expectations across multiple segments - from Supersport to Naked and Touring - this new platform features a modular displacement range from 850 cc to 1150 cc. The platform is capable of delivering over 240 horsepower at more than 16,000 rpm and up to an astonishing 135 Nm of torque at 8,500 rpm." The outcome is claimed to be a narrower engine than an inline-four and shorter than a V4. MV Agusta is teasing that the engine will eventually be used "for a highly anticipated model that is currently no longer in the line-up".
EICMA 2025 debutants included the Lisbon based Portuguese FAMEL motorcycle brand, a once "legendary" manufacturer, making its European debut at the show. Led by Joel Sousa as CEO they showcased a final version of its European design and engineering developed 5.5 kW powered E-XF Café Racer and a preview of an upcoming electric scooter - showcasing its ambition to "lead the electric mobility." Originally founded in 1949, FAMEL became one of Portugal's most iconic motorcycle brands. Between the 50s and the 90s, FAMEL motorcycles were so popular in Portugal that their name became a cultural expression known to this day: "F***-se, A Mota É Linda", which translates to "F***, this bike is beautiful"! In the 90s, the company pioneered electric mobility with the FAMEL Electron; www.ride-famel.com
From 2026 GASGAS has pulled its factory team out of the World and Spanish Trial Championships. "This strategic shift will allow us to focus more closely on enhancing our industrial and commercial operations."
At the end of September 2025, Brembo officially announced that it has succeeded in developing a process that allows it to use 100 percent recycled aluminium in OEM brake callipers. This latest triumph of sustainable 'reduce, reuse, recycle' engineering won't be seen in aftermarket, race or OEM motorcycle products any time soon though - initially it is entirely aimed at automotive product.
Ducati is not going to be drawn into what it sees as a 'race to the bottom' as the industry falls over itself to offer smaller displacement models. Giulio Fabbri, Ducati's Head of Product Communications, told Motorcycle News that the company had made a decision many years ago not to build low-cost models, and that it sees no reason for it to change direction now, despite an increase in market demand.
Yamaha opened registration at the end of October 2025 for the 2026 YZ BLU CRU FIM Europe Cup. After a record-breaking 2025 edition featuring 818 riders from over 30 countries, those aiming for a place on the start gate at the 2026 YZ BLU CRU SuperFinale, held alongside the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in Ernee, France (2 to 4 October 2026). Registration closes on March 2nd, 2026.
The Economist reports that the International Monetary Fund forecasts that government debt across the world as on course to hit 100% of global gross domestic product (GDP) by 2029 - that will be the highest level since the aftermath of the second world war. That will be up from the 93% of global GDP estimated for 2024. Private debt (businesses and consumer) is even worse, totalling 143% of global GDP. This puts total global debt at $324tn, some 235% of global GDP as of May 2025 (a new record). The United States has the largest national debt at $36tn as of May 2025 - a debt to GDP ratio of 122% - followed by UK, France, Germany and Japan.
