Bikes Weekly News Digest is a feature that brings you all the hot topics announced in the previous week. This time, we will be introducing the news announced between February 24th and March 2nd, 2025.
The top results were split evenly between those under 50 and those over 60.
NEXER, in collaboration with Shizuoka’s Driving School Camp, conducted a nationwide survey of 1,000 men and women asking, “Which celebrities do you think look good on a motorcycle?” The survey period was from February 7th to February 17th, 2025, and the results were divided into two age groups: those in their 50s and under and those in their 60s and over.
In the ranking for those in their 50s and under, Nagase Tomoya (65 votes) came in first, Tokoro George (55 votes) in second, and Tachi Hiroshi (53 votes) in third. Nagase Tomoya is an avowed motorcycle enthusiast, and his wild image has garnered him support. Tokoro George is known as a motorcycle enthusiast who lives in his own garage, “Setagaya Base,” and has been praised for his unpretentious lifestyle. Tachi Hiroshi’s memorable motorcycle scenes in the TV dramas “Seibu Keisatsu” and “Abunai Deka” have earned him a strong dandy image.
In the ranking for those aged 60 and over, Tachi Hiroshi (100 votes) came in first, followed by Iwaki Koichi (79 votes) and Tokoro George (54 votes). Tachi Hiroshi has embodied the “dandyism” of living with motorcycles for many years, making him an idol across generations. Iwaki Koichi is known as one of the biggest motorcycle enthusiasts in the entertainment industry, and is such a serious enthusiast that he even participates in races. Tokoro George has garnered a lot of support for his free-spirited lifestyle and deep love for motorcycles.
The survey results revealed that celebrities who look good on motorcycles are actually motorcycle enthusiasts, and that their lifestyle and image are popular across generations.
New Scrambler “Bear 650” to be unveiled in Japan at the Osaka Motorcycle Show
Royal Enfield announced the introduction of the new Scrambler, the Bear 650, to the Japanese market. Inspired by Eddie Mulder’s victory at the 1960 Big Bear Run, this model is based on the INT 650. It features a 650cc parallel-twin engine producing 47 bhp at 7,250 rpm and 56.5 Nm of torque at 5,150 rpm. It features a 2-into-1 exhaust system, high ground clearance, and a retro design. It will be available in five colors: Boardwalk White, Petrol Green, Wild Honey, Golden Shadow, and Two for Nine. Prices start at 990,000 yen (tax included) and will be available at authorized dealers nationwide from April 2025. It will also make its Japanese debut at the Osaka Motorcycle Show, which will be held from March 15th to 17th.
A new model of the neo-retro transverse V-twin
Piaggio Group Japan will begin accepting orders for the new Moto Guzzi V7 STONE, V7 SPECIAL, and V7 SPORT models on February 26, 2025, with shipments beginning in August. The new V7 series is equipped with an 850cc air-cooled V-twin engine that complies with Euro 5+ regulations, delivering a maximum output of 67.3 horsepower and a maximum torque of 79 Nm. The ride-by-wire system provides a full range of electronic controls, including riding modes and cruise control. The V7 SPORT, in particular, features an inverted fork, double disc brakes, and a 6-axis inertia platform, providing sporty riding performance. Prices are 1,452,000 yen for the V7 STONE, 1,518,000 yen for the V7 SPECIAL, and 1,595,000 yen for the V7 SPORT (all prices include tax).
Pokémon recreated on a motorcycle
Honda has launched the “Honda Corydon Project,” under the supervision of The Pokémon Company, to create a futuristic mobility vehicle, “Honda Corydon,” modeled after the Corydon from the video game “Pokémon Scarlet.” Inspired by the “Toyota Miraydon” created by the Toyota Engineering Society, this project aims to create a Corydon that is truly Honda-like. Approximately 40 volunteers have come together to utilize technologies from the company’s motorcycle business and Advanced Technology Research Center to recreate the Corydon from the game as a real-life mobility vehicle. The “Honda Corydon” will be exhibited at the Honda Welcome Plaza Aoyama in Aoyama, Tokyo, from March 7 to 9, 2025. Honda’s balance control technology will be used in future development to enable the vehicle to walk on all fours and operate autonomously on two wheels.
Introducing a brand of equipment currently being developed in Europe and Asia
FURCHTLOS, a motorcycle box and bag brand with a presence in Europe and Asia, began selling in the Japanese market in February 2025. The brand offers top cases and side bags made from high-quality aluminum alloy, offering excellent durability and waterproof performance. They also feature a universal mounting system that is compatible with many motorcycle models, making them easy to install. The brand plans to have a booth at the Osaka, Tokyo, and Nagoya Motorcycle Shows, which will be held from March to April, and their products will also be available for purchase through their online shop.
Official Honda Dax jumpsuit now available
Yamamoto Clothing, in collaboration with Honda Motorcycle Japan Co., Ltd., will release the new apparel “STAR OVERALL DAX125” on February 28th. These overalls feature the Honda “DAX125” logo and emblem as patches on the “STAR OVERALL,” a design that Yamamoto Clothing revived for the first time in nearly 100 years. Crafted from 13-ounce rigid denim, the overalls feature the DAX125 logo and emblem patch on the front chest. The back pocket features an embroidered wing mark on the left side and a “STAR OVERALL” paper patch sewn onto the right side. Additionally, the pocket lining features five Enshu textile patterns, and the inner lower leg area is made of flame-retardant, heat-resistant Teijinconex® fabric. The overalls are priced at ¥39,600 (tax included) and can be purchased at authorized Honda motorcycle dealers nationwide and on the HondaGO BIKE GEAR online store.
Used Rebel 250s are also popular
Bike Future Research Institute, operated by Bike King & Company, Inc., compiled the number of used motorcycles of 126cc or larger sold at Bike King stores nationwide in 2024 and announced the top 20. The Honda Rebel 250 took first place, followed by the Rebel 250 S Edition in second place, highlighting the popularity of the series. The CB400 Super Four (NC42) came in third. Sports models from each manufacturer also made it into the top rankings, with Kawasaki’s Ninja 400 (EX400G) coming in fifth and Yamaha’s YZF-R25 (RG43J) coming in seventh. These results suggest that the ease of handling and economy of the light motorcycle class are gaining popularity among a wide range of riders.
Newcomers to the 6-inch monitor
Mousheng has developed the AIO-6, a 6-inch smart display specifically for motorcycles, and will begin pre-sales on the crowdfunding site Makuake from the end of March 2025. This product is the first in the industry to feature 4G communication functionality, and is compatible with GPS location tracking, remote monitoring, driving records, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. With a high-brightness display and intuitive operability, it pursues safety and convenience. The pre-sale will be offered at a special early bird price, with up to 30% off the regular price, and newsletter subscribers will also have the chance to win special prizes such as optional tire pressure sensors, dedicated remote controls, and Amazon gift certificates. Further details can be found on the company’s official website.
A miniature version of the Taira model helmet appears
Tairra Racing Co., Ltd. will release a miniature helmet that is an elaborate reproduction of Arai Helmet’s top-of-the-line model, the RX-7X, at the end of June 2025. It is an homage to all six replica helmets worn by Tadahiko Taira, a legendary racer active in the 1980s, and features a movable visor. There are two types: a capsule edition (500 yen) and a trading box edition (770 yen), and they will be sold at capsule toy sections and toy shops nationwide.
Entry model for Glafit’s specific moped
Glafit will release a new electric bicycle, the NFR-01Lite, on March 1, 2025. This model is the entry-level version of the NFR-01Pro, which received over 100 million yen in crowdfunding support, and is priced at 187,000 yen (tax included). Advance reservations will begin on March 3rd at 12 noon on the official online store, with early reservations eligible for a discount of up to 25%. Reservations will also be accepted at retailers from March 1st, with those who make a reservation receiving a cashback of 10,000 yen in Amazon gift certificates. Test ride events are also planned to be held in various locations, and details can be found on the official website.
Blaze launches new life support campaign
Blaze will be running a “New Life Support Campaign” for electric motorcycles and electric kick scooters from March 1 to April 30, 2025. Customers who purchase eligible products will receive a “Beginner’s Set” that includes a helmet and an electric air pump. Eligible products include the foldable “Smart EV,” the “EV Scooter” that can be ridden both standing and sitting, the license-free “Kick Scooter EV Light Model” and “Kick Scooter EV Basic Model,” and the new “Smart EV Specified Moped Model.” The campaign will be held at Blaze’s official e-commerce shop, authorized dealers, and mass retailers nationwide.
Up to 60% off on selected ENNE mopeds
ENNE will be holding a major spring sale on its electric motorcycle, the ENNE T350Pro, from March 1st to 31st, 2025. During this sale, the bike will be available at a discount of approximately 60%. With ample inventory and ready for same-day shipping, the ENNE T350Pro surpasses the limits of battery power and features a patented mechanism that generates electricity as the rider pedals, extending its range. The 2025 model features a new USB port below the meter, allowing for smartphone charging. Additionally, ENNE has begun taking orders for the special edition ENNE T600 GR, which features a 600W motor. As part of this campaign, the first 2,000 bikes will receive a free, highly practical front basket. For more details, please visit the ENNE official website.
Kawasaki uses the circuit to support beginners
Kawasaki Motors Japan will hold “KAZE Let’s Ride On-Road” at Kobe Sports Circuit on Saturday, March 15, 2025. This event is aimed at beginners and those with no prior circuit riding experience, and aims to support their first steps in circuit riding through riding lessons and trial rides. Three classes are available: “Lesson Class A,” which requires a racing suit; “Lesson Class B,” which does not; and the “Ladies’ Lesson Class,” which is for women only. The participation fee is 19,800 yen for KAZE members and 29,700 yen for non-members (both prices include tax and lunch). The entry period is from February 25 to March 10.
Kawasaki Plaza Tokyo Suginami opens
Kawasaki Motors Japan opened Kawasaki Plaza Tokyo Suginami in Miyamae, Suginami Ward, Tokyo on February 22, 2025. The store is located along Inokashira Street, about a 10-minute drive from Kichijoji Station, and is a new store that relocated from the previous Kawasaki Plaza Kichijoji. The store is bright, with motorcycles and Plaza apparel displayed in a spacious area, and also features a community space. Business hours are from 10:00 to 18:00, and the store is closed every Tuesday and Wednesday (except the last Wednesday of the month).
Kawasaki Plaza Okayama opens
Kawasaki Motors Japan reopened the newly renovated Kawasaki Plaza Okayama in Ifuku-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama City on February 20, 2025. Conveniently located a 12-minute walk from JR Okayama Station, the store’s bright interior features wood-grain floors and white ceilings. Motorcycles and plaza apparel are displayed in a spacious area, and the store also features a community space. Opening hours are from 10:00 to 19:00, and the store is closed every Wednesday, the first and third Tuesdays of each month, and on special holidays. The phone number is 086-214-6600. For more information, please refer to the official website.
Kawasaki Plaza Morioka opens
Kawasaki Motors Japan Co., Ltd. reopened the newly renovated Kawasaki Plaza Morioka in Takizawa City, Iwate Prefecture, on February 26, 2025. The store is conveniently located along National Route 46, approximately 1 kilometer from the Morioka Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway, and has on-site parking for four-wheel vehicles. The store’s bright interior features wood-grain floors and a white ceiling, and motorcycles and Plaza apparel are displayed in a spacious area. There is also a community space where riders can gather. Business hours are from 10:00 to 18:00, and the store is closed every Wednesday and the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, with occasional temporary closings. The phone number is 019-601-3456.
Five rental 819 stores open
Kizuki Rental Service Co., Ltd. will open five new stores for its nationwide motorcycle rental service, “Rental 819,” in March 2025. “Rental 819 Nagano Ekimae” in Nagano City will open on March 1st, “Rental 819 Nishinomiya” in Nishinomiya City and “Rental 819H-D Suma” in Kobe City on March 7th, “Rental 819 Kichijoji” in Musashino City on March 10th, and “Rental 819 Hachioji Ekimae” in Hachioji City on March 22nd. These new stores are expected to be used by many riders in preparation for the spring touring season.
JAF Kansai Headquarters exhibits at the Osaka Motorcycle Show
JAF Kansai Headquarters will be exhibiting a booth at the 41st Osaka Motorcycle Show 2025, which will be held at Intex Osaka from March 21st to 23rd, 2025. At the booth, they will be screening a video introducing motorcycle roadside assistance services and recruiting supporters for the “Omoshitari Drive” initiative. In addition, JAF members will be presented with a coupon from the JAF app to receive original goods. Please note that an admission ticket to the Osaka Motorcycle Show is required to visit the JAF booth.
Big Harley event in Kitakyushu
ADVERTISEMENT
Harley-Davidson Japan will be holding “BLUE SKY MEETING™ Kitakyushu” in collaboration with Kitakyushu City at Katsuyama Park on Saturday, April 19th. This free admission event will feature motorcycle exhibits, test rides, apparel sales, and food trucks selling local cuisine. Popular bands will perform on the live stage, and there will also be a wide range of programs for children. The first 2,000 people will receive Harley-Davidson merchandise. It is designed to be enjoyed not only by Harley fans, but also by families.
Carbon-neutral paint line now operational at Yamaha
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (Yamaha Motor) announced the launch of the motorcycle industry’s first carbon-neutral mass-production paint line, “CN1,” at its headquarters factory on February 20, 2025. This new line converts all processes, including pre-treatment, painting, baking, and drying, which previously relied on fossil fuels, to electricity. The all-electric system was achieved through the adoption of low-temperature paint jointly developed with a paint manufacturer, a compact facility design, and new insulation and air recycling technologies. This enables color expression that was difficult on previous lines, contributing to enhanced product appeal. Furthermore, the new line is expected to have a wide range of benefits, including shortened manufacturing lead times through simplified pre-production processes, flexible response to high-mix, low-volume production, ensured traceability for each part, and improved work environments for a more comfortable workplace. Based on the “Yamaha Motor Group Environmental Plan 2050,” the company aims to achieve carbon neutrality throughout its entire supply chain, including its business activities, by 2050. The introduction of this new paint line is part of that goal.
Stanley Electric supports HRC in MotoGP
Stanley Electric Co., Ltd. has announced that it will become an official sponsor of Honda HRC Castrol, a MotoGP team operated by Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), for the 2025 season. This marks the company’s first sponsorship of a MotoGP team, and its logo will be displayed on the RC213V machine and in the team garage. HRC’s philosophy and Stanley Electric’s corporate stance resonate with each other, leading to the decision to support the team. The 2025 season will begin on February 28th in Buriram Province, Thailand.
Trunk Days opens three stores, including one for motorcycles
Icom opened three new stores for its storage brand “Trunk Days” in February. The outdoor “Trunk Days Higashikoshigaya” (3-8-6 Higashikoshigaya, Koshigaya City, Saitama Prefecture) opened on February 11th, and “Trunk Days Sakado Motomachi” (7-10 Motomachi, Sakado City, Saitama Prefecture) opened on February 14th. In addition, the private motorcycle garage “Trunk Days Bike Omiya Park” (213 Bonsaicho, Kita Ward, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture) opened on February 10th. The company operates over 5,000 container boxes and storage rooms in 167 locations, mainly in Saitama Prefecture.
Leather jacket and supplements
Kyushu Wholesale has revamped its leather product maintenance product, “Leather Supplement,” and will begin selling it on March 3, 2025. The product’s ingredients are patented and improve the leather’s texture, color, and feel. Carefully selected natural ingredients penetrate the surface and interior of the leather, maintaining its flexibility and suppleness. It is also compatible with a variety of leather materials, including topcoat, brushed leather, and reptile leather, and can also be used on plastic and rubber products such as car dashboards and tires. It has become a hot topic among professional baseball players, and the company is planning to expand into the motorcycle and various sports industries in the future.
