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 January 27th and February 2nd, 2025.
Motorcycles needed around the world
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (Honda) held a motorcycle business briefing on January 28, 2025, attended by Executive Officers Minoru Kato and Hiroki Mihara. Honda’s motorcycle business has been a core business since its founding, beginning with the “Dream D-Type” in 1949 and providing a wide variety of products around the world. Currently, the company has 37 production facilities in 23 countries and regions, with an annual production capacity of over 20 million units. Sales volume for fiscal year 2024 is expected to be approximately 20.2 million units, accounting for approximately 40% of the global market share, with 85% of that coming from the Asian market.
Demand is expected to expand in Southwest Asia, ASEAN, and Latin America, and the motorcycle market is expected to grow to 60 million units by 2030. To accommodate this growth, the company is promoting the introduction of highly competitive products and electrification, with the long-term goal of achieving a 50% global market share. In the Indian market in particular, the company has strengthened its diverse product lineup, including the ACTIVA scooter and the Shine light motorcycle, and is growing sales at a pace that is approaching the top share.
In the European market, Honda is working to improve the appeal of large FUN models such as the CB and Africa Twin, and is reviving historic brands such as the Hornet and Transalp. Honda is also developing an electrically supercharged V3 engine, which it plans to use in FUN models.
In terms of the environment, Honda is accelerating its electrification efforts with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality for all motorcycle products in the 2040s. By 2030, the company aims to launch 30 electric motorcycle models and achieve annual sales of 4 million units. In 2024, the company announced the “CUV e:” equipped with the replaceable battery “Honda Mobile Power Pack e:” and the “ICON e:” with a fixed battery in Indonesia, marking its full-scale entry into the electric motorcycle market.
Furthermore, in order to popularize electric motorcycles, Honda is taking comprehensive measures such as improving the charging and usage environment, reducing total cost of ownership, and promoting secondary use and recycling of batteries.In India, Honda has launched the battery sharing service “Honda e:Swap” to promote the use of electric motorcycles.
Honda is strengthening its global business operations, aiming for sustainable growth in its motorcycle business from both the perspectives of electrification and reducing environmental impact.
A naked monster boasting a maximum of 183 PS
Triumph has announced the new Speed Triple 1200RS. Its 1160cc triple-cylinder engine boasts an output of 183 PS and is equipped with Öhlins Smart EC3 semi-active suspension and Brembo calipers. The suspension damping characteristics can be adjusted to suit the rider, and new functions have been added, including front lift, engine braking, and brake slide assist. The design is aggressive with sharp angles, and the lightweight 199 kg body enhances its sportiness. It comes in three colors, with prices starting from 2,225,000 yen (tax included). Sales are scheduled to begin in April 2025.
Pioneer’s motorcycle navigation app now supports Smart Monitor
Pioneer Corporation has updated its motorcycle navigation app, “MOTTO GO,” to be compatible with “Apple CarPlay” and “Android Auto™.” This allows display and operation on a smart monitor, allowing riders to enjoy comfortable touring without worrying about their smartphones falling or getting wet. “MOTTO GO” provides navigation optimized for motorcycles, featuring easy-to-understand voice guidance and a simple, easy-to-read screen display.
From 2025, together with Castrol
Honda has announced that it will compete in the 2025 MotoGP season under a new team name, Honda HRC Castrol. The partnership with Castrol was announced at an event held in Jakarta, Indonesia, and the team will compete with two riders, Joan Mir and Luca Marini. The new livery will feature Honda’s tricolor design, and the team will undergo pre-season testing at the Sepang International Circuit before preparing for the opening round in Thailand. The team will work with both riders to improve the performance of the machine.
Let’s go around Lake Biwa again in 2025!
Gotochi Touring Co., Ltd. will hold “CBTR2025,” a tourist touring rally around Lake Biwa by motorcycle, in the fall of 2025. Participants will collect digital stamps, and once they have collected all the stamps, they will be issued a certificate for completing the entire rally around Lake Biwa. Entries are scheduled to open on May 14th, with the rally scheduled to run from September 20th to November 24th. In addition, a portion of the proceeds from merchandise sales will be donated to improving the water quality of Lake Biwa.
Musashi enters Ethiopia with electric bikes
Musashi Seimitsu Industry has been selected for the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s “Global South Future-Oriented Co-Creation Project Subsidy” and will begin a demonstration project to promote the spread of electric motorcycles in Ethiopia. In collaboration with local EV startup Dodai Group, Inc., the company aims to build an ecosystem in the capital, Addis Ababa, that includes electric motorcycles, battery swap stations, and digital services. This will reduce CO2 emissions, improve driver convenience and safety, and promote the spread of electric motorcycles.
Yokoyama Haruki appointed as ambassador
Custom Japan Co., Ltd. has announced that it has welcomed Hiroaki Arai, a former All Japan Motocross Championship athlete, as its new ambassador and is further strengthening its sponsorship with Haruki Yokoyama. Arai runs 331WorkOut Motocross and will contribute his experience as a rider to Custom Japan’s product development. The company will also actively support Japan’s motorsports industry through sponsorship of MFJ, JEC, and JNCC.
Kawasaki Z900RS is the top resale bike in 2024
Bike Future Research Institute has announced its 51st Resale Price Ranking, covering the period from September to November 2024. This time, Kawasaki’s Z900RS SE took the top spot for the first time, with Honda’s X-ADV coming in a close second. The top five models in the ranking all received over 100 points, indicating a booming used motorcycle market.
An elaborately reproduced Hunter Cub keychain
FAITH has begun pre-orders for a limited edition of 1,000 keychains that are an intricate reproduction of Honda’s Super Cub C125. The luxurious design features a silver-plated finish and a plate engraved with the model number “C125.” The back of the Honda wing logo is engraved with the words “Live to Ride.”, giving it a playful yet luxurious feel. Each keychain is engraved with a serial number and comes in a box, making it ideal for gifting.
Enfield custom bike wins triple crown
Royal Enfield unveiled the custom bike “SAMURAI” created by SURESHOT for the first time in the world at the Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show on December 1, 2024, where it won three awards: “Best Motorcycle European,” “Michael Lichter’s Pick,” and “Wheels and Waves’ Pick, France.” Based on the “SHOTGUN 650,” the “SAMURAI” features a handmade frame, aluminum swingarm, and a special 865cc engine, and is characterized by a design that combines tradition with cutting-edge performance.
Kawasaki Plaza Racing announces its 2025 lineup
Kawasaki Motors Japan has announced the structure of the Kawasaki Plaza Racing Team for the 2025 season. Nishijima Osamu will serve as team manager, with riders Iwato Ryosuke and Miei Gun. The team will compete in the Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race SST Class and the All Japan Road Race Championship ST1000 Class. The team will use a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R. The team aims to share the excitement and joy of motorsports with Kawasaki Plaza stores and fans nationwide.
