Mark Lancaster

The newest force in WorldSBK racing, Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team (BbKRT), has just completed its first on-track test session since the Bimota machine was first unveiled to the public at Jerez on 21 October.

KTM’s finally unveiled its automatic transmission for 2025 – and it’s pleasingly different from the three other set ups we’ve seen this year already from Honda, BMW and Yamaha. KTM’s AMT takes a different route from those systems, opting to use a mechanical centrifugal clutch rather than a computer-controlled electronic clutch actuator unit. That simple set up takes care of pulling away and stopping, while a ‘normal’ quickshifter set up takes care of cutting drive when changing gear.

One for the gothic Ducatisti out there: a brace of new Scrambler 800 models to its line-up for 2025. The new Icon Black and Full Throttle models cater to a perhaps-niche sector: goths who like rorty, classy, novice-friendly V-twin roadsters, with both new models available in black only. The Full Throttle does add some classy bronze highlights to the finish, as well as a neat Termignoni end can, sump guard and an up/down quickshifter.

Kawasaki’s got a lot of previous with the 1100cc capacity: its GPz1100 in 1983 was arguably one of the first proper modern superbikes, with half-fairing, fuel injection and monoshock suspension. The ZZ-R1100 in 1990 was the fastest bike in the world for seven years, and it’s had various other ZRX, GPZ and Zephyr 1100s since. So, these two upgraded 1000s have some heritage behind them. The Versys 1000 adventure tourer and Ninja 1000 SX sporty tourer have been doing good work in recent years, offering strong grunty performance in usable practical packages, and for 2025 they get extra capacity for even more drive.

Experience the highly anticipated arrival of Can-Am’s revolutionary electric motorcycles as they make their UK debut at Motorcycle Live 2024, in hall 3 stand 3C10. Embracing user-centric design, the all-new Can-Am Pulse and Can-Am Origin promises a seamless blend of cutting-edge electric technology, connectivity, and exhilarating riding capabilities, catering to both new and seasoned riders and electric vehicle enthusiasts alike. They will be available in 11kW (A1 licence-friendly) & 35kW (A2 licence-friendly) models.

Honda specialises in making bikes that go much better than their spec sheet suggests. And that’s true for the 100bhp/238kg NT1100 sport tourer. Based on the Africa Twin engine and frame, it’s been a big hit in Europe and the UK since launch in 2022, selling more than 12,000 units so far. For 2025 it’s getting a moderately comprehensive update, with new more protective bodywork, extra midrange torque and optional semi-active suspension.

We knew this was coming – but it still hits hard. The first Yamaha R1 appeared just six years after our sister magazine Fast Bikes itself hit the streets – so in many ways, they grew up together. It was the original rulebook-rewriter; the superbike that toppled the mighty Honda FireBlade; the first of the modern breed of 999cc superbikes that led to the likes of the Suzuki GSX-R1000, Kawasaki ZX-10R and BMW S1000 RR.

LiveWire, a leader in electric motorcycles, and KYMCO, a globally recognized powersports company, are excited to announce the expansion of their strategic partnership, creating an electric maxi-scooter primarily intended for the European market. The two companies will leverage their strengths for this project and use LiveWire’s S2 powertrain.

Harley-Davidson will showcase its latest models, unique customised motorcycles and be joined by special guests at Motorcycle Live, taking place at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) from 16-24 November 2024. As the UK’s largest motorcycle show, this event offers H-D owners and motorcycle enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to immerse themselves in the iconic American brand’s motorcycles, products and renowned lifestyle.

Editor Bruce Wilson gets his head around (and in) the Aeron GP from Shark…