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Within the dynamic world of motorcycles, a constant undercurrent of rumors flows. Some fade into obscurity, while others materialize into reality. Consider the persistent speculations about Marc Marquez’s potential departure from Honda or Ducati’s covert development of a motocross bike, coupled with the acquisition of Tony Cairoli’s talents behind closed doors.

One intriguing rumor that has kept motorcycle enthusiasts on the edge of their seats revolves around KTM’s steady acquisition of MV Agusta. In 2022, KTM secured a 25.1 percent stake in MV Agusta, sparking curiosity about their ultimate intentions. Given KTM’s history of taking over brands like Husqvarna and GasGas, it’s only natural to wonder: Is MV Agusta next in line for a KTM makeover?

The industry has witnessed a whirlwind of conjecture, with Stefan Pierer, head of Pierer Mobility and KTM, and board member Hubert Trunkenpolz sharing glimpses of their company’s future, which seemed to include a complete takeover of MV Agusta. On the other side of the debate, MV Agusta’s CEO, Timur Sardarov, vehemently denied any prospects of KTM gaining control of his company.

On October 24, 2023, Pierer Mobility made a pivotal announcement titled “Deepening the cooperation with MV Agusta.”

The statement is succinct and to the point, with a subject line that reads, “KTM AG and MV Agusta agree call option on majority stake.”

The subsequent paragraph summarizes the business relationship between KTM and MV Agusta thus far, outlining KTM’s initial acquisition of a 25.1 percent stake, its oversight of MV’s supply chain and purchasing, and its distribution of the Varese brand through Pierer Mobility’s extensive global network.

Then comes the long-anticipated revelation: “The call option granted to KTM AG on the basis of the annual financial statements as of December 31, 2025, to acquire a majority stake in MV Agusta will be exercised in spring 2026.”

For those less versed in financial jargon, Britannica Money offers a clear definition of a call option:

“Seeking to capitalize on a stock’s potential gains with reduced upfront investment and limited downside risk? Consider buying a call option contract,” it suggests.

Britannica explains that a call option provides the buyer with the right, though not the obligation, to purchase shares of the underlying stock at a predetermined price (referred to as the strike price or exercise price) by a specified date (the expiration date).

In essence, Pierer Mobility’s statement affirms that KTM will secure a majority stake in MV Agusta come spring 2026. While more details of the deal are expected to emerge in the coming months, the lingering uncertainty surrounding this acquisition has finally been laid to rest.

Source: Ride Apart

Suzuki has been a vocal advocate of green and sustainable transportation for well over a decade. In 2023, at the Japan Mobility Show (formerly known as the Tokyo Motor Show), the company is all set to introduce its latest innovation in the form of the hydrogen-powered Suzuki Burgman.

The Burgman 400 scooter has been a familiar name among Suzuki enthusiasts, especially those interested in eco-friendly mobility solutions. Suzuki has been showcasing various iterations of hydrogen-powered Burgman scooters since 2010. However, what truly sets this latest innovation apart is the unique way in which hydrogen is harnessed for power. In contrast to Suzuki’s previous hydrogen scooters, which relied on hydrogen fuel cells to drive electric motors, this new prototype adopts a groundbreaking approach by burning hydrogen in a modified version of the existing Burgman 400’s single-cylinder internal combustion engine.

Suzuki’s venture into hydrogen fuel cell technology began as far back as 2007 when they unveiled the Crosscage concept bike. Around the same time, Suzuki forged a partnership with Intelligent Energy, a British company renowned for its fuel cell system expertise, which became the foundation for all subsequent prototypes. The allure of fuel cells lies in their ability to combine the environmental benefits of electric power with the convenience of rapid hydrogen tank refueling, eliminating the need for long and often inconvenient battery recharging.

In a significant development earlier this year, Suzuki joined the HySE collaboration, alongside industry giants like Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki. Their collective mission is to pioneer hydrogen-fueled combustion engines for small vehicles, including motorcycles. Suzuki’s specific role within this consortium is to focus on the “Element study on functionality, performance, and reliability of hydrogen-powered engines.” This strategic involvement is precisely where the new Suzuki Burgman prototype enters the spotlight.

The prototype is built around the dependable Burgman 400 scooter platform, but substantial modifications have been made to the engine to enable it to run on hydrogen instead of traditional gasoline. While the intricate details of these modifications are yet to be fully disclosed, it is expected that these changes will include advancements like direct fuel injection. The hydrogen is stored under high pressure, at around 700 bar (equivalent to approximately 10,000 psi), in a tank conveniently located between the rider’s feet. This tank can be effortlessly refueled through a socket thoughtfully positioned just below the right-hand side of the seat.

Accommodating this high-pressure hydrogen tank required design adjustments. Specifically, the swingarm and engine, which form a single unit, have been shifted backward by about 8 inches. This adaptation results in an unusually extended wheelbase for the prototype. However, a positive aspect is that this design alteration does not come at the cost of sacrificing the scooter’s underseat storage space, as was the case with earlier fuel-cell prototypes.

While Suzuki has unveiled the Burgman prototype, the production version is expected to take some time before an official debut is scheduled. The spotlight on the Suzuki Burgman at the Japan Mobility Show is a testament to Suzuki’s dedication to pioneering innovative and sustainable mobility solutions, with a keen focus on hydrogen-powered technology in the Burgman scooter lineup.

In a thrilling announcement, Kawasaki is commemorating the 40th anniversary of its iconic Ninja range by introducing a lineup of special edition motorcycles. These exclusive bikes come with retro-inspired paint schemes and a range of unique features that are set to captivate motorcycle enthusiasts and collectors alike.

This landmark celebration extends beyond just the Kawasaki ZX-10R; it reaches out to other remarkable models within the Ninja family, including the Kawasaki ZX-4RR and Kawasaki ZX-6R. Notably, the ZX-4RR made its initial appearance in its standard configuration earlier this year, making its 40th-anniversary edition even more anticipated.

The grand reveal of these motorcycles is scheduled for later this year at the EICMA show in Milan. At this event, they will make a bold statement with their ’90s-inspired green, white, and blue paint schemes. These colors, reminiscent of Kawasaki’s iconic livery from the 1990s, have enjoyed a triumphant resurgence in recent years. The factory Kawasaki team in WorldSBK showcased them at the 2022 Argentinian round, and the official Kawasaki UK team in British Superbikes, FS-3, has consistently adorned their bikes with these iconic colors for the past two seasons.

The resurrection of this classic paint scheme infuses the motorcycles with a powerful sense of nostalgia, paying homage to Kawasaki’s storied racing heritage. To further underline the significance of the 40th anniversary, each of these bikes proudly displays special badging on their fuel tanks. While the livery is tweaked slightly to match the distinctive bodywork of each model, it is a testament to the meticulous design and attention to detail.

In addition to the 40th-anniversary models, these special edition motorcycles will be introduced alongside the existing 2024 color options for the ZX-10R, ZX-6R, and ZX-4RR, providing enthusiasts with an exciting array of choices. The pricing of these exclusive 40th-anniversary versions is positioned to make them an irresistible option for avid fans of the Kawasaki Ninja series.

Kawasaki has once again raised the bar in the world of motorcycling, and these anniversary editions are sure to create waves in the industry, cementing the brand’s legacy for another 40 years and beyond. However, it is not yet know which markets these models will be offered in.

The latest addition to Triumph’s lineup, the Stealth Edition motorcycles, introduces a captivating, darker aesthetic to the renowned British brand.

These Stealth Edition bikes, totaling eight in number and are of Bonneville derivatives, step in as successors to the previous year’s Chrome Collection, which had itself replaced the 2021 Gold Line models.

This exclusive collection comprises the following Triumph Bonneville derivatives: the Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster (red), Triumph Bonneville Bobber (purple), Triumph Bonneville T100 (blue), Triumph Bonneville T120 (blue), Triumph Bonneville T120 Black (black), Triumph Speed Twin 1200 (red), Triumph Speed Twin 900 (green), and Triumph Scrambler 900 (orange).

Each of these motorcycles in the collection boasts a unique color scheme, with the hue elegantly adorning the fuel tank and gradually transitioning to a stylish graphite black towards the front of the tank.

It’s important to note that none of these bikes receive any performance enhancements or technical alterations. The Stealth Edition bikes are primarily a visual transformation compared to their standard counterparts.

Triumph has underlined that the Stealth Edition bikes are hand-painted in a custom style and, similar to the previous Chrome Collection and Gold Line, will only be available for a limited duration of one year. Enthusiasts can already place orders for these models at Triumph dealers, and these bikes are expected to be available in dealerships from February 2024.

The Yamaha XSR900 GP is a nod to the golden era of 1980s GP racing, embracing a pure nostalgia for those times.

During that iconic period, the Marlboro paint scheme was synonymous with racing, particularly with the McLaren Formula 1 team. Yamaha also left its mark in the vibrant red and white Marlboro colors, most notably with Wayne Rainey. Eddie Lawson also celebrated three titles in the distinctive red and white Marlboro Yamaha livery. Loris Capirossi, while primarily associated with Ducati in Marlboro colors from 2003 to 2007, had his initial 500cc GP win in 1995 under the Marlboro Yamaha banner.

The allure of the Marlboro’s red-and-white is undeniable, and it’s the first thing that catches the eye with the new Yamaha XSR900 GP. This model proudly features the iconic red-and-white pattern, albeit without the cigarette brand’s logos.

The roots of the standard XSR900 trace back to Yamaha’s 1980s Grand Prix motorcycles. The renowned Deltabox frame, first introduced on the 1982 Yamaha YZR500 0W61, was developed in the 500cc World Championship.

The XSR900 GP, taking inspiration from 1980s Grand Prix machines, introduces a new square front cowl, which also shapes the headlight with a square design. Besides the aesthetic appeal, Yamaha claims that this design enhances aerodynamics. The attachment of the cowl is reminiscent of the ’80s era, with a tubular structure connecting it to the frame. The dashboard is supported by straight brackets.

Yamaha has gone even further by using a nut structure identical to the one used on the original TZ250 production racer to support the upper fairing. This nut structure is secured with a beta pin, a first for a Yamaha production bike meant for the road.

Other notable features of the new XSR900 GP include clip-on bars, a third-generation quickshifter, a more forward riding position, chassis adjustments through an aluminum steering stem shaft to accommodate the new riding position, Spinforged wheels, Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires, fully adjustable KYB front suspension, a KYB rear shock with remote tuning, and a Brembo radial front master cylinder.

For enhanced control and customization, Yamaha offers the Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) system, allowing riders to fine-tune the bike’s characteristics, including engine power and electronic intervention. YRC offers preset modes like ‘Sport,’ ‘Street,’ and ‘Rain,’ which can be selected and managed through a user-friendly five-inch TFT display, as well as two custom modes that riders can tailor to their preferences. Navigating the display is made simpler with new switchgear, and the electronic aids benefit from Yamaha’s six-axis IMU.

Additionally, the XSR900 GP incorporates an Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) function that detects abrupt braking, automatically engaging hazard lights to alert following vehicles to the rider’s heavy braking.

While UK pricing and availability details for the XSR900 GP are yet to be announced, it will be available in the legendary ‘Legend Red’ and ‘Power Grey’ colors reminiscent of the Marlboro style.

Several reports have emerged online about BMW supposedly working on a smaller sibling to the R18 cruiser. 

The latest rumours include images that were supposedly taken in Australia of the smaller cruiser going through homologation tests. 

Dubbed the R12 by the world’s press (but not by BMW), the smaller cruiser has apparently retained the overall shape of the R18 including the headlight, the wide handlebars and the front. 

Credible sources are mentioning that the R12 will weigh in at about 229kg, and will have a 19-inch front and a 16-inch rear wheel. This puts it squarely in the same league as some Harley-Davidsons, namely the Nighster, the Street Bob and the Softail. 

As for power, the word is that the R12 will use the same 1170cc boxer engine that powers the R12 NineT Scrambler. Power from that engine is rated at 95bhp and 110Nm of torque. 

If the engine proves to be right, then you can expect the brakes to be largely similar as well. According to German publications, the R12 will use twin front discs with ABS. 

BMW has yet to mention anything about the R12 or acknowledge its existence, but hey, you know what they say, where there is smoke, there is fire. 

Lets hope its more comfortable to ride than the R18.

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