This year’s show wasn't just about new models; it was a crystal ball revealing the industry's converging paths. We saw a breathtaking arms race in superbike technology, a pragmatic pivot in the electric space, and a heartwarming celebration of motorcycling’s past—all while a cloud of uncertainty hung over which of these marvels would ever reach certain shores.
Let's dive into the main highlights that defined EICMA 2025.
The Superbike Arms Race Gets Smarter, Not Just Stronger
The quest for horsepower has evolved. Simply having the most power is no longer the sole objective; the new battle is about harnessing it with intelligence. Two bikes at opposite ends of the brand spectrum perfectly illustrated this.
CFMOTO V4 SR-RR: The Prototype Prodigy
CFMOTO is no longer knocking on the door of the superbike elite; it's trying to kick it down. The V4 SR-RR is a rolling declaration of intent. While its 210 horsepower and svelte 200 kg curb weight are figures that command respect, the true genius lies in its active aerodynamics.
Those aren't just static wings for show; they're an electronic ballet of carbon fiber. Imagine slicing through the air on the Mugello straight with the wings tucked in for minimal drag, only to have them snap upright as you slam the brakes for San Donato, acting as an air brake to stabilize the chassis. This is the kind of track-focused ingenuity we once expected only from MotoGP-derived machines. The SR-RR is a potent symbol that the Chinese-owned brand is thinking several moves ahead, even if it remains, for now, a thrilling prototype.
Norton Manx R: The Phoenix Rises, Lavishly
The return of Norton Motorcycles was one of the show's most emotional narratives. Emerging from years of turmoil under the stewardship of India’s TVS, the new flagship Manx R is a statement of resurrection and ambition. Its 1,200cc, 206-horsepower V-four engine is a masterpiece, but Norton understands that a modern hyper-sport bike must be a technological sanctuary.
Beyond the exquisite carbon fiber and premium Marzocchi/Brembo components lies its party trick: Cornering Cruise Control. This isn't just a gimmick; it’s a fundamental rethinking of rider aids. The ability to "safely maintain steady speeds through bends" is a feature that blurs the line between a track weapon and a sophisticated grand tourer. It raises a compelling question: in the future, will the ultimate superbike be the one that does some of the thinking for you?
Yet, the triumph is cautious. With no announced price or availability, and the inherent challenge of aligning Norton's historic "premium" aura with TVS's mass-market reputation, the Manx R’s journey from showstopper to showroom has only just begun.
The Electric Revolution Finds Its (Urban) Focus
The electric motorcycle segment is maturing, and EICMA 2025 proved it’s learning from its limitations. Instead of promising impossible ranges for cross-continental tours, the industry is smartly targeting the daily commute.
Zero LS1 & The Swappable Battery Brigade
Zero’s new LS1 scooter is a masterclass in pragmatic urban mobility. Its core innovation isn't raw power, but flexibility. With two swappable batteries offering a 115 km range, it tackles the average commute with ease. But the option to drop a third battery into the storage compartment, boosting the range to 170 km, is a game-changer for city dwellers without consistent charging access. This approach tackles "range anxiety" not with faster charging, but with simple, smart redundancy.
Flying Flea S6: The Stylish Enigma
Royal Enfield’s electric subsidiary, Flying Flea, took a different tack with the stylish S6 scrambler. While they were eager to talk about "in-house developed Vehicle Control Units" and "cutting-edge microcontrollers," they were conspicuously silent on the hard numbers: battery capacity, range, and recharge times. In an era where transparency is becoming the norm, this silence is deafening. It suggests that while the aesthetics are on point, the technical substance might still be playing catch-up for its late-2026 launch.
Retro Resurgence: Honoring the Past with Modern Muscle
In a world of increasing digital complexity, the timeless appeal of a classic silhouette is more powerful than ever.
Royal Enfield Bullet 650: The Icon Evolves
This was arguably the most significant reveal for the masses. After 93 years, the legendary Bullet has finally grown up, receiving Royal Enfield’s sublime 650cc parallel-twin engine. This isn't a reinvention; it's a respectful evolution. All the classic cues—the teardrop tank, the peashooter exhausts—remain, but now they cloak a modern, smooth, and capable powerplant. The Bullet 650 isn't just a new bike; it's a bridge between generations, offering timeless style without sacrificing modern performance.
The "Cool, But..." Conundrum: A Frustrating Trend for Americans
EICMA also highlighted a frustrating pattern for riders in the United States. The stunning Honda CB1000F, a retro naked that pays direct homage to Freddie Spencer’s AMA-dominating CB750F, was unveiled for Europe. This follows Yamaha’s practice of releasing its gorgeous Kenny Roberts-inspired XSR GP models elsewhere.
It’s a bizarre irony: manufacturers are creating machines that celebrate the legacies of American racing icons, yet are hesitant to bring them to the American market. The same question mark hangs over the practical and compelling Honda CB1000GT sport-tourer and CFMOTO’s rugged 1000MT-X adventure bike. EICMA giveth, but will the U.S. market receiveth? For now, we’re left in a familiar state of hopeful anticipation.
The Final Verdict
EICMA 2025 was a show of thrilling contrasts. We witnessed the future with active aero and cornering cruise control, while simultaneously celebrating a 93-year-old nameplate. We saw electric mobility get smart and targeted, and we felt the sting of geographic exclusivity.
It was more than a trade show; it was a snapshot of an industry in dynamic flux, boldly racing toward the future while keeping a firm, and very welcome, grip on its glorious past. The bikes are the stars, but the real story is the direction they’re leading us all.
