What's coming in 2026? Most exciting motorcycles of the season - Part 1
The EICMA in Milan and the Intermot in Cologne showed that interesting models are coming our way in 2026. We present the most attractive new releases.
CFMoto 1000 MT-X
(Image: CFMoto)
- Ingo Gach
Whether you're a racetrack fan, an enduro rider, a country road cruiser, a retro enthusiast, or simply an enjoyer – there's likely something for every motorcycle lover in 2026. Some brands want to make a comeback with their new releases, like KTM, who fought for survival during their insolvency, with the 990 RC R and the 1390 Super Adventure. But Suzuki, once the market leader in Germany in the 90s, could significantly improve weak sales with the clever SV-7 GX.
The fact that BMW, of all brands, is causing a stir with the F 450 GS says something about the increasing importance of the small class up to 500 cc, where Kawasaki is also making a mark with their new KLE 500. Ducati has so far been characterized by increasingly powerful engines; now they are deliberately reducing displacement in the Monster, but compensating for it with lower weight.
The resurrected Norton brand has a surprise in store; instead of retro design, they are focusing on a powerful superbike. Royal Enfield, on the other hand, remains true to its nostalgic look and air-cooled engine, reissuing the legendary Bullet. A significant increase in the number of Chinese motorcycles is expected, which now offer high quality and diverse concepts, with CFMoto leading the way with the impressive Enduro 1000 MT-X.
BMW F 450 GS
BMW has high hopes for its new entry-level model F 450 GS, after its predecessor G 310 GS never met sales expectations. Visually, it is closely based on the large R 1300 GS.
(Image: BMW)
The small GS is powered by a new 420cc parallel-twin engine with an unusual 135-degree crankshaft offset. The F 450 GS precisely fills the A2 limit with 48 PS, at a dry weight of 178 kg. BMW equips it with an unusually high level of assistance for its class, including cornering ABS and a 6.5-inch TFT display. Prices start at 7220 Euro. However, those who want spoked wheels for off-road use will have to pay an extra 1082 Euro and will still only get a 19-inch front wheel instead of the 21-inch preferred by enduro riders.
CFMoto 1000 MT-X
CFMoto is setting a very high pace: barely on the market as an 800cc, the adventure enduro for next year is already arriving as the 1000 MT-X. Its rally design remains modern and appealing.
The V2, enlarged to 946 cc, originally comes from KTM and produces 113 PS and 105 Nm of torque in the CFMoto. The dry weight of 222 kg is within an acceptable range. Its suspension comes from KYB and offers decent suspension travel of 230 mm each, but this pushes the seat height to a lofty 870 mm. The Chinese manufacturer equips the 1000 MT-X with plenty of standard features. Its price has not yet been announced, but is expected to remain below 10,000 Euro.
Ducati Monster
At Ducati, "Monster" is not a curse word, but a nickname. For a long time, the Monster was the brand's best-selling motorcycle, and the completely revised Monster for 2026 aims to build on that.
(Image: Ducati)
It gets the 890cc V2 with variable valve timing from the Panigale V2. While it foregoes the traditional Desmodromic system, it is 5.9 kg lighter and cheaper to manufacture. The power remains the same at 111 PS, having to propel only 175 kg of dry weight. With its humped tank and slightly rounded tail cover, it remains immediately recognizable as a Monster, even though it features a monocoque structure instead of a trellis frame. The new Monster, with fairly good standard equipment, costs from 12,890 Euro.
Ducati Hypermotard V2
There are only a few supermotos left, but Ducati is keeping the flag flying with the new Hypermotard V2. For friends of controlled drifts, the Italians have completely redeveloped the Hypermotard V2, although it bears a striking resemblance to its predecessor.
(Image: Ducati)
It no longer has a steel trellis frame but a monocoque construction. The 890cc V2 produces 120 PS, six PS more than the previous 937cc engine. Long suspension travel from the KYB component suspension is a must for a supermoto, as is low weight; in this case, it's 180 kg dry weight (13 kg less than its predecessor), and the SP variant with Öhlins suspension weighs only 177 kg dry. The fun isn't cheap; the Hypermotard V2 costs from 15,690 Euro, the SP 19,990 Euro.
Kawasaki KLE 500
There's a bit of deception with the KLE 500, as it looks like it has much more displacement than it actually does. Behind the rally fairing hides the well-known and proven 451cc parallel-twin engine with 45 PS.
(Image: Kawasaki)
The KLE 500 offers 210 mm of front suspension travel and 200 mm of rear travel for decent off-road performance. That's why it also has a 21-inch front wheel and enduro tires. With its towering rally tower and triple-adjustable windshield, it undoubtedly looks very sporty, but its dry weight of 195 kg is a bit of a hindrance. In the A2 entry-level class, however, it could be very popular thanks to its affordable prices of 6495 Euro for the base model and 7295 Euro for the better-equipped SE version.
KTM 990 RC R
Finally, KTM has a fully faired sportbike back in its lineup. The 990 RC R looks sporty with its winglets, although with 130 PS at 9500/min, it doesn't focus on maximum peak power but still keeps country road usability in mind.
(Image: KTM)
Its parallel-twin engine has a displacement of 947 cc and delivers 103 Nm at just 6750/min to the crankshaft. With a 15.7-liter tank filled to 90 percent, it weighs 195 kg. The suspension comes from in-house supplier WP and is, of course, fully adjustable. KTM equips the 990 RC R with the full electronic package, from cornering ABS to launch control. A new 8.8-inch TFT display with touchscreen functionality celebrates its premiere. KTM offers the new sportbike starting at 15,490 Euro.
KTM 1390 Super Adventure R
With a one-year delay due to insolvency, KTM proudly presents the 1390 Super Adventure R. The new travel flagship from Mattighofen offers a massive 173 PS, which even on the road can only be tamed by sophisticated electronics.
(Image: KTM)
With suspension travel of 240 mm front and rear, it is also designed for off-road excursions. The 1350 cc V2 offers 145 Nm, which poses no problem with the 248 kg weight at a full 23-liter tank. The engine simply goes forward brutally. The R version, with a seat height of 88 cm, is only suitable for taller riders.
The S version, which has cast wheels instead of a 21-inch front wheel and spoked wheels, and only a 19-inch front, is more road-oriented and even available as an Evo with semi-active suspension. For the 1390 Super Adventure R, KTM expects 21,399 Euro, the S is available for 20,990 Euro, and the S Evo for 22,990 Euro.
Norton Manx R
A great name is making a comeback. Norton is one of the oldest motorcycle manufacturers; the factory built its first bike in 1902, followed by countless models and racing victories. After another insolvency five years ago, the Indian brand TVS bought the rights and built a dedicated factory in England. Now the new models are coming, with the Manx R superbike serving as the flagship.
(Image: Ingo Gach / heise Medien)
The V4 engine is based on that of its predecessor and is now said to produce 206 PS from 1200 cc displacement, with a weight of 204 kg. Almost more impressive is the 130 Nm of torque. Visually, the Manx R is aggressively styled, with smooth surfaces and a fairing that flows into the tank. It features semi-active suspension, Brembo Hypure calipers, an eight-inch TFT display, and extensive electronics. Norton has not yet announced the price of the Manx R.
Royal Enfield Bullet 650
Royal Enfield continues to expand. After the Indian brand built over a million motorcycles per year for the first time in 2024, it is presenting more and more models; for 2026, the new Bullet 650 is coming. The Bullet 500 holds the world record for production time, having been built for a remarkable 87 years starting in 1933.
(Image: Royal Enfield)
The new model is powered by the well-known air/oil-cooled 650cc parallel-twin engine, which produces 48 PS. The retro bike with its baroque fenders, teardrop-shaped tank, and thickly padded seat weighs 243 kg. Not much dynamism can be expected, but customers don't want that either; they want to enjoy the low-end torque while cruising. The Bullet 650 is expected to be offered in Germany for 7340 Euro.
Suzuki SV-7 GX
Surprisingly, Suzuki is presenting a crossover bike based on the SV 650. With the new SV-7 GX, Suzuki proves that a 26-year-old V2 engine doesn't have to be obsolete. With 645 cc displacement and a lively 73 PS, it still provides a lot of fun.
(Image: Suzuki)
The design, inspired by the GSX-S 1000 GX, can be considered successful; it looks fresh and appealing. The rider sits upright and is protected by a fairing with an adjustable windshield. With a seat height of 79 mm, even shorter riders will be comfortable and likely have no major problems with the 211 kg dry weight. Full LED lighting and a TFT display with smartphone connectivity satisfy modern demands. Suzuki has not yet set the price, but hopefully, it will remain in the four-figure range.
(mfz)