What's coming in 2026? Motorcycle preview, part two

Contents

So many new, promising bikes were shown at the two major motorcycle trade fairs Eicma in Milan and Intermot in Cologne for 2026 that choosing is almost difficult. In the first part, some of the most important new releases have already been presented. This second section includes models from the major Japanese motorcycle manufacturers Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki, which are expected to sell well in the most important segments, but also a European outsider with a thunderous reputation – MV Agusta.

MV Agusta has since established itself in the niche of expensive high-end bikes and, by its own standards, offers the new Brutale 950 as an entry-level model. The traditional brand Triumph, with years of stable success thanks to a consistently attractive product range, cannot be missing.

Spannende Motorräder

• Ein Dutzend Motorrad-Favoriten für 2025
• Sport-Motorrad CFMoto 675 SR-R aus China im Test
• Royal Enfield Himalayan Electric
• Motorräder, die Geschichte schrieben
• Empfehlungen zur Motorrad-Grundversorgung
• E-Leichtkraftrad mit Allradantrieb Motowatt W1X: Einarmiger Bandit
• 40 Jahre Kawasaki GPZ 900 R Ninja: Die Überfliegerin
• LiveWire S2 Mulholland: E-Motorrad ohne Zielgruppe
• Yamaha XSR 900 GP im Test: Nostalgische Zukunft
• Naxeon I AM aus China: Elektro-Leichtkraftrad mit Semi-Feststoff-Akkus
• KTM 1390 Super Duke R: Die Rückkehr des Biests
• Warum sind Motorräder so ineffizient?

Yamaha has revised its popular R7 sport machine and the Ténéré off-road touring classic in many details. Both should do justice to their respective areas of application even better, which should justify their higher prices. Honda is further branching out its model range and offers a CB 1000 F Bol d’Or based on the 1000cc Hornet, which should not be a bad idea in times of retro fashion.

With the crossover bike Honda CB 1000 GT, Honda will appeal to many touring riders for whom an adventure bike is too rustic and not comfortable enough. There is significant growth in this class because, for understandable reasons, most large adventure bikes are only ridden on asphalt anyway, and the audience that can and wants to afford such expensive bikes is getting older and older.

Kawasaki only had to refine its Z 650 S, which has been a self-seller for what feels like an eternity as a successful package with good value for money. Triumph unerringly finds gaps in its product range and lovingly maintains models like the Trident 800 and Scrambler 900. The popular Scrambler 900 received an update, the Trident a larger engine.

Yamaha R7

To the dismay of sport rider beginners, the R7 was dropped from the lineup in 2025. But Yamaha has used the time to thoroughly revise the popular sportbike and will offer it again in 2026. While the developers did not touch the 689 cm³ inline twin-cylinder engine, so it remains at 73 PS at 8750 rpm, the frame has been meticulously revised and is now said to be stiffer yet more agile, with new, lighter wheels.

The fully adjustable upside-down fork is also lighter and responds more sensitively. The ergonomics of the handlebars, tank, and footpegs have been fine-tuned, and the seat height is lowered to 830 mm. The newly shaped fairing is said to offer better aerodynamics. Above all, however, the R7 receives more and multi-adjustable assistance, such as lean-angle-sensitive traction control and three riding modes. The significantly upgraded equipment, however, raises the price of the R7 to 10,990 Euros.

Yamaha Ténéré 700 World Raid

The success story continues, Yamaha has unveiled the next version of the Ténéré 700, this time the new World Raid. It is completely renewed, visually slimmer, and exudes rally flair like few other motorcycles with a new, high-mounted fairing including an almost vertical windshield and four LED spots.

It holds no less than 23 liters in its double tank, but its new shape offers the rider more freedom of movement. The fully adjustable suspension with thicker stanchions and long travel KYB components is newly tuned. In terms of assistance, the Ténéré 700 World Raid significantly improves, with ride-by-wire enabling cornering ABS, switchable traction control, adjustable slide control, and cruise control as standard equipment.

The portrait-oriented TFT display has also been redesigned. There was no reason to change the excellent CP2 engine, so it continues to deliver 73 PS at 9000 rpm. Its price is not yet known, but it is likely to be above 13,000 Euros.

Honda CB 1000 F

Honda's legendary Bol d’Or from 1978 is back, at least in terms of appearance. Based on the CB 1000 Hornet, the Japanese are building the CB 1000 F, which clearly references its famous predecessor: a long tank, thickly padded seat, tail cowl, and a round headlight – with LED lighting today.

Its inline four-cylinder engine originally comes from the 2017 Fireblade superbike, but has been retuned for road use. It produces 124 PS at 9000 rpm and, even more importantly, 103 Nm at 8000 rpm; the retro bike weighs 214 kg. The first two gears are shorter for the road, the rest are longer. The CB 1000 F inherits the steel tube frame, aluminum swingarm, and Showa suspension from the Hornet. The entry-level price is 11,700 Euros.

Honda CB 1000 GT

Honda wants to contribute to the increasingly popular crossover bike class, a mix of sport tourer and adventure bike with 17-inch cast wheels. It is powered by an inline four-cylinder engine that once served in the 2017 Fireblade.

For more everyday usability, the developers have reduced the maximum output to 150 PS at 11,000 rpm and strengthened the torque with 102 Nm at 8750 rpm and shorter gear ratios for gears two to six. The CB 1000 GT combines comfort with sportiness. It features a semi-active suspension, a high, wide handlebar, and a well-padded seat. Honda provides it with generous standard equipment, including panniers and plenty of assistance. For 13,800 Euros, the buyer gets a powerful crossover bike that leaves little to be desired.

Kawasaki Z 650 S

The Z 650 has been one of the absolute bestsellers in Germany for years, and now it's coming to dealers renovated as the Z 650 S. Kawasaki's invented "Sugomi" design looks even more aggressive with its menacing gaze. The lines of the small front fairing and tank have been revised. For a more front-wheel-oriented riding position, the now wider handlebars have been moved further forward and upward.

In addition, the footpegs have been repositioned and the seat has been padded by an additional 15 mm. The 4.3-inch TFT display has a renovated layout and can be connected to a smartphone. The 68 PS inline twin-cylinder remains the engine, which has little trouble with the 190 kg dry weight. The Z 650 S is available for 7545 Euros.

MV Agusta Brutale 950

A sign of life from MV Agusta. After short-term owner KTM parted ways with the Italian traditional brand again, many already heard the death knell for MV Agusta. But they are continuing their development undeterred and presenting the Brutale 950, a beautiful naked bike.

If the Italians can do one thing, it's design: the new Brutale – initially as a limited Oro series – shows flowing lines, a lot of trellis frame, and an intoxicating triple engine that ends in three stacked exhaust pipes. The 931 cm³ engine produces 148 PS, which should ensure impressive performance at a dry weight of 195 kg; the manufacturer states a top speed of 260 km/h. The first Oro series with gold-painted aluminum frame, swingarm, and wheels, as well as Öhlins suspension and Brembo Hypure brake calipers, is available for 26,100 Euros and comes with a five-year warranty. Experience shows that a later base model will be available at a lower price.

Triumph Scrambler 900

The Scrambler 900 was sorely missed by many fans in 2025; for 2026, it returns to Triumph's lineup freshly renovated and with Euro 5+ emissions standard. The 900cc inline twin continues to produce 65 PS at 7250 rpm and offers rich torque from idle. The Scrambler 900 has been upgraded in many aspects; Triumph is now fitting a Showa upside-down fork at the front, and the 19-inch front wheel is decelerated with radially mounted brake calipers.

At the rear, an aluminum swingarm with two shock absorbers from supplier Showa is installed, and the aluminum spoked wheels have a new design. With 120 mm of travel front and rear, the Scrambler 900 is only moderately off-road capable. The tank still holds 12 liters but has been reshaped, as have the side panels, chain guard, and heat shields of the twin-pipe exhaust system. The cockpit now features an LC/TFT display. The Scrambler 900 is available for 11,995 Euros. Triumph offers a four-year warranty.

Triumph Trident 800

Triumph is expanding its model range with the new 800cc triple. The Trident 800 looks very similar to the smaller 660 but is distinct. The muscular-looking engine and the rounded tank take center stage. The rear tapers to a point, but unlike the 660, the 800 has a clearly visible muffler.

The 798 cm³ engine proved exemplary in the Triumph Tiger[ ]Sport[ ]800 with plenty of power and responsiveness. The performance peaks at 115 PS at 10,750 rpm and, in the case of the Trident 800, only has to accelerate 198 kg of dry weight. Its suspension is from Showa and is extensively adjustable. LED lighting and numerous electronic assistance systems make the rider's life easier. Triumph prices the Trident 800 at just 9695 Euros, which is a challenge to the competition.

(mfz)