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NewsMotorcycle News: 2024 Review and 2025 Predictions with Motoplanete

Motorcycle News: 2024 Review and 2025 Predictions with Motoplanete

The year 2024 has been a vintage year for motorcycling, with innovative model launches, regulatory changes and competition developments. Here's a complete roundup of the year's highlights, along with predictions and wishes for 2025, through the eyes of our experts.

Motorcycle highlights of 2024

The end of Moto & Motards, the benchmark in its field

It's impossible not to start with our colleagues at Moto & Motards, whose official demise in 2023 really marked the following year. This emblematic magazine of the motorcycle press sealed the end of an era for specialized media. Its demise had a considerable impact, as it was such a benchmark in the world of motorcycling.

The launch of the Honda 1000 Hornet

A major event, unanimously highlighted by team members, was the launch of the Honda 1000 Hornet. This roadster truly redefined a category in the throes of stagnation, overturning the high prices of certain models that failed to meet the real needs of everyday motorcyclists.

The revelation of the year: the Honda e-Clutch system

Technologically speaking, the Honda e-Clutch system was a revelation. This innovation makes it possible to change gear without touching the clutch, while maintaining a fluid, responsive riding experience. This opens the way to a new, more accessible type of driving, especially for those who don't want to get lost in complex manipulations.

The rise of CF Moto and competition from Chinese manufacturers

CFMoto-125NK-2025-constructeur-chine
In the wake of a promising 2024, CFMoto (shown here with the 125 NK 2025) and Chinese manufacturers will certainly be a force to be reckoned with in the future.

The arrival of Chinese brands such as CF Moto, QJMotor, Voge and Zontes was a real surprise in 2024. With attractive prices and quality equipment, CF Moto has won over many motorcyclists and could well redefine industry standards in the years to come, to the detriment of European giants who are sometimes slow to innovate.

Inoru Kato, head of Honda's motorcycle division, confirms that the rules of the game have changed (Young-Machine interview):
Chinese manufacturers are starting to produce not only 400 and 500 cm3 models, but also 600 to 900 cm3 models with two, three and four cylinders. What's more, they have acquired the rights to European brands (Moto Morini, Benelli). I visited EICMA 2024 and saw that young people were accepting Chinese motorcycles. I think they're a big threat. They're very aggressive, and we have to be faster if we want to be competitive.

Regulations and new standards for two-wheelers

Technical inspection: a controversial measure

Motorcycle roadworthiness testing has been the talk of the town, to say the least. While it may be seen as a means of guaranteeing motorcyclists' safety, many feel that the measure is arbitrary and unfair. In fact, most of our team members feel that this new standard is more of a constraint than a real step forward... And they don't beat about the bush!

The limited influence of CPF funding for motorcycle driving licenses

Another notable measure in 2024 was the inclusion of the motorcycle driving license in the financing via the Personal Training Account (CPF). This decision triggered a flurry of interest in motorcycle schools, but May's amendments, reducing access to funding, caused confusion.

The crème de la crème of motorcycle models

The team was asked to share their favorite motorcycle of the year. A Cornelian choice, as you can imagine, but here are the models that positively stand out!

At the top of the list are the Honda CB 1000 Hornet and the Yamaha R9. The former has established itself as a benchmark for those in search of affordable performance, while the latter seduces with its value for money and promising technical features, heralding a revolution in the sports bike segment in 2025.

Other winning models include the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, which redefines the standards of adventure bikes, and the BMW 1300 GS, which continues to impress with its perfect blend of power and off-road handling.

The CBR 600, Kawasaki ZX-4R, Voge DS 900, Speed 400, Moto Guzzi 1000 Stelvio, BMW S1000RR, Ducati Hypermotard 698, and MV Agusta 800 Superveloce were also mentioned... So many models to satisfy all riding desires and to have fun on the road!

2025 on the horizon

The MotoGP podium

MotoGP competition never ceases to fascinate our specialists. While there's little doubt that the battle for the MotoGP crown will be between two riders, the MP team remains divided: some are betting on an eighth title for Marc Marquez, while others see Pecco Bagnaia regaining his throne. For the third step of the podium, Jorge Martin wins the majority of votes, but Pedro Acosta could well be there in his second season in the elite.

KTM and the uncertain future of the major brands

A major concern for 2025 is obviously the future of KTM, which is going through a difficult period. The hope is that this emblematic brand will succeed in reinventing itself to avoid an irreversible fall, especially in the face of the rise of Chinese brands. On the other hand, Honda, alert to market trends, seems well positioned to dominate the year, especially with the advent of the 1000 Hornet SP.

Finally, Motoplanete implores the return of Suzuki's GSX-R in 2025... In any case, 2025 promises to be a challenging year for the motorcycle industry, and just as exciting for motorcyclists the world over. Count on us to bring it all to you!

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