October 2025 U.S. Motorcycle Roundup: Kawasaki Tops Sales, 2026 Models Unveiled, Fall Rallies & EICMA Preview
Tariffs, new bikes, industry shifts, and the road to Lone Star Rally
By Raine Devries
Industry Snapshot: Kawasaki Leads as Sales Dip
Kawasaki claimed the top spot as the best-selling motorcycle brand in the U.S. through September 2025, overtaking Honda for the first time in recent years. Despite the milestone, overall motorcycle sales declined 6.5% year-to-date, driven by high dealer inventory, economic uncertainty, and growing competition from electric vehicles.
The U.S. motorcycle market remains on track for long-term growth, projected to reach $14.64 billion by 2033 at a 4.51% CAGR, fueled by rising interest in recreational riding and electric models. However, new 25% tariffs on imported motorcycles have increased retail prices—pushing a $10,000 bike into the $13,000–$14,000 range—affecting brands including BMW, Honda, and Triumph.
2026 Motorcycle Models Unveiled: Adventure, Retro, and Electric Dominate October Previews
October brought a surge of 2026 model announcements as manufacturers positioned key reveals ahead of the EICMA show in Milan, scheduled for November 4–9, 2025.
The world’s largest motorcycle exhibition returns to Fiera Milano Rho with over 2,000 exhibitors, live demos, and global debuts, serving as the launchpad for production models and concepts in adventure touring, retro design, and electric powertrains. Brands used the pre-EICMA period to build momentum, spotlighting mid-weight adventure bikes, heritage-inspired nakeds, and high-performance electric platforms, while saving select unveilings for the event itself.
At EICMA, major manufacturers including BMW, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Aprilia, Ducati, Yamaha, Suzuki, and emerging Chinese brands like QJMOTOR and VOGE are set to dominate the floor. BMW will spotlight the F 450 GS, an A2-compliant entry-level adventure bike with a 450cc parallel-twin engine, 125-degree crankpin offset, and around 47 hp for accessible off-road capability. Kawasaki plans to showcase the teased KLE500, a lightweight adventure-tourer teased last year, alongside its Z650 S naked bike. KTM’s 990 RC R supersport, fully faired and track-ready based on the 990 Duke, joins Honda’s CB1000F retro naked with its 1,000cc inline-four and 1970s styling cues. Ducati and Yamaha follow with colorway updates to the Scrambler Icon in Emerald Green and XSR900 GP in Legend Yellow, respectively, emphasizing retro appeal without mechanical overhauls. Stark Future introduces the electric Varg SM supermoto, packing 80 hp and a 60-mile range with quick-swap batteries.
Suzuki’s 2026 lineup debuts with the sporty GSX-8R and adventure-focused V-Strom 800DE, expanding its middleweight offerings, while Aprilia may focus on refinements to existing models like the RSV4. QJMOTOR aims to surprise with a 900cc inline-three rally bike, and VOGE will unveil two new scooters plus an ATV series on November 5, highlighting China’s growing presence in performance and urban mobility segments. These reveals underscore a market push toward versatile, tech-integrated rides amid electrification trends.
Key Pre-EICMA Model Highlights:
KLE500 ABS (Kawasaki) – 451cc parallel-twin, lightweight adventure chassis, rally-inspired design – Est. MSRP: $7,000–$8,000
Z650 S ABS (Kawasaki) – 649cc engine, updated urban sport styling, standard ABS – Est. MSRP: $8,500
990 RC R (KTM) – Fully faired supersport, track-focused, based on 990 Duke platform – Est. MSRP: $15,000+
Varg SM (Stark Future) – 80 hp electric supermoto, 60-mile range, quick-swap battery – Est. MSRP: $12,000
CB1000F (Honda) – 1,000cc inline-four, 150 hp, 1970s CB750F retro design – Est. MSRP: $12,500
Scrambler Icon (Emerald Green) (Ducati) – 803cc Desmo V-twin, 73 hp, 1970s motorsport livery – Est. MSRP: $10,500
XSR900 GP (Legend Yellow) (Yamaha) – Kenny Roberts YZR500-inspired paint, unchanged mechanics – Est. MSRP: $9,500
Corporate and Racing Updates
Indian Motorcycle will operate as a standalone company starting early 2026 after Polaris sells a majority stake to Carolwood LP. U.S. manufacturing and approximately 900 jobs will remain intact.
Read our full article here about the new direction for Indian.:
Indian Motorcycle Roars Solo: Polaris Sells Majority Stake to Carolwood LP in Game-Changing Spinoff
Ducati launched its first official North American off-road racing program, entering Supercross and Motocross with factory-backed teams.
Ken Roczen re-signed with Suzuki for the 2026 SuperMotocross season.
Electric motorcycle momentum slowed globally. MotoE cited low demand, and unsold inventory entered auctions. In the U.S., LiveWire continued technology refinement despite weak sales, while Stark Future and Zero Motorcycles advanced fast-charging solutions—up to 62 miles in 9 minutes.
Lifestyle: Fall Rallies and Community Moments
October marked peak riding season with major events across the country.
Myrtle Beach Bike Week Fall Rally (Sept. 29–Oct. 5): Over 60,000 attendees enjoyed beach rides, live music, and vendor showcases in South Carolina.
Bikes, Blues & BBQ (Oct. 1–4): The Fayetteville, Arkansas event drew 400,000 riders and raised more than $1.3 million for local charities through BBQ competitions and group rides.
Biketoberfest (Oct. 16–19): Daytona Beach hosted 200,000 enthusiasts with racing at Daytona International Speedway and custom bike displays.
Safety and Community Focus
High-profile incidents underscored riding risks. San Bernardino County Deputy Andrew Nunez was killed during a domestic violence response involving a motorcycle chase. A separate pursuit on California’s 210 Freeway ended in a collision.
Safety campaigns gained traction, including the National Park Service’s “Different Road, Different Ride” initiative which provides practical tips for adapting riding styles to unique park road conditions to reduce crash risks.
Looking Ahead
This weekend (November 6–9), the Lone Star Rally takes over Galveston, TX—North America’s largest free motorcycle rally. Expect 100,000+ riders, custom bike shows, vendor rows, and free concerts along the Seawall and Strand. Highlights include Hairball headlining Friday, the Miss Lone Star pageant, Tattoo Contest, and Sunday’s Outlaw Dave Rally Parade. VIP passes ($35–$225) unlock priority access and lounges. Book lodging early—camp at Galveston Island KOA or grab beachfront rentals.
EICMA 2025 runs concurrently in Milan with live-streamed global debuts.
The upcoming Love Ride 34 on November 9 remains the world’s largest one-day charity motorcycle event, featuring Gene Simmons as headliner.
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~Keep the shiny side up!
Ride safe🏁