EICMA 2025: The Roar of the ICE Returns as Motorcycles Favor Gasoline Over the Socket

While the automotive sector is rapidly accelerating its shift toward electrification, driven largely by environmental mandates, motorcycle manufacturers signaled a clear commitment to the continued evolution of internal combustion engines (ICE) at EICMA 2025 in Milan this past November. Amidst a display of electric models primarily targeting urban commuting needs, the primary focus centered on developing potent new ICE platforms and refining rider comfort technologies. This clearly indicates a distinct segmentation emerging within the motorcycle market.

Justas Lengvinas, the organizer of the Lithuanian 'Motorcycle of the Year' competition, observes that despite concerted efforts to introduce electric motorcycles, the enthusiast community remains deeply attached to the dynamic performance inherent in ICE technology. He assesses that electric propulsion has successfully carved out a niche in the urban scooter segment. Conversely, he suggests that traditional motorcycles are currently experiencing a sort of 'gasoline renaissance.' Journalists covering EICMA corroborated this sentiment, noting that while electric bikes emphasized urban utility, fans of traditional engines were presented with an abundance of exciting new ICE offerings.

Among the standout debuts was the limited-edition MV Agusta Brutale Serie Oro. This exclusive machine features a 931cc three-cylinder engine capable of producing 148 horsepower and 107 Nm of torque, with a remarkable 85% of peak torque available as low as 3500 rpm. Production of this special model is strictly capped at just 300 units worldwide.

CFMOTO also made waves by unveiling the V4 SR-RR superbike prototype. This concept showcases an entirely new 997cc V4 engine engineered to generate over 210 horsepower. Furthermore, it incorporates advanced active aerodynamics, including deployable winglets. Meanwhile, Honda presented its V3R 900 E-Compressor prototype. This bike utilizes a 900cc V3 engine augmented by an electronically controlled supercharger, allowing it to deliver torque figures comparable to a 1200cc engine while maintaining high efficiency levels.

In the Adventure touring class, there is a noticeable trend toward smaller displacement models, a movement initially spearheaded by the highly popular CFMOTO 450MT. In direct response, BMW introduced the F 450 GS, powered by a 420cc parallel-twin engine delivering 48 horsepower, effectively replacing the outgoing G 310 GS in their lineup.

CFMOTO is also expanding its middleweight adventure offerings with the 1000MT-X, which boasts a 947cc parallel-twin engine producing 110 horsepower. This model is anticipated to reach the Lithuanian market in the latter half of 2026. The new BMW F 450 GS, which will feature innovations such as the Easy Ride Clutch (ERC) system for more intuitive clutch operation, is built around a steel tubular frame and weighs in at a lean 178 kg in its base configuration.

Technological advancements are permeating even more accessible market segments. Justas Lengvinas points out that electronically adjustable suspension, once exclusive to premium brands like BMW and Ducati, is now being integrated into models from manufacturers like CFMOTO. The CFMOTO 1000MT-X, which shares its engine platform with KTM’s LC8c, is equipped with an 8-inch TFT display, cruise control, heated grips and seat, and a comprehensive Bosch 6-axis IMU system. In the ATV sector, CFMOTO solidified its standing by debuting the CFORCE TECH GEN⁴ concept, featuring hydraulic suspension height adjustment and full all-wheel steering capabilities.

Regarding accolades, the Ducati Multistrada V2S was crowned the winner of the 'Lithuanian Motorcycle of the Year 2025' award on June 5th. This follows Ducati’s previous success with the Multistrada V4S in 2023 and Honda’s Africa Twin in 2024. The victorious Ducati Multistrada V2S is equipped with a new 890cc engine producing 115 horsepower, benefiting from reduced overall weight and improved ergonomics compared to its predecessor.