New motorcycles I'd like to see for 2026 at EICMA

While manufacturers like Ducati and Triumph unveil new models prior to the annual event, motorcycle enthusiasts still expect the biggest news to emerge from the halls of Fiera Milano. That’s why I have high expectations for every EICMA. 2025 is no exception. Whether reality cooperates with those expectations or not, these are the new models I’d like to see at this year’s EICMA.

Any day now

Some motorcycles always seem to be “coming soon.” By the time they finally debut, much of the hype has already fizzled out. The original LiveWire comes to mind. So does Yamaha’s YZF-R9. I feel the same way about Royal Enfield’s long-awaited middleweight Himalayan. Rumors of a Himalayan 650 first circulated back in 2020. In that time, the Super Meteor 650, Shotgun 650, Goan Classic 650, and Bear 650 have joined the brand’s lineup. What gives, RE?

Well, according to reports by Indian outlets, Royal Enfield may make the wait worthwhile by announcing the Himalayan 750 at EICMA 2025. If such a model does roll onto the EICMA stage, I expect an updated version of the OEM’s existing 650 cc parallel twin to power it. A Himalayan 750 would also arrive as Enfield’s first-ever 750 cc motorcycle (and its largest yet). But as one Indian firm preps its next generation of machines, another Indian-owned brand mounts its comeback.

Scandals and financial woes plagued Norton for years. That is, until India’s TVS purchased the legacy marque in 2020. Norton didn’t rush back to the market under its new ownership, though. Far from it. Instead, the brand opened new production facilities and fulfilled outstanding orders first. Now, after five long years, it’s finally time to hit the reset button. Norton plans to do just that at EICMA 2025.

Leading up to the big show, Norton released the first sketch of its forthcoming superbike. The design was more a collection of lines than a true sneak peek, but the superbike is only one model the bike maker is bringing to Milan. Norton will unveil its full next-generation lineup. Normally, I wouldn’t pay a Norton release much attention, but this isn’t just one model, it’s several. It’s not the return of a bike, it’s the return of a brand.

The payoff

Manufacturers often tease a “concept” at one EICMA just to introduce its production model by the following EICMA. The recently revealed Kawasaki KLE500 is but one example. BMW’s F 450 GS seems poised to join that group soon. If I had my way, Honda’s supercharged V3 would follow in those wheel tracks, too. Now, I may be falling victim to wishful thinking, but let me make my case. 

Honda’s EICMA 2024 announcement centered on its new V3 engine, but that mill already resided in a chassis. Toss on a fuel tank, bolt on some bars, and mount a seat, and what you have is a fully functioning motorcycle. If this armchair critic's predictions aren’t convincing enough, I’ll point you to Honda Europe’s YouTube channel, which published an EICMA teaser for a new motorcycle just last week. Might I add, it’s a motorcycle that houses a V-shaped engine. Need I say more?

That’s just one of the many surprises Big Red potentially has in store for EICMA. I fully expect the Japanese brand to parade the CB500 Super Four and CBR500R Super Four, two models that debuted at China’s CIMAMotor show in September, across the EICMA floor. Recent leaks also suggest that the CB1000 GT, a sport-tourer based on the CB1000 Hornet SP, is waiting in the wings. Honda isn’t the only manufacturer prepping new wares for trade show, though.

Both MV Agusta and CFMOTO are expected to introduce new inline triples. The former will show off a 950 cc triple when it pulls the covers off the next-generation Brutale 950. The latter is rumored to have developed a 1,000 cc triple for the all-new 1000 MT-X adventure bike. Both stand to attract EICMA visitors to the booths of MV and CFMOTO. I can’t say the same for all EICMA premieres, unfortunately.

More in store

If I’m learning anything from the comment section lately, it’s that electric-motorcycle fatigue has hit many Common Tread readers. This Common Treader writer is starting to feel the same way. One can only endure so much disappointment, and that’s what the vast majority of new electrics inspire. No wonder I’m hoping that a limited number of e-powered models break cover at EICMA. Hope may not be enough.

That’s because LiveWire already confirmed the attendance of its S2 maxi-scooter and S4 Honcho mini-bike. It’s not alone, either. Suzuki’s e-mini, the e-VanVan, is bound to be at the show, as well. Lest I forget Honda and Yamaha’s collections of electric prototypes. 

Yes, EICMA is still EICMA, but I’m hoping this year’s installment features more welcome surprises and less unwelcome ones.