Vauli's Top 5 Motorcycle Novelties 2025

I admit that I'd expected the new Yamaha MT-07 to come with a bigger, and thus stronger, engine too - but for my top 5, the new look and upgraded features are enough anyway. Because the well-known CP2 engine is still an extremely lively and eager fellow, one that already offers plenty of punch for this class. Now add the cool MT-09-style looks, plus, thanks to the newly introduced ride-by-wire system, traction control, riding modes and an optional quickshifter. Particularly exciting is Y-AMT, the automated clutch, which is now available for the MT-07 too, for a comparatively small surcharge!

The concept behind the Aprilia RS 660 isn't being reinvented for 2025 - it remains a very sporty bike with really good components and an extensive electronics package that just about delivers the everyday usability you're entitled to expect from a bike that's meant to work not only on the race track but also on public roads. Whether you can actually feel the extra 5 hp (now 105 hp) we don't know, but the looks have really turned out well! Especially in the gorgeous Blue Marlin paint scheme, this sportbike is one of the sharpest-looking bikes of the 2025 season!

Okay, for now it's only a concept bike, expected to be presented as a production bike in 2025 and to actually hit the market in 2026. But if the F 450 GS really ends up looking like the BMW Concept F 450 GS, it'll be an absolute dream among the A2 adventure bikes that fully exploit the permitted 48 hp limit! Visually, the front pleases with styling in the vein of its big 1300cc sister, while behind it stays promisingly slim - the weight is said not to exceed the minimum required 175 kilos by much. The features, if they make it into production as shown, will also be a real knockout: lean-angle-sensitive ABS, freely configurable riding modes and a 6.5-inch TFT display with connectivity aren't a given in this class!

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder - the KTM 1390 Super Duke GT 2025 may not necessarily be the most elegant-looking machine, just like its 1290 predecessor, but the new front-end design now suits the touring machine, which aims to offer maximum riding pleasure, really well. Personally, for me the GT is almost the better Super Duke, because with its fairing and slightly higher handlebar it offers more comfort and everyday usability, while at heart it still remains the mischievous fun machine that now, with 190 hp, constantly urges you to just let it rip. Hopefully things will look up for KTM again soon, so we can focus on the awesome bikes without having to worry that they might soon no longer be available to buy!

After years of futile waiting and almost resigning ourselves to disappointment, our prayers have finally been answered: Suzuki is bringing back the 400cc DR-Z fun bikes in the form of the Suzuki DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM! I don't even want to complain that it took a manufacturer this long to finally fill this small but fine niche again - I just want to be happy that these two fun machines are actually making it into showrooms. 38 hp at just over 150 kilos, narrow tires and high-quality suspension components already suggest, on paper, seriously good handling. The only thing that makes me a bit wary is the extensive electronics package with riding modes, traction control including a gravel mode, and fully switchable ABS - hopefully none of that will drive up the price too much!

Well, what would the top 5 be without an extra joker! Whether we call the Royal Enfield Classic 650 the second 1st place, the bonus 1st place, or simply the true 1st place - it's simply a feast for the eyes! And to me, it's now finally a credible member of the small but ever-growing club of bikes that are essentially genuine retro bikes, yet actually fun to ride - because they work well! The new Classic 650 is built on the well-known 650cc Enfields, which I appreciate for their surprisingly homogeneous riding performance and even a certain sportiness. At the same time, the Classic 650 looks properly old-school - people will be amazed when we go ripping through the countryside on this seemingly ancient iron!