Motorcycle News You Need: Spring Headlines
Spring has officially sprung, so it’s time to jump back into all the action that’s happening in the world of motorcycling. Here is the latest news from Cycle Trader to help keep you close to what’s going on in the industry.
Check out these new and used touring motorcycles for sale online.
Carbon-Neutral Paint
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. has launched a new CN1 carbon-neutral mass-production painting line at its Iwata, Japan Main Factory, which began painting motorcycle fuel tanks on February 20. According to Yamaha Motor’s research, this is the motorcycle industry’s first all-electric product painting line in operation.
Conventional motorcycle painting lines use fossil fuels for pre-treatment, painting, baking, and drying, including when it comes to heating paint and other liquids, and heating and humidifying the paint booth. The new CN1 process achieves all-electric operations by combining and clearing a variety of technical requirements, such as paint types that are usable at lower temperatures (developed together with a paint manufacturer), a compact facility design, and new insulation and air supply recycling technologies.
This is another step forward in Yamaha reaching the Yamaha Group Environmental Plan 2050, which aims to make the company carbon-neutral throughout all of its supply chains, including the company’s business activities, by 2050.
REPAIR Act Reintroduced
The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has endorsed House of Representative (H.R.) 1566, the Right to Equitable And Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act, and urges Congress to pass the legislation.
Originally proposed in February 2023, the newly introduced version includes changes negotiated with legislators and stakeholders (including the AMA) to include motorcycle repair in the bill language.
Passage of the REPAIR Act will guarantee the rights of vehicle owners, including motorcyclists, fair access to the necessary tools, software, and diagnostic data required to maintain and repair vehicles. Providing consumers with a choice is expected to foster competition in the repair industry and prevent monopolization by manufacturers, which aims to keep repair costs reasonable.
A Triumph For Triumph
Enjoying five consecutive years of growth, Triumph Motorcycles Group, Ltd. reached a major milestone in 2024, achieving global sales (including India) of 134,635 Triumph motorcycles, which is 64% more than in 2023 and an incredible 123% increase since 2019.
Triumph attributes their sales growth to a number of different factors, including:
- The launch of Triumph Performance Lubricants, improved financing and warranty offers, and new clothing collaborations and ranges, which have combined to deliver record revenues in parts, clothing, and accessories (PCA).
- A response to growing global demand for smaller capacity motorcycles with the launch of the 400cc Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X, which arrived at dealerships in early 2024.
- Entering the motocross market for the first time with the arrival of the TF 250-X, which came out in May 2024.
- Continuation of the existing +500CC market, identifying gaps, and releasing special editions to drive consumer demand and to meet new environmental standards.
- Entry into the evolving sports category with the new Daytona 660, which hit dealerships in spring 2024.
- Updates to four model families including the Rocket 3 Storm, Tiger 1200, Tiger 900, and Scrambler 1200, adding new technology; more performance; better handling; and updated styling, graphics, and color schemes.
- The release of a number of special- and limited-edition models, including the T120 Elvis Presley Limited Edition, the Speed Triple 1200 RR Breitling Limited Edition, the Trident Triple Tribute, two Tiger 900 Aragon Editions, and a Thruxton Final Edition.
The 2025 Sturgis Hall Of Fame
The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum recently announced its 2025 Hall of Fame inductees, which includes a distinguished group of nine individuals who have made significant contributions to the world of motorcycling and the Sturgis Rally. These honorees join hundreds of notable motorcyclists already enshrined in the Hall of Fame, recognized for their support of the motorcycle community, the Museum, and the Sturgis Rally.
Compare prices online for new and pre-owned Mx motorcycles for sale.
The Class of 2025 represents a diverse range of achievements, from advocating for riders’ rights, building legendary engines, promoting the motorcycle industry, and capturing the spirit of motorcycling through art and photography. The Hall of Fame inductees will be officially honored at the Hall of Fame Breakfast during the annual Sturgis Rally on Wednesday, August 8, 2025.
The inductees include:
- Michael Lichter, Lifetime Achievement Award, for capturing the essence of motorcycling through his photography for more than four decades.
- Gary Gray, for his contributions to Victory and Indian motorcycles, his passion and skill in blending tradition with innovation, and his leadership in racing and technology.
- Darren McKeag, for combining his love of motorcycles, painting, and tattooing, and for his humanitarian efforts to support the less fortunate.
- Tom Motzko, who has been with Drag Specialties for 50 years. Tom is well known for his contributions to product development and vendor relations.
- Grady Pfeiffer, founder of GH Marketing, who is well known for his industry knowledge as a consultant and member of the MIC’s Aftermarket Committee.
- Berry Wardlaw, the first student enrolled in the Motorcycle Mechanics Institutes Harley-Davidson curriculum.
- Charlie Gilmore, Freedom Fighter Award, a Vietnam War veteran and ordained minister who is the former national chaplain for the Sons of Silence.
- Lillian Farrow, Kickstands Down Award, the first woman in the United States to start and run a Harley-Davidson dealership.
- Ray Tewksbury, Kickstands Down Award, a four-time Grand National Champion of the Easy Rider Rodeo, known for his passion in helping the less fortunate.
Barrett Baker
You might also like
