At the 2025 EICMA in Milan, Japanese automaker Honda unveiled a diverse lineup of motorcycles that underline its strategic focus on the European market.

The company introduced five key models – including both combustion-engine and electric motorcycles – that harmonise the brand’s heritage with emerging technology and rider demands, while addressing stringent European regulations and consumer expectations.

Honda’s presentation at EICMA reflected its intent to expand influence in Europe, a region that demands high compliance and sophistication. “Our product portfolio for Europe must balance performance, emissions and connected technologies,” said Honda’s executive leadership. The new models underscore a pragmatic approach aimed at catering to a broad spectrum of riders, from urban commuters to touring enthusiasts

The OEM introduced the CB1000GT, a sport tourer aimed at riders seeking a balance between power and comfort. Powered by a 1000cc inline-four engine derived from the Hornet family, it emphasises smooth and predictable throttle response, features multiple power modes, traction control and adjustable engine braking. The bike incorporates a revised chassis with ergonomics designed to improve rider and passenger comfort on long-distance rides, distinguishing itself from track-focused sportbikes.

V3R 900 E-Compressor Prototype

The V3R 900 revealed at EICMA represents a conceptual leap with its introduction of an electronically controlled compressor paired with a 900cc V3 engine layout, a Honda first in motorcycling. This combination enables enhanced low-end torque with performance comparable to larger-capacity engines while aligning with increasing environmental standards. The prototype’s “Non-Rail Roller Coaster” developmental concept suggests a ride experience designed to combine excitement with rider assurance.

WN7 Electric Motorcycle

The WN7 is Honda’s fully electric motorcycle tailored for urban mobility. Sporting a 9.3 kWh battery and a WLTC range of approximately 140 kilometres, it also features CCS2 fast charging and connectivity features. With its clean, smooth silhouette and ‘Be the Wind’ design philosophy, the WN7 aims to deliver a distinct riding experience that highlights the quietness and immediacy unique to electric propulsion.

CB1000F

Drawing inspiration from 1980s Honda race bikes, the CB1000F blends retro aesthetics with modern technology. Based on the Hornet 1000 platform, it delivers 124 hp and 103 Nm of torque. Ergonomic enhancements include an extended rear subframe for improved space, while rider aids such as multiple power modes, traction control and engine braking adjustability consolidate its appeal to both nostalgic and modern riders.

SH125i

Reimagined for 26YM, Europe’s most popular scooter, the SH125i introduces sharper looks, a new light signature and a five-inch TFT monitor, further enhancing its enduring appeal. The new front end takes inspiration from the established SH350i, unifying the range and providing a strong visual identity for the trio built at the Atessa factory in Italy. With a ‘one line’ design from front to rear, the 26YM SHs are instantly recognisable thanks to a simplicity that retains the SH essence while noticeably moving it on from the outgoing model. An SH150i version will also be available in certain countries.

New Embelem & Strategic Outlook

Honda is adjusting its product marks to differentiate its electric (EV) and internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles.

The company will unify the product mark for electric motorcycles to 'Honda' using a new font. Meanwhile, it will continue to use its traditional Wing mark for ICE motorcycles.

Additionally, the product emblem appearing on the body of some ICE products will see a design change. A new ‘Honda Flagship Wing’ emblem will be adopted for flagship models within product brands such as CBR, Gold Wing, and Rebel. Examples of models receiving this new emblem include the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and the Rebel 1100.

Honda’s EICMA 2025 range highlights a clear roadmap focusing on reconciling traditional motorcycle engineering excellence with emerging trends in electrification and rider safety technologies. Over-the-air updates, smartphone integration and advanced digital displays were emphasised as standard expectations shaped by European consumers and regulations.

The five products unveiled target distinct segments to position Honda competitively amid tightening emissions rules and evolving rider lifestyles in Europe. This measured product strategy reflects Honda’s adaptive approach to global market dynamics, balancing experience with innovation.

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Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has launched its XPulse 200 4V and XPulse 200 Pro motorcycles in the United Kingdom, expanding its international adventure motorcycle line-up.

The rollout represents the next phase of the manufacturer's European expansion, following its initial entry into the UK market last year through a distribution partnership with MotoGB.

The motorcycles were introduced at the Inch Perfect Trials in the Ribble Valley, marking the brand's latest European expansion following recent market entries in Italy and Spain. Distribution and aftersales service will be managed via MotoGB’s network of 36 sales and service outlets across the UK, with all models backed by a two-year warranty.

Both models are powered by a 199.6cc, four-stroke, four-valve, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine paired with a five-speed constant-mesh transmission. The engine produces 18.9 BHP at 8,500 RPM and 17.35 Nm of torque at 6,500 RPM. The motorcycles feature an LCD instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation, a Class-D LED projector headlamp and three anti-lock braking system (ABS) modes (Road, Off-Road and Rally).

Harshavardhan Chitale, CEO, Hero MotoCorp, said, “The launch of the XPulse 200 series marks an important step in strengthening Hero MotoCorp’s global adventure motorcycling portfolio in the UK. The XPulse has created a strong identity globally as an accessible yet highly capable adventure motorcycle that appeals to both - everyday riders and off-road enthusiasts. With its proven performance, versatility and adventure-focused DNA, we are confident that the XPulse range will strongly resonate with the riders. As we continue to expand across international markets, our focus remains on bringing globally benchmarked products and building deeper customer engagement worldwide.”

The XPulse 200 Pro includes hardware adaptations for off-road use, featuring handlebar risers to assist with standing positions and an extended gear shift lever designed to accommodate off-road riding boots. Both variants are equipped with protective bash plates, handguards, and a rear luggage plate with integrated cargo hooks as standard equipment.

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Chennai-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major TVS Motor Company, a part of TVS Group, has appointed Ravindran Shanmugam as an independent director for a 5-year term, effective 13 May 2026, pending shareholder approval.

Shanmugam is a technology entrepreneur and business leader with experience in digital transformation and AI platforms. He currently serves as the Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Mablle, an AI-based interior design platform in Singapore. He has previously worked as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company and is an alumnus of the University of Oxford.

Sudarshan Venu, Chairman, TVS Motor Company, said, “Ravindran Shanmugam brings deep expertise in digital & consumer-focused businesses, and AI-led transformation, along with strong experience in strategy, entrepreneurship and scaling businesses across global markets. His perspectives will add valuable depth to the TVS Motor board as we continue to strengthen our future-ready growth ambitions. We are delighted to welcome him and look forward to benefiting from his insights and guidance.”

Ravindran Shanmugam, said, “I am honoured to join the board of TVS Motor Company, an institution with a strong legacy of engineering excellence, customer trust and global ambition. Mobility is being reshaped by technology, digital ecosystems, AI and evolving consumer expectations, and TVS Motor is well positioned to play a meaningful role in this transformation. I look forward to contributing to the board’s deliberations and supporting the company’s long-term growth journey with perspectives from technology-led transformation, platform businesses and consumer-focused innovation.”

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Chennai-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major TVS Motor Company has reported revenue of INR 472.70 billion for FY2025-26, up 30 percent YoY, as compared to INR 362.51 billion last year.

The company reported its operating EBITDA for the year stood at 12.9 percent, while operating profit before tax reached INR 49.75 billion, up 40 percent YoY.

For FY2026, combined sales of two and three-wheelers increased by 24 percent to 5.88 million units. Within this total, motorcycle sales rose by 24 percent to 2.71 million units, while scooter sales grew by 27 percent to 2.41 million units.

Three-wheeler sales reached 219,000 units, an increase of 63 percent, while electric vehicle sales grew by 33 percent to 371,000 units, bringing the total customer base for this segment to more than 900,000.

For Q4 FY2026, the company recorded revenue of INR 128.08 billion, the operating EBITDA margin for the quarter was 13.1 percent. Normalised revenue for the quarter grew by 36 percent when excluding benefits from government incentive schemes recorded in the prior year.

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Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), one of the leading two-wheeler manufacturers, has officially launched the NX500 E-Clutch at a price of INR 743,900 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The new variant introduces Honda's globally proven clutch automation technology to the mid-size adventure touring segment, priced approximately INR 111,000 higher than the standard manual version.

The E-Clutch system manages clutch engagement and disengagement during starting, gear shifting and stopping, effectively eliminating the need for the rider to pull the clutch lever. However, the system allows for manual override at any time and the motorcycle retains a traditional clutch lever for riders who prefer hands-on control.

The NX500 E-Clutch features a 471cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine producing 47 bhp and 43 Nm of torque. It gets a 6-speed gearbox with the automated E-Clutch system; the mechanism adds only 3 kg to the bike's kerb weight (now 199 kg). The motorcycle gets steel diamond frame with Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD front forks and a preload-adjustable rear monoshock.

In terms of stopping, it gets dual 296mm front discs and a 240mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS as standard.  

The NX500 features a 5-inch full-colour TFT display with Honda RoadSync (navigation, calls, music), Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and all-LED lighting.

Tsutsu Otani,  President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “The Honda NX500 equipped with E Clutch technology enhances comfort and control across both urban and touring environments in India, by reducing rider fatigue, while retaining the engaging, hands-on riding experience that defines Honda motorcycles.”

The NX500 E-Clutch is available in two colour options – Mat Gunpowder Black Metallic and Pearl Horizon White.

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