Chinese motorcycle manufacturer CFMoto has completed the acquisition of a 51% stake in the Bavaria, Germany based racing chassis and frame manufacturer Kalex Engineering, becoming the company's controlling shareholder (December 2025). The transaction was carried out through CF Moto's European subsidiary Helmsmen Europe. Kalex founders Alex Baumgaertel and Klaus Hirsekorn have retained the remaining 49% stake. Kalex has a leading position within the MotoGP racing ecosystem, being especially dominant in the Moto2 class. Observers are saying that the acquisition is a significant step in CFMoto's strategy to deepen its involvement in top-tier international motorcycle racing.
Established in 1980, German motorcycle P&A/G&A retailer Polo Motorrad und Sportswear GmbH (better known simply as POLO Motorrad) filed for self-administration proceedings November 18, 2025.
Ducati closed 2025 with 50,895 motorcycles delivered worldwide (-7%). Limited availability of the Monster, Hypermotard, and DesertX, linked to the process of complying with the European Euro 5+ emissions regulations held unit sales back. In terms of volumes, Italy continues to be Ducati's leading market, with a total of 8,803 motorcycles delivered (-8%). The United States ranks second with 7,268 units (+4%), followed by Germany, the third market with 5,759 motorcycles delivered (-12%). Among the European markets Spain saw a +15% increase, along with Austria +14%. Japan posted a double-digit increase of +11%. In China, Ducati closed the year with a 31% decline compared to 2024, continuing a negative trend after a 26% decline in the previous year. The Multistrada, in all its versions, remained the most popular motorcycle family among Ducatisti enthusiasts in 2025, with 13,873 units delivered globally. The Panigale family followed, with 10,606 motorcycles delivered, while the Scrambler family recorded 5,814 units.
MadStad Engineering abruptly ceased trading and closed down at the end of September 2025. The closure by the Florida-based manufacturer of adjustable motorcycle windshields was so abrupt that it reportedly left customers with unfulfilled orders and employees without notice.
A recent House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade hearing examined several vehicle policy issues with implications for the motorcycle and powersports industry, including federal right-to-repair legislation and a proposal aimed at curbing catalytic converter theft. The MIC sought to dissuade subcommittee leadership on the 'Right-to-Repair' legislation that was a central focus of the hearing - seeking to have motorcycles and off-highway vehicles explicitly excluded from the bill's scope. Conversely the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) supported the Subcommittee's second 2026 hearing decision advance several measures, including H.R. 1566, the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act, and H.R. 3385, legislation updating the federal definition of a motorcycle. Advancing legislation out of subcommittee is a critical milestone in the congressional process. The MRF supports these efforts as part of its federal legislative agenda, which includes protecting the right to repair and modify motorcycles, modernizing the federal definition of a motorcycle, and ensuring motorcycles are fully considered in the development and deployment of autonomous vehicles; www.mic.org, www.mrf.org
Harley has recalled certain 2021-2026 RH1250S (Sportster S) motorcycles due to the possibility that upper triple clamp may fracture. Some 9,401 units are potentially affected.
Bajaj Mobility AG (formerly PIERER Mobility AG) has announced estimated revenue and sales figures for 2025 that put revenue at over € 1bn (-46%), with motorcycle sales of 209,704 units (-28%), which Bajaj suggests represents a "positive trend". Inventory has been reduced by more than 100,000 units; at 64,110 sales of e-bicycles and bicycles were -40% and approximately 500 jobs have been eliminated in the Group. The Group sold 80,464 motorcycles in the second half of 2025, representing a 60% increase on the first half of the year (H1: 50,334 units). In addition, 43,956 motorcycles (H1: 34,950 units) were sold in H2 via strategic partner Bajaj Auto.
