- Harley’s LiveWire ditches big bikes for small, fun things
- Zero Motorcycles enters the cheap scooter market
- Honda goes electric without the associated prices
The internal combustion engine is still very much alive and well in the motorcycle industry. Just walk through the halls of the annual EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, which has just started this year, to witness the many new gasoline models from established companies. and Chinese newcomers alike.
But like the automotive industry in general, motorcycle brands have to deal with increasingly strict emissions regulations.
Take Honda, for example: it has revealed an aggressive streetfighter that uses an electronically controlled compressor in its compact engine in a bid to increase fun and reduce CO2 from the pipeline.
However, many others are turning to pure electrification to meet the requirements, and brands like Yadea could be said to be spearheading an electric revolution in the small-displacement motorcycle sector.
It now has a model (the Valex) that can recharge the batteries up to 80% in just 20 minutes and is almost single-handedly convincing those parts of the world that depend on the humble scooter to make the change.
This year’s show wasn’t exactly packed with impressive new EV offerings, perhaps a reaction to relatively slow adoption in the Western world, but EICMA still acts as a platform for the newest two-wheeled technology.
Here’s a handpick of the most interesting things from EICMA 2025…
1.Honda WN7
In addition to dabbling in electronically controlled compressors (yeah, we don’t get it either), Honda also unveiled the production version of the WN7, the brand’s first full-size electric motorcycle.
It is largely based on last year’s EV Fun Concept, but this production version develops a maximum power of 67 HP or 15 HP, depending on the driver’s license and local laws.
The maximum speed is estimated at about 130 km/h, although it can travel 50 meters from a standstill in just 3.9 seconds. A bit of an odd metric, but it’s designed to show the almost instantaneous torque on offer.
UK prices are said to be £12,999 (around $17,000/AU$26,000), which is in line with much of Honda’s petrol engine line-up and undercuts many similarly sized rivals like the Zero and Verge, for example.
Its range is said to be around 87 miles, with the 9.3 kWh lithium-ion battery capable of charging between 20 and 80% in 30 minutes when using a CCS2 fast charger.
It’s a highly competitive all-electric offering from an established brand that, if marketed properly in the right regions, could prove a big hit with buyers intrigued by electric propulsion.
2.Zero LS1
Not long after unveiling the XE and
Costing £4,500 (around $6,000/AU$9,000), the LS1 is capable of reaching 62mph and traveling around 72 miles on a single charge.
Like the Honda CUV:e we drove earlier this year, it can be legally owned and driven with entry-level licenses, making it a boon for travelers looking to ditch the trains.
Zero says the LS1 can be specified with under-seat storage or an optional third battery that increases range to an impressive 108 miles.
These batteries are interchangeable and, like the aforementioned Honda and BMW CE02, can be charged outside the motorcycle.
3. Royal Enfield FF.S6 Flying Flea
Royal Enfield surprised and somewhat confused the world when it said it would resurrect an old World War II model (originally designed to be parachuted from an airplane) as a futuristic, all-electric city car.
Last year’s Flying Flea concept divided opinion, as it looked, well, a little strange. As a result, the company has counterattacked with a more conventional scrambler, replete with reinforced front forks, fenders, and a flat seat.
Despite the easier-to-swallow styling, the second version of the Flying Flea still packs a big technological punch, with a motorcycle-specific Qualcomm Snapdragon chip and seamless connectivity via built-in 4G.
This effectively makes it a software-defined vehicle, with the ability to update the software and add more features over time… like a Tesla.
The technology also powers a voice assistant that enables easy hands-free control of a connected smartphone and built-in navigation.
There’s no word yet on how much they’ll cost, how long they’ll take to charge or the expected range, but it would be at odds with Royal Enfield’s reputation for excellent value to make production models with eye-watering prices.
4. TS Pro Edge
We rode the Verge TS earlier this year and were impressed by the performance offered by the rear hub motor, but the very expensive machine still looked like a prototype. It required a little more polishing.
Well, Verge has struck back with a new TS Pro version that features sister company Donut Labs’ latest Donut Motor 2.0, which is said to be 50% lighter than its predecessor while still offering that impressive 1,000 Nm of torque.
Range has also increased to an astonishing 350 km (217 miles) and it is possible to recharge the built-in batteries in around 35 minutes with a fast charger.
The brand’s Starmatter infotainment system takes pride of place in the cabin, offering video game-level graphics, constant connectivity and the ability to update features wirelessly.
Pricing is yet to be determined, but the TS we rode cost $29,900 / £31,980 (around AU$46,000). We imagine the Pro, with its upgraded motor, larger batteries, and sophisticated infotainment system, will cost even more. Ouchie.
5. Honcho LiveWire S4
This cheeky little Monkey motorcycle was first teased at a Harley-Davidson event earlier this year, but LiveWire (Harley’s electric sub-brand) has confirmed that the S4 Honcho will enter production in 2026, unveiling a version at EICMA 2025.
Designed for “errands, back roads, and everything in between,” the tiny runaround comes in Street or Trail configuration, with the latter not requiring a license in most markets, meaning it can be enjoyed by anyone with a bit of private land to cover.
The simple trellis frame and small wheels evoke memories of the original Honda Monkey machines, while the removable batteries and powerful electric motors give it a decidedly modern touch.
Come on, how good does that Trail version look?
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