While the new bikes start trickling in as early as the first half of the year before, the flood happens at Esposizione Internazionale Ciclo Motociclo e Accessori. If that name confuses you, even when it’s translated to English—International Exhibition of Cycles, Motorcycles, and Accessories—perhaps you know it by its more famous acronym: EICMA. Held in Milan for over a century, it’s a massive gathering—a record-breaking 600,000+ people attended this year—that attracts manufacturers of motorcycles and motorcycle accessories from every corner of the globe.
EICMA didn’t disappoint in 2025. Over 50 new models debuted at the Fiera Milano Rho exhibition center, about eight miles northwest of downtown Milan. They make up a lion’s share of the bikes in our now-annual Preview issue. We close the books on the previous year and spin up the wheels for the new year. All the 2025s have been tested, and you’ll have 2026s to look forward to for the next 11 months.
Of course, not every 2026 model has been announced. Most notably, Harley-Davidson is playing it close to the vest, though we were able to nudge something out of The Motor Company for our 2026 Preview.
For the most part, we’ve restricted the sprawling list to one bike per brand. That still leaves us with over 20 new models to consider for our garages in 2026. Look for our first-ever tests of motorcycles from Benda and CFMoto in the coming year—two Chinese brands that are shaking things up with innovative bikes. Getting rides on a BSA, Brabus, Italjet, Norton, or Phelon & Moore (an unexpected brand revival) are long shots, but you never know. I might find myself in the neighborhood of one of those brands and start knocking on the door.
What 2026 model are you most excited to see us test? Drop us a letter—we read every one.
Beyond the previews, we squeezed in some hands-on riding time, including testing the 2026 Triumph TF 450-C in the beautiful Appalachians of West Virginia. Rain and a shattered big toe were obstacles to overcome, but that makes success just that much sweeter.
Don’t miss our Gallery on the spectacular Italian Bike Week—it’s a reminder of how our American riding culture has inspired massive events across the Atlantic.
Finally, we explain the Bajaj Auto takeover of KTM in the News section. It was sad to see KTM suffer financial troubles, as it is an important brand. However, I’m an optimistic guy, and I think the people at Bajaj will transform KTM in ways that we might not expect and will end up liking. With the deal finalized just last month, Bajaj’s track record of smart investments bodes well for KTM’s future success. The best may be yet to come.
I hope 2025 was kind to you, and that 2026 will be even better. Here in the motorcycle world, it looks great to me, and there are plenty of fantastic motorcycles waiting for us to enjoy. So, let’s push the start button on 2026!
