Motorcycle Industry News | Wind Burned Eyes

It Looks Like Bajaj Saved KTM

In the ever-turbulent world of motorcycles, where the roar of engines often masks the whispers of boardroom deals, KTM finds itself once again at the crossroads of survival and collapse after its tough last year.

The Austrian marque, renowned for its off-road prowess, has been grappling with financial headwinds that threaten to stall its journey.

Benda Motorcycles Opens Up Shop in the US

Benda Motorcycles is trying to change the narrative for Chinese motorcycles. Known for its bold designs and original engineering, Benda is officially entering the U.S. market through distributor Keeway America. I’d reported that it was set to do so a while back, but now the time has come.

The launch lineup includes three affordable cruiser models: the Chinchilla 300, the Chinchilla 500, and the Napoleonbob 500. Each Benda bike offers a distinct personality, aimed at riders who want something fresh without stretching their budget.

Zeitz Retains Harley-Davidson CEO Position for Now

In a boardroom showdown that could’ve rivaled a barroom brawl, Harley-Davidson’s top brass managed to keep their seats—if only by the skin of their teeth.

The annual shareholders meeting saw activist investor H Partners, wielding a hefty 9.1% stake, aiming to oust CEO Jochen Zeitz and board members Thomas Linebarger and Sara Levinson. Their gripe? A cocktail of declining sales, a 31% stock slump, and a culture they claimed was losing its roar.

Check Out the 2026 BMW R 1300 RT

The 2026 BMW R 1300 RT is a technological marvel, blending performance and comfort for long-distance touring. Powered by a 1,300cc air/liquid-cooled Boxer engine with ShiftCam variable valve timing, it delivers 145 horsepower at 7,750 rpm and 109.9 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm.

The six-speed transmission is now located beneath the engine, offering riders a choice between traditional manual shifting and BMW’s new Automated Shift Assistant.

2026 DesertX and Monster Will Get a New Ducati V2 Engine

It seems those engineers over in Bologna are busy brewing something new, meaning the DesertX and Monster will get the Ducati V2 890cc engine.

You’re looking at an 890cc V-twin engine, according to the records that are available out there.

The LiveWire Doki Scooter Is Coming Soon

LiveWire, Harley-Davidson’s electric spinoff, just filed a trademark for a new name: Doki. Sounds playful at first — like a cartoon dog — but it’s deeper than that.

“Doki” echoes the Japanese “doki doki,” the sound of a racing heart. And make no mistake, that’s exactly what LiveWire aims to stir with this new electric scooter. But will this work?

South Korea Launches Study to Electrify Gas-Powered Scooters Amid Emissions Push

In the bustling heart of Seoul, where scooters dart through narrow alleys delivering everything from kimchi to K-pop albums, the South Korean government is charting a new course.

Recognizing that these two-wheeled workhorses, especially the older 50cc models, emit significantly more hydrocarbons than cars, officials are piloting an eight-month study to assess the feasibility of converting gas-powered scooters to electric.

Check Out the 2025 Indian Challenger Elite and Pursuit Elite

In the grand tradition of American iron, the 2025 Indian Challenger Elite and Pursuit Elite were recently rolled out—two limited-edition baggers that blend muscle, luxury, and a dash of race-bred swagger.

With production capped at 325 units for the Challenger and 150 for the Chieftain, exclusivity is the name of the game.

This Yamaha Camera-Based Warning System Could Improve Rider Safety

In a world where motorcycles are increasingly asked to think for themselves, Yamaha’s latest idea is a curious blend of simplicity and sophistication: one camera, one brain, one big step toward smarter riding.

While Honda is off tinkering with stereo lenses and radar arrays, Yamaha’s new patent filings show it’s betting on a lone front-facing eye to do all the heavy lifting—measuring speed, trajectory, and distance with nothing but image analysis and digital smarts.

Verge Motorcycles Record Set for Distance on a Single Battery Charge

On a crisp March morning in London, Verge Motorcycles etched its name into the annals of electric motorcycling history. My guess is this Verge Motorcycles record will stand for a while.

Their TS Pro model, a marvel of Finnish engineering, embarked on a journey that would culminate in a Guinness World Record for the longest distance traveled by an electric motorcycle on a single charge—310.6 kilometers, to be precise.