Italian motorcycle manufacturer Moto Morini just released its all-new and redesigned 2026 X-Cape 700, in what the company says is a leap forward into the next generation of adventure riding.
The X-Cape 700 features distinctive Italian styling, advanced technology, improved handling and rideability, high-end components, and a brand-new engine platform.
Moto Morini — which just entered the U.S. market in January 2023 — says the heart of the X-Cape 700 is its 693cc liquid-cooled DOHC parallel-twin engine. It delivers 70 horsepower and 50.2 lb. of torque, with smooth power delivery across the powerband. The six-speed transmission and new slipper clutch provide easy shifting and fingertip traction management. The newly designed 2-into-1 exhaust offers a deep, throaty growl without fatigue during long stints in the saddle.
The X-Cape 700 includes a glove-friendly, high-resolution 7-inch full-color TFT display with an intuitive interface and lightning-fast processor speed. The simplified thumb controls operate the interchangeable ride modes between dirt and road. Bluetooth connectivity allows access to calls, music, helmet communications, and enhanced turn-by-turn navigation systems via a smartphone app. Additionally, the X-Cape 700 features a forward-facing camera with smartphone connectivity and weather-tight, USB-A and USB-C ports.
The bike’s new long-travel suspension is tuned for excellent handling, stability, and improved rider comfort. Fully adjustable, Marzocchi 50mm USD forks with 6.9 inches of travel and a new KYB rear mono-shock with revised damping and 6.5 inches of travel, with an easy preload hand adjuster, as well as adjustable rebound damping.
The black tubeless spoked wheels are 19 inches in the front and 17 inches in the rear and come mounted with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR premium adventure tires. The Brembo braking system with dual 298mm front discs and 2-piston calipers commands braking power and control in any condition. The switchable on/off ABS allows the rider to choose their setting for confidence and agility.
The X-Cape 700 provides real-world ADV ergonomics and rider comfort, with a seat height of 33.3 inches. The tapered handlebars offer six-point adjustments for a personalized riding position and come mounted with durable hand guards and a height-adjustable windscreen. It has contemporary bodywork, slim LED lighting, unique graphics, and colorways in Italia Red or Carrara White.
The X-Cape 700 starts with an MSRP of $8,299 and a three-year, unlimited-miles warranty.
Piaggio Group Americas officially opened its newest MotoPlex location on July 16 with the grand opening of MotoPlex Fairfield, a flagship destination representing the group’s four iconic Italian brands: Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Vespa, and Piaggio.
The new dealership offers a premium retail and service experience tailored to riders across all disciplines — from sportbike enthusiasts to touring adventurers and first-time scooter buyers. Positioned in one of New England’s most vibrant motorcycle regions, MotoPlex Fairfield is designed to be more than a showroom — it’s a cultural hub for two-wheel enthusiasts in the Tri-State area.
“We’re honored to welcome everyone to MotoPlex Fairfield,” says Ryan Ambrifi, owner of the dealership. “This flagship location pairs the passion of the riding community with world-class Italian brands, a premium retail experience, and a service team focused on long-term relationships with customers.”
Piaggio Group Americas executives, including Andrea Gucciardi, president and CEO, joined local riders and clubs at the ribbon-cutting celebration. “Fairfield County and the broader tri-state area are home to one of the most diverse and passionate riding communities in the country,” Gucciardi says. “MotoPlex Fairfield delivers an elevated experience that reflects the craftsmanship, lifestyle, and performance of our brands.”
Attendees were treated to demo rides and meet-and-greets with Piaggio’s sales and marketing leadership, including Michael Angeli, vice president of sales for North America, along with team members from marketing, sales, and dealer development.
MotoPlex Fairfield offers a full range of services, including parts, accessories, and riding gear, in a modern environment designed to cater to both seasoned and new riders. It joins a growing network of MotoPlex locations across North America focused on delivering the full Piaggio brand experience under one roof.
In May, Honda reached a cumulative global motorcycle production of 500 million units, and the company credits its contributions to worldwide communities and building mutual trust as main reasons it hit this production milestone.
Honda began full-scale motorcycle production in 1949, just one year after its founding. Honda’s first motorcycle was the Dream D-Type. In 1963, Honda established its first overseas motorcycle manufacturing plant in Belgium and subsequently set up facilities all over the world, with production rooted in the local markets.
Honda says the key to its massive motorcycle production over the decades is its philosophy of building products close to the customer, and tailoring to each specific market it manufacturers in.
“Of course, it is essential to produce products tailored to local needs and preferences,” says Masanori Shimazoe, general manager of Honda’s Kumamoto factory in Japan, which serves as the global hub supporting the company’s motorcycle and power products production. “However, to be chosen by the local people, it is also necessary to thoroughly understand that country and cultivate a sense of attachment to it.”
Shimazoe emphasized that the importance of its build-close-to-the-customer philosophy is two-fold. For one, it reduces the lead time from manufacturing to delivery from the production country. Secondly, it allows the company to be accepted by the local community.
“Selling products locally made is not enough to gain trust. It is only by rooting ourselves in the local community and working together that we can gain acceptance,” Shimazoe adds.
Honda says in this current market, high-quality products that better suit customer preferences need to be developed, and service and brand strength are vital. Moreover, rapid response through local production becomes a key source of competitiveness.
Honda adds that its strategy is leveraging profits from mature markets to make proactive investments in potential markets, balancing its global business portfolio while aiming for long-term growth.
You might know Cody Garbrandt from the Ultimate Fighting Championship, but outside the Octagon, it’s the roar of a motorcycle engine that keeps him grounded.
Garbrandt, who won the UFC Bantamweight Championship in 2016, says ridding offers him a rare sense of freedom and focus — a side of him that fans rarely see, but one that fuels the fighter in unexpected ways.
Participating in Indian Motorcycle’s Forged custom build program, Garbrandt was the recipient of an all-new, custom 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus — built and designed by renowned custom bike builder Satya Kraus of Kraus Moto. Kraus designed Garbrandt’s bike to mirror his personality: aggressive, fearless, and always pushing the limit.
“My riding style is kind of like my fighting style,” says Garbrandt. “Everything I do in life is to the redline — pushing it to the barrier.”
“This bike is a straight street ripper. There’s no BS. No glossy paint. There’s no fancy ‘this or that.’ It’s classy, but it’s mean and it’s all about business,” says Kraus.
Kraus outfitted Garbrandt’s Chieftain with BST forged carbon fiber wheels, a full Kraus KR8 inverted front end featuring Ohlins Racing suspension. It features Kraus billet aluminum brake calipers with stock Indian rotors, and a one-off stainless steel exhaust pipe from FAB28 Industries.
A custom Saddlemen seat, stainless steel moto-style bars and risers, with the Hart Luck Kraus pull-back plate, set up Garbrandt with comfortable, aggressive ergonomics. The bike also includes Denali lights, a custom derby cover with Garbrandt’s “No Love” nickname, and chopped saddlebags to move the design forward and make the bike more compact and aggressive.
This build provided Kraus and his team the perfect platform to prototype a range of new aftermarket products and dial in every detail.
“We’re working closely with Indian and other people within the industry to make sure we have a good aftermarket product set for these bikes,” says Kraus. “We know that’s so important for this industry and that it hasn’t been there in the past. We’re working really hard to make sure that product line is there, and this project and this bike gave us the opportunity to do that.”
Indian Motorcycle’s Forged program is a six-part video series highlighting three unique interpretations of the all-new 2025 Chieftain PowerPlus.
Sonic Powersports, a large powersports network with 16 dealerships in the U.S., kicked off a milestone celebration at the 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally by offering the limited-edition 2025 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S, available at all five of its South Dakota Harley-Davidson dealerships.
The commemorative 2025 Low Rider S features an all-black design with orange pinstriping and a rally-inspired paint scheme. The special edition pays tribute to the 1991 FXDB Sturgis, originally designed by Willie Davidson. Only a handful of the 26 special edition bikes remain.
THE FOUNDERS CLUB
To mark the 85th anniversary of the rally, Sturgis Harley-Davidson is also launching the Sturgis Founders Club, a unique program honoring the first 85 riders who purchase a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle at the dealership. These members receive a custom-engraved challenge coin, exclusive patch, VIP access to the Sturgis Harley-Davidson Buyers Club, and their name engraved at the Sturgis Hall of Fame.
According to reports by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and several other news publications, Harley-Davidson is planning on the release of a smaller, more affordable, entry-level motorcycle.
The company says the Harley-Davidson Sprint will be priced around $6,000 and will be available in 2026. However, U.S. dealers will get a sneak-peek of the new bike in October.
Reports say the Sprint will target both domestic and international markets. It will likely be a small-capacity motorcycle, aimed at attracting new riders and growing the company’s global footprint in the lower-displacement segment.
Harley-Davidson CEO Jochen Zeitz mentioned in a July 30 2Q conference call with investors that the Sprint has been in development since 2021.
“Inspired by our heritage and the spirit of the iconic Harley‑Davidson Sprint motorcycle, this new bike embodies boldness, irreverence, and fun, capturing the rebellious energy that defines the Harley‑Davidson experience,” says Zeitz. “This bike has been in development since 2021… We believe this motorcycle will not only be highly accessible, but also profitable, marking a significant step forward in driving Harley‑Davidson’s future profitable growth and opening up a new path… in future years for its key markets.”
Related reports add that the new Sprint will revive a bike first introduced in 1961 under Harley’s Aermacchi partnership, which featured a 250cc single-cylinder engine. This bike evolved into the Sprint 350 in 1969 before being discontinued in 1974. Similar to its 1961 predecessor, the Sprint reflects a broader plan to release a second entry-level cruiser in 2026.
KTM is back on track with the release of the 2026 KTM XC collection, featuring an expansive off-road motorcycle roster that is suited for all ages and abilities. The product release comes just months after a major $900-plus million investment from Bajaj Auto.
The XCs' chassis will feature tubes with optimized wall thickness and revised shock mounts that deliver reduced weight and reactive flex, while the little swingarm helps with agility, stability, and traction.
The engine has both 4-stroke and 2-stroke forms, and the ergonomics has an acute rider triangle with in-mold, bi-composite plastics for control, contact, and assurance. For the handling, WP Suspension’s XACT material is used for both closed cartridge spring forks and shock, generating maximum tractability on a wide range of terrain. As for the tech, Pankl gearboxes, TPS, e-starts, and the Connectivity Unit Offroad permit further customization for conditions, setup, and engine character, as well as GPS potential.
These features will be present on the KTM 250 XC and the 300 XC, and both the 4-stroke models, the KTM 250 XC-F and the 450 XC-F.
KEY XC UPGRADES
Improved cooling performance on all 2026 KTM XC models thanks to the radiator closure system.
Tweaked fuel injection with a new protection cap for the CPC fuel connector. The cap is more robust and protective, providing a better seal against dirt, dust, and water.
The KTM XCs (2-strokes) benefit from a new wiring harness with adjusted fixation points and wire organization.
An increased in-mold graphic emphasis on orange with purple dashes on the tank spoilers and fork guards. The black frame and seat give the range a more purposeful and menacing look.
Extra sticking power and durability come through the high-quality Dunlop AT82 tires on both front and rear wheels of each 2026 KTM XC motorcycle.
ENDURO LINEUP
In addition to the announcement of the new Cross Country, earlier this year in June, KTM dropped its 2026 enduro lineup, which the company says features updates and refinements to the principal four models, and with more special editions to come.
The enduro lineup includes the 150, 250 and 300 XC-W models, as well as the 4-stroke 450 XCF-W.
The enduro range brings significant suspension upgrades with the 48 mm WP XACT closed cartridge spring fork receiving new damping settings and new, lighter, shorter springs, as well as a reworked pressure reservoir. A new one-piece hydro stop rounds out the front fork overhaul, which also results in an overall weight-saving of 200 grams.
KTM’s signature shock technology with the WP XPLOR PDS also benefits from the same attention to setup and optimization as the fork, with new settings for the new year.
A new protection cap has been added to the CPC fuel connector for all bikes. The cooling system features a standard thread that allows for easier and faster opening. Also, a radiator fan is attached to the KTM 450 XCF-W as standard.
Another notable difference comes through the styling and in-mold graphics package for the bi-composite plastics. The effect introduces a more vivid orange to the scene but also flashes of red on the fork guards and remodeled tank spoilers, where redistributed airflow will help with cooling. The high-grip seat cover is now black with similar textured material for the frame protectors, bar pads, and tank spoilers. Finally, Dunlop has provided new Geomax AT82 tires for superb off-road mastery.
2026 KTM XC-W and XCF-W bikes will be available at authorized KTM dealers beginning in September. For more information about the 2026 KTM Cross Country lineup go to KTM.com.
Can-Am, a flagship brand of BRP Inc., has donated a 2025 Can-Am Canyon Redrock to the Road Warrior Foundation (RWF) to support U.S. military veterans through adventure therapy. The vehicle will be raffled off, with proceeds funding multi-day rides and experiences designed to help veterans heal and reconnect.
The raffle kicked off Aug. 6 and runs through Veterans Day, Nov. 11, symbolically honoring those who have served while raising funds for transformative powersports experiences.
“Can-Am has proudly supported the Road Warrior Foundation for over a decade. We’ve seen the impact of adventure therapy firsthand, and this donation is another way we can help veterans rediscover the freedom of riding,” says Elsa Vilarinho, director of marketing for international markets and Can-Am On-Road.
Since 2013, Can-Am has partnered with RWF to make powersports more accessible to wounded and disabled veterans by providing vehicles, gear, and training. The raffle proceeds will directly support programs that challenge veterans, foster camaraderie, and promote healing through adventure.
“This donation means the world to us,” says Stephen Berger, RWF co-founder and U.S. Air Force veteran. “Every ticket purchased helps us reach another veteran in need. Riding truly changes lives.”
The donated vehicle, the 2025 Can-Am Canyon Redrock, is Can-Am’s most rugged and adventure-ready three-wheel model to date. Purpose-built for touring, it features:
Elevated ground clearance and extended suspension travel
XPS Adventure tires and protective handguards
Moss Green Satin styling and semi-active KYB Smart-Shox suspension
Backup camera and plush two-up seating
For ticket details and official rules, visit www.roadwarrior.org.