Motorcycling never stands still — and while not every new idea lands, some genuinely move the needle for riders. From unexpected new manufacturers stepping up their game, to tech that’s quietly making riding safer, easier and more immersive, this year delivered plenty to get excited about. Here are five things in motorcycling we genuinely loved, and why they matter.
The New Wave of Manufacturers Has Arrived
For years, the phrase “the Chinese are coming” has been thrown around with more caution than excitement. That changed this year.
Brands like CFMOTO have moved well beyond value-focused entry bikes and into genuinely competitive territory. The 450MT proved that affordable adventure bikes can still feel properly engineered, while more ambitious projects — including a V4 superbike and larger-capacity adventure platforms like the soon-to-arrive 1000MT-X — showed real confidence and technical maturity. And the bikes are pretty bloody good, with the launch we attended in Australia really putting the 800MT-X through its paces and it came out shining. Check it out HERE.
At the same time, manufacturers like Benda took to the EICMA Motorcycle Show this year like it was a competition for the wildest and wackiest new idea, while also leaning hard into bold design. From cruisers running some of the widest rear tyres ever fitted to a production motorcycle, to a hybrid boxer-style engine that looks to punch well above its capacity, these brands aren’t just copying anymore — they’re experimenting. Then there’s the new Norton, BSA, KOVE – the list goes on. It’s an exciting time in the motorcycle space.
And the biggest takeaway? These bikes are no longer interesting for the price. They’re interesting, full stop.
Cameras Are Levelling Up — and Shrinking
On-bike video has exploded — and the gear has finally caught up with how riders actually want to use it.
Okay, many of us have had a GoPro of some version since they were first released back in the day, but the ability and performance of cameras now is getting wild. From Insta360 who this year pushed resolution boundaries with 8K capture, while GoPro refined image stabilisation and usability yet again. But the real leap came from miniaturisation.
Now, there are ultra-small cameras that can be mounted discreetly — even inside a helmet or visor — delivering true rider-eye perspective without the weight, wind noise or awkward mounting of traditional action cams. Add emerging tech like Meta smart glasses into the mix (which we here at BRM use regularly and they’re amazing), and capturing ride footage is becoming almost effortless.
Then there’s the like of the Navman and Sena systems that combine communication and a helmet-mounted camera and the choice for content creators, commuters, and anyone wanting authentic POV footage, is taking a huge step forward every year. And 2025 saw a lot of changes.
Electronics That Are Actually Useful
We’ve had plenty of years now to get used to electronic rider aids on motorcycles, although how relevant and helpful they are is questionable. The new Triumph Bonneville modern classics have just been updated with lean-sensitive rider aids, but if you’re pushing a T100 so hard that you need cornering ABS or traction control, then you’re probably on the wrong bike. Okay, in an emergency they’re there to catch you before a crash, but actually making you ride faster/better. Hmmm.
But in 2025 we saw some models arrive with electronics that aren’t simply about safety nets — they’re becoming performance tools.
The electronically controlled suspension systems like Ohlins latest Smart EC 3.0 system uses the IMU to now adjust damping in real time, responding to braking forces, lean angle and road surface. And some systems like we’ve seen arrive on the latest BMW R 1300 GSA even lower seat height automatically when you stop, making tall bikes more accessible without compromising suspension travel on the move. You can even dial in a change of spring rate simply with the press of a few buttons.
But there was one standout example this year and that came from Triumph, whose Speed Triple 1200 RS introduced multi-level wheelie control that doesn’t just stop the front wheel lifting — it lets you choose how much of a hero you want to be. Dial in a set height, crack the throttle, and the bike manages the rest.
It’s tech that doesn’t replace skill — it enhances it. And it really works! You just have to be brave enough to trust the electronic brain to keep you from landing on your arse.
Airbags Are Finally Going Mainstream
For years, wearable airbags felt niche, reserved for the like of MotoGP racers and wealthy track dayers, usually riding a Ducati with large chicken strips on the tyres. But this year, we reckon the change has happened and they almost felt like the norm, with many riders we came across over the last 12 months sporting an airbag of some sort either above or underneath their regular riding jacket.
Brands like Alpinestars and Dainese have now been joined by other brands including IXON and RST to offer airbag technology, with under-jacket, over-jacket, mechanical trigger, electronic sensor, subscription-based or standalone all part of the mix for whichever route you choose.
Better still, the tech has pushed into off-road and adventure riding, with lighter, more flexible systems designed for trail use. Whether you’re commuting, touring or hitting gravel, the option to ride inside your own inflatable safety cell has never been more accessible.
Like ABS before it, airbags feel inevitable now.
Helmets Are Getting Smarter — and Quieter
One of the most under-appreciated advances this year has been active noise management in helmets.
Rather than simply stuffing more padding around your ears, new helmet tech is experimenting with active noise cancelling, similar to premium headphones. Using microphones and speakers, these systems reduce harmful low-frequency wind noise while still allowing critical sounds — sirens, horns, engine note — through.
The benefits go beyond comfort. Reduced noise fatigue means longer rides with better concentration and less post-ride exhaustion. Combined with integrated comms, navigation prompts and HUD-style displays on the horizon, helmets are rapidly becoming the most high-tech piece of kit a rider owns.
This is one area where we expect rapid growth — and quick rider adoption. Okay, pricing is going to be an issue with the early adopters, but then we’re sure the price is likely to come down once the tech has become more mainstream. And with helmets like the Cardo and Sena models also featuring things like highlevel lights and heads up displays, there’s going to be a lot more to do than simply slip your helmet on and do the buckle up in the future.
A Final Word: The End of Print, Not the End of Progress
Not everything we loved this year came wrapped in carbon fibre or silicon.
While we farewelled the print edition of Bike Rider Magazine, it wasn’t the end — it was a shift. A move towards faster publishing, richer video, deeper reviews and content that lives where riders actually consume it.
Motorcycling is evolving. So is how we tell its stories.
And honestly? We’re pretty excited about what comes next.
