Two things every rider should pay attention to right now: how drivers are tested and what’s happening to motorcycle sales in the U.S.
Here’s the quick, no‑nonsense breakdown.
Maryland Targets Motorcycle Awareness on Driving Tests
What’s happening: A Maryland State Senator has introduced a bill that would require motorcycle-related questions on every driver’s license exam.
Why it matters:
Most states, including Maryland, use randomized questions for license exams
That means a driver can currently pass without seeing a single motorcycle question
The proposal would mandate at least five motorcycle and traffic-related questions per test
Status:
As of early February 2026, the bill was still in committee
Why riders should care: More awareness at the testing stage means fewer “I didn’t see them” excuses later. This is one of the rare policy moves that directly acknowledges motorcycles as a normal, everyday part of traffic.
U.S. Motorcycle Sales Decline—Again
The headline: U.S. motorcycle sales fell 5% in 2025.
The context:
The U.S. is the 14th largest motorcycle market in the world
Typical annual sales: about 500,000 motorcycles
2025 total sales: approximately 507,000 units. That’s not a collapse—but it’s another step backward.
Winners and Losers: Brand Performance in 2025
Top of the leaderboard (barely):
Honda retained the #1 spot
Margin: just 1,000 motorcycles ahead of Kawasaki
The twist:
Honda sales: down 12%
Kawasaki sales: up 12%
If trends continue, that lead may not last. Kawasaki is making up the ground with their smaller sportbikes
Harley-Davidson: Still Sliding
2025 sales decline:12.7% Another year, another drop. The brand still has loyalty—but the numbers show ongoing pressure. They rank 3rd in the US for sales
KTM Takes the Biggest Hit
Worst decline of the year:25.4%. That’s not a dip. That’s a warning sign. But now that they have stabilized it might make a turn around.
Be aware that this motorcycle recall list is for the United States for the last 30 days, there is no way I could cover the entire world. But in the world of global manufacturing, if a motorcycle is being recalled in one country there is a good chance it is under recall in others.
Also, this should not be considered a definitive list, check for yourself if you have any questions.
If you are US based, use the NHTSA website http://www.safercar.gov. Enter your VIN number to see if your motorcycle is affected by the recall.
If you are based outside the USA, use the appropriate website to locate recalls that may impact you.
*****
NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V048000
Manufacturer Zero Motorcycles Inc.
Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary Zero Motorcycles Inc. (Zero) is recalling certain 2024-2025 DSR/X, DS, DSR, and DSRP motorcycles. The front brake hose may be twisted and become damaged, which can cause a brake fluid leak and a loss of brake pressure.
Remedy Dealers will inspect and replace the hose as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 23, 2026. Owners may contact Zero customer service at 1-888-841-8085. Zero’s number for this recall is SV-RCL-025-017.2. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 27, 2026.
*****
NHTSA Campaign Number: 26E001000
Manufacturer Allwin Powersports Corp.
Components EQUIPMENT Helmets
Summary Allwin Powersports Corp. (APC) is recalling certain LS2 Rebellion helmets, sizes XL and XXL manufactured between July 1, 2024 and July 30 2025. The helmets may lack proper impact protection. As such, these helmets fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 218, “Motorcycle Helmets.”
Remedy APC will replace the helmet, free of charge. Owners may contact APC customer service at (630) 236-2366 or (888) 968-9888
Be aware that this motorcycle recall list is for the United States for the last 30 days, there is no way I could cover the entire world. But in the world of global manufacturing, if a motorcycle is being recalled in one country there is a good chance it is under recall in others.
Also, this should not be considered a definitive list, check for yourself if you have any questions.
If you are US based, use the NHTSA website http://www.safercar.gov. Enter your VIN number to see if your motorcycle is affected by the recall.
If you are based outside the USA, use the appropriate website to locate recalls that may impact you.
*****
NHTSA Campaign Number: 25E088000
Manufacturer Bell Sports, Inc.
Components EQUIPMENT
Summary Bell Sports Inc (Bell) is recalling certain Scout Air helmets, sizes S and L. The helmets may lack proper penetration protection. As such, these helmets fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 218, “Motorcycle Helmets.”
Remedy Bell will replace the helmet or reimburse owners as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact Bell’s customer service at 1-800-216-9446.
*****
NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V873000
Manufacturer Suzuki Motor USA, LLC
Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary Suzuki Motor USA, LLC (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2025-2026 DR-Z400S and 2025 DR-Z400SM motorcycles. The reservoir tank cap fixing screws may have been incorrectly tightened, allowing brake fluid to leak. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 122, “Motorcycle Brake Systems.”
Remedy Dealers will tighten the screws, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 9, 2026. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 20, 2025.
Be aware that this motorcycle recall list is for the United States for the last 30 days, there is no way I could cover the entire world. But in the world of global manufacturing, if a motorcycle is being recalled in one country there is a good chance it is under recall in others.
Also, this should not be considered a definitive list, check for yourself if you have any questions.
If you are US based, use the NHTSA website http://www.safercar.gov. Enter your VIN number to see if your motorcycle is affected by the recall.
If you are based outside the USA, use the appropriate website to locate recalls that may impact you.
*****
NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V798000
Manufacturer Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.
Components ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (Kawasaki) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ninja ZX-6R, ZX-6R KRT Edition, ZX-6R KRT 40th Anniversary Edition ABS, ZX-6R ABS, and ZX-6R KRT Edition ABS motorcycles. The motorcycles may lose engine power during operation due to seizure of a metal crankshaft bushing.
Remedy Owners are advised not to ride their motorcycles until the repair has been completed. The remedy is currently under development. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Motorcycles in this recall that were previously repaired under recall 25V376 will need to have the new remedy performed, once available. Owners may contact Kawasaki customer service at (855) 878-4217.
*****
NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V778000
Manufacturer Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA
Components ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary Yamaha Motor Company, Ltd. (Yamaha) is recalling certain 2018-2022 XMAX scooters. The camshaft retainer bolt may loosen and not properly secure the camshaft, resulting in an engine stall.
Remedy Owners are advised not to ride their scooter until the remedy has been completed. Dealers will install a new camshaft plate kit, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 20, 2025. Owners may contact Yamaha’s customer service at 1-800-962-7926. Yamaha’s number for this recall is 990184. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 24, 2025.
1. MotoE World Championship (electric-motorcycle racing) suspended
Dorna Sports (along with Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, FIM) announced that the MotoE series will be put on hiatus after the 2025 season. The reason: insufficient fan interest and slow development in the electric-motorcycle market. This is a notable setback for electric road-racing motorcycles.
2. Norton Motorcycles outlines a major revival strategy under new ownership
The British heritage brand Norton (now under TVS Motor Company) is inviting UK-based retailers to join its network ahead of a global relaunch at the EICMA 2025 show in Milan and reportedly secured a ~USD 267 million investment for manufacturing and operations in the UK.
3. Ride of the Year: Can‑Am Canyon Redrock named 2025 Motorcycle of the Year
According to Rider Magazine, the Can-Am Canyon Redrock (a three-wheel “roadster” from BRP) is awarded the 2025 Motorcycle of the Year. Rider Magazine
The publication noted that the broader motorcycle marketplace is increasingly diverse—with over 117 new or updated models eligible this year. They pointed out that lighter, more accessible machines (including 3-wheelers) and electric/alternative-power machines are helping reshape the market. The award to the Canyon Redrock underscores how category-creep is real: what counts as “motorcycle” is evolving.
4. U.S. dealer-/industry initiative to grow riding participation
Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) in the U.S. has partnered with Comoto Family of Brands (owner of Cycle Gear, RevZilla, J&P Cycles) to roll out a nationwide “Ride With Us” initiative aimed at introducing new riders and lowering barriers to entry. Highlights:
The campaign provides hands-on experiences, free ride-intro events, training-bike access, gear, coaching and guides on licensing.
The tagline: “What does a motorcycle rider look like? Exactly like you.” It emphasizes inclusivity and aims to attract a broader demographic.
The effort also encourages existing riders to “Recruit a Rider” — inviting friends/family to join.
Implication: With the new-motorcycle market under pressure in many regions, growing the base of riders (not just sales) becomes a strategic priority. Increasing participation may help sustain culture, aftermarket sales, gear/accessories, and ultimately new-bike demand long-term.
Be aware that this motorcycle recall list is for the United States for the last 30 days, there is no way I could cover the entire world. But in the world of global manufacturing, if a motorcycle is being recalled in one country there is a good chance it is under recall in others.
Also, this should not be considered a definitive list, check for yourself if you have any questions.
If you are US based, use the NHTSA website http://www.safercar.gov. Enter your VIN number to see if your motorcycle is affected by the recall.
If you are based outside the USA, use the appropriate website to locate recalls that may impact you.
*****
NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V723000
Manufacturer Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Components POWER TRAIN
Summary Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2025 CB1000SP Hornet SP motorcycles. The pivot bolt on the gearshift pedal may loosen and detach, resulting in the inability to shift gears. As such, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 123, “Motorcycle Controls and Displays.”
Remedy Dealers will replace the pivot bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 19, 2025. Owners may contact Honda’s customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda’s number for this recall is KT2. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 28, 2025.
What You Need to Know: Indian Motorcycle Sold to Private Equity
It’s official. Polaris has sold a majority stake in Indian Motorcycle to Carolwood LP, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm. And while the press releases are full of buzzwords like “growth” and “heritage,” we’re calling it straight: this is a loss for the riding community.
From Revival to Revenue
Polaris bought Indian in 2011 and did what many thought impossible—they brought the century-old brand roaring back to life. From the Scout to the Challenger, Indian became a real rival to Harley-Davidson, blending classic Americana with modern engineering. Riders responded. The brand grew. The culture thrived.
But now, Polaris is walking away. Despite Indian generating nearly $478 million last year, it wasn’t profitable enough for Wall Street. So they sold it off to a firm that doesn’t build bikes—it builds balance sheets.
Meet the New Owners: Carolwood LP: Riders, Meet Your New Landlord
Carolwood LP isn’t a motorcycle company. It’s a private equity firm. Their business isn’t about the ride—it’s about the return. They’ve tapped Mike Kennedy, a veteran of Harley-Davidson and RumbleOn, as CEO. Sure, he knows the industry. But this move feels more like financial engineering than passion for the open road.
Private equity firms are known for cutting costs, streamlining operations, and chasing short-term gains. That might work for tech startups or retail chains—but motorcycles aren’t just products. They’re culture. They’re community. They’re us.
I believe motorcycles are more than machines. They’re stories, diners, roadside repairs, and community rides. Indian was part of that story—a brand reborn through grit and rider loyalty. Now it’s in the hands of suits who probably think a Scout is just another SKU.
My Take: What This Means for Riders …. Not Good
Carolwood says they’ll preserve Indian’s heritage and keep the Spirit Lake and Monticello factories running. They promise no disruption to dealers or customers. But promises are cheap. What happens when profits dip? Will they outsource manufacturing? Slash R&D? Gut the design team?
Be aware that this motorcycle recall list is for the United States for the last 30 days, there is no way I could cover the entire world. But in the world of global manufacturing, if a motorcycle is being recalled in one country there is a good chance it is under recall in others.
Also, this should not be considered a definitive list, check for yourself if you have any questions.
If you are US based, use the NHTSA website http://www.safercar.gov. Enter your VIN number to see if your motorcycle is affected by the recall.
If you are based outside the USA, use the appropriate website to locate recalls that may impact you.
*****
NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V598000
Manufacturer KTM North America, Inc.
Components VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary KTM North America, Inc. is recalling certain 2022-2023 Husqvarna Svartpilen 401, Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, and 2022-2024 KTM 390 Adventure motorcycles. Water could enter the throttle (e-throttle) control unit and cause it to fail, resulting in loss of drive power.
Remedy KTM and Husqvarna dealers will inspect and replace the e-throttle control, free of charge. KTM has not yet provided a schedule for recall notification. Owners may contact KTM customer service at 1-888-985-6090.
*****
NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V590000
Manufacturer Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Components STEERING
Summary Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain RH1250S (Sportster S) motorcycles. The upper triple clamp may fracture.
Remedy Dealers will replace the upper triple clamp, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 29, 2025. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson’s number for this recall is 0190.
[IJustWant2Ride – Start] This post is by the organization Save London Motorcycling. Save London Motorcycling is a grassroots organization dedicated to fighting threats to motorcycling in London, UK. Don’t think it can’t happen in the US. I have pointed out, in several posts, attempts to “restrain” motorcycling and do not forget that the Vision Zero coalition is all about zero motorcycles.
Please share this to raise awareness this not just for “Save London Motorcycling” but for all of us. [IjustWant2Ride – End]
****
Why We Fight to Ride Our Motorcycles
Across the UK, riders are under attack. Step by step, rule by rule, life on two wheels is being made harder, and London is on the front line.
Riders see what’s happening, but too often they don’t know how to respond. That’s why we created Save London Motorcycling to organize, to show riders they have power, and to fight back. We don’t charge membership fees; we just spread awareness and ask for whatever time, energy, and passion riders can spare.
Motorcycling is something we love, the freedom, the community, the vitality. Most riders aren’t chasing the old stereotype of the anarchist outlaw. We’re just people who ride because we love it and it makes our lives better.
If you are invisible, you are in danger
As passionate as we can be about bikes when talking to other riders, most of us don’t bring it up unprompted in day-to-day conversation with non-bikers. We’re more interested in riding than talking about riding, and that makes us invisible to many people. They don’t know anyone who looks like their idea of a stereotypical biker, and so they don’t think they know anyone who rides. And as every rider knows, if you’re invisible, you’re in danger.
We all know there’s a small minority of people who think motorbikes are nothing but a nuisance: noisy, dirty, and dangerous. They don’t ride, they don’t understand why we do, and if it were up to them, they’d ban us all tomorrow.
Government Officials Have Agendas
In the UK, much like the USA, it’s local government that makes the rules we feel every day. That means one anti-motorbike councilor, elected with only a few hundred votes, can make life hell for riders across their borough.
If they tried to do this to car drivers they’d be reined in by their more moderate colleagues, car drivers are voters after all! But their colleagues don’t think they know any bikers, they don’t see us, they don’t hear us, and they don’t think we vote.
Hackney has become an extreme example of this, after their own anti-motorcycle activist councilor decided to impose parking charges on motorbikes at the same rate as cars and ban all-day parking to prevent motorbike commuting.
With petitions and protests, presenting the evidence and reasoning the case, we achieved some concessions from the Council. But in the end, they simply stopped listening. The original policy was so draconian, that even after their ‘concessions’ the costs are devastating.
Charges for commuters add up to more than £2,000 a year just to park at work. Resident permits up to £596 annually, and business permits reach £1,560, with further rises already planned. For around 10% of residents, those living in so-called ‘car-free developments’, permits are simply unavailable – motorbikes are banned outright.
By Hackney’s own projections, these rules would cause a 70% drop in motorbike use in the borough. Riders who rely on two wheels for work, family, or affordable travel are being told they’re no longer welcome. Hackney’s own target for reducing car use over the same period is only 30%.
Riders are being deliberately disproportionately targeted, not because of evidence, but because we are seen as a politically soft target.
Standing Up for Motorcyclists
Save London Motorcycling is refusing to let this stand. We have launched a legal challenge in the High Court, arguing that Hackney’s policy is unlawful, disproportionate, and discriminatory. If we win this case, it could have important implications for councils across the UK, setting the precedent that motorcyclists cannot be disproportionately targeted in this way without evidence.
Taking a council to court is not cheap, but thanks to the generosity of over a thousand riders and supporters, we have raised more than £20,000 through crowdfunding, with our target of £25,000 now within reach.
This is why we fight. Campaigning isn’t easy. It’s long evenings in council chambers and endless hours in meetings with decision-makers who would rather be anywhere else than listening to riders. But the support we consistently receive from around London and the UK proves something important: we don’t have to be invisible.
When riders know they can make a difference, they step up. They bring their energy, their stories, their belief that motorcycling makes life better – for themselves, and for the city as a whole. That passion is contagious, and it’s powerful.
Call to Action
Change comes from the small things: an email to a councilor, a repost on social media, a donation to a legal fund. Each of these acts alone might seem small, but together, multiplied across thousands of riders, they become impossible to ignore.
We must harness the sense of community that binds us as riders, the solidarity we feel when we see another biker on the road and turn it into collective action. That is our strength. If we use it, we can protect motorcycling not only for ourselves, but for the generations to come.
Make no mistake: this is a fight for the future of Motorcycling. If we stand together, we can win it.
What You Need to Know: Motorcycle Rider Banned from Switzerland
The Gotthard Strassentunnel in Switzerland is a 10-mile (17 km) tunnel with a strict speed limit and a no-passing, double line for its entire length. It also has numerous cameras to ensure the police are aware of any violations.
A British motorcycle rider has been issued 47 tickets for passing 47 vehicles in the tunnel. The fine for passing in the tunnel is $330 (270 Euro). This guy now owes $12,700 in fines for this sprint through the tunnel.
The rider now has a lifetime ban from riding in Switzerland.
My Take
I have never been to Switzerland, but even I know that they are a “particular” people who obey and enforce their rules. That is neither good nor bad; it is just the way it is. So, you should know that and follow the adage of “When in Rome.”
*****
What You Need to Know: Harley-Davidson Bagger MotoGP World Cup
It has now been officially introduced at Austria’s iconic Red Bull Ring that a six-round Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup series will debut in 2026. Additionally, the schedule for the six-race series has been released:
Circuit of the Americas, USA – March 27-29
Mugello, Italy – May 29-31
Assen, Netherlands – June 26-28
Silverstone, UK – August 7-9
Aragon, Spain – August 28-30
Red Bull Ring, Austria – September 18-20
Chief Sporting Officer of MotoGP, Carlos Ezpeleta stated “We’re always looking for ways to innovate and expand, both at the track for our record crowds as we continue our evolution, and to grow the reach of the sport even further – staying faithful to what fans love about MotoGP but finding ways to connect with new audiences.”
Prospective teams, riders, and sponsors are now invited to engage with the series as preparations accelerate for the 2026 debut season.
My Take: “Haters are gonna Hate”. Even if they end up enjoying the spectacle of 600-pound motorcycles racing bar to bar, they will never admit it to anyone except themselves late at night while staring at ceiling.
I for one really enjoy the bagger racing that is part of MotoAmerica, as well as the Bagger Racing League.
I JUST WANT 2 RIDE!! 