1. Introduction

With the introduction of the 25YM Honda CB1000 Hornet - a hard-edged naked armed with an intense hit of four-cylinder Fireblade power wrapped in a compact, agile chassis - Honda reset the bar both in terms of performance, customer expectation and price point.

Its overwhelming reception confirmed the platform had huge potential and 26YM sees a brand-new model drawn from Hornet stock - the Honda CB1000GT. 

Expanding Honda’s range the original concept for the bike was headlined by the banner ‘High Performance Tourer: Faster. More Distance. More Comfort.’ The result is a motorcycle that injects pure sports adrenaline into genuine long-distance ability.

Well suited to Africa’s diverse riding conditions, the Honda CB1000GT combines long-range comfort and practicality with the dynamic performance needed for wide-open roads, weekend riding and extended touring escapes.

Boasting effortless, smooth power and torque, the GT also sports sharply styled, functional aerodynamics as well as Showa EERA (Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment) Suspension, upgraded electronic package and premium equipment. Incredible on winding back roads, effortlessly comfortable everywhere else. The Honda CB1000GT redefines the modern sports tourer.

2. Model Overview

In creating the Honda CB1000GT the goal for Honda’s development engineers was simple: take the stunning Honda CB1000 Hornet and turn it into a sports tourer with increased comfort, range and class-leading performance.

The GT’s sharply chiselled front end was refined through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)ios to deliver optimum efficiency through the air, at all speeds, without disturbing either rider protection or handling. Sitting above this is an easy-adjust five-position screen.

For riders, the aerodynamic package offers valuable wind protection during longer highway journeys, helping reduce fatigue over extended distances.

Equipment levels are high: standard fit are rear panniers alongside cruise control, heated grips, knuckle guards, centre stand and quick shifter. Honda’s proven optically bonded five-inch TFT screen serves up intuitive usability, clarity even in bright light and Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity through the simple switchgear on the left handlebar.

This comprehensive standard specification is one of the Honda CB1000GT’s strongest value propositions for the market. At a suggested retail price of R315,000 (Incl. VAT), the Honda CB1000GT arrives ready for touring from day one, with the major comfort, convenience, luggage and performance features already included.

A power-to-weight ratio of 2.08kg/kW is thanks to the 1000cc, inline four-cylinder engine originally found in the CBR1000RR Fireblade, that produces 110.1kW and 102Nm torque to push a kerb weight of 229kg. Throttle-By-Wire (TBW) and a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) manage the default riding modes, USER mode parameters and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC).

The Hornet donates its diamond-style steel main frame with a revised subframe to increase rider and pillion room, as well as geometry adjusted for sharp handling and fully loaded stability. 

Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (Showa-EERA™) suspension offers optimised damping in all riding conditions and situations, as well as the ability to adjust rear spring preload on the move. 

Braking power is provided by dual four-piston radial-mount calipers up front biting 310mm floating discs, and a mono-piston rear caliper operating on a single 240mm disc.

To offer increased confidence in a variety of scenarios and environments, the system operates through the IMU, which has facilitated the inclusion of Cornering ABS.

The 26YM Honda CB1000GT will be available in the following paint options:

• Grand Prix Red with extended Graphite Black livery
• Pearl Deep Mud Gray
• Graphite Black

3. Key Features

3.1 Styling & Equipment

• Aggressive bodywork provides maximum aerodynamic protection
• Detachable rear panniers standard
• Five-position screen adjusts with one hand
• Cruise control, heated grips and knuckle guards standard fit
• Five-inch TFT display with Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity
• Honda Smart Key convenience
• Auto-cancelling indicators with Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) function

A product of collaboration between Honda’s styling studios in Italy and Japan, the bodywork of the Honda CB1000GT is made up of sharply cut surfaces, outlining an aggressive riding character led by the piercing dual projector headlights. By positioning the bodywork above the chassis, starting from shroud tips integrated with the front cowl, the perception is of a high, mass-forward centre of gravity with fast steering performance.

But it’s not just about style. Brought to reality using CFD the front fairing achieves maximum wind protection with neutral handling characteristics, through every pitch/roll/yaw riding situation. 

The five-position screen - operated by one hand - adjusts through a total range of 81mm. Set low, it gives a sense of freedom. Set high it provides comfortable wind protection. 

Standard detachable 37L left and 28L right panniers offer convenient carrying capacity, whilst standard heated grips ensure year-round comfort.

For riders who regularly cover meaningful distances between destinations, the combination of luggage capacity, weather protection and touring-focused comfort enhances the Honda CB1000GT’s ability to perform as a true long-distance sports tourer without requiring extensive additional preparation.

In alignment with Honda’s long-term environmental goals (Triple Action to Zero) the GT’s standard screen is made of Durabio™, a plant-based biomass, while the front and rear seat base plates use pre-consumer recycled PP (polypropylene).

All lighting is long-life, energy-efficient LEDs. Cruise control, with an operating window between 50 and 160km/h, is standard as are knuckle guards and heated grips. 

For added convenience a Honda Smart Key (kept in the rider’s pocket) operates the main ignition switch, sited on the handlebar and contains a ‘jackknife’ internal key to open the fuel cap/seat. A centre stand, for easy chain maintenance, is also standard fit.

Premium technology, in the form of Honda’s proven five-inch full colour TFT screen, uses optical bonding to improve visibility in bright sunlight. By sealing the gap between the cover glass and TFT screen with resin, glare is reduced and backlight transmittance improved. 

It’s customisable between Bar, Circle and Simple display patterns and offers the iOS/Android smartphone connectivity of Honda RoadSync.

This feature - alongside a simple, easy-to-use, backlit four-way toggle-switch on the left handlebar - allows straightforward, on-screen turn-by-turn navigation as well as the option (via a Bluetooth helmet headset) for the rider to make calls or listen to music.

All the owner does is download the Honda RoadSync app from either the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, connect to the Honda CB1000GT, and go - USB Type-C socket located at the bottom right of the screen for smartphone charging also enhances the convenience of the model.

The indicators autocancel after changing lanes or completing a turn. They also incorporate an Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) function: under hard braking, the hazard lights flash to warn other road users that a hard stop is in process.

3.2 Chassis

• Steel diamond-style twin-spar frame, with revised subframe increasing rider/pillion room
• Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (Showa-EERA™) suspension standard fit
• Six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)
• Four-piston, radial-mount front brake calipers, 310mm floating discs
• Cornering ABS improves braking security
• 120/70-ZR17 and 180/55-ZR17 front and rear tyres

The Honda CB1000GT’s frame is a one-piece diamond-style steel unit and - through narrow pivot point width - delivers a slim-waisted feel with smooth, supple handling response.

The country’s varied road conditions place unique demands on rider comfort and chassis performance.

The Honda CB1000GT’s combination of increased rider and pillion accommodation, electronically controlled suspension and stability-focused chassis geometry helps deliver confidence and comfort across a broad range of road surfaces and riding scenarios.

A new, extended subframe features a supporting cross pipe and optimised cross plate to open up room for GT duties: rigidity overall has been carefully balanced with weight increase minimised. Length of the cast aluminium Pro-Link swingarm goes from 619 to 635mm, improving high-speed stability while fully loaded and the rear shock mount design reduces vibration. Die-cast aluminium foot pegs also make long-distance riding more comfortable for the pillion.

Stability of a touring bike and the handling of a naked sports bike sums up the Honda CB1000GT’s handling potential. Rake and trail are set at 25.0° and 106.3mm with wheelbase of 1,465mm. Ground clearance is 133mm, 3mm more than the Hornet. Weight distribution is 51% / 49% and works with the riding position for light steering feel. Kerb weight is set at 229kg.

Seat height is 825mm and the riding position is upright, allowing free movement and excellent forward vision. For comfort, the seat thickness has increased by 15mm for the rider and 39.5mm for the pillion, with handlebar position also optimised along with the footpegs for a riding triangle comfortable over long distances.

Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (Showa-EERA™) suspension is standard fit on the Honda CB1000GT – as is a Nippon Seiki six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) – and works to provide optimum compression/rebound damping response over a wide range of conditions.

This adaptability is particularly beneficial when transitioning between urban environments, open highways and more demanding riding roads, allowing the Honda CB1000GT to maintain a composed and comfortable ride throughout.

The system automatically provides optimum damping force relative to the stroke speed and adjusts within 15 milliseconds of calculations being made.

3.3 Engine

• CBR1000RR Fireblade engine re-tuned for super-smooth throttle response
• Strong mid-range torque with exhilarating top-end power
• Assist/slipper clutch control

Based originally on the 17YM-specification CBR1000RR Fireblade engine, the 1000cc DOHC inline four-cylinder unit has been given bespoke PGM-FI and TBW settings for its application in the GT. In keeping with its long-distance performance persona, the changes are aimed at producing a smooth power delivery on initial throttle opening, ultimately reducing fatigue for riders and pillion on longer journeys.

Bore and stroke are set at 76 x 55.1mm respectively, with compression ratio set at 11.7:1. The GT is armed with an almost identical, full-fat top-end rush: maximum power of 110.1kW arrives at 11,000rpm, with 102Nm torque at 8,750rpm.

Honda engineers invested significant time and effort in ensuring that the power delivery is linear, with a torque curve bulging through the mid-range for effortless performance throughout the rev range.

The strong mid-range torque and refined throttle response are especially well suited to real-world riding, providing effortless overtaking performance and relaxed cruising capability when covering longer distances.

Ratios for gears two through five are optimised for acceleration while sixth offers relaxed highway cruising. An assist/slipper clutch offers a light load at the lever, reducing fatigue whilst managing rear wheel hop under hard, rapid downshifts and braking.

A quick shifter is also standard fit for seamless clutch-less upshifts and downshifts with auto-blip function.

The engine returns fuel efficiency of 16.5km/L and the fuel tank holds 21L, giving a potential touring range of over 340km.

Combined with the generous fuel capacity and standard touring equipment, the Honda CB1000GT is designed to deliver the practicality and range demanded by riders who enjoy exploring beyond the city limits and through our picturesque African landscapes.

3.4 Advanced Rider Electronics

• Six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) management of all ride systems
• •Throttle By Wire (TBW) control with four default rider modes plus USER customizable options
• Three levels of Engine Power and Engine Brake
• Three levels of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)

Key to striking that balance between winding road sportster and long-distance tourer is a modern, comprehensive electronics package. At the heart of the Honda CB1000GT is a combination of advanced TBW control and a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU).

TBW allows the rider maximum control over the engine via four default riding modes with preset combinations of Engine Power (EP), Engine Brake (EB) and HSTC settings, plus a USER-defined option that allows the rider to choose their own preferred mix of settings.

The suspension also adjusts to deliver the appropriate damping force for the mode selected.

Rider Modes:

1. STANDARD mode uses the middle setting for EP, HSTC and EB. It is designed to replicate the feel and drive of a bank of carburetors, with an easy-going character.
2. SPORT uses the highest EP delivery and lowest levels of EB and HSTC to deliver maximum big-bike performance, with enhanced throttle response.
3. RAIN mode employs the lowest EP setting for the least aggressive throttle response, medium amount of EB and maximum HSTC.
4. TOUR has the same output characteristics as STANDARD, but the damping force adapts according to speed; the only mode that does.
5. USER mode allows the rider to choose between the settings for each parameter and save the setting for future customized use.

4. Warranty & Pricing 

Warranty: 2 year / Unlimited Km

Price: 2026 Honda CB1000GT – R315,000 (Incl. VAT)

The MotoGP Summer Break comes to a close at the ominous Silverstone Circuit, 5.9 kilometres ready to reunite Luca Marini and Joan Mir with their Honda RC213V machines.

Three weeks of rest, recovery and hard work have come to an end as the Honda HRC Castrol team arrive at one of the fastest circuits on the MotoGP World Championship calendar. With 75 years of motorcycle racing history, Silverstone is amongst the most famous racetracks in the world and has produced some of MotoGP’s most memorable battles. Now Luca Marini and Joan Mir look to restart their 2026 campaigns on this hallowed ground.

Clockwork-like consistency has seen Luca Marini steadily build himself to lead the Honda charge in the World Championship standings. Scoring points every single weekend has the Italian tenth overall with 79 points – 31 clear of Diogo Moreira, the second highest placed Honda. The best defence for Marini is a good offence, the Italian ready to resume his pursuit of the higher positions in Qualifying, the Sprint and the Grand Prix. Silverstone has seen Marini miss points on just a single occasion in the premier class, his best result a seventh place in 2023.

Even a three-week break could not damp Joan Mir’s champion spirit and his quest to deliver the maximum possible result each and every weekend for Honda HRC Castrol. The #36 arrives in England with his usual focus and determination, looking to put recent rounds in the rear view and focus purely on the future. Silverstone has been an uncharacteristically complicated circuit for the 2020 MotoGP World Champion, his tenth place on the Honda RC213V there in 2025 one of just two top-tens he has achieved since joining the premier class in 2019.

The weekend will see a revised running order, Free Practice 1 starting at 11:45 Local Time on Friday, August 07 and the 20-lap British Grand Prix officially ending the summer drought at 13:00 Local Time, Sunday, August 08 just before the Moto3 race.

Valentino Rossi made a triumphant return to the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2026, reuniting with Yamaha and Monster Energy for his first appearance at the event in more than a decade. 

Joined by Formula 1 World Champion Lando Norris, Rossi delighted fans at the Balcony event on the Friday before taking to the famous Goodwood Hill on Saturday, riding aboard his 2020 Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP YZR-M1 for the first time since retiring from MotoGP at the end of the 2021 season. 

The emotional homecoming celebrated Rossi's legendary career, Yamaha's Grand Prix heritage, and the enduring appeal of one of motorcycle racing's greatest icons.

KTM’s prototype MotoGP Grand Prix motorcycles will continue to proudly carry the famous Red Bull logo and livery from 2027 after a contract renewal between the two renowned Austrian brands.

‘Red Bull KTM’ has a long and decorated racing history that spans a quarter of a century, multiple disciplines and a vast list of success and titles; from motocross to supercross to enduro to Dakar and rally and – from 2017 – MotoGP. For the last decade Red Bull KTM livered machinery has taken championships in Moto3™ and Moto2™ and earned wins and podiums in all three categories: 7 victories and 38 podiums (26 Sprint podiums as well) in MotoGP with the KTM RC16. Red Bull and KTM have combined to great effect for the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup and the breeding ground for talent of the future as well as the KTM GP Academy structure through the levels of Grand Prix.

2027 will mark a new era for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in MotoGP and for the series itself with an overhaul of the technical regulations. The relationship between KTM and Red Bull has always been very fluid and mutually supportive, and the orange Red Bull bikes will once again be an unmistakable component of the MotoGP grid.

Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director: “Red Bull and KTM just go together. It has been a great partnership for so long and is much more than just the colors of the bikes. Red Bull support us in many ways, both at the track and behind-the-scenes. It is an important collaboration, and it makes us all very happy at the factory that we can keep on bringing this Austrian ‘show’ to our racing and to MotoGP especially. We want to give all the thanks possible to the people involved to keep this story moving. We still have plenty to achieve together.”

The 6DAYS® FIM Enduro of Nations in Portugal marks the 100th edition of the historic event, with the 2027 KTM 6DAYS enduro line-up ready to set the pace in paying tribute to the centenary event, 12–17 October 2026.

Developed from KTM’s championship-winning Enduro platform, the 2027 KTM EXC 6DAYS range represents the ultimate expression of READY TO RACE performance—engineered to meet the extreme demands of the world’s toughest off-road competition. The range comprises of one 2-stroke and four 4-stroke models, offering riders a broad choice tailored to different riding styles and race conditions.

With the 6DAYS® FIM Enduro of Nations recognized as the ultimate test of rider and machine, the KTM EXC 6DAYS models are purpose-built to deliver maximum reliability, precision, and endurance across the most punishing race environments.

For 2027, the KTM EXC 6DAYS range features a distinctive color and graphic package inspired by the Portuguese landscape and national colors, marking the historic centenary edition of the event.
This iconic design is matched by a premium specification and a comprehensive list of 6DAYS-specific components designed to enhance performance, durability, and rider confidence in extreme conditions.

In addition, the 2027 KTM EXC 6DAYS range offers access to KTM’s Premium Manufacturer’s Warranty, providing added confidence for riders pushing their limits in the most demanding offroad environments. The warranty is available in select territories and subject to servicing and maintenance in line with manufacturer guidelines through authorized KTM dealers.

Each KTM EXC 6DAYS model comes fully equipped with a race-focused package of high-end components, including:

• Orange-anodized CNC-machined triple clamps
• Unique 6DAYS® branded parts
• Gloss orange frame
• Radiator fan
• Map-select switch
• Orange front axle puller
• Semi-Floating front brake disc
• Solid rear brake disc
• Rear brake safety wire
• Orange Supersprox stealth rear sprocket
• Skid plate
• Unique 6DAYS® Portugal graphics
• Frame protection set
• 6DAYS® Specific seat
• Metzeler 6 Days Extreme tires

Together, these components deliver a package engineered to thrive in the most demanding Enduro conditions—offering riders greater control, improved durability, and consistent performance across long, punishing race days.

The 2027 KTM EXC 6DAYS range offers a complete spread of proven 2-stroke and 4-stroke machinery:

2-stroke models:

• KTM 300 EXC 6DAYS

4-stroke models:

• KTM 250 EXC-F 6DAYS
• KTM 350 EXC-F 6DAYS
• KTM 450 EXC-F 6DAYS
• KTM 500 EXC-F 6DAYS

Each model is designed to deliver class-leading performance, offering riders the choice of lightweight agility or high-powered torque depending on their riding style and race demands.

RIDE KTM has been the touchpoint for many motorcyclists’ first (or continued) taste of ‘orange’ thanks to the wide range of experiences on offer. In 2026, as the diverse scheme nears almost 35-years of existence, the line-up of choice and challenge is as enticing as ever.

The objective has always been clear; to construct a portal where riders could either roll their first meters with KTM or deepen their connection with the brand. Now, 35 years on, RIDE KTM has evolved into a multi-purpose and tempting international ‘menu’ with new and ever-present tours that provide a unique taste of different corners of the world. What began as ‘KTM Adventure Tours’ towards the end of the last century expanded into more sectors, more bikes, more dates and more unforgettable fixtures. Midway into 2026, the RIDE KTM ‘universe’ of machinery, mileage, community, and culture is still a broad and engaging platform.

The concept revolves around pure riding. No distractions, no extras, no frivolity. RIDE KTM, and the handy online booking tool, is not a playground for the select few. Anyone and everyone can find their home with the throttle. RIDE KTM exists in four areas, all with their own characteristics and appeal.

TOURS: Enduro, Adventure, exploration. Every month there are special gatherings to roam some of the majestic untouched regions of the world. From the Americas to Africa to the kinks of Europe, RIDE KTM Tours promises stunning ride-outs on the best bikes, camaraderie and cool hosts and guides like Alfie Cox, Dennis Schroeter and Gilles Salvador. Different places, different price points, logistics and a wealth of options; all easy to see and book through the webpage. 

TRAINING: Good riders can always try to be great. Sometimes that extra familiarity or confidence pays back when it comes to the satisfaction in the saddle or increased safety on the road. Street courses and Offroad tuition help motorcyclists hone their sensitivity or work on those habits. The programs are conducted with skilled instructors and in controlled environments to make the sessions as pleasurable as they are practical.

RACE TRACK: KTM’s ‘backyard’. There cannot be many of us who haven’t fantasized about going fast at a race track. The new KTM RC R Cup opens the horizon to speed and some of the sportier models of the KTM portfolio. Events take place at premier circuits and venues and there are still a few spots available for the 2026 calendar!

RENTAL: Lined up outside the KTM Motohall in Mattighofen, the KTM rental fleet is ready to hit the road. From April through October, riders can choose from a selection of KTM motorcycles available for rent—whether for a four-hour ride combined with a KTM Museum visit or for a multi-day adventure. Protective riding gear is also available, making it easy to enjoy a spontaneous KTM experience. For more information, visit www.ktm-motohall.com.

RIDE KTM has been creating memories for almost four decades. There have been many personal, individual and group highlights along the way. In 2026 and the coming editions, the TOURS are really hitting new heights with the Brazil Jungle Enduro in Belo Horizonte, Kini´s American Dream in Salt Lake City, the South Africa Botswana Safari Experience and the South Africa Alfie Cox Tour. Kini’s Chile-Argentina La Araucanía tour is the latest tantalising addition.

RIDE KTM is active and booking (when not sold out) right now. Where will the next two-wheel bonanza take you? Get online and find out.

For more information and to make a booking have a look at the dedicated website page here:www.ridektm.com
Alternatively email for details or queries here: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Yamaha Racing Heritage Club (YRHC) brought 15-time World Champion Giacomo Agostini, two-time FIM 250cc World Champion Carlos Lavado and three-time World Champion Luca Cadalora together with Yamaha’s current FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) and FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) riders, customers and some of the manufacturer’s most iconic racing machinery at the 2026 Yamaha Racing Experience (YRE) at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.

Across two days, the people and machines behind different chapters of Yamaha’s racing history shared the same garages, paddock and circuit. Customers saw motorcycles many had once admired on posters on their bedroom walls being prepared and heard them fire into life, while legendary riders spent time alongside the current generation representing Yamaha on the world stage.

The event held additional significance in 2026, as it marked 65 years since Yamaha made its debut in the FIM Road Racing World Championship at the 1961 French Grand Prix. It was this history that participants experienced through the motorcycles, the riders associated with them and the stories connecting each generation.

As the most successful Grand Prix rider of his era, Agostini brought an extraordinary career spanning 15 world titles to the event, where he was reunited with one of the most important motorcycles in Yamaha’s history: his YZR500 0W23, lovingly restored by the YRHC and Yamaha Motor R&D Europe.

The Italian rode the bike during his victorious 1975 FIM 500cc World Championship campaign, securing Yamaha’s first riders’ title in the premier class and the first 500cc crown for a two-stroke against the four-strokes that had previously dominated.

More than half a century after its title-winning season, the sight and sound of the machine placed one of Yamaha’s defining Grand Prix achievements back on a racing circuit in the hands of the legend who rode it into the history books.

The event also marked 40 years since Lavado won his second FIM 250cc World Championship with Yamaha. The Venezuelan was reunited with the 1986 YZR250 0W82 that carried him to the title, bringing rider and motorcycle together again four decades after their championship success.

Cadalora’s Yamaha career added another thread to the story. The YZR250 0WB9 represented his 1990 250cc campaign, while the YZR500 0WK1 recalled the later premier-class chapter of his time with the manufacturer.

His presence also connected two of the champions attending the event. Cadalora’s early Yamaha 250cc career came with the team run by Agostini, meaning their appearance together at Misano reflected a relationship formed within Yamaha racing decades earlier.

The YRE also featured an incredible selection of Grand Prix machinery that traced the development of Yamaha’s premier-class two-strokes across the decades.

Eddie Lawson’s title-winning 1986 YZR500 0W81 was joined by the 1987 YZR500 0W86, which he rode to third in the championship standings. Another highlight from the closing years of the 500cc two-stroke era was a trio of striking examples of the 2002 YZR500 0WL9. These included a machine ridden by the legendary Norifumi “Norick” Abe, as well as Alex Hofmann’s and Olivier Jacque’s versions of the bike. Together, the three motorcycles represented the final evolution of Yamaha’s YZR500 two-stroke before the full transition to four-stroke MotoGP machinery.

Yamaha’s production-based racing history was represented from its formative WorldSBK years onwards, beginning with Fabrizio Pirovano’s FZR750R OW01. The motorcycle recalled Pirovano’s role in establishing Yamaha as a leading force during the early years of the championship, including his runner-up finish in the inaugural 1988 WorldSBK season.

From there, the lineup followed Noriyuki “Nitro Nori” Haga’s Yamaha career through three generations of machinery. His 1998 YZF750 0WJ6 represented the final development of Yamaha’s 750cc WorldSBK machine before the introduction of the YZF-R7 OW02 the following season.

The R7 became one of the defining motorcycles of Haga’s career and one of the most iconic Yamaha racing bikes of its era, with Yamaha’s 70th-anniversary colours in 2025 drawing inspiration from the red-and-white design associated with Haga and the OW02. His 2008 YZF-R1 then continued the timeline into the last WorldSBK season of his Yamaha career.

Completing the connection between Yamaha’s past and present was the current lineup of riders competing for the manufacturer. Pata Maxus Yamaha WorldSBK Official Team riders Andrea Locatelli and Xavi Vierge were joined by GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team riders Remy Gardner and Stefano Manzi. They were joined by the reigning FIM Endurance World Champions Marvin Fritz, Karel Hanika and Leandro Mercado from the Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team.

They spent time with Agostini, Lavado and Cadalora, fulfilled long-held ambitions by taking to the track on machinery ridden by their racing idols and experienced first-hand the different demands and characteristics of the historic Grand Prix and superbike machines.

All of that history and the experiences surrounding it were shared with the customers at the event. They could follow the preparation inside the garages, hear and smell the motorcycles as they started, share the paddock with their racing heroes and take to the track with both the champions who helped shape Yamaha’s history and the riders continuing it today.

The official Yamaha Racing Experience dinner extended that connection beyond the circuit. Agostini, Lavado and Cadalora shared stories from their careers and reflected on their years with Yamaha in front of the assembled customers, riders and guests, while Olivier Prévost, President and CEO of Yamaha Motor Europe, also addressed the audience, explaining the importance of the manufacturer’s rich racing history and how it forms an integral part of Yamaha’s DNA.

Across the two days at Misano, the YRHC brought that history to life. Seeing and hearing these historic bikes run again revived the achievements, memories and personalities that shaped Yamaha’s racing legacy. Returning them to the track with the legends who raced them, alongside the current riders representing the manufacturer and the customers sharing the experience, allowed those stories to continue reaching new generations.

At the Yamaha Racing Experience, the riders who wrote Yamaha’s racing history, the motorcycles they rode to glory, the riders representing Yamaha today and the customers whose enthusiasm continues to support the brand all came together in one place.

The Tavullia-based team will continue its journey with the Borgo Panigale manufacturer in MotoGP, with the partnership extended through at least 2029.

The story continues: the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team and Ducati have renewed the agreement that sees the Tavullia-based team as Factory Supported Team of the Borgo Panigale manufacturer. Originally signed from the 2025 season, the contract has now been extended for a further three years, keeping Valentino Rossi's team and Ducati together until the 2029 MotoGP campaign.

The renewed agreement confirms the mutual trust behind a project that has been demostrating its strength since 2022, when the partnership started. In just a few years, the VR46 Racing Team has established itself as a benchmark in MotoGP, earning the status of Ducati Factory Supported Team starting from 2025. This all-Italian partnership has contributed to 4 victories, 16 podium finishes and 1792 points in the Constructors' Championship over the years.

The achievements of the past two seasons have led the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team and Ducati to continue the project launched in 2025. As a result, nothing changes and everything os confirmed for the next season: the team will field two Ducati Desmosedici GP bikes in its garage – one factory-spec bike, which will receive technical updates throughout the season, and one standard-spec non-factory bike. Both bikes will continue to be supported by Ducati technical staff already integrated within the team.

Alessio Salucci – Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Director
“We are truly proud to announce the renewal of our agreement with Ducati as a Factory Supported Team in MotoGP for the next three years. Taking on this role was a great honour from the very beginning and marked an important milestone for our entire group. But confirming our position is even more meaningful, as it reflects the consistency and the incredible work of every member of the team. I would like to thank everyone working within the team, our partners for their continued support, and Ducati – especially Luigi Dall'Igna, Claudio Domenicali and Mauro Grassilli – not only for believing in us and in our project, but also for confirming through this renewal that we are heading in the right direction. With the new regulations coming in 2027, the next few MotoGP seasons will present a great challenge, but we are ready to face it with enthusiasm, determination and the solid foundations we have built, to reach even bigger goals. For sure, this successful partnership between the team and Ducati will continue to bring benefits to both parties.”

Luigi Dall'Igna – General Manager of Ducati Corse
"From the very beginning of our collaboration, the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team has demonstrated great consistency, expertise and passion. Over the years we have achieved significant milestones together. We are delighted to continue this journey through at least 2029, further strengthening a partnership that has already brought us great satisfaction. This renewal reinforces a relationship built on shared values, a common vision and ambitious goals. I am confident that we will continue to achieve outstanding results together in the years ahead. Finally, I would like to thank Valentino Rossi, Alessio Salucci, Pablo Nieto and everyone within the team for their professionalism and dedication.”

Italian Grand Prix ace, Fabio Di Giannantonio, has signed a multi-year deal to ride the works KTM RC16 for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in 2027 and beyond.

‘Diggia’ is one of the few riders on the MotoGP grid with victories in all three Moto3™, Moto2™ and MotoGP divisions. From his five seasons in the premier class to-date Fabio has progressed up the ranks and currently sits in the top three of the 2026 championship standings.

The talented 27-year-old made his full-time Grand Prix debut in 2016 and finished as Moto3 championship runner-up in 2018. He moved to Moto2 and scaled the podium in his first campaign, winning a race in his third season in the intermediate category. He was a MotoGP rookie in 2022 but adapted swiftly in 2023 and picked up his first trophy in Australia and then a memorable maiden victory in Qatar.

The Roman has three rostrum appearances, including one victory, from the ten rounds of 2026 so far (as well as four Sprint podiums) and is in contention for the title.

Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director: “Fabio has clearly made a step to become one of the consistent front-running guys in MotoGP. We cannot question his speed and commitment to delivering the best performance. He is a strong team player and a good guy, that we know will fit easily into our Red Bull KTM Factory Racing project. During our talks we were impressed by how passionate he is to give the maximum on track and off it, and we believe the next chapter together will be exciting and memorable. Welcome Fabio.”

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing is thrilled to confirm that former Moto3™/Moto2™ world champion and Grand Prix winner in all three classes, Alex Marquez, will join the team in a multi-year agreement starting from 2027. The 2025 MotoGP championship runner-up brings his talent and knowledge into the third phase of the Red Bull KTM MotoGP story and for the new technical era.

The Spaniard currently has six years of MotoGP experience and has 13 seasons of world championship racing on his CV. He has won titles in Moto3 and Moto2 and his haul of 16 career victories (from 56 podium appearances) has been earned in all three categories. Alex celebrated his first GP podium and win with a KTM RC4 in Moto3 back in 2013. In 2025 he walked the MotoGP top step in Jerez, Catalunya and Malaysia and rose to 2nd place in the standings. He won again in Jerez in 2026.

Marquez is renowned for his speed and maturity as well as his achievements: attributes that will assist Red Bull KTM in the development of the RC16 for the 850cc formula from 2027.  

Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director: “We are extremely proud and happy to have secured an exceptional talent like Alex Marquez — the 2025 World Championship runner-up — for our project. Alex brings not only outstanding skill and race intelligence but also determination and a winning mindset that perfectly matches our DNA. Together we share a clear objective: to take the KTM RC16 to the next level and fight at the very front of MotoGP.”