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Indian owners reveal 450cc twins will join international version of 1200cc V4 superbike It’s been more than five years now since Norton’s controversial era under the stewardship of Stuart Garner came to a dramatic conclusion – the brand falling into administration in January 2020 – and a more hopeful period began with Indian giant TVS acquiring key elements of the business in April the same year. Since then Norton has remained relatively quiet and concentrated on reengineering the 1200cc V4 platform to become the V4SV superbike and V4CR café racer while the ancient Commando 961 plodded on in the background. Now TVS’s managing director has shone light onto a more ambitious future for the company including a new focus on exports and a range of more affordable models that will be made – at least in part – in India. Norton India is due to launch before the end of this year, and between its bases in the UK and India the company intends to create a six-bike product range, kicking off with an international version of the V4 superbike, which is currently only approved to be sold and used in the UK under single-vehicle approval rules that are really aimed at backyard bike makers rather than ‘real’ manufacturers. To be sold, as Norton plans, in four additional European markets – France, Germany, Italy and Spain – as well as in India, the V4 needs to undergo and pass Euro5+ type-approval testing, and with that we can expect to see some substantial changes in the 2026 version that’s to be unveiled at EICMA this year. Speaking to Indian TV station CNBC-TV18, TVS’s managing director, Sudarshan Venu, said four of the six new models will be in the 2026 model range: “So this is where I think we are heading towards – by starting off with the launch of the four-cylinder superbike at EICMA and then we will also share the remaining three products at EICMA or soon after, which will be available in the market early 2026. They’re all in advanced stages of development. I think we have a good leadership team now at Norton with the two executive directors, Nevijo Mance and Richard Arnold. Supporting them are very good designers, engineers, and a lot of homegrown talent from TVS in India, which I think brings a great mix in terms of the Britishness and the uniqueness of Norton while leveraging the capabilities of TVS and also offering opportunities for our talent to grow.” He went on to say that manufacturing will take place in both the UK and India, with the flow of components and kit parts aided by a newly-established free trade agreement between the two nations. And in terms of numbers, Norton will grow substantially, with Venu confirming: “ We will start with a capacity of close to 10,000 vehicles and with the four models going up to six models. “ Of those bikes, some are expected to be powered not by Norton’s existing engines but using a derivative of the new 450cc parallel twin developed by BMW for its upcoming F450 GS. TVS already partners with BMW to manufacture the 310cc single used in the G310 range and TVS’s own bikes, and went on to cooperate with the development and manufacturing of electric scooters. Venu said: “I think we did first the single cylinder, the 310 family. Then came the EV, and now is the two-cylinder family, which BMW has shown their version at last year’s EICMA. And you will see Norton and TVS versions using a similar platform in the coming months. So that is where I think the relationship is headed.” One or more 450cc models will give Norton the chance to compete against the likes of Triumph’s Street 400 and Scrambler 400X, which are both proving to be best-sellers for the UK’s leading motorcycle brand. The post TVS confirms Norton expansion and new models appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.

As MV returns to independence after its short-lived period as KTM’s stablemate, the company readies all-new models Despite the financial problems that were dogging KTM and its parent Pierer Mobility last year the company went ahead and extended its shareholding in MV Agusta from 25.1% – held since 2022 – to a controlling 50.1% stake. That meant when KTM and two of its subsidiaries fell into self-administration in November, MV Agusta was rapidly back on the market and a deal was done in February this year to return Pierer’s 50.1% stake in MV to Art of Mobility – a company owned by MV’s former owners, the Sardarov family. MV Agusta’s Schiranna factory on Lake Varese While the sale has still to be fully completed, MV Agusta has put out a statement to confirm its health as a brand and give a glimpse into the future with the first clues to new models that will be unveiled before the end of 2025. Among the challenges are the need to establish a new logistics network, as KTM and MV have been sharing the same importers, spare parts supplies and component sourcing. MV says it’s now working to finalise a deal with a ‘global logistics partner’ to manage its spare parts supplies, and hopes to have the new system up and running by the end of the year. In the meantime, it continues to share KTM’s network. MV is also in the process of establishing independent regional offices in key markets to act as importers, as well as striking deals with other importers in smaller countries, and says that its global dealer network remains in place and will expand. When it comes to new bikes, MV says that a new motorcycle that ‘will represent a breakthrough in its segment’ is due to be revealed later this year, just before November’s EICMA show in Milan. The company says the bike uses “only 1% carry-over parts from the previous generation” – indicating that it’s a machine that replaces something in the existing lineup rather than an additional model. Whether it’s part of the firm’s three or four-cylinder ranges remains unanswered at the moment. Also confirmed is a completely new engine, which will be shown in prototype form at EICMA this year, suggesting it’s heading for production no sooner than 2027. Described as ‘redefining hyper-performance in the motorcycle world’ the engine’s existence hints that MV is preparing a new superbike to finally replace the F4, which ended production back in 2018 in the face of Euro5 emissions rules. The 921 S concept unveiled at EICMA On top of all this, MV wants to make its bikes more accessible to a larger number of customers, not necessarily through cheaper prices but via a wider array of buying and finance options. Luca Martin, MV’s Executive Director, said: “What we’re accomplishing at MV Agusta nowadays is truly special. Considering the challenges we’ve faced since the early days of KTM’s financial difficulties, the progress made in such a short time speaks volumes about the strength and dedication of our people. Across every area—operations, design, production, and many more areas —we’ve seen a remarkable response. From Schiranna to every part of our worldwide network, the team has embraced this new chapter with determination, passion, and a deep sense of responsibility. I’m proud of how far we’ve come—together—and even more motivated by the road ahead. MV Agusta is not only reaffirming its independence; it’s laying the foundation for a new era built on excellence and authenticity.” The post MV Agusta ready for the future without KTM appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.

Ultra-exclusive off-roader gets even more exotic spinoff Each year, KTM produces a limited run of 450 Rally Replica machines that are as close as possible to the brand’s Dakar rally bikes and carry huge price tags – and for 2026, there’s an even more exclusive version alongside the ‘standard’ model. The normal 2026 450 Rally Replica is, itself, a rare bike, with just 150 to be sold globally. It’s essentially the same as the 2025 version, which was limited to only 100 examples, with identical specs to its predecessor. That’s no surprise, as the 2025 bike represented a full redesign compared to the 2024 version, and its high-spec components – including WP XACT Pro 7548 48mm forks and XACT Pro 7750 shock, with vast 304mm front travel and 280mm rear – leave little scope for year-on-year improvement. It also boasts an incredible 34.5 litres of fuel capacity, split between no fewer than three fuel tanks: two at the front and one in the rear. What has changed for 2026 is the introduction of the 450 Rally Replica Sanders Edition – a replica-within-a-replica that’s limited to just five examples and marks Daniel Sanders’ victory at the 2025 Dakar Rally. The Sanders Edition gets the same Red Bull livery as the factory race bikes, along with a matching sticker kit, including a front number board sticker signed by Sanders. Each frame is numbered from 1 to 5, with a matching emblem, and the spec is uprated with a seat from Selle Della Valle, two sets of wheels – one with Michelin race tyres, the other with street rubber – plus different brake discs, an engraved fuel cap, a Hinson clutch cover, titanium footpegs, a signed Daniel Sanders race jersey, and an extra windscreen carrying the name and number of the bike’s new owner. Buyers, who will pay an as-yet-undisclosed sum, will also get a VIP pass for the 2025 KTM Europe Adventure Rally in Romania in late August, where they’ll get to ride alongside Sanders and receive support from the factory race truck and their own dedicated mechanic. The post 2026 KTM 450 Rally Replica appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.

Tara Morrison is blasting onto the world stage with a wild card entry into the World Superbikes Championship at Donington Park — and she’s ready to shake up the grid on her Yamaha R7. Australian racing sensation Tara Morrison has officially been granted a wild card entry into the World Superbikes Championship (WCR class) at Donington Park, July 11–13, where she’ll be taking on the world’s best aboard a Yamaha R7. Currently second in the national ASBK Supersport 300 Championship and leading both the Victorian and South Australian state titles, Tara’s star continues to rise at lightning pace. Her recent signing with motorsport icon Carl Cox Motorsport has only added fuel to the fire, turning heads across the international paddock. You can catch Tara in action next at Morgan Park Raceway, June 13–15, in the ASBK round, where she will be assisted in the pits by BSB Superbike legend Billy McConnell and ASBK/World Endurance champ Steve Martin. With no prior track experience at Donington and entering mid-season against some of the world’s sharpest talent, Tara is being thrown into the deep end — but that’s exactly where this fearless rider thrives. She is primed to make a statement there and gain critical experience for a full WCR assault in 2026. Sponsorship opportunities are now open. With Tara’s loyal fan base, fast-growing social media presence and regular feature column in AMCN, this is a prime chance to get your brand front and centre — on her bike, leathers and global journey. Don’t miss your chance to support one of Australia’s brightest young talents as she takes the leap onto the world stage. So if you’re interested in joining Team Tara, reach out today at tarzyracing@gmail.com. Let’s get this girl to the world stage — where she belongs! The post TARA MORRISON SCORES WORLD SUPERBIKES WILD CARD – EYES ON DONINGTON AND BEYOND! appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.

New adventure twin emerges as Kove confirms Australian market plans Kove is one of the growing number of convincing Chinese motorcycle brands with a range of models to compete with major Japanese and European bike makers – now it plans to enter the Australian market by the end of this year. The news comes as another intriguing new model has just been type-approved in China. At the moment, Kove’s model line-up in China spreads across five model ranges. In the Adventure sector it offers a trio of parallel twin machines – the 498cc, 35kW (50hp) 510X and the slightly 525X, which actually has a fractionally smaller 494cc twin with 39.6kW (53hp), plus the much more appealing 800X with a 71kW (95hp), 799cc twin that’s essentially a clone of KTM’s LC8c motor. Then there’s the ‘Rally’ segment, which includes two single-cylinder 450 Rally models and the 800X Rally, a more hardcore version of the 800X. Kove’s naked streetbike range includes the four-cylinder, 48kW (65hp) 450R and the parallel twin 321R, which has a 322cc engine that’s closely patterned on the Yamaha’s R3 and MT-03 twin. The company’s offroad range includes the MX250 and MX450 motorcross bikes, and its sport line-up features a 321RR and 450RR – each mechanically similar to the naked ‘R’ models with the same numbers – as well as a 250RR and 350RR, also using twin-cylinder engines. The new Kove 625X In export markets, Kove has focused largely on its adventure, rally and offroad competition machines, which gives a clue as to which models are likely to reach the Australian market. Initially the company intends to bring its motocross machines here, by the end of 2025, with street bikes following in 2026. The new 625X was first shown to dealers in China earlier this year, but has now been type-approved, giving us the first look at its specs and a photo of the finished, production-ready model. It packs a 580cc parallel twin engine that’s similar in design to the unit used in the Loncin-made Voge DS625X, a direct competitor with the new Kove. Max power is listed at 47kW 963hp), while wet weight is quoted at 229kg – although that appears to be with luggage fitted. The styling is aligned with that used on the 800X, including tubeless wire wheels, an upside down fork and Taisko brakes gripping petal-style discs. ben purvis The post Kove 625X Revealed appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.