Sources: AMD, IDN, FT, Reuters, PSB, MPN, BDN, MCN, AP, Bloomberg, MSNW, Electrek, electricmotorcycles. news, RideApart. com, Motor1. com, Cycle World, motorbikewriter. com
NEWS
BRIEFS
Ducati ' s new V21L all-electric race prototype motorcycle features a Solid- State lithium-metal battery- a first for a company in the Volkswagen Audi Group( VAG). Developed by QuantumScape and PowerCo, it marks a point at which the much-anticipated performance advantages of solid-state battery technology " jumps from the lab to the racetrack- for Ducati and Volkswagen, it ' s a racing milestone. Solid-state batteries have been talked about as the ' holy grail ' for years. Instead of relying on liquid electrolytes and graphite anodes, this design uses a solid electrolyte and an anode-free lithium-metal setup. That means more energy in less space, faster charging, and better safety. In the V21L, that translates to around 844 watt-hours per litre, a 10-80 % charge in just over 12 minutes, and the ability to deliver continuous race-level power without fading."
Verge Motorcycles( Finland) has reached a major milestone in electric vehicle development, becoming the first manufacturer to introduce solidstate battery technology in production motorcycles that are available to customers. Delivering significantly faster charging and extended range compared to conventional lithium-ion systems, they enable up to 370 miles of range and can add roughly 186 miles of range in about 10 minutes of charging on its Verge Labs ' Donut Motor ' equipped TS Pro.
Following the decision announced by José Boisjoli to retire as President and CEO of BRP and step down from his role as Chair of the Board of Directors, the Valcourt, Quebec based manufacturer has announced Denis Le Vot as their new President and Chief Executive Officer.
PSB reports that the 13-store strong premium European motorcycle dealer group Moto America has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. With outlets in states including California, Florida, and Oregon, carrying brands such as BMW Motorrad, Triumph, Ducati, Royal Enfield, and Vespa the SLC, Utah based group has cited rising interest rates and inventory floorplan costs, higher pricepoints and slower inventory turns as among the challenges following the loss of a $ 3m deposit tied to a planned $ 15m credit facility that failed to close.
The NASDAQ listed, Chinese owned batteries and electric vehicles manufacturer Kandi Technology Group, Inc. has acquired the US owned, Chinese manufactured RAWRR electric off-road motorcycle brand.
Indian Motorcycle- 125 Years and ' Never Finished '
The Indian motorcycle brand marks its 125th anniversary in 2026- the first ever motorcycle to carry the Indian brand name was produced in 1901 in Springfield, Mass. The anniversary campaign will celebrate " 125 years of historic innovation and iconic motorcycles " as it " continues to push American V-twin motorcycles forward with timeless designs, leading Innovation, renowned performance and unwavering reliability." Nate Secor, Director of Marketing for Indian Motorcycle, said that " the ' Never Finished ' campaign will be a year-long program that pays tribute to the pioneering spirit of founders George Hendee and Oscar Hedstrom, while declaring that Indian Motorcycle will never stop challenging limits. " Following successful careers as bicycle racers in the late 19th century, Hendee and Hedstrom joined forces to engineer gasoline-powered bicycles to pace competitive races. At the time, early motorised pacers were notoriously unreliable, often sputtering to a stop and drawing laughs from spectators as racers pedalled past.
Stark Sets New Guinness World Altitude Record
Barcelona, Spain based electric motorcycle manufacturer Stark Future and Swiss rider Jiri Zak are celebrating a world record, having broken the Guinness High-Altitude World Record in Atacama Chile on Los Ojos del Salado( 6,893 m), the world ' s highest active volcano- riding the fully electric Stark VARG EX electric enduro bike. At the time of writing the final altitude figures were still being compiled from the certified GPS units, and are subject to ratification, but it looks like their record of 6,721 m( achieved above sea level) will have set a new mark not just for an electric motorcycle, but for all motorcycles- witness statements and accompanying logs will be released after independent verification. Ojos del Salado has been the highaltitude proving ground for a quarter of a century, with some of the world ' s biggest names, including Porsche, Yamaha, and Jeep, all pushing for altitude records there since the early 2000s. Widely regarded as one of the hardest places on Earth to chase altitude
" Hendee and Hedstrom, however, built machines that performed flawlessly, earning respect and attention. Recognizing the potential, they set out to produce motor-assisted bicycles for mass production. " Hendee and Hedstrom introduced what was America ' s first motorcycle in 1901, marking the birth of Indian Motorcycle. By 1913, the company had become the market leader, producing 30,000 units annually in what was then the world ' s largest motorcycle factory." Secor went on to say that these days, " the brand empowers riders to forge their own path with machines that stand apart for those who refuse to
records, as the altitude rises, the air gets thinner, temperatures drop below zero, and gradients become more severe. Everything works against rider and machine. " That is why It is the peak of altitude performance, where machines and the people behind them must either evolve or step back," said Anton Wass, Stark Future CEO and Founder. " Operating near 7,000 meters tests both rider and motorcycle with thin air, sub-zero temperatures, volatile weather, and unstable volcanic terrain. But with its instantaneous torque, a simplified driveline with no gear shifting, and reduced mechanical complexity, the VARG EX is engineered to provide consistent traction and controllability where internalcombustion engines typically lose blend in. Reaching 125 years is a historic milestone and a true testament to the riders who refused to let the spirit of Indian Motorcycle fade through a 60-year hiatus and to those who helped fuel the brand ' s return more than a decade ago. " With 125 years of road behind it, Indian Motorcycle ' s legacy serves as a launchpad, shaped by its rich history and driven forward by competitive spirit, grit, and determination." Throughout 2026, Indian Motorcycle says it will celebrate its 125th anniversary " through a variety of products, programs, and rider promotions. More information will be shared throughout the year."
power at altitude. " However, this was never about a standalone number. It is about proving that electric is not a compromise; it takes you further than any other combustion bike could. The VARG platform can operate at the edge of the atmosphere, giving riders the control to move safely and efficiently in truly hostile conditions. Next stop? The moon?" The record-breaking ascent was completed using a completely stock Stark VARG EX, taken straight from its box. A specialized mountain logistics and production team supported the attempt, spending several days monitoring the weather and acclimatizing before the final ascent. www. starkfuture. com
16 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE DEALER- FEBRUARY 2026