Published in: News EICMA 2025 made one thing clear: the future of motorcycling is leaning hard on its past. From BMW’s long-awaited F 450 GS and Royal Enfield’s evolved Himalayan lineup to the rebirth of British and Italian icons like Norton, BSA, Moto Morini, and Aprilia, the show floor was filled with adventure and dual-sport machines that fuse modern engineering with familiar, time-honored badges.
EICMA isn’t just a place for motorcycle brands to show their latest products – it is a global stage that showcases the future of performance, design, and innovation under a single roof. Like every year, launches and reveals were aplenty at this year’s Milan event, but one thing stood out: the resurrection of brands and motorcycles, especially in the adventure bike category.
Come to think of it, this makes a lot of sense. As markets mature and riders grow nostalgic, there’s a renewed appetite for machines that blend modern performance with old-school soul. This year’s show captured that spirit perfectly, and it wasn’t just through retro styling; there was a lot more to it.
BMW’s mini GS leads the charge -
• BMW F 450 GS: A Lightweight Adventure Bike With Dakar DNA
Leading the way was BMW Motorrad, which unveiled the long-awaited F 450 GS. For years, BMW’s adventure lineup has been dominated by the heavyweight R 1250 GS (recently replaced by the 1300) and the midsize 800 and 900 series, but the 450 brings the brand back into a segment it helped define decades ago — lightweight, rally-bred adventure bikes designed to be ridden hard and far.
The bike is set to be produced by India’s TVS Motor, the same manufacturer that worked on BMW’s G 310 models. That includes the engine too – an all-new 420cc parallel-twin producing 48 horsepower and 32 lb-ft of torque. All that power should feel even punchier considering the F 450 GS weighs 393 lb, compared with the Himalayan 450’s 432 lb and the Ibex 450’s 430 lb wet weight.
Compact, punchy, and unmistakably GS, the new model signals a strategic push toward younger riders and emerging markets, where accessibility and versatility matter as much as badge value. The best part about the F 450 GS is that it serves as a subtle nod to BMW’s Paris-Dakar-winning history. The only real question is when it will make its way to the USA.
• Royal Enfield Himalayan Rally 450 and 750: Evolving an Adventure Icon
If BMW represents heritage reinterpreted, Royal Enfield embodies heritage refined. The Indian manufacturer has spent the past decade methodically modernizing its lineup without losing its vintage charm. At EICMA, Enfield took another bold step by unveiling the Himalayan Rally 450 (packaged as the Himalayan 450 Mana Black) and offering a glimpse of the much-talked-about Himalayan 750.
Both bikes speak to the brand’s deep connection with long-distance exploration. The 450 Mana Black edition boasts a matte black colour scheme with rally accessories, including a high-set, beak-style fender, flat bench-style seat, knuckle guards, and a rally-style rear panel as standard.
The 750 Himalayan, showcased as a “work in progress” model with limited details, is built around a 750cc motor. The engine looks very similar to RE’s 650 twin but will likely have a longer stroke than the 650cc unit. The bike itself appears to use an entirely new chassis with a revised headstock and a new subframe. Suspension consists of adjustable USD front forks and a monoshock, while the design remains unmistakably retro, carrying forward the same philosophy as the current Himalayan.
• Norton and BSA: Classic British Motorcycle Brands Return to the ADV Segment
Norton Motorcycles’ storied comeback under TVS Motor’s leadership continued with the introduction of an entirely new range of motorcycles, including the reintroduced Atlas and Atlas GT adventure models built around a 585cc inline-twin engine and Kayaba suspension.
The Atlas twins marry traditional British twin-cylinder aesthetics with cutting-edge engineering, combining sculpted tanks, upright geometry, and a distinct silhouette that recalls an era when motorcycles were both beautiful and brutal.
But Norton isn’t the only British brand scripting a revival. BSA Motorcycles unveiled its first adventure motorcycle, the Thunderbolt 334. Based on the Yezdi Adventure (sold in India), it’s a compact, approachable ADV that borrows styling cues from its 1960s namesake.
It’s powered by a liquid-cooled, 334cc single-cylinder engine that complies with Euro 5+ standards. The bike features three ABS modes — Rain, Road, and Off-Road — along with a six-speed transmission and traction control. There are also USD forks, a preload-adjustable rear monoshock, a slip-and-assist clutch, and a reinforced bash plate for use on varied terrain.
It’s a proper ADV that looks like it can take a beating and do it with a lot of charm. Where the original Thunderbolt was a symbol of post-war performance, the modern version embodies small-bore practicality and classic design sensibility — a reminder that heritage doesn’t have to mean high displacement.
• Moto Morini and Aprilia: Expanding Italy's ADV Lineup
Next up on the revival bandwagon are the Italian brands. First is Moto Morini, which revealed its all-new single-cylinder Kanguro enduro. For those who might not know, the name dates back to the 1980s, when it belonged to a practical dual-sport that blended utility with Italian style.
The 2025 version captures that same spirit, wrapped around a modern chassis and engine platform that makes it far more capable than its predecessor. Its 300cc single-cylinder produces 34 horsepower and 20 lb-ft of torque, making it suitable even for A2 license holders.
The enduro is built on a steel frame with an aluminum swingarm, a 41 mm front fork, and a rear shock absorber with progressive linkage, offering 9.8 inches of wheel travel. ABS is switchable, and Moto Morini is even offering a Rally version, which features a low fender and a compact windshield.
Then there’s Aprilia, which plans to expand its adventure range with the Tuareg 457, effectively democratizing the revered Tuareg nameplate. While Aprilia has yet to formally reveal the bike, there have been multiple sightings, most recently in Tunisia. It will likely share the RS 457’s engine, which produces 47.6 horsepower, and is expected to feature a 7.9-gallon fuel tank and a dry weight of 353 lb.
• Why the Revival Trend Makes Sense
As EICMA wrapped up, it felt as though the motorcycle industry had come full circle. After years of chasing bigger engines and ever more complex tech, manufacturers now seem to be turning toward simple, soulful motorcycles that prioritize accessibility above all else.
So why the sudden wave of revivals? The answer lies in a mix of emotion and economics. In an increasingly digitized, electric, and efficiency-driven world, motorcycles remain one of the few products powered as much by feeling as by function. Manufacturers have realized that tapping into their history doesn’t just appeal to older enthusiasts — it also resonates with younger riders searching for authenticity in a sea of increasingly tech-heavy machines. Also, we' continue to see legacy defunkt brands, which have been kicked around for decades, now being bought and revived by Asian mannufacturers looking to bring excitement and value to the motorcycle market.
There’s also a clear business logic. Reviving a dormant nameplate carries less risk than inventing a new one. Heritage gives brands the advantage of instant recognition, while modern engineering ensures performance and compliance with global standards. It’s a win-win that allows companies to grow without losing their identity.
And if this year’s EICMA is any indication, the past isn’t just returning — it’s accelerating toward the future, throttle wide open. Source
