Highside/Lowside - A Motorcycle Podcast S11E01: The Best (and Worst) of EICMA 2025
Nov 14, 2025
Joining the discussion is Lance Oliver, Managing Editor of Common Tread and a seasoned motorcycle journalist. He shares insights on the surprising Suzuki SV-7GX and BMW's innovative yet controversial F 450 GS, featuring AI-generated images. The conversation explores the rise of brands like CFMOTO and Royal Enfield, the exciting Honda V3R900 E-Compressor concept, and the evolution of affordable bike tech. They also ponder the relevance of big motorcycle shows in today’s market, rounding off with an entertaining engine sound guessing game.
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Small Adventure Bikes Get Flagship Tech
- BMW's new F450GS showcases trickle‑down tech into the small adventure segment but won't reach the U.S. until 2027.
- The long lead time and AI-generated launch photos caused controversy and diluted early credibility.
High‑End Tech Is Moving Downmarket
- EICMA 2025 showed trickle‑down of high‑end tech (VVT, ride modes, traction control, quick shifters) into affordable and small-displacement bikes.
- Manufacturers are increasingly offering advanced features on entry and mid-level models, widening accessibility.
Honda's E‑Compressor V3 Concept
- Honda revealed the V3R900 E‑Compressor concept: a ~900cc V3 with an electrically driven compressor to deliver power akin to a 1200cc V4.
- The e‑compressor removes turbo lag concerns and lets engineers deliver broad, immediate boost across RPMs.