New Year's Special Report: Motorcycle World in 2026!　The new model 00 will be released?　Revision of the Road Traffic Law from April, etc....... Great Predictions & Noteworthy Topics Summary

The year 2026 has finally begun......, so what will be the year for the motorcycle industry...... with our own opinions and prejudices in 5 categories including new models, accessories, society, racing, etc... I also summarized the topics of interest!　I've also compiled a list of topics of interest.

New model 1] I hope the new CB400SF will be launched in Japan in 2026. ...... (Wish)

The most interesting topic in 2026 is what kind of new model will be released?　I think the most interesting thing about 2026 is what kind of new model will be released? First of all, please note that the author does not have the scoop information, but rather, it includes predictions, hunches, and (perhaps) wishes. As I am sure most readers are expecting, I would like to see the Japanese version of the ...... China-spec CB500 SuperFour, i.e., the new generation 400cc CB400 SuperFour. The CB500SF is a brand new model unveiled by China Honda in September, featuring a more refined and well-balanced styling that strongly follows the image of the conventional CB400SF, which was inducted into the Hall of Fame with production ending in October 2022. The most notable feature is the newly developed 502cc liquid-cooled parallel four-cylinder with DOHC 4 valves. The flowing exhaust pipe, reminiscent of the "Yong-Four," is also a key feature, emphasizing the four-cylinder design and reminding us of the CB's heritage.

https://news.webike.net/motorcycle/488704/ https://news.webike.net/motorcycle/488764/ https://news.webike.net/motorcycle/ 489502/ https://news.webike.net/motorcycle/509366/ The use of an E-clutch is also noteworthy. The conventional CB400SF is so easy to handle that it has been called the best balance in Japan, and if the E-clutch, which allows the rider to always choose whether or not to operate the clutch lever, is added to this, it will be a real godsend. Furthermore, the new CB500SF uses an electronically controlled throttle, which allows for far more advanced control than the existing E-clutch models such as the CBR/CB650R and Rebel 250 (i.e., mechanical throttle). Of course, the lineup is also likely to include a regular manual version. Some specs have since been revealed (at the time of writing, the specs have not yet been posted on Honda China's website). The product was approved as of November 6, 2025 as a "Product Public Notice," which is equivalent to type certification in China. The specifications were posted as follows. Overall length 2103 x overall width 775 x overall height 1083 (mm each)- Maximum output 52.8 kW (71.8 PS)- Maximum speed 180 km/h- Equipped weight 188 kg- Inter-axle distance 1412 mm- Tire size front=120/70ZR17 rear=160/60ZR17 The first thing to note is the vehicle weight, which is 13 kg lighter than the conventional 400's 201 kg. The maximum power output of the 500cc model is also powerful, but it is not as powerful as the 77PS of Kawasaki's Ninja ZX-4R. This horsepower is probably due to the fact that it is designed to be easy to handle. Nevertheless, we expect the 400cc version to maintain its horsepower in the 60PS range. It would be great if the new CB400SF is unveiled for the first time at the motorcycle show this spring. ......　Further down the road, if the new CB400SF becomes popular and Kawasaki's rival releases a Yonhyoke straight-four naked model, it should be as exciting as the CB1000F and Z900RS in the liter class.

[New Model #2] Expect new models announced overseas and new mopeds other than Honda's!

In 2026, we expect to see the arrival of Japanese versions of the CB1000GT (Honda), new YZF-R7 (Yamaha), SV-7GX (Suzuki), and GSX-8T/TT (same), which were announced at overseas shows last fall. https://news.webike.net/motorcycle/503306/ https://news.webike.net/motorcycle/498516/ https://news.webike.net/motorcycle/498477/ https://news.webike.net/motorcycle/472494/ In addition, we expect new models of new standard mopeds to be added. The "new standard moped" is a new category of moped that replaces the 50cc Class 1 mopeds that were forced out of production due to exhaust gas regulations. 125cc or smaller engines are regulated to 4.0kW or less and have the power output equivalent to 50cc. Licenses and laws will apply to the existing moped license. Until now, only Honda has released new mopeds, but other manufacturers should be releasing them as well. When I wrote ...... (written at the end of the year), some news reports reported that Yamaha President Shitara commented, "We will release a new moped version of the Jog 125 in March 2026. The Jog 125 is manufactured in Taiwan. The Jog 125 is a moped scooter produced in Taiwan. It has the lightest Yamaha 125cc scooter weight of 95 kg and the lowest seat height of 735 mm, and the new moped version will also be easy to handle. The Jog 125 is priced at 267,300 yen. Honda's new moped, the Super Cub 110 Lite, is priced at 11,000 yen less than the 110. We also wonder what Suzuki will do. If there is a possibility, it would be Address 125 or Avenis 125 base. ...... We will keep an eye on this one as well.

[accessories] SHOEI's new generation Smart Helmet is expected to be released in Japan!

In the area of accessories, we would like to focus on the domestic release of SHOEI's "GT-Air 3 Smart" smart helmet. The helmet projects navigation and other information directly onto the sun visor, making the information appear to float three meters in front of the rider's line of sight.

https://news.webike.net/parts-gears/498608/ EyeLights, a French pioneer in augmented reality for mobility, and SHOEI of Japan collaborated to create the first helmet with integrated augmented reality functions. The helmet will be unveiled at the Milano show in the fall of 2025, and is scheduled to go on sale overseas in April 2026. SHOEI will discontinue the OPTICSON, a helmet with an integrated HUD equipped with a "scouter" type projection device, at the end of December, and although the GT-Air 3 Smart has not yet been announced for the Japanese market, its appearance is highly anticipated!

[Society 1] Last year, there was a move to lower highway motorcycle tolls, and then the data will be released?

The most interesting social story is the long-standing concern about lowering expressway tolls for motorcycles: in November 2025, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's National Highway Subcommittee, which reviews toll categories by vehicle type, just held its first hearing from motorcycle organizations. https://news.webike.net/bikenews/502206/ For many years, expressway tolls for motorcycles have been relatively expensive, the same price as for mini-cars. In January 2025, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) held a meeting of the National Land Trunk Highway Subcommittee, a council composed of experts, to start discussions on the revision of highway toll classification. The National Federation of Motorcycle Cooperative Associations (AJ), an industry group, participated in the Road Subcommittee in November 2025. This is the first time in history that a motorcycle industry group has been invited to the meeting, and it is a sure sign that progress is being made toward making motorcycle fees independent and lowering them.

Some members of the Road Subcommittee were biased against motorcycles, but AJ's representative calmly refuted them ( the minutes of the meeting were released in December 2025, after the above article was written, so those interested are encouraged to check them ). The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) and expressway companies were also pointed out the lack of data on the actual use of expressways, such as the displacement of motorcycles. The future of the project is still undecided, and it is not clear whether the "reduction of expressway tolls for motorcycles" will be realized in 2026. However, it is possible that the data on the use of highways pointed out by the Roads Subcommittee will be made public.

Society 2] Will the Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway raise tolls by 10% in FY2026?　Discounts to be reduced?

On the other hand, there is a possibility that the Metropolitan Expressway will raise its prices by 10% in FY2026. On December 1, 2025, the Metropolitan Expressway Company held the third meeting of the "Study Group on Sustainable Road Service of Metropolitan Expressway", a study group of experts. Here, the committee discussed raising the expressway tolls of the Metropolitan Expressway, reducing the discount system, and eliminating the maximum tolls, and may raise the tolls by as much as 10% as early as in FY2026. https://news.webike.net/bikenews/504537/ The reason for this is that operating costs are increasing due to soaring material, repair, and labor costs. According to the study group's data, maintenance and management costs in FY2023 will be 1.4 times higher than in FY 2014. Although the maximum toll rate was raised in 2022, it will be the first time since 2016 if a fundamental increase in toll distance is realized. Furthermore, the Hanshin Expressway and other expressway companies, including NEXCO, may follow suit and be used as the basis for determining price hikes. The Metropolitan Expressway has been in service since 1962. It is understandable that the aging of the facilities is significant, and that it will cost a great deal of money to repair them. However, the users are paying the bill, and the price hike will have a significant impact on their daily lives and economic activities. In addition, traffic congestion during the daytime remains unresolved. The provisional gasoline tax rate has been abolished as of the end of 2025, but if other fees are raised, the benefit to the general public will disappear. We would like to see a reexamination of whether these price hikes are really appropriate.

Law revision: From April, a penalty will be imposed for danger when overtaking a bicycle on a motorcycle!

On April 1, 2026, the Road Traffic Law will be substantially revised and new violations will be introduced. It will be a violation if you pull over too wide when overtaking a bicycle with a motorcycle or car. https://news.webike.net/bikenews/463579/ This is a "Violation of the Obligation to Pass Pedestrians and Others on the Side" for the protection of bicycles. It is a violation if a motorcycle or car fails to pass bicycles (including electric kickboards and other specified small mopeds) and pedestrians on the right side of the road at a safe distance or speed. In addition, when there is a narrow road or obstacle and there is not enough space between the vehicle and the bicycle, the driver must proceed at a safe speed. The penalty is two points and the fines are as follows Motorcycle = 6,000 yenMoped = 5,000 yenStandard car (4-wheeled) = 7,000 yenLarge car (4-wheeled) = 9,000 yen No specific spacing distance is indicated, and it will likely be determined on the spot whether the violation is charged. One particular violation that could be considered is a case in which a motorcycle or car unexpectedly approaches and passes a bicyclist on the roadside strip of the roadway, or pulls in too close or too wide. Many riders may have passed bicycles with caution in the past, but they should be more careful than before. In addition, a blue kip will be introduced for bicycles, and a provisional four-wheel license will be available from the age of 17 years and 6 months, among other changes.

Racing] Yamaha will enter the MotoGP with the V4, and will also be converting to an 850cc machine in 2027!

Finally, there are a variety of topics related to racing. There are various topics, but the most noteworthy is Yamaha's V4 machine in MotoGP. Yamaha has been testing a V4 engine model since the latter half of 2025, and will finally enter full-scale competition with a V4 from the 2026 season. https://news.webike.net/raceinfo/501199/ Yamaha has not returned to the V-type since 2001 during the 2-stroke 500cc era. Since 2002, when MotoGP started, Yamaha has been competing with the in-line 4-cylinder YZR-M1. Rossi, Lorenzo, and Quartararo have all racked up victories, totaling 429 races, 125 wins, 352 podiums, and 8 rider titles. By 2025, all teams except Yamaha would have adopted the V4. Finally, Yamaha also chose to make the switch to the V-type. It is said that acceleration performance, handling under braking, and matching with the latest tires will be improved. Although initially two seconds off the straight-four engine, at the Valencia test in November 2025, Cuartararo marked a 1:29.927, 0.554 seconds off the top time. Performance is improving, and we can expect a breakthrough. The MotoGP team will be making a major regulation change from 1000cc to 850cc in 2027, with KTM and Honda already testing 850cc machines, and Yamaha's adoption of the V4 is another change that will be made in anticipation of 2027. Image Gallery (6)