News and stories from the world of Powersports business.
Launching Triumph Originals 2025 The Search for The Ultimate Expression of British Originality
Triumph Motorcycles is launching the search for the most original custom build of 2025, in a global Modern Classic competition based on the current Triumph Bonneville range. Triumph Originals 2025 will challenge teams from around the world to create a custom build inspired by the brief ‘Icons of British Originality’.
Eight Triumph teams from the UK, USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, France, Italy and Thailandwill collaborate with a locally selected custom builder to develop a unique interpretation of British cultural influence, using a Bonneville model of their choice as the foundation.
A shortlist of five builds will be selected by an expert panel of judges, recruited for their knowledge of motorcycle design, custom craftsmanship, and broader cultural industries, and who will be revealed in May 2025. This shortlist will be put to the public vote which, along with scoring of each build by the judging panel, will determine the Triumph Original 2025. The winner will be announced at the end of July 2025.
Nick Bloor, CEO, Triumph Motorcycles, commented: “The Bonneville has been a symbol of individuality and originality for decades, appearing in films, music videos, and fashion campaigns. We’ve seen it in recent Hollywood films and advertising campaigns for luxury brands, and now, through Triumph Originals 2025, we want to see how our Bonnevilles and British style inspire today’s best custom builders.
“Following Triumph’s record-breaking global sales in 2024, it is clear that British motorcycle design continues to hold strong appeal, inspiring riders across the world. Our Modern Classics, especially the Bonneville, have long been a canvas for custom builders. With Triumph Originals 2025, we want to see how modern British design and culture inspires our teams, sparking creativity and original ideas in an eclectic global custom scene.
“We’ve invited eight custom builders from around the world to interpret the essence of British originality – drawing inspiration from a brand that has shaped custom culture for over a century.
Through this contest, we aim to highlight the ongoing significance of custom culture within the motorcycle industry and provide a platform for creative and technical innovation.”
THE JUDGING CRITERIA AND PROCESS
The judging criteria include:
Iconic Style – Does the build stand out for its stylish design? This is all about the aesthetics of the bike, and how it looks as an overall finished build.
British Originality – Is the build truly a ‘one-off’? How is the design original? What does the design say about modern British culture? This assesses the interpretation of the design brief.
Creativity & Innovation – Does the build showcase original and innovative design and build techniques? This judges the technical creativity of the build – the balance of art and engineering.
Craftsmanship – Does the build capture Triumph’s passion for the details of the bike and how well it is crafted? This is about assessing the designer’s attention to detail, build quality and finishing touches.
The Ride – Does the build enhance the ride, or does it detract from it? How does the bike feel to ride, and maybe more importantly – how does it make you feel when you ride it?
Participating countries will submit their final builds for initial judging in early July. Examined against the criteria, five finalists will be scored and shortlisted. The public vote, along with the scoring of each build by the judging panel, will determine the Triumph Original 2025.
INSPIRATION AND ORIGINALITY
From Hollywood films to high-fashion campaigns, Triumph Modern Classics are synonymous with individualism and timeless style, both of which resonate strongly with modern audiences.
Building on the originality of 70s movie star Steve McQueen on his 650cc ‘desert sled’ Bonneville and daredevil Evel Knievel, with his legendary T120TT that jumped the Caesars Palace fountains, the Bonnevilles continue to play a pivotal role in popular culture and remain at the heart of the global custom scene. Even British screen institutions Dr Who and James Bond have been seen aboard a Bonneville.
Recent appearances in major productions – such as A Complete Unknown, the 2024 Bob Dylan biopic, and the Dior Homme fragrance campaign – are a testament to the Bonneville family’s enduring appeal as symbols of individuality, craftsmanship, and timeless style.
Triumph Originals 2025 will explore how this cultural legacy can inspire the next generation of custom builders across the world, celebrating the influence Triumph motorcycles still has at the heart of custom culture.
TRIUMPH AND THE CUSTOM MOTORCYCLE SCENE
Triumph Originals 2025 is inspired by the Bonnevilles’ pivotal role in popular culture and exciting developments in Triumph’s Modern Classics range, which reflect Triumph’s enduring status at the heart of the global custom scene. Including:
- Iconic past custom build collaborations from the Triumph archives, including partnerships with icons of British style such as Breitling, Paul Smith and Barbour.
- The launch of the 2025 Icon Editions, available on selected Modern Classics models. These designs are centred around the iconic 1907 Triumph logo, an historic emblem favoured by custom builders across the globe.
- The recent introduction of the Triumph Bobber TFC, a factory custom that showcases the highest levels of design, craftsmanship, and innovation possible from a Triumph Modern Classic.
Not only are there 116 Genuine Triumph Accessories on offer at Triumph’s global network of dealers, ready to customise every Bonneville, but this range in particular continues to inspire a thriving community of custom builders, custom parts manufacturers and accessories suppliers.
BONNEVILLE RANGE
As powerful and famous as the Triumph brand itself, the Bonneville range combines Triumph’s timeless original design DNA and style with the latest in riding technology, accessible precise handling and the new generation of the original British twin engine, tuned for thrilling torque and sound.
Regarded by many as the definitive British classic, the original ‘59 Bonneville was devised by legendary Triumph designer Edward Turner and featured incredible performance and perfect proportions. Named after Triumph’s 214mph land speed record on the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1956, it inspired a whole new generation of teenage cafe racers and built a legendary reputation backed up with action. It took John Hartle to victory at the Isle of Man TT and broke records in 1969 when Malcolm Uphill pushed his Bonnie over the 100mph average lap time.
Bonneville T100
Taking direct inspiration to this original, the Bonneville T100 is a stylish, easy handling modern classic, powered by a torquey 900cc engine, regarded as a fantastic all-rounder. With a passionate following of proud owners, the T100 has played a key part in the birth of the modern custom scene.
Bonneville T120
The Bonneville T120 shares these classic underpinnings but with a more powerful 1200cc engine. More beautiful, more powerful and more capable than ever before, the T120 is technologically advanced with a premium specification, including 41mm cartridge forks, preload-adjustable twin rear suspension units and twin Brembo front brake calipers with ABS.
Bonneville T120 Black
The meaner and moodier Bonneville T120 Black, with its tough blackout finish and classic wire-spoked wheels, is the epitome of individualism and style.
Bonneville Scrambler 900 With its distinctive high pipes, iconic silhouette and thrilling British twin bark, the Scrambler 900 is the first choice for urban classic style and all-road riding fun. It’s high-torque 900cc Bonneville engine and ride-by-wire throttle delivers superb performance, rideability and control. Its 19” front and 17” rear wire-spoked wheels add to its stylish and confident stance.
Scrambler 1200 X
The Scrambler 1200 X delivers authentic Scrambler style with thrilling, characterful-laden performance, and effortless all-road agility. It is also remarkably accessible, with a seat height of 820mm, reducing to 795mm with the accessory low seat.
Bonneville Scrambler 1200 XE
The statuesque poise of the Scrambler 1200 XE makes it capable of conquering the most rugged terrain, with an off-road ready 21” front wheel and Triumph’s premium quality and finish, The high-power, torque-rich 1200cc Bonneville engine has a dedicated Scrambler tune.
Bonneville Bobber
The Bonneville Bobber became the quickest-selling Triumph in history when it launched in 2016. Its distinct styling draws on a post-war US tradition of stripping a bike to its bare bones and ‘bobbing’ the rear fender for maximum speed, with Triumphs of the day chosen by many to ‘bob’ for their performance and handling. Building on their iconic style with thrilling performance, beautiful engineering innovation and premium finish, Triumph’s new Bobber marries category-defining performance with peerless, original, custom minimalism.
Bonneville Speedmaster
The Bonneville Speedmaster story starts with the incredibly rich history of Triumph classic custom cruisers since the 1950s, distinctive and characterful British motorcycles built to deliver a laid-back two-up cruiser style. The modern Speedmaster is about laid-back attitude and the cruiser riding style, eating up miles with ease while retaining precision handling and spirited performance.
Speed Twin 900
Triumph’s biggest-selling Modern Classic, the Speed Twin 900, has won legions of fans around the world thanks to its combination of retro style, agile handling, low seat height and modern technology; making it perfect for unforgettable weekend escapes or maximum fun on city commutes.
Speed Twin 1200 & 1200RS
The latest addition to Triumph’s Modern Classics Bonneville family, the Speed Twin 1200 RS, joins the 2025 line up alongside an updated Speed Twin 1200, taking exhilarating retro sports performance to a whole new level. Both bikes are sharper, more agile, full of character and fully equipped with the latest technology for the most demanding of sports-focused riders.
Indian Motorcycle Unveils New Indian Challenger Elite and Indian Pursuit Elite, Crafting The Ultimate in Style and Exclusivity
Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today announced two 2025 limited-edition models, crafting the ultimate in style and exclusivity. The all-new Indian Challenger Elite and Indian Pursuit Elite feature Indian Motorcycle’s championship-winning, liquid-cooled PowerPlus 112 motor – delivering consistent, sustainable power with instant acceleration in every gear. Each individually numbered Elite model delivers an extraordinary level of detail, custom-quality paint straight from the factory, high-end components, and advanced rider technologies aimed at improving rider awareness and enhancing rider convenience.
“Our Indian Motorcycle Elite series enables our designers to fully showcase their skills, creating bikes that exemplify the artistry and craftsmanship behind every Indian Motorcycle model,” said Aaron Jax, Vice President, Indian Motorcycle. “Every detail within the Indian Challenger Elite and Indian Pursuit Elite is meticulously designed, while a multi-layered painting process takes 24 hours to complete. A distinctive American style, with an obsessive attention to detail, paired with a limited production of each model makes the Indian Motorcycle Elite series the ultimate in style and exclusivity.”
Each limited-edition model redefines two-wheeled luxury—fusing bold aesthetics, groundbreaking technology, and cutting-edge performance to stand apart from conventional V-twin motorcycles.
STYLE
With bold, eye-catching paint, exclusive badging, and premium componentry, the 2025 Indian Challenger Elite and 2025 Indian Pursuit Elite have been expertly designed for experienced riders who demand the ultimate American V-twin with no compromises.
Indian Challenger Elite
The Indian Challenger Elite pulls its design inspiration from the legacy of Gene “Alabama Flash” Walker, who set a land-speed record in 1920 on his Indian PowerPlus and was considered the “fastest man alive.” Wearing a tri-tone paint job, with premium Black Candy and Red Candy finishes over Crystal White Pearl Satin paint, the Indian Challenger Elite is highlighted with shattered glass particles in the paint to add brilliance and depth. The multi-layered paint job is completed with an Indian Motorcycle Headdress logo pattern over a hand-painted fade. The striking paint is further complemented by premium black Dark Horse finishes throughout, giving the limited-edition bagger a bold, race-inspired style that gets noticed.
As a nod to Walker’s legacy, each Indian Challenger Elite features an individually numbered center console with an image of Gene Walker’s PowerPlus racer, in addition to distinctive PowerPlus 112 engine covers and Elite badging throughout.
Indian Pursuit Elite
The Indian Pursuit Elite draws its style inspiration by the production of 20,000 PowerPlus motorcycles in 1916 for the U.S. Army. The limited-edition touring motorcycle features a tri-tone paint, with premium Black Candy and Black Forest Candy finishes, highlighted with the artistry of hand-painted Championship Gold accents. The custom paint is further complemented by premium black Dark Horse finishes throughout, giving the Indian Pursuit Elite a sophisticated style that stands out. Each Indian Pursuit Elite features distinctive PowerPlus 112 engine covers and exclusive Elite badging throughout, including an individually numbered center console.
PERFORMANCE
The PowerPlus engine represents the future of American V-Twin performance, engineered with an innovative cooling system to deliver consistent power in all conditions. At the heart of each Elite model is the PowerPlus 112 – taking bagger and touring performance to an entirely new level and unleashing 126 horsepower and 133 ft-lbs of torque. The contemporary design of the PowerPlus, a high revving engine with overhead cams and 4 valves per cylinder, delivers both high horsepower and high torque. This unique combination delivers an unmatched ride without sacrifices – optimizing acceleration across the rev range for passing power in every gear.
Prior to its launch earlier this year, the PowerPlus 112 was tested and refined in the most demanding environment – bagger racing. Powering the Indian Motorcycle King of the Baggers factory race team since 2021, the PowerPlus 112 helped deliver championships in 2022 and 2024.
PREMIUM COMPONENTRY
The ultimate in style and exclusivity requires state-of-the-art componentry. Each bike’s frame geometry and stiffness are designed to maximize power with nimble and precise handling. Inverted performance forks and dual radial Brembo® brakes are prominently visible and designed to turn power into great handling and confident stopping.
5-spoke precision machined wheels on Indian Pursuit Elite and Indian Challenger Elite create a striking stance, while Metzeler® Cruisetec® tires offer confident control. Each bike is standard with top-of-the-line components, including a Pathfinder Adaptive LED Headlight, Driving Lights, and Pathfinder Auxiliary LED Saddlebag Lights, for enhanced visibility and eye-catching style. Three ride modes allow riders to customize their throttle response and dial-in their ride experience, while cylinder deactivation enhances comfort when stopped at idle.
To better manage airflow for increased cockpit comfort, an adjustable Flare® Windshield on Indian Challenger Elite and adjustable windshield on Indian Pursuit Elite can be controlled via the push of a handlebar-mounted button. Select Headdress Driver and Passenger Headdress floorboards add to each bike’s sleek style and provide extra foot room. Keyless ignition and remote locking storage add extra security and convenience. Completing the package is cruise control and USB charging – providing modern functionality.
Indian Pursuit Elite offers a green color-matched, stitched Heated Seat and Heated Grips with backlit switch cubes for additional comfort regardless of temperature.
Premium audio is a key element of the ultimate bagger and touring experience and the Indian Challenger Elite and Indian Pursuit Elite deliver withPowerBand Audio. Featuring Bass Boost and four 100-watt speakers on Indian Challenger Elite and six 100-watt speakers on Indian Pursuit Elite, the system provides crystal-clear sound. A nine-band dynamic equalizer adjusts automatically for road, wind and engine noise, ensuring an immersive listening experience without missing a beat. The speakers are enhanced with UnderGlow white LED lighting and a sleek, chiseled design, offering a modern look to complement the powerful audio. Seamlessly integrated into the RIDE COMMAND menu, the system ensures an intuitive and effortless user experience.
TECHNOLOGY
Both the Indian Challenger Elite and Indian Pursuit Elite come fully loaded with a host of ride-enhancing technologies. Indian Motorcycle’s revolutionary package of Rider Assist features improve rider awareness and enhance rider convenience. These new Rider Assist features are bundled with the previously offered SmartLean Technology and include the following:
- Bike Hold Control – Activated by the rider, this braking system automatically maintains brake pressure to prevent the bike from rolling while resting at an incline for up to three minutes.
- Electronic Combined Brake System – This feature optimizes brake pressure across both front and rear circuits based on the rider’s brake input, delivering balanced and efficient braking performance.
- Blind Spot Warning – The system alerts riders when a vehicle is detected in their rear blind spot with warnings across their in-dash seven-inch display powered by RIDE COMMAND and light indicators on the side mirrors. Riders can customize notification preferences to suit their needs.
- Tailgate Warning – This warning system alerts riders when a vehicle is traveling too close for comfort behind the rider. Riders will be notified via their in-dash seven-inch display powered by RIDE COMMAND. Riders can adjust notification mode and following distances to suit their preferences.
- Rear Collision Warning – This feature alerts rearward approaching vehicles via rear lighting when a potential rear collision is detected.
Adding to the Indian Challenger Elite and Indian Pursuit Elite technology offering is Indian Motorcycle’s seven-inch display powered by RIDE COMMAND. The advanced infotainment system offers a control system right from the dash with bike information, Bluetooth® connectivity and more. Riders can also receive RIDE COMMAND+ connected services, offering GPS navigation with turn-by-turn mapping, Apple CarPlay®, live traffic and weather overlays, intuitive destination search and more. Riders will experience added peace of mind with next-level bike information sharing, control and connectivity when they unlock features like Bike Locator, which allows riders to remotely monitor the location of their motorcycle.
Both the Indian Challenger Elite and Indian Pursuit Elite are standard with Electronically Adjustable Rear Suspension Preload. The electronic system allows riders to seamlessly adjust their preload setting of their rear shock directly within the RIDE COMMAND system. Whether riding with added gear or a passenger, the bike’s spring preload is automatically adjusted to ensure optimal ride quality and comfort.
With only 350 Indian Challenger Elites and 250 Indian Pursuit Elites available worldwide, each bike is truly exclusive. Pricing for Indian Challenger Elite and Indian Pursuit Elite starts at $39,999 and $49,999, respectively. Bikes will begin shipping to dealers this month.
Riders can learn more at their local Indian Motorcycle dealership, by visiting IndianMotorcycle.com, or by following along on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth Sig, Inc.; Apple CARPLAY® is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.; Unless noted, trademarks are the property of Indian Motorcycle International, LLC. * Metzeler® and CRUISETEC® are registered trademarks of Pirelli Tyre S.P.A. © 2025 Indian Motorcycle International, LLC. All rights reserved. BremboTM is a registered trademark of Freni Brembo S.p.A. Corp of Italy and FlareTM is a registered trademark of Kustom Cycles, Inc.
Polaris Donates More Than $120,000 to Off-Road and Snow Organizations Through Its Spring 2025 TRAILS GRANTS
Today, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII), announced it is donating more than $120,000 to off-road vehicles (ORV), all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and snowmobile riding clubs, and organizations across the United States as a part of its TRAILS GRANTS program. For nearly twenty years, Polaris’ TRAILS GRANTS program has supported organizations and programs that promote safe and responsible riding, facilitate trail preservation, and help protect the environment and natural resources that are a part of the off-road trail systems.
“Local riding clubs and organizations are the heart of the riding community, many of them volunteering their time and resources to help maintain trails and promote responsible riding,” said Reid Wilson, President of Off-Road Vehicles, Polaris. “We are proud to support their efforts so riders of all types can continue to create memories outdoors with family and friends.”
Awarded twice annually, TRAILS GRANTS support the efforts of nonprofit organizations and local riding clubs who use the grant for trail development, maintenance projects, safety and responsible riding education initiatives and other projects.
“Support from Polaris is a huge help as we work to maintain off-highway vehicle access in the rugged rainforest of Southeast Alaska,” said Ben Hughey, Executive Director of Sitka Trail Works. “Renovating this multi-use trail system will allow more residents and visitors to enjoy the spectacular volcanic outer coast of Kruzof Island.”
“We are excited to partner with Polaris on this important project as volunteer trail ambassadors engage in peer-to-peer advocacy, sharing best practices, safe riding and other OHV related information that will promote the development of more stewards on the trail,” said Brad Smith, Executive Director Pennsylvania Off-Highway Vehicle Association. “The commitment of Polaris to support responsible recreation in Pennsylvania is greatly appreciated.”
The following 13 organizations were named Spring 2025 TRAILS GRANTS recipients and received awards up to $10,000 each.
- Sitka Trail Works (Sitka, Alaska): Help rehabilitate trails and repair bridges to maintain safe and enjoyable public access.
- Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship (Quincy, California): Aid in fire recovery along the Mt. Hough Trail and connecting routes.
- Sawtooth Society Inc. (Hailey, Idaho): Help preserve, protect, and enhance trails within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
- International Voyagers Snowmobile Club (International Falls, Minnesota): Build an enclosed shelter along a sharp corner of trail to help prevent accidents and promote safe riding while providing a warm gathering place for riders.
- Central Lakes ATV Club (Nisswa, Minnesota): Build a storage trailer to hold equipment needed for ATV youth safety training events.
- Partnership for Youth Inc. (St. Louis, Missouri): Help with trail maintenance to improve access and reduce erosion.
- National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (Vaughn, Montana): Help fund a Sand Dune Training Summit to bring together multiple groups from across the country to discuss best practices around OHV recreation on sand dunes.
- Heart of Oregon Corps, Inc. (Bend, Oregon): Help support the Central Oregon Youth Conservation Corps as they complete conservation projects to maintain 20 miles of trails.
- Pennsylvania Off Highway Vehicle Association (Galeton, Pennsylvania): Help promote best practices for safe riding and trail stewardship.
- Piney Rail Riders (Strattanville, Pennsylvania): Purchase equipment to build and maintain almost 24 miles of new trails created from a former railway line.
- Southern Trail Advocates and Riders (Huger, South Carolina): Help with trail maintenances and creation of additional signage to promote trail etiquette and responsible riding among multiple user types.
- Upper Vally Snow Packers (Fairlee, Vermont): Help repair and rebuild trail for safer snowmobile and ATV use.
- Washington State Department of Natural Resources (Olympia, Washington): Help repair trails and support future maintenance within the Walker Vally ORV area.
Since the start of the TRAILS GRANTS program in 2006, Polaris has supported more than 425 ATV, off-road and snowmobiling organizations across the U.S. and Canada with more than $3.5 million in donations.
For more information, including how to apply for a fall 2025 TRAILS GRANT, visit https://www.polaris.com/en-us/trails-application/.
ARCTIC CAT LEGACY CONTINUES WITH MAJOR ACQUISITION ANNOUNCEMENT
Former Arctic Cat executive, Brad Darling, and an Investment Group acquire the Thief River Falls-based manufacturer of snowmobiles, ATVs and Side-by-Sides.
Newly appointed CEO and President of Arctic Cat, Brad Darling, is eager to start moving the brand forward, stating, “The pursuit of the checkered flag is in Arctic Cat’s DNA. It’s what we were built on. Like anyone who has ever grabbed the throttle, it’s a relentless drive that pushes us forward and sparks our passion. Today is the start of a new chapter, one where Arctic Cat returns to the race, but with a powerful understanding: this race is never-ending, and we intend to lead.”
Since taking ownership of Arctic Cat in 2017, Textron Specialized Vehicles invested a great deal of time and resources to keep the brand and its technology at the forefront. This dedication was most recently proven with the release of the all-new Arctic Cat 858 C-TEC2™ engine and Catalyst snowmobile chassis.
“We seek to continue Arctic Cat’s investment in its brand, products, people and dealers, extending its positive momentum. As a permanent fixture of Thief River Falls, MN for over 63 years, this iconic brand has benefited from the passion of not only the employees but also the entire community. We are now able to wipe away any uncertainty and are looking ahead with great excitement,” continued Mr. Darling.
After a 17-year tenure at Arctic Cat, Mr. Darling assumed the role of CEO and President of ARGO in 2016, where he remains today. Founded in 1967, ARGO is the worldwide leader for amphibious Xtreme Terrain Vehicles (XTVs). Their unmistakable 6- and 8-wheeled amphibious vehicles are well known for their ability to “Go Anywhere.”
Mr. Darling will continue to lead both companies into the future while leaning on potential synergies shared within the off-road segment. While each brand will be owned and operated separately, the brand alignment of ARGO alongside Arctic Cat is a perfect match as Arctic Cat’s line of machines bring the passion on and off the trail, while the ARGO adventure starts where the trail ends.
Whether you’re on-trail, off-trail, reaching new elevations or pushing limits on the track, Arctic Cat will be here, ready to support every checkered flag in your future. Arctic Cat is here to Share Our Passion with you for generations to come!
