WebBikeWorld reports on several developments in the motorcycle industry, including the opening of a new museum, a major company restructuring, and a legal battle in the electric motorcycle sector.

FIM Racing Motorcycle Museum Opens in Switzerland

The FIM Racing Motorcycle Museum (RMM) is now open in Mies, Switzerland. According to the FIM-RMM website, the museum is dedicated to showcasing the history and legacy of racing motorcycles. Located at the former FIM headquarters, the museum boasts a collection of significant machines sourced directly from manufacturers, racing teams, and private collections.

Key features of the museum include:

  • Machines obtained through the FIM's relationships with OEMs and institutions like the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum.
  • Bikes ridden by famous racers such as Marc Márquez, Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, Mike Hailwood and Jonathan Rea.
  • An archive of technical memorabilia previously held in private collections.

The museum also features a Paddock cafe and a Simulator Zone. Notable motorcycles on display include:

  • Stefan Everts’ 2006 Yamaha YZ450F
  • Leslie Graham’s 1949 AJS Porcupine
  • Mike Hailwood’s 1967 Honda RC166
  • Jonathan Rea’s 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
  • Hubert Auriol’s 1981 Dakar-winning BMW R80 G/S

FIM President Jorge Viegas and FIM Marketing and Digital Director Fabio Muner expressed their enthusiasm for the museum, emphasizing its role in preserving and showcasing motorcycle racing history. Viegas highlighted the museum's ability to provide an interactive insight into the sport's heritage, while Muner noted its focus on both legendary champions and modern technologies.

Three bikers on motorcycles on Route 66 in New Mexico at sunset, capturing freedom and adventure.
Photo by Dante Muñoz on Pexels

Indian Motorcycle Achieves Independence

Indian Motorcycle has officially separated from Polaris and is now an independent company, according to PRNewsWire. The separation, initially announced on October 13th, was finalized on February 2nd. Carolwood LP, a private equity firm based in Los Angeles, now holds full control of Indian Motorcycle, although Polaris retains a minority stake. Mike Kennedy is the new CEO of Indian Motorcycles.

Polaris CEO Mike Speetzen believes this separation will allow Polaris to focus on its core strategies. Kennedy's strategy is reportedly to "put America first" as Indian celebrates 125 years.

Close-up of a vintage BMW motorcycle displayed in a museum, showcasing classic design features.
Photo by Maria Geller on Pexels
Greek marble head bust on display in a New York City museum exhibit.
Photo by Jose Antonio Gallego Vázquez on Pexels
Video by Charles Parker on Pexels

Electric Motorcycle Companies in Legal Dispute

Two electric motorcycle companies are reportedly engaged in a legal dispute over similarities in their motorcycle designs. WebBikeWorld did not report the names of the companies involved, and the specific details of the lawsuit were not disclosed.