This week in motorcycle news features significant changes at Harley-Davidson, a tech upgrade for the Yamaha R7, and a recall from KTM.

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Harley-Davidson Announces Workforce Reductions Amidst "WireForward" Strategy

Harley-Davidson implemented workforce reductions starting April 2nd, following a 12% dip in global sales and a $29 million operating loss in 2025, according to webbikeworld.com. These layoffs are intended to cut approximately $150 million in ongoing operating costs, affecting both manufacturing and corporate roles globally.

  • Harley-Davidson entered 2026 with roughly 5,500 employees.
  • The reductions are attributed to a mismatch between manufacturing capacity and consumer demand.
  • Tariffs cost the company $67 million in 2025 and are projected to reach $105 million this year.

Following the layoffs, Harley-Davidson is shifting its public narrative toward the upcoming "WireForward" plan, set to be revealed in May 2026. This new strategy is expected to move away from the previous "Hardwire" focus on high-margin premium touring bikes and toward more accessible entry-level options, such as the rumored “Sprint” model, aimed at attracting a younger demographic. The company also plans to continue its support in bagger racing leagues, according to webbikeworld.com.

Fitch Ratings has downgraded Harley-Davidson’s Long-Term Issuer Default Rating from ‘BBB+’ to ‘BBB,’ citing risks associated with the rapid restructuring.

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Yamaha Unveils 2026 R7 with R1-Derived Electronics

Yamaha has announced the 2026 YZF-R7, featuring a suite of electronics upgrades typically found on the R1, according to webbikeworld.com. The upgrades significantly enhance the middleweight supersport category.

  • The 2026 R7 includes a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU).
  • It features lean-sensitive rider aids, including Traction Control System (TCS), Slide Control (SCS), Lift Control (LIF), and Brake Control (BC).
  • The Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) and Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) system offer factory presets like Sport, Street, and Rain, along with customizable “Track” modes.

Mechanical changes include an updated high-tensile steel tubular chassis and asymmetrical swingarm to optimize torsional and lateral rigidity. The bike rolls on SpinForged aluminum wheels with Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 rubber. A third-gen Quick Shift System (QSS) supports clutchless upshifts and downshifts.

The 2026 R7 also features a new five-inch TFT display and integrated Garmin turn-by-turn navigation.

To celebrate Yamaha’s 70th anniversary, a special edition featuring the company’s iconic red and white speed block livery will be available, paying homage to the 1999 R7 OW-02 superbike.

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KTM Recalls RC 390 and 390 Duke Models

KTM is recalling its RC 390 and 390 Duke models due to a potential throttle issue, according to webbikeworld.com. Further details on the recall are expected to be released soon.