2025 will be another stellar year for the motorcycle industry, inspiring riders to get an early start on their shopping by visiting SF Moto, the leading motorcycle dealer near Palo Alto. As riders, we’re always excited to see what the world’s leading motorcycle manufacturers have in store, from new designs and cutting-edge technologies to more engaging performance. Fortunately, 2025 offers plenty of excitement from Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, CFMOTO, and Zero. As the only Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Zero electric motorcycle dealer in the area, it’s easy to see why our excitement is palpable.
The Honda Dax 125
Earning its namesake from the dachshund (yes, the weenie dog), the Honda Dax 125 takes its place in the manufacturer’s lineup of minimotos in 2025. However, the Dax isn’t a new nameplate but an homage to the Dax of the 1970s. Known then as the CT70 or Trail 70, the bike was renowned for its spirited performance. With a few significant improvements, the 2025 Dax 125 will likely pick up where its predecessor left off.
Joining minimotos like the Grom, Monkey, and Super Cub 125, the Dax 125 has a larger 125cc two-valve engine, four-speed semi-automatic transmission, electric start, fuel injection, disc brakes, and two-up capability. Without a clutch, the Dax 125 offers a more engaging ride via the heel-toe shift lever. The configuration reflects the Dax 125’s design as a small but mighty road warrior.
Beyond performance, the Dax 125 pays homage to its 1970s predecessor with its retro-inspired styling. The bike’s T-bone frame supports everything from the passenger seat to the taller handlebar. Its round headlight has a retro aesthetic but offers exceptional visibility as an LED. Other retro-inspired details include the Dax 125’s upswept exhaust and the twin rear shocks that pair with the bike’s beefy 12-inch tires.
The Suzuki DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM
Suzuki gives Palo Alto riders a front-row seat to one of the best dual sport and supermoto bikes in the brand’s history with the all-new DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM. The manufacturer introduced the DR-Z family in the new millennium to satiate the demand for street-legal bikes that could competently handle themselves on or off the pavement. In short, Suzuki’s DR-Z lineup gives drivers the best of both worlds, and the 2025 DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM continue that tradition.
Built on an all-new steel twin-spar frame with an aluminum subframe, the DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM are designed for agile and engaging performance. The bikes’ ergonomics are remarkable, with Suzuki tapering the handlebars, redesigning the seat, and widening the footpegs. Even the fuel tank is lightweight and compact.
The lightweight design is enhanced by the bike’s all-new long-travel adjustable KYB inverted forks, fully adjustable KYB rear suspension, and updated 398cc single-cylinder engine with electronic fuel injection. Suzuki’s ride-by-wire throttle body ensures power is delivered on demand and works with the advanced Suzuki Intelligent Ride System. This suite offers riders more control over the DR-Z’s performance via three drive modes, four traction control modes, and an easy start system. You can even control the antilock brake system, switching the rear off on the DR-Z4SM or turning off the front and rear antilock brakes on the DR-Z4S.
The Kawasaki W230
Retro continues to be a theme for the motorcycle industry in 2025. Kawasaki pays homage to a former icon from the 1960s with the all-new W230. Inspired by the 650-W1 from 1965, the W230 blends retro styling with modern performance. The street bike is a blast from the past, from its teardrop fuel tank and steel fenders to its spoked wheels and round headlight. Most notably, the W230’s gauges expertly blend the past with the present with their round design on an LCD display.
The W230’s design details set the stage for an exciting experience in the saddle, whether navigating downtown Palo Alto or venturing beyond the city limits. The W230 feels at home on the pavement, thanks to its fuel-injected 233cc air-cooled four-stroke engine that offers strong acceleration and smooth torque delivery. The bike’s lightweight frame, low seat height, and upright riding position offer comfort and enhance your control in any condition, from winding backroads to straightaways that beg you to turn the throttle.
The CFMOTO 675SS
CFMOTO adds to the excitement in 2025 with its all-new 675SS. The race-inspired powerhouse takes a cue from its 450SS sibling but encourages Palo Alto riders to push the envelope with its inline-triple heartbeat. The 675cc engine roars to life, producing up to 95 hp and 51.6 lb-ft of torque. With the bike weighing slightly over 400 lbs, the 675CC is an aggressive powerhouse ready for every adventure on the pavement.
CFMOTO gives you the confidence to push the 675SS to its limits by outfitting the bike with several performance-tuned components. The KYB suspension with its aluminum swingarm is adjustable to your riding style, while the quick shifter delivers precise, on-demand power without hesitation. The J. Juan brakes guarantee the bike’s stopping power, completing the perfect combination that is guaranteed to earn the 675SS top honors as the sportbike of the decade.
Aesthetically, the 675SS looks every part of a modern sportbike. Its aerodynamic fairings optimize airflow and house the checkmark-shaped LED headlights and the integrated LED taillight. The bold body lines give it an aggressive silhouette, while the bike’s five-inch TFT display puts vital performance insights, connectivity features, and over-the-air software updates in immediate view.
The Zero XE/XB
Venturing into the all-electric realm of riding is easy for Palo Alto riders, thanks to Zero Motorcycles. The manufacturer is known for its electric lineup, but the manufacturer extends that lineup to the trail in 2025 with a pair of dirt bikes–the XE and XB. Smaller and simplified, the XE and XB are affordable, entry-level bikes ready to get a little or a lot of mud on the tires.
The Zero XE starts the lineup as the more powerful of the two, courtesy of its 74V 68Ah lithium-ion power pack that provides a best-in-class 468 lb-ft of rear wheel torque. Zero gives riders control over this output with three ride modes, switchable traction control, cruise control, and shift-free acceleration. That’s right, the bike doesn’t have a clutch or transmission, making it easy to focus on the throttle and brakes rather than worrying about shifting gears or engaging the clutch without stalling.
The Zero XB takes its place as an entry-level and budget-friendly trail runner. With a lightweight 139-pound frame, switchable traction control, and a factory-tuned suspension, the XB has everything you need to test your riding skills off the pavement. Zero equips the bike with a 74V 32Ah lithium-ion power pack, which provides 274 lb-ft of rear wheel torque with the permanent magnet synchronous motor. Like the XE, you have control over the XB’s performance with various ride modes.
Chasing the Horizon in 2025
The Palo Alto landscape is the perfect backdrop for every ride, from enjoying the views as you cross Dumbarton Bridge to venturing north along US 101. Fortunately, your time in the saddle can be even more enjoyable with these exciting 2025 models. Kawasaki, Suzuki, CFMOTO, and Zero fuel the fires of anticipation with new motorcycles like the Dax 125, DR-Z4S, W230, 675SS, XE, and XB. From retro-inspired designs to potent powerhouses and worthy trail-runners, chasing the horizon in 2025 looks better than ever.
