Skip to main content

American road racing in 2025 with the MotoAmerica Talent Cup

The MotoAmerica Talent Cup can help young riders who aspire a career in motorcycle racing.

MotoAmerica racing at the Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca photo by Brian J. Nelson
MotoAmerica reveals a new program for young motorcycle drivers in North America who dream of competing in international championships. Starting in 2025, the MotoAmerica Talent Cup will be part of the Road to MotoGP racing preparation program, a global collection of competitions and programs for young riders seeking a career in motorcycle racing.

Why the MotoAmerica Talent Cup matters

MotoAmerica Talent Cup logo on white background.
MotoAmerica, the short name for the MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship, manages seven classes of motorcycle road racing, from Steel Commander Superbikes to Mini Cup by Motul. MotoAmerica is sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM). MotoAmerica has helped other classes of motorcycle racing and is now opening the MotoAmerica Talent Cup.

Recommended Videos

The MotoAmerica Talent Cup will raise the bar with standardized race-spec Moto3 class motorcycles to give young riders a better chance to prepare for international competition.

MotoAmerica Talent Cup racing program

Krämer APX-350 MA purpose-built racing motorcycle makes over 50 horsepower and weighs under 255 pounds.
MotoAmerica / MotoAmerica

The MotoAmerica Cup is for riders aged 14-21 and includes at least six events plus a preseason test event. Since 2018, young riders could race in the Junior Cup with production-class motorcycles. The MotoAmerica Talent Cup will use higher-level, purpose-built Krämer racing motorcycles.

The Krämer APX-350MA weighs less than 255 pounds and generates 50 horsepower. The motorcycles have adjustable suspension and chassis, Dunlop tire, and a Mectronick MKE5 racing ECU.

Full specifications and technical details for the Krämer APX-350MA will be available in August 2024, with delivery expected in mid-February 2025. The APX-350 MA will sell for $22,495. Individuals can register on the Krämer APX-350MA waitlist now.

In addition to competing in an up-leveled competition schedule, participants in the MotoAmerica Talent Cup will also have a chance to compete at a higher level. Up to five MotoAmerica Talent Cup riders will be invited to try out for the RedBull MotoGP “Rookies Cup selection each year.

Bruce Brown
Former Digital Trends Contributor
A Digital Trends Contributing Editor and Contributor for TheManual.com, Bruce Brown writes e-mobility reviews and covers…
Honda brings back the XL750 Transalp and NC750X DCT with smart updates for 2025
Honda's ADVs are popular for their versatility and capabilities on and off-road.
Two 2025 Honda XL750 Transalp motorcycles parked on gravel with mountains in the background.

With today's announcement of refreshed 2025 XL750 Transalp and 2025 NC750X DCT motorcycles, American Honda underscores the appeal of adventure motorcycles (ADVs). ADVs are popular with new riders and experienced owners who don't want limits on their two-wheel travel. They are popular for their versatility and capabilities on and off-road.
Why Honda makes such different ADVs

The variability in ADVs gives Honda a way to target both ends of the spectrum of adventure bike riders. Speaking of the new XL750 Transalp and the NC750X DCT models, Colin Miller, American Honda's Manager of Public Relations, mentioned customer demand.

Read more
Harley-Davidson and MotoGP unveil global bagger racing championship for 2026
Racers in the new series will ride identical Factory Racing prepared Road Glides.
Bradley Smith knee-down on a corner in King of the Baggers competition.

Harley-Davidson and MotoGP jointly announced a new racing championship with Harley-Davidson Factory Racing bagger motorcycles. The new series will start in 2026 during six MotoGP Grand Prix races in the U.S. and Europe.
Why Harley-Davidson and MotoGP want this series

Starting shortly after Harley-Davidson's founding in 1903, the company was a major player in motorcycle racing, with both factory teams and private individuals or teams who bought motorcycles from Harley-Davidson. The bagger racing series demonstrates Harley-Davidson's commitment to and interest in racing. Racing can also be good for business because it attracts attention to the brand.

Read more
2025 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 ST pulls off jaw-dropping stunts in Marvel’s Thunderbolts
Harley-Davidson's Pan America 1250 ST goes into battle for Marvel Studios
Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 ST features in Marvel Thunderbolts.

Thunderbolts, a Marvel Studios film that opened on May 2, 2025, showcases the capabilities of the 2025 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 ST.  Early in the movie, Bucky Barnes, aka the Winter Soldier, rides the Pan America 1250 ST to save the day during a battle and chase scene in the desert.
The Pan America 1250 ST's chops as a stunt bike

Heidi Moneymaker, Thunderbolts Stunt Coordinator, was impressed by the Pan America's capabilities. “I hope people think about the fact that there's nothing in here that isn’t real, and you're seeing the stock Pan America ST weave through the convoy and stand on its front wheel as it comes to a stop," Moneymaker said.

Read more