Jeffrey Herlings Joins Honda HRC: A Significant Shift in Motocross
In a landmark move for both Jeffrey Herlings and the motocross community, the five-time FIM World Motocross Champion has joined Honda HRC for the 2026 season, ending a 17-year tenure with KTM. The announcement became public on January 1, 2023, generating significant excitement in the Netherlands, Herlings’ home country.
Herlings expressed his enthusiasm during a recent interview with NOS1, emphasizing the transformative nature of this transition. “Everything is different,” he stated, referring to the bike, gear, and team dynamics. He acknowledged the depth of his relationship with his previous brand but recognized the need for a new challenge, particularly following KTM’s recent financial difficulties, which have been public knowledge.
The Dutch rider likened Honda to the “Ferrari of F1,” remarking on the prestige of riding for such a storied manufacturer. “Honda is a very big company… they have delivered a lot of world titles,” he said. He shared insights on adapting to Honda’s aluminum frame, a stark contrast to the bike he had ridden for years: “This is completely different. I have ridden the same bike for seven years.”
Herlings, now 31, is eyeing another world championship. He remains optimistic about his fitness and readiness, having won three of the last five rounds in 2025. “The goal is to be world champion… I think I can do it,” he declared.
Dave Thorpe, a Honda legend and three-time 500cc World Champion, expressed his excitement over Herlings joining the squad. Thorpe noted that the combination of Herlings and returning two-time MX2 World Champion Tom Vialle creates a powerful lineup. “The prospect of those two racing for HRC is really good for the sport,” he remarked.
Thorpe also commented on Herlings’ current testing phase, where he has been riding a stock bike: “He’s getting used to the chassis and whatnot… but we haven’t seen Jeffrey on an HRC factory bike yet.” As the season approaches, the industry eagerly anticipates how Herlings will perform in his new role and what advancements Honda will bring to the competitive landscape of motocross.
