We have caught new information about the "V-type 3-cylinder engine with electric compressor" that Honda is developing for commercialization. Road tests are being conducted, but it looks completely different from the current concept motorcycle, and it seems to be developed as a super sports motorcycle. There is also a high possibility that the non-supercharged version will participate in races!
- First unveiled in Japan at the MC Show, HMJ president once again mentions commercialization
- The V3 test model is a completely different model, apparently it's in the super sports genre?
- Are there any non-turbo versions for racing? Two trademarks have been applied for in North America!
- The new version will be released in Milan next fall.!? Will the whole picture become clear?
First unveiled in Japan at the MC Show, HMJ president once again mentions commercialization
Honda announced the "V-type three-cylinder engine with electric supercharger" in the fall of 2024, which became a hot topic. Honda's V3 engine is the first in 40 years since the NS400R in 1985. Moreover, it is an innovative model that is the world's first motorcycle to be equipped with an electric supercharger.
It will be unveiled for the first time in Japan as a Japan premiere at the Osaka Motorcycle Show that opened on March 21, 2025, and will also be exhibited at the Tokyo and Nagoya venues.
It has already been announced that it is "under development with the aim of commercialization," but there was also a moment when Honda Motorcycle Japan (HMJ) President Katsuhiro Murooka, who appeared at the MC Show press conference, mentioned the V3 again.
"Honda will forge ahead with the pillars of 'advanced technology' such as new engines with electric superchargers, 'carbon neutral' necessary for sustainable living, and 'product brands' that value traditions such as the CB and Super Cub," he explained.
The concept motorcycle's "V-type 3-cylinder engine with electric supercharger" was exhibited at the MC Show. It is exactly the same as the one exhibited at the Milan Show last fall, and even the "V3 E-COMPRESSOR" logo is the same.
The engine is extremely slim and compact, with two cylinders at the front and one at the rear, and a cylinder angle of 75 degrees, the same as that of the former MotoGP machine, the RC211V.
The engine displacement is unknown, but it has been announced as a big bike. In reality, it is probably a mid-class motorcycle (around 850cc). There is a compressor intake on the top of the front cylinder.
HMJ President Murooka spoke about the electrically supercharged V3 engine at the Tokyo MC Show.
The V3 test model is a completely different model, apparently it's in the super sports genre?
The new information obtained from on-site interviews is that the current motorcycle is a dummy and that "the motorcycle actually undergoing road tests is completely different." Furthermore, it was revealed that "the motorcycle is being developed with a view to becoming a super sports car."
As previously reported, the V3 machine is undergoing test runs at Honda's Kumamoto plant. At the "Honda Motorcycle Business Briefing" on January 28, Honda's Motorcycle Business General Manager Minoru Kato said, "It has a compact engine and compact body, is lightweight, and yet is electronically controlled for supercharging in all areas, making it a very powerful machine."
The current concept model has a steel trellis frame and pivotless structure, and is thought to be a fun sports car for the street. However, the actual test motorcycle has a completely different body, and appears to be developed as a super sports motorcycle.
If that is the case, it is highly likely that the test model and the production version of the V3 will feature a more rigid steel tube frame or the standard aluminum twin spar design for super sports motorcycles.
The current V3 concept motorcycle uses a steel tube trellis + pivotless frame. This seems to have been a dummy.
Overseas models also use steel trellis frames for super sports motorcycles, but the standard is the aluminum twin spar frame. It is lightweight and highly rigid, and is designed for competitiveness. However, it is necessary to secure an intake for the supercharger by opening a duct, etc.
Are there any non-turbo versions for racing? Two trademarks have been applied for in North America!
This website suggests that the V3 model may compete in the FIM Supersport World Championship (WSSP) (details in a separate article) https://news.webike.net/motorcycle/437878/reference).
WSSP is a race for road motorcycles with 4-cylinders under 600cc, 3-cylinders under 675cc, and 2-cylinders under 750cc. However, in recent years, production of the base motorcyclees has been discontinued, and larger displacement motorcycles that exceed the regulations are participating one after another after performance adjustments have been made. From 2025, the 888cc 3-cylinder YZF-R9 (Yamaha) will also be entered.
With the regulations being changed flexibly like this, there is a possibility that Honda's V3 will participate. It seems that it would be difficult to participate with a turbo, but if it is a "non-turbo", there should be no problem.
Supporting this is the fact that Honda has registered a trademark that evokes a "non-turbo" V3.
On March 21, Honda applied for the "V3R" trademark for two-wheeled and four-wheeled motorcycles and parts to the EUIPO (European Trademark and Design Registration Organization). On the same day, they also applied for two other trademarks, "V3R" and "V3R E-COMPRESSOR," in the United States.
Two trademarks that Honda has applied for in the United States. Both are trademarks for motorcycles, and the "R" has been added to the "V3 E-COMPRESSOR" that was unveiled at the show.
While the possibility of the motorcycle name being "V3R" has emerged, what's interesting is that they have bothered to apply for two trademarks in the U.S. In other words, we can expect that there will be two versions: the "V3R E-COMPRESSOR" equipped with an electric supercharger, and the non-turbo, naturally aspirated "V3R".
If these two specifications are prepared, the hurdle for participating in the aforementioned WSSP will be much lower for the non-turbo V3R. The aim may be to take advantage of the strengths of the lightweight and compact V3 engine even without the turbo to compete against the rival Yamaha YZF-R9.
The next flagship SS model, the YZF-R9, is a WSSP racer model. It is an 888cc 3-cylinder machine that produces 119PS. It will be a direct rival to Honda's V3, even if it is non-turbo and is around 850cc.
The new version will be released in Milan next fall.!? Will the whole picture become clear?
Furthermore, new information was obtained that "the next move will be at the Milan Show in the fall of 2025" regarding the V3. Will a version closer to the commercial version be announced, including not only the engine but also the body?!?
Either way, Honda's V3 is an intriguing model. As soon as we get new information, we'll update this page.
