We are going to guess that a Honda V3 was not on your EICMA 2024 bingo card. Of course, that’s just the start of it. The 75-degree V3 with one rearward and two forward cylinders is supercharged. That is certainly something unexpected, even in the wake of the Kawasaki family of supercharged motorcycles.
Honda says the purpose of the supercharged V3 is to create a smaller powerplant that creates strong power without the lag inherent in a turbocharger. Further, the design removes the need for an intercooler, which adds bulk, complexity, and cost.
Here’s what Honda has to say about the new supercharged V3, which is housed in a trellis frame:
The water-cooled 75-degree V3 engine is being newly developed for larger displacement motorcycles, and has been designed to be extremely slim and compact. It features the world’s first electrical compressor for motorcycles, which is able to control compression of the intake air irrespective of engine rpm, meaning that high-response torque can be delivered even from lower rpm. In addition, the electrical compressor allows a high degree of freedom of layout of all components in the limited space available on a motorcycle and efficient centralization of mass. It also does not require any form of intercooler.
The signal we are getting from Honda is that, despite showing two electric concept bikes at EICMA 2024, there is still a future for internal combustion engines.
This statement regarding the Honda V3 will undoubtedly be reassuring to many ICE aficionados:
Honda sees the development of this V3 engine with an electrical compressor as a new challenge in the area of internal combustion engines, and its goal is to enable customers to further experience the joy of riding and owning a motorcycle. Honda plans to apply the new V3 engine to larger displacement models in the future, and will continue its development toward mass production.
Honda’s announcement also tells us that the future is not low-powered motorcycles that are restricted to the crowded and ever-expanding urban sprawl, as is explained here by Honda:
Honda’s motorcycle business aims to provide products that meet the needs of various customers by offering a wide range of products from commuters to fun models. In addition, Honda is taking on the challenge of developing advanced technologies by adding electric motorcycles and other products to its product lineup to meet the diversifying needs of today’s customers.
With the sales of EVs declining, the move to extend the life of the internal combustion engine with the Honda V3 is looking like a smart business move.
