Honda’s RTL ELECTRIC, is their first electric trial motorbike designed for competition. The development of this bike was heavily influenced by the technology and expertise gained from their Montesa COTA 4RT factory bike, which has helped Toni Bou secure an impressive 18 consecutive titles in the FIM Trial World Championship. Furthermore, the development of the RTL ELECTRIC also draws on knowledge of electric components (such as the motor and battery) from Honda’s CR ELECTRIC PROTO, a bike that recently competed in the FIM E-Xplorer World Cup – a global event for electric off-road bikes.
Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing Corporation: “This year, Honda began competing in the FIM E-Xplorer World Cup, a new category of electric off-road motorcycle racing. We have now decided to enter the All Japan Trial Championship as well with RTL ELECTRIC. By increasing the number of categories in which we race electric motorcycles, we will hone our competitive skills, accumulate know-how and knowledge, and further accelerate the development of our human resources. Last but not least, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Takahisa Fujinami for his full support in this project!”
2004 FIM Trial World Championship winner and current Repsol Honda Team manager Takahisa Fujinami (Mie, Japan, age: 44) is acting as RTL ELECTRIC development rider, and will ride in Round 6, Yuasa.
Takahisa Fujinami | RTL ELECTRIC Development Rider: “I am very happy to be involved in Honda’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality through trials. Electric trial bikes have infinite possibilities, and I would like to use my experience as a rider to work with the development team to make the machine even better. Since I am not yet returning to active duty as a rider, I am limited to being a development rider, but I am looking forward to riding in front of my Japanese fans for the first time in a long while!”
Honda is dedicated to making their motorcycles more environmentally friendly as a key part of their future strategy. They have set a goal to achieve carbon neutrality in all products and corporate activities by 2050, and for all motorcycle products by the 2040s. To meet the evolving needs of customers, Honda plans to continue developing their technology by exploring electrification through trials and motocross events.
