Also at the EICMA 2024, Honda unveiled a first in the motorcycle world: a V3 engine paired with an electric turbocharger. Yes, that’s right—a V3, not your typical twin or four-cylinder setup.
While 3-cylinder engines are more common in modern compact cars than on bikes, Honda has gone rogue here with an unusual “V” design. Instead of the usual in-line arrangement, this V3 angles two cylinders on one side and one on the other, resulting in a slim engine with a surprising punch.
Another interesting feature is the force induction component is an electric turbo which is pretty much an engine on its own—unlike traditional turbo that relies on exhaust gas to build pressure.
Electric power spins up the “turbo” instantaneously and delivers high torque even at low rpm. In other words, turbo lag is virtually non-existence. Honda claims that with this design, it can keep the engine lightweight and narrow, all while cranking up the displacement for larger machines—think bigger power without the bulk.
Wait. What narrow engine, you ask? Well, this: an unusual 75-degree angle of the V. This allows the engine to stay as skinny as possible, potentially enhancing handling and stability without sacrificing any oomph.
Honda’s design team also threw in water-cooling, a must-have for keeping things cool when all that extra power is in play. In this case, air-cool, which most of today’s bikes rely on, won’t cut it.
If you’re scratching your head wondering if you’ve ever heard of a Honda V3 before, you’re not alone. This is the first in years, and with the electric turbo thrown into the mix, it’s got the potential to stir things up in the motorcycle market.
The price is yet to be revealed, but if the power-to-weight thrill of a slim, turbocharged V3 is any indication, Honda’s latest just might have people queuing up to give this unique engine a go.
Images: Honda Powersports.
Honda Powersports via Instagram (@thedrive).
