If this motorcycle drawn in many patents that we have shown you, seems familiar to you, it is because Sling has been filing patents on this design since 2021. However, the most recent document that we have just learned about goes further. Now, it is its latest evolution, this model, which looks like a Gromshows that development continues, with a redesigned headlight that now includes a large hole in the center of the lamp.
The motorcycle in question is an electric model that appears to be similar in size to the Honda MSX125 Gromsuggesting it’s geared toward urban riding and low-speed fun, rather than prioritizing performance or range. Of course, this approach makes a lot of sense for the electric motorcycle market.
It’s nothing new, like almost all market players, Sling has outlined a plan for its transition to electric vehicles, and its first major goal is approaching: meeting its objective of having at least 10 electric models globally by 2025. Of these, according to our latest information, 3 will be in the category of “Fun“, aimed at markets such as the European one.
This is the new Honda perforated headlight patent
The design in the new patent appears to be aimed at this segment. The central structure is the battery box, with the engine located at the rear and the front suspension supported by arms extending from the front. According to the patent, the chassis components are made of lightweight metal or carbon fiber reinforced plastic, and the battery and control electronics are housed within this box.
Instead of incorporating a large structure for the head tube, Honda has opted for a beam fork system inspired by the Gold Wingwith a double wishbone monoshock. This allows the main structural loads to be transmitted directly to the chassis, while the front supports are thinner and lighter.
The seat is mounted on a separate frame bolted to the rear of the battery box, leaving space for storage under the front of the seat. The motor is positioned so that the output shaft matches the swingarm pivot, and the patent indicates that the rear wheel is driven by a belt that is housed within a single-sided swingarm.
But, as we’re telling you, the big news this time is in the front headlight. Yes, it has a hole in the center to allow air to pass through, helping both to cool the LED ring of the headlight and to improve ventilation to the battery and chassis. In addition, the beam-type front suspension design eliminates the need for a steering stem. This allows air to circulate through the gap between the front end and the front wheel more efficiently.
The patent also notes that, as a novelty, the headlight incorporates heat sinks that run along the centre of the air intake, suggesting that these are essential for the performance and durability of the lighting system. Let us not forget that, in this lighting system, the LED ring acts as both the main headlight and the dipped beam.
Finally, this perforated headlight is very likely to be implemented in other models of the house of the golden wing. Yes, another variant with a circular design headlight is shown on a cruiser style CMX500 Rebel with combustion engine.
In this case, the steering axis is visible behind the hole, suggesting that its main function is cooling the LEDs using heat sinks.
