Honda Motor Europe has revealed some of the most relevant aspects that its new V3 internal combustion engine will present, currently presented as a prototype at the well-known Milanese show EICMA 2024. Everything indicates that we are facing a platform from which different models could be derived in different displacements, thanks to the compact dimensions offered by this mechanism.
Among the most relevant data that Honda’s new V3 engine will offer us, we can highlight:
- A 75° four-stroke V3 engine equipped with an electric compressor to deliver a significant increase in torque at low and mid-range rpm, regardless of engine rpm
- Recently developed for larger displacement motorcycles
- Compact and extremely slim dimensions with enormous new model potential
Honda’s new V3 engine: A nod to the brand’s past
Those with long memories will remember the last time Honda had a 387cc V3 (two cylinders up front and one rear) engine for the road, fitted to the iconic NS400R two-stroke of the mid-1980s. of 72 hp, thanks to its intake by reeds and ATAC exhaust valves, responsible for pulling with vigor the 163kg in running order declared by the brand.
Also on the track they used this same V3 configuration, where the Honda NS500 replaced the failed four-stroke NR500 of 1980. They even won the world championship in season 83, with an immeasurable Freddie Spencer at the controls. Now, 40 years later, the brand is back on its feet, giving a surprise with this new V3 engine, which also includes really interesting technical aspects.
The 75° water-cooled V3 engine is intended for large displacement frames and has been designed to be very compact. It features the world’s first electric compressor for motorcycles, which can control the compression of the intake air independently of engine revolutions, meaning highly responsive torque can be delivered even at low revs.
This electric compressor allows a high degree of freedom of arrangement of all components in the limited space available on a motorcycle, and efficient centralization of mass. It also does not require an intercooler. This means that it does not depend on rotation like a compressor, nor does it depend on exhaust gases like a turbo, and can be operated to improve aspects such as power, mixture or emissions.
Furthermore, after the development of this new V3 engine there are also other interests within the brand, which are not only related to commercial matters and its range of street motorcycles. We are talking about the new regulation that will be implemented in MotoGP for 2027. This is mainly that the displacement is reduced again to 850 cc to reduce performance and especially maximum speeds.
Finally, we can speculate on which models could end up equipping a V3 engine of this type. We already talked to you about the rendering of a possible Honda RCV850but there is also speculation about the return of an iconic acronym within the Japanese brand, VFR. With them, a new model equipped precisely with this V3 engine with which to adapt to the new and demanding regulations on anti-pollution matters, an essential reason why the last VFR800 of the emblematic saga was discontinued last year.
