Sports bikes, bestsellers and the V3 question mark: a preview of Honda’s EICMA news

It is November 2024: at EICMA, Honda unveils for the first time the concept of a new technical platform for a future motorbike. What makes it special is that the Japanese manufacturer has opted for a V-shaped three-cylinder engine, supercharged by a compressor. No official technical specifications have been released, and any hints as to which models might feature the new powertrain remain vague.

A year later, at EICMA 2025, the technical concept is followed by the ‘V3R 900 E-Compressor Prototype’ – a slightly modified but near-production study of a naked bike, intended to provide a concrete preview of a production model. However, it is by no means a foregone conclusion that the Japanese manufacturer will use this year’s edition of the leading trade fair, due to take place in early November, as a springboard for the next phase and present a corresponding production model. For several weeks now, there have been repeated rumours that the V3R is not set to feature at this year’s EICMA, although type-approval documents circulating online suggest the model is on the verge of production readiness.

It is conceivable that the Tokyo-based brand will organise its own event later on for the world premiere. After all, even without the V3 model, Honda is unlikely to be short of major new releases at this year’s EICMA: just a few days ago, the Japanese manufacturer confirmed the launch of the CBR500R Four in Europe. This everyday sports bike was first unveiled for the Asian market back in 2025 and is powered by a 502 ccm four-cylinder engine with 72 homologated PS for the European market. In Europe, the model enters a segment that is virtually deserted. Also already available in Asia is the CB500 Super Four, the naked sister model to the CBR500R Four. Obtaining type-approval for European markets should be a straightforward process, and it too could be in the spotlight in Milan.

However, the CBR400R Four, unveiled at the Osaka Motorcycle Show in spring 2026, remains out of reach for us – at least for the time being. Also a four-cylinder sports bike, but positioned one tier higher in the Honda range, is the updated CBR600RR. It features updated electronic and braking components, as well as slightly refined styling and aerodynamics.

Kommt eine aufgefrischte Honda Africa Twin angefahren?

Foto: Honda

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The biggest new development, however – unless the production-ready V3R 900 is unexpectedly rolled out into the spotlight – is the successor to a Honda bestseller: there are increasing signs that the current Africa Twin is to be retired and replaced by the next generation. Contrary to what has been reported in several media outlets, however, this will not be based on the Japanese manufacturer’s new V3 platform, but on the revamped in-line twin, which most recently delivered 1,084 cc and 102 PS. A slight increase in the key specifications is to be expected; after all, the Transalp sits below the Africa Twin in the range.