Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1541234
HONDA WN7 H onda unveiled the production-ready WN7, its first full-size electric motor- cycle and the first such effort from any of the four major Japanese manufacturers. Shown in final form at EICMA, the WN7 uses a liquid-cooled electric motor pow- ered by a 9.3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The battery sits inside an aluminum struc- tural casing that serves as the bike's main chassis, eliminating a traditional frame. The motor operates at roughly 350 volts and delivers a continuous 24 horsepower, with peak output reaching 67 horsepower and 73.8 lb-ft of torque. Top speed is just over 80 mph, and Honda claims a mixed-use range of about 87 miles. A key feature is DC fast charging: using a CCS connector, the battery can go from 20 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes. A wall-mounted AC charger replen- ishes a full charge in about 2.5 hours, while a household outlet requires roughly 5.5 hours. Rider controls include three levels of regenerative braking and four ride modes— Sport, Standard, Rain and Econ—plus trac- tion control. The bike uses a belt final drive with helical gears for reduced noise. A non- adjustable 43mm Showa fork and a single shock attach to a single-sided swingarm. Brakes are Nissin units with lean-sensitive ABS, and a 5-inch TFT display and walk- assist mode come standard. HONDA V3R 900 ECOMPRESSOR PROTOTYPE T he Honda V3R 900 E- Compressor Prototype signals a new direction in both engine configuration and power delivery. At the center is a water-cooled, 75-degree V3 engine con- firmed at 900cc, paired with what Honda describes as the world's first electronical- ly controlled compressor on a production-intent motorcy- cle. This electronically man- aged compressor precisely regulates boost pressure in real time, improving throttle response and delivering strong torque from low rpm. Honda says the goal is to achieve power characteris- tics comparable to a 1200cc- class engine while maintain- ing better environmental efficiency than a traditional larger-displacement unit. The project aligns with Honda's 2030 Vision, which focuses on expanding mobility op- tions and creating new riding experiences. The prototype features a compact and slim en- gine layout to support both high-performance riding and everyday usability. Honda emphasizes a balance of "promised thrills" with "reas- suring peace of mind" as core design targets. Honda has not yet re- leased chassis specifica- tions, electronics details, or a production timeline, though the model is clearly posi- tioned as a high-performance technology showcase. Fur- ther information is expected in the coming months. Please, please, Honda, build this bike! The V3R 900 E-Compressor Prototype was one of the stars of EICMA 2025. The Honda WN7 is the first full-size electric motorcycle from any of the four big Japanese manufacturers. P62 FIRST LOOKS I