Honda’s new V3 engine teased with electric compressor tech

Last year at EICMA, Honda announced it was developing a new V3 engine for larger-displacement motorcycles, promising a compact yet high-performing layout. Now, the brand has released its first teaser of the engine, offering a few early insights.

1. Honda teases new 75-degree V3 engine ahead of expected EICMA update
2. Dyno clip shows prototype with over 1,100 hours of runtime
3. Features electric compressor tech for instant torque and compact packaging

Honda announced the project at EICMA 2024

Likely to be a high-revving engine with a gruff exhaust note

The teaser video opens with Honda highlighting its motorcycling heritage and engineering prowess through DCT and E-Clutch technology. It then cuts to a brief clip of the V3 engine’s exhaust note, featuring an uneven tone and firing order typically associated with V-configuration engines. A quick glimpse of a dyno readout shows the V3 prototype running at 2,740rpm, with over 1,100 hours of runtime logged— suggesting it has moved well beyond the concept stage. The dual-dial setup and Japanese interface hint at detailed validation testing underway.

Towards the end, a distinct whine can be heard— likely the sound of an electric compressor. Unlike traditional turbochargers, this technology allows intake air compression to be controlled independently of engine speed, ensuring instant torque delivery regardless of RPM. Its compact, flexible design is particularly suited to motorcycles, where space is already limited. Honda’s engineers have prioritised mass centralisation to improve balance and handling, while eliminating the need for an intercooler to further conserve space.

According to Honda, the result is an engine layout that delivers both smoothness and immediate response. It is expected to power larger-capacity models, with Honda indicating that mass production is on the horizon. With teaser activity now ramping up, we expect Honda to reveal more information later this year.

Also see:

What to expect from Honda’s new electric bike ahead of global debut