Honda has officially unveiled its latest innovation in motorcycle engineering at EICMA 2025, the annual trade show based in Milan. Known as the V3R 900 E-Compressor Prototype, the bike at this stage moves on from the first glimpse of the engine we saw this time last year and is a full concept machine that leans heavily on cutting-edge technology.
What is the V3 engine configuration?
At the heart of the prototype is a 900cc water-cooled 75-degree V3 engine which introduces a world-first electronically controlled compressor for motorcycles, enabling precise engine boost control.
What kind of performance can we expect?
The result is, according to Honda, "high-response torque from low revs, delivering performance comparable to a 1,200cc engine while maintaining a compact form and improved environmental efficiency".
Interestingly, Honda doesn’t have a 1200cc engine in its current line-up. The closest would be an 1084cc parallel twin seen in the NT1100 and Africa Twin ranges (100bhp / 112Nm) while the VFR1200F or X went out of production in 2017 and 2021 respectively, though were ‘V’ engines and offered 170bhp / 129Nm.
Visually this aggressively styled roadster seems similar in size to the CB650R with the large silencer emphasising the bike’s smaller dimensions. Either that or it means the compressor makes a lot of noise.
The V3R 900 E-Compressor is developed under the concept of a ‘Non-Rail Roller Coaster’, aiming to offer both “promised thrills” and “reassuring peace of mind”, according to the press release. This duality reflects Honda’s broader 2030 Vision of delivering the “Joy of free and fun mobility,” a philosophy that continues to guide its product development. Though we think the marketing department just got busy with a dictionary and Word’s synonym option.
This prototype features a single-sided swingarm, a spectacular paint scheme that suggests the full name will include roman numerals and instead be known as the ‘VIIIR’, as well as asymmetrical side fairings that introduces the new ‘Honda Flagship WING’ tank emblem, which will begin appearing on Honda’s top-tier models starting next year.
Why has Honda designed a brand-new engine?
Honda describes the V3R 900 E-Compressor as a milestone in its pursuit of innovation, combining advanced engineering with rider-centric values. The electronically controlled compressor not only enhances performance but also contributes to cleaner, more efficient riding - an increasingly important factor in today’s mobility landscape.
Any ‘V’ engine is dimensionally longer than one with inline cylinders, but this new Honda prototype appears very compact which points towards the FireBlade’s original principles. Remember back in ’92 when the world didn’t know that a significantly lighter weight bike could still make the same power as its rivals – lighter than a 600cc in fact. Could we be seeing a similar focus here?
While still a prototype, the V3R 900 E-Compressor signals Honda’s intent to somewhat redefine expectations and offers a glimpse into the future of high-performance, forced induction but environmentally conscious riding.
When can we see the new Honda V3R 900 E-Compressor?
You can see the Honda V3R 900 E-Compressor on the Honda stand in Hall 3A at Motorcycle Live at the NEC from 15-23 November 2025. Though a production version of the bike has yet to be confirmed.
2026 V3R 900 E-Compressor Prototype | Honda Motorcycles
The V3R 900 E-Compressor is built for the bold. It pairs a compact, water-cooled 75° V-type 3-cylinder with the world’s first electronically controlled compressor for a motorcycle, allowing precise control of engine boost, delivering high-responsive torque from low revs.
