The Honda V3R E-Compressor prototype has been launched at EICMA 2025, following its concept debut at last year’s show.
As the name suggests, the V3 engine is fed by an electronically-controlled compressor to boost engine performance. Unlike the traditional belt-driven or exhaust driven compressor, the E-Compressor does not exact a penalty on engine performance, while providing boost even at low engine RPMs. Traditional compressors exhibit a pronounced ‘lag’ at low engine speeds, hence also low compressor blade speeds due to air’s inertia. When this happens, the rider will find the engine bogging at low speeds, only to find the bike suddenly taking off when boost pressure finally builds up. Riding such a bike requires the rider to keep the engine revving hard at all times. Not so with the E-Compressor as it controls the intake air pressure at all RPMs.
Honda says that such technology to allow this 900cc engine to perform at the level of a 1200cc powerplant.
From Honda’s Press Release
Honda has unveiled the V3R 900 E-Compressor Prototype equipped with a V3 engine with an electronically-controlled compressor, at EICMA 2025 (the Milan Motorcycle Shows).
In order to realize the “joy and freedom of mobility” to fulfill the Honda 2030 Vision, Honda motorcycle development team members are engaged in ongoing discussions in the effort to build attractive products that go beyond expectations of customers. The V3R 900 E- Compressor Prototype is being developed as a motorcycle model that offers new value tocustomers with unprecedented, original Honda technologies.
Under the development concept of “Non-Rail Roller Coaster,” Honda is striving to create a model that is characterised by two contrasting qualities — “guaranteed thrill” and “reassuring peace of mind” — by combining its latest technologies with know-how amassed through its long history of motorcycle development.
A slim and compact engine design was pursued with the displacement of 900cc based on the exact layout of the water-cooled 75-degree V3 engine, which Honda unveiled last year as a concept model at the EICMA 2024. Equipped with the world’s first electronically-controlled compressor for motorcycles, the engine delivers highly responsive torque even from low rpm range, by controlling compression of the intake air irrespective of engine rpm. Taking advantage of this feature, Honda is striving to develop a 900cc engine that achieves the overwhelming performance comparable to that of a 1200cc engine, while also contributing to excellent environmental performance.
The V3R 900 E-Compressor Prototype features asymmetrical side cowls, as well as a tank
emblem with the new “Honda Flagship WING” design, which is scheduled to be adopted by top-tier models sequentially starting next year.
Honda is developing the V3R 900 E-Compressor Prototype as a model that will represent a new milestone in the ongoing challenges undertaken by Honda and will enable customers to experience the unprecedented fun and excitement of riding and the joy of ownership. Honda will continue development for the mass production.
