Honda appears to be developing a battery-electric sports bike as well as a 125cc-equivalent machine, if its patent applications are any guide – but at the same time, the UK Government has been accused of neglecting sales incentives for electric bikes, while expanding them for battery-powered cars.

According to a report in Visor Down, the projected sports bike looks like an ‘electric FireBlade’ and shows certain similarities with the Honda-sponsored Mugen Shinden electric TT racer, which won the TT Zero race on the Island six times.

Both bikes have the motor and transmission mounted relatively far back, creating more space for the battery and electronics, plus allowing for a longer swingarm and shorter wheelbase. An integrated motor, swingarm and rear suspension is another feature, which would enable this unit to be bolted to a variety of chassis designs.

Honda has also patented a 125cc-equivalent commuter bike, with two removable batteries, based on the Shine 125, already sold in India. Not only that, but the company has unveiled the E-VO, a 125-equivalent retro sports bike, which is now on sale in China from around £3500.

This news comes as both the NMC and MCIA called on the Government to improve incentives for buyers of new electric motorcycles and mopeds in the UK. Originally, buyers could benefit from a grant of up to £1500, but this has been whittled down to £500, and no longer applies to mopeds. Despite announcing a £650 million Electric Car Grant on 15th July, the Government showed no sign of extending the electric motorcycle grant, which is due to end in April 2026. And just to confirm that the global transition from fossil fuels to electric power is proceeding apace, in Vietnam all ICE motorcycles will be banned from Hanoi city centre from 1st July 2026. Like many other Asian cities, Hanoi’s roads are dominated by small bikes and scooters, so this is a significant shift in policy.

At the BMF, chair Jim Freeman said, “Interesting as the electric sports motor, swing arm and rear suspension package is, with the possibility of becoming the power pack for a variety of different bikes, I wonder if it reflects the likely number of sales Honda anticipate. The smaller bikes are a different matter, at the risk of being proved wrong , they look like sure fire winners. ”

Written by Peter Henshaw

Top image courtesy of Honda