Honda motorcycle with V3 block

Three-cylinder engines are seen on Triumph, Yamaha and Benelli, among others. The build is narrower than a block with four cylinders side by side, and a three-cylinder responds more smoothly to the throttle than a two-cylinder engine. Honda, however, opts for a V3. That is positioned longitudinally in the frame. With two-cylinders at the front and one cylinder at the rear at a 75-degree angle.

75 degrees V3

The water-cooled 75-degree V3 engine is newly developed for larger displacement motorcycles and is designed to be extremely slim and compact. It is equipped with the world’s first electric compressor for motorcycles, which can control intake air compression independently of engine speed.

Electric compressor

That electric compressor, according to Honda, provides strong throttle response and also plenty of torque at low revs. In addition, the electric compressor offers a high degree of freedom in the arrangement of all components within the limited space on a motorcycle and provides efficient centralization of mass. In addition, there is no need for an intercooler.

Alternative for large displacement engines

Honda sees the development of this V3 engine as a new challenge in the field of internal combustion engines. The goal is to make motorcyclists enjoy riding and owning a motorcycle even more. Honda plans to offer the new V3 engine as an alternative to larger displacement models in the future.

Honda CX 500 Turb0

Honda also had a motorcycle with turbo in the 1980s. That was the CX 500 Turbo with a 500cc V2 that produced 100 hp thanks to that turbo. At the time, it was a very advanced engine that was also equipped with electronic fuel injection. The disadvantage was the turbo lag and the torque coming on very abruptly at higher speeds. That seems to be overcome with an electric compressor.