At the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, Honda presented its vision of the motorcycle of the future — the EV Outlier concept. This is a fully electric bike that combines cruiser features and futuristic aesthetics, as if straight out of cyberpunk.
All-wheel drive and in-wheel motors
The main technical feature of the EV Outlier is that the electric motors are integrated directly into the wheel hubs. This configuration provides all-wheel drive and fine electronic torque control between the axles. This provides improved traction on the track and on slippery surfaces, where conventional motorcycles most often lose stability.
Honda is keeping the intrigue and not revealing data on power or range. However, engineers assure that the dynamics are not inferior to gasoline counterparts, that is, acceleration and top speed will be at the level of top classic cruisers.
Low center of gravity and modern suspension
The EV Outlier is built on a lightweight aluminum frame, and a massive battery is installed low in the center of the structure. It is assumed that Honda uses a solid-state battery, which the company has repeatedly announced before.
The suspension is made according to the principle of a double-lever Hossack system with a central shock absorber. Similar solutions are found on the Honda Gold Wing and BMW K 1600 touring flagships. This architecture reduces "dive" during braking and makes the motorcycle's behavior more stable at high speeds.
Design from the cyberpunk universe
On the outside, the EV Outlier looks like a powerful power cruiser: low seating position, wide rear wheel, sharp body lines and a minimum of unnecessary details.
The digital part is also impressive: a horizontal display on the handlebars and a vertical screen in the pseudo-tank area.
They display speed, navigation, tilt angle and a picture from the rear cameras instead of the usual mirrors — another step towards digitalization.
Will there be a production version?
Honda has not yet commented on the fate of the concept, but the project clearly does not look like an experiment on the table. Moreover, it has already been announced that the first full-fledged Honda WN7 electric motorcycle is being prepared, which should be released to the market by 2026. Perhaps some of the EV Outlier technologies will migrate there.
