Honda RC-E, past and future sparks fly

During the Tokyo Motor Show, held from December 3 to 11, Honda will present no less than three electrically powered vehicles.

The most eye-catching, and the one that concerns us in this article, is the Honda RC-E. In this new motorcycle, the past and present of the Japanese manufacturer come together, but with an eye on the future.

The past echoes come through its colours: red, grey, green and yellow. These recall those carried on the bike by Mike Hailwood, winner of 5 world titles and a great legend of racing on the Isle of Man.

A motorcycle focused on fun, and Honda has prepared everything for this show with one guiding principle in mind: “What makes people feel good?”.

The RC-E is an electric motorcycle, although it doesn’t look like one, that revives the initials of the brand’s racing models. Honda positions it as a motorcycle that will offer smooth, progressive riding thanks to its electric character, and full of power, all with compact dimensions, in the style of a 250cc, which will surely make it very agile.

Its chassis is a massive double-beam design, with the engine integrated into it, almost unique in the world, with Ducati’s permission, although the configuration is not the same. No engine data has leaked , so we will have to wait at least a week to learn more about it.

It cannot be said that Honda has neglected this model in any way. The RC-E has been fitted with the best of the best in braking systems: Brembo discs and calipers, the latter monobloc, with radial mounting and master cylinder, delivering a powerful braking performance worthy of the best superbikes of the moment.

The suspension from the Swedish brand Öhlins consists of an inverted fork at the front and a TTX latest-generation rear monoshock. Both are easily adjustable, especially the rear shock, which has a dedicated control for this.

To complete a very attractive package, one that I would certainly not mind enjoying, two tiny LED front headlights, indicators in the mirrors and a minimal number plate holder.