naked motorcycle prototype by honda shows exposed engine

Honda brings prototype of naked motorcycle to EICMA 2025

Honda unveils the prototype of its naked motorcycle, the V3R 900 E-Compressor, with a design that exposes the engine around the camouflage-wrapped frame. Revealed at the motorcycle exhibition EICMA 2025 in Milan, Italy, which runs between November 6th and 9th, the vehicle comes with asymmetrical side panels and fairing, the structure that helps reduce drag, for airflow and heat dissipation. Around them, the engine, frame, and suspension parts visibly come into view. The fuel tank and seat structure are shaped to fit the rider’s posture.

The tank has angular surfaces, and the seat is positioned to allow forward-leaning riding. Then, the handlebars are straight and wide, which supports a riding position between sport and street styles. Looking at the body panels, they’re covered with a camouflage wrap made of red, black, and gray triangles. This pattern hides the final surface lines and makes it harder to see the exact shape during rides. On the fuel tank, the new Honda Flagship WING emblem is present, which the brand expects to use on its top-level motorcycles starting in 2026.

all images courtesy of Honda

Engine with three cylinders arranged in a V shape

So far, Honda has only presented the prototype of its naked motorcycle during EICMA 2025. The ride’s chassis is built to support the refreshed engine layout, with the frame materials likely including a mix of steel and aluminum for strength and reduced weight. The suspension setup is designed for both performance and stability, using a front fork and a rear mono-shock absorber, while the brakes are expected to feature disc systems on both wheels. The main feature of the naked motorcycle prototype by Honda is its 900cc water-cooled, 75-degree V3 engine. The V3 layout means there are three cylinders arranged in a V shape, a design that helps reduce the size of the engine while keeping the weight balanced. It also helps with cooling and allows the motorcycle to have a more compact frame.

The electronically controlled compressor is a new feature developed by the brand, which changes the pressure of the intake air depending on how much power the engine needs. Unlike a traditional turbocharger that relies only on exhaust gases, this compressor uses electronic control to adjust airflow in real time. This helps the engine maintain strong torque, or pulling power, even at low speeds. Honda’s goal is to make the 900cc engine perform like a 1200cc engine without increasing fuel use or emissions. The compressor system improves air intake efficiency, helping the engine burn fuel more effectively. The team’s engineers are using data from earlier concept models, such as the V3 concept shown at EICMA 2024, to develop the new model. After EICMA 2025, Honda plans to keep on developing the naked motorcycle’s prototype before launching the V3R 900 E-Compressor to mass production.

Honda unveils the prototype of its naked motorcycle, the V3R 900 E-Compressor