Honda introduces an innovative V3 engine with a clever forced induction scheme

The V3 engines have been rare – the last time they were seen on a bike was during the 1980s – propelling a Honda NS400R. Although quite rare on-the-road-going models – the V3 engine was used extensively in the grand prix racing during the 2-stroke era – Honda themselves won a championship in 1983 with Freddie Spencer onboard the 2-stroke V3 powered Honda NS500.

But soon enough the V3 was taken over by a V4 – as grand prix racing was rewarding the v4 competitors more, so the V3 configuration was shelved and was never to be seen again – that is until this year.

V3 With an e-Turbo

After a 40-year sabbatical from building a V3 -Honda is once again developing a v3 engine for its road-going bikes. It has showcased its concept at EICMA, Italy, with some ingenious engineering techniques.

For the past couple of years, Honda has been showing off their electric concepts at EICMA, but this time in Italy two electric motorcycle concepts, brought a V3 engine with an electrically powered compressor – which does insinuate that, Honda is not willing to give up on ICE yet, and their statement about Honda working towards mass production of this V3 concept insures Internal combustion is here to stay in the Honda stable.

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The showcased 75′ V3 engine encompasses a turbocharger placed on top of the forward cylinder bank which is powered by electrical energy – instead of routing exhaust gases to spin the turbines to generate the boost – we have seen similar implications on four wheels and its quite an effective way of eliminating turbo lag and improve the overall efficiency of the engine in low revs as the turbocharger spins independent of the engine Rpm to produce boost.

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The engine architecture comprises two V-shaped engine banks forming a 75-degree angle – the front bank harbours two cylinders and the rear bank has a single cylinder, the electric turbocharger sits on top of the front engine bank – A first in the motorcycle industry.

Honda claims the choice of the v3 configuration allows for clever packaging of the turbocharger and clears the path for further packaging liberty – perhaps aiding efficient aero package.

Honda has confirmed the new engine was designed to be integrated into their large capacity motorcycle – which does hint at power figures well above 150hp – also giving their bigger and environmentally less efficient motorcycles a new lease of life with a better and more efficient V3 engine.

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