Although the electric motorcycles aren’t as popular, big names are still betting their hard-earned money on them. Honda is one such name, and it has a new electric motorcycle in the works. This news comes straight from China, where Wuyang-Honda (the company’s Chinese division) has whipped up an unmissable EV. Not unmissable in a good way, though.
The Honda WH800D Has An Unmissable Aesthetic
Thanks to leaked type-approval documents, we get a first look at Honda’s new electric motorcycle: the WH8000D (codename). This is the first electric two-wheeler from the brand that sways toward the “motorcycle” side, while all other reveals have been scooters and mopeds at best. However, the EV has an oddball appearance.
The front end comprises a muscular headlight cowl and fender, complete with an LED light and unique stanchion covers. In the middle lies a bulky and curvy body, put in place to hide the battery pack and motor. All this while, the tail does its own thing. It is uber-minimalistic and petite, which appears almost disproportionate to the heavy front half.
Notable Design Details
- Transparent windscreen
- Swingarm-mounted plate holder
- Bar-end mirrors
- Contrast seat cover
- Blacked-out alloys
The Honda WH8000D Electric Motorcycle Can Reach 75 MPH
*for reference
The documents reveal a handful of details, too. Chief among these is the 8kW (11 horsepower) electric motor. This is a continuous output, meaning the peak number could be twice as high. The output enables a claimed top speed of 75 miles per hour–right in the ballpark of popular 125cc ICE motorcycles. A single-speed chain-driven transmission ensures all the juice is instant.
The underpinnings take a similar approach. You get USD forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear, paired with 16 and 14-inch alloy wheels, respectively. These hoops wear disc brakes and chunky 110/140-section (F/R) tires. All this enables a curb weight of 345 pounds, while there is a lighter 315-pound version, too.
What about range, you ask? Well, the documents don’t reveal any details about this. However, we believe there are two battery options here to keep the MSRP competitive. The peak range should be in the 65-mile ballpark, keeping in context what Honda e-scooters offer.
Honda WH800D Key Specifications
|
Power |
11 HP (Continuous) |
|
Torque |
NA |
|
Claimed top speed |
75 miles per hour |
|
Suspension |
USD forks/monoshock |
|
Wheels |
16/14-inch alloys |
|
Weight |
345 pounds |
Honda’s New Electric Motorcycle Will Be Limited To Asia
The type-approval documents reveal a motorcycle that’s ready to hit production. So you can expect this to break cover in the coming months. However, we believe the EV will be limited to the Chinese market rather than being a global product. After all, the majority of the products made under the Wuyang-Honda initiative rarely make it out of China, let alone Asia.
Don’t be bummed, though. Honda Powersports has a special electric lineup in the works for America. This could comprise four “fun” EVs, including a maxi-scooter and an electric streetfighter. Let’s hope these hit production soon.
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