Honda has given us a detailed insight into its vision for two-wheeled mobility for the next decade and beyond, in the form of the EV Outlier Concept.
Unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, the Outlier is Honda reimagining the motorcycle free from the design constraints of internal combustion, instead being powered by twin in-wheel electric motors.
Honda is playing coy with any performance and technical details – as is typically the way with concepts – but this design study is dripping with details to get excited about.
Aiming to give a unique riding experience distinct from petrol bikes, Honda has used the freed space (only the battery sits within the main bike body) to lower the seating position as much as possible. Emphasized by raised front end bodywork, all of which is shrouded in translucent smoked plastics, it cuts a very different silhouette to Honda’s current line-up.
The pillion area features a bucket-seat style backrest, which Honda claims not only makes it easier for the rider to manage the Outlier’s acceleration, but also allows them to pivot through corners using their slinky hips as an axis. The jury’s out on its functionality, but it’s a further break from conventional bike styling. And, given it looks like a ducktail spoiler and has the rear brake light running up the length of it, it gets the nod from us.
“The pillion area features a bucket-seat style backrest”
A slimline widescreen display takes care of normal rider information, and incorporates the view from the rear-view cameras at either end. Its crisp graphical interface includes information ranging from lean angle and Bluetooth connectivity, and is supplemented by a portrait display immediately below.
This can display sat nav directions and instant torque readouts from the two motors, or even wheel movements based on the current road surface.
The EV Outlier and follows on from the EV Fun and EV Urban concept bikes, revealed at EICMA last year. Unfortunately, there is currently no commitment from Honda for a production version.
