Tokyo 2011: Honda RC-E Electric Superbike Concept

At the Tokyo Motors Show, Honda not only revealed stuff like the EV-STER, but also went back to its roots as a motorcycle manufacturer focused on innovation. We were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the future of superbike racing previewed by the RC-E, an electric two-wheeled rocket.At first glance, it looks like any other superbike, with its wider rubber and full fairings, but upon closer inspection, you’ll notice a little plug decal, and then it all starts to sink in. The bad news is that Honda has not revealed any powertrain details.The only thing we do know really is that it’s based on a 250 cc racer chassis, probably the CBR25R. Another innovative feature is the fact that it’s got LED lights at the front and back. the Honda Corporation will be presenting seven new concepts they have lately developed, including this Honda RC-E, part of their motorcycle-related activities. A great way to increase a bike’s aerodynamics coefficient is by changing its headlight with one that’s barely noticeable. Honda have done this, adding a new LED headlight system right near the air intake system. Furthermore, the bike has Ohlin’s TTX shock-absorbers. But by far the most uncommon piece of this bike is the engine, which runs on electricity. This is very easy to notice due to the plug-in sign in the middle of the bike and the large bundle of copper. The engine is also much lighter than the usual gas-powered ones, and more powerful, allowing the whole contraption to be installed on a 250cc-class bike, instead of a 600cc one.