“CUV e:” unveiled, “EM1 e:” now known as “ICON e:” now features on-board charging
Do you remember that Honda Motor Co., Ltd. held the world premiere of its EV scooter concept model, the SC e: Concept, at the Japan Mobility Show, held from Saturday, October 28th to Sunday, November 5th, 2023?
Approximately one year later, on October 9, 2024, the company announced the EV scooter, the CUV e: and the ICON e: in Indonesia.
The “CUV e:” is the production version of the “SC e:.” It is a 110cc scooter that uses two detachable Honda Mobile Power Pack e: (MPP) batteries as its energy source. It takes six hours to fully charge, and 2.7 hours to charge from 25 to 75 percent.
The powertrain uses a DC brushless motor. It produces a maximum output of 6kW (8.2ps) at 3500rpm, a rated output of 4.2kW (5.7ps), and a maximum torque of 22Nm (2.2kgm) at 2300rpm. The maximum speed is 83km/h, and the maximum range is 80.7km.
In addition to being able to select a power mode that provides strong acceleration, there are three basic driving modes to choose from: Standard, Sport, and ECON. It also has a reverse function that is unique to motors. The meter is equipped with a TFT color LCD, and it can also be connected to a smartphone and display the navigation screen. It stands out for its advanced equipment that is not available on Japanese models.
Honda also announced the “ICON e:” in Indonesia. This EV scooter is based on the “EM1 e:” which is also sold in Japan, but instead of the MPP it uses a ternary lithium-ion battery (high energy density, small size, and light weight) which is popular in China. It can be charged as a standalone battery or while on board the vehicle. The battery is installed under the floor, and the space under the seats becomes luggage space, making it suitable for two-seaters.
Both the CUV e: and ICON e: were announced in Indonesia, so it is unclear whether they will be introduced in Japan, but the CUV e: in particular was unveiled in Japan for the first time, so the possibility of launching them in Japan cannot be ruled out. Honda has positioned 2024 as the first year of its global EV motorcycle expansion. While the spread of EVs is slowing globally, Honda is determined to steadily advance electrification with its two-wheeled vehicles. It has announced that it will introduce 30 EV motorcycle models globally by 2030. These are the 10th and 11th models.
900cc inline 3-cylinder super sports
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (Yamaha) has announced the new supersport model, the YZF-R9. This completely new model features an 888cc water-cooled inline 3-cylinder DOHC engine and an aluminum frame that is said to be the lightest of any Yamaha supersport model to date. It boasts a full range of advanced features, including front and rear suspension (manufactured by KYB) with precise damping adjustment, winglets for improved aerodynamics, and the ability to check riding data such as lap times via an app. It also boasts features designed for public roads, such as cruise control and foot reach adjustment. The 2025 model will be introduced first in North America and Europe, with a planned release in Japan from spring 2025. Hopefully, it will make its Japanese debut at the 2025 Motorcycle Show.
Three 250cc models equipped with new engines
Hyosung Motor Japan will release three new 250cc models in Japan. They share a cruiser-style chassis and engine. The three models are the low- and long-profile classic bobber “GV250S Bobber” (643,500 yen including tax), the sportier “GV250S-EVO Supreme” (687,500 yen including tax), and the futuristic “GV250R Avant-garde” (737,000 yen). The engine is a 249cc water-cooled V-twin SOHC, a short-stroke version of the existing 300cc. It boasts a maximum power output of 18.8kW (25.6ps) at 9500rpm and a maximum torque of 20Nm (2.0kgm) at 7000rpm. Domestic shipments of each model will begin in November 2024.
A reborn three-cylinder roadster
Triumph Motorcycles Japan has announced a new model of its mid-class, three-cylinder naked bike, the Trident 660. The new model comes standard with cornering ABS, shift assist, and cruise control. The front suspension (manufactured by SHOWA) and brakes (manufactured by NISSIN) have also been updated to improve handling. The engine is a 660cc water-cooled, inline, three-cylinder DOHC with a maximum output of 60kW (81ps) at 10,250 rpm and a maximum torque of 64Nm at 6,250 rpm. It will be available in four colors: Diablo Red/Sapphire Black, Cosmic Yellow/Sapphire Black, Cobalt Blue/Sapphire Black, and Jet Black. Prices range from 995,000 yen to 1,008,000 yen (tax included), and the bike is scheduled to go on sale in Japan from winter 2024.
New colors for the Hunter Cub
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (Honda) will release a minor change to the CT125 Hunter Cub on December 12th. The price will be 473,000 yen including tax. The shape of some parts has been changed and new colors have been added. The shape of the exhaust pipe protector and rearview mirror has also been changed. New colors have been added, “Pearl Sugar Cane Beige” and “Pearl Smoky Gray”, bringing the total to three colors, including the existing “Glowing Red”. In addition, a “Clock & Gear Position Meter” (24,420 yen including tax) has been newly added to the genuine accessories list.
Details of the electric trial bike announced
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has released details of the RTL ELECTRIC, an electric trial racing bike currently under development. The battery used in the CR ELECTRIC PROTO electric motocross bike has been optimized for trials. The motor is equipped with an e-axle with an integrated control unit, highlighting efforts to miniaturize the powertrain. The bike is also said to be equipped with a clutch, flywheel, and transmission, essential mechanisms for trials. The bike is scheduled to be introduced at the 6th round of the All Japan Trial Championship, the Wakayama-Yuasa event, to be held on October 13, 2024.
Air Self-Defense Force adopts electric bikes
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force has introduced electric bikes to bases across the country, as part of its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The bikes introduced are Blaze’s “EV Delivery.” They are trikes (one wheel in front, two in back) with a canopy, and can be charged using a 100V household outlet. The price of the vehicle is 588,000 yen (tax included) with the canopy, and 545,000 yen (tax included) without the canopy. They can also be registered as minicars rather than mopeds.
