V3-powered Honda supersport concept breaks cover for the first time

The middleweight supersport segment is one of the most competitive motorcycle sectors at the moment, and it appears as though Honda wants in with a new V3-powered bike. 

Honda used the EICMA show on November 3 to unveil the V3R900 E-Compressor as a production-ready motorcycle for the first time.

But that’s not the bike we’re talking about today. Instead, we’re here to discuss a supersport model that could eventually become Honda’s flagship race bike in the category.

The Japanese brand currently races the CBR600RR in World Supersport, however, the Ducati Panigale V2, Yamaha R9, Kawasaki ZX-6R, and even ZXMoto’s 820RR-RS have all proved to be more competitive.

That’s not to say the CBR600RR is finished when it comes to performing at the very top in supersport racing, although it does appear as though tweaks might need to be made for that to happen.

But rather than doing that, Honda seemingly has other ideas with this potential V3-powered 900cc liquid-cooled supersport machine.

The name of the bike could change in the future, which is no great surprise as it remains a concept model at present. 

Although information coming out of EICMA suggests the bike, at least for now, has been called the VIIIR. The supersport bike also appears to be closely related to the incoming V3R900 E-Compressor, however, some key differences should be expected.

As we reported previously, a supersport variant is more likely to feature a naturally aspirated power unit; in other words the same engine platform, but without the E-Compressor system. 

Honda’s unique E-Compressor system is designed to deliver instant torque from very low in the rpm range, which it achieves by controlling compression of the air intake, irrespective of engine rpm.

This means a motorcycle that’s capable of producing performance comparable to that of a much bigger 1,200cc engine. This could also create intriguing performance comparisons between a future VIIIR and the company’s flagship CBR1000RR-R Fireblade.

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