The Honda e-MTB Concept was unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, where it joined several other futuristic debuts from other leading Japanese motorcycle companies and automakers.
The Honda e-MTB Concept looks more like a downhill electric bike and has a fairly realistic design. Unlike some e-bike concepts that are pretty far-fetched, Honda's actually looks like something that could go into production some day.
The e-bike reportedly uses an existing Brose mid-drive motor. With such an approach, Honda could focus more on the overall look and structural design of the bike, leaving the bike parts to the companies that have a lot of experience in that area.
The full-suspension e-bike uses a SRAM Eagle AXS drivetrain, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, Fox front and rear suspension, a RockShox Reverb dropper seatpost, DT Swiss XM 1700 wheels, and Maxxis Minion DHF tires.
Honda's goal was to combine motorcycle and bicycle experience into a single product that could handle mountainous terrain.
As the company explained:
“The Honda e-MTB Concept expands the field of mobility in nature. Easily going uphill with electric assistance, this bike offers a new riding experience that combines the fun of motorcycles and fun of a mountain bike. It is being developed to enable anyone to enjoy riding mountainous trails more freely.”
If it becomes a reality, Honda's e-MTB will join the ranks of other electric bikes made by automakers. Mate Rimac founded Greyp electric bikes, and Porsche has a line of electric two-wheelers. Even Harley-Davidson has created its own e-bike called the Serial 1.
Source: Honda
