Honda’s three electric bikes

As part of its display at next month’s Tokyo Motor Show, Honda will be exhibiting three electric motorcycle concepts.

The most striking is definitely the extremely pretty RC-E. As the Honda blurb states, it’s ‘an EV version of a super sports bike that pursues the joy of riding. A powerful and smooth ride unique to an EV model is achieved with the 250cc-class compact body.’ No word yet on likely range, performance or recharge times, though.

Honda RC-E Concept (2011) Front SideHonda RC-E Concept (2011) Side

Slightly more peculiar is the Motor Compo, which resembles a suitcase that’s sprouted wheels and a set of handlebars. Designed as a compact commuter vehicle, its battery pack can be removed to power other things. What exactly the average commuter needs to power is anyone’s guess, but nevertheless it’ll be a useful feature if it means recharging can be done away from the bike.

Honda Motor Compo Concept (2011) SideHonda Motor Compo Concept (2011) Battery Pack

Honda Motor Compo Concept (2011) DashHonda Motor Compo Concept (2011) Front Side

Last of the trio is the E-Canopy. It has been created by installing an EV system into the popular Gyro Canopy tilting three-wheel scooter and, as with its petrol-powered counterpart, a large rear cargo box can be fitted for urban deliveries.

Honda E-Canopy Concept (2011) Front SideHonda E-Canopy Concept (2011) Side

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