Honda’s CB125R-based electric bike project inching closer to reality?

Electric two-wheelers are progressing fast and Honda’s CB125R-based entry-level electric motorcycle project seems to be inching closer to reality.

Recently surfaced patent drawings of the battery-powered bike reveal new mechanical details about the project including its battery and motor positioning. Apparently, a completely finished machine already exists somewhere within the company’s research and development facility.

The patent images suggest that the battery-powered twowheeler will use CB125R’s architecture including a similar frame and other chassis parts. Other key structural bits and equipment such as its suspension and braking system have also been taken from the gasoline-powered street bike.

The air inlets mounted on either side of the tank will likely be used to circulate cooling air around the battery, keeping the operational temperature of the system in check.

Honda has paid special attention to the overall design of its e-bike by keeping the traditional silhouette intact. The battery has been positioned inside the tank, while on the lower side, traditional body panels of the CB125R have been used to shroud its workings from view.

Overall, the bike will more or less look similar to the existing CB125R. This gives it a nice design appeal as compared to the traditional boxy looking electric two-wheelers. The existing Honda CB125R is currently on sale in the international markets and sits in the entry-level sporty street naked segment.

In terms of overall output, it is not hard to guess that the motor of the e-bike will push out close to 15-17 bhp, along with a top speed of around 90-110 kmph. However, it is currently not known when exactly would the Honda e-bike be ready for a public unveiling.

With a number of electric bike makers launching their greener offerings in the market, its not hard to guess that Honda would not want to be left behind.

In fact, it should ready its battery-kitted motorcycle in time to catch up with the electric party, or else this could prove to be quite a task later.

Bike manufacturers including Suzuki and Kawasaki are also developing electric bikes. And Kawasaki’s electric offering under the Ninja 300’s bodywork is also inching close to the completion stage.

HONDA DOESN’T WANT TO BE LEFT BEHIND AT THE ELECTRIC PARTY. RECENTLY SURFACED PATENT DRAWINGS OF ITS E-BIKE PROJECT REVEAL NEW DEVELOPMENTS