Honda might be developing a new V4 superbike

It’s been almost four months since Honda launched the RC213V-S road bike. While the demand for the bike has been good, the power to the price ratio was quite a disappointment. 

Now, MCN is reporting that the Japanese manufacturer is working on a new V4 1000cc motorcycle. This motorcycle is expected to sit between the Fireblade and the RC213V-S.  Honda has filed five patents on this new V4 bike over the last few months, which shows its resemblance to the RC213V-S. MCN claims that while there might be some similarity between the engines, the chassis will be a new one. Just like the Ducati Panigale, this new bike will also get a cast aluminium chassis. The main structure doubles as the airbox with the engine as a stressed member. Honda is planning to use cast aluminium for the rest of the chassis components as well. 

“If we get many, many orders for the RC213V-S then perhaps we can look at a cheaper version that could sit between the Fireblade and the RC213V-S," said Tetsuo Suzuki, CEO, Honda.

MCN reports that this new motorcycle will get an RVF badging, which is given to special motorcycles. Interestingly, it’s been claimed that Honda will pull the plug off the Blade after 2017, however, Honda said that it will continue to produce the Fireblade. Will this new motorcycle replace the Fireblade? Only time will tell us.