Honda has introduced the RTL ELECTRIC, a cutting-edge electric trial bike designed to compete in the 6th round of the 2024 MFJ*1 All Japan Trial Championship Series in Wakayama/Yuasa. This launch underscores Honda’s commitment to electrifying motorcycle sports and marks a major step towards its goal of achieving carbon neutrality in its motorcycle lineup by the 2040s.
The RTL ELECTRIC is developed as a high-performance alternative to the Montesa COTA 4RT, renowned for its dominance in the trial biking world. Aiming to surpass the capabilities of its petrol-powered predecessor, the RTL ELECTRIC is equipped with a battery derived from the CR ELECTRIC PROTO motocross bike, customized for the unique demands of trials. The motor and inverter are integrated to deliver high output performance, with the bike featuring essential components such as a clutch, flywheel, and transmission.
The newly developed aluminum twin-tube frame, modeled after Honda’s RTL series, offers optimized rigidity for better riding stability and reduced weight. Additionally, the bike’s swing arm and EV component placement have been engineered to ensure an ideal center of gravity, enhancing maneuverability in challenging trial environments.
Honda’s push into electric motorcycle sports extends beyond trial bikes. The CR ELECTRIC PROTO has already made a mark as a wildcard entry in last year’s All Japan Motocross Championship and is competing in the global FIM*2 E-Xplorer World Cup, a dedicated series for electric off-road bikes. By competing in events like the All Japan Trial Championship Series, Honda aims to refine its electric technologies and demonstrate the potential of electric motorcycles in competitive sports.
With the introduction of the RTL ELECTRIC, Honda reaffirms its commitment to sustainable innovation, setting a new benchmark in the realm of electric trial bikes while working towards its long-term environmental goals.
