- Honda’s first full-sized electric motorcycle, the EV FUN Concept, has been road-tested across Europe
- Veteran engineer Masatsugu Tanaka, creator of models like the Fireblade and Africa Twin, leads development
- Aims to deliver Honda’s trademark fun factor as rivals like Harley-Davidson’s LiveWire struggle to gain traction
Honda has taken the next step in its electrification journey, releasing footage of its EV FUN Concept undergoing road testing across Europe.
First revealed at the 2024 EICMA show in Milan, the EV FUN is Honda’s first full-sized electric motorcycle. Positioned as a mid-sized naked bike, it features a fixed battery pack and CCS2 automobile-grade quick-charging compatibility — marking another milestone in Honda’s commitment to zero-emissions mobility.
Development of the EV FUN has been led by veteran Honda engineer Masatsugu Tanaka, who also stars as the rider in the newly released test video. With more than two decades of experience shaping Honda’s most iconic motorcycles, Tanaka has played a role in everything from the CBR600F and Fireblade to the Gold Wing, Africa Twin, and NT1100.
Since moving to Honda’s electrification division in 2022, Tanaka has been applying that expertise to ensure the EV FUN delivers the balance, poise, and riding enjoyment riders expect from the brand.
“We developed Honda’s first electric FUN model under the concept of ‘Be the Wind’,” Tanaka explained. “It offers a quiet and smooth ride unique to EVs, while creating a sense of unity with the machine. We’ve applied our ICE know-how to this project to ensure it’s genuinely exciting to ride.”
Extensive testing across European roads has focused on performance, charging usability, and everyday practicality. Honda says the aim is to provide riders with a reliable and engaging EV experience — one that doesn’t compromise on the fun factor.
A Tough Road for Electric Motorcycles
While Honda’s entry into the segment signals confidence, the wider motorcycle industry has found the shift from petrol power to battery propulsion far from straightforward. Harley-Davidson’s LiveWire was one of the first high-profile electric motorcycles to hit the market back in 2019. Despite strong performance and premium design, sales struggled to gain traction, forcing Harley to spin LiveWire off as a standalone brand. Even then, adoption has been slow compared to the boom in electric cars.
The hurdles are clear: batteries add weight and cost, range anxiety is more acute for riders than drivers, and charging infrastructure is patchy in many regions. Enthusiasts also remain deeply attached to the visceral feel and sound of internal combustion engines — making it harder for electric models to capture the same emotional appeal.
Honda, however, is betting that its EV FUN Concept can bridge that gap, blending quiet electric smoothness with the playfulness and character riders expect. If the finished product delivers, it could be one of the first EVs to make real inroads into mainstream motorcycling.
With the project nearing completion, Honda has signaled that a production-ready EV FUN is on the horizon.
Other Electric Motorcycles to Watch
While Honda prepares the EV FUN Concept for production, several other manufacturers are already in the electric motorcycle game:
Harley-Davidson LiveWire / LiveWire One – First launched in 2019, the LiveWire delivered impressive performance and premium styling, but its high price and limited range slowed adoption. Now operating as its own brand, LiveWire continues to refine its lineup with the more affordable S2 Del Mar.
Zero Motorcycles – A California-based pioneer in the sector, Zero has spent over a decade building electric bikes. Models like the Zero SR/F and DSR/X adventure bike lead the charge, offering improved range and performance each year.
Energica – Based in Italy, Energica supplies bikes to the MotoE World Cup and sells high-performance EVs such as the Ego+ superbike and the Experia sport-tourer. Known for strong acceleration and premium components, but priced for niche markets.
CFMoto Zeeho – Chinese giant CFMoto has begun rolling out its electric two-wheelers under the Zeeho brand, signalling that the mid-market EV segment will heat up fast in the next few years.
