- World’s largest motorcycle manufacturer confirms it will enter the e-MTB market
- Prototype version on display at Sea Otter Europe in Girona, Spain, alongside legendary RN01 downhill racer from early 2000s
- Two more electrically powered two-wheeled racers also on display
Honda has marked a significant milestone in its two-wheeled journey with its first-ever appearance at Sea Otter Europe 2026 in Girona, Spain, using the renowned cycling festival as the stage to demonstrate the brand’s commitment to innovation, performance and electrically powered mobility.
At the same time as this first appearance at Sea Otter Europe, Honda has officially confirmed its entry into the electric mountain bike market. The move expands the brand’s mobility portfolio and represents the next step in the company’s ongoing commitment to electrification and the delivery of innovative mobility solutions for customers across Europe and beyond. Set to go on sale in 2027, further information regarding product naming, availability, pricing and market rollout will be communicated at a later date.
The inspiration for the new model draws heavily on the Honda e-MTB Prototype, which is one of the models on display at Sea Otter Europe. The Honda e-MTB Prototype has been designed to embody the values that have defined the brand for generations, combining advanced technology, quality engineering and rider-centric development.
Alongside the e-MTB Prototype at Honda’s stand is a diverse collection of electric two-wheel machines – the legendary RN01 prototype downhill mountain bike from the early 2000s, the CR Proto electric Motocross bike and the RTL Electric competition Trial bike. The line-up showcases the diversity of the company’s electric mobility ambitions, that also includes the EM1 e: electric moped, the CUV e: electric scooter (both powered by the Honda Mobile Power Pack e: swappable battery), and the full-size electric motorcycle – the Honda WN7 – launched this year.
Representing the brand’s past, present and future, the display offers visitors an opportunity to explore a range of technologies and ideas that could shape the next generation of electric two-wheel products. In addition to the complete RN01 and e-MTB Prototype models, the frames of both machines will be exhibited separately, enabling visitors to appreciate the engineering and construction behind their development.
The pre-launch activity is further supported by Toni Bou. The Honda factory rider, fresh from reaching the historic milestone of forty (40) FIM Trial World Champion titles, is a keen mountain biker and has been one of the first to ride the new e-MTB as part of the bike’s official photography and content creation programme. Bou’s participation brings together Honda’s distinguished competition heritage and its newest mobility offering, underscoring the brand’s long-standing commitment to performance and innovation across two-wheeled disciplines.
Commenting on Honda’s first appearance at Sea Otter Europe, Albert Erlacher Head of Motorcycles HME-DE and project lead for the e-MTB said:
“Sea Otter Europe provides the perfect platform for Honda to engage with the cycling community and introduce our vision for electric mountain biking. The e-MTB Prototype combines distinctive Honda styling with proven engineering to deliver a unique riding experience. This is an exciting moment for the brand as we enter a new segment, and we look forward to sharing further details with customers in the lead-up to launch.”
Details of models at Sea Otter Europe:
e-MTB Prototype: The e-MTB prototype is a high-end mountain bike featuring electric assistance, developed under the concept of ‘New Terrain, Same Dream’. The bike aims to combine the fun of motorcycling with the fun of mountain biking, offering a new kind of riding experience.
RN01: The Honda RN01 was entered in the Downhill category of the Mountain Bike World Cup from 2004 to 2007, taking the championship with Greg Minnaar in 2005. Developed specifically for downhill competition, the RN01 featured a unique internal gearbox that allowed riders to change gear without pedalling.
CR Electric Proto Motocross: The Honda CR Electric Proto is a high-performance, all-electric factory motocross bike developed by Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) to test EV technology in professional racing. Unveiled in 2024 to take on the FIM E-Xplorer World Cup, the CR Electric Proto also appeared as a wildcard at selected Japan Motorcross Championship rounds.
RTL Electric Trial bike: Developed to surpass the benchmark Montesa Cota 4RT Factory bike, the RTL Electric is built around a package optimized version of the CR Electric Proto and bespoke aluminium twin tube frame. A highly competitive machine, it currently sits 4th in the FIM World Trial Championship with one round remaining.
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