What is the new era of riding embodied in "Be the Wind"? Honda's first full-fledged electric two-wheeler, the "WN7," to be launched in Europe this summer!

Honda is scheduled to launch the "Honda WN7," its first full-fledged electric motorcycle with a fixed battery, in Europe starting in the summer of 2026.

Ahead of its release, Masashi Tanaka, the Project Leader who served as the development manager, spoke about the development philosophy behind this model and Honda's vision for the future of electric two-wheelers.

The WN7 is not just an electric model; it is an ambitious creation that inherits Honda's motorcycle development DNA, cultivated over more than 70 years, into a new era. The key concept given to this vehicle is "Be the Wind."

Aiming for a "Motorcycle That Works Because It's Electric," Not a Replacement for Internal Combustion Engines

Up to now, Honda motorcycles, from high-performance supersports like the CBR1000RR-R to comfortable tourers represented by the Gold Wing, and adventure models like the Africa Twin, have all emphasized "the joy of riding" and "a sense of unity with the rider," while possessing distinct personalities.

According to Mr. Tanaka, this fundamental philosophy remains unchanged with the WN7. "Whether it's an engine or a motor, the essence of a two-wheeled vehicle lies in its ability to run, turn, and stop. We have incorporated all the knowledge gained from gasoline vehicles, such as mass concentration, chassis balance, and throttle response."

On the other hand, the development team decided not to create a model that was simply an electric version of a gasoline vehicle. Instead of forcing the reproduction of the unique appeal of internal combustion engines, such as exhaust notes and vibrations, they pursued new sensations that can only be achieved with electric power.

"Be the Wind" = A Smooth and Silent Riding Sensation Like Becoming the Wind

The WN7's most distinctive feature is its transformation of the silence, the absence of engine noise, from a negative into a value.

Mr. Tanaka explained, "Because there is no sound, the wind pressure, the feeling of contact with the road, and even the natural sounds of the surroundings become part of the riding experience." The acceleration and deceleration are extremely smooth, with a setting that allows for linear and intuitive response to the rider's input.

In other words, the WN7 aims for a sensation of becoming one with the wind in silence, rather than creating a riding experience through the exhilaration of an engine. This is the true meaning of the "Be the Wind" concept.

Belt Drive Adoption Eliminates Unnecessary Noise

To embody the "Be the Wind" philosophy, the WN7 adopts a belt drive, a first for a mass-produced Honda motorcycle. By suppressing the noise of chain drive, it further enhances the smooth torque feel and high quietness characteristic of electric motors.

Combined with a single-sided swingarm, it emphasizes the presence of the rear tire while forming a futuristic styling. The packaging, unique to electric vehicles where engines and fuel tanks are unnecessary, is sublimated into functional beauty rather than mere simplification, which is also a highlight.

In fact, this design has been highly acclaimed internationally, with the WN7 receiving the "iF Design Award Gold Award" and the "Red Dot Design Award Best of the Best" in 2026.

Practical Performance: 2.4 Hours for Normal Charging, 30 Minutes for Quick Charging

The WN7 goes beyond just its design concept, delving deeply into practicality.

It comes standard with a 6.6kW onboard charger and supports Type 2 AC normal charging in Europe. It can be charged from 0 to 100% in approximately 2.4 hours using home charging equipment or public chargers.

Furthermore, by adopting a system voltage equivalent to that of four-wheeled EVs, it also supports quick charging, allowing for charging from 20% to 80% in about 30 minutes. This makes it an electric motorcycle suitable not only for city riding but also for a certain degree of touring use.

Optimized Regenerative Control with 4 Riding Modes

The installed riding modes are STANDARD, SPORT, RAIN, and ECON. These modes not only change the acceleration characteristics but also adjust the strength of the regenerative braking and traction control in conjunction.

Leveraging the instantaneous torque response unique to electric motors, it balances ease of handling with the joy of riding. Mr. Tanaka also commented, "We prioritized the feeling of the machine responding exactly as the rider intended, over numerical speed figures."

Honda's Answer: "Riding is Fun Even When Electric"

Honda aims to achieve carbon neutrality for its two-wheeled products by 2040. The WN7 is the first full-fledged electric sport model to emerge within this initiative.

However, the WN7 represents more than just an environmentally friendly vehicle. While possessing different charms from internal combustion engines, such as quietness, smooth acceleration and deceleration, and a sense of unity with nature, it firmly retains Honda's fundamental principle of "the joy of riding."

Even without engine noise, motorcycles are fun! And there are new pleasures to be experienced precisely because it's electric! The WN7 can be said to embody such a clear message from Honda.

Honda WN7 Key Highlights

• Honda's first full-fledged electric motorcycle with a fixed battery
• Scheduled for European release in summer 2026
• Development concept: "Be the Wind"
• Adoption of Honda's first belt drive
• Standard 6.6kW OBC
• Type 2 normal charging compatible (0-100% in approx. 2.4 hours)
• CCS2 quick charging compatible (20-80% in approx. 30 minutes)
• Equipped with 4 riding modes
• Winner of iF Design Award Gold Award / Red Dot Best of the Best