Honda V3 Compressor and EV Concepts Heading to Goodwood FoS
The event will mark the Honda V3’s first public outing in the UK.
Honda is returning to the Goodwood Festival of Speed this July, showcasing a strong two-wheeled lineup that includes its V3 compressor and EV concepts.
While cars may dominate the headlines, it’s the motorcycles that deserve your attention this year, with three headline bikes on static display: the EV Fun Concept, the Urban EV Concept, and the V3 engine concept.
The EV Fun Concept, shown at EICMA 2024, is Honda’s first full-size electric motorcycle. Aimed at delivering usable range and performance without overcomplicating the rider experience, it’s a clear indicator of where Big Red is heading next.
Alongside it will be the Urban EV Concept, designed as a more compact, function-first commuter. It’s Honda’s answer to congested cities and last-mile transport, but with a design that looks more production-ready than some might expect from a concept.
Then there’s the V3 engine concept, which is easily the most technically intriguing of the bunch. This marks the world’s first motorcycle engine with an electric compressor. The aim is to provide instant torque and consistent power delivery across the rev range. It’s unconfirmed whether this will make production, although with trademarks recently being secured for the V3 and V3R nameplates, all signs point to ‘yes’!
Honda legends to tackle the Hill
It’s not all static displays either. Honda’s two-wheeled racing history will be roaring to life on the famous Goodwood Hill. Ricky Brabec returns to West Sussex aboard his 2020 Dakar-winning CRF450 RALLY, fresh off another victory in the 2024 edition of the event.
He’ll be joined by none other than John McGuinness MBE, who will be riding the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP — a special edition superbike built to mark his 100th Isle of Man TT start. The bike itself has become something of a rolling tribute to Honda’s TT heritage, and seeing McGuinness back on the Fireblade will no doubt be a highlight.
Also featuring in the Thursday heritage parade will be the Honda Gold Wing, marking its 50th anniversary — not exactly lightweight, but still very much part of the Honda motorcycle story.
The Honda stand: more film set than paddock
For those venturing to the main Honda stand, the experience will be pitched somewhere between a product showcase and a movie studio. While most of the props are four-wheeled, there’ll be a few chances to saddle up virtually, including riding a Gold Wing across a desert highway via XR tech.
Big questions, bold ideas
What does this all mean? Honda’s making it very clear it sees electrification as more than just a side project. From fun urban runabouts to performance prototypes with forced induction, the Japanese giant is flexing its muscles and showing it’s not content to sit back while others define the future.
If you’re at Goodwood between 10–13 July, skip the supercars and check out what’s happening on two wheels. It might just be the most important part of the show.
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Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
