Both in MotoGP and, for a long time, in SBK, the V-engines have achieved a multitude of victories and titles, although in recent years the constructors of the ‘tetra’ in line have stepped up in both championships. Not surprisingly, the last two editions of MotoGP have been won by engines with in-line cylinders (Suzuki and Yamaha) and in SBK the dominance has been Kawasaki (6 consecutive titles) and Yamaha (2021).
However, both Aprilia, Ducati and Honda have achieved their best results thanks to V-engines. In the case of the powerful Japanese brand, its RC213CVs have won more MotoGP titles than any other motorcycle and most of those achieved by Honda in SBK have been with V engines, whether they were the V4 of the RC30 and RC45 and the V2 of the RC51. (Although the last one to get the Gold Wing mark was in 2007, with James Toseland and the CBR1000RR).
There has been talk in recent years of the possible arrival of a sports Honda with a V4 engine, although finally the Japanese brand opted for a new CBR.
However, the CBR1000RR-R, in its third season in SBK, does not seem to be able to contend for the title, or even have a chance of achieving victory against the Kawasaki ZX-10RR, Ducati Panigale V4R and Yamaha R1.
back on stage
So that during these years there have not only been rumours, but we have seen sketches of Honda sports cars with a V4 engine. Specifically, already in 2013 we saw the first drawings.
A V4 is more sophisticated and expensive to manufacture than an in-line four-cylinder, just as a V2 is more expensive than a twin (most manufacturers are opting for twins in their production bikes), but the performance of a V4, especially when it comes to power delivery, it’s superior.
New sketches of a Honda V4 engine, different from the one we saw nine years ago, have now been patented in Europe.
This engine has a V at 90º and the most notable feature is an intake system with variable length ducts, electronically managed. In this way, optimal filling of the cylinders is achieved, depending on the rotational speed.
Last year, a V4 with disconnection in one of the two cylinder blocks had already been patented when the motorcycle is idling, so that consumption and emissions are reduced.
At a time when almost all manufacturers opt for in-line cylinder engines, whether they are two, three, or four cylinders, because they are cheaper to manufacture, it does not seem to make sense to spend effort and money on developing a new V4, and least in a sector in decline such as hypersports, but both Ducati and Aprilia -factories much smaller than Honda- have done it successfully, and if anyone has the muscle to develop something like this it is Honda.
And, furthermore, the Japanese giant needs to win on all fronts, not least for prestige… will we finally see a new Honda V4? It is not disposable at all.
