Honda: what the future holds for two- and four-wheeled vehicles. New model in Atessa

At Eicma 2026, taking place at Fiera Milano until 8 November, Honda is presenting the V3R 900 E-Compressor in a pre-production configuration, the new Africa Twin with driver assistance systems, the Fireblade and the all-new Adv125. We spoke to Hans De Jaeger, president of Honda Motor Europe, who confirmed the role of the Italian plant in Atessa and outlined the Japanese manufacturer’s plans regarding new engines, safety and electrification.

When will the V3R 900 E-Compressor, featuring the new supercharged V3 engine, go into production?

“The model on display in Milan is already a pre-production version. We are very close to series production: I cannot give a date yet, but the wait will be short.” The motorbike is powered by a 900 cc V-twin engine with an electrically driven supercharger, capable of managing the boost regardless of engine speed.

“Atessa is one of Honda’s key production sites in Europe and has been operating at full capacity for several years running. Its importance is set to grow further with the arrival of the Adv125, which will be built in Italia. We will continue to assign models that are important for the European market to this plant.” The new 125 draws on the styling of the ADV350 and X-ADV scooters, bringing it into a displacement category accessible with an A1 licence. De Jaeger also highlights the contribution of the research and development centre in Rome, where the X-Adv project was conceived. At the same time, Honda has opened a factory in Turkey, a market it is targeting for growth in the two-wheeler sector.

The new CRF1150L Africa Twin has undergone a major overhaul, and the Adventure Sports version introduces Honda Sensing Ride, a driver-assistance system that also utilises radar, featuring adaptive cruise control. This is a direction which, according to De Jaeger, will become increasingly important.