Honda to Launch Hybrid Motorcycles in 2010

Honda is reportedly working on hybrid motorcycles and is planning to launch them in the market by as early as 2010. The company is also planning to introduce smaller electric motorcycles which could be launched by 2011.

Honda aims to implement car hybrid and battery technologies to develop the hybrid models of motorcycles.

Honda said that they believe they can shrink a hybrid engine enough to be mounted on a motorcycle frame.

The hybrid motorbikes will be available in engine displacements between 200 and 1,000 cc, and, according to Honda, will be 50 percent more fuel-efficient. Production will be cut by using common components in both hybrid cars and motorcycles.

Honda will also be producing a new line of electric scooters, and a successor to the Cub series motorbikes for commercial use, with an engine size of 50 to 125 cc with a limited range of about 30km.