Honda's Mugen To Enter Electric Motorcycle Racing

Published: 17-Feb-2012

Honda becomes the first major manufacturer to enter the electric racing fray when its close partner Mugen enters an all-new electric motorcycle in the Isle of Man TT Zero this summer. It’s a hugely historical moment, both for electric motorcycles and a manufacturer that won its first race ever at the TT in 1959.

The company will race alongside electric innovators like MotoCzysz vying to be the first to lap the 37.7-mile Mountain Course at an average of 100 mph.
“We are keen to use this excellent event to educate and prepare the engineers of the next generation for the use of future technology,” Satoshi Katsumata of Team Mugen said in a statement. “We are very excited about adding to the long history of Japanese manufacturers on the Isle of Man.”

Although it’s Mugen formally entering the race, Mugen essentially is a division of Honda Motor Company. It was founded in 1973 by Soichiro Honda’s son, Hirotoshi, and remains closely associated with Honda. One of Mugen’s functions as a tuner and engine builder is serving as a de facto skunkworks, proving new concepts and technologies before they’re adopted by Honda. The company has a long history of motorsports involvement, including a stint in Formula 1.

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