Honda Neowing hybrid concept

Honda's pushing hard on the two- and four-wheel front at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show — as well as three wheels courtesy of this hybrid petrol/electric machine called the Neowing.

The Neowing appears to be drawing from the roots established by the firm's legendary touring behemoth, the Goldwing, including the horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine. But how will the electric motor fit in? Honda isn't leading the way here, with Piaggio already fitting a hybrid powertrain to its MP3.

With 'big' wheels — at least compared to the MP3 and Yamaha Tricity — and sharp styling, the Neowing certainly casts an imposing shadow, but whether it's got the "the cornering feel and sporty ride equivalent to a large-sized motorcycle" is another thing.

Honda hasn't divulged any details on the Neowing's leaning capabilities, even though the front tyres look capable of getting down and dirty. That's based in the premise that the wheels will actually lean, rather than remain glued to the tarmac at 90 degrees like the Can-Am Spyder.

Here's what Honda says about the Neowing: "It's an unprecedented three-wheeled vehicle that offers the cornering feel and sporty ride equivalent to a large-sized motorcycle while realising excellent stability in low-speed ranges. This vehicle is equipped with a hybrid system that combines a horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine and electric motors to generate plentiful torque for powerful acceleration. With the adoption of an original Honda linkage mechanism on its front wheel, this concept model proposes new values with advanced styling that emphasizes the mechanical fascination of a two-wheeled motorcycle model."

Full details next week.