Mugen unveils the E.Rex motocross concept
And with active involvement from close associate Honda, this could be the start of a new wave of electric motocross bikesFamed engine tuner and parts manufacturer Mugen has sprung the first surprise at the 44th Tokyo Motorcycle Show by showcasing a Honda-powered electric motocross bike called the E.Rex.
Based on a CRF250, the E-Rex concept is immediately striking by its T-Rex-like appearance – which probably wouldn't last too long in the hurly-burly of motocross – but the more powerful message is the Honda electric motor that lurks underneath.
The official Mugen media releases says that "Mugen and Honda will proceed to work together to explore the future potential around the World for electric motocross machines".
As autoblog.com has pointed out, this not only amounts to the start of an active involvement by Honda in the Mugen program, but it could also mean the Japanese heavyweight 's first real foray into the volume electric bike sphere could be a dirt one rather than road.
RELATED READING: Honda to debut electric race bike
Mugen also unveiled the machine which it will campaign in the 2017 TT Zero at the Isle of Man, complete with riders John McGuinness and Guy Martin.
The Shinden Ruku is only a mild update on the 2016 machine, with a few bodywork changes and a small drop in weight. It does have a new battery, though. Output is 169.9hp (120kW) and 210Nm.
Mugen and Honda have always had close ties – and for good reason. Mugen was opened in 1979 by Hirotoshi Honda, the son of Honda founder Soichiro Honda.
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