– Honda has released video footage of its new MotoGP prototype for the 2027 season for the first time. Although the motorcycle was already on track for the first time in Sepang in December, the manufacturer took almost three months before showing the first moving images of the roll-out.
Read more Alpine on the exit: “Writing the future together, even more than before”
The first test of the new RC214V took place on Wednesday, December 17, at the Sepang International Circuit. There, the test and development team worked on the new prototype for several days. Test pilot Takaaki Nakagami was at the controls.
Until the next official MotoGP test in Barcelona on May 18, fellow test rider Aleix Espargaro will continue to work on the development of the current RC213V for the 2026 season. Nakagami, on the other hand, is focusing entirely on the further development of the new RC214V for the upcoming regulations.
After the Barcelona test, Espargaro will also join the development program for the 2027 machine and work on the new technology together with Nakagami. The first date on which Honda’s regular riders can test the RC214V themselves is currently scheduled for the official test in Brno on June 22.
Nakagami gives positive feedback
In the released video, Nakagami speaks positively about the new motorcycle: “The first impression is that the bike is super light. That surprised me a little, even under these conditions. Yes, really quite good,” said the Japanese rider.
The RC214V is being created with a view to the new technical regulations of MotoGP, which will come into force from 2027. This provides for a reduction in displacement from the current 1000 to 850 cubic centimeters. In addition, aerodynamic possibilities will be restricted and ride-height devices will be banned during the ride.
Another major change concerns the change of tire supplier from 2027: instead of Michelin, Pirelli will supply the standard tires for the premier class in the future.
Read more New “update” on Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari steering wheel causes excitement
The Honda video shows that the first test took place under wet track conditions. The motorcycle was equipped with treaded tires. Which specific brand was used cannot be clearly identified in the video.
However, Motorsport.com, a partner site of Motorsport-Total.com, was able to confirm that Pirelli has already brought tire prototypes of the new MotoGP compounds to Sepang, which are set to debut next year and replace Michelin.
Aprilia and Ducati still without roll-out
Also striking is an aero configuration that still strongly resembles the current generation and would therefore not actually be permitted in 2027. Because then, front fairings must be five centimeters narrower and shorter. In addition, the height of the rear – including all wing elements – will be reduced by ten centimeters.
Photo gallery: From NSR500 to RC213V: All Honda MotoGP bikes in the Repsol era
Honda is not the only manufacturer already testing with a view to 2027. Yamaha and KTM have also already brought their prototypes for the new regulatory era onto the track.
KTM also completed its first runs in December and tested again this week as part of a private test in Jerez, Spain. Pol Espargaro was in action there again. In addition to KTM, Yamaha and Aprilia were also on site.
- Formula 1Praise from the competition: Audi drive is “very, very good!”
- Formula 1Crazy Formula 1: Drivers understand nothing – and overtake “by mistake”
- Formula 1New “update” on Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari steering wheel causes excitement
- DTMGrasser receives new Lamborghini and tests intensively: Why does Abt have to wait?
Aprilia, along with Ducati, is currently among the only manufacturers in the MotoGP field that have not yet tested a prototype for the 2027 season on the track.
Read more WRC Safari Rally 2026: Five-way lead for Toyota on Day 1
