V-Five For the Road?

V-FIVE FOR THE ROAD?

Here’s headand taillight-equipped proof-well, sort of-that Honda is in fact working on a production version of its MotoGP racer, the RC211V, as previously reported [Roundup, June). Five-time 500cc World Champion Mick Doohan sampled the modified V-Five at Suzuka prior to this past July’s annual 8 Hours endurance race. For the one-off outing (Honda often unveils new leading-edge sportbikes at the 8 Hours), the reworked racer was issued special “line-beam” headlights, which have smaller cateye lenses than the reflector-type lights used on current Hondas yet emit identical illumination. Still not ready to plunk down a hefty deposit at your local dealer? Consider this: Honda recently received a design patent relating to the RC211V’s distinctive appearance. Matthew Miles