Honda, secret Honda test: the 2027 MotoGP bike hits the track

The new MotoGP regulations will come into force in 2027. We will see a significant reduction in bike aerodynamics, the elimination of holeshot systems, and a displacement limit of 850 cc. Pirelli will also become the exclusive tire supplier for the premier class, replacing Michelin. The manufacturers have long been working on prototypes, and Honda is on track for a “secret” test.

At the beginning of December, KTM tested an 850 cc RC16 at Jerez. Pol Espargaro and Dani Pedrosa also fitted Pirelli tires on their prototypes to gather useful data and get ahead of schedule. This week it’s HRC’s turn. The Golden Wing manufacturer will test a Honda with an 850 cc engine at Sepang for the first time. Test rider Takaaki Nakagami will have a prototype available in Malaysia with almost zeroed aerodynamics and Pirelli tires. Since a new prototype does not yet exist, this configuration is intended to simulate the 2027 bike as faithfully as possible.

In September this year, the manufacturers’ test teams had their first opportunity to try Pirelli slicks at Misano, but with modified 1000 cc MotoGP bikes. Michele Pirro (Ducati), Augusto Fernandez (Yamaha), Dani Pedrosa (KTM), Takaaki Nakagami (Honda), and Lorenzo Savadori (Aprilia) completed their first laps on their respective machines. In 2026, Ducati, Aprilia, and Yamaha will also test their 850 cc engines on track for the first time. The exact date is not yet known.

Apparently Honda and KTM have decided to get ahead of the competition to try to give their MotoGP path a decisive turn. The Japanese giant is in a hurry to return to the top of the MotoGP class after some difficult years. During the same test at Sepang, under the supervision of Romano Albesiano, the Honda SBK team will also be present. However, their participation will be limited: they will not be able to test the race bikes, but will instead focus on parts and components. Initially, Briton Ryan Vickers will take on this role because Jonathan Rea, recently announced as Honda’s new SBK test rider, is still recovering from the injury sustained at Jerez.