Honda appears to be laying the groundwork for an all-new V4 motorcycle engine, according to recently surfaced patent filings. While the documents do not directly showcase a finished engine, the patented components clearly point toward a fresh V4 platform under development.
One of the patents details a newly designed lubrication system aimed at reducing internal friction between oil pumps, a move that could improve efficiency and long-term durability. Another filing focuses on a revised cooling layout, specifically targeting the rear cylinders of a V4 engine. These cylinders typically run hotter due to limited airflow, and Honda’s new solution suggests a more balanced thermal management setup.
Interestingly, a separate patent related to a parallel-twin engine shows an innovative method of mounting the cylinder head to the crankcase. This design could potentially be adapted for the upcoming V4 motor, indicating a shared engineering philosophy across future Honda powertrains.
The patents also hint at a significant drivetrain shift. Unlike Honda’s earlier V4 offerings that used shaft drive, the new engine appears to be designed around a chain-drive system. While shaft drive offers lower maintenance, chain drive is lighter and more efficient, making it better suited for performance-oriented motorcycles.
This change suggests Honda may be planning a broader range of V4-powered bikes across multiple segments, rather than limiting the engine to a sport-touring role like the earlier VFR 1200.
For now, Honda has not confirmed any timelines or production plans. Based on the early-stage nature of the patents, a production-ready V4 engine—and the motorcycles built around it—still appear to be a few years away.
