Honda and Mugen show CR Electric prototype, revised E.Rex concept

E-motocrossers take spotlight at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show

At the 2019 Tokyo Motorcycle Show, both Honda and Mugen revealed their newest electric dirt bike concepts. The Japanese manufacturer displayed its CR Electric prototype while the tuning company showed an updated version of the E.Rex. The EV MX program is a collaborative project between Honda and Mugen Motorsports.

The Honda CR Electric is an all-electric motocrosser built around a CRF250R platform and its aluminum twin-spar frame — with some modifications around the headstock, motor mounts, and other places. The bike gets Showa suspension, Nissin brakes, Dunlop knobbies, and a water-cooled electric powertrain developed by Mugen.

The battery is housed in a black box, the electric motor is painted silver, and the gearbox cover is red. According to Honda's tests, the lack of shifting and clutch operation means riders can concentrate more on cornering, while maximum torque is afforded at zero rotation on an electric motorcycle. The CR Electric's radiator is noticeably smaller, as the cooling system of its motor can be simplified compared to that of the CRF250R’s original engine.

At the 2017 Tokyo Motorcycle Show, Mugen debuted its own CRF250R-based electric motocrosser concept, the E.Rex. For the 2019 exhibit, Mugen displayed its newly revised version of the E.Rex. The distinctive, fossil-inspired bodywork has been tweaked and modernized. Both Honda and Mugen have not revealed detailed specs of the two electric dirt bikes, but the new powertrains do differ from what was shown on the previous E.Rex back in 2017. At the show, Honda representatives also mentioned plans to one day develop an electric sport bike — which makes sense after the success seen by the Mugen Shinden racers at TT Zero.