RCV for the road

Insiders are hinting that Honda is planning a version of its RCV MotoGP bike for road riders.

Rumours of the road-legal V5 superbike follow news that Ducati is going to build a road bike inspired by its V4 Desmosedici MotoGP bike.

Sources say external parts suppliers linked to Honda have been asked to look into the costs involved in mass producing components for an engine similar to the 250bhp race engine.

There is no suggestion the bike will replace the Fireblade. It’s more likely it will be a high-end, high-spec dream bike in the realms of the RC45 or even of the £38,000 NR750.

More on this story in MCN, out on Wednesday June 9, 2004.