Honda follows KTM and tests the MotoGP prototype for 2027 for the first time – Work begins in Sepang (Malaysia) with the new 850cc engine and Pirelli tires
Honda is the second manufacturer after KTM to test the new MotoGP prototype for 2027 on the racetrack. At the beginning of December, KTM completed the first rollout of the new 850cc engine with test rider Pol Espargaro in Jerez.
Now it’s Honda’s turn. As Motorsport.com Spain has learned, Honda will conduct two private test days on Wednesday and Thursday.
The Tokyo-based factory’s test and development team will travel to the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia for this purpose. It is the last test of the 2025 calendar year. On these two test days, Honda will put a motorcycle with the 2027 engine on the track for the first time. The rollout will be carried out by test rider Takaaki Nakagami. As is well known, the new technical regulations will come into force in the premier class in 2027. It stipulates engines with a displacement of 850 cubic centimeters, a reduction in aerodynamics, and the elimination of ride height systems. Above all, however, it brings with it another decisive innovation: the entry of Pirelli as the exclusive tire supplier in MotoGP, replacing Michelin. The French brand will take over the Superbike World Championship in 2027. Although Honda continues to work intensively on the development of the 2026 motorcycle, with test rider Aleix Espargaro at the helm of this project, Honda is simultaneously launching a second development strand.
The new 850cc engine will be used in a base motorcycle equipped with the tires that Pirelli is working on for its MotoGP debut in 2027. For the time being, Nakagami will take on the role of developing the new motorcycle for 2027.
Aleix Espargaro will continue to focus on the motorcycle for the coming season. At the midpoint of the 2026 season, the Spaniard will then take over the leadership of the 2027 project, when the new motorcycle will already be significantly more advanced.
It is assumed that the upcoming rollout in Sepang will use the 2026 version of the bike, with reduced aerodynamics and without the ride height system, and equipped with Pirelli tires.
Pirelli has offered both tire compounds and support staff to teams that want to start testing and working on the new tires early. So far, KTM and Honda have accepted the offer. Other manufacturers are expected to follow in February.
As previously reported, the Italian tire manufacturer also hopes to conduct two tests with the 2027 motorcycles and the regular riders in 2026: one in June and another in September.
In addition to Honda’s test team, the Japanese manufacturer’s WorldSBK team will also be working in Sepang. However, no racing motorcycles may be used; instead, testing will be limited to parts and components with a test rider.