Honda to debut 2027 MotoGP bike in Sepang this week
by Germán Garcia Casanova · AutosportHonda ramps up its 2027 development, with its first test slated for this week in Malaysia
Honda will test its 2027 MotoGP prototype for the first time at the Sepang International Circuit this week, as it bids to become a dominant force in the championship once again.
After KTM became the first manufacturer to debut its new 850cc engine at Jerez this month, Honda will become just the second manufacturer to premiere its 2027 bike with Pirelli tyres on Wednesday.
The Japanese manufacturer’s test and development team will travel to Malaysia to carry out two days of running at Sepang on Wednesday and Thursday. During those two days of work, Honda will put its 2027 engine on track for the first time, with former LCR rider Takaaki Nakagami on duty.
MotoGP is set for a major technical overhaul in 2027, with the series switching to 850cc engines, reducing aerodynamics and eliminating ride height devices as part of an all-new set of regulations. These changes will coincide with the arrival of Pirelli as MotoGP’s sole tyre supplier, replacing Michelin.
Despite Honda still being fully focused on the development of its 2026 bike, with Aleix Espargaro leading that project, it will begin a working on a parallel programme, with a new 850cc engine mounted inside a base bike and using tyres that Pirelli is developing for its MotoGP debut in 2027.
Autosport understands that the bike to be used in the test will be the 2026 version, stripped of ride-height devices, featuring reduced aerodynamics and Pirelli compounds.
For the time being, Nakagami will take on the role of developing the new 2027 bike, while Espargaro will focus on next year’s machine. Midway through the 2026 season, when the bike is at a much more advanced stage, the Spaniard will take over leadership of the project.
Pirelli has offered tyres and support staff to manufacturers willing to start testing and working with its new MotoGP tyres - an invitation that, for now, has only been accepted by KTM and Honda. Other manufacturers are expected to do the same from February onwards.
In fact, as Autosport already reported, Pirelli expects to be able to carry out two tests with the 2027 bikes and full-time riders during 2026, one in June and the other in September.
In addition to Honda’s test team, the Japanese manufacturer’s World Superbike squad will also be in attendance at Sepang, although it will not be able to use race bikes or run its race riders. Due to the injury of its new test rider and six-time WSBK champion Jonathan Rea, it is almost certain that British rider Ryan Vickers will take part in the test.
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- The Autosport.com Team