Honda didn’t have any new cars eligible to compete in MotorTrend’s 2024 Performance Vehicle of the Year showdown, but it scooted away with an impressive victory in a different capacity. The Honda Motocompacto—an electric homage to an ’80s cult classic folding moped—was utilized as MotorTrend’s official pit bike for the festivities, proving itself to be an indispensable tool for convenience.
The Significance of Electric Pit Bikes
Generally, navigating racetrack facilities swiftly during track days can be challenging. Pit and paddock areas are often located far from classrooms, bathrooms, and garages. Consequently, frequent trips in and out of these buildings can lead to as many miles walked across the paddock as driven on the racetrack. This makes pit bikes—often small dirt bikes or city-friendly scooters—essential in racetrack paddocks.
Features of the Honda Motocompacto
Lightweight, electric, and foldable, the Honda Motocompacto stands out as one of the finest pit bikes available. Unlike traditional pit bikes needing to be transported in a pickup or trailer, the Motocompacto folds down to the size of a large briefcase. This practicality means it fits seamlessly into various vehicles, including the Acura Integra Type S and Porsche 911 Dakar, or even rides alongside passengers in high-end models like McLaren 750S or Ferrari 296 GTB.
Performance and Ride Experience
When unfolded, the Motocompacto’s impressive 12 miles of driving range easily accommodates a day filled with activity. The storage space in front of the seat conveniently holds essentials such as water bottles or laptops. Furthermore, the bike’s tiny front-mounted 0.6-hp electric motor quickly propels it to a top speed of 15 mph—ideal for urgent trips.
Moreover, riding the Motocompacto is an absolute delight. It is small, maneuverable, and unintimidating, providing an enjoyable experience for riders. Editors consistently dismounted the $995 bike with a smile. During brief downtimes, judges couldn’t resist a “quick” lap of Chuckwalla’s 2.68-mile road course. They discovered that the Motocompacto achieves a downhill top speed of 19 mph. In a playful match against the Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray—especially when in its electric-only Shuttle mode—its top speed was matched. Curious about the outcome? Stay tuned for updates!
