Honda’s electric RTL trials motorcycle has just delivered one of the strongest signs yet that electric motorcycles may finally be coming into their own in the off-road world.

At the opening round of the 2026 TrialGP World Championship in Japan, rider Miquel Gelabert piloted the Honda RTL Electric to sixth place overall on day one before improving to fifth place on day two. That marks the first time an electric motorcycle has not only competed in TrialGP’s premier class, but actually run competitively near the front against traditional gasoline-powered rivals. For a first effort, that’s an impressive showing.

The result makes even more sense when you consider that trials riding may be one of the motorcycle disciplines best suited to electric drivetrains. Trials bikes rely heavily on low-speed balance, precision throttle control, and instant torque delivery – all areas where electric motors excel naturally.

It’s a reason electric trials bikes are increasingly popular for teaching the sport. Quiet operation is another major advantage, especially in technical outdoor environments where noise restrictions are becoming increasingly common.

Honda has been developing the RTL Electric for several years, with Gelabert previously campaigning the bike in the lower Trial2 category throughout 2025 before the company stepped the project up into the premier class this season.

Interestingly, Honda’s broader electric two-wheeler strategy has so far focused much more heavily on scooters and urban mobility rather than full-size motorcycles. The company has rolled out several electric scooter models across Asia and Europe while remaining comparatively cautious in the larger electric motorcycle market.

But projects like the RTL Electric highlight why many people in the industry increasingly believe off-road riding may become one of the first major success stories for electric motorcycles.

We’ve already seen companies like Stark Future shake up motocross and enduro racing with the Stark Varg, proving that electric dirt bikes can deliver competitive performance while also offering benefits like reduced maintenance, simpler operation, and quieter riding.

Those same advantages apply strongly to trials riding too.

And unlike road-going electric motorcycles, which still face questions around charging infrastructure, highway range, and high prices, off-road bikes often operate in shorter-duration riding environments where those limitations matter much less.

Honda’s RTL Electric may still be a racing prototype for now, but its growing competitiveness suggests the future of electric motorcycles could arrive in the dirt long before it fully takes over the street.

via: Visordown