Honda Adopts Bioplastic for Motorcycle's Bodywork and WindshieldHonda Adopts Bioplastic for Motorcycle's Bodywork and Windshield

Honda has selected Durabio, a bio-based engineering plastic from Mitsubishi Chemical, for the colored bodywork and windshield of its X-ADV motorcycles, which debuted in Japan in December 2024. Based on isosorbide, Durabio combines most of the properties of polycarbonate (PC) and polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) while being made from a bio-origin raw material derived from starch.

As well as providing the toughness and other features required for motorcycle bodywork parts, Durabio can be given a glossy, sophisticated look merely by adding colorants. The added value given by the ability to eliminate the conventional painting process was a major factor in the decision to adopt Durabio for this application, marking its first use for paintless bodywork for motorcycles.

Further, Durabio has already won acclaim for its outstanding protection against headwinds when used in the windshields of Honda motorcycles. As well as its use in the X-ADV, it has been adopted for the bodywork and windshields of the Forza 750 and NC750X models already unveiled in Europe.

Durabio exhibits outstanding toughness, scratch resistance, and color development properties and is being used in a range of fields, including automotive interior and exterior parts, components for optical and electronic devices, and other products used in everyday life.