Honda has once again reaffirmed its global design leadership by securing two of the world’s most coveted accolades in product design. The Honda NC750X, a versatile large-displacement sport touring motorcycle, has been named a winner of the 2025 Red Dot Design Award in the Product Design category. Simultaneously, the Honda EM1 e: electric scooter earned top honors in the 2025 iF Design Award, also in the Product Design category.
These prestigious recognitions not only highlight Honda’s deep commitment to rider-focused innovation but also reflect its progressive approach toward sustainable mobility and human-centric product development. The twin victories underscore Honda’s ability to merge performance, functionality, and futuristic aesthetics while meeting the dynamic needs of modern consumers.
About the Prestigious Awards
The Red Dot Design Award, founded in 1955 and administered by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen in Essen, Germany, is globally recognized for its rigorous evaluation process. Products are judged across 51 categories based on nine criteria, including innovation, ergonomics, durability, and overall functionality.
The iF Design Award, established a year earlier in 1954 and managed by the iF International Forum Design GmbH in Hannover, Germany, is equally prestigious. It spans nine design disciplines such as Product Design, User Experience (UX), and Interior Architecture, with each category judged by an international panel of experts.
Winning these awards signifies a product’s excellence in both form and function, and Honda’s 2025 recognition marks the sixth consecutive year it has won a Red Dot Design Award and the third time since 1997 it has claimed an iF Design Award.
NC750X: A Red Dot Winner with Real-World Versatility
The Honda NC750X is not just a motorcycle—it’s a statement of practicality, adventure, and progressive thinking. With its 745cc in-line two-cylinder engine, the NC750X is celebrated for its robust low-end torque, smooth power delivery, and impressive fuel economy. A low center of gravity and clever design make this crossover model ideal for both spirited weekend touring and weekday commuting.
Why It Won the Red Dot Design Award
What set the NC750X apart in 2025 was its sharp, angular design blended seamlessly with functionality and eco-conscious innovation. The adventure-style fairing offers an assertive, go-anywhere stance that instantly raises rider expectations.
But it’s not just about looks—Honda has pioneered the use of plant-derived bioplastics and recycled materials for the fairing, achieving a world-first in motorcycle design. The bold move to eliminate conventional paint also reduces CO₂ emissions during manufacturing while still delivering vibrant colors and visual appeal. These decisions reflect Honda’s mission to lead the industry in environmentally sustainable motorcycle design.
Key Features of the NC750X Design
- Sleek, adventure-style silhouette
- Spacious under-seat storage for everyday convenience
- Bioplastic body panels and paint-free surface for sustainability
- Ergonomically refined for all-day comfort and control
- Low CG layout for excellent handling balance
EM1 e:: iF Design Award Winner for Urban Electric Innovation
On the other end of the spectrum, the Honda EM1 e: represents Honda’s commitment to the future of urban electric mobility. Designed as a “just right” electric scooter for daily riders, the EM1 e: is compact, efficient, and seamlessly fits into city life.
Powered by the Honda Mobile Power Pack e:, a swappable lithium-ion battery, the EM1 e: ensures clean, quiet performance without range anxiety. Its modular battery setup makes recharging simple and adaptable to the user’s lifestyle—an essential requirement for eco-conscious urban commuters.
Why It Earned the iF Design Award
The EM1 e: was praised for its slim and streamlined silhouette, which not only improves maneuverability but also gives it a friendly and futuristic appeal. Every design detail—from the flush-mounted headlamp to the high-brightness LED lights—enhances the scooter’s utility while also reinforcing its modern urban identity.
Unlike many electric scooters that try to mimic traditional petrol-powered models, the EM1 e: embraces its electric DNA, delivering a uniquely intuitive and youthful aesthetic that fits today’s micro-mobility needs.
Key Design Highlights of the EM1 e:
- Simple, elegant body layout with efficient component arrangement
- Iconic flush-surface headlamp design for a distinctive look
- High-brightness LED lighting for safety and style
- Powered by swappable Honda Mobile Power Pack e:
- Ideal for short-range commutes and eco-conscious urban riders
A Word from Honda’s Design Leadership
Toshinobu Minami, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Honda R&D’s Design Center, shared his excitement. We are very honored to receive the Red Dot Design Award for the sixth consecutive year, and this year, we also received the iF Design Award.
This heartfelt statement encapsulates Honda’s philosophy of placing people at the center of innovation, designing not just for performance or aesthetics—but for real-life joy and everyday utility.
Pushing Boundaries in Two-Wheeled Design
These accolades signal more than just recognition; they demonstrate Honda’s evolving mastery in harmonizing sustainability, utility, and innovation. While the NC750X speaks to seasoned riders looking for an efficient all-rounder, the EM1 e: appeals to a new generation of urban riders seeking smart and eco-conscious alternatives.
Honda’s ability to cater to such diverse user segments—without compromising on design integrity—is what truly makes it a design powerhouse in the global mobility industry.
Conclusion: Honda’s Design Future is Bright and Balanced
In an era where environmental consciousness meets ever-rising consumer expectations, Honda has found the perfect middle path—delivering performance, sustainability, and soul in equal measure. The dual victories at the 2025 Red Dot and iF Design Awards prove that great design doesn’t just look good—it improves lives.
From the adventure-ready NC750X to the forward-thinking EM1 e:, Honda continues to lead the way in two-wheeler innovation—designing today with a vision for tomorrow.