Anyone know why Honda was simultaneously running V4 and V-twin powered bikes in the late 90s 500cc class?

I'm watching old seasons to keep myself busy during the MotoGP dry spell. This seems super odd to me. I can't imagine why you'd want to pay R&D costs on two different engines at the same time

I'm watching old seasons to keep myself busy during the MotoGP dry spell. This seems super odd to me. I can't imagine why you'd want to pay R&D costs on two different engines at the same time http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png