Honda has today revealed its new CB750 Hornet naked bike as a new competitor to the likes of the Yamaha MT-07, Kawasaki Z650 and Triumph Trident.
The all-new model from Honda takes the form of a lightweight naked bike powered by a 755cc parallel-twin generating 67kW and 75Nm, and backed-up by Showa suspension and strong electronic rider aids.
For reference, the rivalling Yamaha MT-07 ($13,599) makes use of a 54kW/67Nm 689cc parallel twin motor (660cc in LAMS trim), although it does not feature rider mode adjustment.
Honda expects the new CB750 Hornet to arrive in Australia in the second quarter of 2023, with pricing to be revealed closer to that date. Notably, the Hornet’s 755cc engine exceeds the 660cc displacement limit for LAMS certification, which may put it at a disadvantage against competitors that offer both learner-friendly and full-power versions of the same model.
The Hornet’s all-new motor, which is expected to appear in other models including the rumoured Transalp adventure bike, is housed in a new steel diamond frame paired with 41mm Showa USD forks and a Pro-Link rear shock. Dual four-piston Nissin callipers squeeze 296mm discs at the front end.
Importantly, the CB750 Hornet can be tailored via four rider modes, Rain, Standard, Sport and customisable User, which control traction control, engine braking and power output. Information is shown on a 5.0-inch TFT dash.
The bike does not feature an inertial measurement unit (IMU) for cornering ABS and lean-angle-sensitive traction control, as is typical for the segment. A quickshifter will be offered as an option.
Tipping the scales at 190kg (wet), the Hornet should be approachable for most riders thanks to its 795mm seat height. For comparison, the Yamaha MT-07 weighs 184kg, while its seat height is rated at 805mm.
A 15.2-litre fuel tank is said to offer up to 340 kilometres of range, with fuel consumption rated at 23 kilometres per litre.
In Australia, the 2023 Honda CB750 Hornet will be available in two colour schemes, Graphite Black and Pearl Jasmine White, both of which are contrasted by red accents on the frame and forks.
“Before starting this project, we thought long and hard about what kind of performance we wanted to give to the rider,” said Honda project leader Fuyuki Hosokawa.
“We knew that it was essential to keep the classic Hornet top end power ‘hit’ and at the same time, as a new generation Hornet for modern times, we wanted the engine to have a really strong torquey feel and ‘throbbing’ sensation at low to mid rpm.
“Our aim has always been to match these to the lightest, most agile handling possible, to make every ride – even in town – as engaging and fulfilling as possible.
“To get the kind of performance and lightweight handling we wanted, we knew we had to develop an all-new short-stroke twin-cylinder engine, with a 270° crankshaft. This would not only deliver that top-end rush, but also the sporty low-down torque, ideal for riding in urban environments and powering out of corners on the open road.”
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
