While looking at the 2023 Honda CB750 Hornet, you will realize it combines tradition, new specs, and features. Especially its engine and looks were upgraded in this new model. After a year of showing future pictures and prototypes of the latest Hornet model, Honda launched the bike finally. Although the look may not seem up to the mark, it remains highly competitive. The name Hornet is not new to the market because it has been a prominent machine with its 600cc and 900cc four-cylinder bikes.
Although the previous models were quite popular among riders, this bike also has some unique features to make it an outstanding street ride. For example, its engine ensures better performance than the previous models. By taking the leaf from the Honda’s motocross power units and Africa Twin’s motor, this new parallel twin engine powers this old four-cylinder CB600F machine. Moreover, the same engine was used for different models of the Honda with the same better emission performance and less weight. That was why Honda used this engine in models like Transalp and the anticipated CBR750 bike.
Pros
- Amazing exhaust notes
- Accessible and powerful engine
- The most agile middleweight naked sport bike
Cons
- No options to switch off the system
- Absence of ABS intervention adjustability
Specs and Features of the Honda CB750 Hornet
| Top speed | 127 mph/ 204.4 kph |
| Power | 67.5kW/ 90.5bhp @ 9500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Frame | Steel diamond |
| Front-wheel | 120/70-ZR17, cast alloy |
| Rear wheel | 160/60-ZR17, cast alloy |
| Weight | 190 kg (wet) |
| Ground clearance | 140mm |
Engine
A quite oversquare and new engine comes with this Honda Hornet. The same will be a feature in other models of the Honda. It has a stroke and bore of 63.5 millimeters and 87 millimeters, respectively. This design is very catchy because its internal structure is the first thing that grabs your eyes. Furthermore, this four-cylinder engine guarantees 54.8lb-fr of peak torque at 7250rpm, which makes it an extremely powerful piece of engineering. Due to this, it can reach a horsepower of 90.5. You can easily drive this motorbike inside the town and go high when it comes to going out of the town. All these engine features make it a mid-range torque engine with sufficient power to cruise wherever you like.
Brakes
For the brakes of the Hornet, Honda continues to trust its supplier, Nissin. Although being in range was the primary inspiration of this bike, it still comes with a single rear disc, 240 millimeters across, and twin radial-mount, four-pot calipers at the front. However, what it lacks is the anti-lock function. Considering the price, it is a normal absence. Moreover, both brakes also come with a single-piston caliper. So, these brakes are responsive, functional, and catalysts for a safe ride.
How Comfortable and Economical the Ride is
Comfort is another feature that Honda prioritizes when manufacturing this bike. Its seat height is 795mm, placed lower than the previous models. Further comfort of the ride comes from the slightly rear-set pegs and straight driving posture. Because of its upturned tail, pillions will clamber up. This particular design mirrors the stinger of its insect namesake and modern trends. However, don’t get misunderstood by the pointed tail because it is not as sharp as it seems. Particularly, Hornets with bright colors will further diminish the pointiness of its tail due to the black area behind and under the painted surface of the bodywork. So, what you get is a safe and comfortable ride.
Economy
And when it comes to economy and average, the Hornet does not disappoint. Its average is 23 km per liter, and its capacity is a 15.2-liter tank that enables you to reach 217 miles with one tank. This much-anticipated motorbike is quite amazing as far as comfort and average are concerned.
Dimensions
When we compare it to its predecessors, the new Hornet is slimmer in seat height, length, and other measurements. However, the difference is very minimal in economy and dimensions between the DOHC and SOHC CB750s. The similarities do not end here because of the same load limit and weight. The trimmed-down weight makes it lighter and easy to navigate, even for new riders.
Ignition
When it comes to the battery, spark plug, charging system, and other electrical parts, all the Hornet models share similarities. However, ignition is something where this motorbike differs from other models. For example, previous CB750s bikes come with a condenser ignition. But wiring remained the same in these machines. Since they are tour bikes, the former was always 12V. Besides that, the Nighthawk featured its alternator tucked behind cylinders making its squeezed profile. In contrast, original motorbikes had the same hanging on the left side. An important thing to consider is its electrical components. Especially if you own DOHC models, you must change the motor rotor windings. In a nutshell, the new ignition system functions better than the older models.
Suspension
Showa produces the suspension system of the latest Honda CB750 Hornet. Although the front has no adjustability, at the rear lies a pre-load adjustment. Moreover, its suspension comes with a Pro-Link set-up, mono-shock at the rear, and separate function big piston forks at the front. Careful analysis reveals Honda preferred sport-centric handling over a comfortable ride as far as the new model is concerned. Overall, this bike is good to go for sports riders.
Learn About Other Honda Vehicles
Concluding Remarks
You must not be surprised by what this mid-sized naked bike offers. With this bike, Honda has set the standard for middleweight bikes. This new ride with a 30mm shorter wheelbase is a tough competitor to the Tuono 660, newly launched GSX-8S, and MT-07. Although all these models won the heart of customers, the Hornet excels in others when it comes to style, power, ignition, and brakes. Having said that, the new Hornet is quite a good middle-range sport bike.
Rand Frankey is OffRoadsCare freelance Content Editor. He loves offroad Travelling and bikes, jeeps, and dirk bikes. He will explain all his experience with dirt bikes and offroad vehicles which helps you to make a decision like which vehicle is right for you.
