Honda just unwrapped its new CB750 Hornet for the onlookers at INTERMOT. We get what we were told to expect: A new middleweight naked bike intended to compete with the parallel twin offerings that are taking over the industry these days.
Honda follows that same parallel twin formula, offering a liquid-cooled 270-degree engine with uneven cylinder firing. The result? A parallel twin that is supposed to feel like a V-twin. Honda claims max output of 90.5 hp at 9,500 rpm, and 55.4 lb-ft of torque at 7,250 rpm. Those numbers are very similar to the four-cylinder CB650/CBR650 series that Honda relied on through the 2010s.
The new engine comes with slipper/assist clutch and a balancer that runs directly off the primary drive gear, to save space and weight. Further compact cleverness comes from a waterpump stuffed behind the left engine case.
Like all modern engines, the CB750 comes with throttle-by-wire, which enabled Honda to plug in three riding modes. Sport mode and Rain mode do what you’d expect (offering max performance or tuned-down for slick conditions). There’s also a User mode, which allows the rider to plug in their own desired settings, tweaking the acceleration performance, anti-wheelie interference, engine torque control and traction control.
ABS should be standard, but we’ve seen no mention of an IMU yet. The front dual discs are 280 mm in diameter; the rear disc is 240 mm.
There’s a Showa Big Piston separate function fork, which is now pretty much standard equipment for Honda’s street lineup. In back, there’s a shock with five-way preload adjustability, mated to a Pro Link linkage and steel swingarm. The main frame section is also steel. Seat height comes in at 795 mm, and wet weight is a claimed 190 kg.
Looking at the photos, you can see Honda offers a wide range of accessories. No word yet on which packages will be available in Canada, but in Europe, buyers can get touring luggage and a quickshifter, among other fun bits.
There’s also no word on pricing, or an arrival date. We do expect to see the new Honda Hornet here by next spring, although global supply chain issues might mean a limited number arrive.
What a build up for this. Hype and more hype followed by another twin. What was it decades ago…”where’s the beef”?
Hmmm…gets me thinking the CB650R is so much sweeter. Then there’s the GSX-750S with more engine and power for what I’m thinking Honda will charge more for. The Honda is missing two cylinders. Both have steel frame and swing arm.