The new Honda CB750 Hornet (2023) is here!

Reading time 11 Min.

Recently updated on December 6, 2022 at 12:22 am

The new Honda CB750 Hornet impresses at first sight, and the power-to-weight ratio sets standards. The naked bike weighs 190 kilos with a full tank and has 92 hp (67,5 kW) and 75 Nm of torque. The parallel twin combines agile driving dynamics with torque and pulsating refinement. The throttle-by-wire electronics offer the Standard, Sport and Rain riding modes. The bridge tube frame is completed by high-quality Showa upside-down forks and Pro-Link swingarms. A double disc with radial four-piston calipers ensures gripping braking potential. Equipment includes 5 inch TFT screen, LED lighting technology, emergency brake signal and full connectivity with Honda's smartphone voice control system. Original accessories and an A2 driver's license variant with 48 hp will be available at the start of sales.

Honda CB750 Hornet

The 600 Honda CB1998F Hornet was very popular in Europe. The reason for this was the universal combination of modern naked design, lively engine performance and corner-hungry handling. Even cup competitions were held with it in Italy. A Hornet 600 successor model appeared for the 2007 season and shone in addition to more power with a strikingly revised design. Two other central characteristics supported the successful career of the Hornet: the bike was a lot of fun to ride and the purchase price remained affordable.

25 years have passed since the first Hornet; a long time in which motorcycling has not been spared changes. The naked bike segment grew in both size and complexity. Niches formed, the demands of drivers have also changed, expectations have never been higher. A perfect time to launch a completely redesigned Hornet for a modern, new generation of motorcyclists. A challenge that Honda engineers gladly accepted. This is how the creation of the CB750 Hornet evolved into something special - a brand new mid-range machine that updates the inspirational qualities of its predecessors and transfers them into the present with a progressive blend of cutting-edge technology, fresh style and never-ending passion.

The design was provided by the latest generation of creative minds at Honda's European R&D center in Rome, to appeal to younger audiences looking for a contemporary bike. This is how the European-inspired, minimalist-modern Streetfighter style came into being. The Honda engineers in Japan contributed the technology and developed a completely new two-cylinder engine with plenty of power and torque plus friendly running culture and a practical electronics package. The creation completes a lightweight steel frame chassis with high-quality Showa suspension, allowing future owners to happily exploit the available potential. Honda has given the new CB750 Hornet an impressive power-to-weight ratio for outstanding design and visual criteria. And with it qualities that can be described with three attributes: fast, agile, thrilling.

Fuyuki Hosokawa, Project Manager, Honda R&D Japan: 

• “The Honda Hornet has always excelled with sporty performance and smooth handling. During the new development, we gave a lot of thought to what kind of performance potential buyers want. It was clear to stick with the legendary Punch; on the other hand, the characteristics had to be designed for modern times, in which the engine shines with strong torque and offers a pleasantly pulsating running culture. Agile handling was one of the objectives to make every ride as fulfilling as possible. So we developed a new short-stroke two-cylinder engine with a 270° crankshaft to combine the best possible sporty performance with a likeable character and agile handling. In addition to the typical Hornet kick, we strived for powerful pulling through from low revs, which is essential for driving pleasure in city traffic as well as powering out of beautiful country road bends. For Honda, a Hornet is the ultimate expression of the Streetfighter concept. Of course, the new CB 750 Hornet continues this tradition.”

Giovanni Dovis, Lead Designer, Honda R&D Rome:

• "Our philosophy aims to create pure and functional design in an uncomplicated way - and thus models that are simply beautiful and emotionally appealing. Our motto for the new Hornet was 'Sensual Dynamics'. A linear streetfighter design was to be created - like the original - enriched with dynamic elements and proportions. We were inspired by the idea of ​​a cheetah running at full speed with a stretched silhouette and tensed muscles to symbolize the apparent power of the new engine. The look of the CB750 Hornet offers slim proportions, a pointed tail and sharply contoured lines that promise agility and lightness. In this way we build up tension and dynamics in order to visualize the sporting purpose. The aim was to ensure that the bike stood out from the crowd. Metallic red for the frame and anodized fork tubes are a vibrant counterpoint to the coolness of the white or black color options. With the Mat Goldfinch Yellow we pay tribute to history because yellow has always been a particularly popular color among Hornet buyers.”

Model overview

The new Hornet Twin represents the latest example of Honda engineering: compact parallel twin with 755 cm3 displacement, 92 hp (67,5 kW) peak power and 75 Nm of torque. Ready to drive with a full tank of fuel, the new CB750 Hornet weighs just 190 kg. Unicam cylinder heads, four-valve technology, downdraft air intakes and streamlined vortex intake ducts ensure optimum combustion. 270° crankshaft and uneven firing sequence support the pulsating refinement. The prime mover doubles as a balance shaft (which helps save parts and weight), while an assist slipper clutch completes the six-speed transmission.

Using modern throttle-by-wire electronic control, the electronics offer a choice of three driving modes (standard, sport, rain), which are composed of the parameters engine power, engine brake and traction control (including wheelie control) in third stages. The potential of the twin is maximized by a newly designed bridge steel frame, which is very light thanks to optimized wall and tube thicknesses and adapted stiffness. High-quality spring elements ensure optimum agility and the best feedback. Showa 41mm SFF BP upside-down forks up front and a swingarm with mono damper and Pro-Link linkage at the rear. Delaying the front wheel is a dual disc brake with radially mounted four-piston calipers. Modestly selected tire dimensions support a practical level of grip, directional stability and agility.

The equipment deserves the title rich. The 5-inch color display leaves nothing to be desired for information. The Honda Smartphone Voice Control system offers full connectivity for Android and IOS devices. Also on board are: LED lighting technology all around, self-resetting indicators and the safety-enhancing ESS emergency brake signal function. A comprehensive range of Honda genuine accessories will be available from the start of sales. These include shift assistants, luggage solutions, protective protectors and cosmetic accessories. The new CB750 Hornet will be available in four attractive colors for 2023:

• Pearl Glare White (metallic red frame plus red anodized fork)
• Graphite Black (metallic red frame plus red anodized fork)
• Matte Iridium Gray Metallic
• Mat Goldfinch Yellow

Motor

• 755cc parallel twin, Unicam camshaft, 3 valves
• Max. power 92 hp (67,5 kW) at 9.500 rpm
• Max. torque 75 Nm at 7.250 rpm
• 270° ignition sequence, pulsating refinement
• Patented vortex downdraft intake ports
• Assist slipper clutch
• Consumption 4,3 liters per 100 km, 340 km range

The Honda engineers have developed a new parallel twin that generates enormous driving pleasure and enables a performance advantage. This was achieved with 92 hp at 9.500 rpm and a maximum torque of 75 Nm at 7.250 rpm.
The ambitious concept envisaged nothing less than offering experienced drivers exhilarating peak performance, while at the same time being user-friendly at low to medium speeds; as well as to be suitable for beginners and novices and to bring pleasure to everyday trips in the city.

A compact Unicam cylinder head (like the 250/450 CRF motocrossers) with a total of 8 valves characterizes the liquid-cooled design with a displacement of 755 cm3. The cylinder bank is slightly tilted forward. Bore and stroke measure 87 x 63,5 mm. The compression ratio is 11,0:1. In the cylinder head, the 35,5 mm inlet valves are actuated by rocker arms and the 29 mm outlet valves by rocker arms. The intake valve lift is 9,3 mm and the exhaust valve lift is 8,2 mm. The mixture is prepared via electronic PGM-FI fuel injection and a downdraft arrangement, and patented vortex intake channels support sensitive throttle response. The airbox is fed from two air intakes. The throttle bodies have a diameter of 46 mm.

The 270° crankshaft and uneven firing order create characterful two-cylinder pulsation. The cylinder liners are provided with a wear-reducing Ni-SiC coating (nickel silicon carbide). The primary drive wheel is also used to drive the balancer shaft, which helps save weight, components and overall width. The water pump is located on the left of the engine housing (instead of externally), which means that there is no need for a water-washed oil cooler. An assist slipper clutch (with sloping start-up ramps) supports the desired light feeling on the clutch lever, makes upshifts easier and prevents the rear wheel from stamping when braking hard and downshifting quickly. The tank volume is 15,2 liters. The exemplary economical fuel consumption of 4,3 liters per 100 km (23 km per liter in WMTC mode) allows a range of over 340 km. A 48hp/35kW variant for A2 license holders is also available.

Engine electronics

• There are three driving modes to choose from: Standard, Sport, Rain
• Additionally, individually configurable user mode, in which performance, engine braking and traction control can each be regulated in three stages
• An additional wheelie control is integrated into the traction control

Throttle by Wire motor control offers three riding modes (Standard, Sport, Rain) managed via the left handlebar switch and displayed on the TFT screen. These assistance programs combine the parameters of power delivery, engine braking and traction control, each with three different levels of efficiency. A wheelie control is also integrated into the traction control.

• The Sport driving mode uses maximum engine power (level 3), minimum possible engine braking and traction control (both at level 1) to allow maximum performance with minimum intervention.
• In the Standard driving mode, all three parameters (power delivery, engine braking and traction control) are combined at a medium level (Level 2).
• The Rain driving mode uses the gentlest engine performance (Level 1), the medium engine brake (Level 2) and the most sensitive intervention (Level 3) of the traction control.
• In USER mode, the driver can individually select each parameter in three stages and save the resulting configuration for use.

Styling & equipment

• Contemporary minimalist design style
• Upright sitting position, natural control feeling
• 5 inch TFT display with shift-up display, screen display adjustable
• Full Connectivity - Honda Smartphone Voice Control System
• With ESS emergency brake signal function

The Honda designers in Rome respectfully studied the earlier Hornets before setting to work to realize the new design with a contemporary modern design language and compact, elegant proportions. The tank of the new CB750 Hornet is inspired by the shape of a hornet wing. From the sharply angled lamp cover to the tightly cut rear end, the lines and visual appearance are characterized by excitement and dynamism. At the same time, emphasis was placed on user-friendliness. The seat height is only 795 mm, the upright seating position promotes clarity. Slightly set back footrests and wide handlebars support problem-free mastery and active control.

The cockpit is equipped with a 5 inch TFT color screen. The driver can choose between four displays for displaying speed and engine speed, as well as other options for fuel, consumption, driving mode and engine settings, and a shift-up display. Control is via the left switch panel on the handlebars and directly via the touchscreen. The Honda Smartphone Voice Control system is integrated into the cockpit, which allows the use of telephony, e-mails, music and navigation via a smartphone connection. A helmet with headset is required for voice-controlled use; the smartphone must also be connected to the vehicle via Bluetooth.

The on-board network of the Hornet is characterized by modern electronics, as well as a Body Control Unit (BCU) for CAN technology (Controller Area Network). The BCU unit is located on the left below the fuel tank and processes control signals - from the ABS modulator, TFT screen or shift assistant - which are not controlled by the ECU control unit in the CAN system. The rear turn signals on the CB750 Hornet have an ESS (Emergency Stop Signal) function. In the event of emergency braking, these flash as hazard warning lights to warn other road users of an abrupt stop. In addition, the indicators are self-resetting. This function is not controlled by a simple timer, but by the on-board electronics, which measure the wheel revolutions on the front and rear wheels when turning or changing lanes. The detection of the driving dynamics and the situation allows the indicator function to be reset in a practice-oriented manner, which contributes to increased driving safety.

Chassis

The steel Hornet bridge frame, which weighs just 16,6 kg, is a prime example of modern lightweight construction (the frame of the CB650R weighs 18,5 kg). Artistic architecture and pipe routing with targeted recesses and reinforcements support the desired balance of rigidity of a construction whose geometry is tailored to agility - which fits perfectly with the new twin engine. The steering head angle is 25 degrees, trail is 99 mm and the wheelbase is 1.420 mm. The total weight with a full tank is just 190 kg. The Showa 41 mm Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) upside-down fork, which has 130 mm travel, supports the smooth, light-footed handling and the stability under braking. The design of this fork splits the functionality - one fork leg accommodates the damping cartridge, the other the coil spring - which enables a light construction and precise function is optimized.

Upper and lower triple clamps have been custom cut for the new CB750 Hornet. The gas-charged mono shock absorber (also from Showa) cushions the steel swingarm via a progressive Pro-Link lever system and offers 150 mm of travel. The construction ensures a convincing response and temperature management and allows the spring preload to be adjusted five times. 296 mm dual disc brakes and radially mounted Nissin four-piston calipers allow powerful deceleration with sensitive modulation. Light and shapely cast aluminum rims with Y-spokes, which are 3,5 inches wide at the front and 4,5 inches at the rear, contribute to easy handling and exemplary driving stability. The tire dimensions of the Hornet measure 120/70-ZR17 at the front and 160/60-ZR17 at the rear.

Accessories

Right from the start, Honda offers a comprehensive range of original accessories for the CB750 Hornet, with which the equipment can be customized or supplemented. The shift assistant enables clutchless upshifts under load, as well as downshifts with a blipper function. The function can be set in three stages. The colour-coordinated pillion seat cover gives the bike a sporty touch. A white/black quilted driver's seat elevates the premium appeal and enhances comfort. There is also a choice of colored handlebar ends, aluminum handlebar bridge, windscreen, rim decoration stickers, rider footrests and crash protectors. The tank bag and seat bag offer soft luggage storage space for taking luggage with you, while hard side cases complete the range. All accessories are available individually, and Honda dealers also offer accessory packages with a price advantage:

• SPORTS PACKAGE: shift assistant, windshield, pillion seat cover and rider footpegs.
• STYLE PACK: handlebar ends, aluminum handlebar bridge, tank protector, rim decoration stickers and crash protectors.
• TOURING PACKAGE: Hard panniers, tank bag and seat bag.

Technical data

MOTOR
Type	Liquid-cooled OHC Uni-Cam four-stroke 8-valve parallel twin with 270° crankshaft, Euro 5
Capacity	755 cm3
Capacity	87 x 63,5 mm
compression	11,0:1
Maximum power	92 PS (67,5 kW) at 9.500 RPM
Max. Torque	75 Nm at 7.250 rpm
Noise measurement (ECE41-05)	Stationary 93 dB(A)/4.750 rpm, pass-by 74 dB(A)
CO2emissions	100 g / km
top speed	205 km/h
Engine oil quantity	3,8 liters
Starter	E-Starter
FUEL SYSTEM
mixture preparation	PGM-FI petrol injection
Tankinhalt	15,2 liters
CO2 Emissions	107 g / km
Consumption**	4,3 liters per 100 km / (WMTC 23 km per liter)
ELECTRICS
Battery	12 volts / 7,4 Ah
DRIVE
Clutch	Multi-discs in oil bath, anti-hopping function
Transmission	6 gears
Final drive	O ring chain
LANDING GEAR
frame	Steel tube bridge frame
Dimensions (LxWxH)	2.090 x 780 x 1.085 mm
wheelbase	1.420 mm
Steering head angle	25°mm
trailing	99 mm
seat height	795 mm
ground clearance	140 mm
Weight with a full tank	190 kg
turning circle	2,7 meters
WHEEL SUSPENSION
your Front Wheel.	Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD Fork, 130mm Fw.
behind	Pro-Link swingarm, Showa mono damper, Pro-Link linkage, travel 150 mm
BIKES
Rim in front	Cast aluminum, 5 Y spokes
Rim at the back	Cast aluminum, 5 Y spokes
Front tire	120/70-ZR17
Tire behind	160/60-ZR17
BRAKES
ABS	2 Channel
Front brake	Double discs 296 mm Ø, Nissin radial four-piston brake calipers
rear brake	One disc 240 mm Ø, single-piston caliper
INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRICS
Instruments	TFT screen
headlights	LED
Taillight	LED
connectivity	HSVC
USB port	Type c
Indicator self-reset	Ja
shift assistant	Optional
antitheft	HISS
Other features	ESS, driving modes Standard/Sport/Rain + User mode

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The new Honda CB750 Hornet (2023) is here!
Photo credit: Honda

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