2025 Honda CB750 Hornet Review: A New King of Sport Nakeds?

First Impressions and Design

• 💡 The Honda CB750 Hornet is introduced as a 750cc parallel twin sport-naked motorcycle priced at $8,000, aiming for high value and performance.
• 🧐 While the specs look good on paper, the primary pitfall could be high expectations due to Honda's reputation for delivering quality at an affordable price.
• 🛠️ The chassis is described as basic but functional, with cost-cutting measures like rubber lines and a non-adjustable suspension, yet it serves as an excellent platform for a pure riding experience.
• 🇪🇺 Development in Honda Italy suggests a focus on the European market's preference for sport-naked motorcycles, emphasizing practicality.

Engine and Performance

• 🚀 The 755cc parallel twin engine, featuring a 270° crank offset, mimics a 90° V-twin and is shared with the Transalp, producing an estimated 80-90 horsepower.
• 💨 The engine is praised for its smooth, non-vibrating power delivery, making it pleasant for both highway cruising and spirited riding.
• 🛣️ Despite the lack of wind protection, the Hornet is surprisingly comfortable at freeway speeds, with the engine humming along without strain.

Handling and Riding Experience

• 🎯 The motorcycle excels on twisty roads, offering surprising poise and capability, allowing riders to push it hard without disappointment.
• ⚖️ While the suspension and brakes are not premium, they perform adequately for spirited riding, and the bike's balance and agility are highlighted.
• 🏙️ Around town, the Hornet is agile, predictable, and easy to manage, with a well-behaved clutch and throttle response.
• ⚠️ The quick shifter's up function is noted as less than perfect, sometimes being lumpy or clunky, though the downshift function works well and the settings are adjustable.

Comfort and Practicality

• 🧍 For riders over 6 ft, the 31.3-inch seat height feels low, potentially leading to tight legroom and a desire for an aftermarket seat.
• 👥 Passenger accommodations are acceptable for short rides, with decent legroom and a reasonably wide seat, though not ideal for long trips.
• ⛽ Fuel economy is good, with riders achieving low 50s MPG, making it a viable option for longer journeys with its 4.0-gallon tank.

Technology and Value

• 📱 The 5-inch TFT display is intuitive and well-laid out, featuring a simple joystick control for navigation and ride modes (Sport, Rain, Standard, User).
• 🌟 The switchgear is praised for its simplicity and ease of use, even featuring backlighting, which is considered a nice touch of quality.
• 💰 The bike is seen as a significant value proposition, comparable to the original Yamaha FZ09 in its ability to deliver a fun, engaging experience at an affordable price point.
• 👍 The Honda CB750 Hornet is placed at the top of the Daily Rider leaderboard, not for having one standout feature, but for its comprehensively good package that gels exceptionally well, making it a noteworthy and impressive all-around motorcycle.