The new Hornet undoubtedly has big shoes to fill. Formerly available as the 600s and 900s, the four-cylinder naked bikes proved to be a popular choice with young and old alike. Whether in driving schools, at biker meetings or on the race track: the Hornet was everywhere. For 2023, the CB750 is right in the middle in terms of displacement, but with one big difference: only two cylinders!
Honda CB750 Hornet 2023 – Engine and Performance
However, the reduction must not be dismissed as a negative, after all, the best and sometimes best-selling naked bikes of recent years often have two cylinders. So what are the Honda engineers delivering? The newly developed 755cc 8-valve parallel twin with Unicam cylinder head produces a power output of 92 hp at 9,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 75 Nm at 7,250 rpm. A conversion to an A2 driver’s license compatible version with 48 hp is of course also possible at the dealer. The 270° crankshaft and uneven firing order should not only ensure a characterful two-cylinder sound, the top-end power should also benefit from it – an important goal according to Fuyuki Hosokawa, the project manager.
The cylinder liners are coated with wear-reducing Ni-SiC (nickel silicon carbide) (as in the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and the CRF450R). The primary drive wheel is also used to drive the balancer shaft, which saves weight, components and overall width. For more safety and to meet the sporty requirements, Honda also installs an anti-hopping clutch, and a quickshifter with blipper function can be ordered as an accessory if desired.
Tank volume and range of the new Hornet
In the days of the old Honda Hornets, when you sometimes paid less than 1.5 euros for a liter of petrol, this point might not have been of much interest. Unfortunately, this will no longer be the case in 2023. Therefore, future Honda CB750 Hornet owners can look forward to a low consumption of 4.3 liters per 100 km. That means a range of over 340 kilometers when the 15.2 liter tank is completely full.
New Honda Hornet: Riding modes and electronics package
Gone are the days without electronics – the new Honda Hornet is also supplied with an extensive electronics package. The desired driving mode is selected using switches on the left handlebar and they are shown on the new 5-inch TFT display. The parameters power delivery, engine braking and Honda Selectable Torque Control (traction control) with integrated Wheelie Control can be regulated in three different levels. Traction control can also be turned off entirely.
The SPORT driving mode uses maximum engine power (level 3) and the least possible engine braking and traction control (both at level 1). In the STANDARD driving mode , all three parameters are selected at a medium level and the RAIN modeuses the smoothest engine performance, medium engine braking and maximum traction control intervention.
In USER mode, the driver can individually select each parameter in three stages. In the first broadcast, however, Honda does not write anything about a 6-axis IMU, which suggests that the systems are not dependent on lean angle.
Light weight as an argument for the CB750 Hornet 2023
Lightweight manufacturing was one of the main goals in the development of the new Honda Hornet. The steel diamond frame weighs only 16.6 kilograms. For comparison: the frame of the Honda sister CB650R weighs 18.5 kilograms. With targeted recesses and reinforcements, the frame of the new Hornet should offer a balance between agility and rigidity and give the naked bike lively handling. We won’t find out until the first test whether this works, but the numbers speak for themselves. According to Honda, the new 2023 CB750 Hornet weighs just 190 kilograms with a full tank.
Honda CB750 Hornet 2023 suspension and brakes
The Showa 41mm Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) upside-down fork, which has 130 mm of travel, ensures sporty handling and stability when braking. The design of this fork splits the functionality: one fork leg accommodates the damping cartridge, the other the coil spring. The gas-pressure mono shock absorber (also from Showa) cushions the steel swingarm via a progressive Pro-Link lever system, offers 150 mm of travel and can be adjusted in five different spring preloads.
296 mm dual disc brakes and radially mounted Nissin four-piston calipers should also ensure powerful braking performance.
The new Hornet should be a real fun bike
Low weight, usable power and an accessible 795mm seat height. The Hornet could be a real hit, but it’s sure to be a great fun bike. Not only because of the data already mentioned, but also because of the surprising tires! In front we find the classic dimension 120/70-ZR17. In the rear, on the other hand, you opt for 160/60-ZR17 – significantly narrower than the direct competition. In terms of driving dynamics, the new Honda Hornet could thus rob through the corners as quickly as possible, although we are curious about the stability at higher cornering speeds
Honda Hornet 2023 with new TFT display
The design of the new CB750 Hornet comes from the latest generation of creative minds at Honda’s European R&D center in Rome to appeal to a younger audience. Nevertheless, they wanted to honor the old models and bring the design with sharp edges into the year 2023. The CB750 Hornet is also equipped with a 5-inch TFT color display. The driver can choose between four display options for displaying speed and rpm as well as further options for fuel, consumption, driving mode and engine settings as well as a gear display and an adjustable shift-up display. Control is via the left switch panel on the handlebars.
The Honda Smartphone Voice Control System is integrated into the display, which allows the use of telephony, e-mails, music and navigation via the smartphone connection. For the first time, the Honda Smartphone Voice Control System functions will also be available for use with iOS devices.
Honda CB750 Hornet accessories
Honda already offers a number of accessories and various packages for the Hornet ex works. In addition to the quickshifter already mentioned, passenger covers, handlebar weights, handlebar bridges, windshields, rim stickers, rider footrests and protective pads are available. A tank bag, rear pannier, side bags and heated grips can be ordered for comfort and practicality. To make the choice easier for buyers, there are 3 accessory packages:
- SPORT PACK: Quickshifter, windshield, passenger cover and rider footpegs
- STYLE PACKAGE: handlebar weights, handlebar bridge, tank pad, rim stickers and protective pads.
- TOURING PACK: Side bags, tank bag and tail bag.
Honda CB750 Hornet 2023 price
The market launch of the new Honda Hornet is targeted for January 2023. In Austria, the price is €8,690 incl. NoVA and VAT, in Germany the CB750 Hornet costs €7,890.
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