The 2025 Honda CB750 Hornet arrives in the North American market carrying a heavy burden: matching the massive sales success it enjoyed across Europe while undercutting established middleweight rivals. Priced aggressively at an MSRP of $7,999, this naked streetfighter packs a 755cc parallel-twin engine, 83 to 90 horsepower depending on market tuning, and a wet weight of 422 pounds. It targets riders wanting sharp urban agility and serious canyon performance without paying a premium price.
Street performance defines this platform. The power delivery from the 270-degree crank punches hard in the mid-range, while the chassis geometry offers light, flickable handling that feels right at home in dense city traffic or tight mountain sweepers.
Engine Performance and Power Delivery
At the heart of the machine sits a liquid-cooled, 755cc parallel-twin engine utilizing Honda's Unicam head layout with four valves per cylinder. The 270-degree crank configuration gives it a distinct pulse and a character mimicking a V-twin, which translates to immediate drive off the corners.
- Horsepower: Factory rated near 83-90 hp at 8,500 rpm.
- Torque: Generates 55 lb-ft, providing robust roll-on acceleration in second and third gears.
- Throttle Response: Driven by ride-by-wire with virtually zero free play in the twistgrip, giving a direct connection to the rear wheel.
The engine pulls cleanly from low revs up to its redline, avoiding the sluggish bottom-end dip common in traditional parallel twins. Fueling via 46mm throttle bodies borrowed from high-performance applications keeps consumption reasonable, averaging around 46 mpg during aggressive test rides. Analysts at Bloomberg have shared their thoughts on this trend.
Handling, Suspension, and Chassis
Weighing in at 422 pounds fully fueled, the bike benefits from a steel diamond frame that prioritizes mass centralization.
- Front Suspension: 41mm Showa SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork - Big Piston) inverted fork with fixed damping and 5.1 inches of travel.
- Rear Suspension: Pro-Link Showa single shock with spring-preload adjustment and 5.1 inches of travel.
- Brakes: Dual 296mm front discs paired with Nissin radial-mounted four-piston calipers, backed by standard ABS.
The fixed front suspension setup manages everyday bumps and aggressive cornering surprisingly well, striking a compliant balance over broken pavement. While track-day riders might wish for fully adjustable damping upfront, street riders will appreciate the plush, predictable compliance. The front brakes offer safe, progressive stopping power, though riders moving up from supersports might want more initial bite from the pads.
Electronics and Rider Aids
Honda loaded the cockpit with electronic features rarely seen at this price point:
- Ride Modes: Five distinct modes (Rain, Standard, Sport, plus two customizable User modes) adjust power delivery, engine braking, and traction control.
- Quickshifter: Bidirectional setup with three user-selectable stiffness settings (soft, medium, hard).
- Connectivity: A 5-inch TFT color display featuring Honda RoadSync for smartphone integration, handling turn-by-turn navigation and media.
The interface is clean and intuitive, allowing riders to toggle modes on the fly via the left handlebar switchgear. Self-canceling turn signals add a refined touch to daily commuting.
Specifications Overview
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 755cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin |
| Valvetrain | SOHC Unicam, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Bore x Stroke | 87.0mm x 63.5mm |
| Transmission | 6-speed with assist/slipper clutch |
| Seat Height | 31.3 inches |
| Fuel Capacity | 4.0 gallons |
| Base MSRP | $7,999 |
For full technical breakdowns and safety recalls, check the Honda Powersports Official Site.
Common Rider Complaints and Real-World Quirks
No motorcycle is flawless, and keeping expectations realistic helps avoid buyer remorse.
- Seat Heat: Extended riding in warm weather reveals noticeable heat transferring upward from the engine and chassis layout near the rider's seat base.
- Firm Saddle: The factory seat is relatively thin and firm, meaning multi-hour touring stints call for aftermarket foam or an upgraded saddle.
- Missing Cruise Control: Despite having a full ride-by-wire throttle assembly, Honda omitted cruise control, which limits its touring appeal on long highway stretches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the top speed of the CB750 Hornet?
The bike tops out near 130 to 135 mph. While it has the legs for highway speeds, its naked styling makes sustained riding above 80 mph physically demanding due to wind blast.
Is the CB750 Hornet good for beginners?
Its light weight, low 31.3-inch seat height, and manageable power in Rain or Standard modes make it approachable, though its mid-range punch in Sport mode rewards an experienced hand.
Does it come with a quickshifter standard?
The bidirectional quickshifter is available as an option or standard depending on regional trim packages, featuring adjustable shift-load sensitivity.
How does it compare to the Yamaha MT-07?
The Hornet offers more horsepower (roughly 90 hp versus the MT-07's 73 hp), a more advanced electronics suite with ride modes, and a sharper price point, making it a formidable direct competitor.
