Just as we had to wait for the second generation of the Honda NT1100 sport-tourer, America is just now getting the CB750 Hornet, which debuted in Europe as a 2023 model. The 2025 Honda CB750 Hornet was the recipient of a suite of upgrades, and that’s what we will find in our showroom. The CB750 Hornet carries an MSRP of $7999. That’s $600 less than the Triumph Trident 660 and Yamaha MT-07, $50 less than the Suzuki SV650 ABS, and $250 more than the Kawasaki Z650 ABS. With that marketing position in mind, it’s time to go riding.
- At the heart of the Hornet lies a liquid-cooled 755cc parallel-twin engine with a 270-degree crank. Honda uses its proven Unicam valvetrain, which direct actuation of the intake valves and via roller rock arms for the exhaust valves. This keeps the engine compact, while making it lighter and improving mass centralization via lowering the center of gravity compared to a double overhead cam configuration.
- Honda’s patented Vortex Flow Ducts enhance torque delivery by swirling the intake charge. This adds consistency and density to the intake air charge, particularly in the low- to mid-range portion of the powerband. In action, the motor is buttery-smooth and responsive across the entire rev range. Honda also fitted the Hornet with CBR1000RR-R fuel injectors to optimize fuel delivery.
- Power builds steadily and relentlessly up to the 10,000 rpm redline. This engine is pure bliss—smooth, flexible, and entertaining, regardless of your skill level. It sounds fantastic, too, with a low- to midrange growl that transforms into an aggressive bark at high rpm, like a German Shepherd ready to attack. At the end of a day of riding, the dash revealed a fuel consumption rate of 46 mpg, despite a very spirited ride through the canyons. The CB750 Hornet is thrifty, even when being aggressive.
- This phenomenal engine is paired with a slick 6-speed transmission that includes Honda’s adjustable quickshifter. There are three levels of sensitivity available for the Honda quickshifter. Naturally, I selected the most aggressive setting for my 200-mile canyon ride through Northern California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. It worked flawlessly all day; gear changes are crisp and precise, with that signature Honda mechanical refinement.
- The slipper-and-assist clutch has Honda’s Friction Leveling System. Specially designed clutch plates with angled friction zones deliver lighter lever effort, smoother disengagement, and increased durability. The 2025 Honda CB750 Hornet has one of the best-feeling clutches in the class.
- The new diamond-style steel frame contributes to the bike’s agility and low weight. With an integrated subframe, optimized wall thickness, and a pivot plate design, the frame is 19 percent lighter than the CB650R’s frame. This gives the Hornet flickability and control. The Hornet 750’s confidence-inspiring dynamics let me place the bike exactly where I wanted in corners. In many ways, the Hornet 750 acts very much like a big supermoto, with similar ergonomics, a light feeling, and forgiving enough to encourage monkeying around on the bike.
- Versatile Michelin Road 6 tires are a good match for the CB750 Hornet. While not high-end sport rubber, the sport-touring-oriented Road 6s are more than capable of handling the demands of the Hornet 750. If you’re willing to sacrifice longevity and wet-weather performance, there are plenty of upgrade paths available.
- The Showa suspension on the 2025 Honda CB750 Hornet leans toward the softer side, delivering excellent comfort across varied road conditions. However, don’t let the softness fool you. Even as the pace ramped up in the canyons, I never felt limited by the fixed-damping suspension—an SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork – Big Piston) inverted 41mm fork and the spring-preload adjustable shock. In fact, over rougher roads, the Hornet 750 has an advantage over more powerful sportbikes with firmer suspension.
- Braking is handled by Nissin calipers, with floating petal-style rotors for better heat dissipation. The 296mm front discs deliver solid stopping power, with due appreciation for the radially mounted four-piston Nissin calipers. While not the standout feature of the bike, the brakes perform reliably and without drama — enough to earn a passing grade.
- If I had to nickname this CB750, I’d call it Hornetti, as it was styled by Honda R&D Europe (Rome). Its dual LED projector headlight and bold cowl give it a modern, assertive look, while the Italian-inspired silhouette features sharp lines and a sculpted body. Available in Matte Pearl White or Matte Black Metallic, both colorways are attractive. However, the white version with the dark cherry red frame steals the show. Like its namesake insect, the Hornet has broad shoulders at the tank, a slim midsection, and a pointy tail—compact, aggressive, and sleek.
- Riding the CB750 Hornet reminded me of an old friend—the legendary 1999 Suzuki SV650. Even with a modest 64 horsepower, the original SV650 quickly earned a cult following thanks to its affordability, fun factor, and handling. Now, 26 years later, Honda delivers a modern answer with more power, sharper handling, and a suite of electronic rider aids the debut SV could only dream of. Hornet 750 punches above its class. The kicker is that the list price of the 1999 Suzuki SV650 was $5499, which is $10,399 in 2025 dollars—a staggering $2400 more than the ’25 Hornet 750’s $ 7999 MSRP.
- There’s never been a better time to get into sport motorcycling, or upgrade from your small-displacement starter bike. The 2025 Honda CB750 Hornet comes with power modes, traction control, a quickshifter, and ABS. The crisp five-inch TFT display integrates with iOS and Android for navigation and music. The Hornet 750 instantly felt like a bike I’d owned for years. It’s that easy to get comfortable with. Put it all together, and Hornet 750 is that rare machine that feels like something you’ll never outgrow.
Photography by Align Media
RIDING STYLE
2025 Honda CB750 Hornet Specifications
ENGINE
- Type: Parallel twin w/ 270-degree crank
- Displacement: 755cc
- Bore x stroke: 87.0 x 63.5mm
- Compression ratio: 11.0:1
- Valvetrain: SOHC; 4vpc
- Transmission: 6-speed
- Clutch: Wet multiplate w/ assist and slipper functions
- Final drive: 520 chain
CHASSIS
- Frame: Steel diamond
- Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable Showa SFF-BP 41mm inverted fork; 5.1 inches
- Rear suspension: Linkage-assisted, spring-preload adjustable Showa remote-reservoir shock; 5.1 inches
- Wheels: Cast aluminum Y-spoke
- Front wheel 17 x 3.5
- Rear wheel: 17 x 4.5
- Tires: Michelin Road 6 (tested) or Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2
- Front tire: 120/70-17
- Rear tire: 160/60-17
- Front brakes: 296mm discs w/ radially mounted Nissin 4-piston calipers
- Rear brake: 240mm disc w/ single-piston caliper
- ABS: Standard
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 55.9 inches
- Rake: 25 degrees
- Trail: 3.9 inches
- Seat height: 31.3 inches
- Fuel capacity: 4.0 gallons
- Curb weight: 422 pounds
- Colors: Matte Black Metallic; Matte Pearl White
2025 Honda CB750 Hornet Price: $7999 MSRP
2025 Honda CB750 Hornet Review Photo Gallery
