Honda CB750 Hornet: 2023 bikesales Bike of the Year Highly Commended

The Honda CB750 Hornet is Highly Commended in the 2023 bikesales Bike of the Year awards, proudly presented by Youi Insurance.

Marking the return of the popular Hornet moniker, the new CB750 swaps out the old inline four-cylinder platform for a brand-new 755cc parallel-twin engine that also powers the Honda XL750 Transalp adventure bike.

Honda’s new Hornet impressed our Bike of the Year judges with its simple yet exciting performance, its light weight and agile handling, and its functional electronics.

However, more than anything, the Hornet won over the team thanks to the amazing value it provides. At just $12,099 plus on-roads costs, the Hornet is a bonafide bargain, with nearly all of our judges including the phrase “bang for buck” in their comments.

“We talk about value for money a lot, but the Hornet offers genuine bang for your buck,” said bikesales Editor, Dylan Ruddy. “It was the most surprising offering in our BOTY test, because it really shouldn’t be as good as it is with this price tag.

“It has a beautiful, thrilling, and easy-to-use engine, fun handling, and plenty of electronic features. As an everyday commuter, there is possibly no better value on the market.”

If not for a few minor issues with finish, style, and suspension, the Hornet could have easily been in the frame for the overall Bike of the Year win.

The bike is well equipped, and while it lacks heated grips and a quickshifter as standard, both can be added as options for only a small premium. As tested with those options, our press unit still arrives at no more than $15k ride away.

Another big bonus is the impressive fuel economy, which allows for a range of roughly 350km from the 15.2L fuel tank. That makes it a brilliantly cheap and economical option for everyday riding.  

There is no denying it – Honda has hit a home run with the new Hornet, and it thoroughly deserves its Highly Commended accolade in the 2023 bikesales Bike of the Year awards.

Related: 2023 bikesales Bike of the Year finalists