Honda CB750 Hornet: bikesales Bike of the Year 2023 finalist

There’s no doubt the new Honda CB750 Hornet has involved some recalibration for those who remember the previous version on sale in Australia: the grunty inline four-cylinder CB900F of the early 2000s, an example of which still sits proudly in the garage of a long-time bikesales staffer.

Put simply, the CB750 Hornet is a new chapter for the moniker with its 755cc parallel-twin engine – and the decision by Honda to adopt a new configuration might just pay off in spades.

The CB750 Hornet isn’t manic and doesn’t offer groundbreaking attributes: that’s not its remit. Instead, what it does is nail the sweet spots: there’s just enough electronic intervention without being intrusive, the drivetrain is fun and dripping with Honda quality, it handles and stops well and the ergonomics are solid.

An ideal temperament for the city, and more than enough athleticism for faster, sinuous roads with its lightweight chassis and skinny, turning-friendly 160-section rear tyre.

The CB750 Hornet has universal appeal, with the tasty retail price (more on that below) a key driver in the attraction.

Nothing about the 190kg (wet) Hornet is difficult or hard to get your head around, and it’s quite easy on the eye with sleek rather than aggressive styling.

It isn’t insanely fast, but the Unicam, eight-valve parallel-twin provides a very accessible power curve without the frenzy that often comes with higher-powered machines. That promotes a satisfying seat-of-the-pants experience, which in motorcycling is half the battle.

Claimed peak torque is a respectable 75Nm at 7250rpm, and power is 90.5hp (67.5kW) at 9500rpm.

From $12,099 plus on road costs (approximately $13,450 ride away), the 2023 Hornet is right in the game against machines like the popular Yamaha MT-07 HO ($14,449 ride away) and the new Suzuki GSX-8S ($14,190 ride away) – both also parallel-twins.

Direct price comparisons can often be fraught because of varying levels of spec and, even though the Hornet’s base package is on the lean side, there’s still a bit to take in: a slipper-assist clutch, ABS, multiple riding modes, TFT dash, self-cancelling indicators, Bluetooth connectivity and an emergency stop system which rapidly flashes the hazard lights under excessive braking.

Honda has three dedicated packages – Style, Sport and Touring – for prospective customers to sharpen up their Hornet, ranging in price from $990 to $1870. Individual items, such as a quickshifter and heated grips, can also be purchased.

Earlier this year, we finally got to ride the CB750 Hornet after the ‘sneak peeks’ first began in September 2022.

Kaz Anderson was impressed the manners and potency of the Hornet.

“No unnecessary bells and whistles: just a simple turn of the key followed by a push on the ignition switch awakens the new Hornet, which responds with a steady rumble,” Kaz said.

“In true Honda form it feels instantly familiar, with no stone left unturned in the ergonomics department. The slipper assisted clutch is light, gear engagement is faultless, and the 755cc parallel twin provides plenty of smooth torquey power down-low, terrific for negotiating back streets and carparks.

“Throttle response is swift, and the robust torque curve provides a good dose of fun between 4000 and 9500rpm. It still chugs along nicely under 4000rpm.

“Bang for your buck, the 2023 CB750 Hornet is a first-rate offering, and the fact it is built in Japan by the longest standing Japanese motorcycle brand imparts logical peace of mind.”

Price: from $12,099 plus on-road costs
Engine: 755cc, liquid-cooled parallel-twin
Output: 90.5hp (67.5kW) at 13,750rpm, 75Nm at 7250rpm
Transmission: Six-speed
Weight: 190kg (wet)
Seat height: 796mm
Fuel capacity: 15.2 litres