The Hornet is back at Honda. After ten years of hibernation, the Hornet emerges from its hive ready to sting – market share – but in a completely different format: the raging 599cc inline 4 comes out, instead of a single overhead cam. The same engine that, by the way, will power the…
- September 9, 2022 multinational :
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- MNC folder:
Honda started from scratch mechanically: this 270° twin set has nothing in common with the one on the NC750, all the better for the sporty look! – , starting with its super square dimensions (87 x 63.5 mm) and its beautiful power of 92 CV. Elongation and “spicy” should be on the program, as well as solid increases with its torque of 75 Nm at 7250 rpm.
“We knew it was essential to maintain that high-rpm power spike that was something of a Hornet signature.“, explains the head of development of this 2023 Hornet, Fuyuki Hosokawa, aware of the contrasting reactions to this change in engine architecture…
The Hornet saga, started in 1998, effectively embodies the “Japanese-style” sports roadster with its sharp and explosive 4-cylinder. Tough frame, powerful brakes and already 96 hp when it came out (102 hp for the Ultimate), the CB600F Hornet was the bike for angry bikers and famous Hornet Cup track racers.
multinational test :
Bringing it back to life with a twin will inevitably raise a few eyebrows, at least those who are starting to be “salt and pepper”… The younger ones this new Hornet is intended for, especially in the A2 version, will be less sensitive to this notion of ‘mechanical heritage’, even totally indifferent!
“But at the same time, being a new generation for today’s uses, we wanted the engine to be very generous in torque with a real pulsing feel between low and mid-range.continues Fuyuki Hosokawa, who ignores another advantage for Honda: a parallel-twin costs less to produce because there are fewer moving parts.
190 kg for 92 hp: spicy, the Hornet 2023!
If Honda takes liberties in mechanical terms, the general spirit is instead faithfully in line with the “Hornet tradition”: its sharp appearance and its components are openly sporty, as well as emphasizing its slenderness. At 190kg fully fueled, the Hornet is barely heavier than the 189kg CB500F!
This contained mass gives it a weight/power ratio of 2.81 kg/hp: “best in class“, its designers proudly point out. Agility is clearly at the top of its specifications when reading its data sheet below: short wheelbase (1420 mm), restricted cast angle of 25 ° and above all a 160 rear tire mm, a rarity in this category.
This choice goes against the trend of 180mm, not particularly necessary but much more rewarding on the terrace… Honda puts sensations before fashion: MNC welcomes the approach, which is also more economical both in the change of tires as in use: less rubber on the ground means less resistance to advance and therefore less fuel consumed.
On consumption, precisely, the new Hornet would take a reasonable sip “4.35l/100km” whether it be a theoretical autonomy”340 km with the 15.2 l contained in the tank“, according to Japanese engine manufacturers.
Note that Honda could have gained a few pounds with an aluminum frame like on the old Hornets, but opted for a tubular steel element, which is cheaper to produce. Way to contain costs and therefore the sale price, to the extent that this novelty hits hard in terms of peripherals…
A very, very Hornet part of the cycle!
Showa 41mm inverted fork, Nissin 4-piston brake calipers in radial position: the front axle of the new Hornet immediately announces its sporty claims! MNC notes however obvious similarities with the last generation CB500F – only the triple clamps differ – down to the size of the front discs: 296mm.
But no matter: the result is convincing on the “small” 500 that enjoys a remarkable road feel, which bodes very well for the “big” 755 cc! Not to mention that all of the Hornet’s rivals are far from being as well equipped (see chart below), in particular the market reference MT-07 and its “good old” telescopic fork…
The 2023 Hornet adds a layer with its advanced technologies (dart?!): its electronic accelerator is associated with three driving modes – rain, standard and sport -, which act both on the responsiveness of the twin cylinder and on the control of traction but also engine braking and wheelie control. A “User” mode allows you to adjust these parameters by hand: sophistication worthy of a high-end roadster.
A connected five-inch color display completes this advantageous picture, which harkens back to the elegant Triumph Trident 660. This left-hand-controlled instrumentation also benefits from “Honda smartphone voice control“, which is used to activate phone functions by voice (Android only).
Calls, music and messages can be accessed while driving (blah…) as well as, more interestingly, GPS navigation via a very handy screen share that MNC discovered and validated on the Forza 750 scooter. The Hornet also turns on its hazard lights during sudden braking and has automatic indicator recovery.
Honda’s new roadster at a fair price?
If this new Hornet wants to be accessible with its 795 mm saddle, its compact size and its contained weight, its performance, its peripherals and its electronics may make one fear an equally “spicy” addition… Especially knowing that the “The ” simple” CB500F is already at 6799 euros!
But MNC’s little finger – always well informed – let him know for a few days that his price would be aggressive, to tickle the MT-07 and Z650 headliners. Good choice: Honda reveals to us on the spot a price set at 7800 euros!
The more efficient and sophisticated Honda is therefore a little more expensive, although it falls well short of the €8,449 of its close ‘cousin’ CB650R and its 95bhp 4-cylinder. The latter is also at risk of being quickly cannibalized by this new Hornet!
This well-placed price puts the Honda directly ahead of the Yamaha, currently at €7,599. This new Hornet is on its way to “pump the stinger” out of the competition! Stay connected.
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And the competition? |
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Technical and commercial sheet Honda Hornet 2023
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Honda CB750 Hornet 2023 |
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Engine |
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| Guy | Inline twin, 4-stroke, 270° timing |
| Displacement | 755cc |
| Bore x stroke | 87×63.5mm |
| Cooling | Liquid |
| Distribution | DOHC single, 4 valves/cyl. |
| Compression rate | 11 to 1 |
| Power (advertised) | 91.8 hp at 9,500 rpm |
| Torque (advertised) | 75Nm at 7250rpm |
| Food | electronic fuel injection |
| Approval | euro5 |
| Conso (announced) | 4.35l/100km |
| A2 compatibility | yes (limited to 47.5 hp by electronics) |
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Transmission |
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| Gearbox | 6 gears |
| last lap | by chain |
| Clutch | Multi-disc in oil bath, anti-drip |
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part of the cycle |
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| Frame | Tubular steel “Diamond” |
| front suspension |
Showa SFF-BP 41mm inverted fork, non-adjustable |
| front travel | 130mm |
| rear suspension |
Showa single shock with linkages, adjustable preload |
| rear travel |
150mm |
| front brake |
Dual 296mm discs, Nissin 4-piston radial calipers |
| Back brake | 240mm single disc, single piston caliper |
| Front tire | 120/70/17 |
| Back tire | 160/60/17 |
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Dimensions, weights, capacities |
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| Length | 2090mm |
| Length | 780mm |
| lead angle | 25 |
| Hunt | 99mm |
| distance between axis | 1420mm |
| saddle height | 795mm (not adjustable) |
| floor clarity | 140mm |
| advertised weight | 190 kg with full fuel |
| Fuel tank | 15.2 liters |
| Commercial information | |
| Availability | Multinational estimate : 1st quarter 2023 in the |
| Colors | Black, white, gray or yellow |
| To guarantee | 5 years parts and MO |
| Options |
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| Reward | €7,800 |
Honda Hornet 2023: the official videos
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