2025 Honda CB750 Hornet Preview

Honda has announced a small selection of updates for its CB750 Hornet platform in 2025, though noticeably absent is any mention of a plan to release the naked bike in the US market.

The Hornet dates back to the late ‘90s when the CB600F was released in Europe, but the recent iteration of the machine was unveiled as a production model in 2022 at the Intermot show in Germany. The 755cc twin-powered machine seemed like a perfect fit for the American market, boasting an affordable price tag, spirited power delivery, fantastic handling, and a versatile character well-suited to commuting or carving corners on the weekend. That the 2023 CB750 didn’t land in the US market wasn’t much of a surprise, as it’s often the case that North American model releases lag a year behind. Then Honda’s 2024 North American model release news came and went, with no Hornet to be found.

It’s true that adventure bikes have stronger appeal in America than middleweight naked bikes, which helps to explain the introduction of the Transalp, which utilizes an almost identical version of the 755cc mill. It’s also true that Honda has a fairly well-stocked stable of middleweight streetbikes available in the States. The CB650R, CB500F, NC750X, and SCL500 all sit in the Hornet’s ballpark to an extent, so perhaps it’s a matter of avoiding over-saturation. Honda has also given love to its CB650R in the form of new E-Clutch technology, so perhaps it’s an indication that Honda sees more strength in expanding its semi-automatic selection in North America than building out its naked bike family.

However, a quick look at the competition suggests that adding the CB750 Hornet to the family would align with trends. Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Suzuki all offer 700-level machines, with Kawasaki and Suzuki in particular offering both 650 and 700-level bikes (a caveat should be given to the Kawasaki example because its Z7 Hybrid is a different type of value proposition thanks to its electric/gas power-delivery system). Triumph too now offers both a Trident 660 and a Street Triple 765.

Whatever the reasons, riders in North America will continue their wait for access to the Hornet.

But just for fun, here are some of the highlight details of the bike that continues to elude us.

The aforementioned eight-valve Unica 755cc twin utilizes a 270-degree crankshaft and uneven firing order, pumping out just over 90 hp at 9,500 rpm and around 55 lb.-ft. of torque at 7,250 rpm. It features Vortex Flow Ducts, comes with an assist and slipper clutch, and promises around 54 mpg. Riders get to calibrate power delivery via four different ride mode options. There is also Honda Selectable Traction Control and integrated wheelie control. Showa suspension front and rear give a range of adjustment settings while Nissan kit handles braking duties. It’s been given a new 5-inch TFT instrument panel and connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth and the Honda RoadSync app. Plenty of accessory upgrades are available too, so if you want to give it an upgraded look, a quickshifter, or travel accessories, there are loads of items to choose from.