Honda CB750 Hornet 2024 test on Tenerife

Text: Justin Case

Response: Honda's latest addition to their Naked Bike lineup, the Honda CB650R, is a true powerhouse on two wheels. With a 649cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder engine, this bike delivers a thrilling performance that will leave you breathless. The CB650R features a sleek and aggressive design, with a minimalist approach that highlights its raw power. Equipped with dual front disc brakes and a single rear disc brake, the CB650R offers excellent stopping power to match its impressive acceleration. Whether you're carving through city streets or hitting the open road, the Honda CB650R is sure to provide an exhilarating ride every time. Experience the thrill of the ride with the Honda CB650R.

Are you afraid of hornets? It's time to debunk this myth. Despite their menacing buzz, these large insects are actually less aggressive than regular wasps. Hornets aren't interested in sweet treats or lemonade on your patio table. They even help control pesky wasps and other insects, and their stings are no more painful than those of bees. Whether Honda was aware of all this in 1998, when the first "Hornet", model code PC34, made its debut, is uncertain. For 14 years, the beloved Hornet with an inline four-cylinder engine was a staple in Honda's lineup until the manufacturer decided to discontinue it. In 2014, it was succeeded by the CB650F, a naked bike without a flashy nickname.

Since last year, the iconic Honda Hornet has been given a fresh start by Japanese engineers, featuring a redesigned parallel-twin engine in the mid-range. The top-of-the-range Honda CB1000 Hornet, set to launch in mid-2024, will be powered by a four-cylinder engine.

The Honda Naked Bike, known as the Hornet 750, has left a lasting positive impression during initial test rides in its native environment. Recently, it underwent a final rigorous test under the sun of Tenerife, covering nearly 2000 challenging kilometers. The test bike was graciously provided by Canary Ride, where it can be rented for 105 euros per day.

During our first ride on the Hornet 13 months ago, the compact 755cc inline two-cylinder engine, equipped with two balancer shafts and a single camshaft utilizing Unicam valve actuation, truly impressed. Producing a robust 92 horsepower, this Honda twin engine, featuring a 270-degree crankpin offset, delivers consistent power and can effortlessly compete with higher-priced and more powerful models like the KTM 790 Duke or Aprilia Tuono 660 in terms of overall performance.

The Honda Naked Bike's greatest strength lies in its versatility. Its engine power keeps even experienced motorcyclists entertained, while its predictability ensures that beginners and newcomers are not overwhelmed. This Japanese naked bike accelerates smoothly from a standstill, with no shaking or hesitation, and delivers confident and seamless power from 3500 rpm onwards. However, it only reaches its maximum output and up to 75 Newton meters of torque at higher revs. The sporty twin engine effortlessly transitions through the wide range of revs, reaching peak power at around 9500 rpm. To fully unleash the potential of the CB750, it is advisable to embrace high revs whenever possible.

However, even riders who prefer a more relaxed touring style, shifting gears before the engine reaches its full potential, will appreciate the smooth and consistent power delivery. During our test ride in Tenerife, it became clear that personal preference and riding technique play a key role in choosing the appropriate gear for navigating tight corners. The Honda Naked Bike allows riders to either accelerate aggressively out of corners in first gear or effortlessly cruise through turns in third gear.

The Honda Naked Bike offers a low-vibration ride, complemented by a surprisingly robust sound from the somewhat bulky muffler. The standard anti-hopping clutch features an exceptionally smooth hand lever, providing comfort for riders of all levels. Gear shifts are quick and seamless thanks to the precise six-speed transmission. However, it is disappointing that a quickshifter is only available as an optional extra from Honda. The bike comes equipped with a vibrant 5-inch TFT display with four different layouts and smartphone integration. Additionally, automatic turn signal deactivation and advanced assistance systems are included, setting it apart from the standard features found in its class.

In the "Rider" riding mode of the Honda Naked Bike, you can customize the engine response, engine braking effect, and traction control (including wheelie control) individually. Additionally, you have the option to choose from preset modes like Sport, Rain, and Standard. Adjusting the ride-by-wire throttle response was especially beneficial during our rides around the island. For example, setting it to level three resulted in noticeable load change reactions while navigating the sweeping bends leading up to the Teide volcano. On the other hand, level one quickly resolves this issue with just a press of a button, keeping the chassis stable. This setting is ideal for tackling tight hairpin bends such as those found in the Masca gorge.

When it comes to the chassis, the Honda Naked Bike features a 16.6 kilogram steel bridge frame with a rear frame directly welded to the main frame. While this setup reduces weight and vehicle cost, it does increase the risk of irreparable damage in case of a crash. The basic set-up, suitable for a 75 kilo rider like the test pilot, is ideal for fast touring. Unfortunately, there are no adjustment options (except for the five-way adjustable shock preload) on the Showa components with 16 centimeters of suspension travel. However, the chassis performance is well-suited for the versatile nature of the Honda Naked Bike. The damping reserves only start to reach their limits with an overly aggressive sporty riding style. At high speeds, the front of the bike tends to understeer, leading to a decrease in clear front wheel feedback.

When it comes to the Honda Naked Bike, the focus shifts away from the pursuit of high speeds to the enjoyment of winding roads and quick changes in lean angle. The 190-kilogram Hornet, ready to ride, is perfectly suited for this kind of riding thanks to its compact 1420 millimeter wheelbase, steep steering head angle, and short caster. The narrow rear tire, measuring only 160 millimeters in width, is a unique feature in its class and is mounted on a simple yet effective steel two-sided swingarm. Despite appearing slightly small from a critical rear view, the slim tire significantly enhances the bike's agility and handling dynamics. Compared to its competitors, the Hornet feels notably more nimble when leaning into corners, allowing for gentle and precise steering inputs for effortless changes in direction. This characteristic not only enhances the riding experience at touring speeds but also appeals to both casual riders and those with less experience.

The Honda Naked Bike offers a low saddle height of 795 millimetres and a relaxed riding position that perfectly suits its all-round character. When riding the Hornet, you sit so comfortably that you never have to worry about ergonomics. The knee clearance on the 15.2-liter tank is compact, the rider's seat is comfortable for long day trips, the steel handlebars are ergonomically designed, and the footrests provide ample lean angle clearance without causing any knee issues.

Overall, the Honda Naked Bike positions the rider in a relaxed, upright, and low seating position, which is especially advantageous for shorter riders. Even riders over 180 centimeters tall were able to enjoy long day trips on Tenerife from sunrise to sundown at the hotel bar without experiencing any discomfort. One improvement we would like to see in the next generation of the Honda Naked Bike is the placement of the USB socket under the saddle, which we would prefer to have located in the cockpit for easier access to power our navigation devices.

After a week of carving through the winding roads of the largest Canary Island, the Honda Naked Bike, featuring Italian design (crafted at the Honda Design Center in Rome), dependable Japanese technology, and surprisingly affordable pricing (priced at only 8890 euros in Austria and 8780 euros in Germany), quickly captured our admiration.

Check out the latest deals and pricing for the Honda Naked Bike here: Buy Honda CB750 Hornet.