When Honda unveiled the new generation CB750 Hornet back in 2022, it was nothing short of a revelation. Finally, Honda had given us a punchy, 270-degree parallel-twin-powered middleweight naked bike that could go up against the likes of the Yamaha MT-07 and KTM 790 Duke.
We waited, and waited, and waited some more, all while being green with envy that our friends across the pond in Europe were covering miles upon miles (and popping wheelie after wheelie) aboard the things.
And now, in the year of our dark lord and savior 2024, the CB750 Hornet is still nowhere to be seen on American roads. Heck, Honda even unveiled a facelifted 2025 model for Europe. But again, don’t expect to see this thing in American Honda dealerships anytime soon.
Now, I reached out to Honda asking them to bring the new CB750 Hornet to America (I messaged them on Instagram, coz duh, that always works). I asked them really nicely, and hopefully they’ll do just that. But for now, the lightweight, razor-sharp naked bike seems to be exclusive only to the European market.
It’s a shame really, because on paper, as well as in the anecdotes of pretty much everyone who’s tried the thing over in Europe, the Honda CB750 Hornet seems to be the best middleweight naked bike from any of the Japanese Big Four. Some reviews even go as far as saying that the thing dethrones the Yamaha MT-07. And that’s saying a lot, especially for me, because I have a (borderline unhealthy) addiction to the Yamaha MT-07.
Now, I’m not even going to mention the new LED headlight, nor the fancy new five-inch TFT display, nor the fact that it has multiple ride modes and even wheelie control. Because none of it really matters since we’re not gonna get to ride the bike anytime soon.
Instead, Honda has decided that the US market is more deserving of the E-Clutch-equipped CB650R and CBR650R. Bikes which, despite being really awesome in their own right, aren’t exactly anything new. The market has had its fair share of peaky, high-revving inline-fours. And now, it’s clear that the era of the torquey parallel-twin is here.
And heck, I don’t even think that the CB750 Hornet would cannibalize the sales of the CB650R. They’re clearly two different bikes designed for two different riders. One is designed for street hooligans looking for a sharp naked bike to do wheelies, skids, stoppies, and other hoodrat shit on. Meanwhile, the other one is a retro-inspired cafe racer with a high-revving four banger and an optional automatic transmission. So yeah, clearly worlds apart.
I think that if Honda decided to sell the CB750 Hornet in the US, it would sell like hotcakes. Especially now that middleweight bikes that won’t cost you an arm and a leg are all the rage. What do you think? Should Honda sell the CB750 Hornet in the US? Sound off in the comments below.
Source: Honda
