2025 Honda CB750 Hornet Review: The New King of Middleweight Naked Bikes?
TL;DR
The 2025 Honda CB750 Hornet lands in the U.S. with 90.5 hp, 422 lb curb weight and a $7,999 MSRP, undercutting every comparable 650–800 cc naked. Lighter than a GSX‑8S, punchier than a Z650, and cheaper than a Trident 660, it rewrites the middleweight value equation.
Why You Should Care
- First U.S. Hornet in 20 years – The name has history, the spec sheet is all new.
- Best-in-class power-to-weight – 83 hp pushing just 422 lb is sport-bike territory.
- Aggressive $7,999 MSRP – Undercuts Yamaha’s class leader by $600.
- Quickshifter standard – Unlike competitors, Honda includes up/down clutchless shifting stock.
Quick-Glance Spec Table
| Bike (2025) | MSRP | Power | Torque | Curb Wt | Seat Ht |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda CB750 Hornet | $7,999 | 83 hp @ 9,500 rpm | 55 lb-ft @ 7,250 rpm | 422 lb | 31.3 in |
| Yamaha MT‑07 | $8,599 | 72 hp | ~50 lb-ft | 401 lb | 31.7 in |
| Kawasaki Z650 ABS | $8,649 | 68 hp | 48.5 lb-ft | 414 lb | 31.1 in |
| Suzuki GSX‑8S | $9,209 | 82 hp | 57.5 lb-ft | 445 lb | 31.9 in |
| Triumph Trident 660 | $8,595 | 81 hp | 47 lb-ft | 419 lb | 31.7 in |
| KTM 790 Duke | $9,199 | 105 hp | 63 lb-ft | 414 lb | 32.5 in |
Performance & Power-to-Weight
Honda’s new 755 cc Unicam twin rivals KTM’s 790 Duke for midrange punch while delivering smoother operation thanks to its 270-degree crank. It offers 26% more power than the Yamaha MT‑07 while adding just 21 lb. That translates to stronger roll-on torque, better two-up performance, and exciting top-end pull without sacrificing rideability.
Chassis & Handling
The CB750 Hornet’s 16.6 kg steel-diamond frame and Showa SFF-BP fork deliver class-leading agility. Testers describe its steering as “razor sharp” with excellent cornering balance. Yamaha’s MT-07 counters with updated suspension but retains a higher center of gravity. The Hornet feels stable at speed but remains light on its feet in traffic or twisties.
Tech & Rider Aids
| Model | Modes | Traction Control | Quickshifter | TFT Display |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CB750 Hornet | 3 + User | HSTC + wheelie control | Standard (up/down) | 5″ TFT + Honda RoadSync |
| Yamaha MT‑07 | 3 | No | Optional | 5″ TFT |
| Kawasaki Z650 | 3-mode KTRC | Yes | No | 4.3″ TFT |
| Suzuki GSX‑8S | 3 + IMU | Yes | Standard | 5″ TFT |
| Trident 660 | 2 + Cornering ABS | Yes | Standard | Hybrid TFT |
| KTM 790 Duke | Multi | Yes (Supermoto mode) | Standard | 5″ TFT |
Honda’s standout tech includes wheelie control integrated into traction control and an up/down quickshifter at this price point—features rarely found on sub-$8K bikes.
Ergonomics & Everyday Use
With a seat height of 31.3″, the Hornet is approachable for new riders but roomy enough for taller ones. At ~54 mpg, you’ll get about 210 miles per tank. The upright riding position, wide bars, and light clutch make daily commuting and weekend carving equally enjoyable.
Price & Value
Honda undercuts every direct competitor except basic twins while delivering more power, better handling, and more rider aids. And since the quickshifter comes standard, there are no hidden upgrade costs.
Which Bike Fits Which Rider?
- Budget-minded commuters – CB750 Hornet or MT-07: unbeatable price-to-fun ratio.
- Tech-hungry weekenders – GSX-8S (IMU + quickshifter) or Trident 660 (cornering ABS).
- Track-day junkies – 790 Duke: highest power, adjustable damping, Supermoto ABS.
- First-time upgraders – Z650: lowest seat height, easy torque curve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2025 CB750 Hornet beginner-friendly?
Yes. With throttle-by-wire, ride modes, traction and wheelie control, and a manageable 31.3″ seat height, it’s ideal for confident beginners stepping up from a 300–500 cc bike.
How does it compare to the older CB650R?
The Hornet is 50 lb lighter, 12 hp stronger, and $1,400 cheaper than the CB650R—plus it adds TFT display, riding modes, and a standard quickshifter.
When will it be in dealerships around Buffalo?
In-Stock now!
Ride It Home from Hamburg Honda
If you’re in Buffalo, Rochester, or anywhere in Western NY, come test ride the 2025 CB750 Hornet at Hamburg Honda on Camp Road. Our test loop mixes I-90 blasts and Lake Erie shoreline sweepers—perfect for putting that 85 hp to use.
Book Your CB750 Hornet Demo Ride Today
Ready to feel 80+ horsepower in a sub-425 lb streetfighter? Test ride the 2025 Honda CB750 Hornet at Hamburg Honda before the first shipment sells out.
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