Is the Honda Hornet CB750 the new king of the parallel twins? | MCN 

Which one would you Buy?

The Hornet is one of the most exciting bikes for the money I have ridden in a long time. The engine is superb and its chassis is lively. Just a shame it doesn't look quite as good as it rides

I've had an MT-07 (2020) for 3 years now, and I cannot fault it. It's great fun to ride, reliable, quick, nimble, and looks fantastic. I rode a Hornet over the weekend, and tomorrow I'll put a deposit down on one. It had everything the Yam had (apart from the looks), and then some. The clutch and gearchanges were incredibly smooth, it was quicker, the optional quickshifter is fantastic, the bluetooth integration for satnav etc is great, and somehow there's even less wind buffeting at higher speeds. I've not been riding long, and I've only ever owned Yamaha bikes. I'll be genuinely sad to see the back of my beloved MT-07, but the Hornet impressed so much on that one test ride that I'm not sure how Yamaha will sell many more MT-07's this year.

Imagin the Hornet with the CB650R headlight. Between these two, I'd buy the Honda.

The GSX8S is gonna be a game changer. I have owned many suzukis. All have been dead reliable, to a fault. Such a well built brand. I really hope they come out with a fully faired 8R version. I will be pre-ordering mine soon. Great to see some middle weight Japanese competition 👏

Exactly the results I was expecting. After almost 10 years there is a new king...congrats to the hornet.... You have to keep in mind that you are comparing a newly designed bike to a decade old one. Yamaha is finally forced to improve the mt07.

I remember everyone giving the Hornet so much grief when it was unveiled. Nice to see some vindication for it.

Always the highest quality reviews. I hope Honda does the equivalent of an XSR version of this Hornet. I think the bike is awesome but they borrowed the styling from an older CB1000R which makes it very dated or bland in my eyes.

I actually like the looks of the hornet a lot but to be honest, I like the look of the CB500F also. Hope these hornets come to Australia!

This is the video I have been waiting for. Kudos for tackling it ahead of everybody else.

I was looking for an upgrade from my mt03. And this wonderfully done video solved the problem. Always a pleasure to listen to Michael. Second bike of my life, Hornet !

One of the best review videos recently - kudos for your efforts Neevsy.

Great format for this type of video. Really enjoyed the 0-100 drag race. Please do more of this! Surprised to hear the Hornet won you over in the end. Still not sold on the looks though and it does look very much its price in parts.

I've had a lot of Yamahas in my life, and only Yamahas in my garage currently. My buddy had a cb500r that was really pathetic on power, handled fine but it wasn't anything to write home about, and the engine characteristic was just bland, no revs, not a good sound. Honda's for the past few years have been in a weird place in the market, usually down on power, and steep on price compared to the competition, but this new Honda fills me with hope. Yamaha's had the corner for power and reliability, and of recently prices have been climbing astronomically. That Honda makes a GREAT noise, has the power numbers to back it up (and not by a small margin), you get reliability as Honda is known for, AND you get into it for less money. LOVE it, that's the competition I want to see, I'm strongly considering Honda for my next bike.

Rode an MT-07 in Spain for a few days back in 2016 and as someone coming from sports bikes and Street Triples at the time, I remember it being pretty underwhelming in terms of power and also handling. The suspension felt soft and bouncy. The fueling was great though and throttle very forgiving at low speeds, it felt like an easy going lazy bike, but at the same time felt a bit cheap in terms of build quality. Interested in the new Hornet though, with its massive power advantage (27% more!) and it's cheaper! Not a fan of the looks personally - the beak looks too pointy.

This is a shockingly good review & video. Good job guys!

Really liked this comparison review. Fun, light hearted and still entertaining and informative. More please!

The choreography in this video is by far the best part of this video! If i meet the director i would shake his hand! A man at a desk in a full bike suit with paperwork on an dragstrip/air runway says it all! Is nothing short or short hand comedy

Really nice Video. Waiting for the follow up comparison between the Suzuki GSX8S and the Honda CB750 😊

Love seeing the legend neevesy

I was waiting for the typical Honda leads then some how journalists still give the nod to the other bikes....especially a staple like the MT07. So I applaud the video and what appears to be a genuine head to head, ty

The new Hornet looks like an excellent bike. I was never a big fan of the MT-07 but then I prefer sportbikes. I'm still holding out hope that Honda will release a CBR750R but with the 650R out there (when you can actually find one), I may be holding my breath a while.

I have an MT07 for 4 years now. Love it since day one. The Hornet looks like the next MT07. Hopefully Yamaha steps it up in the future and maybe I’ll sell my MT07 for that one. Good review!

Looks go to the MT but sound goes to the Hornet. For my money, I think the hornet edges out the MT by quite a bit... but I wish it was prettier 😅

The best part about the Hornet and the new Gixxus is that Yamaha is basically forced finally to update the MT. The ultimate winner here is us, the riders.

You've helped me make a choice my friend, thank you. Awesome video

Am excited to see if Yamaha fire back and actually develop the mt-07 again

That was great work Micheal and team., btw great video and content 👌

So exciting to have a true competitor in that market segment. Congrats hornet!

Amazing video and the production quality is great.

Excellent vid. I rode the Honda with Michelin Pilot 5s and it felt great.

Great video with lots of imperial detail which is much appreciated. Well done!

i have a 2004 hornet and I LOVE IT !!! I"M NOT SOLD HONDA I"LL KEEP MINE FOREVER IF I CAN !!!! INLINE 4 ALL DAY !!!!

Pretty good analysis in my opinion. But, things considered, MT07 is basically a 10 year old bike that stills holding the position in there, but has been overtaken by the new/fresher Honda CB750. Electronics, new engine, dash, etc. The problem with the CB750, is that literally everyone (and myself), was waiting a 4 cylinder 600 (the true Honda Hornet) and we got that. Carries this feeling of "disappointment" I would say, that makes it not shine as it should. And the aesthetics, I would prefer the MT07 over the CB750, but that would be more a matter of personal taste. Very nice video, again!

Now this was a damn good well done review👏

Crazy how expensive these "cheap" bikes have gotten. I remember buying my MT-07 brand new in 2016 for $6000 CAD, which is like 3600 pounds.

I love this video and this type of comparison, more videos like this! Thank you!

Good review, thanks, and well done Honda! One comment though, about the "fun" (and yes I know I am an unskilled old fart when riding) but poppin wheeles as a measure? Hmmm. So which bike is more fun if you prefer to be more safe (and legal) and keep both wheels on the ground? Also - no words about which would be better if indeed you would do a longer trip, say over 4 hours away? I know, that's for sure not what these bikes should be about, but still. Again, enjoyed the video, thank you!

I have a 06 919 hornet. I really want to ride the new hornet to see how it holds up compared to the old. The lack of the inline four does throw me off though

Great review. Now I just wish it would come to the US.

Excellent review sir! This is perfect, and thank you. I'm working out and hoping the CB750 comes to the U.S.

Great detailed comparison, Honda have nailed the performance element shame they were not so adventurous on the styling it looks very plain Jane

really like how these bikes are so affordable in Europe and America, the 07 here in Brazil is something closer to 50k (don`t convert it, it`s just to compare the value of it)

Great to see Honda back - it has been a while!

I was at lake vyrnwy at the weekend and someone on a hornet rode around and I must say it does sound good echoing off the water and through the trees...

Great video. Would love to see this battle between the Hornet Vs. GSX8S.

for the test to be complete, all you need is the suzuki 8s, very cool

Great video , the Ktm 790 or BMW f900 are not too much more . I would go that route , although the Yamaha looks better than the Honda and im a Honda fan

Around me in the US, the MT07 is being sold at HIGHER than msrp. The used ones are still really high. I'd probably still go with MT07 though since I'm not crazy about the Honda looks.

90-100 horsepower in a 400 plus pound bike makes perfect power/weight fit the street. You do not need 200 horsepower, $20,000 plus bikes. Harley’s CVO $50,000 for a motorcycle. I think Any motorcycle over $20,000 is crazy. This is from someone that owns a Super Duke and MV AGusta Dragster 800rr Pirelli edition. Middle weight class is just fine

We can say that the MT07 looks better than other bike now 😅 side by side with the Hornet, I think it looks sleeker and sportier, or maybe it’s just because I got used to that headlight… who knows!

MCN content looks and feels so much better these days. Neevsy is also the shiz.

Great vid. Only thing I found strange is how all numbers regarding performance on the Hornet crush the Yamaha, but only 1 point difference. Would buy the Hornet

I honestly think that no 2023 bike is the new king of the parallel twins, i still like the first generation MT07s (2014-2016) the most, the following model looks really good, too, but I personally am really dissapointed that new Naked Bikes dont look as good as their previous models

I love this table in the middle of nowhere

I have my money on the Suzuki GSX8-S. What it lacks it top end it makes up for down low. With a tune I guarantee we will see a 100hp 8S. It's a more simple elegant machine, with strong and effective hardware, but not the pile of boring electric nannies. Same reason I went with the GSXR750. No TC or ABS. Just the massive forks, stellar brakes and god level chassis. Suzuki knows how to make machines that don't often NEED the expensive and somewhat hassle-ridden aids.

Personally out of the two I prefer the mt07, don't like the look of the new hornet much prefer the look of the old one.

I'm almost 7feet tall and I actually liked the ergonomics on the Hornet more compared to the MT when I sat on both at EICMA 😅 the GSX8S was also better than the MT

My first bike, coming up to two years of ownership and 13K miles is a Yamaha FZS600. Twenty years old next week and I have to say there is nothing about the modern Hornet or MT07 that makes me feel envious! As the FZS600 is a comparable bike it would be interesting to see it on a dyno and how it compares to its successor, they MT07.

Honda made a a big step up with the Hornet. Both are awesome mid bikes, rider’s presence!

Do you not consider the Tuono 660 to be in this class as well? Didnt hear you mention it as a competitor in the class.

Yamaha should update the mt07's engine and Bore it out a little just like they did with the mt09 in 2021 from 847cc to 889cc maybe from a 689cc to 749cc for the 07 so that it can keep up with the hornet. Although it definitely doesn't need more power it'll help with the marketing

Another excellent test from the ever impressive Mr Neeves.👍

This is the best comparison on the internet. Love both machines

Here in Holland, ik got my Hornet with Michelins. And 5 year warranty standard.😁

If the Honda has the fit and finish that honda usually has, and yamaha hasn't sorted out the rust and corrosion issue that plagues the lower model MT's, I cant see why the Honda won't take over the top spot I've always loved the sound of the MT but that hornet pips it

Not available yet here in the States - the Hornet. Have had my mind set on the MT09 but they've gotten beyond my budget once you throw in the dest and surcharges and sales tax, you looking at $11,527USD + out the door. Think I may have found my alternative bike.

The outcomes were somehow known but I was waiting for this official seal 😉✌️

In British Columbia, Canada, the annual insurance on the Honda hornet will run the equivalent of 800-900 British pounds. The MT-07 will be half that. This is because our completely backwards government-owned insurance company has goofy ideas about displacement, and it runs a series of pricing tiers based on the size of the engine. The relevant tier here has a cutoff at 750cc, where the price nearly doubles.

Good honest review.

Another excellent video Mr Neeves and, I think, quite correct. I have just bought a Honda CB750AP Hornet and am very pleased with it - I owned a Yamaha 700 Tracer (MY 2016) and whilst it was light and very fuel economic, the handling was truely awful and could only be sorted by replacing the fork cartridge units. I have also had a Z650RS for a day to ride and enjoyed that, although I felt that it vibrated somewhat more than the Hornet so wasn't so enjoyable. The Z650 handled OK though and had a solid, quality feel to it, so not all bad. The only query I have on your review is why Honda provided you with non-standard tyres. My Hornet has MIchelin's and the demo bike I rode was similarly shod. Very odd as I would rate the Michelins above the Dunlop on the 3 bikes I had had the Michelins fitted to! I believe that the Dunlops are fitted to EU bikes, so maybe this bike originated in Europe? The killer comparison video I think would be the Hornet -v- GSX-8S and look forward to watching that when you do it!

Super solid reviewww

I've rented a Hornet for the weekend and besides two things I dont like (bars are not wide enough and the 160 rear wheel) I love the way she carries her weight. The 92 bhp are quite enough for the Twisties in the Black Forrest i'm riding. A lower , wider bars and she's basically a reliable 790 Duke :))

Mate you are a Brit not a Yank most of the world is not using the imperial system. Great video was a really fun watch.

I think you were a little kind to the Yamaha when it comes to performance. The Honda should perhaps have been two points ahead there? Still, great video. I’ll be test riding the Hornet this summer. It looks like fantastic value for £7K!

Can't wait to see the comparison with the gsx-8s!

Yes !!! Thank you for the video

The king is and will always be Yamaha's TDM 850 and TRX 850 parallel twin.

Mr Neeves is the only reviewer to know exactly what he is talking about.

Honda nailed it. The Hornet is THE MT07 killer. It seems like it does everything better.

Shame that you feel you have to defuse the trolls by telling them the bikes were warmed up. Great vid.

Honda definitely, but I do prefer the look of the Yam.

Own it as my second bike. The engine is magnificent, a real treat. Great brakes and the electronics work very well as well. It's too bad they've made the riding position so "friendly" and docile. It seats you too upright and the bars are too narrow and close to your body. You can't slide backwards for more spirited riding cause the pillion is in the way and the pegs much to forwards. I guess they wanted to go for both wheelie machine and daily commuter (and the price of course is excellent) but I can't help thinking that they're not doing justice to that diamond of an engine.

Nice honest review 👍

Nice work, good comparison. I bought a Tracer with Dunlops and after changing it for the road 6, it felt like a complete new bike. They shouldn’t cheap on tires, it might make the bike feel worse than it is.

Wonder how KTMs reintroduced Duke 790 stacks up? Bit more expensive at £8k but most dealers are throwing in a quickshifter for that..

My Hornet came on Road 5s, just like the Yamaha, which was a relief. I'm not sure why Honda ship it on 2 different types of tyre, when one is so much better than the other. The Hornet is definitely not a great looker, but I can confirm it's an absolute pleasure to ride.

Wow that "representative" insurance quote for this bike aimed at new riders looks really good... The representative rider: 52 year old male, licence held for 9 years with 8 years NCB... riiiiiight.

The Honda definitely sounds better front the side of the road. The looks are definitely growing on me, and certainly better looking them the Yamaha, it is a few years old. Yamaha will certainly produce another class beater in 2024/25

The Yamaha looks like they had some extra swimming pool paint left over.

Just great review. Again u do great job.

This gives me great expectations for the rumored Honda CBR 750 R

I don’t think yamaha is going to take this lightly. The cp2 engine in the mt07 is the most reliable engine I believe in the world! Now we got the same recipe in a HONDA! Yamaha needs to improve the cp2 or redesign the engine cp2.0 perhaps. It’s been a good run Yamaha but now it’s time for a new king. Congrats to the hornet.

Wow! This review is top notch!

I thinks u forgot about the 790 Duke form KTM with the parallel twins lc8c engine. What a fun bike to own !

Holy crap, 5:35 looks like they're riding right through Hobbiton, in the Shire! Wherever they were there, that place is just ridiculously gorgeous.

Good review. Wish you had the Suzuki 8S as well.

Good comparison, please if you use “music” between passages let it be not distorted….

Great comparison, thanks. On paper I agree. Where would the Tuono 660 Factory sit?

Why did Honda make a twin 750? What does it do better than the CB-750 four. What about smoorhness? My CB-350 was smooth (hard to remember) but my larger BSA 650 vibrated a whole lot. Since then only horizontal or v-twin for me.