Back when I started riding, a 750 was considered a big, powerful and fast bike and it was to be treated with respect, especially in the wet. These days a 750 is a mid sized bike which I have noticed many people call small, light and flickable and almost a learner bike. How times have changed. I still think a 750 would have all the power most people could ever need or use, and they have become so user friendly that you hardly even notice how fast they are, or am I wrong?. Thanks for the review, some interesting observations.
I know you don't like doing bike reviews, but I think this was one of the best you have done. Loved the detail about the storage under the seats and the bike widths. That stuff is always good to know when choosing a bike
I don't mind doing bike reviews on bikes I like and when I have plenty of time like this - I don't like doing bike launches when it's all controlled by the manufacturer or doing bike reviews only...whatever, I'm glad you like this one!
£6999 that is a Good Deal , no Doubt the Price will Creep up after a few have Been Sold I wonder wich Colour will be the most Popular For me I Like. The white one / Red Frame
I cross shopped this and the CB650R. I ended up going for the CB650R just because I think it has more passion in it's design and it was a bit cheaper too in NZ too ($14,995 incl ORC vs $16,000+ORC both NZD). I know it's an older platform but it just looks so good, has that sweet inline 4 and just feels like the engineers put more love/passion into the design whereas the CB750 just feels like it was strictly built to a budget. I hope I don't grow to regret my decision but I've done 1,900km on my CB650R so far and I have loved every km of it so far. In just over an hour, when I finish work, I will go for a ride out to Makarora at the Northern end of Lake Wanaka in New Zealand. 5pm can't come soon enough!
Have to say I’m really liking the extra details included on this real world review. The extra tweaks and queries have elevated everything upwards. Really enjoy them.
Hi Flyer, I have a CB650R which i use every day.. It's not been without its problems... ignition fault.... Which do you really think is the better bike Hornet or CB650R , I'm even thinking Thruxdon o r Royal Enfield now?
I tell you straight. I don't think I could get use to your road ways where you're at. Everything is backwards. You guys drive on the left just don't make sense to me. I guess I just have to live there to get use to it. That aside, this bike is freaking awesome! I had a dream bike that I wanted and thought I was going to get, but some how being that I'm broke most of the time I can only get the bike that I can only affordand that is my little cb500f. The bike that I wanted was the Yomomma MT09. For a new bike it's pretty expensive , but this one looks to be more affordable. I can't wait to see this bike in the US. When I have the next chance to get another bike. I really want this one now.
Thanks Andy I think Honda will sell shed loads of these. Regards the front mudguard for whatever reason various manufacturers seem to be guilty of this and form over function is the norm for whatever reason…..no doubt the after market companies will make huggers and front fender extender’s soon enough. Not sure why they can’t fit as std? for the sake of a few $$. Finally it makes me laugh how in this day and age we refer to a 750 as being a middle weight….whereupon back in the day 😊
Nice review as ever TMF, you're leading the way on this bike. It doesn't quite do it for me personally but definitely an interesting proposition. There's an epic 10 bike group test waiting for MCN & the like in the not too distant I suspect. Can't go wrong with any of them really.
I think it would be cool to see a retro styled one just like Yamaha and kawasaki did with the xsr700 or the 650 RS. The market may not be the same for retro bikes as it was like 5 years ago but still a less angular bike that doesn't look like a transformer may be cool.
Glad you enjoyed the video - well the parts you saw (you haven't had time to watch it yet!!). I'm sure the Transalp will be a winner - congratulations!
Your insights are right on. I ride in the wet a lot here on the west coast of Canada, and I use Rain-X on my mirrors - it does a great job of getting most of the water to just slide off, and improve rear vision on wet days. Just a quick swipe before you ride, and it works quite well.
i have the bike 9 months now.......amazing fantastic.....it feels so premium.....fuel consumsion.......when you go with 100km average you have 41.1 to 4.3 per 100km......total range i made 370km with full tank......amazing....if you go fast something like 150km it goes to 4.8 to 5.0 the most and the range goes to 320km.....very good for such a fast bike.....
Thank you for another review. Good as always . I specially like that you test the bike in different conditions. Especially rain, yes rain In UK and in Sweden as well as most parts of the world it is raining sometimes. Bikeworld seams to left that obvious fact out since most modern designed bikes have a useless front fender. Why is that and why can´t it exist a little longer front fender as an extra option at least for those rider that use the bike even a rainy day.
Great review , I think Honda should be paying you for this , you did the bike proud , thinking of selling my 899 to get one this would be a better bike around especially with the uk weather and road conditions, 👍👍👍👍👍
very comprehensive Andy - it's not for me as I am 6 foot tall and 34 in inside leg so it was just too cramped which disappointed me (incidentally the CB650R felt cramped too) and at the time of trying the Hornet I was riding a CB500F which didnt feel cramped, also I thought in the flesh it was a bit rubbish to look at and a downgrade on my CB500F. Went with a Kawasaki Z650RS in the end which I love so far, and did everything better than the CB500F.
test rode thisand the gsx8s and honestly, appart from a terrible throttle "free play" that could be solved with the screw adjustment, i didn't feel any jerkiness around town. Maybe i am used to a good throttle control due to many different bike rides but it goes well even at low speeds. People complaining abiut 2 vs 4 cylinder must understand that 4cyl are doomed due to euro emissions rules and production prices. Also, a 700cc twin is a lot gruntier on low and medium revs that the same in 4 cyl which is better for 99% of riders
Great review TMF and bought a hornet recently. Many other reviews noted a "snatchy throttle" and it is there but only from complete throttle close to open - need to be careful at roundabouts or you could take off in an unexpected direction!! No issues as you say at low speed constant throttle. In user mode set engine braking to minimum and power on 2 but has made no difference. Hoping Honda bring out a software update for this bike or sadly it will not be a "keeper" for me!!!
Even with a GS the first thing you have to buy is a fender extender and a mudsling so your bike doesn't spray you and itself with road crud. Why don't manufacturers just do some really obvious, for them trivial costing, simple, basic improvements???
Good review. I saw one for the first time today in my local Honda dealership as I brought my CB500F in for a service. Don't know was I that impressed by the looks, to be honest, and, like you, I think I might go for the CB650R if I were to change up.
im just about to get a SV650 for a decent price. Looks aside, is the Hornet a better bike ? Particularly at motorway speeds is it better as a commuter given the aerodynamics
It looks good, better than the MT-07, but certainly not the upgrade from my Street Triple that I was hoping for. It seems the only upgrade from a Street Triple is a newer Street Triple. Excellent review, thank you sir. Conceptually, I think Honda made the wrong bike. I think they should have a 750-900cc 4-cyliner called the Hornet and a 650-750 twin. Also, a bikini fairing would be nice.
I rode the hornet yesterday, i loved every second of the ride and i could look past the styling as i prefer quasi retro bikes like the cb650r and xsr700 but unfortunately those colour options are ugly save the gray option and the lack of any spools or holes to put them in is a major misgiving
Hi Andy I asked the question had you reviewed this bike after watching the transalp and yes you have probably more manageable the the adventure style bike moving around the driveway I will go to the dealer and lug them about see which on would suit my needs.
As much as I wanted to like this bike, the filth it generates through a lack of proper mudguards is enough to deter me. Hopefully Honda will consider this if they introduce an updated NC750X as part of this new Hornet / Transalp family.
I can't see a proper rear wheel hugger, that maybe the reason of a decorated back with muck as a result. Most front fenders are to small on modern naked bikes. I always invest in a pyramid after fender to reduce the muck flying everywhere.
Hated the horn/ indicator placement on my hornet,,who thought that was a good idea.i went to extremes,traded it in after 5 months and went back to speed triple ❤
This is one of those bikes that I would definitely consider as long as it was one of a few bikes in my garage. Way easier to handle than bigger capacity machines, and no doubt an excellent commuter bike...
Great review tmf on the hornet I’ve been looking at one of these at my dealer recently at my local dealer need to book a test ride there is a upgraded bike with quick shifter different exhaust headlight fairing plus a bit more which I can’t remember at the price increase at the moment and I thought it looked better anyway all the best.
Thanks for a great review (both of them). Going through your Pros and Cons, the real shame for me is the lack of proper mudguards and resulting 'crud' that gets thrown everywhere. Given the number of wet days we get here in the UK (esp in Cheshire) that's a lot of cleaning. Otherwise, a great bike and going on my short list.
Question : didnt you notice this ? : I tested 3 different new Hornet , with and without quickshifter equiped . And i always had a STRANGE "CLONK" IN THE LEFT HANDLE WHEN YOU CHANGE GEAR ( up ou down ) , as if some kind of hard mechanical gear was engaging slightly after ( 1/10sec ). Very subtil but very annoying feeling .
I normally dislike Red on anything, but I must say this is a damn good looking bike. Combination of black and that special metallic red, looks really good. Might as well be my next bike. Just one question, where is this bike made? Japan or somewhere else? TIA
Great review as always. There's a lot to like about this bike, especially the price and performance. The exhaust sounds a bit clattery at some mid-revs but a good sound overall. It looks to be the exact same headlight as found on the 500X/F and upcoming Transalp. Cruise control would have been nice... I wish it were standard on most bikes with ride-by-wire. Glad to see riding season is getting warmer there -- I managed to get a few unusual February rides here in Canada but back to snow for at least another two weeks. Ride safe as always
If the goal of the company was - to make theft safest bike of all times - they've got it ! 😆😆 A propperly hideous creation ‼‼Hard to imagine, that an even, slightly, self respecting bike thief, will approach this thing. Actually THIS color version, is the least 🤮🤮provoking. But - still ugly and still no Cruise Control.
Will you be reviewing the Suzuki gsx 8s? Torn between the Hornet and the Suzuki, Suzuki looks much nicer with similar tech but the engine specs are in Hondas favour. Still can't decide if I should go with a twin or 4 cylinder like the CB650R. Great set of Videos though 👍
I really want them to release an NX750, the hornet is a little small for me being a proper sized man😄 The transalp has spoked tubed spindly wheels so that's a no for me, make an NX750, transalp engine and 17-19 cast wheels, add better suspension and add cruise, then you've got a real winner Honda. Great video.
very good test, lots of detail's but when You talking about speed and fuel consumption please add some information in metric units like km/h or l/100km. Cheers
Hi Andy, from a slightly confused East Sussex. During your test ride, you stated that the low speed throttle action was very good. On your pro's and cons you say that the throttle action was a tad jerky. Covering all bases ?
Hi Andy. Have you ridden an Aprilia Tuono 660? Wondering what your thoughts are between the Hornet and the 660? I'm a Honda man normally, but there is something about the 660 that makes me want one. I have a test ride booked for the hornet and Aprilia in a week's time, after a holiday. Be good to ride them back to back( from the same dealership) Aprilia has had some issues with their engine, i believe. But should of been sorted by now 🤞 Looking at most of the reviews regarding the Tuono, it seems more planted , with better suspension. Only worry is reliability, which won't be a problem for the Hornet.......
I'm one who can honestly say that looks are subjective. When I first saw the hornet, I thought it looked a bit funny. After a few minutes I was rather liking it. My only problem is that I'm kind of a big guy. 6ft 1in and weight 290 lb. Just not sure how the acceleration would suit me. I hate buying anything and then having buyers remorse.
OH my goodness, been mentioned in a Vid, I am him by the way, not that I care, OK Andy, you rode a KTM on a touring weekend, ok you have the choice of the two, which one do you put your bag on the back for the weekend trip. especially as KTM are bringing out the 790 again? Thanks Andy, you do some great vids
Hi TMF, very interesting bike the Hornet. Do you think or have any insider knowledge of if there will a say CB750X version of the bike coming in the future from Honda. Cheers Dan
Brilliant! You do reviews so well, it's really enjoyable (you and Bruce, even though very different, are really enjoyable, and when you've done the same bikes it's fascinating to see opinion from both ends of the physical spectrum). Unrelated note, that hoody looked superb, where's it from?
Thanks for the kind words! It's a Honda Hoody - I googled and found this... store.via-moto.co.uk/collections/honda/products/honda-vintage-hoodies-sunset?variant=31998877171755
Do like this bike in many aspects, the lack of provision for fitting a center stand or bobbins for a pit-stand is short sighted for utility, the road slop protection for rider, suspension components and just about everything else one could wish protected by adequate mud guards is a more problematic choice. Promising, but short of the mark in critical areas that contribute to easy of use and sustainable ownership experience
Agreed, I would never by this bike due to those points you mention. When riding in the the rain you are riding a 'crap throwing' machine. Only a bike for dry days🙂
Is a quick shifter worth having on a road bike? Especially as an expensive add-on? I can see benefits if you're using the bike for track days, racing etc. But for the average rider, does it make a big difference?
Andy, when you do sections where you show a bikes lights at night, even when you have a bike with particularly good lights, it's almost impossible to see how good they are on the video's....Something happens in filming, which you have mentioned, and it's a shame that being the case that we cannot, from the videos's, see how good the good lights are on a bike. Guess I'll just have to see if I can get a test ride at night to see, lol....Of course this can't happen really. It's just a shame. Good review matey.
I was once told my first BMW was so ugly no one would steal it. After marketing can fix many problems that low pricing has produced. Seems like whatever the video that Andy posts, I always seem to enjoy them. Personality is what does it for me. Never found a bike that I couldn't enjoy riding. Not willing to give up.!! 👍👍🏍🏍🏍🙋♂️
Thx for the nice reviews. I think once you recognize the shape of a real hornet in the bike, it starts to look beautiful. Even the mirrors remind the insect s eyes. First time I saw the bike, I did not really like it. But than I saw the “wasp” and I connected to it. 🐝
when i first looked at one online i thought it looked so-so, a bit generic, but IMHO in the flesh and when you sit on it, it's so much better, i really like it, and bought one, but not so much for the looks, which helps, but the all round package is great, and i also got a fab deal. GL
I'd like to know what your impressions are of the Honda Connect or whatever the Bluetooth integration is called with your phone. Like if it can give you Google Maps navigation etc.
Do you take it back to the dealership with all that CRUD still on it after they Lend these new bikes to you How easy would things be to take the bike to a garage and put £3 in a jet wash and give it a clean I bet your GS doesn't look like that you need to clean your act up TMF
Looks like we aren't getting this in the States, but next year Honda is doing a CBR750r and it looks like it might be the full fairing version of this(possibly but maybe not, so we might not ever see the Hornet). I do like this Hornet but the price almost seems too good to be true...they don't have any of their mid priced bikes with TFT, ride modes etc, very, very surprised to see this with those for 7grand. Only thing I might be worried about is this all new engine, hopefully there are no issues or recalls inbound. But yea, we in the States will probably have to wait for that CBR750 to get the Hornet if it's indeed the fairing version. But a CBR750 is such a weird choice, if they make the price too high it won't sell because you could get the CBR650r and if they make the price good, the 650 won't sell that well. Honestly, I'd rather see the Hornet come out here and perhaps in 2024 just do a CBR900r or something instead of a 750.
I absolutely hate it. First of all this is NOT a Hornet, Hornets are inline 4. Someone woke must be working at Honda. Make a new model for this 125cc sounding engine/looking bike and just go with it and don't ruin the Hornet name in the process YES? I will never part my 10 year + inline screamer for this pos (in comparison). Apologies to all owners, bit of a furious purist here.
Excellent real world review Andy. You manage to get all the key points of owning a new bike into a sensible length video. Thanks for answering my specific question on vibes. I wonder if the bike has a hollow rear wheel spindle like my MT07. I fitted some aftermarket bobbins and rod through the spindle. Martin W. 👍🏼
