When Honda decides to bring something new to the Indian market, it often sets the tone for the rest of the segment. That’s exactly what’s happening right now. Honda has just launched the CB750 Hornet in India at a price of Rs 8.60 lakh (ex-showroom, Gurugram). This isn’t just another middleweight bike. It’s a serious attempt to bring premium street performance with a balance of practicality and style.
What makes this launch more interesting is that the CB750 Hornet shares its engine with the XL750 Transalp, which is known globally for its adventure performance. But here, Honda has taken the same powerplant and tuned it for road-focused fun. If you’re a rider looking for a machine that feels smooth in the city but still packs serious punch on open roads, this new Hornet might catch your attention.
Let’s break down what this new motorcycle is all about, and whether it’s worth the price Honda is asking.
Design That Feels Purposeful and Modern
From a distance, the CB750 Hornet looks compact and sharp. It’s got a clean streetfighter look that’s aggressive without trying too hard. The tank is muscular. The headlamp looks sharp and angular. Even the seat and tail section are minimal and tidy. Everything feels intentional. It doesn’t scream for attention, but if you look closely, you’ll notice the attention to detail.
The bike gets full LED lighting, which is bright and modern. The fit and finish are what you’d expect from Honda. Nothing feels cheap or overdone. It’s the kind of design that grows on you the more you use it. Not flashy. Just confident.
Engine Shared with the Transalp, Tuned for the Street
The real heart of the CB750 Hornet is the engine. It uses a 755cc parallel-twin motor, the same one used in the Transalp. But in the Hornet, it’s tuned for better on-road response. It produces 92 horsepower at 9,500 rpm and 75 Newton-metres of torque at 7,250 rpm.
What those numbers mean in real life is this: the engine is quick to respond, especially in the mid-range. You don’t have to push it too hard to get moving. Overtakes are easy. Long rides feel effortless. And thanks to Honda’s engineering, it stays smooth no matter what speed you’re doing.
It comes with a six-speed gearbox, and Honda has included a slipper clutch to help with smoother downshifts. If you want more convenience, you can also get a quickshifter as an optional accessory.
This bike isn’t just about numbers on paper. The engine feels lively, but never too wild. It’s a machine you can enjoy on daily commutes, weekend rides, or even short tours.
Comfort and Ergonomics That Work on Indian Roads
Not every bike that looks good on paper works well on our roads. But Honda seems to have understood that. The CB750 Hornet has a seat height of 795 mm. That means it’s not too tall. Most average-height riders will be able to place their feet flat on the ground.
The bike weighs 192 kg with a full tank, which is manageable. You won’t feel it to be heavy in traffic. The handlebars are wide and positioned well for a natural upright posture. The foot pegs are slightly rear-set, giving it a sporty but not uncomfortable stance.
One area where riders might need to be careful is the ground clearance. At 140 mm, it’s fine for most roads, but on taller speed breakers, you’ll have to go slow. That said, the suspension setup helps a lot. The bike uses a 41 mm Showa fork at the front and a monoshock at the rear. Both are tuned to handle bumps without making the ride feel too soft or too hard.
Real Features That Matter on the Road
The CB750 Hornet is not packed with gimmick. Instead, it focuses on real features that riders actually use. You get a five-inch TFT screen that shows all your riding data. It’s clear and easy to read, even in sunlight.
There are four riding modes to choose from. Sport gives you sharper throttle. Standard is a good balance for everyday use. Rain cuts the power a bit to help with grip. And User lets you customize settings to your preference.
There’s also traction control, which helps if the road gets slippery. It’s not something you’ll notice unless things go wrong, but it’s good to have. The bike also has a slipper clutch, which is a big help during downshifts. All lights on the bike are LED, which improves visibility without using too much power.
For riders who like a little more convenience, Honda offers a bidirectional quickshifter as an add-on. It lets you shift up and down without using the clutch, which is especially helpful in stop-and-go traffic.
Braking That Inspires Confidence
Braking is one of the most important parts of any motorcycle, and Honda has done a solid job here. At the front, you get twin 296 mm discs with radial-mounted calipers. At the back, there’s a 240 mm disc.
The brakes give you good bite and feel. They’re not too sharp or too soft. And with dual-channel ABS as standard, you can brake hard without worrying about the wheels locking up.
The tyres also help with stopping power. The Hornet comes with Michelin Road 6 tyres, which are known for good grip in both dry and wet conditions. The front tyre is 120 mm wide, while the rear is 160 mm. Both are mounted on 17-inch wheels.
How It Compares to Other Bikes in the Segment
At this price point, there aren’t many direct rivals to the CB750 Hornet. Honda’s own CB650R is the closest competitor. That bike has a four-cylinder engine, but it makes slightly less power and comes at a similar price.
If you look at other brands, you might compare it to bikes like the Triumph Trident 660 or the Kawasaki Z650. Both are capable, but neither offers the same combination of power, features, and Honda’s after-sales support.
The Hornet offers a unique middle ground. It’s not as raw as a full sportbike, but it’s more exciting than a basic commuter. And for riders who want a bike that feels premium without being overly aggressive, it sits in a sweet spot.
Pricing and Delivery Timeline
The CB750 Hornet is priced at Rs 8.60 lakh ex-showroom. That’s a good amount of money, but you are getting a bike that has been built with quality and performance in mind. It’s not for everyone, and that’s okay. It’s meant for riders who are serious about their machines.
Honda has said that deliveries will start in June. The bike will be sold through Honda’s BigWing dealerships, so you may need to check with your nearest outlet about availability and booking status.
Since it’s being brought to India as a CKD (Completely Knocked Down) unit, expect the initial batches to be limited. If you're seriously considering this bike, it’s better to act quickly.
Is the CB750 Hornet Worth It?
The CB750 Hornet is not trying to be the fastest or the flashiest bike out there. What it offers is balance. You get real performance, everyday usability, and a premium experience without going overboard.
It’s a bike that feels like it’s been designed by riders, for riders. If you’re looking for something that can handle office commutes on weekdays and highway rides on weekends, this bike fits the bill. It’s fast when you want it to be, calm when you need it to be, and always feels like it’s under your control.
In today’s world of overly digital and over-complicated bikes, the CB750 Hornet stands out because it keeps things simple and rider-focused. That’s what makes it special.
If you’re in the market for a new middleweight, this is one bike that deserves a serious test ride.
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