The Indian mid-weight motorcycle segment is heating up, and Honda is ready to sting the competition with the CB750 Hornet, a streetfighter that blends Japanese engineering with aggressive styling. As the model prepares for its official India launch, here’s a crisp breakdown of what makes the CB750 Hornet a potential disruptor—and where it might fall short compared to rivals.
Quick Specs Snapshot:
| Specification | Honda CB750 Hornet |
|---|---|
| Engine | 755cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled |
| Power Output | 91 bhp @ 9,500 rpm |
| Torque | 74.4 Nm @ 7,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Weight | 190 kg (kerb) |
| Mileage (claimed) | ~23–25 km/l |
| Suspension | Showa 41mm USD forks, mono-shock |
| Brakes | Dual front discs, ABS |
| Expected Price | ₹11–12 lakh (ex-showroom) |
| Rivals | Yamaha MT-07, Triumph Trident 660 |
What’s Hot:
Performance Meets Practicality
The CB750 Hornet packs a parallel-twin 755cc engine delivering a strong mid-range and high-revving character. With 91 bhp on tap, it edges ahead of the Yamaha MT-07 (72.4 bhp) and gets close to the Triumph Trident 660 (80 bhp), making it a spirited ride for urban streets and weekend highway blasts.
Lightweight and Agile
At 190 kg, it’s one of the lighter bikes in its class—translating to nimble city handling and easier maneuverability. The steel diamond frame and Showa suspension promise stability without compromising agility.
Tech-Laden Cockpit
A 5-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity, multiple ride modes (Standard, Sport, Rain, and Custom), traction control, and wheelie control add to its premium feel—giving it an edge in tech over some older competitors.
Aggressive Design Language
Sharp tank shrouds, angular LED headlamps, and a compact tail give the CB750 Hornet a distinctive, modern streetfighter look. A clear departure from Honda’s traditionally conservative styling.
Where It Misses the Mark:
Premium Pricing
Expected to be priced between ₹11–12 lakh (ex-showroom), it enters the premium end of the middleweight segment. At this price, the Triumph Trident 660 offers European brand cachet and slightly better finish levels, while the Kawasaki Z650 remains a more affordable parallel-twin alternative.
No Adjustable Suspension
Unlike rivals such as the Trident 660, which features preload-adjustable front forks, the Hornet lacks fully adjustable suspension, which could matter to enthusiasts seeking more tuning flexibility.
Limited Touring Appeal
With a compact frame and lack of wind protection, long-distance riders may find it less suited for highway cruising compared to adventure-tourers like the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE.
Should You Buy It?
If you’re after a performance-first, tech-rich streetfighter with Honda’s legendary reliability and striking design, the CB750 Hornet makes a compelling case—particularly for city dwellers and weekend riders who value handling over highway touring.
However, if budget, long-distance comfort, or brand prestige rank higher on your list, exploring the Yamaha MT-07, Triumph Trident 660, or Kawasaki Z650 might better serve your needs.
Verdict:
Honda CB750 Hornet is set to rattle the streets with its performance and tech-forward appeal. It’s not the cheapest or most versatile bike in the category—but for pure, stylish thrills in the 700–800cc segment, it definitely delivers a sting.
