Riding The New 2023 Honda CB750 Hornet: Bargain Middleweight Naked!

Thanks to all of my channel sponsors - you can find out more about each of them here!
Thanks to Beeline Moto for supporting the channel - my favourite little navigation device:
motobob.cc/u/beelinemoto
Also thanks to Pegase Moto for their support - if you need a GPS tracker without a monthly subscription fee, then look no further:
motobob.cc/u/pegasemoto
Use "motobob20" at the checkout for €20 off!
See my full review here:
• Pegase Moto Review: Th...
Thanks to Pando Moto for providing my gear and sponsoring the channel. You can watch my review of their products here:
motobob.cc/u/mypandogear
Also thanks to BeMoto bike insurance for supporting the channel:
www.bemoto.uk/motorbike-insur...
Quote "MOTOBOB" for free licence defence cover!
And also thanks to Speedo Angels for their support:
motobob.cc/u/speedoangels
Use "MOTOBOB20" for 20% off anything on the site!

[@ianhughesroyalenfield]

Great review, I took one out last week for a review, it was acceptable in town, but absolutely excelled on the open road. I just left it in Sport Mode for the majority of the time, and it’s an absolute hoot, very naughty, and yes I was silly on it 😂

[@stephensudlow6938]

Had mine 6 months now .great bike at a great orice

[@skippercaship]

Hi great video, I love it I pick mine up Monday 3rd April 2 days before my birthday what a present carnt wait.

[@Completelycory]

Dear Honda, I need a yellow one dropped off near Detroit. Thanks 👌🏼

[@icedidi]

picked mine up monday, only 40 miles under my belt so far as the weather has been abysmal. Love it so far, huge value.

[@philhogarth9492]

Had mine 2 weeks an only managed 150 mile so far.

[@witodedonder4308]

I'm on the edge of buying one too... How is it comfortwise? All the positives are about the engine, but not much about comfort... And for a 2 person ride? Comfort for the passenger? Tnx in advance for your answer! 😊

[@icedidi]

@@witodedonder4308 I can't speak for pillion comfort but for me riding is, so far, comfortable, especially considering I had to get rid of my guzzi cafe because it caused unbearable neck and shoulder pain and headaches. I choped it in for a kawasaki W800, and then changed that for the Hornet. One thing of note is height, I'm 5'10" (1.78m) - taller riders have said their lower back is pushed against the raised pillion seat/cowel. Try and find one to sit on.

[@marcusgeorge1825]

Thanks Bob. Appreciate your thoughts. 👍😎🇦🇺

[@DaBinChe]

I would like a CB750R, so with the round headlight and that neo-retro style. Had a 2006 Hornet bought new for 6years an 50k miles rode all over the WestCoast with it.

[@whiskywhippet]

Good to see that Honda are back.

[@savage1764]

I hope they bring this model to the states. I'm saving for my fist bike and this one really has my eye.

[@ricatiman]

The Hornet has more HP than my 1000cc Monster S2R, and it's considerably lighter too. And I know from experience that the Honda will cost far less to buy, and maintain. Our Ducati dealers charge $200.00 per hour for service! So what if the suspension isn't adjustable - it doesn't adjust on my Duc either, and that has never been an issue. I'm getting one for sure!

[@stephenwatchesyoutube4133]

Keep in mind the hornet will have a lot less torque at the bottom, so will feel a lot more lethargic out of slow corners.

[@photographerjonathan]

I like that its a 90hp twin, would like to see it compared to the MT07 and new Suzuki and Trident. I wonder how the bike would look if you took that pointy front plastic extension off of the front of the gas tank. so it just looked more like a normal tank.

[@TheEcoas]

Won't be hard at all to elevate the look of this bike. First, match the color of the side panels protecting the radiator (the one with the hornet logo) to whatever the body color of the bike is (in this instance, a matte grey?) but if the bike is in white or yellow, it'll defo look more apparent. Second, the headlight is just too thick. Make it as thin as the glossy panel that surrounds the headlight from the side to bottom, then it'd definitely look cooler and more aggressive.

[@Alexsants02]

Great vlog. Absolute peach of a bike, People are pissed off by the understated look but it does not look bad in anyway, And it looks like a blank canvas you can customize as you like. Looking forward to more vlogs

[@movingnaturefilms]

It's absolute milquetoast on the looks. Nothing about it screams hornet.

[@hathaway.1166]

take a look at the CL500, now that's a blank canvas, like a good ol pair of vans.

[@ronr6605]

​@@movingnaturefilms yep, looks wise an absolute uninspiring rehash of the mid 2000s... the old one has been even better, not looks wise, but 4 the 4 cylinders.

[@MarkoMarcello]

Great review. I am sure it delivers, just like or better than previous. But the engine design, looks and color, remind me of old MZ or cheap old bikes, or Suzuki GS500 or Honda CB500. I just feel they omitted there somehow, being a fairly powerful bike that also attracted riders and turned a few heads just by it looks with raw engine and chrome. But, taste is a personal thing.

[@ozzyg82]

Spotted my first new Hornet out in the wild the other day down in East Sussex. Looked smart.

[@domasvosylius4349]

So what would you pick up hornet or transalp?

[@cpuuk]

Good wet weather tyres as standard.

[@SantiWax]

Honestly I feel like the stock exhaust sounds better🤷 great vid!

[@Sinister_fartbox]

Such boring sound. Nothing special, not a head turner

[@DrKampfpudding]

Styling still has a lot to do with buying a bike . As fun as it sounds , I'd rather get something else that makes me want to look back after I park it

[@Reppyboyo]

How would you compare this to a KTM Duke 790?

[@noherczeg]

Grey is the best option for this bike IMO.

[@tubejorrit]

I wish a manufacturer would make a middleweight bike with premium suspension/parts. This engine, and the CP-2 Yamaha engine are perfectly fine for the road. But if I want good suspension then I'll have to buy a super naked and then I get a lot of horsepower also which I will rarely use on the public roads.

[@milbella1]

What rev it jacket is that?

[@richardwarsinske7064]

The Hornet looks like the perfect bike for me but unfortunately I live in the US where it is not offered in their current 2023 lineup (???). Hopefully this will change in the near future!

[@ricatiman]

I work at a Honda dealer in Canada - it's coming for 2024...

[@richardwarsinske7064]

@@ricatiman Thanks! Not sure I want to wait another year but if the Suzuki GSX 8S or KTM Duke 790 compare favorably I won't have to. Love to find out why Honda delayed the Hornet's availability this year for North America?

[@robbieracer3294]

There is a CBR750 coming, but who cares...a lot of us want this Hornet. Besides, if the CBR750 is anywhere near the price of the CBR650(10grand)it won't be as wanted as the Hornet anyway

[@paulconnell1309]

Cool ride, thanks. At last something from Honda to fill the gap. I have a question MOTOBOB. The CB 650 range has cheap feeling suspension, not well damped in my view. the Hornet has the same brand and spec but with more travel. Does it feel better damped And does it hold line through a B road corner with the odd bump well? Look fwd to a three way with the Trident and GSX 8S ;-o

[@paulconnell1309]

BTW live in a crazy country where the Trident and CB650s are only available restricted/A2. You can after market de-restrict the CB 650s here but not the Trident. Not convinced by the CB650 so looking forward to trying the Hornet when it finally arrives down under.

[@flexywing]

Just got my Hornet and all Bob says it is. One criticism if the bike is weather and road protection. I don't mean for the rider but the bike! The front mudguard is a joke, it throws dirt and water all up the front, to the extent the bottom triple clamp get dirty. The rear is even worse. No protection at if you take passenger in the rain or even slightly wet roads, the back of them will be wet and dirty. So fender extender and hugger are needed (got mine on order now) Great review and totally agree with it all

[@wambman]

Where did you get the hugger? Looking for one as well

[@flexywing]

www.google.com/search?q=honda+cb750+hornet+fender+extender&client=ms-android-samsung-ga-rev1&sxsrf=APwXEddn4RN4GksAojyckEVrE6gvHLgTgA%3A1680056983083&ei=l6IjZKzgBJKD8gLXyY-QDQ&oq=honda+cb750+hornet+fender+exr&gs_lcp=ChNtb2JpbGUtZ3dzLXdpei1zZXJwEAEYADIICCEQoAEQwwQyCAghEKABEMMEOgoIABBHENYEELADOgcIIxCwAhAnOgUIABCiBDoECCEQFToFCAAQgAQ6BAgAEB46BggAEAUQHjoGCAAQCBAeOgoIIRCgARDDBBAKOgQIIRAKSgQIQRgAUL4OWLjEAWDo1QFoBnAAeACAAacBiAHgF5IBBDAuMjGYAQCgAQHIAQTAAQE&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-serp#imgrc=RXQOP0gOX_RdsM&scso=_taIjZNq1HJWFhbIPjbaQgAQ_25%253A0

[@flexywing]

Hope these help

[@flexywing]

Do you the Honda screen on yours?

[@ozzyg82]

It’s hard to swallow the fact that SC project exhaust costs the sharp end of £1000!

[@alexpryce555]

Is that for the full system?

[@philhogarth9492]

I wouldnt bother, stock exhaust sounds sweet

[@SantiWax]

​@@alexpryce555 nope 😢

[@ozzyg82]

@@philhogarth9492 yeah, but it looks toy town cheap 🤮

[@ozzyg82]

I quite like that grey colour with dark frame. Wonder how quickly those down pipes will brown out on our wet, salty English roads.

[@mindcave]

Its so nice, and NOT being offered here in Australia :( Oh well, white it is....

[@318swanlane]

I´m not in England ,we are in northern Catalunya ! more important than the effect of a GB winter , should be possibly the worst gearbox I had had in 66 years of M/cycling, add to that a violent Fly by Wire that could be suicidal even on dry roads /normal conditions ! Just coming up to 1500 klms, can´t see any improvement (update for the ECU planned at the moment) such a shame because apart from these faults it is a great bike ! Has anyone else had these problems please????

[@danielbesco1722]

Cruise as an add on might have been nice

[@J2I3H]

I really hope they will put this engine in the cb650r neo cafe frame. Round headlight and 180 rear tire👌

[@chrispack3131]

I would just put a 180 section rear tyre on & have done with it!

[@vigilant.]

💩

[@robbieracer3294]

They are coming next year with a CBR750, but I doubt it will priced well like the Hornet

[@hardeepjohal6693]

Great bike in great price other biking getting out of control

[@PeterOekvist]

Doesn't really look like anything... Should have done a CB750R next gen neo retro design (you know what i mean) and retired the 650 and/or a classic retro style CB750 with all the chrome and spoked wheels.

[@mt1885]

Will the HORNET be available in the USA like the YELLOW and the WHITE both!

Read somewhere up above that only in 2024, at least for Canada... And they should go hand 9n hand

[@korazon3spinado]

Do you recommend this over the competition like the cbr650, mt07, sv650, or z650?

[@popdatclutch3010]

Cb650r is is amazing

[@fingerscrossed2317]

Is de vering echt zo slecht ?

[@robspear6004]

Honda, the USA wants this bike, too!

[@flexywing]

Can't have 😊 we want the 650 Hawk and The 400/4 CB1 and we weren't allowed them😢

[@thodoris3790]

this bike needs a fatbar and a higher seat.and a little screen.and an arrow or an acro.then,it will be awesome

[@xgalex6191]

I want to love this bike, I just wish the front end didn't feel so generic and bland. That's the only big gripe with the new 750 hornet.

[@scullyion]

Who gives a fuck if it looks like a twat when it rides like a 🧨

[@WyreForestBiker]

Nobody seems to mention that the most important feature is the pricing ...in as much as it represents Honda flexing their muscles and throwing a grenade into the market , making other bikes look stupidly overpriced.

[@robbieracer3294]

Yea the 2023 MT-07 is 8199 here in the States...a little too much in my opinion. And not to mention what they did with 07s dash....my god it is hideous, literally a square tablet. Literally looks like someone took a tablet, turned it sideways and mounted it in front of the bars.

[@stewie90]

First bike - CB750 Hornet or CB650r ??? Keep going round in circles. This looks a lot of fun but the 650r looks 🔥

[@dritokonj2]

I got a 2020 CB650R, but as they got very expensive nowadays, and with less tech, my wife opted for the Hornet due to the lower seat height (795 vs. 810mm on the CB650R), we just ordered it. I still haven't ridden it, but I wouldn't change my CB650R fo anything. I've had it for a year now after owning other bikes before it, and I see myself as a happy owner for years to come. I know people bitch about no grunt down low, but that's horses**t IMHO. I mean, even the slowest 125 is the fastest thing in the city, and this thing is blazing fast when you open up the throttle. It goest up to a 100kmh+ in 1st gear and if you wanna race a bit, you absolutely can...dunno man, that 4-cylinder screech is something else. Also, it's VERY VERY smooth down low, and very forgiving for a new rider. And as you said, you can't even compare the looks. CB650R is just gorgeous. I look at it every day, and I'm still in love. So my recommendation would be CB650R, absolutely, no doubt. If you can spare that much more money. And it's been on the market for a while now, so you can buy extras cheaper than the extras for a new model. Yup, CB650R all the way. You can stop going in circles.

[@AcmeRocket]

The hornet looks quite budget compared to the finish of the CB650R. Imho

[@dritokonj2]

@@AcmeRocket Did you try them back to back? Or saw them next to each other? :) I'm switching between the two every day and I can assure you it's not budget feeling at all - HOWEVER - the steering is ultralight and it reminds of a bicycle steering when you first sit on it and the CB650R feels much more substantial when you ride.

[@Stanley88845]

Is a shame loads of these middleweight budget naked reviews completely skip out on the new 790 Duke, at £7999 it definetly competes.

[@motobob]

Got one coming next week - should be interesting!

[@Stanley88845]

@@motobob ooooo, exciting. Do you know if it'll be A2 restricted or full power?

[@Steve-motorcycles]

Ready to Repair, but exciting to ride.. I would not own another 790 as they suffer from their issues I haveexperienced first hand 😢. I can’t see that getting any better now they a built in China. Time will tell though.

[@Stanley88845]

@@Steve-motorcycles they're only assembled in China. All the parts are still made in Austria. Quality is the exact same. I have a 2023 790 Duke and the fit and finish is just as great as the older models

[@Steve-motorcycles]

@@Stanley88845 oh, that so much better.

[@SantiWax]

+4 teeth on the rear should make this a wheelie machine 😁

[@MrEvhel83]

How does it compare against the KTM 790 Duke?

[@motobob]

Will find out next week - picking one up on Monday 👍

[@WyreForestBiker]

Main difference ? ...Its reliable !

[@splodge5714]

In the metal it looks great. A bargain at £6999 otr.

[@Mr450pro]

I just tried the new Hornet. It’s definitely not dull.. it pulls like a train even in 6 gear. But looks is killing me,it’s so boring and meh looking. Honda f#cked up in the styling department. I rode it in sport mode only, I can say it’s definitely not one you will grow tired of. It pulls really hard through out the rev range👌🏻

[@denislejeune9218]

K16, the other flat 6.

[@dukie1616]

Very nice bike, would seriously consider buying it. Although really don’t like that boring box tube swingarm, wish it looked similar to the 790/890’s. I’m sure it’s quite functional though.

[@mindcave]

The swing arm is a contender for the new definition of bland.

[@mindcave]

I still bought one though.

[@dukie1616]

@@mindcave So true👏

[@dukie1616]

@@mindcave I’m seriously considering buying it. What stands out the most, or rather what do you look forward to the most when going for your rides on your Hornet?

[@mindcave]

@@dukie1616 well I'm yet to receive mine, it's apparently due to arrive here (Australia) in April. The fact that it was $1900 AUD cheaper than n MT-07 was a big selling point, but also, the fact that it was $9000 cheaper than the Monster 937 which I initially ordered was another selling point (my order fell through as Ducati messed up my bike allocation). It's also got enough punch and HP compared to the 937 to satisfy my desire for get up and go, without getting into ludicrous territory. The 937 manages 0-100kmh in 3.5s, and these have been reported to manage it in 3.7s, so that's quite the thrill to price ratio. I'm after fun and ease of ride, not track day second shavings. Throw in it's small and nimble size, (I'm not a big guy) it just ticked enough boxes for me and was a no brainer. I also bought a sauna with the spare $ from the price of the Ducati so all in all, winning.

[@robbieracer3294]

Honda missed the mark not bringing this to the States. Sure, might be something to do with the Hornet name, but so what, not like they couldn't drop the name for the U.S. like they did with the Fire blade. And supposedly we are getting a CBR750, but not until next year and I know more than a few who don't care about that one, they want this Hornet. Besides, how much is the CBR750 going to cost? The 650, is already pushing 10 grand, if the CBR750 is anywhere near that, they missed the point again of not bringing the Hornet to the U.S. Just don't get it, makes no sense

[@dritokonj2]

Wait, it's really not coming to the States this year or...at all?

[@robbieracer3294]

@@dritokonj2 I heard it's suppose to come to Canada so hopefully that means the U.S. too. But it's not listed on any U.S. Honda sites

[@Steve-motorcycles]

The Triident 😂😂😂 As much as I like a triple engine, it’s quite dull comparatively to this or even the MT07. This Hornet is a game changer in the budget middle weight class.

[@matteomori4330]

The price is very competitive but the bike looks very forgettable, don’t you think? Arguably people have different tastes though.

[@Steve-motorcycles]

@@matteomori4330 I think it’s ok, I do agree that it could have looked better. That is something I would say about a lot of different bikes nowadays.

[@gsm_liv8980]

The Trident would have been fantastic if its front suspension is a bit softer and that throttle is more responsive

[@Paul-kp1tu]

I want one, I like it BUT , why can’t I just have a standard looking bike, with a proper dual seat and low slung exhausts. What must they all seem to build things that look like a sci-fi insect invader. Are we all 16 yr old Transformers fans, no we are not. So I’ll wait for a cb750 as above. Doesn’t have to be retro , just with proper proportions for two people and luggage. Even the base gold wing achieves this .

[@AlanMcIntyre-nz9nj]

I'm more often than not, just an observer of the new motorcycle market offerings as I have a stable of older bikes that I rarely swap out for newer models. Having said that I'm a very active rider and do my yearly share of mileage all around the world. So... this is my first ever comment on Utube. Is it just me or is this particular motor visually the most unappealing ( ugly ) motor ever offered in a motorcycle? For instance just Google up an image of a 70's Triumph 650 or for that matter any 70's- 80's motorcycle. I understand this is purely a cosmetic complaint but still... Motorcycles are machines of passion and that should be respected by designers everywhere.

[@spartanx169x]

I don't understand the concern of how the engine looks. Take Harley for example, the standard V twin is an awesome looking motor, but performance sucks without throwing money at it. I will take performance over looks everyday all day. I don't have fun by looking at the motor. I have fun by using the motor.

[@michal.laskowski.]

looks like bargain of the decade

[@ragerider6283]

Nice vid. It's clearly a very decent machine but it's styling is so dull, I literally wouldn't look at it twice. I just couldn't part with 7k knowing that to look at it is to fall asleep. It's looks like a cheap Chinese copy of a generic Japanese bike.

[@peterwilson8039]

I hear that a lot but I don't see it. It's clearly the Trident that's the dog of the bunch when it comes to looks.

[@mattdog1982]

Completely agree. IThe bike is fantastic value, however it looks awful. I wouldn’t bother getting it out of the garage.

[@houjous5131]

Who called the Honda boring for the design? I heard a lot of "they are stealing the dukes looks" when it was first spoiled. I also heard a "bland duke" but that's not calling the design itself boring, just lazily designed. If the ktm wasn't out yet, I'd be good looking; they just took a controversial looking popular bike and then tuned down the controversial looking bits. They made a dad bike.

[@houjous5131]

I would take the hornet over the 790 duke though.

I did. Lots of times :) this one looks like a 16 year old Sym nh-x or any other Korean uninspired motorcycle. Let's hope a ne-retro comes along.

[@robbieracer3294]

Not this model, their other models...which are all the same bike, just naked or with fairing...cb500, cbr500, cb650, cbr650..500x..etc. All the same bike, just different plastics

[@eclipsegfxable]

@@houjous5131 I wouldn't even with the problems I have had with my duke lol

Just that styling... meh. The rest is supper. So...waiting for the "neo-retro" version.

[@SantiWax]

Let's hope that actually comes out 🤞

[@chrisbike77]

This 'bland Honda' is more a Duc Monster/ KTM Duke 790 & is what Suzuki's SV should've been. Yamaha? Imagine MT07 plus MT09 divided by 2 . Aprilia Tuono 660 with more muscle bottom & middle . Handling: yepp, even if it's got Roadsport2 & not a great allweather-tyre like a Metzler Roadtec 01 or Mich Road 6. It's a winner. Trident would be needing a 95 horse 765er to keep up, the, rest is already there on the Triumph.

[@mindcave]

Funny you say that. Not that I've ridden the hornet yet, but just the mere sound and sight of people riding it reminds me of riding the Monster 937. Seems to share a similar eagerness to want to go. Not much in the acceleration times either. 3.5s vs 3.7s 0-100kph.

[@pggp273]

Oh yes of course its under 180bhp so it must be a beginner bike then 🙄

[@rabbychan]

Guys, just buy an mt 09 from 2020.

[@robbieracer3294]

So people should buy a used bike instead of getting new? Dealerships around me don't have 2020s sitting on the floor. Why should I buy someone's used bike when I can get a brand new, never ridden model?

[@eclipsegfxable]

@@robbieracer3294 There is plenty of reason to buy 2nd hand.

[@eclipsegfxable]

Exactly just looks like a bigger CB500 lol

[@OliNorris]

Sadly it`s 12.000€ here☹️

[@mindcave]

That's criminal. I could buy a Street Triple cheaper than that here in Australia.

[@mindcave]

I worked out the equivalent and it was 7728€ here. You have some crooks in power?

[@OliNorris]

@@mindcave It is that ”temporary” vehicle tax in Finland since the 60’s. Oh well… I’ll just hop on my 14.400€ husky 701 and get out of here.

[@mindcave]

@@OliNorris Finland should have a "temporary" honk you horn outside a politicians house for 10 mins at 2am day.

[@user-zn2sf3yw6q]

Hornet 750 just looks like cb650f lacks 2 exhaust. Honda rly fk up the name of hornet, no matter the hornet2.0 or 750

[@chrisdadigger1018]

The styling of that motorcycle sucks. Needs a belly pan or reroute the exhaust in a more esthetically pleasing look.

[@vigilant.]

Looks boring, happy with my cbr650r

[@rs660alec3]

The mirrors are atrocious

[@monawoka97]

This is gonna sound so vapid but for some reason the name "hornet" puts me off so much. It just makes the bike sound so... Buzzy and annoying lol. Who wants to be a hornet 🙄

[@jihigh482]

You're right, It's very vapid. Almost stupid even.

[@monawoka97]

@@jihigh482 Yup fully aware. But then a bike is a lot more about experience and pride of ownership. It's not a purely logical and utilitarian thing. So as irrelevant as it is, naming matters.

[@roberta.6579]

Wish the Chinese were designing them Japanese bikes

[@DavidSmith-hn5gg]

Problem is they design bikes for tiny people they’re really uncomfortable.

[@paulfowler6665]

Just bought one as a second bike and replacement for my KTM390 duke

[@splodge5714]

Wouldn't touch one.

[@xb5883]

You're the only one!

[@JoLXP]

What?

[@tomg6284]

I would say the honda over the Triumph but I would need lots of fun drugs. Triumph all the ways over honda especially since honda won't bother bring a new bike to the USA. Here in San Diego with in 30 miles we have 2 Triumph dealers. Pack sand honda.

[@torevenheim9607]

This engine just don't look right, more like a 250 on a budget 😢

[@bfarm44]

Should’ve named it the parts bin 750 what a flop

[@mdiz4564]

Typical Honda, bland!🥱

[@mbrunskill]

Can't get past the awful styling on this bike, the front end is just 🤮

Uninspired... :)

[@richbrock9876]

I wouldn’t piss on Honda if they were on fire. I’ve two Hondas and know that the dealers are awful and the bikes mediocre

[@MercilessGuitar151]

It's not a bargain at its price point though. At least try yo be a little honest and don't be so afraid of sponsor backlash.

[@robbieracer3294]

Yea, I love watching U.K. vloggers, but so many of them are afraid to lose their dealership/manufacturer deals...one dude I watch, he literally never lists any cons on any bike he "tests", watching him is like watching a commercial...he just rides around town listing all of the specs. I can read specs online, I want honest, real feedback