Back with a buzz! Honda’s legendary Hornet name returns in new 750 parallel-twin

Honda have finally revealed their all-new CB750 Hornet, which looks set to take the fight directly to the ever-popular Yamaha MT-07.

Designed at Honda’s R&D facility in Rome, the angular naked takes aim at the mass market with a likely affordable, engaging package offering thrills for both experienced and new riders alike.

Unlike the four-cylinder Hornets of the late 1990s and 2000s, which were powered by hand-me-down de-tuned sportsbike motors, this modern naked uses a brand-new 270-degree parallel-twin producing a claimed 90.6bhp.

Designed to offer accessible power throughout the rev range, the eight-valve twin-pot’s crank and uneven firing order are intended to create a V-twin feel, adding to the riding engagement.

In an attempt to save weight, inside the engine the primary drive gear doubles up on duties by also spinning the balancer shaft. Helping on downshifts is a slipper clutch, which will be useful for new riders using the bike in its restricted 47bhp format.

The engine is held in a rigid steel diamond frame, which tips the scales at 16.6kg – some 1.9kg less than the one used in the four-cylinder CB650R. This has been achieved by thinning out the main/down tubing and a strong focus on pivot shape, with steering rake set at a neutral 25 degrees and a wheelbase of 1420mm.

Expect an overall kerb weight of 190kg, with Honda claiming a class-leading power-to-weight ratio of 0.48bhp per kg. Gripping the road are a pair of 17in rims, with a 120 front and 160-section rear.

Suspending this chassis are 41mm Showa Separate Fork Function Big Piston upside down forks and a rear shock with five-stage adjustable preload. Stopping power is provided by dual front 296mm discs with four-piston radial Nissin calipers.

The new Hornet also gets a host of electronic goodies, with the option to upgrade with extras like a quickshifter and auto-blipper.

Standard features include three riding modes courtesy of a ride-by-wire throttle: Rain, Standard and Sport, plus three-stage engine braking and traction control. You even get wheelie control, which is possibly overkill.

A User Mode also allows you to customise your settings further, with riders also having the option to switch off the traction control altogether. This is all selected using the left switchgear and five-inch colour TFT dash that can be connected to your mobile.

This screen also includes four types of display for your speed and revs with a choice of analogue needles or bars. Other details include a fuel gauge and an adjustable shift light. Outside of this, you also get full LED lighting, plus auto-cancelling indicators, which flash under hard braking.

There will be a stack of accessories including a rear seat cowl, rim tape, different foot pegs and a fly screen. Plus options for luggage and heated grips, too.