Engine architecture
Four → Twin
The Hornet name was always associated with inline-four engines (CBR-derived). The 2023 CB750 Hornet broke that tradition with a parallel twin shared with the Transalp 750. Same name, completely different engine philosophy.
Power change vs CB1000R
−33bhp
125bhp CB1000R → 92bhp CB750 Hornet. The Hornet replaced the CB1000R in 2024 — Honda dropped the 4-cylinder flagship naked entirely, replacing it with the smaller, lighter, cheaper CB750 Hornet. Different bike for a different market.
Why the twin now
A2 + cost
Honda needed an A2-friendly modern naked at A2-friendly prices. A four-cylinder bike is too expensive to make and too hard to restrict. The parallel twin (shared with Transalp 750) lets Honda hit £8,049 with full electronics and standard-fit E-Clutch for 2026 — would have been impossible with a four.
Real cost change
−£6.5k
CB1000F Big One was about £7,000 in 1996 (£14,000 today). The 2026 CB750 Hornet is £8,049 with E-Clutch standard — about 46% cheaper in real terms. Modern Hornet is positioned as accessible, not flagship.
Weight loss
−45kg
235kg dry Big One → 190kg wet Hornet. Massive reduction. Modern bike has aluminium frame, lighter engine, less material everywhere.
Honda four-cylinder middleweight era
Over
The CB1000R was discontinued in 2024 in EU. The CB650R is now the only Honda four-cylinder middleweight naked. Above that, the CB750 Hornet is twin, the CB1000 Hornet (2025+) is also twin, the Africa Twin is twin. Honda is essentially out of the four-cylinder middleweight naked market.
Cheapest way in
£2.5k
A clean CB900F Hornet from 2006-2008. FireBlade-derived motor, naked styling, A-license fun. The bike many UK riders have nostalgia for.
