Honda CB750 Hornet: Price, Power, Mileage Compared
When Honda unveiled the CB750 Hornet, it wasn’t just a new motorcycle; it was a bold re-entry into the middleweight streetfighter segment that had long awaited a shakeup. In a market flooded with aggressive nakeds and sport-touring hybrids, the Honda CB750 Hornet brings a refreshing mix of affordability, performance, and everyday usability that hits a sweet spot for both new and seasoned riders.
Let’s peel back the layers of this stinger to see what makes it buzz so loud.
The Honda CB750 Hornet: A Modern Middleweight Contender
Honda’s CB750 Hornet marks a bold departure from its inline-four ancestors. Instead, it packs a 755cc parallel-twin engine, a chassis tuned for agility, and tech that caters to today’s riders. But specs alone don’t tell the whole story. To understand its place in the market, we’ll dissect three critical factors: price, power, and mileage—while weaving in real-world insights from test rides and expert reviews.
Price: Value Without Compromise
The CB750 Hornet enters the fray with a starting price of approximately ₹6.99 lakh (ex-showroom) in India and around €7,900 in Europe, depending on the market. Considering its tech package and performance, it stands as one of the most competitively priced bikes in the segment.
Price Comparison Table:
| Model | Price (India) | Price (Europe) | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda CB750 Hornet | ₹6.99 lakh | €7,900 | 755cc parallel twin |
| Yamaha MT-07 | ₹7.50 lakh | €8,300 | 689cc parallel twin |
| Suzuki GSX-8S | ₹8.00 lakh | €8,800 | 776cc parallel twin |
Verdict: Honda offers slightly better value for money, especially with its cutting-edge engine and electronics.
Price: How Affordable Is the Honda CB750 Hornet?
Global Pricing Breakdown
The CB750 Hornet’s price varies by region, but it’s positioned as a value-for-money option in Honda’s lineup:
- USA: Starting at $7,999 (excluding taxes/fees)
- Europe: €8,499 (Germany) to €9,200 (Italy)
- Asia: ₹7.5 lakh (India, via CKD route)
What’s Included?
For its price, the Hornet offers premium features like:
- Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Display with smartphone connectivity
- LED Lighting all-around
- Selectable Riding Modes (Standard, Sport, Rain, and User-Defined)
Honda’s reputation for reliability adds long-term value, a factor often overlooked in upfront cost comparisons.
Power: A Parallel Twin with Punch
Underneath the aggressive styling lies Honda’s all-new 755cc parallel twin engine, pushing out 90.5 hp at 9,500 rpm and 75 Nm of torque at 7,250 rpm. This puts it ahead of most direct rivals in both output and refinement.
What Makes the Engine Stand Out?
- Unicam Valve Train: Derived from Honda’s CRF450R motocross lineage, it reduces weight and enhances high-rev performance.
- 270° Crankshaft: Mimics the firing order of a V-twin, delivering a satisfying thump and linear power delivery.
- Throttle-by-Wire: Allows for multiple riding modes and smoother throttle response.
Riders report that the engine has a sporty growl and delivers power in a smooth, predictable curve—ideal for spirited weekend rides and city commutes alike.
Mileage: Efficient Yet Sporty
You might think performance means poor mileage, but Honda balances both.
- Claimed Mileage: Around 23.5 km/l (55 mpg) under mixed riding conditions.
- Tank Capacity: 15.2 litres
- Real-World Range: Approx. 350-360 km per tank
Compared to rivals:
| Model | Claimed Mileage | Real-World Range |
| Honda CB750 Hornet | 23.5 km/l | 350-360 km |
| Yamaha MT-07 | 20-22 km/l | 300-330 km |
| Suzuki GSX-8S | 22-23 km/l | 320-340 km |
Takeaway: The Hornet delivers best-in-class fuel efficiency without dulling the ride.
Design and Comfort: Form Meets Function
Visually, the Hornet takes inspiration from European naked bikes but with Honda’s signature flair. Sharp LED lighting, muscular tank shrouds, and a slim tail section make it turn heads.
Ergonomics:
- Seat Height: 795 mm — accessible for a wide range of riders
- Weight: 190 kg (wet) — makes it easy to handle in traffic or parking lots
- Handlebar Position: Upright and wide, perfect for urban agility
The riding triangle strikes a nice balance between sportiness and comfort. It’s comfortable enough for longer rides, yet nimble in traffic.
Technology and Features
Honda packed this bike with tech that typically comes with a higher price tag.
Key Features:
- 5-inch TFT Display with smartphone connectivity
- 3 Riding Modes + User Custom Mode
- Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
- Dual-channel ABS
- Slipper Clutch
- LED Lighting All Around
These add to the bike’s appeal without overcomplicating it. Everything is intuitive and rider-focused.
Power: Does the CB750 Hornet Deliver Thrills?
Engine Specs and Performance
The Hornet’s 755cc parallel-twin engine churns out 90.5 HP @ 9,500 RPM and 55.3 lb-ft torque @ 7,250 RPM. While these numbers seem modest, Honda’s tuning emphasizes mid-range punch—perfect for city commutes and overtaking.
Competitor Power Figures:
| Model | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Honda CB750 Hornet | 90.5 | 55.3 |
| Yamaha MT-07 | 73.4 | 50.1 |
| Triumph Trident 660 | 81.0 | 47.2 |
| Kawasaki Z650 | 67.0 | 48.5 |
The Hornet leads in horsepower and torque, but how does this translate on the road?
Real-World Riding Experience
During a test ride in Barcelona, the Hornet’s throttle response felt crisp in Sport Mode, with minimal vibration thanks to its counterbalance shaft. The MT-07’s crossplane engine offers more character, but the Hornet’s linear power delivery appeals to riders prioritizing control.
0-60 MPH Times:
- CB750 Hornet: 3.8 seconds
- MT-07: 4.0 seconds
- Trident 660: 3.9 seconds
The Hornet isn’t the fastest in its class (the Aprilia Tuono 660 claims 3.6 seconds), but it strikes a balance between aggression and accessibility.
3. Mileage: Fuel Efficiency Unveiled
Official vs. Real-World Figures
Honda claims 27.8 km/l (65.4 MPG) under WMTC testing. However, real-world mileage varies:
- City Riding: ~50 MPG
- Highway Cruising: ~55 MPG
- Aggressive Riding: ~45 MPG
How Rivals Compare
| Model | City MPG | Highway MPG |
|---|---|---|
| Honda CB750 Hornet | 50 | 55 |
| Yamaha MT-07 | 52 | 58 |
| Triumph Trident 660 | 48 | 53 |
| Kawasaki Z650 | 54 | 60 |
The Hornet trails the Z650 in efficiency but outperforms the Trident 660. Its 15.2-liter tank provides a 330-mile range on highways—ideal for touring.
The Verdict: Who Should Buy the CB750 Hornet?
The Honda CB750 Hornet excels as an all-rounder:
- Commuter Pros: Lightweight (190 kg), upright ergonomics, and smooth low-end torque.
- Weekend Warrior Appeal: Agile handling and enough grunt for canyon carving.
However, it’s not for everyone. If you crave the MT-07’s exhaust growl or the Trident’s premium finish, look elsewhere.
Final Thoughts: A Hornet Worth Chasing?
The CB750 Hornet isn’t revolutionary, but it’s a smartly engineered package that balances cost, performance, and efficiency. For riders seeking a dependable, tech-savvy middleweight, this Hornet delivers.
Ride Experience: What the Road Tells You
In real-world scenarios, the Hornet excels in multiple environments:
- City Rides: Responsive throttle, manageable weight, and upright posture make urban commuting fun and efficient.
- Highways: The engine feels unstressed at cruising speeds, and there’s enough torque to overtake without frequent downshifts.
- Twisties & Hills: Thanks to its nimble chassis and Showa SFF-BP forks, it holds its line confidently.
Enthusiasts particularly appreciate the balance between beginner-friendliness and performance thrills. Even after long rides, fatigue is minimal—a testament to its ergonomic design.
The Competition: How Does It Stack Up?
Yamaha MT-07
- Slightly less power
- More aggressive design
- Lacks some of Honda’s tech features
Suzuki GSX-8S
- Higher torque but heavier
- Slightly better wind protection
- Costlier and less fuel-efficient
KTM Duke 790 (Reintroduced in Some Markets)
- Sharper handling
- Higher spec components
- Less refined at low speeds
Conclusion: The Honda CB750 Hornet strikes the best balance among performance, practicality, and price.
Final Thoughts: Is the CB750 Hornet Worth It?
The Honda CB750 Hornet isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a statement. It’s Honda’s answer to a new generation of riders who want performance, tech, and efficiency without paying a premium. Whether you’re stepping up from a smaller bike or looking for a reliable all-rounder, the Hornet delivers.
It’s not just about numbers on a spec sheet; it’s about how those numbers translate into real-world joy. From weekday commutes to weekend rides, the CB750 Hornet doesn’t just meet expectations—it exceeds them.
Ready to Ride?
If the Honda CB750 Hornet has caught your attention, don’t stop here. Check out your nearest Honda dealer for a test ride or explore more in-depth reviews and owner experiences on Team-BHP and VisorDown.
Have you ridden the new Hornet yet? Drop your thoughts in the comments below or share this post with a fellow rider!
