Honda Hornet returns

Honda’s iconic middleweight – the Hornet – will make its return as a 2023 model. But on the surface, there is little linking this new Hornet back to its screaming four-cylinder ancestors.

While the styling does continue the same themes as the last Hornet we saw back in 2013, in particular the headlight, the bike steps away in more ways than one.

In its biggest break from tradition, the 2023 Hornet drops the screaming inline-four engine of old for Honda's new 755cc SOHC parallel twin. If you still dream of four cylinders, Honda retains the CB650R in its line-up to scratch that itch.

Claimed power from the Africa Twin-derived mill is 67.5kW at 9500rpm and 75Nm at 7250rpm respectively, with the bike featuring three rider modes to adjust power delivery for various conditions.

The electronics package is linked by a 5-inch TFT dash, Throttle By Wire (TBW), which allows for three riding modes and three-level Honda Selectable Torque

Control (HSTC) with integrated Wheelie Control, plus three levels of engine braking and power delivery. There’s also onboard connectivity thanks to the Honda Smartphone Voice Control system for both Android and iOS devices.

Holding it all together is a rather aesthetically pleasing steel frame with a welded subframe. The low seat height of 795mm and claimed kerb weight of 190kg should also ensure the new Hornet should be very manageable by a wide range of riders.

Suspension and brakes are a Japanese affair, with a set of Showa forks matched by a rear shock, while braking is supplied by Nissin calipers.

A full range of accessories, including a quickshifter, soft luggage, engine protectors and cosmetic enhancements are expected to be ready to go at the time of the official launch. Blue Wing Honda, the New Zealand distributor of Honda Motorcycles, is yet to announce local expected arrival and pricing.