When looking for a new bike to replace my KTM (baby)Duke 390, I wanted bullet-proof reliability, great value and strong after market support. KTM could deliver only the last requirement, but Honda stepped up to the challenge. The CB750 Hornet finally came to North America in 2025 and was universally hailed as the “bike of the year”. Nothing comes close to it and all the hype IS true!!
After market
Europe got the new Hornet in 2023, so by 2025 when it was released in North America, it already had a great after market parts selection. Puig, Probrake, Yoshimura, Corbin, etc. all have the good bits already available for it.
This is a value segment middle-weight bike and Honda had to save somewhere. It is understandable that one would have to upgrade a few things based on one’s priorities. The super competitive price and parts availability makes this an advantage to those that like to diy and mod.
The E-Clutch…
2025 Hornet comes with a quick-shifter which works well once sensitivity is setup to one’s preference and used within appropriate rpm range. I still prefer to clutch for smoothest shifts, but the downshift blips are insanely good.
2026 will get the E-clutch which is a electronically controlled clutch cable servo which operates the clutch when rider chooses not to use the clutch lever. No extra cost, extra weight, extra complexity and a giant ugly rectangular blob on the engine case. I decided to forgo the E-clutch and bought the brand new 2025.
Hornet first-take vs KTM
I initially wanted the all-black color scheme, but upon seeing both in the sun, side by side, I had to have the white one. This color DOES not come though pictures or videos, it is a combination Aspen White with a hint of Pearl, it just POPs in the sun and looks spectacular! Good for being noticed by other motorists.
At 409lb dry, and low center of gravity, while stationary it does feel heavier than my KTM, but the moment it starts moving, it feels very close, as if I have been riding it for years. This must be the KTM-like geometry and narrower rear tire making it feel so nimble.
The OEM exhaust is excellent, quiet as-is, but loud and serious sounding with dbKiller removed.
Seat is uncomfortable, as is every OEM seat on every bike I’ve owned. The sitting position feels more cramped than KTM, but strangely after 80mile ride - I’m not as tired. This may be due to much lower vibration of the Honda’s smooth running 270-crank twin vs 390 thumper.
The engine is linear, makes great power and various electronic settings make a large and meaningful differences. Set to highest power, lowest engine braking and mid-torque, makes it confidence inspiring and powerful without being too KTM snappy and tiring.
Brakes are good - I’ll likely go for a more aggressive pad when I wear the OEM pads. Suspension is comfortable and confident, but a bit under-dampened for my KTM-based taste. As the rear-shock has only the preload adjustment, I’ll get used to it for now. Thicker oil may be a simple future fix.
Handlebar feels just right, definitely NOT too narrow and vibration is lower than KTM, while the bike feels just as nimble and willing to turn.
After the 600mile post break-in service, the main service is at 15,000 miles!! Only oil and tire changes stand in the way of uninterrupted riding thanks to Honda’s legendary reliability.
Oh, gearbox, I though KTM gearboxes were nice, especially the 990 OG, which was positively, precisely teutonic, but Hornet is just as good, extremely crisp, easy Neutral and the cable operated clutch is very light.
My KTMs
I used to have a 2007 KTM SuperDuke 990 and for the past few thousand miles side-graded to a light and nimble 2017 KTM (baby)Duke 390. I did not appreciate the “Original Beast” trying to kill me on every ride (no ABS, no TC, no electronic assist nothing, 90lb-ft torque and 120hp). The BabyDuke had all those safety futures, only ~360lb dry, 49hp with the PowerTronic and very fun in the mountains.
After a decade of being a KTM fan and luckily never experiencing KTM unreliability, I decided to take it easy and get a Honda. Keep it “mostly” stock, quiet and predictable :) While neither KTM ever left me stranded, parts are almost always a week or two away and expensive. My Honda Grom was my Honda gateway drug, cheap parts, plentiful after market support, next day delivery and already built to last.
After hearing that Honda built a KTM :) - I had to get the Hornet CB750!!