Honda's CB750 Hornet has quickly earned a reputation for delivering an ideal balance of performance, agility and everyday usability. For 2026, that formula evolves with the addition of Honda's innovative E-Clutch system—an industry-first technology that brings a new level of convenience and control to the middleweight naked segment. The CB750 Hornet is also the first Honda E-Clutch model with throttle-by-wire, which offers enhanced electronic control. The result is a machine that retains the CB750 Hornet's thrilling character and sharp handling, but with a new level of versatility that benefits riders across a wide range of situations.
HISTORY
A descendent of the 599 naked bike, which was originally available in the U.S. in 2004, the CB750 Hornet was first offered in Europe for the 2023 model year. With minimalist, streetfighter styling shaped by the latest generation of creative minds in Honda's Rome R&D facility, the model was designed to offer an accessible yet high-performance entry into the middleweight naked category.
For the 2025 model year, the CB750 Hornet was updated again, and made available in the American market. The machine's trademark svelte, taut styling was amplified through a powerful LED projector headlight unit, and revised suspension settings and a five-inch TFT screen rounded out the changes.
For 2026, the CB750 Hornet gains a major advantage with the inclusion of Honda's E-Clutch, a technological evolution of the manual transmission that takes riding to the next level. The CB750 Hornet is the first Honda model with a throttle-by-wire system to incorporate E-Clutch technology.
NEW FOR 2026
- Honda E-Clutch technology.
- An under-cowl has been added, integrating smoothly with the Hornet's aggressive, purposeful styling.
DESIGN / STYLING
The main signature of the CB750 Hornet E-Clutch is the fuel tank, which takes inspiration from the shape of a hornet's wing. From the aggressively angled nose fairing to the razor-sharp, minimal tail, there are hallmarks of tension and aggression, outlining true sporting intent. The headlight unit—comprising dual high/low unified projector lenses—is unique; with a look of its own within Honda's naked-bike family, the LED unit is both compact and powerful. The cockpit cowl is tautly shaped to match, amplifying the model's aggressive streetfighter styling and conveying its engaging, sporty ride.
For 2026, the CB750 Hornet E-Clutch gains an all-new under-cowl that adds to the overall style, seamlessly integrating with the aggressive design of the tank and frontal mask without interrupting airflow or the bike's balance and poise.
Usability for all riders is also inherent to the design. Seat height is a very manageable 31.3 inches, and the riding position is upright, with slightly rear-set footpegs for natural control, and a wide handlebar for leverage.
Meter / Controls
The five-inch full-color TFT screen uses optical bonding to maximize visibility in bright sunlight. The gap between the cover glass and TFT screen is sealed with resin to minimize glare and optimize backlight transmittance.
Honda RoadSync allows iOS/Android smartphone connectivity, and operation is via a simple, easy-to-use, backlit four-way toggle switch on the left side of the handlebar. This allows straightforward, on-screen turn-by-turn navigation, as well as the option (via a Bluetooth helmet headset) for the rider to make calls or listen to music. Owners need simply download the Honda RoadSync app from either the Play Store or the App Store and connect to the CB750 Hornet E-Clutch.
ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN
The parallel-twin-cylinder powerplant packs a hugely enjoyable punch to give the CB750 Hornet E-Clutch its performance edge. It's designed to exploit to the maximum (with exhilarating peak power output), but also to deliver accessible low- to midrange performance that enhances everyday riding, from city commutes to weekend outings.
Displacing 755cc, with an eight-valve Unicam cylinder head, the engine has bore-and-stroke figures of 87.0mm x 63.5mm, with a compression ratio of 11.0:1. The compact, lightweight Unicam head is a configuration used for the CRF450R motocrosser. The 35.5mm intake valves are operated via cam, and the 29mm exhaust valves are operated by rocker arms. Intake lift is 9.3mm, and exhaust lift is 8.2mm.
For razor-sharp pickup and throttle response, patented Vortex flow ducts create a uniform distribution from the side scoops into the airbox, which then feeds downdraft intakes and 46mm diameter throttle bodies.
The 270° crank creates an uneven firing order, delivering a characterful, twin-cylinder pulse feeling. For optimum vehicle packaging, there's no balancer drive gear; the primary drive gear doubles duties and turns the balance shaft. The water pump is tucked away inside the lefthand engine cover, and there's no need for a water-cooled oil cooler. The cylinders have a Nickel-Silicon Carbide coating (Ni-SiC), as also used in the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP and CRF450R.
An assist/slipper clutch with oblique-layout disc segments delivers light lever feel, eases shifts and manages rear-wheel hop under hard braking and rapid downshifting.
ELECTRONIC CONTROLS
Riding Modes
Throttle-by-wire engine control offers three default riding modes and two customizable User modes, adjusting the engine's delivery and feel to suit conditions and the rider's intent; they're easily switched and managed via the left-handlebar mode switch and the TFT screen.
Available are three levels of Engine Power (EP), Engine Brake (EB) and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) with integrated Wheelie Control; HSTC can also be switched off in each of the customizable riding modes. The riding modes offer different combinations of each parameter.
The modes are:
- SPORT: A preset mode that uses level 3 EP, level 1 EB and level 1 HSTC, to deliver maximum performance with minimum intervention.
- STANDARD: A midway setting that uses level 2 for EP, EB and HSTC.
- RAIN: A mode that employs the lowest EP setting (level 1), for the least-aggressive power delivery, with level 2 EB and level 3 HSTC.
- USER 1 and USER 2: These modes offer the ability to customize between all the settings for the preferred combinations. Once set, the USER settings are automatically stored, so there's no need to reset each time the ignition is turned on.
Honda E-Clutch
The Honda E-Clutch system—which debuted on the 2024 CB650R and CBR650R and was extended to the 2025 Rebel 300—brings next-level riding enjoyment and performance to the 2026 CB750 Hornet, opening a new aspect of the motorcycling experience for riders of varying types and experience levels. The clutch and transmission hardware are no different from a conventional motorcycle, yet the system allows consistent gear changes that are faster and smoother than a quick shifter, prevents stalling, and manages transitions smoothly—boosting convenience and rider confidence in stop-and-go urban traffic and on challenging inclines.
In addition to performance, Honda E-Clutch offers simplicity of operation. The clutch lever is also not needed when starting from a stop or coming to a halt, and there's no need to use the lever to make gear changes up or down; the rider simply operates the shift pedal to change gears.
To smooth gear changes, the system uses precise clutch control and also adjusts ignition timing and fuel injection, based on parameters such as vehicle speed, throttle-opening angle, engine rpm, pressure on the shift pedal, clutch-motor reduction-gear angle, engine countershaft speed and gear position. The clutch operation itself is performed through an actuator unit, with two motors situated inside the right-hand engine cover.
Honda E-Clutch offers an even greater advantage with the CB750 Hornet's throttle-by-wire control (TBW). For instance, to smooth downshifts, the system uses TBW to blip the throttle and match engine rpm to rear-wheel speed. Honda E-Clutch also adjusts the throttle-butterfly opening range depending on riding-mode selection. For instance, RAIN mode is suitable for extreme weather conditions, and SPORT heightens the experience for maximum enjoyment and riding pleasure.
The rider can also select an operation “feel” to set the strength of the force required on the shift pedal to make a gear change. Three settings are available—HARD, MEDIUM, and SOFT—each of which can be chosen independently for upshifting and downshifting.
In addition to enjoyment and convenience, Honda E-Clutch brings ultimate flexibility, allowing riders to use the clutch lever manually at any time if they choose. When the clutch lever is used, Honda E-Clutch temporarily pauses, then automatically reactivates—after less than a second at higher engine speeds or after five seconds at lower engine speeds. When E-Clutch is paused, manual operation is indicated by a letter “M” on the instrument panel. The technology also advises the rider to shift down (via a symbol on the instrument panel) if it detects that the motorcycle is in a high gear at a certain speed.
For extra legroom on the CB750 Hornet, the mounting structure of the E-Clutch system has been adjusted by dividing the clutch-lifter shaft in two and adding a gear train, offsetting it 1.6 inches away from the rider's foot.
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
Frame / Swingarm
The CB750 Hornet E-Clutch's steel diamond frame is lightweight at just 36.6 pounds (for comparison, the CB650R's is 40.8 pounds). A technological process of optimizing the thickness of the main tube and down tube, as well as the shape of the pivot, resulted in an extremely strong platform, with rigidity balance for feel.
Geometry
Geometry is set for agility, matching ideally with the engine character. Rake and trail are 25.0° and 3.9 inches (99mm), respectively, with a wheelbase of 55.9 inches. Overall length, height and width are 82.4 inches, 42.7 inches and 30.8 inches, and the fuel tank holds 4.0 gallons. Curb weight is 432 pounds (including all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel).
Suspension
With a view to raise sporty handling performance (especially braking from higher speeds), the CB750 Hornet E-Clutch has a Showa 41mm Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) inverted fork. The functions are divided—with a Big Piston pressure separation damper in one leg and the spring mechanism in the other—optimizing reaction over changes in road surface, as well as the overall ride quality. Wheel travel is 5.1 inches.
The shock absorber operates through the steel swingarm via a Pro-Link system and offers 5.1 inches of wheel travel. It features seven-stage preload adjustment, and its design ensures excellent response and temperature management.
Wheels
To elevate handling and ride quality, the lightweight wheels have Y-shaped spokes. The front wheel is 3.5 inches wide and wears a 120/70-ZR17 tire, while the 4.5-inch rear is shod with a 160/60-ZR17 tire.
Brakes
Dual 296mm discs and Nissin radial-mount, four-piston hydraulic calipers deliver impressive, fingertip stopping power up front, with excellent, progressive feel through the lever. A single hydraulic rear caliper works a 240mm disc.
Honda ACCESSORIES
A full range of Honda Accessories is available for the CB750 Hornet E-Clutch, ready to personalize the bike to an owner's preference and use. A Radiator Grille, Side Tank Pads and Headlight stripes neatly complement the bike's front end, while Wheel Stripes, a Fly Screen, Seat Cowl and Side Bags deliver further customization.
# # #
