After releasing the first concept sketches earlier this year, Honda has now released a sneak peek of the new Hornet. The new Naked is powered by a 270° 8-valve Unicam two-cylinder in-line engine with 755cc displacement, good for a top power of 92 HP and a maximum torque of 75 Nm.
That Honda is serious with the new Hornet can be concluded on the basis of the specifications now announced by Honda. Where Big Red has kept the power on the cautious side with the CB650, they have quite unpacked with the new 270° Twin.
The completely newly developed block has a displacement of 755cc with Unicam valve train and 270° crankshaft (just like Honda did with the Africa Twin) – and will therefore sound like a V-twin (yes…just like the Africa Twin). Honda claims a peak power of 67.5 kW (92 hp) @ 9,500 rpm and maximum torque of 75 Nm @ 7,250 rpm, pretty punchy numbers when you compare that to the NC750.
In any case, the new block puts its Japanese competitors close to the crown and comes pretty close to the Aprilia 660, although that block does get that performance from a smaller displacement.
In terms of power delivery, Honda speaks of a strong midrange for pure driving pleasure and ease of use in every situation. A light and compact block that carries the heritage of the Hornet, which climbs revs with ease and has an exciting end shot, but at the same time has a fat midrange that ensures that every moment of acceleration is enjoyed. According to Honda.
Honda Test Project Leader Fuyuki Hosokawa is responsible for the new engine. If that name sounds familiar to you, you can. He has also been responsible for the development of the latest CBR1000RR-R Fireblade at Honda.
“The Hornet has always been a very special bike for Honda. Exciting, engaging performance has always been coupled with an nimble, agile ride.
Before starting this project, we thought long and hard about what kind of performance we wanted to give the rider. We knew it was essential to keep the classic top-end power of the Hornet and at the same time, as a new generation Hornet for the modern age, we wanted the engine to have really strong torque and a ‘thumping’ sensation at low revs and in the midrange. .
Our goal has always been to tune it for the lightest, most nimble handling possible, to make every ride – even in the city – as engaging and satisfying as possible.
To get the performance and lightweight handling we wanted, we knew we had to develop an all-new, short-stroke twin-cylinder engine, with a 270° crankshaft. This would deliver not only that top-end rush, but also the sporty low-end torque, ideal for driving in urban environments and exiting corners on public roads.”
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.