Open any motorcycle site right now and you'll find the Honda CB750 Hornet plastered across "Best Bikes of 2025" lists. Cycle World loves it. RevZilla's writers keep gushing about it. Even Gear Patrol gave it a nod. The question isn't whether the Hornet is good anymore. It's whether it's actually that good, or if we're all just drinking Honda's Kool-Aid.

Let's cut through the spec-sheet worship and talk about what it's actually like to ride this thing in the real world. Because a bike can look perfect on paper and still be a pain in the ass to live with.

Why Big Outlets Keep Naming the Hornet Their Favorite

Here's the thing: the CB750 Hornet hits a sweet spot that's rare in 2025. It's a 755cc parallel twin making 90 horsepower, which sounds boring until you realize that's exactly what most riders actually need. Not what they think they want, but what they'll actually use 95% of the time.

Reviewers love it because it's competent at everything without being exceptional at anything. That sounds like an insult, but it's not. The Hornet commutes without drama, rips through canyons on weekends, handles light touring duties, and won't scare you on your first track day. It's the Swiss Army knife of middleweights, and in a world of hyper-specialized bikes, that versatility is refreshing.

Plus, Honda nailed the price point. At around $8,000 to $9,000 (depending on trim), it undercuts a lot of competitors while delivering features like LED lighting, traction control, ride modes, and a slipper clutch. You're not sacrificing tech to save money.

Real Life Scenarios: Where It Shines and Where It's Mid

Commuting: A+

This is where the Hornet feels unstoppable. The upright seating position, torquey motor, and light clutch make city traffic almost pleasant. You're not fighting the bike in stop-and-go, and the fuel injection is smooth enough that you won't stall out at red lights looking like an idiot.

Weekend Canyon Runs: A-

Here's where it gets interesting. The Hornet is fun, don't get it twisted. But if you're coming from a supersport or even a Yamaha MT-07, you might feel like it's a little... soft. The suspension is comfortable, which is great for daily riding, but it's not exactly sharp in the twisties. You can hustle it, but you'll be working harder than you would on something more aggressive.

Light Touring: B+

The Hornet can tour, but it's not trying to be an adventure bike. Throw some soft bags on it and you'll be fine for weekend trips. The seat gets a little firm after 150 miles, and wind protection is basically nonexistent, but for short hauls it's solid. Just don't expect Gold Wing comfort.

Track Days: B

Can you track a Hornet? Sure. Should you? Only if you're new to track riding or just want a fun day without taking it too seriously. The brakes are good, the power is manageable, and the electronics will keep you out of trouble. But dedicated track bikes will embarrass you in the straights and corners. The Hornet is a street bike that can do track days, not the other way around.

The Hornet Reality Check

Let's talk about the stuff reviewers gloss over because they only ride the bike for a few hours.

Ergonomics:

The bars are wide, the seat is a reasonable height (31.7 inches), and the pegs aren't cramped. If you're between 5'6" and 6'2", you'll probably fit fine. Taller or shorter? Test ride it first. The reach to the bars can feel a little stretched for shorter riders, and tall folks might feel a bit cramped.

Comfort:

Short rides? Perfect. Long rides? The seat will remind you that Honda doesn't care about your butt. It's not terrible, but after two hours you'll be shifting around looking for a softer spot that doesn't exist.

Fueling:

Here's the weird one. Some riders report a slight hesitation in the low RPM range, especially in first and second gear. It's not a dealbreaker, but it's noticeable. A flash tune can smooth it out, or you just learn to ride around it.

Clutch Feel:

The slipper clutch is fantastic. Light pull, smooth engagement, and it saves your ass if you downshift like a maniac. No complaints here.

Low-Speed Manners:

The Hornet is friendly at parking lot speeds. It's not twitchy, the power delivery is predictable, and you won't accidentally wheelie pulling out of a gas station. This makes it perfect for newer riders or people returning to bikes after a break.

Who Should Buy a Hornet (And Who Should Skip It)

Perfect for:

• New riders who want something they won't outgrow in six months
• Returning riders who don't want a literbike's insurance rates or fear factor
• Commuters who also want to have fun on weekends
• People who want one bike that does everything reasonably well
• Hooligan riders who want wheelie-friendly torque without supersport aggression

Skip it if:

• You're dead-set on track days and want a proper weapon
• You need serious highway touring comfort
• You want the sharpest, most aggressive handling middleweight (get a Yamaha R7 or Aprilia RS 660)
• You're tall and need more space (check out the Kawasaki Z900 instead)

Hornet Hot Takes: Five Blunt One-Liners

Does the Hornet Deserve Bike of the Year?

Here's the honest answer: it depends on what you value. If you want a bike that checks every box without being the best at anything, then yeah, the Hornet deserves the crown. It's the smart choice, the sensible choice, and the choice that won't leave you with buyer's remorse.

But if you want passion, edge, or bragging rights? Maybe not. The Hornet isn't going to make you a hero at bike night. It's not the most exciting bike to talk about. It's just really, really good at being a motorcycle.

And sometimes, that's enough.