The first ‘ big ’ bike I ever rode was a Honda CB750 Four . It was probably the first multicylinder bike I had ridden too , although the memory banks are a little cloudy on that one . In its day , it was an epic machine and to this day is known as a game changer . Honda had designed the ultimate big grunter , but practical too with a long wide seat to happily accommodate rider and pillion . In hindsight it was a quick , sensible and comfortable machine with a great all round riding position . They sold in droves . The only reason I was riding it was because the owner was legless and I was sent off to pick up a crate of beer , carefully balanced on the tank for the 15km ride back from town ... but that is another story . And then there were the 600 and 900 Hornet models . Naked , high-revving fourcylinder machines that spawned race series in several countries . So , this new machine is named after bikes which will be remembered by many across a couple of eras . Let ’ s dig in and see what it ’ s all about .
JUST LIKE A HONDA ... So , about forty years on from my CB750 memories , we have another epic Honda 750 ... and I do not say that lightly . But gosh , how times have changed . The new 750 Hornet is considered mid-sized and compact of design . In fact , while visually small , the riding position is quite comfy and roomier than it would seem at first glance . The bars are a nice height and width and the pegs not leg-crampingly high . The lowish 795mm seat height is a well thought out blend of practical comfort and racey attack , well suited to its naked sports good looks and everyday function . Hmm ... doesn ’ t that just sound like a Honda ?
FIRST IMPRESSIONS My first 50 odd kilometres ridden on the Hornet were around town on busy roads . The Hornet ’ s 755cc parallel twin is easy and manageable , the whole machine is really an effortless ride . There is a slight engine snatch when going on and off throttle just above idle in the very slowest traffic , but otherwise the fuelling is spot-on . To
28 KIWI RIDER