Triumph-Trident-800-Spied-2.png

I. Executive Summary: Validating Impressions and Outlining the Path Forward

An analysis of the initial ownership experience of the Honda CB750 Hornet reveals a highly positive acquisition process and a motorcycle with a multi-faceted performance profile. The owner’s initial impressions, from the bike’s nimble handling and light feel to the perceived tameness of its engine, are consistent with the Hornet’s engineering philosophy.

The report confirms that the motorcycle’s “tame” personality in standard mode is a deliberate design choice, crafted to broaden its appeal to a wide range of riders. This characteristic can be modulated by engaging the bike’s advanced electronic rider aids. Furthermore, the report provides a definitive legal and technical analysis of common challenges, such as the absence of a saree guard and a provision for a front number plate, while also offering actionable solutions to enhance the overall ownership experience.

This report systematically validates each of the owner’s observations, provides the underlying technical and legal context, and offers a prioritized list of recommendations. The subsequent sections will detail the transactional journey, performance dynamics, and solutions for practical and legal considerations, culminating in a synthesized set of recommendations for long-term ownership.

II. The Acquisition Journey: A Microcosm of Bigwing’s Indian Operations

2.1 The Positive Fanfare: A Benchmark for Customer Experience

The owner’s account of the purchase and delivery process is a strong endorsement of the dealership’s professionalism and customer-centric approach. The experience of a quick, no-nonsense delivery, highlighted by the celebratory cake and personal attention from sales staff, provides a positive benchmark for the premium motorcycle segment.1 The owner’s specific praise for the “no-nonsense approach of Andheri Bigwing” and the proactive communication from a sales manager, Mr. Aniket, underscores the value of personalized service in a high-value transaction.1 The fact that much of the process, from booking to initial queries, was completed online, with the showroom visit reserved primarily for delivery, signifies a broader trend in high-end vehicle sales.1 This digital-first model streamlines the buying process and enhances convenience for the customer.

2.2 The Paradox of the Flagship Showroom

While the experience at the Andheri Bigwing showroom was exemplary, it is important to contextualize this within the broader landscape of Honda’s premium dealership network in India. A review of other Bigwing locations reveals a different picture, with a number of customers reporting issues with poor service quality, delayed deliveries, and inadequate post-sales support.2 For instance, a detailed account from a Honda owner in another city describes being sold a bike that was a year old, having engine oil changes skipped, and even fuel stolen during a service visit.2 Other complaints point to poor service quality and incompetent technicians.3

This discrepancy suggests a critical challenge for Honda in maintaining a consistent, high-quality experience across its expanding premium network. The flagship showrooms in major metropolitan centers, such as the one in Andheri, may receive preferential attention and staffing, enabling them to excel. Meanwhile, smaller or newer outlets may struggle with the same logistical and personnel issues that plague the wider two-wheeler market. This analysis suggests that while the owner’s initial experience was highly positive, their long-term ownership journey may depend on the ability of local service centers to maintain the same standards. The positive rapport with the initial sales team, therefore, becomes a crucial asset for navigating any future service-related challenges.

III. Performance Dynamics: Decoding the Hornet’s Dual Personality

3.1 The “Tame” 91 Horses: A Masterclass in Electronic Modulation

The owner’s surprise at the perceived tameness of the Hornet’s power delivery, particularly from a motorcycle with a claimed output of 91.77 PS 4, is a common initial impression. This is not a shortcoming of the engine but a deliberate and sophisticated function of its electronic management systems. The Hornet is equipped with a Throttle-by-Wire system and three pre-set riding modes:

RAIN, STANDARD, and SPORT.5 In addition, two

USER modes allow for individual customization.5

The STANDARD mode, which the owner used exclusively during the initial rides, is configured with a moderate power delivery (P-level 2), medium engine braking (EB-level 2), and a standard level of traction control (T-level 2).6 This setup is designed for a variety of riding situations, providing a smooth and predictable experience. To truly “experience the hooligan” persona of the bike, the owner must switch to

SPORT mode. This mode unleashes the most aggressive power delivery (P-level 3) with minimal engine braking (EB-level 1) and traction control (T-level 1).5 This configuration allows the rider to fully access the engine’s peak power at 9500 rpm and peak torque of 75 Nm at 7250 rpm.4 Honda’s strategic implementation of these modes effectively democratizes high-performance motorcycling, allowing a single platform to cater to both new riders seeking a forgiving learning curve and experienced riders desiring aggressive performance.

3.2 Urban Maneuverability: The Gearing and Its Intentional Design

The observation that the Hornet is comfortable at speeds “beyond 40 kmph in first” gear, and that constant shifting is not required, is a direct result of the engine’s tuning and transmission ratios. The 755 cc parallel-twin engine, with its 270° crankshaft, is engineered to provide a strong and accessible low-to-midrange torque curve.6 This torque-rich character, combined with a relatively tall first gear, allows the bike to pull cleanly from low speeds without requiring constant gear changes, which can be an annoyance in urban traffic. This is a deliberate design feature intended to make city commuting effortless and more fuel-efficient.7 The perceived “strange” gearing is not a flaw but a fundamental design advantage that differentiates it from bikes with a peakier power delivery, such as those with inline-4 engines that need to be revved higher to access their power and torque.

3.3 The Tale of Two Twins: Hornet vs. Continental GT 650

The owner’s previous experience with the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 provides an excellent comparative framework. A side-by-side analysis of key specifications reveals the stark differences between the two motorcycles and clarifies the owner’s subjective impressions.

FeatureHonda CB750 HornetRoyal Enfield Continental GT 650
Kerb Weight192 kg 4211 kg 11
Seat Height795 mm 12804 mm 11
Displacement755 cc 4648 cc 11
Max Power91.77 PS @ 9500 rpm 447 bhp @ 7250 rpm 11
Max Torque75 Nm @ 7250 rpm 452 Nm @ 5250 rpm 11
Engine TypeParallel-Twin SOHC, Liquid-Cooled 4Parallel-Twin 11

The most significant difference noted by the owner—the effortless feel of the Hornet—is explained by the substantial 19 kg weight difference between the two models.4 This weight reduction is the primary reason for the Hornet’s superior agility in traffic and its ease of handling. The Hornet’s lower seat height also makes it more approachable for riders who found the GT 650’s height challenging.11 The owner’s son’s preference for the GT 650’s exhaust note is a matter of personal taste, reflecting the difference between the GT’s classic, undersquare engine design and the Hornet’s modern 270° crank, which produces a sharper, more aggressive growl.13 This comparison highlights a market shift where riders are moving from traditionally styled, relaxed-performance bikes to tech-heavy, agile platforms for daily use.

IV. Addressing Practical and Legal Considerations

4.1 The Fuel Mandate: Premium Fuel and The Owner’s Manual

The dealership’s advice to use “Power or Speed fuel” aligns with Honda’s technical specifications for the Hornet. The owner’s manual for the motorcycle explicitly recommends a fuel with a Research Octane Number (RON) of “91 or higher”.15 In the Indian market, brands such as

Power and Speed are classified as premium petrol, which typically has an octane rating of 91 to 94.16 The use of a higher-octane fuel can prevent engine knocking, improve combustion efficiency, and keep the fuel system cleaner through the use of added detergents.16 This recommendation is a best practice for maintaining optimal engine performance and longevity, as it ensures the bike is running on the fuel grade it was designed for.17

4.2 The “Spongy” Brake Feel: A Common New-Bike Phenomenon

The owner’s observation that the “brakes feel spongy for now” is a common occurrence with new motorcycles.18 The primary cause is typically the presence of a small amount of trapped air in the hydraulic brake lines, which can occur during shipping or initial assembly.18 Unlike documented, life-threatening brake failures seen on other brands’ motorcycles, this is not a mechanical defect of the Hornet’s dual-disc brake system but a temporary condition that can be easily resolved.21

A simple home remedy is to secure the brake lever overnight with a zip tie, which helps small air bubbles rise and escape into the master cylinder reservoir.23 If the problem persists, the most effective solution is a professional brake bleed at the service center. This process purges all air from the system, restoring a firm and responsive brake feel, and should be a routine warranty service for a new vehicle.24

4.3 The Saree Guard Conundrum: Legal Exemption and Market Realities

The owner’s satisfaction with the fact that the bike did not come with a saree guard is a matter of aesthetic preference that is also supported by legal provisions. While the Central Motor Vehicles Rules mandate the inclusion of saree guards for passenger safety, the Automotive Industry Standard (AIS 166) provides a crucial exemption for motorcycles with an engine capacity greater than 500 cc.25 The Hornet, with its 755 cc engine, falls within this exemption.4 This legal provision allows manufacturers of high-end motorcycles to maintain the clean, aggressive lines of their designs without a cumbersome accessory. Instead of installing the guard, manufacturers of exempted bikes must place a warning in the owner’s manual and educate the customer at the point of sale.26 The absence of the saree guard is therefore a deliberate, legally compliant design decision that aligns with the bike’s streetfighter aesthetic.

4.4 The Accessory Gap: Solving for Front Number Plates

The owner correctly noted the lack of a provision for a front number plate, a common issue with motorcycles designed for international markets that do not have such a requirement.1 The minimalistic design of naked streetfighters like the Hornet leaves no obvious location for a front plate without compromising the bike’s aesthetics or airflow.27

This gap can be addressed with aftermarket solutions. The market offers a range of front number plate brackets and clamps that can be attached to the bike’s front forks or lower triple tree.29 These are specifically designed for naked bikes and are available from international and Indian vendors who produce fender eliminators and license plate holders for a sportier look.32 The need for such aftermarket solutions highlights a recurring conflict between global motorcycle design trends and local Indian regulations.

V. Final Verdict and Recommendations for the Owner

The Honda CB750 Hornet is a versatile, technologically advanced platform. Its perceived “tame” nature is not a flaw but a feature, allowing it to be a forgiving commuter while retaining a fierce, sport-oriented character that can be unlocked via its electronic rider aids. The owner’s positive initial experience is a promising start, but long-term satisfaction will depend on navigating the nuances of its performance characteristics and addressing its practical needs.

Based on this analysis, the following actionable recommendations are provided for a refined ownership experience:

  1. Engage with the Electronics: The owner should experiment with SPORT mode to fully experience the bike’s performance potential and appreciate its engine’s versatility. The USER modes can be configured to find a personal balance between the extremes of RAIN and SPORT.
  2. Address the Brakes: The owner should perform the overnight lever-tie trick. If the spongy feel persists, a professional brake bleed should be requested at the Andheri Bigwing service center, which is the most effective solution for this common new-bike phenomenon.
  3. Fuel for Performance: Continued use of a 91 RON fuel is recommended, as it aligns with Honda’s specifications and ensures the engine receives the quality fuel it was designed to use.
  4. Secure the Number Plate: The owner should research and acquire an aftermarket front number plate bracket to ensure legal compliance without compromising the bike’s minimalist aesthetic.
  5. Maintain a Positive Relationship: The owner’s positive relationship with the staff at the Andheri Bigwing showroom is a valuable asset. Maintaining this rapport will be critical for addressing any future service or accessory-related needs, given the potential for service inconsistencies in other parts of the Bigwing network.

Sources

  1. Upgraded from GT 650 to Honda CB750 Hornet: My 15+ initial impressions – Team-BHP, accessed on September 11, 2025, https://www.team-bhp.com/news/upgraded-gt-650-honda-cb750-hornet-my-15-initial-impressions
  2. Ridiculous experience from Honda big wing : r/indianbikes – Reddit, accessed on September 11, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/indianbikes/comments/1gqc33q/ridiculous_experience_from_honda_big_wing/
  3. 512 Reviews for Honda Big Wing in Nerul, Navi Mumbai – Justdial, accessed on September 11, 2025, https://www.justdial.com/Mumbai/Honda-Big-Wing-Shiravane-Nerul/022PXX22-XX22-211119100824-D6F7_BZDET/reviews
  4. Honda CB750 Hornet Specifications, Features, Mileage, Weight, Tyre Size – BikeDekho, accessed on September 11, 2025, https://www.bikedekho.com/honda/cb-750-hornet/specifications
  5. Riding mode | HORNET (CB750A) | Honda Owners Manual, accessed on September 11, 2025, https://webom.hondamotopub.com/webom/HMEE/MLB250/html/GOG028001.html
  6. 2025 Honda CB750 Hornet Features & Benefits, accessed on September 11, 2025, https://hondanews.com/en-US/powersports/releases/release-0fe7cf05a3e4aa5bf7992876bd02581b-2025-honda-cb750-hornet-features-benefits
  7. 2025 Honda CB750 Hornet first ride – RevZilla, accessed on September 11, 2025, https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/2025-honda-cb750-hornet-first-ride-review
  8. Honda CB750 Hornet | Read Reviews & Comparison – BikeDekho, accessed on September 11, 2025, https://www.bikedekho.com/honda/cb-750-hornet
  9. 2025 Honda CB750 Hornet Review: The New King of Middleweight Naked Bikes?, accessed on September 11, 2025, https://www.hamburghonda.com/blog/2025-honda-cb750-hornet-review-the-new-king-of-middleweight-naked-bikes–99156
  10. Thoughts on the New Honda CB 750 hornet : r/indianbikes – Reddit, accessed on September 11, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/indianbikes/comments/1msxwkh/thoughts_on_the_new_honda_cb_750_hornet/
  11. Honda Hornet 2.0 vs Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 – Know Which Is Better! – BikeWale, accessed on September 11, 2025, https://www.bikewale.com/compare-bikes/honda-hornet-vs-royalenfield-continental-gt/
  12. Honda CB750 Hornet Price – Mileage, Images, Colours | BikeWale, accessed on September 11, 2025, https://www.bikewale.com/honda-bikes/cb750-hornet/
  13. Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 : 10000 kms User experience, Review & Modifications, accessed on September 11, 2025, https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/motorbikes/289459-royal-enfield-continental-gt-650-10-000-kms-user-experience-review-modifications.html
  14. Honda CB750 Hornet (2023-24 & 2025-) – Review – Bennetts Insurance, accessed on September 11, 2025, https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/honda/cb750-hornet-2023-review
  15. HORNET (CB750A) – Motopub, accessed on September 11, 2025, https://2rom-prd-data.hondamotopub.com/om/HMEE/CB750A/2025/CB750_OM_32MLB610_eng_WEB.pdf
  16. Power Petrol vs Normal Petrol: Understanding the Best Fuel Choice for Your Engine, accessed on September 11, 2025, https://gomechanic.in/blog/power-petrol-vs-normal-petrol/
  17. Refuelling and Fuel Guidelines | HORNET (CB750A) | Honda Owners Manual, accessed on September 11, 2025, https://webom.hondamotopub.com/webom/HMEE/MLB250/html/GMS007004.html
  18. Quick Fix For a Soft Brake Lever on New Bikes – YouTube, accessed on September 11, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtHtVPWm3HE
  19. www.happyrunsports.com, accessed on September 11, 2025, https://www.happyrunsports.com/blogs/news/how-to-fix-spongy-ebike-brakes#:~:text=To%20fix%20spongy%20e%2Dbike%20brakes%2C%20first%20check%20the%20brake,persist%2C%20consult%20a%20professional%20mechanic.
  20. How to fix spongy mountain bike brakes – Quora, accessed on September 11, 2025, https://www.quora.com/How-do-you-fix-spongy-mountain-bike-brakes
  21. Harley-Davidson owners protest against life-threatening Street 750 brakes – Team-BHP, accessed on September 11, 2025, https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/superbikes-imports/170800-harley-davidson-owners-protest-against-life-threatening-street-750-brakes.html
  22. Honda CB750 Hornet Quick Spin Test – Cycle News – YouTube, accessed on September 11, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcI00d6_3WA
  23. ** PROBLEM SOLVED** 1978 CB750 K Front Brake – All new – spongy feel, accessed on September 11, 2025, http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=164329.0
  24. Tried bleeding my brakes for the first time…what happened? : r/motorcycles – Reddit, accessed on September 11, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/motorcycles/comments/muycnw/tried_bleeding_my_brakes_for_the_first_timewhat/
  25. Grab Rails And Saree Guards Ruled Mandatory For All Motorcycles – Gaadiwaadi.com, accessed on September 11, 2025, https://gaadiwaadi.com/grab-rails-and-saree-guards-ruled-mandatory-for-all-motorcycles/
  26. Protective Devices for Two Wheeled Motor Vehicles – Requirements, accessed on September 11, 2025, https://morth.nic.in/sites/default/files/ASI/Draft_AIS%20166%20_DF.pdf
  27. Images of Honda CB750 Hornet – BikeWale, accessed on September 11, 2025, https://www.bikewale.com/honda-bikes/cb750-hornet/images/
  28. Honda CB750 Hornet Images – BikeDekho, accessed on September 11, 2025, https://www.bikedekho.com/honda/cb-750-hornet/images
  29. Zieger 10009791 Basic License Plate Holder for Honda CB750 Hornet (2023-), accessed on September 11, 2025, https://www.accessoryinternational.com/product/zieger-10009791-basic-license-plate-holder.html
  30. Number Plate Holder – HTRZ MODZ, accessed on September 11, 2025, https://htrzmodz.com/collections/number-plate-holder-1
  31. Honda CB750 Hornet Zieger Tail Tidy Number Plate Bracket – Bikermart, accessed on September 11, 2025, https://www.bikermart.co.uk/Honda-CB750-Hornet-Zieger-Tail-Tidy-Number-Plate-Bracket
  32. Honda Hornet 750 Barracuda Moto License Plate Holder Kit, accessed on September 11, 2025, https://www.barracudamoto.com/it_gb/kit-portatarga-hn7104-23.html
  33. License plate support Honda CB 750 Hornet – S2 Concept, accessed on September 11, 2025, https://www.s2-concept.com/en/20038-license-plate-support-honda-cb-750-hornet.html

Our Social Media Handles

0 0 votes
Article Rating
ads botom

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
oldest
newest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments