2023 Honda Hornet Engine Details Confirmed

Honda provided an update on the development of its new 2023 Hornet streetfighter, releasing test footage and details about its new engine.

The new Hornet will be powered by a 755cc Parallel-Twin 8-valve Unicam engine with a 270° crank. Honda claims an output of 90.5 hp at 9500 rpm, 55.3 lb-ft. at 7250 rpm, with “exhilarating top-end punch” and a “full-fat measure of mid-range torque.”

The Hornet’s development is led by Fuyuki Hosokawa, who was also in charge of the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade project.

“The Hornet has always been a very special motorcycle for Honda. Exciting, engaging performance has always been matched to lithe, agile handling,” says Hosokawa. “Before starting this project, we thought long and hard about what kind of performance we wanted to give to the rider. We knew that it was essential to keep the classic Hornet top end power ‘hit’ and at the same time, as a new generation Hornet for modern times, we wanted the engine to have a really strong torquey feel and ‘throbbing’ sensation at low to mid rpm. Our aim has always been to match these to the lightest, most agile handling possible, to make every ride – even in town – as engaging and fulfilling as possible.

“To get the kind of 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 not only deliver that top-end rush, but also the sporty low-down torque, ideal for riding in urban environments and powering out of corners on the open road.”

The teaser video shows Hosokawa riding the Hornet in what appears to be Barcelona and the surrounding hills, but unfortunately, we don’t get many good looks of the bike, apart from the mirrors, a white tank and a bit of a TFT display.

The focus of Honda’s teaser is the Hornet, but it’s expected the engine will also be employed in the XL750 Transalp. We suspect the Hornet will be revealed at Intermot in October, with the Transalp to follow at EICMA in November.

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