Honda has introduced an updated version of its CB750 Hornet motorcycle, now featuring a newly developed electronic clutch, or e-clutch, technology. The model, initially relaunched in 2023 with a 755cc parallel twin engine, maintains its position as a popular and affordable middleweight naked roadster in Europe, having sold over 42,000 units since its revival.
The 2026 update to the Hornet primarily centers around the addition of the e-clutch system, while its overall design remains largely unchanged except for a subtly reshaped headlight surround. The distinctive styling, including a slim waist and bulbous fuel tank, especially in the yellow color scheme, continues to reflect the bike’s namesake insect.
The e-clutch replaces the traditional manual clutch lever, allowing riders to stop, start, and shift gears without operating the clutch hand lever. It is designed to deliver smoother and faster gear changes than conventional quickshifters, particularly at low speeds and in lower gears where quickshifters often perform suboptimally. Users have noted the system’s seamless operation, likening the experience to riding an automatic transmission motorcycle.
Despite the additional technology, the e-clutch adds only about 4 kg to the bike’s weight and roughly £100 to its price, which is set at approximately £7,549. This positions the Hornet competitively against rivals such as the Triumph Trident 660, Yamaha MT-07, and Suzuki GSX-8S, none of which currently offer an electronic clutch system.
Riders have observed some differences in how the e-clutch performs on the Hornet compared to its application on Honda’s Transalp model, which is heavier and designed for longer touring days. While the Transalp’s e-clutch was praised for its smoothness and refined operation, the Hornet, being lighter with a shorter wheelbase and smaller wheels, was initially described as more impatient or twitchy in its response. However, many testers eventually embraced the Hornet’s eager handling and found that the e-clutch complemented its nimble character well, especially when riding spiritedly through varied terrain.
The system includes a small TFT screen indicator that warns riders if they approach stoplights in too high a gear, reminding them to use their left foot for downshifting. This suggests that while the e-clutch removes the need for hand operation, the rider still manually changes gears with the left foot.
Overall, the inclusion of the e-clutch on the CB750 Hornet aims to modernize a proven formula by reducing rider fatigue and enhancing ease of use, without compromising the bike’s engaging performance and accessible price point. The technology may signal a shift toward the eventual phasing out of traditional clutches on motorcycles, an evolution welcomed by some while nostalgically mourned by others.