The CB750 Hornet and XL750 Transalp, introduced in 2022, are siblings utilizing the same platform.
Naked and Adventure appeared, but it would not be surprising if there was a "next".
Information Source.February 2023 issue of Motorcycle Monthly (December 28, 2022)
CG: Shinji Miyakubo
New in the popular Neo-Classic GB series!
The CB750 Hornet with a newly developed 755cc engine was unveiled at the Intermot show in October 2022, but the Hornet was not the only one reborn with a new parallel twin-cylinder engine and a steel diamond frame chassis.
The following November, the XL750 Transalp made its debut at the EICMA (Milan Show), and the same platform was used to revive the brand of yesteryear. Developing models in different genres using the same mechanism is a current trend, and based on past examples, it seems unlikely that it will end with just two models.
And the third machine this magazine predicts will be a neo-classic. The "GB"「750cc」 is fascinating.
GB750 [HONDA] Image is a CG created by the editorial department. Estimated arrival date: Fall 2023
CB750HORNET [HONDA] The new Hornet has overturned its 4-cylinder image and has been reborn as a parallel 2-cylinder. The launch schedule for Japan is currently undecided.
Expect the CL750 scrambler to appear as well.
A neo-classic model based on the CB750 Hornet would be more likely to have a roadster style like the CB750, but today, a CL750 line would also be conceivable.
CL is the name of Honda's original off-road model launched in 1962, and the CL500 is scheduled to be launched in Europe in 2023, followed by the CL250 in Japan. The CL is a scrambler style based on an on-road vehicle, with the 500 and 250 using the Revul engine and front side frame, but a Hornet-based version of the CL would be quite feasible.
In the forecast CG, we stuck with the twin-shock rear suspension and the upright fork + boot spec front, but even without going this far, the headlight, tank, and other changes should make it more stylish. Also, if the vehicle goes the GB750 route, the front, and rear wheels could be kept with the Hornet's 17-inch wheels.
And a scrambler-style CL750 line could be completed by adding an up-muffler to the GB. If the development cost is to be kept low and the model is to become a neo-classic, the most likely candidate would be the GB750. However, if the CL500/250 is a hit in 2023, the Scrambler is also promising enough.
CL750 [HONDA] Image is an editorially produced CG; expected arrival date: Fall 2023
GB350 [HONDA] The GB350 was released in 2021 and became a hit model with backorders. We forecast a 750cc twin as part of this series.
Price: (approx.) 4260 USD
CL250 [HONDA] New model based on the Rebel, following the huge success of the Rebel 250. It is scheduled to go on sale in Japan in late March. The parallel two-cylinder SL500 is scheduled to go on sale in late May.
Price: Undecided
The newly developed 755cc twin is a triplet.
The engine that GB750/CL750 are expected to adopt is the 755cc engine with a parallel twin-cylinder Unicam SOHC head mounted on the CB750 Hornet and XL750 Transalp, producing a maximum output of 91.8 PS at 9500 rpm. It uses a 270-degree crankshaft for superior traction performance, and its output characteristics emphasize balance over power.
CB750HORNET [HONDA] The Hornet's concept of an affordable, sporty, fun-to-ride naked bike has been carried over to the two-cylinder version.
XL750TRANSALP [HONDA] The original middle adventure name with an established reputation in Europe is back. It is equipped with an engine similar to the Hornet and suspension in the vein of the Africa Twin.
The head is compact because it is not DOHC. It could be seasoned with a twin heartbeat.
Rival is Yamaha's 700 twin series
In 2014, Yamaha launched its "platform strategy" to offer a lineup of various models with a single engine. Since then, Yamaha has developed a diverse lineup of models based on the naked MT series.
In particular, the CB750 Hornet is aware of the MT-07, which has a similar displacement, and the XL750 Transalp is available for the Ténéré 700 of the same family. Furthermore, the XSR700 will likely be hit with the GB750 or CL750. Another Yamaha has the YZF-R7, which is also competing with the YZF-R7.
XSR700LEGACY [YAMAHA] XSR Scrambler version is also available in Europe! Includes scrambler customization such as off-tires and wide-braced handlebars. No plan to release it in Japan. The photo shows the model with factory-installed accessories.
XSR700 [YAMAHA] price: (approx.) 7240 USD
MT-07 [YAMAHA] price: (approx.) 6300 USD
TENERE700 [YAMAHA] price: (approx.) 9960 USD