The 2025 lineup of Honda motorcycles has brought exciting updates, new launches, and groundbreaking concepts, all showcased at Motorcycle Live, the UK’s premier bike show. From retro-inspired designs to cutting-edge electric concepts, Honda’s latest offerings demonstrate their commitment to innovation, style, and customer feedback. Let’s explore the highlights, organized by engine capacity.
Honda GB 350 RS – Retro Elegance with Modern Comfort
The Honda GB 350 RS has been a hit in Asian markets, and for 2025, it’s finally coming to the UK and Europe.
- Design: A standout in the retro segment, its styling rivals the Royal Enfield and Triumph Speed 400. It features a steel cradle frame, classic suspension with upright forks, twin rear shocks, and a 19-inch front wheel, enhancing its retro appeal.
- Performance: Powered by a 350cc single-cylinder engine producing 20 horsepower, it promises an authentic and enjoyable riding experience.
- Pricing: Starting at £3,949, it’s an excellent choice for budget-conscious riders who love Honda’s reliability.
- Color Options: While black, PCO blue, and mud gray are available, more vibrant options like red or British racing green could have been a welcome addition.
Honda Rebel 500 & CL 500 – Tweaked for Comfort and Compliance
Honda’s 500cc lineup sees incremental but meaningful upgrades in 2025.
Rebel 500
- Key Changes: A revised seating position and handlebar placement enhance comfort. A more readable LCD dash resolves visibility issues in bright sunlight.
- Styling: Gold wheels and new colorways breathe fresh life into this cruiser.
CL 500 Scrambler
- Updates: New seat foam and redesigned footpegs improve comfort and grip, particularly in wet or muddy conditions. A new yellow paint option adds flair.
Both models are now Euro 5B-compliant, ensuring they meet the latest emission standards.
2025 CB750 Hornet & XL750 Transalp – Bold Updates
Honda’s 750cc lineup gains significant visual and functional updates.
CB750 Hornet
- Design: A wider, distinctive headlight gives the Hornet a unique personality, setting it apart from other models in the lineup.
- Suspension: Revised settings enhance comfort and handling.
XL750 Transalp
- Styling: Its revamped headlight design mirrors the Africa Twin, delivering a rugged “baby adventure” look.
- Features: New paint jobs with yellow accents and gold rims add a premium feel. Suspension adjustments aim to improve ride quality.
NC750X – Practicality Meets Sustainability
A commuter favorite, the NC750X, gets a host of updates for 2025.
- Styling: Sharper, adventure-inspired aesthetics and new panels made from eco-friendly Dura-Bio material.
- Tech Upgrade: A 5-inch full-color TFT display adds connectivity features like music control, navigation, and ride modes.
- Braking: Now equipped with twin 296mm discs and radial-mount calipers for improved stopping power.
- DCT Refinements: Enhancements to the dual-clutch transmission improve low-speed maneuverability, making u-turns and stops more manageable.
Pricing is expected to remain competitive, with the 2023 model starting at £6,999 for the manual and £7,799 for the DCT variant.
CB1000 Hornet SP – The Sub-£10k Benchmark
For those seeking high-performance naked bikes, the CB1000 Hornet SP is the highlight of Honda’s 2025 lineup.
- Engine: A Fireblade-derived 1,000cc inline-four producing approximately 150 horsepower.
- SP Features: An exhaust control valve adds power in the upper rev range, Öhlins rear shock enhances handling, and Brembo Stylema calipers improve braking.
- Design: Matte black with gold accents makes it a visual stunner.
- Price: At £9,999, the SP version delivers premium features at an unmatched price point.
Honda Rebel 1100 & NT1100 – Touring and Cruising Redefined
The 1,100cc models benefit from several rider-focused upgrades.
NT1100
- Highlights: Improved torque, refined DCT, and a six-axis IMU enhance ride quality. New wider side cases can now fit helmets, and the adjustable windscreen can be operated with one hand.
Rebel 1100
- Comfort: Revised seating position, taller handlebars, and repositioned footpegs accommodate taller riders.
- Technology: A new TFT display and USB charging port bring modern conveniences.
- SE Variant: The burnt orange color scheme with gold accents gives it a custom vibe.
New Concepts and Technology for 2025
Honda’s innovation doesn’t stop with production bikes. Two major developments hint at the brand’s forward-thinking approach:
V3 Engine
- Details: Compact and slim, this engine features an air compressor for enhanced torque. Its unique V3 layout could be a game-changer for future models, combining V-twin grunt with triple-cylinder refinement.
EV-FUN Concept
- Overview: This sporty electric motorcycle is a departure from Honda’s urban-focused EVs. With premium components like a single-sided swingarm and sporty suspension, it promises a thrilling electric riding experience.
Final Thoughts
Honda’s 2025 lineup showcases a blend of tradition, modernity, and sustainability. Whether you’re a commuter, a cruiser fan, or an adventure seeker, there’s something new and exciting to consider. Which of these bikes caught your eye? Let us know, and stay tuned for more updates!
