The motorcycling world is buzzing about the official unveiling of the Honda WN7, Big Red’s first full-sized electric motorcycle. The bike, a production version of the “EV Fun Concept” shown at EICMA 2024, is generating a lot of conversation, especially in Europe where it’s slated for an early 2026 release. The WN7 name itself is a nod to its design and ethos, with “W” for “Be the Wind,” “N” for its “Naked” styling, and “7” for its power class. While the full technical specs are still under wraps until EICMA 2025, Honda has teased some impressive numbers that have everyone talking.
Initial reactions are a mix of excitement and skepticism, with the performance figures being a key point of discussion. Honda claims the WN7’s 18 kW water-cooled motor delivers a level of horsepower akin to a 600cc internal combustion engine (ICE) bike, while its 100 Nm of torque rivals that of a 1000cc literbike. This sounds like an intoxicating combination of mid-size maneuverability and liter-bike grunt, a quiet and smooth yet thrilling ride. Riders are also keen on the battery and charging details: a fixed lithium-ion pack with a claimed range of over 130 km (83 miles), and perhaps most importantly, its compatibility with CCS2 fast charging, which can get you from 20% to 80% in just 30 minutes. This kind of rapid top-up is a game-changer for electric motorcycle practicality, though the fixed battery is a departure from Honda’s previous swappable-battery concepts.
However, the chatter online isn’t all praise. Many enthusiasts and industry watchers are raising an eyebrow at the announced price tag of £12,999 (approximately $17,700 USD). For a “commuter-friendly” naked bike with a fixed battery and an 83-mile range, this price point is seen as a major hurdle. Competitors, such as the LiveWire S2 Del Mar, offer similar or better specs for less money, leading some to wonder if Honda is relying too heavily on its brand prestige to justify the cost. While the WN7’s design is sleek and its features—like the 5-inch TFT screen with Honda RoadSync connectivity and a 20-liter under-seat storage compartment—are appealing, the price could be a huge dealbreaker for riders looking to make the leap into the electric space.