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Very important design moves from Honda

Text: OA Isdahl
Photo: Honda/Kellox

Finally, Honda is taking a firm and important grip on the design of the headlights on several of its most important models

This is good news. Personally, I’ve struggled to get a good feeling about the headlights on several of Honda’s most important models in recent years. Honda consistently produces incredibly good motorcycles, but in my opinion the designers have in no way managed to develop the design in step with the times. The design gets in the way of the hook and the desired wow effect that the Italians, in comparison, manage to establish. When the design contribution fails, people are probably unable to discover what the model really stands for, and I think that’s one of the reasons why these models have struggled. What I personally don’t understand is that the same Honda, in the same periods, has managed to design models that must be considered visual icons that are simply to be regarded as great successes. Some of the important models such as the Hornet family, the new Transalp and partly
the NC 750 X family have probably remained in the shadow of these successes and consequently do not create the desired “I just have to have this effect”. That’s why it’s so incredibly gratifying and positive to see that Honda has finally seen this for itself and is now taking action to lift these models that really deserve a completely different attention in the market.

CB 750 Hornet linked to CB 1000 Hornet

The CB 750 Hornet has been given a new headlight that clearly links the model to its big brother, the CB 1000 Hornet. This looks great and was perhaps what the model lacked to be complete. It’s easy to see the lines between the light, the tank and the frame and this design can actually match Ducati and Kawasaki. Both now have what it takes to match the competition on design. This is much better and will perhaps be decisive for the model’s future prospects.

Transalp is drawn to Africa Twin

The new XL 750 Transalp got off to a slow start after its launch in Norway. The model is fantastic, has an engine that outperforms its competitors and delivers consistently good performance and very good driving characteristics. In terms of performance, the Transalp is actually up there with the BMW F 900 GS. The model was perceived by many as a possible competitor to Yamaha’s
Tenere 700 (T7) but the DNAet of the Transalp has probably never been close to such an ambition and Honda itself defined the model first and foremost as an Adventure model and not as off-road oriented as the T7. The design of the 2024 model lagged behind, was old-fashioned and excited too little and too few. It’s fantastic to drive, but that doesn’t help when the design lacks character and sex appeal, unfortunately. But now it seems to be swinging a little more. Honda is now linking the XL 750 more closely to the Africa Twin with an all-new headlight and fairing section that could work much better. Honda could have invested a little more in larger headlamp inserts according to the dimensions used on the Africa Twin, but they have not done so. Very good face lift, but maybe still a bit unfinished, so we’ll see what people think about this? Personally, I hope this is enough because this is a really good model that produces buckets of driving pleasure. The XL 750 Transalp is even big enough to handle 2 people on a trip with luggage, but is probably most fun to drive alone.

The NC 750 family is drawn to the NC 1100

The NC 750 family has been a great success and has some utterly ingenious solutions that promote driving pleasure within a wide range of applications. The model’s fuel tank is located directly under the seat, freeing up space in the tank for luggage. It’s a super practical solution that you can’t help but love. So elegant, so practical and so functional. Don’t be fooled by the performance data, this engine delivers more power than what you can read from the numbers and the model is fun and comfortable to drive.

The NC 750 X comes in two versions, one with a manual gearbox and a DCT solution (Dual Clutch Transmission), personally I think the DCT version is the most fun and best to drive. Oddly enough, the NC 750 X is placed in Honda’s Adventure category, while the
NC 1100 belongs in the Touring category. Both models have 17-inch front wheels and are thus more Touring than Adventure oriented. But the design of the NC 750 is drawn in 2025 towards the NC 1100 and it’s not a bad move at all.

Honda must keep up the pressure in the designer camp

These are very important and good moves on Honda’s part, but there is still a long way to go before perfection. Perhaps it would have been wise to bring in some new expertise from a slightly different culture with new eyes from competitive environments right now, especially on the subject of design! Don’t get me wrong, these are great facelifts, but Honda and especially the designs must not sleep on it now, it could be dangerous.