Honda WN7

[Tev62]

Honda Europe have announced that manufacturing is to start on their first large electric motorcycle, the WN7. Deliveries early 2026. Doesn't look too bad, only 217kg which is impressive.

The Honda WN7 is set to offer highly engaging performance, thanks to a svelte kerb weight of just 217kg and a powertrain - based around an 18kW water-cooled motor - that delivers an output level similar to that of a 600cc internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycle, but with 100Nm torque - more comparable to a 1000cc ICE. Honda is also making available an 11kW A1 licence version, broadening access to battery-powered motorcycling.

[Cormanus]

I wonder what sort of range it will have.

[misterprofessionality]

Well, it isnt the hot-swap battery bike they teased, but at least they're on the board.

[the Ferret]

Not too awful ugly. Looks along the lines of a modern sport bike

[Cormanus]

Answers my earlier question. Time for a leisurely coffee or tea while it recharges enough.

The WN7, which debuted as the EV FUN Concept at EICMA 2024, carries a slim and futuristic naked-bike design. Underneath, it packs a fixed lithium-ion battery capable of delivering over 130km of range, supported by flexible charging options that will be crucial for its success. Honda has made the bike CCS2 rapid-charge compatible, meaning a 20–80% “top up” can be achieved in just 30 minutes, while a home wallbox charger completes a 0–100% recharge in under 3 hours.

[The A-man]

Needs megaphone style exhaust pipes. Put speakers in them to make the vvrrrrroooommm sound!

[misterprofessionality]

They're already making electric cars and bikes with fake gear boxes so you can pretend to shift.... So why not?

[Cormanus]

I'm sure I read about an electric bike with a speaker to play an exhaust noise. As I recall you could select from a range of sounds.

[pdedse]

When something looks out of place, with lines that do not flow...it's difficult for me to see beyond that.

I get a similar feeling when I see big, square radiators on motorcycles.  Triumph is the only brand producing bikes with radiators I don't find jarring.

This honda's black box looks like a decently-sized sub-woofer.  I went to Zero's home page and the SR/S looks better with covering, and their DRS/X models have support bars crossing the battery that flow with the tank and molding.  It's visually more appealing to me.  And if my immediate reaction is not "that's a great looking bike" nothing's going to convince me to buy one.

[misterprofessionality]

I had read somewhere that you often see those big black boxes visible on electric bikes because these types of batteries need way more cooling than you might imagine.