The Honda CB600F (known as the Hornet in Europe and Brazil) was undoubtedly one of the most influential middleweight naked motorcycles. Originally launched in 1998, it had close ties to the race-winning CBR600RR but had always presented its own unique package of sporty performance and light, user-friendly handling.

In 2014 the model received a major update and got a displacement increase of 49 cc, the new model is called CB650F, which is currently sold in the US for $ 8,249. And according to Fabrice Recoque, director of the motorcycle division of Honda France, the world is getting TWO new 650cc naked motorcycles.

While the French magazine Moto Revue was launching the European Forza scooter, the Honda boss cleared any doubts regarding closing the books to the “Hornet” name. The 'Hornet' was not taken to North America as AMC had trademarked the name with the AMC Hornet.

The Hornet / 650F will either be updated heavily for 2019 or Honda is going to be adding a couple of new models in the 650cc segment. The current Honda CB650Fenjoys being one of the most wanted middleweight naked models in its class offering a great mix of comfort, great handling, and sporty performance. It produced a good 86 hp and 46 lb-ft of torque.

The first new 650 will be “a bit more expensive but also very different and slightly off the competition.” Naked or a full faired motorcycle, no one can say for sure. The second 650cc based machine will be “more volume-oriented” model that will be probably sold in multiple markets.

“Our strategy will not be to attack the MT-07 with the same style or a similar price. We will propose a very different motorcycle with a unique style and very different positioning.” Added Recoque.

A new funky model and a mainstream model concepts will be first showcased at the 2018 EICMA in Milan, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for us.