New EV motorcycles,

Honda's entry into the full-sized electric motorcycle arena arrives with the 2026 WN7, a naked-style commuter that channels over 75 years of Big Red engineering into a zero-emission package. Unveiled in September 2025 as the production evolution of the EV FUN Concept from EICMA 2024, the WN7 targets urban riders seeking a blend of fun, efficiency, and Honda's trademark reliability. Priced at £12,999 (about $17,700 USD) in the UK, it's positioned as the gateway to Honda's expanding EV lineup, with production starting late 2025 and European deliveries in early 2026. While it's not yet confirmed for the US, pre-orders are open now, complete with a free seat bag for early birds.

Design and Build

The WN7 nails the "naked" aesthetic with minimalist flair—no exhaust clutter, just sleek lines, a single-sided swingarm, and a compact frame that echoes Honda's street-smart CB series. At 217 kg (478 lbs) wet, it's hefty for its class, more akin to a 1,000cc ICE bike than a featherweight EV, but the low center of gravity (thanks to the fixed lithium-ion battery) keeps it planted. The 5-inch TFT display is a highlight, offering customizable riding modes, RoadSync connectivity for smartphone integration, and EV-specific menus for battery stats and charge planning. All-LED lighting and subtle aero touches (inspired by the "Be the Wind" ethos) give it a modern edge, available in three liveries at launch. Under the seat, a 20-liter storage bin swallows a full-face helmet or groceries, making it a practical daily driver. It's not revolutionary in looks—more evolutionary—but it feels premium and purposeful, like a CB500F that's gone electric.

Performance and Powertrain

Powered by an 18 kW (24 hp) water-cooled motor paired with a belt drive, the WN7 delivers 100 Nm (73.8 lb-ft) of instant torque that Honda equates to a literbike's low-end grunt. Acceleration feels punchy and linear, rivaling a 600cc ICE in outright output, with smooth, vibration-free delivery that makes city sprints addictive. Top speed hovers around 80-90 mph (A2-limited), suitable for highways but not track days. There's an 11 kW variant for A1 license holders, broadening appeal for new riders. The real magic? It's whisper-quiet, with a pedestrian alert sound system to comply with EU regs—think serene cruising without the bark. Handling is confidence-inspiring on European test roads, with nimble ergonomics for upright commuting. That said, at 478 lbs, it's no lightweight off-roader; it's tuned for pavement, not gravel.

Range, Charging, and Efficiency

A fixed 18 kWh battery (scalable to 11 kWh for the A1 model) promises over 130 km (81 miles) per charge in mixed conditions—decent for urban loops but underwhelming for longer jaunts compared to rivals like the Zero SR/F's 200+ miles. Real-world tests suggest 60-70 miles in aggressive riding, factoring in wind and load. Charging shines here: CCS2 rapid top-ups from 20-80% in under 30 minutes at public stations, or a full 0-100% in three hours with a home 6 kVA setup. No swappable packs mean you're wheeling the whole bike to the outlet, but integrated regen braking helps extend range on stop-go commutes. Efficiency is strong at around 4-5 miles per kWh, keeping running costs low (pennies per mile vs. gas guzzlers).

Features and Tech

Beyond the basics, the WN7 packs rider aids like traction control, ABS, and optional cruise control (speculated from switchgear hints). The TFT pairs with Honda's ecosystem for over-the-air updates and navigation mirroring. It's got that "e-Clutch" vibe with paddle shifters for simulated gearing, adding familiarity for ICE converts. Safety gets a nod with the acoustic vehicle alerting system (AVAS) and LED cornering lights. No adaptive cruise or radar yet—that's for future siblings—but it's loaded enough for daily duties without overwhelming.

Ride Impressions

From early European road tests, the WN7 delivers on its "Fun segment" promise: that electric torque surge off the line is grin-inducing, slicing through traffic with silent menace. The ride is plush yet agile, absorbing potholes better than expected for its weight, and the upright posture suits all-day ergonomics. It's not as visceral as a snarling CB650R, but the smoothness and zero vibes create a zen-like flow—perfect for dodging rush-hour chaos. Wind protection is minimal (naked bike, after all), so helmets with Bluetooth are your friend for longer hauls. Drawbacks? The weight shows in tight U-turns, and without a full spec sheet, we're guessing on suspension tweaks (likely non-adjustable Showa units).

Pros and Cons

Verdict

The Honda WN7 isn't a game-changer—it's a solid first swing in a crowded EV field, leaning on brand prestige to offset its premium price and middling range. At $17K+, it's pricier than nimble alternatives like the Super Soco or even some LiveWire models, and skeptics rightly question if the specs justify the spend for pure commuters. But for Honda loyalists craving that refined, no-fuss experience in electric form, it's a compelling gateway drug to greener riding. Score: 8/10. If it hits US shores with incentives, it'll turn heads; until then, it's Europe's quiet disruptor. Pre-order if you're EV-curious— the wind of change is blowing.