When Honda first showed off the EV Fun Concept at EICMA last year, it looked like a cool experiment. You know, something that hinted at what electric Hondas might be like in the near future. A few months later, however, we started seeing more details surface, and now it’s finally here in full production form as the Honda WN7.
It’s exciting to see how far it’s come, especially since this isn’t just another commuter-style EV. This one’s meant to be fun. And while no electric bike can truly replace the sound or feel of a gas engine, it’s great to see a brand like Honda doing its best to keep that spirit alive.
The WN7 fits right into the naked bike segment, which has always been about keeping things simple and focused on riding. These bikes are easy to live with, sporty enough to enjoy on twisty roads, and don’t take themselves too seriously. Honda clearly wanted the WN7 to carry the energy of the CB750 Hornet or CB650R into the electric era. And quite honestly, I think they nailed it.
What’s really interesting about the WN7 is how it’s built. Instead of using a regular frame, Honda made the battery case part of the chassis, sort of like how most of today’s bikes use the engine as a stressed member. The steering head and swingarm are connected directly to it, which keeps the weight centered and helps make the bike feel light and responsive. It’s a pretty clever setup that gives the WN7 a slim, compact shape while improving handling.
The bike runs on a new water-cooled electric motor with an integrated inverter, putting out about 67 horsepower and 74 pound-feet of torque. That’s roughly the same power you’d get from a 650cc middleweight, but with instant pull every time you twist the throttle. Power goes through a gearbox and belt drive, keeping things smooth and quiet.
A 9.3 kWh lithium-ion battery gives it about 87 miles of range, which should be plenty for city commutes or weekend rides. Charging’s not much of a hassle either: it supports CCS2 fast charging that takes it from 20 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes, or a full charge in just under two and a half hours using a normal outlet. But here’s where I think Honda might’ve missed out (as I explained when this concept was first introduced): the WN7 isn’t powered by the brand’s revolutionary Power Pack e:.
Nevertheless, there are a few nice touches that make everyday use easier, too. You can adjust how much regenerative braking you get with the Deceleration Selector, so you can go from coasting smoothly to having strong engine braking feel depending on your mood. There’s also a Walking Speed Mode that lets you inch the bike forward or backward, super handy for parking or maneuvering in tight spots.
Gallery: Honda WN7 Electric Motorcycle
The design ties it all together. It’s clean and modern, with a black-and-gold color scheme and a sleek horizontal light bar that’ll become a signature look for future Honda EVs. It’s simple, a little futuristic, and definitely stands out without trying too hard.
So yeah, the WN7 isn’t here to replace your favorite gas-powered naked bike, but it’ll surely make for a fun alternative alongside your Hornet or CB. But perhaps more importantly, it proves that electrics don’t have to be boring or overly complicated—they can be quick, practical, and still give you that same sense of fun that got us all into bikes in the first place.
Source: Honda
