With its first true electric icon, the Honda WN7, Honda has proven that the future on two wheels doesn’t have to look like a vacuum cleaner on steroids, but rather like a work of art.
Let’s face it. Most electric motorcycles to date have looked like they were designed by people who hate motorcycles but love microwaves. Then along comes Honda. The world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer has decided to not only step into the pool, but to do a graceful backflip. The result? Honda WN7, a machine that has already won two of the world’s most prestigious design awards before its first official run.
Photo: Honda
Engineering Minimalism: When the Battery Becomes the Backbone
At Honda, the model Honda WN7 decided on a brilliant and at the same time daring move. Instead of hiding the heavy battery in a cumbersome steel frame, they used the battery housing itself as a supporting structure (frameless chassis). This means that the bike does not have a classic frame, which keeps its silhouette incredibly slim and minimalist. The weight is a reasonable 217 kg (478 lbs), which is almost feather-light for an electric machine of this performance – or at least light enough to handle without the help of a forklift.
Photo: Honda
Underneath that futuristic skin is a liquid-cooled electric motor that develops a commanding 50 kW (67 hp) and a brutal 100 Nm (73.8 lb-ft) of torque. Honda officially says that the performance is Honda WN7 comparable to a 600cc petrol engine in terms of power, while the torque available the moment you touch the throttle is closer to that of a liter supercar. “It’s like having the acceleration of a rocket, but without the noise that would wake up the whole neighborhood and all the local dogs,” anyone who appreciates quiet power would probably write.
Capabilities tailored for the modern urban nomad
The new Honda WN7 is not designed for crossing the Sahara, but for confidently mastering urban jungles and winding country roads where you want to be noticed.
Top speed: 130 km/h (80 mph).
Drive: Belt drive, which ensures a quiet, clean and almost maintenance-free ride.
Battery and range: The capacity is 9.3 kWh, which is enough for approximately 140 km (87 miles) of range.
It might 140 kilometers That doesn’t sound like much to those of you who dream of a trip to the Nordkapp, but for the average user who commutes to work, the gym and coffee, it’s more than enough. And when the battery runs out? That’s where CCS2 fast charging comes in. With the Honda WN7, you’ll be able to charge from 20 % to 80 % in just 30 minutes. Just right for sipping a double espresso, checking the stock quotes or Instagram on the 5-inch TFT display, which of course connects seamlessly with your smartphone and offers four different riding modes.
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Photo: Honda
Photo: Honda
Technology and heritage in one package
Although it’s a radical departure from its petrol roots, Honda hasn’t forgotten its heritage of quality with the Honda WN7. “In a world where everyone is screaming about sustainability, Honda has done something quiet but visually stunning.” The decision to offer the bike first in Europe, while the US is still waiting for better charging infrastructure, says a lot about where Honda sees its most progressive customers.
Conclusion: Is this a bike you’ll actually want to own?
Honda WN7 it’s not just a means of transportation; it’s a fashion accessory with a lot of torque. It’s proof that electric mobility isn’t the end of the fun, but the beginning of a new chapter where style and cutting-edge engineering are at the forefront. True, the 140-kilometer range means you won’t be taking it on a three-country run from the law, and the price tag is likely to reflect its prestigious status and award-winning design.
Photo: Honda
But look at her. She’s pure, she’s bold, and she’s Honda. That means it will work every time you decide to drive. If you’re looking for something that will turn heads in the city like a red Italian supercar, while still allowing you to take corners with surgical precision, this is it. Honda WN7 perhaps the best thing that has happened to motoring in recent times. The largest manufacturer of gasoline engines in the world has just produced the most convincing reason to slowly, but stylistically, forget about them. The price has not yet been officially cemented for each market, but expect the premium positioning that befits such a design excess.
