Honda unleashes its first production electric motorcycle – the slim futuristically-styled WN7.
With a potential range of up to 140km (WMTC mode), the 9.3kWh High Voltage Battery Pack and liquid-cooled motor produce 50kW peak power and 100Nm torque. Final drive is via belt. Charging can take place through the car infrastructure, with a 20% to 80% ‘top up’ achievable in 30 minutes and adding 89km in ideal conditions, or at home, which takes between 2.4 and 5.5 hours to full depending on the charging cable. Showa 43mm USD forks and a cantilever mono-shock Pro-Arm swingarm provide a supple ride and entertaining handling. There are four riding modes and four deceleration power levels to choose by preference plus forward/reverse Walking Speed Mode, Selectable Speed Limit Assist (SSLA), Cornering ABS and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). Smart Key operation is standard and Honda’s RoadSync app offers seamless smartphone connectivity with the 5-inch TFT display, which also features a USB-C socket. All lighting is LED, with dual projector headlights and Daytime Running Lights (DRL). The indicators auto-cancel and are equipped with Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) technology. For A1 licence holders there will be an 11kW version. The WN7 will be available in three colour options: Mat Pearl Morion Black, Pearl Deep Mud Gray and Graphite Black.
1. Introduction
Honda has long been driven by founder Soichiro’s strong desire to enable mobility through technology. ‘The Power of Dreams’ is a global brand message and what lies behind it means moving people, touching hearts and empowering them to reach their dreams. Honda aims to be the creative force that enables the realisation of these ambitions – a goal as relevant today as it was back in 1949 when it all began with the first production Honda, the Dream D-Type.
Looking forward, for its motorcycle business Honda is striving to reach carbon neutrality across all products by the 2040s. In Europe the EM1 e: and CUV e: are electric urban scooters that utilise the swappable Honda Mobile Power Pack e: battery technology and now, as a brand-new 26YM model, the WN7 arrives as the very first Honda electric motorcycle.
Originally shown as the EV FUN Concept, the WN7 is built to deliver an exhilarating riding sensation that an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) cannot offer. And, by using all the knowledge and engineering insight drawn from Honda’s ICE models, the fundamental elements of any ride – acceleration, cruising, braking and cornering – have all been refined to offer a unique motorcycling experience that blends Honda’s DNA with the distinct appeal of electrification.
“We developed Honda’s first electric FUN model under the key concept of “Be the Wind”. It offers a quiet and smooth ride unique to EV models and a sense of unity with the machine that can make riders feel like the wind,” explains Large Project Leader, Masatsugu Tanaka.
“Building on my 20 years of experience with Honda’s ICE motorcycle models, we have applied the knowhow accumulated over these years to the EV motorcycle, to create a model that is genuinely exciting to ride. We have done extensive testing in Europe – where our customers are – to evaluate riding performance, charging, and daily usability, carefully refining every aspect of the model to ensure that our customers have a reliable ride that lets you focus on pure enjoyment.”
2. Model Overview
‘Ride the wind. Listen to nature. Feel the earth’. These are the overarching concepts that have led development of the WN7 (Wind Naked 7). So, no fuel or tailpipe emissions, minimal noise, no smell, less heat and cleaner in every way. Like the wind it is quiet and smooth, and it’s free to move with effortless acceleration from a breath of throttle.
And it’s a bike very much aimed at a younger demographic looking for the freedom that two wheels offer – especially commuting in and out of the city – who are maybe looking to move up from a conventional small-capacity ICE machine and want something which has genuine performance but is also different, easy to ride, and new. An A1 licence option will be available for just this reason.
The 7 in Wind Naked 7 is where the bike sits with a Rotation Power output of 18kW (11kW for the A1 version) in Honda’s 0 to 9 scale of class definition. It has a potential range of 140km (153km for 11kW version) (WMTC mode) and produces 50kW peak power and 100Nm torque. It can be charged at home or by using the car network, to 80% in just 30 minutes. Rated at 9.3kWh the battery pack energises a liquid-cooled motor with integrated Power Drive Unit (PDU). Final drive is via belt.
An aluminium ‘frameless’ chassis uses the battery unit as a stressed member with no main pipe connecting the front and rear, and mounts the Showa 43mm USD front forks and aluminium cantilever Pro-Arm swingarm. Brakes are by Nissin, with dual piston calipers up front that bite dual 296mm discs and a mono piston rear caliper at the rear that grips a single 256mm disc. Brake management is courtesy of an IMU linked dual channel ABS system that facilitates Cornering ABS. Tyres are sized 120/70-17 front and 150/60-17 rear.
There are four riding modes, STANDARD, SPORT, RAIN and ECON and 0-3 levels of Deceleration Power to choose from. Forward/ reverse Walking Speed Mode is also standard as is Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and a Selectable Speed Limit Assist (SSLA), at the rider’s choice. A 5-inch TFT screen features Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity and USB-C charging port, while the Daytime Running Lights (DRL) equipped dual projectors lead full LED lighting and auto-cancelling indicators with Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) function.
Sophisticated, functional styling and new Honda typeface logo sets the WN7 apart. It will be available in the following contemporary paint options:
- Mat Pearl Morion Black
- Pearl Deep Mud Gray
- Graphite Black
3. Key Features
3.1 Battery, Powertrain & Charging
- Passive air-cooled lithium-ion battery with 9.3kWh energy capacity, gives up to 140km range (18kW model – WMTC mode)
- Liquid-cooled motor with integrated PDU; peak power of 50kW and 100Nm torque plus A1 licence option
- CCS2 charging allows for 20% to 80% top up in just 30 minutes, giving 89km additional range
- Different home charging options also available
- Belt drive for an effortlessly smooth and quiet ride
Designed for quick urban response and acceleration, the WN7 efficiently delivers a high amount of driving force to the rear wheel from low speed. 0-50m is covered in 3.9s – the same as a CB500 Hornet – but 0-100km/h arrives in just 4.6s, which is less than the time needed by the CB500 Hornet. The top speed of the 18kW model is 129km/h with 127km/h available as a continuous maximum.
Mounted below the swing-arm pivot point, to lower the centre of gravity and aid handling, the motor has peak power set at 50kW, with a UNECE certified constant rotational power of 18kW. Liquid-cooled for stable performance at continuous high output, the motor is cleverly packaged with the Power Drive Unit (PDU) to reduce weight and energy losses. It also offers up 100Nm torque and a maximum rotation speed of 4,500rpm. An 11kW A1 licence option will also be available.
The internal arrangement of the 349.44V HV (High Voltage) Battery and the integrated power distribution and control boards mean that all power electronics are contained in a single pack, mounted centrally within the bike centralising mass, reducing weight and component count on the bike. Cooling airflow is directed to the radiator by dual shroud intakes that are neatly integrated into the bike’s styling.
Charging the battery is effortless, regardless of the situation or location. Using an AC230V charger, which plugs into a normal domestic socket, charge time is approximately 5.5 hours hours from zero to full. A dedicated wall-mounted 6kVA home charger option can charge the bike in just 2.4 hours. The paradigm shifting option for the WN7, however, is its compatibility with automobile grade CCS2 quick charging, allowing owners to take advantage of car-based charging infrastructure and the quicker charge times they deliver. In practice, this means the WN7 can be topped up from 20% to 80% in just 30 minutes which is good for an additional 89km (96km for the 11kW A1 licence version) of riding range.
Enabling the rider to truly ‘Be the Wind’ a great deal of work has gone into minimising vibration and noise. Even at high rpm there is barely anything felt back through the handlebars compared to a four-cylinder middleweight. The reduction gears transmitting power from the motor use a helical cut, rather than spur to reduce transmission shock on acceleration/ deceleration. This design also reduces noise, alongside belt drive employing optimised shaping of the final drive pully.
3.2 Riding Modes & Deceleration power levels
- Four default riding modes
- Level 0-3 Deceleration power levels options
- Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
There are four default riding modes to choose from, each interleaving Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and with their own distinct characteristics:
- STANDARD is ideal for everyday use, with fluid drive and medium deceleration power level.
- SPORT is all about strong torque and acceleration from lower throttle positions, with higher deceleration power level.
- RAIN features smooth, consistent acceleration and light deceleration power to maintain stability.
- ECON provides the most relaxed riding experience with the smoothest acceleration and strongest regenerative deceleration among all modes to prioritise economy and reduce unnecessary energy consumption.
The level of deceleration power can be adjusted to preference, from 0 to level 3 (maximum) via finger/thumb paddles on the left handlebar. Reducing the deceleration power on highways lowers the frequency of throttle adjustments, making for a more relaxed ride. On a winding road, increasing the deceleration power level allows for a more dynamic riding experience.
Strength of deceleration power level selection is displayed on the top left of the screen, and each default riding mode has its own deceleration power level.
The instrument panel also shows Bar or Circle displays depending on rider choice when in SPORT mode.
3.3 Chassis
- Lightweight ‘frameless’ aluminium chassis uses battery unit as stressed member
- Torsional rigidity similar to current Honda mid-capacity motorcycles
- 43mm Showa USD front forks, rear mono-shock and aluminium Pro-Arm swingarm
Using hollow and open-shaped die-cast aluminium parts, the ‘frameless’ chassis maximises use of the battery pack as a stressed member, with optimised attachment points and spacing to optimal torsional rigidity. As a package the design is not overly rigid and careful arm shaping – plus sandwiching of the hanger plates – provides balanced flexibility in vertical, lateral and torsional directions to deliver agile handling and supple ride feel.
Rake is set at 25°, with trail of 99mm allied to a 1,480mm wheelbase. The WN7 is a motorcycle designed for all riders, from beginners up, to ride and enjoy and its dimensions contribute to ease of use. Seat height is set at 800mm but ground reach is facilitated by a slimmer mid-body section at just 260mm across. It also compares to the Hornet in other areas; overall length is 2,156mm, height 1,085mm and steering angle 35° with 2.8m turning radius (against 2,093mm, 1,084mm, 35° and 2.7m for the Hornet). Kerb weight is 217kg.
The mass height on the side stand is lower; 477mm as opposed to 501mm making it easier to move to vertical. And the riding position is set a little more relaxed than the Hornet; the rider triangle has the same hip point but is paired with lower-set handlebars and slightly lower footpegs. This equates to an upright, relaxed riding position, perfect for navigating busy city streets.
Showa provides the suspension; 43mm USD front forks, with 120mm stroke and a 41mm rear mono-shock working through an aluminium cantilever Pro-Arm single-sided swingarm that offers 120mm axle travel. Braking power is provided by Nissin with dual piston calipers up front biting dual 296mm discs, and a mono piston rear caliper operating on a single 256mm disc. Cornering ABS control is offered up via the IMU linked system.
Wheels are a brand-new five spoke cast aluminium design that wear 120/70-17 front and 150/60-17 rear tyres.
3.3 Styling & Equipment
- The design concept of ‘Sophisticated Functionality’ introduces a new seamless, dynamic aesthetic and style
- WN7 debuts a new Honda Electric Brand for motorcycles
- Full LED lighting with DRL dual projector headlights
- Forward/ reverse Walking Speed Mode & Selectable Speed Limit Assist (SSLA)
- 5-inch TFT screen with Honda RoadSync and USB-C charging port
- Auto-cancelling indicators with Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) function
The arrival of the WN7 also introduces a new design language for Honda. Under a design direction of ‘Precision of Intrinsic Design‘, the WN7 appears to be a typical mechanical motorcycle at first glance but look deeper and the freedoms that EV design allows begin to show through.
For example, by removing the volume around the traditional fuel tank location, a lower, slimer, tauter silhouette was achieved. The WN7 also leans into its EV powertrain, using the battery cell as a central design detail. The horizontal grained finishing on the cell is reflective of the overall WN7 design, which features several defined and purposeful horizontal lines such as the DRL that extends past the forks, and into the main bodywork.
The horizontal lines also help frame a new Honda typeface, which sits proudly on display marking Honda’s move into two-wheeled electrification. Sitting proud of the main bodywork are semi-opaque wind shrouds that help feed the neatly integrated radiator.
The new naked look is completed with LED lighting front and rear, whilst the model specific bar end mirrors are another unique touch.
The WN7 is well equipped for life in the city. Forward/ reverse Walking Speed Mode helps the bike and rider get in and out of tight spaces. And the Selectable Speed Limit Assist (SSLA) can assist help when riding around town, preventing unintentional speeding due to the WN7s powerful acceleration; this is down to rider choice to use, and three preset speeds can be stored. A Honda Smart Key allows easy, seamless operation of the bike, without ever having to leave the rider’s pocket.
Using the Honda RoadSync app via the 5-inch colour TFT screen allows straightforward, on-screen turn-by-turn navigation as well as the option (via a Bluetooth helmet headset) for the rider to make calls or listen to music. It also displays EV specific data such as average power consumption and speed as well as instantaneous power consumption, available riding range and charging time.
The indicators auto cancel after changing lanes or completing a turn; they also incorporate an Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) function: under hard braking, the hazard lights flash to warn other road users a hard stop is in process.
4. Accessories
Genuine Honda Accessories for the WN7 include:
- Rear Seat Bag
- Mode 2 AC230V Charging Cable
- Mode 3 6kVA Charging Cable (Gun to Gun type)
5. Technical Specifications
18kW Type | 11kW Type | |
MOTOR | ||
| Rotation Power *1 | 18kW | 11kW |
| Motor installation location | Front side of frame pivot | |
| Max. Power Output | 50.0kW | 11.2kW |
| Max. Torque | 100N.m | |
| Acceleration | 3.9s (0→50m) | 5.0s (0→50m) |
| Max Speed | 129km/h | 120km/h |
| Electric Range | 140km (WMTC2-2) | 153km (WMTC2-1) |
| Power Consumption rate | 81Wh/km | 76Wh/km |
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | ||
| Number of Battery packs | One | |
| Battery Type | Lithium-Ion | |
| Nominal Voltage | 349.44V | |
| Capacity | 9.3kWh | |
| Charger | Normal – Type2 | |
| Charging time 0%-100% *2 | 2.4hr by normal charge (Mode3) | |
| Charging Time 20%-80% *2 | < 30min by quick charge (Mode4) | |
FRAME | ||
| Frame Type | None (frameless chassis) | |
CHASSIS | ||
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 2,156mm x 826mm x 1,085mm | |
| Wheelbase | 1,480mm | |
| Caster Angle | 25° | |
| Trail | 99mm | |
| Seat Height | 800mm | |
| Handlebar Height | 1,022mm | |
| Ground Clearance | 139mm | |
| Kerb Weight | 217.5kg | |
| Turning radius | 2.8m | |
SUSPENSION | ||
| Front Suspension | Telescopic, Φ43mm upside-down, 120mm stroke, non-adjustable | |
| Rear Suspension | Φ41mm mono-shock, 120mm axle travel, adjustable pre-load | |
WHEELS | ||
| Front Wheel | 17 x MT3.50 cast aluminium wheel | |
| Rear Wheel | 17 x MT4.00 cast aluminium wheel | |
| Front Tyre | 120/70R17 M/C 58H | |
| Rear Tyre | 150/60R17 M/C 66H | |
BRAKES | ||
| ABS Type | Dual channel ABS with IMU | |
| Front Brake | 2x Dual piston brake caliper, hydraulic double 296mm disk | |
| Rear Brakes | Mono piston brake caliper, hydraulic 256mm disk | |
INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRICS | ||
| Instruments | 5-inch TFT Display | |
| Headlight | LED + DRL | |
| Taillight | LED | |
| Connectivity | RoadSync | |
| USB | 1x Type-C | |
| Auto Winker Cancel | Yes | |
| Immobiliser | Yes | |
| Drive mode | Four Modes (Sport, Standard, Rain, Econ) | |
| Smart Key | Yes | |
| Additional Features | Forward/ Reverse Assist (Max 5km/h), Selectable Speed Limit Assist, Deceleration Power Selector | |
*1 – Figure in accordance with UNECE Regulation No.85, and measured over 30 minutes of constant running time.
*2 – Charging time may vary depending on temperature and the charging device used.
All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice.
# Please note that the figures provided are results obtained by Honda under standardised testing conditions prescribed by WMTC. Tests are conducted on a rolling road using a standard version of the vehicle with only one rider and no additional optional equipment. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.
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