Honda is often seen as the sensible motorcycle manufacturer—prioritizing reliability, practicality, and everyday usability over raw performance. Yet, even Honda occasionally releases motorcycles that push boundaries, perfect a formula, or invent a new segment. These bikes often generate massive online buzz, going viral on YouTube, forums, and social media. Here are ten Honda motorcycles that broke the internet, along with why they mattered.
The Electric Future: Honda WN7
The Honda WN7, slated for release in 2026, is generating excitement due to its potential to be a viable electric motorcycle. Honda isn’t known for taking blind leaps, suggesting the WN7 will be a properly functional product. With a claimed torque output of 73 lb-ft from its 18 kW water-cooled motor and a weight of just 478 pounds, the WN7 promises rapid charging (20-80% in 30 minutes) and a range of 83 miles. Its viability makes it a standout in the electric motorcycle space.
The Inline-Four Revival: CB500 Super Four
Honda recently announced the CB500 Super Four and CBR500R Four for the Chinese market, bringing back the small-displacement inline-four naked motorcycle. These models boast an 80-horsepower engine, a second-generation E-Clutch, and a neo-retro design. While details are scarce, the design and engine configuration have created buzz. Unfortunately, there are slim chances of these models reaching the US market, leaving many enthusiasts disappointed.
Adventure Reimagined: XL750 Transalp
The XL750 Transalp marks Honda’s first proper middle-weight adventure bike in years, reviving a name with a rich off-road racing history. Despite not being a competition bike, it’s an excellent all-around adventure machine. With 90.5 horsepower at 9,500 RPM, it’s the most powerful adventure bike under $10,000, making it a standout value for 2025.
The Practical Supersport: CBR650R E-Clutch
Adding an automatic clutch to a sports bike seems counterintuitive, but Honda did so with the CBR650R. The E-Clutch enhances its versatility, making it easy to ride in the city or on the highway. The CBR650R was already known for being a do-it-all sports bike, and the E-Clutch only adds to its practicality.
The Adaptive Adventure: Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES
Videos of the Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES consistently rank among the most-viewed Honda content on YouTube. The key feature is the Showa EERA semi-active suspension, which automatically adapts to riding conditions. With a reliable parallel-twin engine, bulletproof reliability, and an optional dual-clutch transmission, it offers a unique blend of versatility and technology.
Radical Design: Valkyrie Rune
The Valkyrie Rune stands out as an example of radical design and disregard for profit margins. Featuring an integrated radiator grill, a seamless fuel tank, and trailing bottom-link front suspension, it was an audacious statement. While production costs exceeded sales prices by a significant margin, the Rune remains a collector’s item and a symbol of Honda’s design freedom.
Supersport Dreams: CBR600RR (2024)
The CBR600RR’s launch generated excitement among supersport enthusiasts, but its non-availability in the US due to emission norms sparked criticism. Despite the disappointment, the bike’s performance and advanced electronics made it a standout in the supersport segment.
Bang for Buck: CB1000 Hornet SP
The CB1000 Hornet SP offers liter-class performance with middleweight fuel economy at a competitive price. Equipped with Showa SFF-BP forks, an Ohlins TTX36 shock, and Brembo Stylema calipers, it delivers high-end features at a fraction of the cost of other liter-class bikes.
The Ultimate Supersport: CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP
The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP is Honda’s newest and most powerful Fireblade, making over 200 horsepower. With its RC213V-bred inline-four engine, Ohlins NPX Smart-EC fork, and Akrapovic titanium exhaust, it’s a high-performance machine that pushes the boundaries of supersport technology.
The Race Replica: Honda RC213V-S
The RC213V-S is a street-legal replica of Honda’s MotoGP race bike. Featuring pneumatic valves, a seamless gearbox, and a high-revving V4 engine, it’s a collector’s item that demands six figures at auctions. Its low production number and extreme exclusivity make it one of the most sought-after Honda motorcycles ever made.
The RC213V-S is a testament to Honda’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of motorcycle technology. Its extreme performance and exclusivity make it a symbol of the brand’s racing heritage.
These ten Honda motorcycles have all broken the internet in their own way, each one sparking debate, excitement, and admiration among enthusiasts worldwide. From practical sports bikes to radical race replicas, Honda continues to push the boundaries of motorcycle design and performance
