After leaving the driving school with an A2 license in hand, the temptation is immediate: to jump straight to a displacement that won’t make you want to change bikes in six months. The Honda CB750 Hornet ticks many boxes on paper, but placing its restricted 750 cc in the daily life of a new A2 license holder raises questions that the manufacturer’s specifications do not answer.
E-Clutch on the CB750 Hornet: a real advantage for a new A2 license
The first roundabout after the dealership, the first red light on a hill, the first parking maneuver on a slope: this is where the 2026 version of the CB750 Hornet changes the game. Honda now offers the E-Clutch system, an electronic clutch that automatically manages the biting point at startup, when stopped, and during gear changes.
See also : Tips for Creating the Ideal Environment for a Dog Wearing an Elizabethan Collar
In practice, you can ride all day without touching the left lever. The fear of stalling at traffic lights, a classic concern for beginners in urban areas, disappears. Feedback from riders who have spent time on its handlebars confirms a smoother ride in the city and during repetitive maneuvers, with reduced fatigue on long trips.
The additional cost of the E-Clutch option remains moderate (around 500 euros according to Honda). For an A2 rider who combines urban trips with weekend outings, it’s an investment that weighs little against the comfort gained. And if you prefer to manage manually, the classic mechanical gearbox remains accessible at any time. We are indeed talking about the 750 suitable for the A2 license, not a disguised automatic scooter.
You may also like : Top must-do activities in Brittany for family vacations
Weight and seat height of the CB750: what it changes in daily life
On paper, the CB750 Hornet boasts the best power-to-weight ratio in its category according to Honda. In practice, the key question for a new A2 license holder is low-speed maneuverability and the ability to place both feet on the ground when stopped.
The seat is positioned at a height that suits the majority of average-sized riders, but riders under 1.70 m must sit on it in the dealership before signing. The manageable weight for a 750 makes U-turns in parking lots and maneuvers at a standstill easier, two situations where beginners often struggle.
Where a 500 is more forgiving of trajectory errors at low speeds, the 750 requires a minimum of confidence in the handlebars. Feedback varies on this point: some recent A2 riders find the machine immediately reassuring, while others prefer a few weeks of adaptation before feeling comfortable in tight filtering situations.
Real budget for a CB750 Hornet on an A2 license: beyond the catalog price
The price displayed at the dealership represents only a fraction of the cost in the first year. We break down the real budget to avoid unpleasant surprises.
- Young rider motorcycle insurance on a restricted 750: premiums are significantly higher than on a 500, sometimes double depending on the profile and insurer. Requesting multiple quotes before purchase helps avoid discovering the bill after signing.
- Complete gear (approved helmet, certified gloves, jacket, boots, pants): this item often represents as much as several months of motorcycle loan payments. Don’t skimp on protection to offset the price of the bike.
- Manufacturer maintenance: Honda’s service intervals remain reasonable, but parts for a 750 are more expensive than those for a 500. Tires, brake pads, chain kit: everything is a notch above in price.
- Future de-restriction: after two years of holding an A2 license, transitioning to full power requires reprogramming at the dealership, with a cost to anticipate from the start.
In total, the first-year budget far exceeds just the price of the motorcycle. A comparative table between a CB500F and a CB750 Hornet, item by item, helps make the decision with eyes wide open.
Resale and evolution: does the CB750 Hornet retain its value after the A2?
One of the strongest arguments in favor of the CB750 for an A2 license is its ability to accompany the rider beyond the first two years. Once the restriction is removed, the machine delivers its full power without changing bikes. This avoids the resale/repurchase scenario, which represents a real saving.
Honda enjoys a stable used market value in this segment. A well-maintained CB750 Hornet, with reasonable mileage, sells easily on the used market. Demand remains strong among A2 riders specifically looking for this type of machine: sufficiently sporty to be enjoyable, yet versatile enough for daily road use.
Keeping the same motorcycle for four to five years instead of going from a 500 to a 750: this is the calculation that makes the CB750 Hornet financially relevant, provided you can absorb the initial extra cost of insurance and maintenance.
CB750 Hornet restricted A2: for which type of rider
The CB750 Hornet is not the right choice for everyone. It particularly suits a specific profile:
- A2 rider who plans to keep their motorcycle after de-restriction and wants to avoid reselling after two years.
- A rider comfortable with the size of a 750, capable of placing both feet on the ground without strain.
- A budget that can accommodate higher young rider insurance and slightly higher maintenance than a 500.
For a first contact with the road, without certainty of continuing to ride after the A2, a 500 remains a more economical and equally educational choice. The CB750 Hornet makes sense when you already know you want to ride for a long time and are willing to pay a bit more upfront to avoid starting the buying process again in two years.