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Honda just made its first real move into full-size electric motorcycles with the WN7. After teasing an electric concept at EICMA last year, the production bike has now debuted with actual specs, a name, and a price tag. Here's what we know — and what it means for riders in North America.
The name breaks down like this: "W" stands for "be the wind" (Honda's concept theme), "N" for naked (the bike's streetfighter styling), and "7" indicates its power class. It's Honda's first proper electric motorcycle — not a scooter, not a commuter pod, but a full-size naked bike with a single-sided swingarm and streetfighter design.
First unveiled as a concept at EICMA, Honda moved quickly to production. The bike features a fixed lithium-ion battery (not swappable, despite earlier hints), belt drive, and a five-inch TFT display with RoadSync smartphone connectivity. There's also 20 liters (1.2 cu ft) of underseat storage — practical for daily commuting.
| Specification | Honda WN7 |
|---|---|
| Motor | 18kW liquid-cooled electric |
| Power | 67 hp (50 kW) |
| Torque | 100 Nm (73.7 lb-ft) |
| Weight (curb) | 217 kg (478 lb) |
| Range | 130 km (81 mi) claimed |
| Battery | Fixed lithium-ion |
| Charging | CCS2 rapid + home charging |
| Charge time (20-80%) | 30 min (CCS2 rapid) |
| Charge time (full, home) | ~3 hours (6 kVA outlet) |
| Transmission | 1-speed, belt drive |
| Display | 5-inch TFT with RoadSync |
| Storage | 20L underseat |
| Price | £12,999 (~$17,700 USD) |
Honda says the torque output is comparable to 1,000cc ICE bikes, while suggesting overall performance is in the 600cc range. With 100 Nm (73.7 lb-ft) of instant torque and 217 kg (478 lb) of weight, it should pull hard off the line — but don't expect superbike acceleration.
The 130 km (81 mi) range is the elephant in the room. For a full-size electric motorcycle priced at nearly $18,000, that's tight. It's adequate for daily commuting and city riding, but it rules out the touring and adventure riding that many motorcyclists actually do.
The good news: CCS2 rapid charging takes the battery from 20% to 80% in 30 minutes. At home with a standard 6 kVA outlet, a full charge takes about 3 hours. Honda will also offer an 11kW A1 license version for European riders.
The WN7 is priced at £12,999 in the UK, which translates to approximately $17,700 USD or roughly $24,000 CAD. That's steep for what is essentially a commuter-class electric motorcycle.
| Bike | Power | Range | Weight | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda WN7 | 67 hp | 130 km (81 mi) | 217 kg (478 lb) | ~$17,700 USD |
| Zero SR/F | 110 hp | 259 km (161 mi) city | 220 kg (485 lb) | ~$24,500 CAD |
| LiveWire One | 105 hp | 146 km (91 mi) city | 225 kg (496 lb) | ~$22,000 CAD |
The WN7 sits in an awkward middle ground. It has less power and range than both the Zero SR/F and LiveWire One, though it may come in at a lower price point. The real question is whether Honda's brand reliability and dealer network can justify the premium over better-spec'd alternatives.
Short answer: not yet. Honda hasn't confirmed the WN7 for North America, and even if it arrives, the 130 km (81 mi) range makes it a non-starter for Canadian touring. Most of my riding involves 300-400 km (186-249 mi) days, often through areas with zero charging infrastructure.
Where the WN7 could work: urban commuting in Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver. For someone who rides 20-40 km (12-25 mi) per day and charges at home overnight, the range is fine. But at $24,000 CAD estimated, you're paying premium touring-bike money for a city commuter.
What this bike really represents is Honda taking electric motorcycles seriously. The WN7 is a first step — not a destination. If Honda can iterate on this platform with a bigger battery, swappable cells, and North American availability, future generations could matter for riders like me. For now, I'll keep my Pursuit.