Honda WN7 Review: Electric Fun With One Big Catch

The 2026 Honda WN7 is a significant motorcycle. It is Honda’s first full-size production electric bike, combining the familiar proportions of a naked motorcycle with a 9.3kWh battery, instant torque and access to CCS2 rapid charging.

For this 2026 Honda WN7 review, Liam Simm, Moto Planet presenter and rider, tested the bike on UK city streets, dual carriageways and bumpy B-roads. The result is a motorcycle that feels far more entertaining than its sensible commuter credentials suggest, although range, seat comfort and its £12,999 price will determine whether it fits your riding life.

Summary

• Engine Liquid-cooled electric motor with belt final drive
• Power 50kW peak, 18kW rated
• Torque 100Nm
• Weight 217kg kerb weight
• Fuel Capacity Not applicable, 9.3kWh lithium-ion battery
• Price £12,999 OTR

This review was produced in partnership with Smiths Honda, Chester.

Buying Advice: Who is this bike for? Who should skip it?

The Honda WN7 makes the most sense for riders with a predictable daily routine. Charge it at home, ride into work, enjoy effortless acceleration through town and return with enough battery remaining to plug it in again overnight. For a rider covering relatively short urban or suburban journeys, the WN7 removes gear changes, engine heat, fuel stops and chain maintenance from the commute.

It could also work brilliantly as a second motorcycle. Liam found that its instant response, low centre of gravity and smooth delivery created a genuinely different riding experience from a petrol bike. It is easy to dismiss electric motorcycles by comparing them directly with internal-combustion alternatives, but the WN7 offers its own type of fun.

Riders who regularly cover long motorway distances, tour with friends or cannot charge reliably at home should think more carefully. The official range may be sufficient for local journeys, but sustained higher speeds reduce it quickly. Charging stops also require more planning than a quick splash of petrol.

The firm seat is another important consideration. Liam found it uncomfortable after around an hour, making the bike less convincing for longer days in the saddle. The WN7 is therefore best viewed as a premium electric roadster and commuter rather than a direct replacement for a long-distance petrol tourer.

Design, technology and equipment

The WN7 has recognisable naked-bike proportions, but Honda has avoided disguising it as a conventional petrol motorcycle. Its compact lighting, exposed structure and central battery pack give it a clean, futuristic appearance without making it look like an oversized electric scooter.

Honda uses the centrally mounted battery and power unit as part of a frameless chassis arrangement. Placing the heaviest components low and near the middle of the motorcycle helps disguise the 217kg kerb weight once the bike is moving.

Standard equipment includes a five-inch TFT display, Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity, four riding modes, traction control, IMU-supported ABS, self-cancelling indicators and selectable regenerative deceleration. There is also an active speed limiter, smart key and a USB Type-C connection under the seat.

Forward and reverse walking assistance is particularly useful. Although the weight largely disappears on the move, manually pushing a 217kg motorcycle around a sloping driveway or tight parking area can still be awkward. The assistance system lets the rider move slowly in either direction using the throttle and handlebar controls.

Electric performance on UK roads

The main WN7 uses an electric motor rated at 18kW continuously, with a peak output of 50kW and 100Nm of torque. Honda also offers an 11kW version for riders using an A1 licence, but Liam tested the more powerful A2-compliant model.

There is no clutch, gearbox or build-up of revs. Open the throttle and the power arrives as one continuous surge. On the slip road during Liam’s UK road test, the WN7 accelerated cleanly towards dual-carriageway speeds without the pauses associated with changing gear.

The 129km/h maximum speed converts to approximately 80mph. That is enough for legal UK motorway use, and the bike retains useful overtaking performance at normal road speeds. However, riders expecting the high-speed performance of a petrol-powered middleweight or litre bike will find the restricted top end limiting.

Sport mode sharpens the response without making the throttle unpleasantly abrupt. Standard mode suits normal riding, Rain softens the delivery for reduced-grip conditions, and Econ prioritises range.

What is the Honda WN7 like in the city?

Urban riding is where the WN7 feels most natural. The 800mm seat height allowed Liam to place both feet flat on the ground, while the smooth throttle made pulling away from junctions and filtering through slower traffic straightforward.

The narrow 150-section rear tyre contributes to light steering. Although some riders questioned its appearance when the bike was revealed, it helps reduce rolling resistance and makes the WN7 feel more agile than its weight suggests.

The lack of engine noise and vibration creates a calm riding experience in congested areas. There is no clutch to manage, no engine to keep in its power band and no heat rising from a petrol engine while stationary.

Silence does introduce a safety consideration. Pedestrians, cyclists and workers near the road may not hear the bike approaching. Liam encountered exactly this situation on his test route, so WN7 riders will need to anticipate other road users carefully rather than relying on engine noise to announce their presence.

Handling, suspension and brakes on UK B-roads

Liam also rode the WN7 on uneven UK B-roads, where its low centre of gravity made it feel planted and willing to change direction. Instant torque is especially entertaining when driving away from slower corners, with no need to select the right gear beforehand.

The 43mm upside-down front forks are non-adjustable, while the rear monoshock offers adjustment. The suspension dealt adequately with normal roads, but sharper bumps were transmitted directly through the firm seat. When pushed harder across rougher bends, the bike’s 217kg mass became easier to detect.

The braking system was one of the strongest parts of Liam’s test. Twin 296mm front discs work alongside IMU-supported ABS, while the regenerative deceleration system adds resistance as the throttle closes.

Riders can choose different deceleration levels or allow the bike to coast more freely. Liam preferred the middle setting, which provided useful slowing without feeling overly aggressive. The combination of regenerative resistance and conventional brakes gave the WN7 a secure, controlled feel when approaching corners.

Honda WN7 range and real-world charging

Honda quotes a WMTC range of 140km, equivalent to roughly 87 miles, for the A2-compliant WN7. As with any electric vehicle, the distance achieved will depend heavily on speed, temperature, riding mode, acceleration and the amount of urban regeneration available.

Liam’s test combined city riding, B-roads and sustained dual-carriageway speeds. After travelling 28 miles at an average speed of 34mph, the bike had used 49% of its battery. Based on that consumption, Liam projected approximately 57 miles of total range from that particular ride.

He also noted that the motorcycle reduces available performance when the battery reaches around 20%. On this mixed test, that suggested approximately 46 miles before entering the reduced-power reserve. This should not be treated as a universal range figure, but it illustrates how much motorway and enthusiastic riding can affect an electric motorcycle.

The WN7 supports both Type 2 normal charging and automotive-style CCS2 rapid charging. Honda quotes approximately 30 minutes for a 20% to 80% rapid charge when connected to a suitable charger under appropriate conditions. A Type 2 Mode 3 charge from empty to full is listed at under two and a half hours.

During Liam’s charging stop, the public charger initially displayed an estimated time of one hour and 12 minutes rather than 30 minutes. Real charging speed can vary according to battery temperature, starting charge level, charger output, power sharing and the charging curve selected by the motorcycle.

A household charging cable also allows the bike to be replenished at home, although this takes longer than a suitable Type 2 connection. For most commuters, plugging in after returning home will be considerably more convenient than relying on public rapid chargers every day.

Comfort, pillion use and touring practicality

The riding position itself is accessible. The 800mm seat height is lower than many adventure bikes, the bars provide good leverage and there is enough room for an average-height rider to sit naturally.

The problem is the padding. Liam’s strongest criticism throughout the test concerned the firm seat, which became uncomfortable during a relatively short mixed-road ride. A test ride of at least 45 minutes would be sensible before ordering, particularly for riders who are sensitive to firm seats.

The WN7 can carry a pillion, but adding a passenger will affect acceleration, comfort and achievable range. The combination of a small rear seating area, limited touring range and charging stops means it is better suited to occasional two-up journeys than regular long-distance holidays.

Honda offers a rear seat bag that expands from 15 to 22 litres. Commuters needing additional storage may also wish to explore our motorcycle top boxes, subject to confirming a compatible fitting system for the WN7.

Ownership, running costs and reliability

Traditional UK mpg does not apply to an electric motorcycle. Honda lists energy consumption at 80Wh per kilometre, which equates to approximately 12.9kWh for every 100 miles. Owners can multiply that figure by their domestic electricity tariff to estimate home-charging costs. Public rapid charging will usually be more expensive.

Routine drivetrain maintenance should be simpler than on a petrol motorcycle. There is no engine oil, oil filter, spark plug or chain to service, and the belt drive avoids regular chain cleaning and lubrication. Tyres, brake components, suspension, coolant, belt condition and electronic systems will still require inspection and maintenance.

Honda UK does not currently publish a fixed WN7 servicing price or a detailed model-specific maintenance table on the public model page. Owners should check the official manual and request a service quotation from an authorised Honda dealer before purchase.

All new Honda motorcycles receive a standard two-year warranty. Honda’s service-activated programme can extend eligible cover annually for up to six years in total, provided servicing is completed according to the required schedule through an authorised Honda dealer or service centre. Buyers should confirm the exact high-voltage battery warranty conditions with their supplying dealer.

Long-term WN7 reliability and resale performance cannot yet be judged because the model is new. Honda’s established UK dealer network and extended warranty structure should provide reassurance, but battery condition, charging technology and future demand will influence used values. An independent battery health report may become increasingly important when buying or selling a used example.

Liam’s real-world feedback suggests that everyday ownership will be easiest for riders who can charge at home and rarely exceed the bike’s comfortable daily radius. For those riders, the quiet operation, belt drive and low routine energy use could make the WN7 an appealing commuter.

How the Honda WN7 compares to its rivals?

The Zero S offers substantially more claimed city range and a higher top speed, but it is also more expensive and its 163-mile figure is specifically a city-range claim rather than a direct comparison with Honda’s WMTC result. The Zero is the stronger option for riders prioritising distance, while the WN7 counters with Honda dealer support, CCS2 rapid charging and a lower purchase price.

The LiveWire S2 Del Mar is faster, lighter and more performance-focused, with a claimed three-second 0-60mph time and up to 113 miles of city range. It is also currently priced below the Honda in the UK, although its Level 2 charging takes longer than the WN7’s ideal CCS2 rapid-charge stop. The BMW CE 04 is the more practical urban alternative, offering integrated storage, better weather protection and scooter convenience. The Honda feels more like a conventional naked motorcycle and provides stronger peak performance, but the BMW may suit year-round city commuters more effectively.

Verdict

The Honda WN7 is not a motorcycle for every rider, but that does not make it a failed replacement for petrol power. It is better understood as a different kind of machine, built for riders whose regular journeys fit within its range and who can charge conveniently at home.

Tested by Liam Simm on UK city roads, dual carriageways and B-roads, the WN7 proved smooth, agile and genuinely enjoyable. Its instant torque, effective brakes, light steering and calm urban character make it much more than a silent transport appliance.

The limitations are equally clear. At £12,999, it is expensive beside many excellent petrol middleweights. The official 87-mile range can fall considerably during faster mixed riding, while the firm seat undermines longer-distance comfort. Public charging performance may also vary from Honda’s ideal 30-minute figure.

For a home-charging commuter or rider seeking an unusual second bike, the WN7 is one of the most interesting motorcycles Honda has produced in years. For touring, spontaneous weekends away or high-mileage motorway work, a petrol alternative remains considerably easier to live with.