Honda, the undisputed titan of two-wheeled innovation with over 500 million motorcycles sold worldwide, has finally entered the electric fray with its inaugural full-sized EV bike: the WN7.
Unveiled on September 16, 2025, in Europe, this naked-style commuter embodies the company’s 75-year legacy of balance, stability, and sheer riding joy—now reimagined for a carbon-neutral future.
As Honda accelerates its electrification strategy—aiming for all motorcycles to be carbon-neutral by the 2040s—the WN7 marks a pivotal step, blending quiet efficiency with the thrill of the open road.
But in a market buzzing with homegrown disruptors like India’s Ultraviolette F77—a performance beast that’s already turning heads with its blistering acceleration and track-ready DNA—how does Honda’s debutant fare? Let’s unwrap the WN7’s specs, dive into its origins, and pit it head-to-head with the F77, starting with that all-important range debate.
From Concept to Production:
The EV Fun Concept EvolvesThe WN7 isn’t a bolt-from-the-blue creation; it’s the polished production heir to the “EV Fun Concept,” which Honda first teased at EICMA 2024 in Milan, Italy. That concept turned heads with its slim, futuristic naked design—agile lines evoking wind-swept freedom, minus the fossil-fuel roar. Fast-forward to 2025, and Honda has refined it into a street-legal reality, launching pre-orders in Europe ahead of a November 4, 2025, debut at EICMA 2025. The name? A clever acronym: “W” for the development mantra “Be the Wind” (capturing effortless glide), “N” for “Naked” (its stripped-back, urban-ready aesthetic), and “7” nodding to its power class in the European A2 licensing tier. Priced at £12,999 (about ₹14.5 lakh or $17,700) in the UK, it’s positioned as a premium commuter for younger urban riders, complete with a complimentary seat bag for early birds.
While full specs drop at EICMA, Honda’s drip-fed details paint a picture of refined EV engineering: a fixed lithium-ion battery, CCS2 rapid charging (20-80% in 30 minutes), and home 6kVA top-ups in under three hours. At 217kg kerb weight, it’s no featherweight, but Honda promises “highly engaging performance” that feels worlds apart from gas-guzzlers—smooth, silent, and surprisingly torquey. Tech highlights include a 5-inch TFT screen with RoadSync connectivity for smartphone integration, exclusive EV menus, and full LED lighting. A sound-emitting system ensures pedestrian awareness, aligning with evolving EV regs. Honda’s even teasing an 11kW A1-license variant for novice riders, broadening its appeal.
Power and Poise:
What Powers the WN7?Under the skin, the WN7 packs an 18kW (24hp) liquid-cooled motor—delivering output akin to a 600cc ICE bike—paired with a chain drive and 100Nm of instant torque that rivals a 1000cc superbike’s low-end grunt.
This setup promises 0-100km/h sprints with eye-widening urgency, though top speed caps at A2-compliant levels (around 110-120km/h). It’s no track slayer, but for zipping through city traffic or carving twisties, the WN7 aims to deliver “pure enjoyment” with Honda’s signature stability. Battery details remain under wraps—no capacity announced yet—but Honda’s claimed range exceeds 130km (about 81 miles) on a single charge, tailored for daily commutes rather than cross-country epics. Real-world figures could hover around 100-120km in mixed conditions, factoring in wind resistance and loads.
Honda WN7 vs. Ultraviolette F77: A Global vs. Homegrown Showdown
India’s EV two-wheeler scene is electric (pun intended), led by Bengaluru’s Ultraviolette F77—a high-performance naked that’s already a cult favorite for its raw power and futuristic flair.
Priced from ₹2.99 lakh to ₹3.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the F77 undercuts the WN7’s premium tag while packing more punch and range. But the WN7 brings Honda’s bulletproof reliability and global polish. Here’s a quick spec face-off:
off:
| Feature | Honda WN7 | Ultraviolette F77 (Mach 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 18kW (24hp) liquid-cooled motor | 40.23bhp (30kW) air/oil-cooled |
| Torque | 100Nm | 100Nm |
| Range (Claimed) | >130km (TBD cycle) | 323km (IDC) / 211km (real-world) |
| Top Speed | ~110-120km/h (A2-limited) | 155km/h |
| Battery | Fixed Li-ion (capacity TBD) | 10.3kWh Li-ion |
| Charging | 20-80% in 30 min (CCS2); 0-100% in <3 hrs (6kVA) | 0-80% in 5-6 hrs (AC); fast DC option |
| Weight | 217kg (kerb) | 207kg (kerb) |
| Price | £12,999 (~₹14.5 lakh) | ₹2.99-3.99 lakh |
| Key Features | 5″ TFT with RoadSync, LED lights, sound emitter | 5″ TFT, regen braking, traction control, 320mm front disc |
| Target | Urban commuter (Europe-focused) | Performance enthusiast (India/global) |
The F77 dominates in raw specs: double the power for neck-snapping acceleration (0-100km/h in ~2.8 seconds), a superior 323km IDC range that crushes the WN7’s modest 130km claim, and a lighter build for nimbler handling on India’s pothole-riddled roads.
It’s got traction control, hill-start assist, and a committed riding posture for those who crave superbike thrills without the fuel bill.Yet, the WN7 isn’t chasing drag-strip glory—it’s Honda’s gateway to EV fun, with torque parity and a smoother, more refined ride honed from decades of R&D.
At 10kg heavier, it prioritizes stability over agility, and its pricing reflects premium European build quality over volume-market affordability. In India, where the F77 reigns as the go-to electric performance icon, the WN7 could fetch ₹12-15 lakh if localized—still a stretch for most, but tempting for Honda loyalists.
Implications for India: Will the WN7 Charge In?
Honda’s two-wheeler arm in India (via HMSI) is no stranger to EVs, with scooters like the Activa e on the horizon, but a full-sized motorcycle like the WN7? It’s a wildcard.
No official word on a local launch, but with India’s EV two-wheeler sales exploding (over 1.5 million units in FY25) and subsidies under FAME-III, adaptation seems plausible—perhaps with a right-hand-shift tweak and battery tweaks for tropical heat.The F77’s range edge (323km IDC vs. 130km) makes it the clear winner for long-haul commuters, but the WN7 could appeal to urban riders valuing Honda’s ecosystem (think seamless app integration and resale value). Critics knock the WN7’s price as “steep for a commuter,” especially against nimbler rivals like Zero or LiveWire.In India, it might face the same: why pay double for half the range?
Conclusion: A Breezy Entry, But F77 Steals the Sprint
The Honda WN7 is a wind of change—proof the Big Red Wing is serious about electrifying its lineup without ditching the joyride DNA.
It’s commuter-smart, torque-rich, and poised to whisper through European streets. Against the Ultraviolette F77, though? The Indian upstart’s superior range, power, and value make it the performance pick—especially at a fraction of the cost.As EICMA 2025 looms, expect more WN7 revelations. For now, it’s Honda’s elegant EV toe-dip; in India’s high-octane arena, the F77 remains the thunder. If Honda localizes and sharpens the range, though, this wind could whip up a storm. Revved up yet?
