Honda WN7: The Dawn of Honda’s Electric Motorcycling Era

Honda, a brand that has dominated the global motorcycle market for decades, has officially unveiled its first-ever electric motorcycle, the Honda WN7. Launched in Europe, the WN7 is more than just a new model — it is Honda’s first real step into electrification, signaling a shift that could redefine the future of motorcycling worldwide.

A Historic Moment for Honda

Honda motorcycles have been cultural icons — from the legendary Honda Cub to the CBR series of sportbikes. For years, Honda held back from fully embracing electric motorcycles, even as smaller startups and rivals like Zero Motorcycles, Harley-Davidson’s LiveWire, and Energica pushed ahead.

The launch of the WN7 marks the end of that cautious approach. By rolling out a full-size, performance-oriented electric motorcycle, Honda is making it clear: it intends not just to participate in the EV race, but to lead it.

From Concept to Production

The WN7 traces its roots back to the EV Fun Concept that was first revealed at EICMA 2024 in Milan. That prototype was futuristic, minimal, and promised excitement. Honda has now transformed that vision into a road-legal motorcycle designed for real-world riders.

The name itself carries meaning:

• W = “Be the Wind” → A theme emphasizing freedom and exhilaration.

• N = Naked → A category of motorcycles known for sporty, exposed designs.

• 7 = Output Class → Denoting the performance bracket, positioning the WN7 in the mid-to-high tier.

Design and Styling

The naked bike styling reflects a balance between aggressive sportiness and everyday usability.

• A sharp LED headlamp with DRLs gives it a futuristic front.

• Minimal body panels highlight the raw frame and battery pack.

• Sporty riding stance designed to attract younger riders and enthusiasts.

• Premium touches like brushed metal finishes and sleek tail section align with its premium positioning.

Honda has deliberately styled the WN7 to look closer to its popular CB series, ensuring that riders transitioning from petrol bikes won’t feel alienated.

Technology and Features

The WN7 is not just about performance — it’s also a showcase of Honda’s latest digital tech:

• 5-inch TFT Display → Displays speed, battery level, range, and riding data in real time.

• Honda RoadSync → Smartphone connectivity for navigation, calls, messages, and music.

• Riding Modes → Likely Eco, Standard, and Sport, allowing riders to choose between efficiency and power.

• Safety Features → Traction control, ABS, and regenerative braking are expected as standard.

Performance: Power Meets Electric Efficiency

Honda engineers have designed the WN7 to appeal to riders used to ICE (internal combustion engine) bikes:

• Power Output → Equivalent to a 600cc ICE motorcycle.

• Torque → Instant torque comparable to 1000cc superbikes, ensuring explosive acceleration.

• Range → Over 130 km per charge, enough for city commutes and short weekend rides.

• Battery → A fixed lithium-ion pack with advanced cooling and safety systems.

• Charging →

  • CCS2 Fast Charging: 20–80% in ~30 minutes.

  • Home Charging: Full charge in under 3 hours.

This makes the WN7 suitable for both everyday use and leisure rides, though its range is still shorter than long-distance ICE bikes.

Price and Market Position

Honda has priced the WN7 at £12,999 in the UK, roughly PKR 4.9 million (49 lacs).

This price point puts the WN7 firmly in the premium enthusiast segment rather than the commuter market. It is aimed at:

• Early EV adopters.

• Motorcycle hobbyists seeking thrill and sustainability.

• European riders with access to EV infrastructure.

For comparison:

• Harley-Davidson LiveWire: ~£20,000.

• Zero SR/F: ~£16,000.

• Honda WN7: £12,999 (positioned more affordably than its rivals).

Honda’s Global EV Ambitions

The WN7 is just the beginning. Honda has announced plans to:

• Launch 10+ electric motorcycles globally by 2030.

• Expand into both commuter EVs and performance EVs.

• Invest in battery-swapping systems, already tested in India and Indonesia.

• Use its global dealership network to build EV service and charging hubs.

The WN7, therefore, is a flagship model designed to set the tone before Honda scales into mass markets.

Implications for Pakistan

In Pakistan, where Honda motorcycles like the CD70 and CG125 dominate the streets, the WN7 represents a distant dream — but also a glimpse of the future.

Challenges

1. Affordability → At PKR 5 million, it’s out of reach for the average Pakistani buyer.

2. Infrastructure → Very few EV charging stations exist outside major cities.

3. Policy → Limited subsidies, high import duties, and unclear EV roadmaps slow down adoption.

4. Market Priorities → Most buyers focus on affordability and fuel efficiency, not premium electric bikes.

Opportunities

1. The WN7 could act as a halo product, sparking interest in EV bikes.

2. Local assembly by Atlas Honda could reduce costs and make smaller EV bikes viable.

3. With proper government support, commuter EVs (100–150cc equivalent) could be launched in the next 3–5 years.

4. Pakistan’s young, tech-savvy population may embrace EVs faster once cost barriers are lowered.

Why the WN7 Matters

The WN7 is not just another motorcycle; it is Honda’s declaration of intent. It blends the company’s rich motorcycling heritage with cutting-edge electric technology, showing that performance and sustainability can coexist.

For Europe, it is a serious competitor in the premium EV segment. For Pakistan and other developing nations, it is a symbol of what’s coming next.

Conclusion

The launch of the Honda WN7 represents a turning point. With its mix of sporty design, advanced features, and powerful electric performance, the WN7 isn’t just Honda’s first electric motorcycle — it is a preview of the future of motorcycling.

Honda has chosen to start at the top with a premium model, but as the lineup expands, the effects will be felt globally, including in markets like Pakistan. While the WN7 may not roll down Pakistani roads soon, it has already sparked the most important shift of all: the realization that the era of electric motorcycles has begun.