Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has achieved a major design milestone as its WN7 electric motorcycle secured the Gold Award at the globally renowned iF DESIGN AWARD 2026. This marks the first time a Honda product has received the top honor in the Product Design category.
The WN7, Honda’s first electric naked motorcycle in the FUN category, was developed under the concept “Be the Wind,” reflecting a blend of performance, freedom, and sustainability. The model represents Honda’s ongoing push toward carbon neutrality while maintaining its legacy of engineering excellence.
A standout feature of the WN7 is its innovative frameless structure, where the battery case functions as the main body frame. This design enables a lightweight build and improved layout flexibility. Despite being electric, the motorcycle delivers strong performance, producing a maximum output of 50 kW—comparable to a 600cc internal combustion engine (ICE) bike—and a peak torque of 100 Nm, similar to a 1000cc-class ICE motorcycle. This ensures smooth yet powerful performance across both urban and highway conditions.
From a design perspective, the WN7 combines clean, seamless surfaces with a bold and muscular silhouette. The motorcycle features a signature horizontal bar headlight and a black-based color scheme accented with gold elements, creating a distinctive and modern visual identity.
The jury of the iF DESIGN AWARD praised the WN7 for successfully merging classic motorcycle design DNA with a forward-looking electric aesthetic. The panel noted that the design feels authentic and well-integrated, delivering a unique product that goes beyond conventional expectations.
Toshinobu Minami, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Honda’s Design Center, expressed pride in the achievement, stating that the award reflects recognition of the new value electric mobility brings—combining functionality with the joy of riding.
Established in 1954, the iF DESIGN AWARD is among the world’s most prestigious design competitions, alongside the Red Dot Design Award. Organized by iF International Forum Design GmbH in Germany, the awards span multiple disciplines, including product design, architecture, and user experience.
The recognition of the WN7 highlights Honda’s commitment to innovation and design excellence as it accelerates its transition toward electric mobility.
