New Honda CB1000 Hornet and SP: Everything You Need to Know!

Honda has once again shaken up the motorcycle world with the recent announcement of its new Honda CB1000 Hornet and the high-performance SP variant. These two models promise to deliver exceptional performance at a competitive price, potentially setting new benchmarks in the world of sports naked motorcycles. Here’s an in-depth look at everything you need to know about these exciting new bikes.

The Base Model: Honda CB1000 Hornet

The CB1000 Hornet was first teased in 2023 at the EICMA show, leaving motorcycle enthusiasts eagerly awaiting full details. Now that the specs are out, it’s clear that Honda has repositioned the Hornet for 2025 to cater to a more price-conscious market without compromising on performance.

Key Specifications

• Engine: The new CB1000 Hornet is powered by an inline-four engine, derived from the legendary Fireblade. It produces an impressive 150 horsepower at 11,000 RPM and 104 Nm of torque at 9,000 RPM. This combination of power and torque makes the bike well-suited for both high-speed performance and everyday usability.
• Design: Honda has moved away from the Neo Sports Café design language that characterized previous models like the CB1000R. The 2025 Hornet sports a more modern and angular design, with some Ducati Streetfighter-inspired elements, especially in the red finish.
• Chassis and Suspension: The bike features a new steel frame, designed to optimize torsional rigidity for improved handling. It rides on 41mm Showa Separate Function upside-down forks at the front and a Showa mono-shock at the rear, both fully adjustable to fine-tune the suspension for different riding conditions.
• Brakes: The braking system is handled by Nissin four-piston calipers with 310mm discs at the front, ensuring solid stopping power.
• Weight: At 211 kg wet, the CB1000 Hornet is not the lightest in its class, but this weight is well-balanced with the bike’s power output.

Price Point and Value for Money

Perhaps the most notable feature of the new CB1000 Hornet is its price. Starting at just under £9,000, this bike offers incredible value for a 150-horsepower inline-four naked. When compared to similar models in the market, such as the Yamaha MT-09, which has climbed above £10,000, the Hornet seems like a bargain.

Honda is clearly aiming to offer a lot of bikes for a reasonable price, continuing the trend they set with the Honda Hornet 750 in 2023, which disrupted the middleweight market by undercutting competition significantly while offering more power, better components, and more advanced technology.

The Honda CB1000 Hornet SP: Performance Redefined

While the base model of the CB1000 Hornet is already a compelling option, Honda took things a step further with the introduction of the CB1000 Hornet SP. This version, equipped with premium components and more power, is aimed at riders looking for that extra edge.

Key Differences in the SP Model

• Enhanced Power and Torque: The CB1000 Hornet SP gets a small bump in power, producing 155 horsepower at 11,000 RPM and 107 Nm of torque at 9,000 RPM. This is achieved by incorporating a valve in the exhaust system that enhances mid-range performance by optimizing airflow.
• Quick Shifter: Unlike the base model, the SP comes standard with a three-level adjustable quick shifter, adding convenience and performance in fast-paced riding.
• Upgraded Suspension: The rear suspension is where the SP really shines. It is equipped with an Öhlins TTX36 shock, renowned for its superior performance in both comfort and handling. Additionally, the SP comes with a remote preload adjuster, making it easier for riders to tweak the suspension on the go.
• Premium Brakes: The SP also features an upgrade in braking performance with Brembo Stylema four-piston calipers, which are considered top-of-the-line for superbike-level stopping power.
• Design and Aesthetic: The SP model comes in a stealthy black finish with gold accents and wheels, giving it a more aggressive and premium look. The paintwork, combined with the upgraded components, certainly justifies the £9,999 price tag.

Tech and Features

Both the base and SP models come with a full suite of modern electronics:

• Riding Modes: The CB1000 Hornet and Hornet SP feature three riding modes (Rain, Standard, and Sport), plus two customizable User modes. This gives riders the flexibility to adapt the bike’s performance to various conditions.
• Traction Control and Power Settings: Riders can choose from three levels of engine power and four levels of traction control, allowing for greater control over the bike’s behavior, depending on riding style and road conditions.
• TFT Display with Connectivity: A TFT dash connects to your smartphone, allowing for easy control of music, navigation, and more while riding.

Competition and Market Positioning

The CB1000 Hornet and SP represent an excellent value proposition, especially considering the rising costs of motorcycles. The SP version, in particular, directly competes with more expensive models like the Yamaha MT-09 SP and the Suzuki GSX-S1000, both of which are priced significantly higher. Yamaha’s MT-09 SP, for example, starts at £11,800, and the Suzuki GSX-S1000 is priced around £12,000.

Despite its slightly heavier weight, the combination of power, advanced features, and competitive pricing makes the Honda CB1000 Hornet an attractive option. For riders seeking a balance of performance and affordability, the Hornet may become a must-test option in 2025.

Conclusion

Honda’s announcement of the CB1000 Hornet and Hornet SP is poised to make waves in the world of naked sports motorcycles. With impressive power, modern tech, and competitive pricing, these models cater to a wide range of riders, from those seeking affordable thrills to those looking for high-end performance without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking at the base model or the SP, both options offer incredible value in today’s motorcycle market.

Honda seems to have struck a perfect balance between performance, features, and cost, making the CB1000 Hornet and SP standout contenders in the 2025 lineup.

For riders looking for affordable, high-performance bikes with Honda’s signature reliability and engineering, the CB1000 Hornet should definitely be on your radar.