An SP version of Honda’s new flagship naked CB1000 Hornet arrives alongside its stablemate. It loads with the same four-cylinder CBR1000RR Fireblade engine – but with more peak power and torque – plus fully adjustable 41mm Showa SFF-BP USD forks, Öhlins TTX36 rear shock operating through Pro-Link, four-piston radial-mount Brembo Stylema front brake calipers and standard-fit quickshifter. A single, stunning paint option shows off the CB1000 Hornet SP’s difference. Throttle By Wire control delivers three riding modes with pre-set combinations of settings for Power, Engine Braking and HSTC with integrated Wheelie Control, plus two customisable options. With gear ratios designed for optimal acceleration, the six-speed gearbox features an assist/slipper clutch. Twin LED projector headlights define the pure aggression of a streetfighter’s style. For easy on-screen navigation – and more – the five-inch colour TFT instrument display connects the rider to their smartphone via Honda RoadSync.
1. Introduction
The 23YM CB750 bought the evocative Hornet name back to Europe. And its combination of taut streetfighter silhouette, exhilarating power and razor-sharp agility has justifiably earnt much praise and impressive sales, making it the best-selling naked bike in Europe in 2023.
With a reputation originating in the late 1990s – first with the CB600F Hornet, with its four-cylinder CBR engine, followed by the CB900F Hornet in the early 2000s – the Hornet name brings with it a clear identity: to be a Hornet, a motorcycle has to be fast, fun and affordable.
That trend continued with the arrival of the sparky, A2-friendly CB500 Hornet for 24YM. Now, for 25YM, come the headline acts of the modern Hornet family: the new CB1000 Hornet* and CB1000 Hornet SP.
Packing real punch, the CB1000 Hornet SP builds premium equipment – and a beautiful colour combination – into the standard big Hornet’s impressive formula. It turns the excitement dial up to 11, in every way possible. And then goes one more click…
*See separate CB1000 Hornet post.
2. Model Overview
Powered by the 17YM CBR1000RR Fireblade’s formidable engine, with extra power and torque compared to the CB1000 Hornet – 115.6kW/107Nm (as opposed to 111.6kW/105Nm) – and building in Öhlins and Brembo parts the CB1000 Hornet SP blends an even more potent cocktail of strong four-cylinder performance and ultra-sharp handling, with a keen sporting focus.
Throttle By Wire (TBW) delivers 3 default riding modes with preset combinations of Power, Engine Brake, Wheelie Control and HSTC settings, plus 2 USER options allowing the rider to choose their own preferred settings. A quickshifter is standard fitment. The optically bonded five-inch TFT screen offers intuitive control, clarity in bright light and easy smartphone connectivity through the simple switchgear on the left handlebar.
Stripped back style drips with pure aggression, led by the concentrated stare of twin LED headlights. The new twin-tube frame is also used as a design feature, and subtly blacked out. 41mm Showa SFF-BP USD front forks are matched to a fully adjustable Öhlins TTX36 rear shock for high-quality suspension control. Four-piston radial-mount Brembo Stylema calipers work 310mm floating discs and CBR1000RR-R inspired cast aluminium wheels mount 120/70-ZR17 and 180/55-ZR17 front and rear tyres.
The CB1000 Hornet SP’s huge performance potential, premium features, compact dimensions and refreshing new style make it a hard bike to ignore, especially for those riders with a mid-capacity naked bike looking for something that extra bit special.
The 24YM CB1000 Hornet SP will be available in one, unique colour option:
- Mat Ballistic Black Metallic with Desert Gold Metallic wheels and Gold front forks
3. Key Features
3.1 Engine
- CBR1000RR derived four-cylinder engine with Throttle By Wire and power/torque boost compared to standard via RC exhaust valve
- Smooth mid-range delivery and harder-hitting top-end response
- Revised gear ratios for acceleration, assist/slipper clutch control
- Adjustable quickshifter standard fit