The most cost-effective one! Honda Motorcycle CB1000 Hornet SP..overwhelm the competition model
Feb 10, 2025
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Honda revived its Hornet brand outside the U.S. with its CB750 Federal Twin model in 2023. Thanks to its competitive price and outstanding performance, the model became a bestseller in the European naked middleweight market that year. Then, the CB1000 Hornet appeared along with the CB500 Hornet released last year, completing the Hornet lineup.
The CB1000 Hornet is a basic and SP model. The two models share twin spa frames, Showa 41 mm USD fully adjustable fork, the same wheels and tires, electronic equipment, and instrument panel.
SP models are equipped with an additional Hlins TTX rear suspension, Brembo Stylma caliper, and up-down quixifters, available in black only. In addition, an exhaust valve is added to the SP model to exert 155 horsepower, 5 horsepower higher than the basic type.Cycle World, an American motorcycle media outlet, reviewed the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP.
The 2025 CB1000 Hornet SP delivers an intense sports bike sensibility by harmonizing black paint, gold wheels, and olins suspension. From the top, it maintains a traditional hornet design that is thick at the front, thin at the middle, and widens at the back.
The combination of black and gold is reminiscent of a classic high-performance machine. Although some cost-saving elements are seen, such as integrated subframes, they boast a luxurious and high-quality design overall.
If you get on board, you can have a stable position thanks to the low seat height of 809mm. The instrument panel is a 5-inch color TFT display, which is rather simple but neat as of 2025. It supports Honda RoadSync connection and the handlebar provides an appropriate posture.
Honda CB1000 Hornet SP (Source=Cycle World)
Riding mode includes standard, sports, and lane modes and two custom modes. It also provides three levels of engine output and engine brake setup, as well as Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), traction control. However, ABS is not adjustable, and advanced features such as cornering ABS are not supported due to the lack of an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU).
In sports mode, the throttle response is somewhat sensitive. It's not clear if the fuel injection setting is sharp or the low-rotation torque is strong, but in urban areas, standard mode is smoother and more suitable.
Honda CB1000 Hornet SP (Source=Cycle World)
The tolerance weight of the SP model is 212kg, showing much lighter movement. The light and agile steering was particularly impressive in city driving. The seat and fuel tank are designed to be narrow, so even short riders have no problem landing.
The 999cc series four-cylinder engine is retuned to suit the naked bike and exerts 155 horsepower at 11,000 rpm and 10.6 kgm of torque at 9000 rpm. Although it is lower than 189 horsepower of the 2017 CBR1000RR Fireblade, the practical low and medium-speed torque has been greatly strengthened.
Honda CB1000 Hornet SP (Source=Cycle World)
In fact, you can feel a strong drive at low and medium speeds. Immediate force is also transmitted when the engine speed stays in the middle area, producing a much rougher exhaust sound than a typical Honda bike. The 2017 Fireblade was also evaluated as having high exhaust noise. However, I did not expect the CB1000 Hornet SP, a Naked Bike, to produce such intense sound.
When you open the throttle, powerful torque is delivered in an instant. The high-rotation exhaust sound stimulates the ears. It is fast to change direction and has excellent body balance, so it has a light steering performance that can overshadow the weight of 212kg. Bridgestone S22 tires heat up quickly and provide high grip.
The Brembo Stylma caliper and 310mm disc brakes provide strong braking force, but the stronger initial responsiveness was regrettable in situations where deceleration was required during high-speed driving. In addition, traction control is somewhat excessive and is inconvenient in that it is reset to the default setting when the power is turned off and on.
Honda CB1000 Hornet SP (Source=Cycle World)
CB1000 Hornet SP outperforms competitive models in terms of price and performance. No model offers 155 horsepower powerful performance at this price, even when compared to the Yamaha MT-09, MT-10, Kawasaki Z900, Triumph Street Triple 1200 and BMW S 1000 R.
Using a 2017 Fireblade engine, this model has both practical performance and interesting exhaust sound. Light steering, stable body, and attractive design make a strong impression. Of course, the rider assistance system is simple compared to the competitive model, and the brake performance needs to be improved a little more. However, it is not easy to find a model that exceeds this price range.
Honda has recently been rated as conservative in the Naked Bike market. However, the CB1000 Hornet SP appeared in the market with a strong character. It will be available soon in Europe, but it is still unknown whether it will be released in other markets.
Organization = Editor Kim Tae-won tw.kim@carguy.kr
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
