Text. OA Isdahl
Photo: Honda/OA Isdahl
The Hornet family has a new member
And now this is starting to look like something. I’ve always liked Honda, but in recent years I’ve struggled to understand their designers. Many of the models are well-proportioned with clear shapes and lines, others are harder to get your head around. This is particularly true of the Hornet family, where the proportions of the headlight haven’t really appealed to me. The bikes are fantastic and good, nothing to put your finger on there, but design and image are important when you choose a motorcycle to support a desired image and here the Hornet family has not quite struck a chord with me. But now, well now it looks better. The design of the new CB 1000 Hornet SP has clearly landed in a good place. Striking and assertive front end, a bit angry, lines drawn backwards from the headlight, through the tank and seat frame, a slim waist and narrow seat that provides good rear support, an exposed and hefty engine section and an overly large potty – but it works. It can be replaced if it’s bothering you, but remember that Honda has been really good at sound over the last decade, so think again. Since the pot is so big, I’m guessing we’re talking about a weight of almost 10 kg, so that in itself can be a good reason to take off some weight! But summa summarum on design – splendid. This looks really good and the monster is nicely priced with a starting price of 209,000 (standard, 229,000 for the SP version).
The Hornet family is no pushover, we have to go all the way back to the mid-nineties to find the start, which was actually a 250 cc that was only sold in Japan. A little later came the CB 600 F and CB 900 F, before the 500 and 750 versions of the Hornet returned in 2024. Now the
CB 1000 Hornet comes in a standard edition and an SP edition. The SP version has its own paint design and slightly sharper components.
Honda takes a broad approach
In 2024, the CB 500 Hornet and VB 750 Hornet arrived like a bullet and surprised many with their low prices (approx. 84,990 and 129,990) and very capable driving characteristics. The Hornet 750 delivers 92 hp, 75 Nm over 190 kg (wet) and is a driving and operational success.
The A2 version is just as good and also enjoyable to drive.
But then comes the CB 1000 Hornet and the SP version that pumps out 157 hp and 107 Nm on 212 kg kerb weight. The model is set up with good brakes from Stylema, a 41 mm front fork from Showa (SF-BP- USD) and a monoshock on a pro-link to the swingarm from Øhlins (TTX-36). The frame construction is simple, with the engine as part of the bike’s suspension and a welded seat frame.
A simple but functional backbone that certainly works very well. The strongest aspects of the new model are probably the powerful engine, the seating position and the steering geometry, which I was really looking forward to experiencing. I particularly like the slim seat frame and the ergonomically designed seat that is very narrow in the transition to the tank. These details help you get a good grip with your legs on the tank and great freedom of movement provides good mobility, balance and good cornering characteristics. Simply a lot of fun for the bed.
According to the importer, the Honda CB 1000 Hornet comes with the following additional packages and can easily be mounted directly on the bike.
Style Pack: Designed to add even more style to the Hornet package. The Alcantara driver’s seat provides a premium feel along with an oil filler cap, steering rack, radiator grille and foot rests. Wheel stripes are the icing on the cake.
Sport Pack: Pumps up the visual dynamics with an instrument panel, undercover and saddle cover. A Tank Pad provides practical protection.
Comfort Pack: Improve cold-weather performance with heated grips, plus a practical and flexible tank bag and saddlebag with ample storage capacity.
All products can be purchased individually.
Spring is just around the corner, so it’s just a matter of scraping the dirt from the bottom of the coffin. We have a lot to look forward to now.
