Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory 2023 — Specifications

Resurrecting a mythical name is a perilous exercise, especially when the original left mixed memories. Honda takes on that challenge nonetheless with this new generation of Hornet, now displacing 999 cc, and hits the mark: an accessible sport roadster, neither a demented hyperfighter nor an overly tame mid-size. The target is clearly defined — the experienced rider who wants real horsepower without sacrificing their bank account or social life.

The heart of the machine is the inline four-cylinder derived from the 2017-spec CBR1000RR Fireblade, extensively reworked to suit the temperament of a roadster. With 152 hp at 11,000 rpm and 104 Nm at 9,000 rpm, the power is serious without being hysterical. Engineers focused their efforts on the mid-range, where real-world riding actually happens: the engine gains flexibility and substance at intermediate revs, making every gear usable on a daily basis. The six-speed gearbox follows a smart profile — the first five ratios cut for strong acceleration, the sixth dedicated to long highway stints. The slip-assisted clutch prevents rear wheel lock-up under hard downshifts. At the pump, the stated consumption of 5.9 l/100 km allows roughly 290 km of range from the 17-litre tank.

The steel twin-spar frame houses carefully considered geometry — 25° caster angle, 98 mm trail, 1,455 mm wheelbase — designed to balance agility with stability. The 51/49 front/rear weight distribution reflects serious work on the positioning of heavy components. The 41 mm Showa SFF-BP inverted fork is fully adjustable, as is the rear Showa shock, adjustable for preload and rebound. Braking relies on two 310 mm floating discs gripped by radial four-piston Nissin calipers, backed by a 240 mm rear disc. ABS is of course standard, with automatic hazard light activation under emergency braking. On the electronics front, Honda fits a ride-by-wire throttle controlling three preset riding modes (Standard, Sport, Rain), two fully customisable user modes, along with three power levels, three engine braking levels, and four levels of disengageable traction control. Everything is managed from a five-inch colour TFT screen compatible with the Honda RoadSync app for navigation and connectivity.

At €10,599, the CB1000 Hornet sets the bar very high in terms of content-to-price ratio. Without claiming to rival a Ducati Streetfighter V4 on outright power or a Streetfighter V2 on prestige, it establishes itself as a serious contender for the Suzuki GSX-S1000 and smartly occupies the space between mid-displacement roadsters and hyperfighters reserved for a privileged few. The 211 kg kerb weight remains within segment norms, and the richness of the electronic package more than justifies the pricing position. For those who want to go further, an SP version offers Brembo Stylema calipers, an Öhlins shock, and five additional horsepower. A coherent package, worthy of the name it carries.