Honda CB 1000 Hornet SP 2026 — Specifications

"-Hello. For your budget, I have a Street Triple RS, a Monster, or this 1000 Hornet SP.- Okay, but how much more would it be for the Honda?- Uh, you misunderstood me. It’s practically the same price."

That says it all. Honda has unleashed a gravity-defying bomb onto the roadster market. A 1000 cm3 roadster for the price of a 750/900, with 25% to 30% more power. But we's not talking about the standard version, which is even more accessible. This is the SP version, enriched with selected components and a more refined look.

It’s unnecessary to dwell on the general lines of the Hornet (that’s already been discussed extensively in the presentation of the standard model). Let’s appreciate its very elegant black and gold color scheme instead. A combination widely used across models and manufacturers for its chic appeal. Dressed in shadow, the CB showcases beauty with gold-accented wheels, fork legs, and a few stickers.

A brighter yellow draws the eye to the rear. Regarding suspension, the SP differentiates itself with an Öhlins TTX36 shock absorber. A fine piece, renowned for the noticeable improvement it provides in road efficiency. The Swedish component is adjustable in all directions, as is the 41 mm Showa SFF-BP inverted fork (identical to the standard model, except for the color).

The Öhlins signature is often associated with Brembo – whose recent union is noteworthy. This will also be the case for the Hornet SP, which becomes the first Honda roadster to receive, as standard, calipers from the Italian manufacturer. Not just any calipers: Stylema – four-piston monoblock calipers that are very effective, which the roadster has clearly borrowed from the CBR 1000 RR-R SP (from 2023; the current model is equipped with Stylema R). An Up&Down shifter completes the package of this sporty machine.

Sporty, yes, but on a human scale. Honda isn’t planning to target the hyperfighters of the higher segment and intends to give power back to the rider with an engine and chassis in a virulent, non-Superbike-stripped-down roadster format. Although the engine draws its origins from that kind of machine (the 2017 Fireblade), the engine claims 157 horsepower less inclined to madness; but still muscular. But we’ve seen 152 horsepower for the 1000 Hornet???? Yes, for the standard version. One of the bonuses of the SP is a gain of 5 horsepower. The torque also progresses but much more modestly; 2 nm to reach 107 units, or 10.9 mkg. The engine specialists haven’t touched the block to find those watts but have installed a RC (Revolutionary Controlled) valve in the exhaust. It remains closed below 5700 rpm then breathes beyond that so that the 4-cylinder can add fuel to the boiler. A boiler noticeably modified from the sporty model to build muscle across the entire rev range. Furthermore, it is paired with shortened gear ratios to reinforce acceleration – except for 6th, which wants to calm things down for highway cruising.

Just like its "little" 750 sister, the Hornet hasn’t sought ostentation in terms of the chassis. Its frame is a fairly simple, yet surprisingly rigid, steel tubular assembly. Here, no large aluminum sections, the disappearance of the monobras, no elements machined from solid… This avoids driving up the price while remaining effective. Of course, not at the level of hyper-tuned motorcycles that can be exploited by 1% of the clientele. The 1000 Hornet is aimed at everyone who wants to send it hard without sacrificing a kidney or dissecting a NASA manual to ride.

The Hornet doesn’t abandon electronics, far from it, but offers a reasonable dose, like its power and chassis. The riding assistance systems consist of 5 Riding Modes (Standard / Sport / Rain / User 1 / User 2), power delivery at 3 levels, HSTC torque control at 4 levels, engine braking management at 3 levels, and an anti-wheelie system. It is also equipped with quick-turn indicator operation when braking sharply, a USB socket, full LED lighting, a 5-inch TFT display with three display themes, and Bluetooth pairing. By installing the RoadSync app on their smartphone, the user can control their music, calls, simplified GPS navigation, some weather forecasts, and command certain functions by voice if there is the appropriate kit in the helmet.

This Hornet will cross paths with the Kawa Z 1100 SE, with similar equipment, less power but an aluminum frame. Even if the greens have made an effort on the price, the 1000 Hornet SP retains a significant price advantage. It presents with 2000 euros less. Something to think about. Offering yourself a somewhat refined streetfighter costs less than it did yesterday. Today, Honda reshuffles the cards with a motorcycle with high-end accents (Öhlins + Brembo + more horsepower), a desire to thrash and reasonable, muscular pretensions…. for an incredible price of 11,799 euros. Of course, the bill isn’t everything, but it will attract a lot of curious people.

M.B - Photos manufacturer

In summary, the Hornet SP gains: - a specific color scheme - 5 horsepower - 2 Nm - Brembo Stylema brake calipers - an Öhlins TTX36 shock absorber - an up&down shifter