The 2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet has been launched after the prototype was first revealed at EICMA 2023.
There are two versions, namely a standard and an up-spec’ed SP.
Engine
Both versions are powered by a 1000cc, inline-four, DOHC, 16-valve engine. The standard’s engine does 150hp at 11,000 RPM and 104Nm at 9,000 RPM. On the other hand, the SP versions engine produces 155hp at 11,000 RPM and 107Nm at 9,000 RPM courtesy of an exhaust system which features a servo-operated valve which opens at 5,700 RPM.
The CB1000R’s engine was derived from an old CBR1000RR Fireblade which produced 189hp at 13,000 RPM and 116Nm at 11,000 RPM. So, the CB’s engine has a lower RPM ceiling and produces its peak power and torque at lower RPMs.
The engine’s power is channelled through an assist and slipper clutch, and six-speed transmission which were also derived from the previous generation CBR1000RR. The CB1000 SP has a quickshifter as standard equipment which is an option for the standard version.
Chassis
The 2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet uses a twin-spar steel frame which is claimed to be 70% more torsionally rigid than the previous CB1000R. While the 1455mm wheelbase and 25° rake are identical to the CB1000R’s, weight is now biased towards the front, 51.2%/48.8% (50.9%/49.1% on the SP), by shifting the engine forward along with components like the rear shock and battery. The airbox is located above the engine’s cylinder head.
Both versions share the same 41mm Showa SFF-BP upside-down forks that are adjustable for compression, rebound and preload. At the back, the standard version gets a Showa monoshock with preload and rebound adjustments. The SP version gets an Öhlins TTX36 shock adjustable for preload, rebound and compression. Both modes use the same conventional aluminium swingarm compared to the single-sided and more expensive CB1000R.
While both variants use radial-mounted, four-pot front calipers on 310mm discs, the standard Hornet’s calipers are from Nissin while the SP uses Brembo Stylema. The rear Nissin single-pot caliper and 240mm disc are shared by both versions, and while there’s 2-channel ABS.
Electronics
There is a 5-inch colour TFT display with phone connectivity. Accompanied by Honda’s RoadSync app and a smartphone gives all the usual connectivity, including turn-by-turn navigation. A bar-mounted, backlit, four-way toggle switch controls the screen, and when paired to a Bluetooth headset you also get control over calls and music.
Both variants have five riding modes namely Rain, Standard, Sport, and two user presets. There are also four levels of traction control, engine braking control, and wheelie control. There is no IMU for cornering ABS and traction control, however.
Other specs include all-LED lighting with dual projector-style headlamps and an Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) function that flashes the hazard lights automatically during hard braking.
Price
The standard 2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet is priced at £8,995 (RM50,487.64), while the SP version is £9,995 (RM56,109.24). These prices are the same as the Yamaha MT-09’s in the UK.
Will it make it here? Who knows.
