Honda CB1000 Hornet makes 152hp, costs less than Transalp 750

Revealed to the public at last year’s EICMA show, Honda has now finally released full specifications for the CB1000 Hornet and its SP variant.

1. 152hp, 104Nm on base model, SP variant makes 157hp, 107Nm
2. SP gets Ohlins shock, Brembo Stylema brakes
3. Weighs less than a Kawasaki Z900

Before we dive into the spec sheet, let's talk about the design briefly. The CB1000's front end design is similar to the Ducati Streetfighter V4, with the headlight divided into two angular pods. There are sharp creases and cuts all over the bike, just like the smaller CB750 Hornet, but the 1000 gets a chunkier fuel tank. The rear section is sleek and sharp, but with a bulky exhaust muffler that's likely necessitated by the stringent Euro5+ norms.

Powering the biggest Hornet is a 2017-2020 Fireblade derived 999cc watercooled engine, which puts out 152hp at 11,000rpm and 104Nm of torque at 9,000rpm. Output figures rise to 157hp and 107Nm on the higher SP variant. 

Nestling this litre-class motor is a (as is typical of Japanese sporty machines) aluminium twin-spar frame that's suspended by a fully adjustable Showa fork and Monoshock. Braking duties are handled by radially mounted Nissin 4-pot calipers mated to twin 310mm discs at the front and a single-piston caliper mated to a 240mm disc at the rear.

The SP variant steps up the componentry with an Ohlins TTX36 Monoshock and Brembo Stylema calipers. While the bidirectional quickshifter is standard here, it's an option on the base variant.

Both variants get the same tyre sizes – 120/70 ZR17 (front) and 180/55 ZR17 (rear). With its large, 17-litre fuel tank brimmed, the Hornet weighs 211kg, which is less than the Kawasaki Z900. At 809mm, the seat height isn't as tall as the European hypernakeds, but the 135mm ground clearance is a little worrying in our Indian context.

The arsenal of electronic rider aids on the CB1000 Hornet models include power modes, engine braking control, traction control and dual-channel ABS. You can either select one of the three preset riding modes – Rain, Standard or Sport – or choose from two customisable ones.

While none of the CB1000 Hornet’s technical specifications are headline-grabbing, its price tag is. Priced at GBP 8,999 (around Rs 10 lakh) for the base model, the CB1000 Hornet undercuts even the Transalp 750 adventure bike, which costs Rs 10.99 lakh in India. The SP variant is priced not much higher at GBP 9,999 (around Rs 11 lakh).

It remains to be seen if Honda will launch the CB1000 Hornet in India. HMSI did sell the erstwhile CB1000R for a few years in our country, but post BS6, the bike has been absent from BigWing showrooms. If the bike does come here, its closest rivals will comprise the Suzuki Katana and Kawasaki Ninja 1100. However, if Honda India is able to mirror the sensational price, its rivals would be the Kawasaki Z900 and Triumph Street Triple RS.

Interestingly, Honda has patented the design of the CB1000 Hornet in India and to read more about that, tap HERE.