A Fireblade-derived 1,000cc inline-four with 157 PS, an Öhlins TTX36 shock and Brembo Stylema brakes, at a mid-range naked-bike price.
Background
Honda revived the Hornet name as a family, and the CB1000 Hornet now heads it. The SP version, launched for 2025, adds more power and premium hardware.
Design
A steel twin-spar frame places weight forward for agile handling. The SP adds an Öhlins TTX36 shock, Brembo Stylema calipers on twin 310 mm floating discs with a radial Brembo master cylinder, and a standard up/down quickshifter.
Engine
The 1,000cc DOHC 16-valve inline-four is derived from the 2017 CBR1000RR Fireblade. In SP tune it makes 115.6 kW (157 PS) at 11,000 rpm and 107 Nm at 9,000 rpm, up from 111.6 kW and 104 Nm in the standard bike.
On the road
Kerb weight is 212 kg (EU) with an 809 mm seat height. In MCN's linked review the tester says the bike "has blown me away".
Market context and awards
At US$10,999 (US) and €12,650 (Portugal) it undercuts most superbike-engined nakeds. MCN named it Overall Bike of the Year and Best Naked in its 2025 awards.
The Hornet name
Honda first used the Hornet name on naked bikes in the late 1990s, and the name was always tied to sporty, high-revving four-cylinder engines. The current family runs from the CB500 Hornet up to the CB1000 Hornet, and the SP is the top model.
A Fireblade at heart
The engine comes from the 2017 CBR1000RR Fireblade superbike, retuned for road use. A Revolutionary Controlled (RC) valve in the 7.1-litre muffler fully opens at 5,700 rpm to let the engine breathe at higher revs.
SP versus standard
The SP raises output from 111.6 kW and 104 Nm to 115.6 kW (157 PS) and 107 Nm. It replaces the standard bike's rear shock with a fully adjustable Öhlins TTX36, upgrades the brakes to Brembo Stylema calipers with a radial Brembo master cylinder, and fits an up/down quickshifter as standard.
Chassis
A steel twin-spar frame carries the engine and puts weight forward for quick steering. Honda quotes a 50.9/49.1 front/rear weight distribution, a 25° rake, 3.9 inches of trail and a 57.3-inch wheelbase. The 41 mm Showa SFF-BP fork is fully adjustable.
On the road
MCN's review headline was simply "This has blown me away". Kerb weight is 212 kg (EU) or 465 lb fully fuelled (US), and seat height is 809 mm.
Market and awards
At US$10,999 (US) and €12,650 (Portugal), the SP undercuts most superbike-engined naked bikes. MCN named it Overall Bike of the Year and Best Naked in its 2025 awards, which sets the bar for our 2026 On-road Petrol award. The award is provisional and may change.
The rivals
Superbike-engined naked bikes are a crowded class. The Hornet SP competes with machines such as the Yamaha MT-09 SP, Kawasaki Z900, Suzuki GSX-S1000 and KTM's Duke range, as well as premium Italian nakeds that cost much more.
Who it suits
It suits riders who want superbike-derived power and quality suspension and brakes for daily riding and weekend road trips without paying superbike prices.
Our judging notes
The panel valued the high specification at a mid-range price, backed by MCN's 2025 Overall Bike of the Year title. The 2026 On-road Petrol award is provisional and may change.
Reading the numbers
157 PS from a 212 kg bike is a strong power-to-weight figure for a naked bike, and the 107 Nm torque peak at 9,000 rpm shows the engine's superbike roots. The 809 mm seat height makes it more approachable than many sports bikes.
Chassis and electronics
The SP version upgrades the standard Hornet with Öhlins TTX36 rear suspension, Brembo Stylema front calipers and a quickshifter. A 5-inch TFT dash, selectable riding modes and Honda Selectable Torque Control are standard. These are the main reasons the SP beat simpler rivals on value, pending final confirmation of the 2026 award.
Verdict
The Hornet SP shows that a fast, well-equipped naked bike does not need an exotic price. Its strengths are an engine derived from the Fireblade superbike, quality suspension and brakes, and Honda's reputation for reliability.
Specification breakdown
- Engine: 1,000cc liquid-cooled DOHC 16-valve inline-four (CBR1000RR 2017-derived).
- Power: 115.6 kW (157 PS) @ 11,000 rpm.
- Torque: 107 Nm @ 9,000 rpm.
- Transmission: 6-speed with up/down quickshifter.
- Front suspension: 41mm Showa SFF-BP inverted fork, 118 mm travel.
- Rear suspension: Öhlins TTX36 shock, Pro-Link, 139 mm travel.
- Front brakes: Twin 310 mm floating discs, radial Brembo Stylema 4-piston.
- Kerb weight: 212 kg (EU); 465 lb (US).
- Seat height: 809 mm.
- Price: US$10,999 MSRP; €12,650 (Portugal).
Why it won
The Hornet SP puts superbike-derived power and premium chassis parts into an affordable road bike. Its 2017 CBR1000RR-based engine makes 115.6 kW and 107 Nm, and the SP adds a fully adjustable Öhlins shock, Brembo Stylema calipers and a standard up/down quickshifter. MCN named it Overall Bike of the Year and Best Naked in its 2025 awards.
Watch
Video: 2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP ridden & rated | MCN Review