We told you about the 2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP when it was introduced in Europe last October. We asked you to cross your fingers with us last fall, and it looks like it worked—the naked upright liter-class sportbike is coming to the United States courtesy of American Honda! Just in case you missed it last fall, let’s go over what the new CB1000 Hornet SP is all about.
- The 2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP is powered by a 1000cc DOHC inline-4 derived from the 2017 CBR1000RR. However, it has been re-engineered to deliver robust low- to midrange torque for street-friendly power. Compared to the CBR1000RR, the Hornet’s engine features revised intake and exhaust valve lift and timing, with the cams optimized for efficiency across the rev range. Steel intake valves and lightweight die-cast pistons ensure durability.
- The throttle-by-wire system works with Honda’s proprietary Revolutionary Controlled exhaust valve integrated into the muffler. This optimizes exhaust flow by fully opening at 5700 rpm, enhancing performance at higher engine speeds.
- The transmission is designed for acceleration, with an overdrive 6th gear. Cogs two through five are optimized for maximum acceleration, and 6th gear has long legs for highway cruising. The transmission also has a quickshifter. When you do need to use the clutch, it has assist and slipper functions to serve you.
- The 2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP has a full suite of electronic rider aids, and they’re all adjustable. There are three preset riding modes—Sport, Standard, Rain—alongside two user-configurable modes. When setting up a custom mode, the rider can adjust power output, engine braking, and traction/wheelie control to taste. A six-axis IMU enhances the system’s performance. These parameters are set with a joystick and monitored on a five-inch TFT screen.
- The CB1000 Hornet SP’s chassis is built around a steel twin-spar frame engineered for high torsional rigidity and agile handling. The engine and center of gravity are positioned forward to reduce yaw inertia, with the shock absorber and battery placed similarly to enhance agility. With the new Hornet’s 4.5-gallon tank filled, the scales read 465 pounds—about the same as the Suzuki GSX-S1000, Kawasaki Z900, and Yamaha MT-10.
- SP means upgraded suspension. Suspension is handled by a fully adjustable 41mm Showa SFF-BP inverted fork and an Öhlins TTX36 shock with linkage assistance.
- Like the suspension, the braking system mixes brands for the components. Radially mounted Brembo Stylema four-piston calipers grip 310mm floating discs up front, with a single-piston Nissin caliper and 240mm disc at the rear.
- The five-inch TFT dash gives you three display options. Riders can customize the display between three patterns—Bar, Circle, and Simple—via a backlit four-way toggle switch on the left handlebar, which also serves as the primary interface for navigating the bike’s electronic systems.
- This screen is designed to improve visibility in bright sunlight. The gap is sealed between the cover glass and the TFT panel with resin, reducing glare and enhancing backlight visibility.
- Smartphone connectivity is facilitated by the Honda RoadSync app. Once downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, the app pairs with the motorcycle via Bluetooth, enabling a range of functions accessible through the TFT screen and the four-way toggle switch. Riders can use turn-by-turn navigation, with on-screen directions mirroring those from smartphone-based mapping apps, provided a Bluetooth helmet headset is paired for audio guidance. The system also supports hands-free phone calls and music playback, with call notifications and track information displayed on the TFT screen.
- The 2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP’s price puts it into an interesting marketing slot. Its closest price/displacement rivals for 2025? Think the Suzuki GSX-S1000 ($11,909), Yamaha MT-09 ($10,799), Kawasaki Z900 ABS ($9999), with smaller-displacement Euro contenders like the Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory ($11,099) and Triumph Street Triple 765 ($10,595) crashing the price-point party. When you visit your dealer to check availability, just say you want the bike in Matte Black Metallic. The dealer will sigh in relief, as it’s the only color on the menu.
2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP Specs
ENGINE
- Type: Inline-4
- Displacement: 1000cc
- Bore x stroke: 76.0 x 55.1mm
- Compression ratio: 11.7:1
- Fueling: Throttle-by-wire w/ 44mm throttle body
- Valvetrain: DOHC: 4 vpc
- Exhaust: 4-2-1 w/ OBD2 sensors and Revolutionary Control valve
- Transmission: 6-speed w/ quickshifter
- Clutch: Wet multiplate w/ assist and slipper functions
- Final drive: 525 chain
CHASSIS
- Frame: Twin-spar steel
- Front suspension; travel: Fully adjustable Showa Separate Function Fork—Big Piston inverted 41mm fork; 5.1 inches
- Rear suspension; travel: Spring-preload and rebound-damping adjustable Öhlins TTX36 shock; 5.5 inches
- Wheels: Cast aluminum
- Tires: Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22
- Front tire: 120/70 x 17
- Rear tire: 180/55 x 17
- Front brakes: 310mm floating discs w/ radially mounted Brembo Stylema 4-piston calipers
- Rear brake: 240mm disc w/ Nissin single-piston caliper
- ABS: 2-channel
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 57.3 inches
- Rake: 25 degrees
- Trail: 3.9 inches
- Seat height: 31.9 inches
- Fuel capacity: 4.5 gallons
- Curb weight: 465 pounds
- Color: Matte Black Metallic
2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP Price: $10,999 MSRP
