I arrived in Sacramento eager to get my hands on the new 2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP. As someone who’s spent serious seat time on previous generations—both on the road and the track—I had high expectations. I spent a good part of my instructing days at Reg Pridmore’s CLASS riding school aboard a 2016 CB1000R. That particular bike was Reg’s own, and I kept “borrowing” it so often he nearly blew up at me. But I couldn’t resist—it was that good.
Fast forward to earlier this year at the Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 Plasma airbag launch at Streets of Willow when the 2024 Honda CB1000R was available for demo. Naturally, it was my first pick. With its retro-modern Neo-Sports Café aesthetics and updated electronics, it didn’t disappoint. That ride got me thinking seriously about the 2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP, which was Euro-only at the time. Now we know.
Previously, Honda was unable to use the Hornet name in the United States because Chrysler/Dodge held the rights to the name after acquiring AMC in 1987. However, that has been resolved, and Honda’s new flagship naked upright sportbike gets the name it’s been using abroad since 1996. More importantly, the 2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP is bringing the heat with the name. It’s time to ride.
- The new CB1000 Hornet SP boasts superbike DNA, premium components, and a price that genuinely made me do a double take. The MSRP is $10,999, which is $2000 less than the outgoing CB1000R Black Edition. The upmarket SP designation delivers premium features at $10,999, undercutting high-end competitors like the Kawasaki Z900 SE ($11,849), Yamaha MT-09 SP ($12,499), and Yamaha MT-10 SP ($16,999), while offering SP upgrades without a price premium. More direct pricing competition comes from base models, including the Suzuki GSX-S1000 ($11,909), Kawasaki Z900 ($9999), and Yamaha MT-09 ($10,799). In the case of the Hornet, there’s no standard version—it’s SP or bust.
- The 2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP’s 1000cc inline-four is a retuned version of the 2017 CBR1000RR superbike engine. It features lightweight cast pistons and optimized valve timing for better low-to-midrange response—at least on paper. In practice, the motor comes alive around 6000 rpm. Below that, it feels tamed down, likely due to tightening emissions regulations. Once you pass 8000 rpm, the motor pulls hard to its 11,500 rpm redline. On twisty canyon roads, the inline-4 is fast, sharp, and rewards a committed rider.
- The up/down quickshifter offers a premium feel at a mid-range. With three settings for aggressiveness, the quickshifter is a standout. The six-speed transmission is performance-oriented, with second through fifth gears optimized for acceleration and sixth serving as an overdrive for relaxed highway cruising and better fuel economy. Mixing aggressive canyon carving and highway stretches, I averaged 36 mpg. When you do have to use the clutch, it has slipper and assist functions.
- The 2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP features a new, more compact, and lighter frame. With a 70 percent increase in torsional rigidity, the Hornet SP’s handling is sharper and more precise. Where the CB1000R was a sporty naked, the Hornet SP feels like a naked superbike—aggressive, refined, and focused.
- Handling is enhanced by the Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 tires. The S22s deliver exceptional grip and precise handling for confidence-inspiring cornering. They warm up quickly and can be used on the street or track. There are upgrade paths, including the S23. However, this is quality rubber well-suited to the Hornet SP.
- A Showa SFF-BP fork and the track-proven Öhlins TTX36 shock handle suspension duties. The setup is tuned for aggressive riding, and the difference from the CB1000R is noticeable. The Hornet is built to charge through corners and soak up high-speed inputs. Full adjustability allows you to tailor the action to conditions and your style.
- Braking is handled by Brembo Stylema calipers up front and a Nissin caliper in the rear. The stopping power with the 310mm discs is strong and progressive, though the initial lever feel lacks consistency. Rubber brake lines are immediate suspects; a swap to steel braided lines would likely sharpen things up. The ABS is non-adjustable and unobtrusive.
- You won’t find a six-axis IMU or cruise control here—you have to feel the lower price somewhere. Regardless, traction control, wheelie control, and adjustable engine braking are present. The rider aids are intuitive, effective, and unobtrusive—more than enough for the aggressive rider Honda is targeting. In addition to the preprogrammed Sport, Standard, and Rain modes, you can program two modes yourself with power, traction/wheelie control, and engine braking up for adjustment. However, you are limited to just three settings for each. For riders eager to push limits, the integrated traction and wheelie control can be disabled, unlocking the Hornet SP’s full performance potential
- Aesthetically, the Hornet SP takes cues from its insect namesake and the original Hornet 250. The silhouette is athletic, with broad tank shoulders, a slim waist, and a sharply tapered tail section. The Matte Black Metallic paint looks far better in person than in photos—especially with the gold wheels and fork legs adding contrast. Cast aluminum five-spoke wheels are inspired by the CBR1000RR-R. Despite ditching the superbike’s single-sided swingarm, the CB1000 Hornet SP still exudes premium quality and performance intent.
- At $10,999, the 2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP is a hands-down bargain. You get a superbike-derived engine, SP-spec suspension, Brembo brakes, quickshifter, and striking design—all for the price of a middleweight. Sure, it’s missing a couple of high-end electronics, so it’s for riders who prioritize canyon carving, track days, and raw engagement over gadgetry. Instead, the Hornet SP delivers substance where it matters—performance, precision, and pedigree.
Photography by Align Media
RIDING STYLE
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
2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP Review Photo Gallery
