Talk about the right bike for the way we ride today: The CB1000 Hornet SP offers incredible old-school performance combined with modern features and refinement.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2026 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP: PURE FORM.
Introducing the 2026 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP…
Honda’s CB1000 Hornet SP channels decades of naked-bike heritage into a bold, modern performance statement. Delivering liter-class power in a streetfighter package, this premium Hornet model combines precision engineering and a raw street presence. The CBR1000RR-derived engine, high-spec components and aggressive stance make it equally at home slicing through canyon roads and ruling city streets. True to the Hornet name, the model is a perfect mix of refinement and rebellion—Honda’s vision of performance stripped to a pure form.
Feel the power
Talk about the right bike for the way we ride today: The CB1000 Hornet SP offers incredible old-school performance combined with modern features and refinement. And in addition to its powerful engine, where the SP really leaves the competition behind is when it comes to price. Nothing else on two wheels—or maybe four—gives you as much bang for the buck. Add with its awesome streetfighter look you can see why it’s proven one of the most popular open-class streetbikes in recent history.
2026 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
- 1000cc liquid-cooled 27.6º inline-four-twin engine
- Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
- 41mm Showa SFF-BP inverted fork
- Quick shifter
- Five-inch TFT instrument screen
Inline four engine
The powerful 1000cc DOHC four-cylinder engine uses an architecture and layout proven on Honda Superbikes, and based on our CBR1000RR, but specially tuned for more midrange horsepower and torque for the street rider.
Four-into-one exhaust
The exhaust system can make a critical difference in power, and this classic four-into-one design boosts low- and midrange torque and power. And wait until you hear how awesome it sounds!
Slipper/assist clutch
This innovative design hooks up tight to get all of the power to the ground, yet still offers a light pull at the clutch lever. Plus, it helps mitigate rear wheel hop under deceleration.
Quick shifter
Equipping the six-speed manual gearbox with a quick shifter means you can upshift without the clutch under full power.
Huge rear tire
To get all that engine power to the road, the CB1000 Hornet SP comes with a massive 180/55-17 rear tire.
Powerful brakes
Large dual radial-mount four-piston Brembo front calipers bite 310mm floating rotors, while the rear caliper squeezes a 240mm rear rotor, the combination providing massive stopping power.
Premium Brembo master cylinder
For even better front-brake performance and feel, the CB1000 Hornet SP uses a premium Brembo radial front master cylinder.
Anti-lock brakes
Front and rear ABS are standard, which keeps braking even more under control, especially in adverse conditions.
Special gearing
We fit the close-ratio six-speed transmission with gearing designed to emphasize the bike’s awesome acceleration. Crack the throttle and you’ll feel it instantly.
Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
A great system that combines its old-school raw horsepower with a modern power delivery. HSTC keeps the bike hooked up and the power flowing under a wide variety of surface conditions.
Throttle-by-wire and five ride modes
Using our throttle–by-wire system, we’ve given this bike five riding modes (Standard, Sport, Rain and two rider-programmable User modes). The User modes let you choose between three parameters, and then save the settings.
All-LED lighting package
When it comes to lighting, an all-LED setup offers lighter, brighter, and longer-lasting illumination throughout its entire package.
Understated style
Tough, no-nonsense streetfighter style and a black-on-black color palette sends a subtle message that this is a premium machine.
Wide choice of accessories
Make your CB1000 Hornet SP even more yours with a wide range of Honda accessories. Check them out and see how you can make an awesome bike even better.
Open riding position
Opening up the rider triangle lets you sit up a little straighter, which gives you a higher vantage point than hardcore sportbikes. Plus, most riders will find it a bit more comfortable, too.
Lean, light, strong
Weighing a mere 465 pounds, full of gas and ready to ride, this bike earns its welterweight champion status. A lean open-class inline-four, devoid of excess, you get maximum performance, agility, and sheer enjoyment.
Top-tier suspension
Up front, a 41mm Showa SFF-BP inverted fork gives you true premium sportbike handling. And at the rear the story is even better, with a specially selected remote-reservoir Öhlins TTX36 shock.
Five-inch TFT instrument display
Check out the instruments on this awesome machine. You get a big, bright, five-inch TFT (Thin Film Transistor) display that gives you a choice of six display settings with all the information you’ll need while riding.
Honda RoadSync
Our Honda RoadSync app comes as standard equipment. With it you can also display music, phone navigation functions on the five-inch instrument screen.
HISTORY
Honda’s Hornet aesthetic has played a big role in the international popularity of naked bikes over the past three decades. First up was technically the 1996 CB250 Hornet, but that little machine was largely unknown outside of Asia. Two years later, the CB600F Hornet was offered in Europe and other markets, where it was extremely popular, even inspiring the U.K.’s Hornet Cup spec road-race series. That model eventually reached the U.S. market in 2004, but because the Hornet name was owned by AMC/Chrysler, it was known here as the 599. Meanwhile, it had been joined in 2002 by the original open-class Hornet—the CB900F Hornet. Arguably based on a 1994 design-study collaboration between American Honda R&D and Cycle World, that model was marketed to U.S. customers as the 919.
The 919 and 599 were replaced in the U.S. in 2007 and 2013, respectively, and the Hornet name also disappeared overseas until the 2023 European introduction of the CB750 Hornet. That model was updated for the 2025 model year, when it and the CB1000 Hornet SP were brought to the U.S.
Honda Expands E-Clutch Lineup With New CB750 Hornet, Announces 15 Total On-Road Models
- E-Clutch enables shifting with or without the clutch lever
- Four models now offered with the innovative technology
- New more competitive pricing, including reduced MSRPs on six models
Honda today announced 15 on-road motorcycle models for 2026, highlighted by the expansion of the company’s groundbreaking E-Clutch technology to the popular CB750 Hornet naked bike. With this move, Honda now offers a total of four E-Clutch-equipped motorcycles—including the CB650R, CBR650R and the recently announced Rebel 300 E-Clutch cruiser—underscoring the brand’s commitment to combining innovation with rider accessibility and control.
This latest new-model announcement encompasses a full range of categories—from adventure and sport to touring and standard—demonstrating the company’s continued leadership and breadth in the motorcycle market. Also of note is a renewed focus on the sport bike segment, with MSRP reductions introduced to improve value and competitiveness while maintaining the same Honda quality and performance. MSRP reductions include $1,000 on the CB500 Hornet and CBR500R, $700 on the CB650R E-Clutch and CBR650R E-Clutch and $650 on the CB300R. In addition, the NX500 gets a $500 price reduction.
“Honda’s E-Clutch system represents a major step forward in motorcycle technology, offering riders the freedom to enjoy seamless shifting without sacrificing engagement or performance,” said Colin Miller, Manager of Public Relations at American Honda. “Expanding this technology to the CB750 Hornet for 2026—and offering an extensive lineup of fun, practical, value-conscious on-road models—reflects our ongoing goal of making the joy of motorcycling more approachable, intuitive and enjoyable for riders of all experience levels. On a related note, we’re pleased to confirm our commitment to sport bike customers, with new lower pricing for multiple CB and CBR models that makes them more accessible and creates a natural path for current Honda riders—like miniMOTO owners—to step up to a sport bike. Importantly, these changes come without sacrificing technology, style or performance.”
2026 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
DESIGN / STYLING
Designed in Japan, the CB1000 Hornet SP’s transformative looks are driven by two words: aggressive and pure. With the design team blending a sensual dynamism with balance of mass, the model’s stripped-back style is an expression of non-decorative aggression.
The handlebar has a tapered, steel design. Led by the super-compact dual-projector headlights, the signature, 4.5-gallon fuel tank is broad-shouldered up front but tapers radically to the rear, giving the impression of wings folded forward. That theme continues at the back, where the minimalist seat unit and sharply pointed tail section create a narrow waistline and distinctive “stinger” silhouette. A color-matched seat cowl is available as an accessory, further enhancing the bike’s sporty profile.
The subtly blacked-out frame is also used as a design feature; it and the trellis-style rear subframe underpin the lines. The engine and swingarm are also finished in black. All lighting is LED.
Meter / Controls
The 5-inch full-color TFT screen uses optical bonding to maximize visibility in bright sunlight. By sealing the gap between the cover glass and TFT screen with resin, glare is reduced, and visibility is optimized. The display is customizable between “Bar,” “Circle” and “Simple” patterns.
Honda RoadSync allows iOS/Android smartphone connectivity, and operation is via a simple, easy-to-use, backlit four-way toggle-switch on the left handlebar. This allows straightforward, on-screen turn-by-turn navigation, as well as the option (via a Bluetooth helmet headset) for the rider to make calls or listen to music. Owners need simply download the Honda RoadSync app from either the App Store or the Play Store and connect to the CB1000 Hornet SP.
ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN
Sourced from the 2017 CBR1000RR, the 1,000cc, DOHC four-cylinder engine is tuned to deliver a heavyweight punch in the low- to midrange, along with an exhilarating rush of power delivery at higher rpm, all the way to the redline. It offers performance and throttle response that work smoothly around town and on the open road.
A variety of detail work was done to tune the engine’s character and delivery. Intake and exhaust valve lift and timing were developed to pump efficiently across the rev range. The intake-valve material is steel, and the shape of the lightweight, die-cast pistons was optimized for strength and durability. The ACG cover is aluminum, as is the oil pan.
The transmission is matched to the CBR1000RR’s heart, with gears two through five optimized for acceleration (to match the engine’s all-around drive), while sixth gear enables relaxed highway cruising. An assist/slipper clutch reduces lever effort, while also helping manage rear-wheel hop under hard, rapid downshifts and braking. The three-level adjustable quick shifter provides full-throttle, clutch-less upshifts, as well as clutch-less downshifting with auto-blip function.
The bore and stroke dimensions are 76.0mm x 55.1mm, and compression ratio is 11.7:1. A 44mm throttle body feeds the air/fuel mixture into large-diameter inlet ports and carefully shaped combustion chambers. The exhaust has a 4-2-1 design and contributes to the model’s midrange muscle and light weight.
ELECTRONIC CONTROLS
Throttle by wire (TBW) on the CB1000 Hornet SP allows the rider maximum control over the powerful engine.
Riding Modes
The CB1000 Hornet SP’s system offers five riding modes, divided into preset and customizable options. The three preset modes—designed for different riding conditions—automatically adjust the behavior of the motorcycle by selecting specific combinations of Power (P), Engine Brake (EB) and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC, with integrated Wheelie Control).
For riders who prefer to fine-tune their setup, two USER modes allow full customization of these same parameters. Each of the adjustable functions offers three levels, and HSTC can also be switched off entirely.
The modes are:
- SPORT: A preset mode with the highest Power delivery and lowest levels of EB and HSTC, for maximum performance through all six gears, maximum torque and power at all throttle positions, and minor intervention from HSTC.
- STANDARD: A preset mode that uses the middle setting for Power, HSTC and EB. It softens the punch a little out of first and second gears and uses a power delivery just below that of SPORT mode, with reduced torque at partial throttle openings.
- RAIN: A preset mode that employs the lowest Power setting, for the least-aggressive power delivery, medium EB and high HSTC. The lower levels of power and torque delivery are focused on the first three gears.
- USER 1: A customizable mode that allows the rider to choose between the settings for each parameter, and to save the setting for future use.
- USER 2: An alternative customizable mode that the rider can set.
Selection is managed via a four-way selectable switch on the left handlebar, along with the TFT screen.
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
The riding position is pure streetfighter, with a sporty footpeg location and a handlebar position that is up and back, resulting in a rider triangle that’s still sporty, but with a relatively upright upper-body position. To support responsive handling, key components are positioned to centralize mass. The frame holds the engine close to the bike’s center, while the shock absorber and battery are also packaged tightly inboard. The airbox also sits above the cylinder head rather than behind it, contributing to a compact layout.
Geometry
Rake and trail are 25° and 3.9 inches, and wheelbase is 57.3 inches. Weight distribution is 50.9% and 49.1% front and rear, respectively. Curb weight is 465 pounds including all standard equipment, required fluids and a full tank of fuel. with a seat height of 31.9 inches,
Frame / Swingarm
The frame is a one-piece steel twin-spar unit that has been designed to complement the engine and (through a narrow pivot point) deliver the classic slim-waisted naked-bike feel, as well as good torsional rigidity, for sharp turn-in and side-to-side handling agility. Rear engine mounting, along with carefully shaped front mounting plates, minimize vibration and optimize feel.
The rear subframe uses a trellis design that is light and looks great. The cast-aluminum, 24.4-inch-long swingarm provides tuned rigidity balance for optimum grip and feel.
Suspension
The Showa 41mm Separate Function Fork Big Piston inverted fork (SFF-BP) is adjustable for spring preload and rebound/compression damping. The Öhlins TTX36 shock absorber operates through Pro-Link and is adjustable for preload via a hydraulic knob; compression and rebound damping are fully adjustable.
Brakes
A radial master cylinder operates dual, radial-mount Brembo Stylema four-piston calipers that grip 310mm floating discs. The single-piston rear Nissin caliper grips a 240mm disc.
Wheels
Highlighting the model’s sporty aspirations, the, lightweight, cast-aluminum wheels have a five-Y-spoke design and are inspired by the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP. The front and rear tires are sized 120/70-ZR17 and 180/55-ZR17, respectively.
Honda ACCESSORIES
A range of Honda Accessories are available for the CB1000 Hornet SP, including heated grips, Alcantara rider and passenger seats, a radiator grill, a tank bag, rear seat bag and more.
2026 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $10999 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ See Dealer CDN (includes Freight, PDI and Fees)
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ NA GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
| ENGINE | |
| Type | 1,000cc liquid-cooled four-stroke inline four |
| Valvetrain | DOHC; 4 valves per cylinder |
| Bore x Stroke | 76.0mm x 55.1mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.7:1 |
| Induction | Programmed electronic fuel injection (PGM-FI); 44mm throttle bodies (throttle by wire) |
| Ignition | Full transisterized |
| Starter | Push-button electric starter |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual |
| Clutch | Multiplate wet |
| Final Drive | #525 Chain; 15T/45T |
| SUSPENSION | |
| Front | 41mm Showa Separate Function Front Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) w/ adjustable preload and compression/rebound damping; 5.1-inch travel |
| Rear | Pro-link system w/ Öhlins TTX36 shock absorber; adjustable preload, compression/rebound damping; 5.5-inch travel |
| BRAKES | |
| Front | Dual Brembo Stylema radial-mount four-piston hydraulic calipers w/ 310mm floating discs; ABS |
| Rear | Single Nissin one-piston hydraulic caliper w/ 240mm disc; ABS |
| TIRES | |
| Front | 120/70-17 |
| Rear | 180/55-17 |
| MEASUREMENTS | |
| Rake | 25.0º |
| Trail | 3.9 inches (98mm) |
| Length | 84.3 inches |
| Width | 31.2 inches |
| Height | 42.8 inches |
| Ground Clearance | 5.3 inches |
| Seat Height | 31.9 inches |
| Wheelbase | 57.3 inches |
| Fuel Capacity | 4.5 gallons |
| Curb Weight* | 465 pounds |
| OTHER | |
| Color | Matte Black Metallic |
| Warranty | 1 year |
*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride Specifications subject to change
2026 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
TBA
2026 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP – Totalmotorcycle.com Europe Specifications/Technical Details
NA
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
