The Honda CB1000 Hornet (2025) arrives as a masterclass in modern naked bike philosophy—proving that raw power doesn’t require exotic engineering or prohibitive pricing. This streetfighter packs the 999cc liquid-cooled inline-four from the legendary CBR1000RR Fireblade, retuned with aggressive racing DNA and housed in a minimalist, deliberately provocative design language. Launched in India at Rs 12.36 lakh (ex-showroom, May 2025), the CB1000 Hornet SP represents exceptional value.
The engine delivers 155 bhp at 11,000 rpm (SP variant) and 107 Nm of torque at 9,000 rpm, producing an intoxicating exhaust note despite Euro 5+ emissions compliance. The chassis is pure Honda: a mass-forward steel twin-spar frame with 70% increased torsional rigidity, paired with fully-adjustable 41mm Showa SFF-BP USD forks and an Öhlins TTX36 rear monoshock on the SP variant. Premium Brembo Stylema four-piston radial-mount front calipers gripping 310mm floating discs provide stopping power that matches the thrilling acceleration. The package includes bi-directional quickshifter, 5-inch TFT display with Honda RoadSync (Bluetooth navigation and call management), Emergency Stop Signal for hazard flashing, three pre-set ride modes plus two customizable USER modes, and 17 kmpl fuel efficiency. This is Honda doing what it does best: delivering accessible performance wrapped in aggressive, no-compromise design.
Complete Specifications
| Specification | CB1000 Hornet / SP Details |
|---|---|
| Price (India) | CB1000 Hornet SP: Rs 12,35,900; Standard: Rs 12.36 lakh (ex-showroom) |
| Price (Global) | UK: £9,099-£10,099; USA: $10,999 |
| Engine Type | 999cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC inline-four, 16-valve, 4-stroke |
| Bore x Stroke | 76mm x 55.1mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.7:1 |
| Max Power (Standard) | 152 PS (150 bhp) @ 11,000 rpm |
| Max Power (SP variant) | 155 PS (157 bhp) @ 11,000 rpm (with RC valve exhaust) |
| Max Torque (Standard) | 104 Nm @ 9,000 rpm |
| Max Torque (SP variant) | 107 Nm @ 9,000 rpm |
| Fuel System | PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection) with throttle-by-wire |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual gearbox, optimized short ratios |
| Clutch | Wet multi-plate with assist and slipper function |
| Quickshifter | Bi-directional (up/down) adjustable, standard on SP |
| Final Drive | Chain drive |
| Starting | Electric start |
| Frame | Twin-spar steel with mass-forward geometry; 70% increased torsional rigidity |
| Front Suspension (Standard) | 41mm Showa SFF-BP USD forks, fully adjustable, 118mm travel |
| Front Suspension (SP) | 41mm Showa SFF-BP USD forks, fully adjustable, 118mm travel (gold anodized) |
| Rear Suspension (Standard) | Showa monoshock, Pro-Link swingarm, 138mm travel |
| Rear Suspension (SP) | Öhlins TTX36 monoshock, fully adjustable, Pro-Link swingarm, 139mm travel |
| Front Brakes (Standard) | Nissin four-piston radial-mount calipers, dual 310mm floating discs |
| Front Brakes (SP) | Brembo Stylema four-piston radial-mount calipers, dual 310mm floating discs |
| Rear Brakes | Nissin single-piston caliper, single 240mm disc |
| ABS System | Dual-channel, switchable via menu |
| Front Tyre | 120/70 ZR17 tubeless |
| Rear Tyre | 185/55 ZR17 tubeless |
| Wheels | 17-inch cast aluminum (gold on SP) |
| Wheelbase | 1,455mm (57.3 inches) |
| Rake & Trail | 25° rake, 99mm trail |
| Overall Length | 2,140mm (84.3 inches) |
| Overall Width | 790mm (31.1 inches) |
| Overall Height | 1,085mm (42.7 inches) |
| Ground Clearance | 135mm (5.3 inches) |
| Seat Height | 809mm (31.9 inches) |
| Kerb Weight (wet) | 212kg (467 lbs) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17 litres (4.5 gallons) |
| Fuel Efficiency (claimed) | 17 kmpl (combined cycle) |
| Top Speed | 230+ kmph |
| Instrument Display | 5-inch full-color TFT multi-information display |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth (Honda RoadSync), call/SMS alerts, music control, navigation support |
| Ride Modes | SPORT, STANDARD, RAIN + 2 customizable USER modes |
| Safety Features | Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) flashes hazard lights during sudden braking |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 3.8 litres |
| Emission Norms | Euro 5 / BS6 2.0 compliant |
| Warranty | 1 year / Unlimited mileage (standard) |
About Honda Motor
Engineering Excellence, Accessible Performance
Honda Motor Company, founded in 1948, is one of the world’s largest and most respected motorcycle manufacturers. The company has earned its reputation through relentless focus on engineering excellence, reliability, and accessible performance—proving repeatedly that high technology needn’t come with premium pricing.
The Hornet lineage carries particular significance: the original CB1000 Hornet (2003-2008) defined the modern naked bike category, proving that agile handling and street presence could rival dedicated sports bikes. The 2025 revival represents Honda’s reaffirmation of that philosophy: raw power and accessible price don’t have to be contradictory.
By deploying the Fireblade engine in a streetfighter frame at Rs 12.36 lakh, Honda demonstrates its understanding of modern riders: they want thrills, not pretension. They seek genuine performance, not inflated marketing. The CB1000 Hornet delivers both.
What Experts Are Saying
Key Highlights
- Fireblade Engine DNA: 999cc liquid-cooled inline-four from the legendary CBR1000RR, producing 155 bhp (SP) and 107 Nm
- Aggressive Streetfighter Design: Muscular tank shrouds, sharp bodywork, commanding presence with all-LED lighting
- Chassis Excellence: Mass-forward twin-spar steel frame with 70% increased torsional rigidity for agile handling
- Premium Suspension & Brakes: Fully-adjustable Showa forks; Öhlins monoshock on SP; Brembo Stylema four-piston radial calipers
- Race-Ready Transmission: 6-speed manual with optimized short ratios; bi-directional quickshifter (standard on SP)
- Smart Connectivity: 5-inch TFT display with Honda RoadSync (Bluetooth navigation, calls, music control)
- Intelligent Technology: Emergency Stop Signal flashes hazard lights; three preset modes plus two customizable USER modes
- Exceptional Value: Rs 12.36 lakh for Fireblade engine performance—competitive pricing for the segment
The Honda CB1000 Hornet (2025) is a masterclass in intelligent product positioning: taking proven, race-derived technology and presenting it without pretense or complexity. By deploying the Fireblade engine in an accessible package at Rs 12.36 lakh, Honda proves its understanding of modern enthusiasts.
This is not a bike trying to be something it’s not. It’s honest engineering: 155 bhp delivered linearly through an addictive four-cylinder motor, paired with a chassis engineered specifically for agile cornering rather than drag-strip dominance. The Öhlins monoshock on the SP variant, Brembo Stylema brakes, and fully-adjustable suspension transform it into a legitimate performance tool capable of handling spirited road riding or weekend track sessions.
For riders stepping up to a liter-class bike, returning to motorcycling after a break, or seeking genuine performance without exotic pricing, the CB1000 Hornet represents an intelligent choice. It’s proof that modern naked bikes can deliver superbike character at accessible prices. Honda doing what it does best.
