Honda CB1000 Hornet SP Review

It was that moment when I shifted into fourth gear over the wheelie crest at Pannonia-Ring, kept the throttle open, and the front end of the new CB1000 Hornet SP cheekily pointed skyward. I couldn't help but laugh out loud under my helmet. Honda? Seriously? Yes! The new Hornet is no longer a tame commuter mouse but a full-blown rebellious sister with surprise potential. The name Hornet finally fits again. Wild, sharp, aggressive, yet somehow composed—like a samurai in a designer suit.

The black paint with gold rims remains a matter of taste. Too little color? Too dark? But what rolls here in terms of mechanical substance is a true rider's bike. After our country road test, I couldn't wait to really thrash it on the track. And the Honda proved its mettle.

Honda has never been known for escapism. Yet, it seems the decision was made in Japan that even a naked bike can go wild. The CB1000 Hornet SP is based on proven technology, but it's equipped with top-notch components: a Showa SFF-BP USD fork at the front, an Öhlins TTX36 at the rear, Stylema Brembos up front, and Nissin at the back. A quickshifter comes standard, the 5-inch TFT offers connectivity, and the electronics can be configured in three modes plus two user settings.

With 157 horsepower at 11,000 rpm and 107 Nm at 9,000, the fun begins. Fully fueled, it weighs in at 212 kilos, keeping the weight in check. The setup isn’t extreme—but it's incredibly well-balanced. Honda has embraced the golden mean without cutting back on the riding pleasure.

This engine. It's not a bored-out tourer twin, nor an over-the-top V2, but a classic inline-four with racing genetics. And it performs exceptionally well. What hinted at its potential on the open road fully blossoms on the track: powerful, rev-happy, spontaneous. The quickshifter (including blipper) ensures crisp gear changes, with a broad and consistent torque curve. The sound? A bassy growl at low revs, turning into a raspy scream at higher rpms. Pure emotion.

On the straights, the Honda pulls relentlessly, without breaking a sweat. It delivers power without overwhelming you. The throttle response is direct but not twitchy. A genuine joy provider, devoid of any artificiality.

What's the use of the best engine if the suspension doesn't keep up? But the Hornet SP delivers here. The Showa fork at the front responds sensitively and remains stable, while the Öhlins damping at the rear transforms the naked bike into almost a track-ready machine. Sure, the bulky tank limits mobility slightly. But overall, the seating is comfortable. The handlebars might be a tad too swept back, but that's a matter of personal taste.

The suspension setup includes a 41 mm Showa SFF-BP upside-down fork at the front and an Öhlins TTX36 shock at the rear. Braking is handled by 2x 310 mm Brembo Stylema discs at the front and a 240 mm Nissin disc at the rear. Tire sizes are 120/70 ZR17 at the front and 180/55 ZR17 at the rear.

In fast corners, the Honda feels neutral and confidence-inspiring. Small load changes aren't unsettling, and the line is held with authority. Only during hard braking maneuvers on the track does the ABS reveal its limits.

The CB1000 Hornet SP offers modern assistance systems: HSTC traction control, wheelie control, engine brake control, and a modern TFT with RoadSync interface. The ride modes cover the most essential scenarios. However, the ABS intervened too early on the track, releasing brake pressure too abruptly. Here, you notice: The Honda Hornet SP lacks an IMU, and the ABS feels like basic fare on the racetrack.

Anyone thinking this Honda is just a rehash of the 650 is sorely mistaken. The CB1000 Hornet SP nearly plays in the same league as the BMW S 1000 R, on par with the Suzuki GSX-S1000 and even the Yamaha MT-10. It's not the most brutal bike, but it's definitely wilder than you’d expect from Honda. It blends power with handling, comfort with character.

In direct comparison to the Suzuki GSX-S1000, the Honda's engine actually felt a bit stronger, although the Suzuki's quickshifter operated slightly more smoothly. It doesn't need to hide from the BMW S 1000 R either, even if the BMW's electronics in the top spec are more sophisticated. The Hornet, however, remains honest and engaging to ride.

Even though the test day was held at Pannonia-Ring, the Honda isn't just a track exotic. The saddle is sportily firm yet suitable for long distances. The ergonomics also accommodate taller riders, with one exception: those with large shoe sizes might find themselves touching the exhaust on the right side. The exhaust is indeed large! The controls are high-quality, and the cockpit is easy to read. According to Honda, the fuel consumption is an acceptable 5.9 liters per 100 kilometers.

Accessory Tip: The stock exhaust is functional but not visually appealing. For those looking to enhance the aesthetics, upgrading the exhaust should be the first step.

The test environment for the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP couldn’t have been better: At the 1000PS Bridgestone Trackdays at Pannoniaring, the new naked bike had the chance to truly show what it's made of—far from artificially choreographed presentations or polished press events. For years, these trackdays have been considered an honest, brand-open platform for ambitious riders—without time pressure but with plenty of speed. Particularly, Pannoniaring, with its flowing track layout and forgiving run-off areas, is the ideal place to experience a bike at its limits. It was here that the Hornet SP revealed its sporty soul and proved to be an amazingly performance-ready machine with surprisingly fine feedback. The atmosphere? Relaxed, familial, and technically demanding—just the right setting to test a naked bike that can do more than just city traffic. Many thanks to the awesome colleagues in the yellow group. Riding with you was a lot of fun!

What particularly impressed me in this test was the performance of the Bridgestone S23—the exact same tires we used in our previous road test. Although primarily considered sporty street tires, they proved on the track that they can handle ambitious track outings without faltering. This is not a given: While many swear by specialized slicks or hypersport tires, the S23 offers an impressive blend of everyday usability and track reliability. No sliding, no sudden slips—just predictable grip, even under hard riding. Especially in combination with the precise yet calm suspension of the Hornet SP, it creates a coherent and confidence-inspiring overall picture.