Honda CB1000GT 2026 - New Inline-Four Sport Tourer

With the CB1000GT 2026, Honda expands its lineup with an inline-four sport tourer that positions itself between a sporty naked bike and a full-fledged tourer. The model is based on the successful CB1000 Hornet and is designed under the development motto "High-Performance Tourer: faster, more range, more comfort." Honda describes the CB1000GT as a machine that combines the sporty heritage of the Hornet with the comfort of a long-distance tourer—a bike that remains calm on the highway but offers enough agility and punch in the twisties to deliver riding pleasure.

The GT adopts the Hornet's basic frame but has been revised with stability and comfort in mind. The extended and reinforced rear provides better space for both rider and passenger, while the geometry is tuned for precise handling even when fully loaded. The seat height is 825 mm, and the handlebars are wide and slightly swept back, offering a position that allows for control during sporty rides and relaxation on long stretches. The padding for both rider and passenger has been noticeably increased compared to the Hornet. A good all-around view and an open, ergonomic triangle between handlebars, seat, and footpegs are designed to ensure comfort on long distances.

Thanks to the main stand and detachable side cases, the GT clearly presents itself as a touring machine. At the same time, its weight and dimensions are designed to ensure nimble handling in tight curves—typical Honda, typically balanced.

The design of the CB1000GT was developed in close collaboration between Honda's design studios in Japan and Italy. The bodywork is described as edgy yet functional, emphasizing the sporty character without sacrificing touring comfort. The distinctive front with dual headlights and integrated fairing was developed using CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analyses to optimize airflow and wind protection.

The windscreen, adjustable in five positions with one hand, can be varied over a range of 81 millimeters. For taller riders or frequent highway trips, Honda offers an optional taller touring screen. The standard side cases (37 liters left, 28 liters right) are seamlessly integrated, and the heated grips and handguards complete the touring package.

A detail with a sustainability angle: The windscreen is made from Durabio™, a biomass-derived plastic. The seat undertrays are also made from recycled material—part of Honda's "Triple Action to Zero" strategy.

The 998 cc inline-four engine is based on the 2017 Fireblade's powerplant. It features a bore and stroke of 76 × 55.1 mm and a compression ratio of 11.7:1. Delivering a maximum output of 150 hp at 11,000 rpm and 102 Nm of torque at 8,750 rpm, Honda claims it ensures confident acceleration in all situations. The injection system, throttle response, and gear ratios have been revised to suit its touring-friendly character. Gears two through five are shorter, while the sixth gear is optimized for low-rev cruising.

An assist/slipper clutch prevents rear wheel chatter when downshifting quickly, and the quickshifter allows clutchless shifting in both directions. With a fuel tank capacity of 21 liters and an average consumption of 6.0 l/100 km, the range is calculated to be over 340 km. The 4-2-1 exhaust system meets the Euro 5+ standard, with a regulated catalytic converter and two lambda sensors monitoring the emissions in real time.

The CB1000GT's electronics package employs a 6-axis gyro sensor system that continuously monitors longitudinal, lateral, and vertical movements. This data is transmitted in real time to the control unit, which coordinates traction control, throttle response, and ABS. The electronic throttle-by-wire system offers four preset riding modes—Sport, Standard, Tour, Rain—plus a customizable user mode. Engine power, engine braking, and traction control (HSTC) are each adjustable in three stages to tailor the bike's character to the riding situation.

In Tour mode, the electronics respond particularly smoothly, simultaneously linking the suspension setup of the Showa EERA system to the selected damping level. In Sport mode, however, throttle response and damping become more direct, while traction control intervenes later.

The Showa EERA system (Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment) is standard on the CB1000GT. It adjusts the compression and rebound damping of the suspension in real time, processing data from speed, gyro sensors, and fork movement. Adjustments occur within 15 milliseconds, ensuring that damping behavior and stability remain optimally balanced at all times.

Four basic settings are available: STD, SPORT, RAIN, TOUR. The rear shock's preload can be adjusted in 24 steps while riding. Up front, a 41 mm upside-down fork with manually adjustable preload is employed. Suspension travel: 130 mm front, 144 mm rear.

Braking is handled by two radially mounted Nissin four-piston calipers with 310 mm discs up front and a 240 mm disc at the rear. The cornering ABS leverages the sensor data from the gyro unit to ensure precise braking balance even when leaned over. The 5Y-designed aluminum cast wheels are fitted with radial tires sized 120/70 ZR17 at the front and 180/55 ZR17 at the rear.

The 5-inch TFT display with "Optical Bonding" ensures glare-free readability even in sunlight. Three display modes—Bar, Circle, and Standard—can be selected via the four-way switch on the left handlebar. Honda RoadSync allows navigation, calls, music, and weather information to be accessed via Bluetooth. A helmet headset is required for this functionality.

A USB-C port in the cockpit enables charging of smartphones or navigation devices. The self-canceling turn signals and the ESS (Emergency Stop Signal) enhance safety: during hard braking, the taillights flash briefly like hazard lights. All lights are LED-based. The cruise control can be activated between 50 and 160 km/h, and the Smart Key system allows for keyless operation of the ignition, fuel cap, and seat.

For the CB1000GT, Honda offers a wide range of genuine accessories, available individually or bundled into three packages:

Comfort Package: Tall touring windscreen, comfort seats, upper and lower wind deflectors, fog lights.

Sport Package: Engine spoiler, tank protectors, engine guard, wheel decals.

Urban Package: 50-liter top case with backrest, side cover, carrier bracket, alarm system.

Additionally, Akrapovič slip-on exhausts and billet machined parts from Gilles Tooling are available.

The CB1000GT 2026 will be offered in three color options: Grand Prix Red / Graphite Black, Pearl Deep Mud Gray, and Graphite Black. According to Honda, the model is set to hit the market in 2026. Pricing details have not yet been announced by the manufacturer.