Honda CB1000GT Review: New Sport Tourer Packed with Comfort

With the launch of the new Honda CB1000GT from the 2026 model year, Honda introduces a high-performance sport tourer that blends the agile dynamics of a naked bike with the long-distance capabilities of a touring motorcycle. Building on the CB1000 Hornet, the GT has been extensively revamped to create a concept that merges high engine performance, intelligent vehicle technologies, and comfort-focused ergonomics into a cohesive technical system.

The GT features aerodynamically optimized bodywork, developed using CFD simulations, enhancing both wind protection and high-speed stability. Equipped with standard side cases, a five-stage windscreen, heated grips, cruise control, a smart key system, and a 5-inch TFT display, the CB1000GT sets the bar for features in the sport touring class. The focus is on delivering confident riding comfort, both solo and with a passenger, combining sporty performance with everyday versatility. The 21-liter fuel tank and 6-liter consumption ensure a range of approximately 340 km, which will delight touring riders.

At the heart of the CB1000GT, just like the Hornet, is the 1,000 cc DOHC inline-four engine, derived from the high-performance unit of the 2017 CBR1000RR Fireblade. The entire drive system has been retuned for sport touring use and upgraded to the new Euro 5+ emission standards. This promises precisely controllable power delivery and exceptional smoothness across the entire rev range, while maintaining impressive peak performance.

Technical Specifications

• Inline-Four DOHC Engine, 16 Valves
• Power: 150 hp (110.1 kW) at 11,000 rpm
• Torque: 102 Nm at 8,750 rpm
• Bore x Stroke: 76 x 55.1 mm
• Compression Ratio: 11.7:1
• Exhaust System: 4-2-1 with catalytic converter, dual lambda sensors, Euro 5+
• Fuel Consumption: 6.0 l/100 km
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 21 liters (Range > 340 km)

The engine management and PGM-FI injection have been recalibrated to ensure particularly smooth power delivery and to optimize traction and ride stability under varying load conditions. Power is transmitted through a revised six-speed gearbox, with gears 2 to 5 designed for greater flexibility and touring suitability. The long sixth gear significantly reduces RPM at highway cruising speeds. An assist/slipper clutch prevents rear wheel hop during aggressive downshifts and reduces the hand effort on the clutch lever.

The standard quickshifter, complete with an autoblipper function, allows for seamless clutchless shifts both up and down, enhancing the GT's sporty nature and ensuring effortless, fatigue-free rides on long journeys.

Equipped with a cutting-edge 6-axis IMU, the CB1000GT's electronic architecture is designed to continuously transmit acceleration and tilt data in real-time to the central control electronics. All dynamic systems, from the electronic throttle to the suspension, traction control, and ABS, utilize this data, providing the GT with exceptionally fine-tuned, situational adaptive control behavior. Naturally, the different riding modes are also available for the rider to select while on the move. Five programs are available:

1. STANDARD

• Balanced power, medium engine braking, balanced traction control
• Universally applicable and ideal for various riding situations

2. SPORT

• Maximum power, reduced engine braking, minimized intervention of HSTC traction control
• For sporty-dynamic riding with direct throttle response

4. RAIN

• Gentle power delivery, increased traction control, medium engine braking
• For maximum safety in wet conditions and poor traction

5. TOUR

• Similar characteristics to Standard, but with synchronized electronic suspension support
• Specifically for long distances, two-up riding, and heavy loads

6. USER

• Fully customizable interaction of power, engine braking, and traction control
• Individual settings can be stored

Each individual parameter, such as power levels, engine braking behavior, and HSTC traction control, can be adjusted in three stages. Operation is via the ergonomically optimized four-way switch on the left handlebar and the 5-inch TFT display with optical bonding technology for a glare-free surface.

Honda also places great emphasis on the increasingly important connectivity, offering features that provide additional comfort, especially in touring:

• Honda RoadSync with turn-by-turn navigation
• Voice control via helmet headset (Android/iOS)
• USB-C charging port in the cockpit
• Smart key system, including fuel tank and seat access
• ESS emergency stop signal (flashing rear indicators during heavy braking)
• Automatic turn signal cancellation

The Honda RoadSync connectivity allows the use of Android or iOS smartphones for turn-by-turn navigation, emails, calls, music, and weather updates. A helmet headset is required for voice-controlled use, and the smartphone must be connected to the vehicle via Bluetooth. The RoadSync app can be downloaded for free from the PlayStoreTM or AppStoreTM. To ensure your phone doesn't run out of juice, there's a USB-C charging port located to the right below the display.

The CB1000GT is built on a new, single-piece steel frame with two subframes, which is already used in the CB1000 Hornet but has been extensively modified for sport touring use. The extended and reinforced rear section provides more spacious accommodations and is designed to enhance stability when fully loaded or riding with a passenger.

Frame and Geometry Data

• Steering Head Angle: 25°
• Trail: 106.3 mm
• Wheelbase: 1,465 mm
• Ground Clearance: 133 mm
• Seat Height: 825 mm
• Weight Distribution: 51% front / 49% rear
• Curb Weight: 229 kg

The cast aluminum Pro-Link swingarm has also been extended by 16 mm and reinforced to calm handling at higher speeds and make compression under load more controlled. The ergonomic redesign includes an upright seating position, optimized footpeg placement, and touring-oriented seat padding, significantly relieving both rider and passenger.

The CB1000GT comes standard with the Showa EERATM (Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment) suspension, one of the most advanced electronic damping systems in the current motorcycle world. The control unit adjusts the compression and rebound damping within 15 milliseconds based on vehicle speed, suspension movements, and gyro sensor data. This allows the system to respond precisely to road conditions and riding style. The rider can choose from the following settings:

• STD - harmonious setup, agile responses
• SPORT - firmer damping, sporty precision
• RAIN - soft, sensitively responsive suspension for wet roads
• TOUR - stabilized damping for highway speeds, two-up riding, and luggage
• USER - individually programmable characteristics

The shock absorber can be electronically adjusted in 24 steps for preload while riding, allowing it to be adapted according to the load. The 41 mm upside-down fork features a manual preload adjustment and a travel of 130 mm.

For maximum braking performance and high temperature stability, Honda relies on an advanced braking system, fully integrated with IMU support to achieve precise cornering ABS. The front wheel features two radially mounted Nissin four-piston calipers paired with 310 mm brake discs. The rear is equipped with a 240 mm disc. The inclusion of the IMU in ABS calculations also aims to enhance braking stability. The 5-spoke aluminum cast wheels in the 5Y design, combined with the mounted radial tires sized 120/70-ZR17 (front) and 180/55-ZR17 (rear), contribute to high agility and tracking fidelity.

Honda also offers an extensive range of accessories, which can be purchased in various combinations as packages:

Comfort Package

The Comfort Package enhances the touring capability of the CB1000GT and includes a tall windscreen, comfortable padded rider and passenger seats, upper and lower wind deflectors, and fog lights.

Sport Package

The Sport Package gives the CB1000GT a sportier look. It includes an engine spoiler, tank protectors, an engine guard, and rim stickers.

Urban Package

The Urban Package offers a practical luggage solution and added comfort for the passenger. It includes a 50-liter top case with passenger backrest, a decorative side cover, along with the appropriate luggage rack mount and alarm system.

Thanks to the very upright and relaxed seating position, you can stay in the saddle of the GT for long periods, a point not to be underestimated with its 21-liter fuel tank. The very flat and wide seat contributes significantly to comfort, although an optional comfort seat is available as an accessory. Furthermore, the wind protection is also well-executed, thanks to the standard adjustable windscreen. Honda also offers an additional taller windscreen as an accessory. In the high position, however, it protrudes into the rider's field of vision, so each rider will have to decide if that's acceptable. The adjustment itself is very easy to operate with the left hand via a manual handle. Not only the height but also the angle can be adjusted in 5 steps. The adjustment mechanism is cleverly designed, allowing operation without much effort, even at speeds over 180 km/h. The rest of the fairing also very skillfully directs air around the rider. Additional wind deflectors are available as accessories.

The standard luggage system is well-designed with practical locks and is generously sized with volumes of 28 and 37 liters. The total vehicle width with the cases is slightly less than the width of the handlebars, preventing accidental snagging on narrow passages. Much like a cat uses its whiskers, the handlebar width can be used as a gauge for narrow passages.

The engine's power delivery is similar to the Hornet. It needs at least 6,000 rpm to really charge forward. Below that, it runs smoothly and can be used from idle speed, but it takes some time to get up to speed. The longer sixth gear somewhat affects the torque, but it allows for relaxed cruising on the highway with low RPMs and economical fuel consumption. At 130 km/h, it's just at 5,000 rpm! The gearbox is trouble-free, and the quickshifter's activation force can be adjusted in 3 stages via electronics. It works in all directions, but shifting to higher gears with a closed throttle has not yet been implemented by Honda. Even inquiries with the Japanese engineers only resulted in blank faces. Perhaps this will be updated in the future, as is common today. Depending on the riding mode, the throttle response can also be varied thanks to ride-by-wire. This works flawlessly, although in the sporty mode, the load change around 5,000 rpm is somewhat disruptive, making it difficult to apply throttle smoothly at the apex.

The rest of the electronics are well-executed. The display is easily readable even in bright sunlight and can be conveniently operated using the simple-to-use four-way switch with the left thumb. The menu navigation is straightforward and clear, allowing for operation without extensive instruction. It's pleasing that the heated grips can be activated directly with their own switch, without having to delve into submenus. The button also indicates the heat level via blinking frequency. The heating performance has kept hands warm even in cold outdoor temperatures, aided by the standard handguards. The rider aids are on the conservative side, meaning the traction control begins reducing power quite early. The regulation strength can be adjusted in three levels, although even in the lowest setting, a fair amount of power is cut during spirited riding. Thanks to the 6-axis IMU, this is calculated based on lean angle, and as soon as the bike is upright, the electronics unleash full power. If this isn't enough, the controls can be completely deactivated, but it's important to note that for safety reasons, the regulation automatically reactivates when the motorcycle is turned on or off.

The Nissin brakes do their job dutifully and provide decent deceleration. However, the ABS regulation is also on the cautious side, starting its intervention quite early. This might cost some braking performance, but it adds a lot of stability even during the hardest braking.

The standard electronic Showa suspension performs well in various riding conditions, but even in softer settings, it reveals its sporty side over sharper bumps, transmitting them noticeably to the chassis despite generous suspension travel. Normal irregularities like undulations are well absorbed without causing movement. Combined with the 8mm longer trail compared to the Hornet, it results in generally stable handling. Only at speeds over 180 km/h does a slightly spongy feel develop. However, this is normal for bikes with luggage systems and does not lead to unpleasant riding conditions.