Honda CB1000 Hornet SP: The Ultimate Streetfighter with Sup

A Perfect Blend of Power, Precision, and Everyday Versatility, the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP Redefines Naked Sports Motorcycling.

The Honda CB1000 Hornet SP is a flagship naked sportbike that blends aggressive aesthetics, exhilarating performance, and advanced rider-centric technology. As the top-tier model in Honda’s Hornet lineup, the CB1000 Hornet SP is designed to offer a thrilling riding experience for enthusiasts who demand power and precision wrapped in a refined and practical package.

At first glance, the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP strikes a bold presence with its muscular stance, sharp body lines, and premium detailing. The overall design is aggressive yet cohesive, combining modern sportbike styling with cues from Honda’s racing heritage. A sharp LED headlight unit sits low and wide, giving the motorcycle a predatory front-end look. The fuel tank is sculpted for rider ergonomics while enhancing the bike’s visual bulk, and the tail section is minimalist yet functional, contributing to a clean rear profile. Elements like a short rear fender, split seat, and upswept exhaust add to its aggressive streetfighter appeal.

The centerpiece of the CB1000 Hornet SP is its engine—a powerful 999cc inline-four derived from Honda’s proven superbike platforms. This liquid-cooled, DOHC engine produces around 145 bhp and 104 Nm of torque, offering instant throttle response, strong mid-range pull, and a thrilling top-end rush. Power delivery is linear and refined, making the bike manageable in traffic and utterly exhilarating on open roads or twisty mountain passes. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper and assist clutch, allowing for smooth gear shifts and reducing rear-wheel hop during aggressive downshifts.

Honda has tuned the CB1000 Hornet SP for both performance and versatility. The bike uses a lightweight steel frame that is optimized for rigidity and agility. Suspension duties are handled by Showa’s high-end SFF-BP (Separate Function Big Piston) USD forks at the front and a Showa monoshock at the rear, both fully adjustable. This setup provides excellent feedback, stability, and comfort, whether carving through corners or navigating city streets. The bike’s wide handlebars and upright seating position make it surprisingly comfortable for long rides despite its sporty focus.

The braking system on the CB1000 Hornet SP is equally premium, with dual 310mm discs at the front paired with radially mounted 4-piston calipers and a single disc at the rear. Braking is sharp, progressive, and confidence-inspiring. Dual-channel ABS comes standard, ensuring controlled braking in all conditions.

In terms of electronics, the CB1000 Hornet SP is equipped with Honda’s latest suite of rider aids. These include multiple riding modes (Sport, Rain, Standard, and User), Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), and power, engine brake, and wheelie control settings—all accessible through a full-color TFT display. The display is intuitive and customizable, providing access to trip data, fuel economy, gear position, and turn-by-turn navigation via smartphone integration. Bluetooth connectivity allows for call alerts, music controls, and message notifications.

Comfort and practicality haven’t been overlooked either. The CB1000 Hornet SP features a well-cushioned seat, optimized footpeg positioning, and a wide windscreen that offers decent wind protection for a naked bike. Riders of different heights will find the ergonomics accommodating for both daily commutes and spirited weekend rides. The bike also comes with an underbelly cowl and frame sliders as part of the SP package, offering both protection and styling enhancements.

On the road, the CB1000 Hornet SP feels poised and responsive. The throttle response is immediate yet smooth, the suspension absorbs bumps while remaining communicative, and the bike changes direction with minimal effort. Whether navigating traffic or leaning into a high-speed corner, the Hornet SP maintains balance and stability. The sound from the inline-four engine, especially above 6,000 rpm, is intoxicating—a deep, refined growl that turns into a scream as the revs climb.

Fuel economy for the CB1000 Hornet SP ranges between 16–18 km/l, which is respectable for a liter-class naked bike. With a fuel tank capacity of 17 liters, it offers a practical range for touring and long-distance rides. Honda’s reputation for reliability and build quality adds another layer of assurance for potential buyers.

In the Indian market, the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP was launched at an ex-showroom price of around Rs 12.36 lakh. It is positioned to rival other heavyweight nakeds such as the Kawasaki Z1000, Suzuki GSX-S1000, and the Triumph Street Triple RS. However, the CB1000 Hornet SP carves its own niche with a unique blend of Honda reliability, premium features, and aggressive styling.

While it’s undoubtedly a high-performance machine, what sets the CB1000 Hornet SP apart is its approachability. It doesn’t demand expert-level skill to ride, yet it rewards experienced riders with exhilarating performance and precision. It’s as much a daily commuter as it is a weekend canyon blaster or track-day machine.

For those who want a motorcycle that offers superbike thrills in a more practical, street-ready form, the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP is an outstanding choice. It represents the perfect balance of raw power, intelligent electronics, comfort, and Japanese engineering finesse—all packed into a machine that looks as good as it rides.

Last Updated on 28 May 2025.