Honda CB1000 Hornet SP – The Naked Fireblade That Stings Harder Than Ever

“Better late than never” – the saying couldn’t be more fitting for Honda’s long-awaited CB1000 Hornet SP, has arrived in South Africa!

Originally revealed in 2023 and expected for launch in 2024, the CB1000 Hornet was slightly delayed before making its way from show stand to showroom. But the result – and the aggressive pricing – has made the wait worthwhile.

Fireblade DNA, Tuned for the Street

At the heart of the CB1000 Hornet lies a motor that needs little introduction – a 998cc DOHC inline-four derived from the 2017 CBR1000RR Fireblade. It’s the classic Honda formula: take yesterday’s superbike engine, re-tune it for the road, and drop it into a streetfighter chassis.

The base CB1000 Hornet pushes out 150 hp at 11,000 rpm and 104 Nm of torque at 9,000 rpm, while the hotter SP version ups the ante to 155 hp and 107 Nm thanks to a revised exhaust with a servo-actuated valve for improved flow at higher revs. It’s every bit the “naked Fireblade” that riders have been waiting for.

Where the Fireblade used to scream for revs, the Hornet’s tuning brings its muscle into the midrange – making it more usable for real-world riding while still offering a thrilling top-end rush when the road opens up.

Premium Kit: Öhlins & Brembo on the SP

Both versions share a steel twin-spar chassis with a 1,455 mm wheelbase, 25° rake, and near 51/49 weight distribution, but it’s in the suspension and braking where the SP really justifies its upgrade.

• Standard Hornet: Showa SFF-BP adjustable forks and Showa monoshock
• SP Model: Same forks, but with a premium Öhlins TTX36 shock, offering fully adjustable rebound, compression, and preload

On braking, both bikes run twin 310 mm discs up front, but while the base Hornet uses Nissin calipers, the SP steps up to Brembo Stylema four-piston units, giving sharper, track-ready stopping power.

Rider Tech & Comfort

Honda hasn’t skimped on rider aids either. Both Hornets come with:

• Five riding modes (Rain, Standard, Sport, plus two custom)
• Adjustable power, engine braking, traction & wheelie control
• Optional quickshifter on the base, standard on the SP (with auto-blipper)
• 5-inch TFT colour dash with Bluetooth, RoadSync connectivity & turn-by-turn navigation
• Full LED lighting with projector-style headlights and emergency stop signal

Despite its aggressive character, the riding position is more relaxed than a full superbike. A wide bar and slightly upright stance make the Hornet more comfortable for daily use, while still giving it that agile, streetfighter edge.

Performance & Range

With a curb weight of 211 kg, the Hornet feels manageable, not overwhelming, even in city traffic. Fuel economy is claimed at 20.3 km/L, which paired with a 17-litre tank gives a range of roughly 285 km between fill-ups.

Value That Shocks the Market

In a market where superbike-derived nakeds from Yamaha, Suzuki, and BMW all command significantly higher prices, Honda has blown the competition wide open.

The CB1000 Hornet SP will be priced at around R265’000.00 incl VAT  in South Africa – undercutting rivals by a massive margin, and even coming in cheaper than middleweight nakeds like the Yamaha MT-09 and Triumph Street Triple 765 R.

At a time when rising prices have made new motorcycles feel out of reach for many, Honda has dropped a litre-class naked with premium parts and superbike bloodlines at a price that makes the whole industry sit up.

Final Word

On the road, the CB1000 Hornet SP is every bit the hooligan you’d expect – sharp, powerful, and full of character, yet comfortable enough for real-world riding. It’s not just another big naked; it’s the return of Honda’s value-driven punch in a class that desperately needed it.

The Hornet name has always carried a sting, but this time around, it’s sharper than ever.

Available now from your local Honda Wing dealer. Expected price: R265’000.00 incl VAT .