2024 Honda CB1000 Hornet
Honda brings back a full-bore Hornet for 2024
The last big Honda Hornet was the 900 launched in 2001, which put the 918cc version of the CBR900RR FireBlade motor into a chassis which largely echoed the super-popular 600 Hornet launched a few years before.
2024 Honda CB1000 Hornet
And with the success of the CB750 Hornet launched last year, Honda’s gone big once more, putting out a 999cc version of the naked roadster, in a straightforward roadster chassis (it’s also dropped a new Hornet 500, see our story on that too).
2024 Honda CB1000 Hornet
The new Honda CB1000 Hornet motor comes from the 2017 model year CBR1000 RR Fireblade, retuned for road use with ride-by-wire fuel injection, and putting out 148bhp. That’s about 40bhp down on the Fireblade tune, which is a bit of a shame in 2023.
2024 Honda CB1000 Hornet
148bhp isn’t a bad output for a naked roadster, but the likes of BMW’s S1000 R has 165bhp, and you’d like to see a bit more pep from the Hornet. There’s not too much detail on the retune, but expect softer cams, perhaps a drop in compression ratio, and smaller throttle bodies.
The engine comes with a basic rider aids package too: traction control and three rider modes, but no mention of IMU assistance, cruise control, quickshifter or other electronic gizmos.
2024 Honda CB1000 Hornet
The chassis is all-new, and is based around a new steel twin-spar frame with subframe manufactured in one piece. That’s a basic, cheap choice (which will be fine if the RRP is on the sensible side like the CB750) but Honda certainly knows how to make a simple chassis work well on the road.
2024 Honda CB1000 Hornet
The suspension is also fairly standard road kit: Showa SFF-BP 41mm USD front forks and a rear monoshock, while the brakes are Nissin four-piston radial mount calipers and 310mm discs up front. Equipment-wise, there’s a new full colour 5” TFT LCD dash, with Bluetooth phone link function, and LED lighting all round.
2024 Honda CB1000 Hornet
There’s no word on price or availability as we write, but there are three colour options: Grand Prix Red, Mat Iridium Gray Metallic, Pearl Glare White, and we’d expect it to be in shops early in 2024. More info as we get it!
CB1000 Hornet Tech highlights
999cc, inline four-cylinder DOHC 16V engine: over 110kW peak power and more than 100Nm torque
Downdraught intake, 4-2-1 exhaust system
Throttle By Wire (TBW), 3 default riding modes plus Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and assist/slipper clutch
All-new steel twin spar frame
Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks, adjustable for compression and rebound damping
Showa rear shock operating through Pro-Link
Radial-mount four-piston front brake calipers and 310mm floating discs
180/55-17 rear tyre; 120/70 ZR17 front
Full colour 5-inch TFT screen with Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity
All LED lighting, with dual LED projector headlights
