Honda launch production CB1000 Hornet range for 2025 with prices starting from £8999

Honda are massively undercutting the super naked competition for 2025, with a new 149.7bhp CB1000 Hornet starting at just £8999 – £3000 less than a Suzuki GSX-S1000, and over £5300 less than a standard Yamaha MT-10.

Raising by £1000 for the SP version, which comes with slightly greater performance, an Öhlins TTX36 rear shock, fully adjustable forks, and Brembo Stylema front brake calipers, the bikes follow a prototype first teased almost a full year ago at the 2023 Eicma trade show in Milan.

• Related: Honda CB1000 Hornet naked concept launched in Milan

As confirmed at last year’s event, the CBs will be powered by a detuned version of Honda’s 2017 CBR1000RR Fireblade superbike engine, held in place by a steel diamond chassis and paired with a six-speed gearbox, 17-litre fuel tank, and ride-by-wire throttle. Peak power arrives at 11,000rpm, with 76.8lb.ft of torque coming in at 9000rpm on the standard model.

While the Fireblade donor bike was all about top end speed, the Hornet’s motor is said to have been tuned to deliver most of its punch in the low to mid-range. That said, the Japanese firm states gear two to five have been optimised for acceleration and drive, with sixth calming things down for more civilised performance on the motorway.

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As you might expect from a modern Honda, there are three default riding modes, plus two customisable ‘User’ options. Pre-set options consist of ‘Rain’, ‘Standard’, and ‘Sport’ – with each mode offering a different level of power, engine braking, and traction control.

The customisable options allow you to choose between settings in each of the parameters, with the traction control (known as Honda Selectable Torque Control) also incorporating anti-wheelie.

Other technical updates include LED projector headlights, plus a full colour five-inch full colour TFT screen featuring a bonded glass display and mobile connectivity. A quickshifter can also be added as part of one of three accessory packs on the base model.

• Related: Honda CB1000R naked review

While likely to be more of a brisk but civilised naked than a fully-fledged headbanger, Honda are still promising sharp handling along your favourite back road, with 17in ‘Blade inspired rims at either end, and a rake and trail set at 25° and 98mm respectively. Wheelbase comes in at a claimed 1455mm.

The new frame is said to provide a 70% increase in torsional rigidity over the current CB1000R naked to increase handling prowess, with new rubber engine mountings aim to reduce vibrations on the go. Away from the chassis, you’ll find an 809mm seat height on both Hornet models, paired with raised pegs and flat bars for a sporty, yet comfortable riding position.

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Standard suspension on the base bike comes courtesy of Showa 41mm Separate Function Fork Big Piston upside down forks, adjustable for preload and rebound/compression damping. At the back, you’ll find a Showa monoshock adjustable for preload and rebound damping, which bolts to a 619.1mm cast aluminium swingarm.

Four-piston, radially mounted Nissin front calipers then grip onto 310mm floating discs. The rear 240mm rotor uses a smaller single-piston caliper.

The full SP

Those wanting to invest in a slightly blingier alternative can opt for the £9999 CB1000 Hornet SP.

Still a bargain at this price, there’s the same engine and main chassis, however you’re treated to slightly greater performance, thanks to something called a Revolutionary Controlled (RC) valve in the standard exhaust. This opens at 5700rpm to let the bike’s engine breath harder.

Power now sits at 154.2bhp, with torque up to 79lb.ft, with suspension also tweaked to include golden fully adjustable 41mm Showa SFF-BP USD forks, an Öhlins TTX36 rear shock, and a unique black and gold JPS-style livery.

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A quickshifter also comes as standard, with four-piston radial-mounted Brembo Stylema front brake calipers finishing everything off.