Honda CB1000 Hornet: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India is all set to roll out the country’s most awaited BigWing – the CB1000R Hornet – in the next few days. This brawny urban fighter, which has already ruffled a few feathers internationally for being such a good value proposition, is expected to be priced around Rs 10.70-11.20 lakh (ex-showroom). It will be positioned within the premium segment of the BigWing Topline range and will stand alongside the recently launched CBU models like the Rebel 500 and X-ADV 750.
The Honda CB1000 Hornet is the brand’s flagship naked offering and will rival the likes of the Kawasaki Z900 and Triumph Street Triple R in India. What makes this launch special is its litre-class performance at a price lower than many of its rivals.
Muscular Track Record of Performance
Powering the CB1000 Hornet is a roaring, all-new 999cc inline four-cylinder engine, sourced from the 2017 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade. This engine produces 152hp at 11,000rpm and 104Nm of torque at 9,000rpm. Unlike the high-revving Fireblade, Honda has tuned this motor for stronger low- and mid-range grunt to make it better for real-world riding.
It’s an impressively versatile engine – perfect for both breathless acceleration and laid-back long-distance cruising. It pulls cleanly from as little as 20mph in sixth gear and has usable power throughout the rev range. The engine is paired with a slick six-speed gearbox designed to ensure, as Honda claims, the bike “simply destroys any set of corners.”
For more thrill-seekers, Honda will offer a higher-spec SP version globally, with 157hp and 107Nm thanks to a different exhaust with a servo-operated valve. However, India will initially only get the standard model.
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Chassis and Electronics Features
The CB1000 Hornet is built on a steel twin-spar frame with a mass-forward geometry that weights the front wheel for better handling precision. This design boosts torsional rigidity by 70% over the previous CB1000R, enhancing cornering agility and making side-to-side transitions more effortless.
Suspension duties are handled by fully adjustable 41mm Showa SFF-BP USD forks up front and a Showa monoshock at the rear via Honda’s Pro-Link system. Braking comes courtesy of radial-mounted four-piston Nissin calipers biting into 310mm floating twin discs at the front.
The electronics suite is extensive yet intuitive. The CB1000 Hornet comes with a 5-inch full-color TFT display offering three preset riding modes (Rain, Standard, and Sport) and two customizable ‘User’ modes. Each setting adjusts power delivery, engine braking, and traction control. Additional rider aids include Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), wheelie control, and a throttle-by-wire system.
Distinctive Look, Superior Feel
With cutting-edge styling and a performance-driven build, the CB1000 Hornet is an unmistakable Honda. The front end is defined by dual LED projector headlights reminiscent of the Ducati Streetfighter V4, while the sharp lines and edgy creases mirror the smaller CB750 Hornet.
Despite its bold aesthetics, the CB1000 Hornet offers rider-friendly ergonomics. The 809mm seat height is accessible, the wide handlebars provide excellent leverage, and at 211kg fully fueled, it’s actually 1kg lighter than the Kawasaki Z900. It is, however, 22kg heavier than the Triumph Street Triple R.
Practicality hasn’t been ignored either – the 17-liter fuel tank offers good range, and Honda will provide optional heated grips and luggage accessories for those with touring ambitions. The riding position is spacious, and engine vibrations are minimal even at high revs, making it an ideal machine for longer stints in the saddle.
Competing and Positioning in the Market
The Honda CB1000 Hornet will go up against the Kawasaki Z900, Triumph Street Triple R, and to some extent, the Suzuki Katana. What sets it apart is its pricing – globally, it’s even more affordable than Honda’s own Transalp 750 adventure bike, giving it a strong value-for-money appeal in the middleweight performance segment.
The CB1000 Hornet will be brought in as a CBU (Completely Built Unit) and sold via Honda’s BigWing Topline dealerships. This setup allows Honda to challenge the European giants and offer something fresh in the ever-growing naked bike market.
The CB1000 Hornet is a wolf in sheep’s clothing – all the thrilling litre-bike performance, minus the intimidating price tag. Its launch in India reflects Honda’s global effort to expand its middleweight lineup while keeping value at the heart of the offering.