The Hornet SP is powered by a four-cylinder engine derived from the 2017 CBR1000RR Fireblade but detuned for use in the naked bike.
In the press release, Honda SA says the CB1000 Hornet SP is a motorcycle that “redefines the naked category with its raw power, stripped-back design, and premium engineering. As the big brother to the Honda CB750 Hornet, the CB1000 Hornet SP brings a new level of aggression and performance to the segment.
“The Hornet SP is a true high performance naked bike – with no fairings, no windscreen, and no compromise.”
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The Hornet name first appeared in South Africa when the CB600F Hornet was sold between 2008 and 2012. Honda says the CB750 Hornet and the arrival of the CB1000 Hornet SP mark its return to the 1 000cc naked segment, joining Honda’s other flagship models such as the Fireblade and the Africa Twin.
“These new-generation Hornets are a bold evolution of a nameplate that has always stood for fast, fun, and fearless riding,” Honda says.
The Hornet SP has fully adjustable Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks, a race-grade Öhlins TTX36 rear shock, and Brembo Stylema radial-mount callipers look after stopping. A quickshifter is standard and a ride-by-wire throttle works with three preset riding modes (Rain, Standard, Sport) and two customisable options. What Honda calls an assist/slipper clutch, makes changes in the six-speed gearbox more dynamic.
“The aggressive styling is defined by twin LED projector headlights, a minimalist tail section, and a single, exclusive Matt Ballistic Black Metallic colourway. Completing the package is a five-inch full-colour TFT display with Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity, making the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP a bold evolution of Honda’s legacy,” the press release reads.
Honda says advanced rider control is offered with the three preset riding modes (Rain, Standard, Sport) and the two customisable USER modes with Honda’s selectable torque control (HSTC) with integrated wheelie-control.
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The Hornet SP is only available with one colour option, called Matt Ballistic Black Metallic, with Desert Gold wheels and gold forks.
The launch of the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP comes as Honda celebrates a historic global milestone, with over 500 million motorcycles produced worldwide. In this year’s MCN Motorcycle News Awards, the CB1000SP was named “Best Performance Naked” and took home the coveted title of “Overall Bike of the Year”.
See it first: Honda Sunday Brunch Cruise at Zwartkops Raceway
Enthusiasts will have the exclusive opportunity to experience the Hornet CB1000SP up close at the Honda Sunday Brunch Cruise, held at Zwartkops Raceway on Sunday, 28 September 2025.
Technically speaking – Honda CB1000 Hornet SP
- Engine: 999cc, parallel four cylinders, double overhead cam, 4 valves per cylinder
- Power: 115,6kW @ 11 000rpm / 107Nm @ 9 000opm
- Drive: 6-speed gearbox with slipper clutch, chain
- Fuel tank capacity: 17 litres
- Seat height: 809mm
- Tyres: 120/70/17 front, 180/55/17 rear
- Brakes: 4-piston, 310mm double disks (front); single piston, 240mm single disk (rear)
- Weight: 212kg (wet)
- Price: R265 000
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