Honda CB1000 Hornet First Look

Honda’s been offering the CB1000R based on old-generation CBR1000RR tech for many years, but for 2024 there’s a new approach and style in the form of the CB1000 Hornet.

Adopting the “Hornet” title to conform with the CB750 Hornet and the newly launched CB500 Hornet, the upcoming CB1000 Hornet also takes on their approach, dropping the old CB1000R’s exotic, semi-retro style and single-sided swingarm in favor of a more straightforward roadster look and tech.

Underneath, a new twin-spar steel frame replaces the CB1000R’s spine-style design, and it carries the 2017-spec CBR1000RR engine in retuned form, including three riding modes, an assist and slipper clutch, and Honda’s HSTC traction control system. At the back is a dual-sided swingarm instead of the CB1000R’s single-sider, with a Showa monoshock and Pro-Link rising-rate linkage, while the front suspension is a USD Showa SFF-BP fork, fully adjustable for rebound and preload damping.

Radial four-pot brakes grip lightweight 310mm rotors at the front, and the tires are the 17-incher you’d expect, with a 120/70 front and 180/55 rear. A 5-inch TFT dash with phone connectivity via Honda’s RoadSync app is standard, along with full LED lighting.

Not expected to reach dealers until the middle of 2024 at the earliest, the CB1000 Hornet has still to reveal its full specifications. In terms of power, Honda says only that it makes “over” 147.5 bhp and has “more than” 73.8 lb.-ft. of torque. There’s no word yet on weight or other dimensions, and it’s unclear whether the new model will replace the CB1000R or supplement it in Big Red’s range.