Honda Motor Southern Africa has announced the arrival of the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP, a motorcycle that brings a new level of aggression to the naked bike category with its powerful engine, minimalist design and premium engineering. Positioned as the larger sibling to the Honda CB750 Hornet, this model marks Honda’s return to the 1 000 cc naked bike segment in South Africa.
The Honda CB1000 Hornet SP is a high-performance machine that does away with fairings and a windscreen, offering a riding experience with no compromise. It is engineered for riders seeking a bold, visceral connection to the road.
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The Hornet nameplate holds a notable history in the local market, having first been introduced with the CB600F model between 2008 and 2012. That motorcycle earned a loyal following for its blend of reliability and everyday usability. With the recent introduction of the CB750 Hornet and now the CB1000 Hornet SP, Honda is reaffirming its commitment to a lineage known for fast and engaging riding.
Powering the CB1000 Hornet SP is a 1 000cc DOHC inline-four engine derived from the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade. It delivers a power output of 115,6 kW at 11 000 r/min and a torque figure of 107 Nm at 9 000 r/min. The powertrain features an RC exhaust valve, revised gear ratios for strong acceleration, and is paired with an assist/slipper clutch and a quickshifter.
The motorcycle is equipped with advanced rider aids, including Throttle By Wire with three riding modes – Rain, Standard and Sport – plus two customisable USER modes. The Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) also incorporates integrated Wheelie Control.
For handling and braking, the bike features fully adjustable Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD front forks and an Öhlins TTX36 rear shock with hydraulic preload adjustment. Stopping power is provided by Brembo Stylema radial-mount calipers gripping 310mm floating discs.
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A 5-inch full-colour TFT display with optical bonding for clarity in sunlight offers Honda RoadSync smartphone integration, allowing riders to manage navigation, calls, and music. The bike also includes an Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) system for added safety.
Its styling is characterised by twin LED projector headlights, a minimalist tail section, and a blacked-out twin-spar frame. It is offered in an exclusive Matt Ballistic Black Metallic finish, complemented by Desert Gold wheels and gold forks.
The naked design of the CB1000 Hornet SP is well-suited to South African riding conditions. The lack of fairings contributes to a lighter and more agile feel, beneficial for both city commuting and mountain passes. The exposed engine benefits from improved cooling in warmer climates, and the upright riding position provides excellent control and visibility.
This launch coincides with a significant global milestone for Honda, which has now produced over 500 million motorcycles worldwide. The CB1000 Hornet SP has also received international recognition, with Honda UK winning both the Best Performance Naked and the overall Bike of the Year titles at the recent 2025 MCN Awards.
The new model will be on display at the Honda Sunday Brunch Cruise, a lifestyle event taking place at Zwartkops Raceway on Sunday, 28 September 2025.
The Honda CB1000 Hornet SP will be available exclusively through select Honda Wing dealerships nationwide, priced at R265 000, inclusive of VAT.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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