Honda has revealed its flagship naked CB1000 Hornet at EICMA, a redesigned version of its in-line four-cylinder naked bike, as the brand consolidates its Hornet model umbrella.
Oddly, Honda has held back precise figures opting to suggest the bike delivers peak power of over 110kW and more than 100Nm of torque. Considering the engine when utilised in the 2017 Fireblade made 140kW, this is pretty vague.
At time of writing, it is unclear if the CB1000 Hornet will be made available in Australia.
An all-new blacked out steel twin spar frame is utilised, Showa 41mm fully adjustable suspension is matched to a Pro-link rear Showa shock.
Electronic aids will run via throttle by wire and allow the rider to choose between three riding modes, displayed on a 5-inch TFT colour display, while connectivity is available for both Android and iOS devices via Honda RoadSync.
Honda has also revealed its new CB500 Hornet, the sixth member of its popular 500-class range joining the larger-capacity CB750 Hornet which launched earlier this year.
The bike effectively replaces the current CB500F naked while retaining the same underpinnings with fresh bodywork, similar to its bigger sibling. The liquid-cooled engine and chassis are the same as last year’s CB500F.
The bike’s 471cc parallel twin develops 35kW and 43Nm – while an ECU update is claimed to improve acceleration feel and Honda Selectable Torque Control (Honda’s terminology for traction control) is now standard.
Like the CB750 Hornet, 41mm Showa SFF-BP USD forks grace the front, a Showa rear shock and dual discs gripped by four-piston calipers provide stopping power.
A brand-new LED headlight and a new 5-inch TFT screen offers Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity.
More to come.
Snag’s career in motoring journalism spans 29 years with stints at major bike mags Australian Road Rider, Motorcycle Trader and AMCN along with contributions to just about every other outlet worth a hill of beans. He was editor of Unique Cars magazine and hosts his legendary podcast ‘Snag Says’ when he gets off his date.
