Rob's Review - The CB1000SP and CB1000S Hornet

Rob’s first Ride of the 2025 Honda CB1000SP Hornet.
 
I was very fortunate to be invited by Honda UK to try some new models in Portugal last week, one of these was the eagerly awaited CB1000SP Hornet. Yes, I know it’s a tough job……!
Those of you that know me will recall my fondness for all the previous CB1000R models, but make no mistake this isn’t an update, this is a new model from the ground up. The concept of using a Fireblade derived engine in a naked bike is not new, it started with the CB900F Hornet in 2001. It wasn’t even Honda’s idea, 600 Hornet owners were shoehorning a 900 Fireblade motor into their rolling chassis! Honda saw an opportunity and borrowed the concept.  However, this is their most powerful incarnation yet but, still retains incredible flexibility for ease of use.
I have to stop myself from saying “this is a great bike for the money”, because this is a great bike full stop. It just happens to also be an absolute steal at £9999 for the SP or £8999 for the S. The SP has an Ohlins rear shock, Brembo calipers, a quick shifter and 5 more bhp over the S model. These prices have sent the opposition into a spin! Significantly undercutting their offerings.
And what a bike this is to ride! It makes the previous CB1000R feel old, slow and ponderous. Steering is quick and neutral, if you need to change course mid corner, as I had to when following our lead rider entering a roundabout (I thought we were going straight on and we were actually turning left). The bike happily tightened its line to make the correction while still trailing the brakes until the footrest was on the floor. The bike is equally composed through the fast corners and I can’t wait to try one on a track day!
The engine produces 155bhp with the aid of a butterfly valve that opens as the revs increase. The S model doesn’t have this, although I’d expect a sports exhaust can would regain the missing 5 bhp. Acceleration from any revs, any gear is very impressive. I would expect it to keep a Fireblade honest up to speeds that you shouldn’t admit to.
As you would expect from Honda the build quality is superb and they haven’t cut any corners to achieve these prices. The bike features various rider modes to tailor power, engine braking and traction control to your liking. A 5” TFT screen is fitted incorporating phone connectivity, and is operated by an intuitive user friendly left switch cluster.
This bike will excel for all your needs and Honda produce a range of accessories to choose from to enhance it even further.
Our demo has arrived and is ready to go, I challenge you not to love it, I do!

For details and specifications click here for CB1000SP Hornet and here for CB1000S Hornet