New Model: Following the successful launch of the Honda CB750 Hornet in 2024, the new Honda CB1000 Hornet SP joins the lineup as Honda’s flagship naked bike in South Africa. Powered by a four-cylinder engine derived from the 17YM Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade – tuned for increased peak power and torque – the SP delivers exhilarating performance paired with premium components. It features fully adjustable Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks, a race-grade Öhlins TTX36 rear shock, and Brembo Stylema radial-mount calipers for precision handling and braking. A standard quickshifter, Throttle By Wire with three preset riding modes and two customisable options, and a six-speed gearbox with assist/slipper clutch offer dynamic control. 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.
Contents:
1. Introduction
2. A Legacy Reborn for South Africa
3. Key Features Summary
4. Key Features
5. Built for South African Roads – The Naked Advantage
6. A Global Milestone – 500 Million Motorcycles and Counting
7. How We Move You – Honda’s Global Brand Promise
8. International Acclaim – MCN Awards 2025 Winner
9. See It First – Honda Sunday Brunch Cruise at Zwartkops Raceway
10. Availability & Pricing
1. Introduction
Honda Motor Southern Africa is proud to announce the arrival of the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP, 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 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP is a true high performance naked bike – with no fairings, no windscreen, and no compromise. Every detail is engineered for riders who demand visceral performance and a bold, unapologetic presence.
2. A Legacy Reborn for South Africa
The Hornet name first made its mark in South Africa with the Honda CB600F Hornet, sold locally between 2008 and 2012. Known for its blend of performance, reliability, and everyday usability, the CB600F quickly earned a loyal following and became a cult favourite among South African riders.
Now, with the Honda CB750 Hornet under Honda Motor Southern Africa’s belt, and the arrival of the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP, Honda marks it’s return to the 1000cc Naked Segment, joining Honda’s other flagship models in the lineup like the Honda Fireblade and the Honda Africa Twin. These new-generation Hornets are a bold evolution of a nameplate that has always stood for fast, fun, and fearless riding.
3. Honda CB1000 Hornet SP Feature Summary:
- 1000cc DOHC inline-four engine derived from the 17YM Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade
- Class-Leading Torque 107Nm @ 9000rpm
- Power output 115.6.kW @11000rpm
- Brembo Stylema radial-mount calipers with 310mm floating discs
- Fully adjustable Showa front forks and Öhlins TTX36 rear shock
- Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) with integrated Wheelie Control
- RC exhaust valve and revised gear ratios for enhanced performance
- Throttle By Wire with 3 riding modes and 2 customisable USER modes
- 5-inch full-colour TFT display with Honda RoadSync smartphone integration
- Exclusive Matt Ballistic Black Metallic finish with Desert Gold wheels
4. Key Features
17YM Honda Fireblade-Derived Powertrain
- 1000cc DOHC inline-four engine
- RC exhaust valve for enhanced top-end performance
- Revised gear ratios for explosive acceleration
- Assist/slipper clutch and standard quickshifter for seamless gear changes
- Advanced Rider Control
- Throttle By Wire with 3 riding modes (Rain, Standard, Sport)
- 2 customizable USER modes
- Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) with integrated Wheelie Control
Premium Chassis & Braking
- Fully adjustable Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks
- Öhlins TTX36 rear shock with hydraulic preload adjustment
- Brembo Stylema radial-mount calipers with 310mm floating discs
Technology & Connectivity
- 5-inch full-colour TFT display with optical bonding for sunlight clarity
- Honda RoadSync smartphone integration for navigation, calls, and music
- Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) for added safety
Aggressive Naked Bike Styling
- Twin LED projector headlights
- Minimalist tail section and blacked-out twin-spar frame
- Exclusive Matt Ballistic Black Metallic finish with Desert Gold wheels and gold forks
5. Built for South African Roads – The Naked Advantage
The Honda CB1000 Hornet SP is purpose-built for the kind of riding South Africans love – spirited, dynamic, and often unpredictable. Its naked bike design offers several key advantages:
- Enhanced Agility: With no bulky fairings, the bike is lighter and more responsive, ideal for navigating tight urban environments or carving through twisty mountain passes.
- Improved Cooling: The exposed engine benefits from direct airflow, helping maintain optimal performance in South Africa’s warmer climates.
- Unfiltered Riding Experience: Without a windscreen or aerodynamic aids, the rider is fully immersed in the ride – feeling every surge of power and every shift in the road.
- Ergonomics for Control: The upright riding position and wide handlebars offer excellent control and visibility, whether commuting through city traffic or enjoying a weekend blast.
6. A Global Milestone – 500 Million Motorcycles and Counting
The launch of the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP comes as Honda celebrates a historic global milestone: over 500 million motorcycles produced worldwide. This achievement reflects Honda’s enduring commitment to innovation, quality, and rider satisfaction across generations and continents.
7. How We Move You – Honda’s Global Brand Promise
At Honda, we believe in the power of the machines we build. We believe in creating experiences that move people physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The Honda CB1000 Hornet SP embodies our global brand slogan, “How We Move You”, by delivering a ride that’s not only powerful and precise, but also deeply personal. It’s a motorcycle that connects rider to road, machine to emotion, and performance to passion.
8. International Acclaim – MCN Awards 2025 Winner
The Honda Hornet CB1000SP has already made waves on the global stage, with Honda UK clinching top honours at the 2025 MCN Awards (Motorcycle News Awards). The CB1000SP was named Best Performance Naked and took home the coveted title of Overall Bike of the Year, reinforcing Honda’s reputation for engineering excellence and thrilling performance. This recognition highlights the CB1000SP’s impact not only in South Africa but across the international motorcycling community.
9. See It First – Honda Sunday Brunch Cruise at Zwartkops Raceway
Motorcycle enthusiasts will have the exclusive opportunity to experience the All-New Honda Hornet CB1000SP up close at the Honda Sunday Brunch Cruise, held at Zwartkops Raceway on Sunday, 28 September 2025. This lifestyle event promises a celebration of riding culture, where fans can enjoy good food, great company, and the chance to witness Honda’s latest flagship naked bike in all its glory.
10. Availability & Pricing
The Honda CB1000 Hornet SP will be available exclusively at select Honda Wing dealerships across South Africa.
- Colour Option: Matt Ballistic Black Metallic (exclusive)
- Pricing: R265,000 (Incl. VAT)
The new Honda CB1000 Hornet SP joins the lineup as Honda’s flagship naked bike in South Africahttps://t.co/Rcx9dh6hrt#ArriveAlive @HondaRacingGLB @motocyclesafety @dealerfloor pic.twitter.com/O9gGEtQqG2
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) August 30, 2025