India’s Road-Burning Streetfighter Honda CB1000 Hornet SP (2025)
Born Again with Fury: Introducing the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP
In motorcycling, legends hardly get a second chance. But when Honda Motorcycles India brought back the Hornet brand name, what it wasn’t peddling was nostalgia—it was raw, hard, litre-class performance with the all-new 2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP.
This is not your college buddy’s 160cc Hornet. This is the Fireblade’s ferocious, stripped-down cousin, designed for riders who demand real-world performance with just the right amount of daily practicality.
Let’s dissect what makes the CB1000 Hornet SP one of the best naked sportbikes currently available in India.
Honda CB1000 Hornet SP: Features & Specifications
This is what would happen if Iron Man and a katana had a child.
Engine and Performance
999cc inline-4, liquid-cooled, DOHC
157.17 PS @ 11,000 rpm
107 Nm @ 9,000 rpm
6-speed gearbox with bi-directional quickshifter
Top speed: Approx. 230 km/h
It’s the Fireblade’s engine in street attire, and that means one thing: grin-inducing acceleration in every gear.
Suspension & Brakes
Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks (fully adjustable)
Öhlins rear monoshock (fully adjustable)
Dual 310mm Brembo Stylema front discs
Single 240mm rear disc
This configuration isn’t just high-end—it’s track ready. Braking late and leaning hard get you this bike.
Electronics & Tech
Five Riding Modes: Sport, Standard, Rain, User 1, User 2
Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) with 3 levels
Throttle-by-wire for biting response
5-inch TFT display with Honda RoadSync connectivity
Full LED lighting and Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
Essentially, this motorcycle is smarter than half your WhatsApp group.
Dimensions
Kerb Weight: 211 kg
Seat Height: 809 mm
Fuel Tank: 17 litres
Color: Matte Ballistic Black Metallic with golden highlights fork
Performance: Fireblade Heart, Streetfighter Soul
The CB1000 Hornet SP’s performance is where it excels best. With a slightly detuned Fireblade 1000RR-R engine, the bike accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds. It’s quick—but better still, it’s smooth. No jerks, no sudden power spikes. Just constant, linear push.
Real-World Numbers
Top Speed: 230+ km/h
0–100 km/h: ~3.4 seconds
Mileage: 14–16 km/l (urban/highway blend)
Throttle Response: Razor-sharp with ride-by-wire
And thanks to technologies such as Honda Selectable Torque Control, riding modes, and a silky-smooth quickshifter, you get the impression you’re riding with an in-built pit crew.
Versatility: Can the Hornet SP Be Your Only Bike?
Yes. Surprisingly, yes.
In spite of its litre-class power, the new CB1000 Hornet SP is extremely versatile for India’s actual riding conditions.
City Use
Comfortable upright riding position
Linear torque makes it easy to ride at low speeds
Quickshifter helps during stop-and-go traffic
Highway & Touring
17L tank means fewer fuel stops
Stable chassis even at 140+ km/h cruising speeds
Add soft carriers and a tailbag, and you’re set for a trip
Track Days
Adjustable Öhlins and Showa suspension
Fireblade DNA means it handles sharp lean angles with like a peice of cake
Powerful Brembo brakes prevent fade, even under hard braking
Pros and Cons: Is It the Best Naked Superbike Under INR15 Lakh?
Pros
Refined Fireblade engine for the road
Top-grade suspension and brakes from Showa, Öhlins, and Brembo
Packed with tech: TFT instrument panel, traction control, quickshifter
Aggressive styling that draws attention everywhere
Competitively priced in India for the category
Cons
Lacks cruise control
Single colour choice at launch (Matte Black)
No wind deflection—faithful to its naked heritage
Slightly more heavy than competitors such as the Kawasaki Z900
Final Verdict: Should You Purchase the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP?
If you’re an experienced motorcyclist in India seeking to upgrade to a naked litre-class bike that’s exciting but docile, then the CB1000 Hornet SP should be on your wish list.
It offers:
Power and accuracy from a legend engine
Everyday utility with workable ergonomics
Track-capable performance with trustworthy Japanese engineering
Affordable price that trumps most European competition
At ₹12.36 lakh (ex-showroom), it’s the sweet spot for Indian customers on the lookout for a bike that can offer superbike sensations without superbike compromises.
