Enjoy our review of Honda CB 1000 GT. Honda’s one of a kind Sports tourer, we talk about its history, design, features & performance, pros & cons, and verdict.
Honda CB1000 GT Introduction:
In the world of cars a popular term often used crossover. For decades a car described as cross between a sedan and a tall and high riding stance SUV. So I think brands probably think let’s bring it to the motorcycle world as many brands apply the same.The Honda CB1000 GT is Honda’s latest entry.
In the market bike based on and take the hardware form of the CB 1000. Redesigning it for a high performance. High riding sports tourer like BMW S 1000 XR and Yamaha Tracer 9. Honda’s latest entry into the segment comes off the back of the recent success of its new Hornet. In the body of the new Honda CB1000 GT. It’s Honda’s bold answer to the age-old argument between mind and heart. Ok, your mind wants a comfy and calm tourer and bike for everyday use. But your inner soul wants a fast and powerful sports bike. Honda says why not have both at same time?
“It is more than a bike, the CB1000 GT it’s Honda’s promise to riders. Who want the open road but refuse to sacrifice performance or refinement.”
What’s New In The CB1000GT over Hornet:
CB 1000 and CB1000 GT share a lot of similarities, but also there is a lot that makes a difference. The main chassis and frame are the same for both, but the GT features a longer chassis, & chunkier subframe with more added reinforcement to help dissipate vibrations. The engine is also the same but with minor tweaks. That have been carried out to help the GT deliver its torque lower in the same rev range. Power is also slightly lower, at 147 bhp 2.5bhp lower than the Hornet. With peak torque is 75 lb-ft, at 8,750 pm. 250 rpm lower than with the Hornet in the rev range.
Now the biggest change for the GT over the Hornet is the Showa EERA. The Japanese semi-active and electronically adjusted suspension set. First time Honda ever fitted the EERA system to anything with an inline 4 or anything sporty. Previously, Honda only fitted the EERA sets to the the NT1100 and Africa Twin Adventure Sports.
It comes with cruise control, a quickshifter and also gets heated grips and adjustable screen. A new TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity and five diffrent riding modes adjust the lean-sensitive traction control and cornering ABS. GT also gets new full LED light, backlit switchgear, and the Honda Emergency Stop Signal.
Honda CB1000 GT Styling and Equipment:
New more aggressive bodywork for maximum aerodynamic and drag reduction.
Massive fully detachable rear panniers as standard on both sides.
The screen can adjust in five positions with one hand.
Standard Electronic cruise control, heated grips and knuckle guards.
Five-inch TFT display with connectivity and navigation
Honda auto-cancelling indicators with emergency stop signal.
CB 1000GT design is a result of collaboration between Honda’s styling in Italy and Japan. The new bodywork of the CB1000GT is consists of sharply cut surfaces. Resembling an aggressive riding image with the piercing dual projector headlights. By positioning the body above the chassis line, starting with sharp tips integrated with the front cowl. Make perception is of a high, mass-forward centre of gravity with agile steering.
The New design brought to reality by using computational fluid dynamics. The front fairing design for maximum wind protection without losing the bike’s neutral handling characteristics in any riding situation. Five-position screen now can be adjust a total range of 81mm. A low position it gives a sense of vision on the city. Set high it provides max wind protection during long ride. Fully detachable 37L left and 28L right panniers, with heated grips ensure all round comfort now standard.
All LED lighting is high standard and energy-efficient. Cruise control, with a range between 50 and 160 km/h, is standard and with knuckle guards. For more convenience a Honda Smart Key hassel free operates with main ignition switch. New premium tech, a five-inch full color TFT screen, comes with optical bonding to improve visibility in bright day. Simple display patterns. iOS/Android smartphone connectivity of Honda Road Sync to calls, music and navigation, controlled via a four-way toggle switch on the left bar. The indicators automatically cancel after changing lanes or make a turn. They also include an emergency stop Signal function flashes the hazards during hard stops. A centre stand, is also fitted as standard.
Engine:
The engine is the same unit Fireblade derived 1000cc in-line four with super-sharp throttle response. Strong mid-range peak torque with excellent top-end power handy with a slip assist clutch.
It’s identical mechanically with Hornet. There have been some changes to the ECU to improve the tractability of the engine. At low speeds the hornets’ throttle had something of off, making it difficult to deliver power calmly in low revs, however this issue has been removed. And the GT reacts smoothly and progressively without any sudden spikes or jerkiness.
More accurately the 1000cc DOHC liquid cooled inline four-cylinder motor has been given some PGM-FI and TBW settings for in the GT. In keeping with its long-distance performance, the changes producing a smooth power delivery on initial throttle opening
But the remap has lower some bhp off-peak power; it’s now 148 bhp to the Hornets 155 bhp, and torque is also down 2 lb.ft to 77 lb.ft at 8750 rpm, making that maximum peak 250 rpm lower. Bore & stroke are 76 x 55.1 mm, with compression ratio set at 11.7:1 maximum power output of 110.1 kW arrives @ 11,000 rpm, with 102 Nm torque @ 8,750 rpm. But Honda
Ensuring that the power delivery is linear, with a torque for the mid-range for effortless performance throughout the rev range. For gears ratio two through first five are tuned for acceleration to match the engine’s RPM while sixth offers calm highway cruising.
“Open the gas, and the engine gives a rush of power that leaves no doubt its superbike DNA intake air sound from the air box and exhaust note like a song, complementing the power and drive it produces.”
With an assist/slipper clutch for a light gear shift, reducing fatigue also manages rear wheel under hard and rapid downshifts and braking.
A quick shifter is also standard & you want for ride between gears & makes upshift and downshift seamless, this can be tuned depending on the type of action.
Fuel efficiency is approx 16.5 km/L and the fuel tank holds 21 L. 340 km. OBD tech has been extended to give the bike the ability to detect SO2 and monitor any catalytic converter problems, ensuring the bike is always giving its peak performance.
Honda CB1000 GT Engine Electronics and Tech:
Honda’s new six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) management of all bike systems.
Throttle by Wire control with four default rider modes and custom options.
Three levels of engine brake and three levels of Honda Selectable Torque Control.
GT 1000 makes a balance between power of Sportster and long-distance tourer is a modern electronics package.
CB1000 GT uses a combination of advanced TBW control with a six-axis IMU, to maximum control over the engine via four default riding modes with blending of engine power.
Engine Brake and HSTC. Riders can select four riding modes – Standard, Sport, Rain and Tour via the left handlebar toggle switch with the TFT screen.
The suspension also adjusts for appropriate damping setting for the selected mode.
Standard uses the middle setting for EP, HSTC and EB for easy-going drive.
Sort uses the max EP delivery with lowest levels of EB and HSTC for maximum performance, with quick throttle response.
Rain mode uses the lowest EP setting for the least throttle response, medium amount of EB and maximum HSTC.
Tour has the same as standard but the suspension adapts according to speed.
Traction control or Selectable Torque Control for Honda, which is lean sensitive and includes wheelie control.
Honda CB1000 GT Chassis:
Diamond-style twin-spar steel frame, with reinforced subframe.
Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment EERA suspension as standard.
Radial mount Four piston brake calipers in the front with 310mm floating discs.
Cornering ABS.
Tire profiles 120/70-ZR17 and 180/55-ZR17
CB1000 GT uses single-piece diamond-style steel frame for making a slim-waisted feel and deliver a smooth, supple handling response. New, reinforced extended subframe with a supporting cross pipe and redesigned cross plate to make room for GT tasks: rigidity carefully balanced with minimised weight gain.
Length of the cast aluminium swingarm round from 619 to 635mm, increased high speed stability and rear shock mount design to reduce vibration.
A balance between stability of a touring bike and the handling of a naked bike add up the CB1000 GT’s handling potential. Dimensons are, rake and trail at 25.0° and 106.3 mm with wheelbase of 1,465 mm higher than Hornet. Ground clearance is 133mm, seat height is 825mm and distribution of weight is 51%/ 49% bikes kerb weight is set at 229 kg.
The riding position is upright, allowing free movement and control, for comfort. The seat thickness also increased (compared to the Hornet) by 15mm and handlebar position design along with the footpegs for a maximum comfort over long distances.
Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment suspension is standard for the CB1000GT – and Nippon Seiki six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) –works togather for providing optimum compression/rebound damping for a wide range of riding conditions. Automatically calculate and provides efficent damping force relative to speed. It works by adjusting the damping level based on bike speed, the bike’s stance and the fork behaviour.
The Suspension Control Unit (SCU) adjusts damping within just 15 milliseconds, flexibility of the system means that damping settings can be programmed to change as the vehicle speed changes. In practical life, Showa-EERA designs for variation so riders can select all-round city ride comfort, sports performance or high speed touring stability also Showa-EERA reduces excessive dive during hard braking.
It comes with Four predefined suspension modes:
Standard a all-round mode for wide range of situations.
Sport offers high suspension stability good more aggressive riding style.
Rain softens damping reactions for smooth and slow suspension damping in wet conditions.
Tour gives maximum braking and turning stability for high speed fully loaded touring.
User for making personal choices of damping and preload settings.
Dual Nissin radial-mount four-piston calipers with 310mm floating discs; Cornering ABS, managed by the IMU. The rear 240mm disc by Nissin are single-piston caliper with sintered pads to give excellent braking performance.
Initial bite is calibrated and there’s plenty of feedback form the brake, twin channel ABS system gets full cornering sensitivity through the internal IMU.
Capabilities:
Comfort at speed has been one of the first choices when Honda designed the CB1000GT. With help of computational fluid dynamics to shape the nose fairing and screen for not only deflect the wind but work for the pitch, roll and yaw of the bike.
The screen is also adjustable with a one handed with five positions over an 81 mm range of heights, and there’s one taller version on offer as well. The 825mm seat height is not tall as some other bikes in the class, and Honda also gives thicker padding than the Hornet, while the bar and peg positions are revised for a comfortable sports-touring posture. Handguards, heated grips and cruise control are all standard.
GT 1000 incredible package for the money with load of clever electronics and a comfy seat created an all rounder with sanitised of sport tourer. Apart from some of the ECU and a new subframe, both engine and main frame are the same as the Hornet, but with reworked riding position more smart electronic suspension and new aerodynamics have make the difference. The Showa EERA monitors suspension movements in real time via all the sensors at IMU, ECU and within the forks and shock to make instant adjustments.
Engine remap has smoothed out throttle response to give it better tractability in the lower rev range the GT good terms of handling and performance with enhanced stability, increased comfort by electronic additions such as cruise control, heated grips and lean-sensitive rider aids.
Pricing and Availability
CB1000GT underlines that with its £11,999 tag for UK and EUROPE
With removable panniers, cruise control and heated grips as standard And the paint options are the Grand Prix Red version the only one with a splash of colour, alongside ‘Pearl Deep Mud Grey’ and Graphite Black.
India and USA Launch not yet conform.
Pros and Cons —
Pros :
Handling is grate, smooth not heavy due to the excellent mass and chassis management.
Excellent engine Refined, touring-focused same asHornet near 150 hp.
Great for long-distance with big, 21-litre tank, adjustable screen, heated grips and Comfortable rider ergonomics gives serious touring ability.
Semi active Showa suspension is a real deal, constantly adapts damping as you ride.
Honda reliability and build quality and Packed with modern electronics.
Cons :
Mass may be noticeable in tight busy traffic area and narrow roads and standard seat could be more comfortable.
Some ADAS-style touring features missing, like radar cruise and standard screen is small,hand guards are relatively small as well.
Some accessories may not be standard, but optional with limited colour options.
Rivals:
Likes of BMW’s S1000XR and KTM 1290 Super Duke GT are better at performance but have a bigger price tag also more expensive Ducati Multistrada V4 and Japanese brand the Yamaha Tracer 9 and Suzuki’s GSX-S1000GX, The CB1000GT can be a convincing alternative.
Tracer 9 GT: A close competitor, the Tracer 9 range offers a whole range of possibilities and price levels. You’ll need to step up to the GT+ to get electronic suspension. Yamaha’s Y-AMT semi-auto box is also an option, but the 890cc three-cylinder engine does not match the CB1000GT’s Power and Performance.
GSX-S1000GX: Also get Showa EERA electronic suspension like the CB1000GT and also uses a similar superbike-based powertrain and high-rise stance, but an aluminium beam frame unlike Honda’s steel design.
S1000XR: Same superbike engine in sports-tourer , with a tall look, the S1000XR is more expensive end of the line with more technology and performance that’s a step above the Honda.
Final Verdict —
CB1000GT It’s not trying to be aggressive and dominant or is it trying to rewrite the sport-touring rules, it just works as a GT. Honda can put an engine that gives superbike levels of performance and a near 200bhp power, But they don’t, and I think it’s more better for it. It’s not making sense that having a bike with massive peak power you’ll only ever use it for fraction of the time, when for the majority of time, needs having smooth and constant torque in the low and mid-range, without loosing sporty top-end.
You can ride It everywhere with It’s refined and easy-going engine its good for city. Also on the motorway a bike you could genuinely use day to day, for commuting to work, touring with your friends on their sports bikes – without needing a second bike. Currently there are many bikes on the market that combine comfort, range and good speed but CB1000GT does is different is mixes first three with the ability of a super naked.
Also Honda in recent years has kept the price attractive enough to make buyers think and take notice of each bike, including new 2026 Honda CB1000GT, can be the package to beat. This GT sits in the fast growing sports-tourer market and offers a high amount of standard kit that rivals offers as extra for more cash. With Honda is proven engine and chassis. Honda’s big dealer network is another strength in its favour.
Honda blends Fireblade soul, supernaked mind and proper long-distance capability into one cost-effective package a Japanese sport-tourer that balances everything , the CB1000GT might just be the motorcycle that finally gets over with mind vs soul.
