At the EICMA 2023, Honda puts the CB1000 Hornet on display, a motorcycle which is set to replace the CB1000R Neo Sports Cafe, the latter not doing well in the global market. This bike has a sharp aggressive design which looks very familiar but we will get to that in a minute.
Let’s talk about the engine first. The CB1000 Hornet uses the same engine as the Fireblade which is the 999 cc, inline 4 cylinder motor with a different exhaust note and produces a nice 150 hp of power and 100 Nm of Torque. It also borrows the same frame, and the reason is that the Hornet is based on the Fireblade.
Coming to the specs, the bike is taken care of by Showa forks at the front and a Pro-link shock at the back with pre-load and rebound adjustability. The Hornet is also feature-packed such as a 5-inch TFT display, a throttle-by-wire system, five riding modes and more. The bike will also get Bluetooth connectivity with a navigation feature.
Looks-wise it gets a very sharp and aggressive design that will look like it will turn into a transformer any second now. Now, as said earlier this bike looks very familiar and that’s because it takes its design cues from the Ducati Streetfighter, which is quite the mean-looking bike itself.
And if you notice, nowadays most bike companies are launching similar-looking bikes, for example even in the 300cc segment you have the TVS Apache RTR 310. Not that I am complaining because the design language suits the “streetfighter” name and instils confidence in the rider just through it looks alone. Coming back to the Hornet, it has a low-slung full-LED headlamp and a tail light section which is similar to the 2017 CB1000R.
The CB 1000 Hornet will be available in 3 colours – Matte Iridium Grey Metallic, Grand Prix Red and Pearl Glare White.
Honda CB 1000 Hornet India Launch?
Well, the question is very crucial considering Honda seems to be very keen on continuing with just the Activa sales in India and doesn’t bring its global models here often. Even whenever they launch a vehicle globally, people already assume it won’t make it to our shores. However, there’s a high chance the Hornet will come to India since it is a replacement for the Neo Sports Cafe, which is currently being sold in India. Expect the CB 1000 Hornet to hit the Honda BigWing showroom sometime in 2024.
Its success will depend on how much value for money the bike proves itself to be compared to its competitors because Honda needs to realize its 2023 and reliability is not the only buying factor for customers anymore, especially in India.
Fun fact: The entry of the CB 1000 Hornet in India will also expand the Hornet series in India, with one bike in the sporty commuter segment and the other in the superbike segment.
