Honda’s New Striking Sport Tourer Borrows from One of the Brand’s Most Anticipated Naked Bikes

Upon its debut, the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP made headlines because of its retro name, its striking looks and its (initial) Europe-only availability, but the bike has ultimately proven to be most talked about on account of its attractive price point.

For good reason. At $10,999, it makes for an absolute bargain of a motorcycle, bringing respectable power, a top-shelf Öhlins TTX rear shock and some comfortable yet sporty ergonomics. It’s a winning formula, and the fact that it comes from Honda only adds to the appeal.

Honda

Of course, the Hornet’s versatility is what makes its affordability possible. Following the bike’s initial unveiling, Honda has since reworked it as a retro-inspired CB1000F, and the model has just spawned yet another variation. However, this time, it’s not a gorgeous vintage homage but rather a striking sport tourer.

Shaped for the wind

It’s called the CB1000GT, and its eye-catching angular looks are the result of a collaboration between Honda’s styling studios in Italy and Japan. To equip the Hornet for long-distance riding duty, the Big Red designed the bodywork using CFD, prioritizing maximal wind protection with neutral handling. 

Honda

Now, a half fairing alone isn’t enough to make a sports tourer. Accordingly, Honda has tweaked the Hornet in a number of other areas to improve the bike’s high-speed stability and all-day comfort.

So, along with a longer 635mm Pro-Link swingarm, this means that the CB1000GT also benefits from an extended subframe, thicker rider and passenger seating, as well as some improved foot pegs and a five-way adjustable windscreen.

Honda

That’s not all. In keeping with rival sport tourers like the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT Plus, Honda also equipped its CB1000GT with active suspension in the form of Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment. By taking input from a variety of sensors around the bike, the system can adjust damping force within a mere 15 milliseconds, ensuring both more flexible settings and more optimal response. 

An exercise in efficiency

As impactful as the fairing and suspension updates are, those aren’t the only changes that Honda’s made to the Hornet’s design to prepare the naked literbike for GT duties.

Honda

Though the engine still comes based on the 1,000cc four-cylinder that debuted in the 2017 Fireblade, Honda retuned it for linear delivery with its own unique mapping. As such, the bike’s peak 148 horsepower arrives at 11,000 rpm, whereas it delivers its peak 75 lb-ft of torque at 8,750 rpm. 

What’s more, Honda gave the CB1000GT a six-axis IMU. In addition to enabling cornering ABS and lean-sensitive traction control, it also informs the suspension control unit and enables five distinct riding modes with varying levels of power delivery, engine braking and traction control.

Honda

Add to that a slipper clutch for a lighter lever feel, a two-way quickshifter for clutchless shifts as well as a taller sixth gear for vibration-free highway cruising, and the result is a bike that’s packed with touring potential.

Accordingly, as befits a proper distance steed, Honda will be offering a bevy of optional bags and accessories to customize the bike according to your travel needs.

Honda

Pricing and availability

As of now, Honda has only announced the CB1000GT for the European market, where it’s slated to undercut rivals with a retail price starting from £11,999. 

However, given the CB1000 Hornet SP’s eventual migration across the pond, it’s highly likely that Honda will be bringing its tourer stateside. After all, both Suzuki and Yamaha are fielding compelling options.

Honda

2026 Honda CB1000GT

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