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Honda · Motorcycle
CB1000 Hornet
₹ 13,29,329ex-showroom · last updated 2026
- Engine
- 999cc
- Power
- 155bhp
- Weight
- 211kg
Research by
IAF Editorial
Honda CB1000 Hornet — Overview
You get Brembo radially-mounted calipers, an Öhlins rear monoshock, a bi-directional quickshifter, and a 999cc Fireblade-derived inline-four engine making 157 PS - all for Rs 13.29 lakh. That makes the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP the cheapest 1000cc four-cylinder motorcycle in India by a margin, and it arrived in June 2025 to immediately shake up the litre-class naked segment.
This isn't Honda playing it safe. The motor is lifted from the previous-gen CBR1000RR Fireblade, retuned for street use with a flatter torque curve and four riding modes including a customisable User mode. Suspension is genuinely premium - a 41mm Showa SFF-BP inverted fork up front, Öhlins reservoir monoshock at the rear - the sort of kit you'd expect at twice the price. Brembo four-piston calipers grip dual 310mm discs up front with serious bite.
For Indian riders, the 809mm seat height is a thoughtful touch. Most 120-plus bhp nakeds sit you higher and leave you tip-toeing; the Hornet lets people of average height get a foot down confidently. The 5-inch TFT with Honda RoadSync handles navigation, calls, and music. The quickshifter works in both directions. You get traction control, ABS, wheelie control - all standard.
The catch? Only one colour (Matte Black Metallic), only BigWing Topline dealers will sell or service it, and that 135mm ground clearance will remind you it exists every time you cross a railway track without slowing down. For city riding that matters. For everything else, the CB1000 Hornet SP is a remarkable machine at a remarkable price.
Honda CB1000 Hornet Latest Updates
View allHonda issued a second voluntary recall for the CB1000 Hornet SP covering units manufactured between September 30, 2024 and August 22, 2025, to address two issues: fuel feed hose routing that may require securing, and engine oil consumption variations in units with components not built to company standards. All inspections and repairs are free of charge at BigWing Topline outlets regardless of warranty status.
Honda issued a voluntary recall for the CB1000 Hornet SP (units manufactured September 30, 2024 - August 22, 2025) alongside the CBR650R, citing potential engine oil consumption variations that could affect oil pressure if not monitored. Rectification is being conducted free of charge at all authorised BigWing Topline dealerships across India.
The Honda CB1000 Hornet SP ex-showroom price has been revised upward from the Rs 12,35,900 launch price to Rs 13,29,329 - an increase of approximately Rs 93,000 - while the single variant's specification and equipment list remains unchanged.
What We Like
- Fireblade-derived 999cc inline-four delivers exhilarating power that stays manageable on Indian roads - genuinely usable grunt in all four riding modes
- Exceptional value: cheapest 1000cc inline-four in India, yet comes with Brembo brakes, Öhlins suspension, and full electronics as standard
- Honda reliability with very low running costs - first service bill reportedly around Rs 6,475 including labour
- Comprehensive electronics for the price: traction control, bi-directional quickshifter, four riding modes, 5-inch TFT with smartphone connectivity
What Could Be Better
- 135mm ground clearance is genuinely low for Indian roads - speed bumps, railway crossings, and steep driveways require careful approach
- Thin seat padding becomes noticeable on highway stints over two hours; aftermarket seat upgrade worth budgeting for
- Sold and serviced exclusively through Honda BigWing Topline outlets - if there isn't one near you, ownership becomes complicated
Editor's Verdict
Should You Buy the Honda CB1000 Hornet?
The Honda CB1000 Hornet SP is the most bang-for-buck litre-class naked in India right now - no question. The combination of a Fireblade motor, Brembo brakes, Öhlins suspension, and a full electronics package at Rs 13.29 lakh would be a steal anywhere in the world. If you live near a BigWing Topline dealer and ride mostly on decent roads, there is no better value in this segment. The low ground clearance and limited service network are real limitations worth factoring in before you sign the papers.