The CB1000 Hornet SP delivers the smooth power delivery and high-pitched wail we love from inline-Fours. (Photography & videography by Align Media)
The 2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP arrives in the U.S. with big-boy performance and premium touches. It’s powered by a re-tuned 998c inline-Four from the CBR1000RR and offers five ride modes, a slip/assist clutch, and a quickshifter. It comes with a fully adjustable Showa fork and fully adjustable Öhlins rear shock, dual Brembo Stylema front calipers, ABS, traction control, wheelie control, and a 5-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity.
We took this streetfighter for a spin through California’s Gold Country and enjoyed its smooth and fast character, premium components, and predictable handling. Its combination of street-going comfort and high-tech performance makes it particularly appealing to seasoned riders.
Two new-for-2025 Honda Hornet models, the CB750 Hornet (left) and CB1000 Hornet SP (right), inject new energy into the streetfighter segment. (Photos by Align Media)
Most people fear hornets, but they are surprisingly shy and only become aggressive when they have to be. This is also true for two new-for-2025 Honda Hornet motorcycles. After creating buzz in Europe since 2023, the long-awaited CB750 Hornet and CB1000 Hornet SP have finally landed in the U.S., ready to inject fresh energy into the streetfighter category. Both offer aggressive styling, modern tech, and finely tuned performance that targets everyone from new to veteran riders.
The 2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP (left) is available in Matte Metallic Black and the CB750 Hornet (right) is available in Matte Pearl White (shown) and Matte Metallic Black.
Honda invited us to test both Hornets during a two-day press ride across nearly 400 miles of California’s scenic Sierra Nevada foothills and historic Gold Country. From twisty canyons to roller-coaster roads and sun-drenched highways, we got friendly with these two sharp additions to Honda’s lineup.
Day 1: Honda CB750 Hornet
We like the splash of red on the Matte Pearl White color option on the CB750 Hornet.
We kicked off from downtown Sacramento, riding northeast into the Sierra Nevada foothills toward Auburn State Recreation Area, looping back via Placerville. This 200-mile route gave us a chance to put the CB750 Hornet through its paces, and it delivered.
The CB750’s 755cc Unicam parallel-Twin is shared with the XL750 Transalp, and it’s an absolute treat. It’s smooth down low but really comes alive in the mid to upper rev range. The 270-degree crank gives it a throaty, engaging feel, and for a stock exhaust, the sound is surprisingly deep and growly. I love the tune of the exhaust; it impressed me more and more throughout the ride.
The CB750 Hornet’s 755cc parallel-Twin is shared with the Transalp. In the U.S., it makes 83 hp at 8,500 rpm.
What really sets the CB750 apart is its handling. With a 422-lb curb weight and a stiff steel-diamond frame, it feels flickable and light on its feet. The Michelin Road 6 tires with a 160/70 rear help the bike dive into corners confidently and carve through canyon roads. The Showa suspension, a nonadjustable Separate Function Fork-Big Piston and preload-adjustable, remote-reservoir Pro-Link shock with 5.1 inches of travel front and rear, punches above its weight. It handled whatever I threw at it! From soaking up bumps and keeping things planted during spirited riding to bringing the front wheel up on command, it took it all in stride.
The CB750 Hornet is a light, flickable bike.
Comfort and usability were clearly top of mind when designing the CB750. At 5-foot-6, I found the 31.3-inch seat height approachable, and the upright ergos, wide handlebar, and slightly rear-set pegs provide a natural, in-control position. There are multiple ride modes to choose from: Standard, Sport, Rain, and customizable User 1 and User 2. User modes allow the rider to set preferences for throttle response, engine braking, and traction control, adding to the bike’s versatility. The 5-inch TFT display is crisp and easy to read, and Honda’s RoadSync integration adds smartphone functionality like navigation, calls, and music. Menus and settings are controlled via a four-way backlit switch on the left grip. All lighting is LED, there’s a USB-C port under the seat, and turnsignals are self-canceling.
Honda Selectable Torque Control (aka traction control) with integrated wheelie control has three levels or it can be turned off.
The CB750 Hornet is the definition of a “sleeper.” It might not scream superbike, but it delivers thrills in abundance, especially on twisty roads. It’s more composed and less twitchy than rivals like the Yamaha MT-07, yet it still has that raw 2-cylinder charm. The electronics are helpful without being overbearing, and the ergonomics make it accessible for a wide range of riders. The handling is sharp, the powerband is exciting but manageable, and the whole package feels light, intuitive, and fun. Keeping up with the other riders on the CB1000 was no issue while riding the CB750, and I couldn’t hold back my grin while chasing them down!
For commuting, backroad bombing, or anything in between, the CB750 Hornet is a confident, charismatic middleweight that delivers versatile performance for a reasonable price. It’s a perfect entry-level or upgrade machine for newer riders, but it won’t leave seasoned riders bored.
Day 2: Honda CB1000 Hornet SP
The Honda CB1000 Hornet SP replaces the CB1000R Black Edition.
The second day brought a shift in character and machinery. Riding through California’s Gold Country on a 190-mile loop, I stepped up to the CB1000 Hornet SP. This bike brings big-boy performance with premium touches, and you feel it the moment you twist the throttle.
Powered by a re-tuned 998cc inline-Four from the 2017 CBR1000RR, the CB1000 Hornet SP is smooth, fast, and full of character. It’s paired with a throttle-by-wire system with rider modes (Sport, Standard, Rain, User 1, and User 2) and a 6-speed transmission with a slip/assist clutch. The SP is also equipped with a quickshifter with auto-blip capabilities, and the quickshifter’s sensitivity can be adjusted to respond to a softer to harder press of the shifter.
Compared to the CB750 Hornet, the CB1000 Hornet SP is a big step up in terms of power, performance, and refinement.
Despite being derived from a superbike engine, the CB1000 Hornet SP felt entirely controllable. The power never seemed too much and certainly not too little. The linear power delivery was so smooth that I didn’t realize how fast I was going until I looked down at the speedo…and saw a high number!
While heavier than the CB750, the CB1000 didn’t feel like a lumbering brute. Its Bridgestone Battleax S22 tires with a 180/70 rear delivered excellent grip and agility. It took more muscle than the CB750 to flick it into tight turns, but it responded predictably and with poise. The fully adjustable 41mm inverted Showa SFF-BP fork and fully adjustable Öhlins TTX36 rear shock are a big upgrade, keeping the ride composed even when pushing hard on less than perfect pavement. The CB1000 thoroughly surprised me with how comfortable it felt at differing speeds and riding environments. It handled excellently in the twisties, comfortably on the highway, and easy in city commuting.
The Showa SFF-BP is fully adjustable, and the front calipers are primo Brembo Stylemas.
Braking was equally impressive, thanks to Brembo Stylema front calipers squeezing 310mm discs, serious hardware with real bite. The rubber brake lines did not seem to limit the performance of the brakes, and the ABS was not intrusive. The only hiccup for me was the Honda Selectable Torque Control (aka traction control), which felt a bit too eager for my taste. Wheelie control is also integrated into HSTC, but luckily, it’s easy to turn off so I could test how light I could make the front end.
The 5-inchTFT display has three themes: a bar-style tach (shown), a circle-style tach, or a simple theme with just numbers. Both Hornets feature Honda’s RoadSync Bluetooth system.
Like the CB750, the CB1000 has a 5-inch TFT display with three display modes and Honda’s new RoadSync system, which pairs to a smartphone via Bluetooth. It also has a four-way backlit menu controller on the left grip, LED lighting, self-canceling turnsignals, and a USB-C port under the seat.
The CB1000 Hornet SP is the grown-up sibling. It’s not as immediately playful as the CB750, but it brings a level of refinement, speed, and tech that places it firmly among other naked bikes such as the Yamaha MT-10. Despite its power and size, it’s surprisingly approachable. The engine is predictable and tractable, the electronics make it customizable, and the chassis feels solid at both high and low speeds. The Öhlins shock gives it an edge in ride quality, and the Brembo brakes provide plenty of stopping power. And let’s not forget that classic inline-Four sound and performance, a staple among sportbike enthusiasts.
The CB1000 Hornet SP delivers the smooth power delivery and high-pitched wail we love from inline-Fours.
The SP is a bike that feels right at home on a Sunday backroad sprint, on long stretches of freeway, and even in the close quarters of city riding. For experienced riders who want sportbike thrills without committing to clip-ons and race ergonomics, the CB1000 Hornet SP hits the sweet spot.
Honda Hornet Final Thoughts
Honda has given us two very different expressions of the streetfighter with the 2025 Hornet lineup, and both sting in their own way.
The CB750 Hornet is the scrappy boxer that’s lightweight, flickable, and loaded with charm. It’s easy to ride but rewards confidence, and its parallel-Twin delivers just the right amount of punch for real-world fun. It’s ideal for newer riders or anyone who wants a bike that’s as playful as it is practical.
The CB1000 Hornet SP is the polished heavyweight that’s powerful, refined, and high-tech. It brings in serious performance chops from the Fireblade family but is packaged for the street. For seasoned riders who want liter-bike power without sacrificing comfort, this one’s a knockout.
Perhaps the most attractive factor to consider is the price of these enticing machines, with the CB750 Hornet priced at $7,999 and the CB1000 Hornet SP at $10,999. These are competitive prices when considering other naked bikes in their respective classes.
Honda has announced the introduction of three bikes being brought into the U.S. market for model-year 2025 that had previously been sold overseas. New to our market are the NT1100 sport-tourer and the Honda CB750 Hornet and CB1000 Hornet SP naked bikes. Also included in this announcement are updates to the Rebel 300 and 500. Eleven other models return unchanged.
2025 Honda NT1100 DCT
2025 Honda NT1100 DCT in Pearl Hawkeye Blue
New to U.S. soil this year is the NT1100 DCT sport-tourer based on the Africa Twin. It was introduced in Europe in 2022 and has since sold 12,000 units.
The NT11000 DCT shares the liquid-cooled 1,084cc parallel-Twin of the Africa Twin. Its Dual Clutch Transmission offers three modes: Drive for daily city and highway riding, Sport for sportier riding, and Manual to give the rider full control of gear shifts via handlebar triggers. The DCT also includes incline detection to adapt gear shifts depending on the grade of a hill.
The NT1100 DCT is powered by the 1,084cc parallel-Twin of the Africa Twin.
Other technologies included are Honda Selectable Torque Control with an integrated wheelie mitigation system, cornering ABS, Rear Lift Control, and cruise control. Ride modes include Urban, Rain, Tour, and two User modes, and the bike includes heated grips as standard.
The bike also borrows the Africa Twin’s steel semi-double-cradle frame. Wheelbase is 60.4 inches, ground clearance is 6.8 inches, curb weight is 547 lb, and seat height is 32.3 inches. Suspension is provided by Showa with a 43mm inverted fork and a Showa shock, both offering adjustable preload and 5.9 inches of travel. Brakes include two 310mm front rotors squeezed by 4-piston radial-mount calipers. In the rear is a 256mm rotor and a 1-piston caliper.
This windscreen is adjustable to five positions.
This sport-tourer comes loaded with additional features as standard. It includes self-canceling turnsignals, 12V and USB auxiliary sockets, a centerstand, a manually adjustable windscreen with 6.5 inches of adjustment, an extended fender, and dual LED headlights. The seat is wide and thick, and the standard upper and lower wind deflectors help protect rider and passenger from the elements. The 6.5-inch TFT screen offers three display options, as well as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity.
The 2025 Honda NT1100 DCT will be available in Pearl Hawkeye Blue with an MSRP of $11,899.
2025 Honda CB750 Hornet
2025 Honda CB750 Hornet in Pearl White
The CB750 Hornet, which was first offered in Europe in 2023, comes to the U.S. with a few updates for the 2025 model year. Honda is targeting this naked bike at younger riders who are looking for a step up from a beginner bike, “riders seeking everyday practicality and thrilling performance.”
The bike is powered by a 755cc parallel-Twin with a 270-degree crankshaft, a bore and stroke of 87.0mm x 63.5mm, and a compression ratio of 11.0:1. Also included are three ride modes that adjust the level of engine power, engine brake, and torque control, a slip/assist clutch, and an up/down quickshifter that can be set to Soft, Medium, or Hard. Wheelie control is also included.
The CB750’s steel diamond frame weighs 36.6 lb, and suspension consists of a Showa 41mm SFF-BP inverted fork and a Pro-Link seven-stage preload-adjustable fork, each offering 5.1 inches of travel. Brakes are provided by Nissin, with two 296mm petal front discs gripped by radial-mount, 4-piston calipers. Wheels are 17 inches, wheelbase is 55.9 inches, curb weight is 422 lb, and seat height is 31.3 inches.
The CB750 Hornet has a 5-inch TFT screen with smartphone connectivity.
Updates for 2025 include a new dual LED headlight unit, revised suspension settings, and a new 5-inch TFT screen. The screen offers smartphone connection via the Honda RoadSync app to allow turn-by-turn navigation, phone calls, and music.
The 2025 Honda CB750 Hornet will be available in Matte Black Metallic or Matte Pearl White with MSRP starting at $7,999.
2025 Honda CB750 Hornet in Matte Black Metallic
2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP
2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP in Matte Black Metallic
The Honda CB1000 Hornet SP streetfighter also makes its entrance to the U.S. market this year. It features an aggressive design, a CBR1000RR-derived 4-cylinder engine, and premium suspension and brake components.
The bike’s styling includes a dual LED headlight, a fuel tank that mimics folded wings, and a minimal seat to give it a narrow waist. The 5-inch TFT screen is customizable between Bar, Circle, or Simple design patterns and connects to a smartphone via the Honda RoadSync app.
Powering the CB1000 Hornet SP is a 1,000cc 4-cylinder engine with DOHC, a slip/assist clutch, and an up/down quickshifter (adjustable to three levels). Bore and stroke are 76.0mm x 55.1mm, and the compression ratio is 11.7:1. The bike also has a 4-2-1 exhaust design and a 4.5-gallon fuel tank. Ride modes include Sport, Standard, Rain, and two User modes, and each adjusts power, engine brake, and torque control.
The CB1000 Hornet SP’s fuel tank is meant to resemble folded wings.
The bike’s steel twin-spar frame positions weight forward for optimized handling and agility. Rake and rail are set to 25 degrees and 3.9 inches, and wheelbase is 57.3 inches. It has a seat height of 31.9 inches and a curb weight of 465 lb. Up front, suspension is provided via a fully adjustable 41mm Showa SFF-BP inverted fork, and the rear has a fully adjustable Öhlins TTX36 shock with Pro-Link. Slowing things down are dual 310mm floating front discs pinched by radial-mount Brembo Stylema 4-piston calipers.
The 2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP will be available in Matte Black Metallic with an MSRP of $10,999.
2025 Honda Rebel 300 and 500
2025 Honda Rebel 300 in Matte Black Metallic
These two beginner-friendly cruisers return for 2025 with a few shared updates. Both models feature a revised handlebar position, a more comfortable seat, and a front paint-matched fender. Everything else remains the same.
The 2025 Honda Rebel 300 will be available in Matte Black Metallic with an MSRP of $4,849.
2025 Honda Rebel 500 ABS in Pearl Beige
The 2025 Honda Rebel 500 will be available in three trim levels: standard, ABS, and ABS SE. The standard model will be available in Matte Black Metallic with an MSRP of $6,499. The ABS version will come in Matte Black Metallic or Pearl Beige starting at $6,799. The ABS SE option comes in Pearl Blue starting at $6,999.
2025 Returning Models
The following models are returning for model year 2025. Included in the announcement are colors and prices for each model.
2025 Honda SCL500 in Matte Black Metallic
The scrambler-styled 2025 Honda SCL500 will be available in Matte Black Metallic for $6,799.
2025 Honda CB650R in Pearl Smoky Gray
The 2025 Honda CB650R naked bike with Honda’s E-Clutch technology will be available in Pearl Smoky Gray for $9,399.
2025 Honda CBR650R in Grand Prix Red
The 2025 Honda CBR650R sportbike with E-Clutch will be available in Grand Prix Red for $9,899.
2025 Honda CRF300L in Red
The 2025 Honda CRF300L dual-sport will be available in Red for the base model or Swift Gray for the CRF300LS (low seat) version, staring at $5,749.
2025 Honda CRF300L Rally in Red
The 2025 Honda CRF300L Rally dual-sport will be available in Red for $6,499.
2025 Honda PCX in Pearl Gray
The 2025 Hoda PCX, a 157cc urban scooter, will come in Pearl Gray for $4,249.
2026 Returning Models
Honda has also announced colors and prices for five 2026 models.
2026 Honda CBR600RR in Deep Pearl Gray
The 2026 Honda CBR600RR sportbike comes in Deep Pearl Gray. The base model will be available for $12,199, and the ABS version will be priced at $13,199.
2026 Honda CBR1000RR in Pearl White
The 2026 Honda CBR1000RR superbike will comes in Pearl White for $16,999 for the base model or $17,299 with ABS.
2026 Honda Grom ABS n Pearl White
The 2026 Honda Grom minimoto will come with Candy Blue, Pearl White, or Cherry Red for $3,599. The ABS version will be available in Pearl White for $3,799. The SP version will come in Matte Black Metallic for $3,699.
2026 Honda ADV160 in Pearl Smoky Gray
The 2026 Honda ADV160 scooter will come in Pearl Smoky Gray for $4,499.
2026 Honda Metropolitan in Red
Finally, the 2026 Honda Metropolitan compact scooter will come in Denim Blue Metallic or Red with an MSRP of $2,649.
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