Images of the CB1000 GT have surfaced online, leaked through an Australian homologation type application. It is expected to be a tall, high-performance sports tourer with high ground clearance.
- Based on the CB1000 Hornet, the GT adds touring-focused features
- Powered by a 1000cc inline-4 engine, likely tuned close to the standard Hornet
- Runs on 17-inch wheels with relatively long-travel suspension
Honda CB1000 GT: What to expect?
Will rival the Kawasaki Versys 1100 and BMW S 1000 XR
For starters, the CB1000 GT is the name that is expected for Honda’s new sports-tourer. It will be largely based on the CB1000 Hornet but will stand tall with better weather protection, thanks to a half-fairing. In essence, it is to the CB1000 Hornet what the Kawasaki Versys 1100 is to the Z1100. Designed for touring comfort, it features relatively long-travel suspension, a tall windscreen, handguards, and a center stand. Both rider and pillion benefit from thicker seats. The rider’s footpegs are positioned further forward, the passenger enjoys a more relaxed leg angle, and the bike continues to run on 17-inch wheels.
It will be powered by the same 1000cc inline-4, liquid-cooled engine that produces 157 hp and 107 Nm in the Hornet 1000 SP. However, in this application, the engine is expected to be either slightly detuned or at par with the non-SP CB1000 Hornet, which makes 152 hp.
The CB1000 GT retains a frame that closely resembles the Hornet’s, though the mounting points for the pillion pegs appear to be altered. It is unclear if the subframe itself differs significantly from the Hornet, but the tail’s upward sweep suggests it is not the same as the flatter subframe used on the retro-styled CB1000 F. The images also reveal an aluminium swingarm and the wheelbase is up by 10mm compared to the CB1000 Hornet. Up front, the GT appears to use the same dual Nissin radially mounted four-piston calipers found on the non-SP Hornet, which is not sold in India.
In Australia, the new Honda CB1000 GT is registered as ready-to-ride at 213 kg, including 10 litres of fuel, although the total tank capacity has not yet been confirmed.
These details have surfaced through leaked images, giving us a fair idea of what to expect from the CB1000 GT. The final picture, however, will only become clear when Honda decides to reveal what’s been hiding under its wings. It remains unclear whether Honda India will bring the model here, though it could be a fitting product for our country. If launched, it will compete against the Kawasaki Versys 1100 and BMW S 1000 XR.
Image credits: Motorcycle.com
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
