Honda Hornet CB1000 India launch soon

Honda has recently launched two new CBU models in India – the Rebel 500 and the X-ADV 750. Sources have informed us that the company is now gearing up to launch the CB1000 Hornet in our market in the next few days.

1. CB1000 Hornet will go up against Kawasaki Z900, Triumph Street Triple
2. Only the base variant will be available
3. It will come in as a CBU import

Honda Hornet CB1000 launch details

CB1000 Hornet is powered by a 999cc four-cylinder motor making 152hp, 104Nm

The CB1000 Hornet has made waves overseas for offering superb value for money and undercutting every direct rival from both Japanese and European manufacturers. Honda will now launch this bike in India in the next few days, and our sources suggest that the pricing here will be very tempting as well, estimated to be Rs 10.70 lakh-11.20 lakh (ex-showroom). 

While the Honda undercuts smaller rivals like the Kawasaki Z900 and Triumph Street Triple R in the UK market, it will be priced slightly higher here. However, the difference is small enough for it to be considered a rival to these motorcycles. With that considered, you will get a lot of bang for your buck with the Honda, which uses a 1000cc inline-four cylinder engine that produces 152hp and 104Nm of torque.

The Honda Hornet 1000 is also a well-equipped motorcycle that has a TFT display, adjustable Showa suspension and multiple electronic rider-assists, including riding modes. A bi-directional quickshifter will be available as an optional extra. 

Weighing 211kg, the Honda is actually a kilo lighter than the Kawasaki Z900 but a good 22kg heavier than the Triumph Street Triple R. It has a practical 17-litre fuel tank and an accessible 809mm seat height.

At the moment, Honda doesn’t appear to have any plans to bring the higher-spec CB1000 Hornet SP to our market, but we hope to see the company do so in the near future. If the regular Hornet offers great value, the SP does even more so, swapping the standard bike’s front Nissin brake calipers for Brembo Stylemas and offering a fully-adjustable Ohlins rear shock. The SP’s engine also produces a little more power (157hp and 107Nm), and the quickshifter is standard. In the UK, the SP offers all this for around 1000 pounds (about Rs 1 lakh) more.

The new Honda Hornet 1000 will be brought into India as a CBU import and retailed through Honda’s BigWing Topline dealer network.