The 2023 CB750 brought the Hornet name back to Europe. And its combination of slim streetfighter silhouette, power, and agility rightly deserved many accolades that were reflected in impressive sales numbers; in fact, this was the best-selling naked bike in Europe until August 2023.
Now, for 2024, the Hornet family has expanded with the introduction, not of one, but two new members. With the CB500 Hornet taking its place alongside the CB750 Hornet, the trio is led by the new CB1000 Hornet. Equipped with the engine from the 2017 CBR1000RR Fireblade and designed for a wide range of strong inline four-cylinder performances and agile handling, the CB1000 Hornet offers driving fun, from the hustle and bustle of cities to winding secondary roads.
Designed in Japan, its transformative appearance is guided by two nouns: aggressiveness and purity. With the focus of the two compact LED projector headlights, the signature Hornet fuel tank – with the sides folded forward – the bike is wide at the front, but narrows radically towards the back, something that is seen in the minimalist seat that reflects the traditional narrow waist of the Hornet. The new frame also serves as a design element, but here it is subtly darkened – just like the tubular trellis-type rear subframe.
The potential of the CB1000 Hornet to “conquer kilometers quickly”, the quality specifications, compact dimensions, and renewed style make it a motorcycle hard to ignore, especially for those who ride a medium-displacement naked bike and are looking to take it up a notch.
