03/08/2025

Contributing Editor Keshy Dhillon / keshy@piston.my Editorial

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powered by SCAN ME The sledgehammer Honda CB1000 SP not for the faint hearted BY WAHID OOI SUNDAY | AUG 3, 2025

Same software used on all Honda motorcycles, making it easier to transition from one to another.

OPEN-CLASS naked bikes are all about aggressiveness, style, and performance. In other words, pure motorcycling. Granted, we are lucky to have many open class (1000cc) naked bikes in Malaysia, but the Japanese offerings seem to play second fiddle to their European rivals in the minds of consumers. So, will this the 2025 Honda CB1000 SP bring about a shift in this per ception? A BRIEF CLARIFICATION Firstly, the CB1000 is also known as the Hornet 1000 in European markets, and therefore, some explanation is needed. The CB1000 range consists of Honda’s open-class naked/roadster motorcycles, and it has two current models, namely this CB1000 and the CB1000R. A CB1000F prototype was also revealed at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show this March and may be launched at the Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race in August. CB1000R: Honda calls it a Neo Cafe streetfighter, with a single-sided swingarm. CB1000F: The upcoming variant is an homage to the CB750F/CB900F that Freddie Spencer campaigned in the AMA Superbike Championship in the late 70s and early 80s. CB1000/CB1000 SP/Hornet 1000: A sporty streetfighter, with a conventional double-side swingarm. The SP version fea tures several goodies. All three variants share the same 1000cc, inline-four engine adopted from the 2017 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade, albeit tuned for low to mid-range torque, plus the tubu lar steel frame. To understand the CB1000’s philosophy

Some say the front end of this Honda looks like it has been inspired by the Ducati Streetfighter.

achieved through the addition of a Revolutionary Controlled (RC) valve in the 7.1L exhaust muffler, compared to the non SP version. 0 Fueling is managed via PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection), supported by a 17L fuel tank. 0 Multi-plate assist & slipper wet clutch, and 6-speed transmission. 0 Adjustable quickshifter enables clutch less up/down shifts. 0 Twin LED projectors and a muscular style tank. 0 Twin-spar steel frame. 0 Fully-adjustable 41mm Showa SFF-BP forks. 0 Fully-adjustable Ohlins TTX36 rear shock with Pro-Link. 0 Brembo Stylema front brake calipers and 310mm floating discs. 0 5 ļ TFT display with Honda RoadSync supports calls, music, navigation, and noti fications via Bluetooth. 0 Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) system flashes hazard lights during sudden braking for added safety. 0 Three default ride modes (Sport, Standard, Rain) plus two customisable User modes.

Left handle bar buttons and switches.

Right handle bar buttons and switches.

1000, it embodies the spirit of accessible performance, practicality, at a budget friendly price, wrapped up in a sharp, aggressive bodywork thereby distinguish ing its character compared to its brethren. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2025 HONDA CB1000 SP 0 1000cc, liquid-cooled, 16-valve DOHC inline-four delivers 155hp (115.6kW) at 11,000rpm and 107Nm of torque at 9,000rpm. 0 The gain of 5.4hp (4kW) and 2 Nm is

further, the Hornet name is hallowed to Honda. The maker launched the first CB600F Hornet in 1998 for the European market. It was powered by the 599cc, inline-line four engine adopted from the CBR600F (and later CBR600RR) sportbike, and minus the higher-end components. Hence, The Hornet was more accessible, practical, and cheaper, becoming the most popular 600c motorcycle in the UK and Europe. Coming back to the CB1000/Hornet