The motorcycle show held in March is also the place where new models for the Japanese market to be sold that year are announced. Following the discontinuation of the CB1300SF, its successor may be unveiled at this year's show. So, let's consider the new “CB” while reviewing the “CB1000 Hornet” which will be the base of the new “CB”.
The New "CB-F" will be at the Cycle Show!
HONDA's CB1000 Hornet was unveiled at EICMA 2024 and went on sale in Japan on January 23, 2025. The standard model is priced around PHP519,000 (*Reference Price: JPY1,342,000) and the SP model is around PHP613,000 (*Reference Price: JPY1,584,000) which is a bargain price considering the current motorcycle prices.
The CB1000 Hornet, introduced as a 2025 model, is the first CB1000 to be introduced in Japan since its street-fighter style. It is attractive for its high specs and low price tag.
The CB1000 Hornet is mainly targeted at the European market and is styled in the street-fighter style. While street fighters have a certain fan base in Japan, it is clear from the sales of Kawasaki's Z900 and Z900RS that the classic naked style is more popular than the street fighter. Kawasaki has redefined "RS" as "retro sports".
Kawasaki's Z900RS has been at the top of the neo-retro line for seven years now, and the base model, the Z900, has been fully remodeled for the 2025 model year. Is a new model on the way?
As models along this "retro-sports" line, Yamaha released the "XSR900" based on the "MT-09" and Suzuki released the "Katana" based on the "GSX-S1000. HONDA also had a "CB1000R" in its lineup, but it could not surpass the "CB1300SF," a legitimate naked model that existed long before the "Z900RS," and was discontinued in 2024.
The "CB1000R" has changed from the street-fighter style of its predecessor to a neo-retro design. The design was reminiscent of the "Dream CB750FOUR.
The CB1300SF has also been announced to be discontinued, and just recently the sale of the final edition was announced. The main reason for this is emission regulations, but it may also be due to the fact that the current model, which was introduced in 2003, has already been on the market for 22 years. However, the popularity of the CB1300SF is still high, and with a vibrant market for retro-style naked models, it is hard to believe that HONDA would overlook it. What we would like to see, therefore, is a model that inherits the design of the CB-F series, which is based on the CB1000 Hornet. In fact, a model called the "CB-F Concept" has already been proposed for 2022, although it did not make it to the market.
The "CB1300 SUPER FOUR SP Final Edition" Final Edition was announced just recently. It will be "Pearl Sunbeam White", a reproduction of the livery of the first generation "CB1000SF".
This is also the Final Edition "CB1300 SUPER BOLD'OR SP Final Edition"; the standard color for both SF and SB is "Graphite Black".
Rumors of a new "CB-F" based on the "CB1000 Hornet" have already been reported several times on Webike+, and now we have heard that it may be displayed at the motorcycle show in March at the earliest. We will once again examine various parts of the "CB1000 Hornet," which is likely to be the base of the new "CB-F" series, and consider the possibility of a new "CB-F" series.
Flagship Power Unit and Advanced Electronic Equipment
The power unit of the CB1000 Hornet is based on the 2017 CBR1000RR and is, in a manner of speaking, in the lineage of HONDA's flagship model. This 999cc DOHC 4-valve inline 4-cylinder engine has a maximum output of 112kW (152PS)/11000rpm and maximum torque of 104N-m (10.6kgm)/9000rpm for the standard model, and 116kW (158PS)/11000rpm and maximum torque of 107N-m ( (10.9kgm)/9000rpm. The difference in power output is due to the Revolutionary Controlled (RC) valve in the exhaust system, which opens completely at 5700 rpm to increase exhaust efficiency, resulting in higher power and torque.
The CB1000 Hornet's engine is based on the 2017 CBR1000RR, with a maximum output of 112 kW (152 PS) for the standard and 116 kW (158 PS) for the SP./11,000 rpm.
The power unit features newly developed die-cast pistons, optimized valve timing and valve lift, and special settings for the transmission and final gear ratio to achieve a high level of balance between low- and mid-range torque and power characteristics. In addition, the throttle-by-wire system allows for three default riding modes, "Rain," "Standard," and "Sport," and two user-customized modes. Assist & Slipper clutch, HONDA Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), and a quick shifter on the SP are also available.
The pistons used in the Hornet's engine are newly developed die-cast, optimizing their shape while also reducing their weight.
Valve timing and valve lift have been modified to optimize powerful torque characteristics in the low and mid-range and maximum power output in the high-rpm range.
The air cleaner box is specially designed to reduce intake resistance and increase intake air density by placing the intake path from the funnel to the intake port in a straight line.
A variable valve is installed inside the SP's muffler, and the ECU controls the valve opening in accordance with engine rpm. Exhaust gas pressure is constantly optimized to achieve both powerful torque characteristics at low engine speeds and increased power output at high engine speeds.
The SP comes standard with a quickshifter that allows shifting up and down without the need to operate the clutch lever. The auto-blip function enables smooth and quick shifting.
Equipped with an assist and slipper clutch that reduces the operating load on the clutch lever and the shock caused by engine braking when downshifting.
This power unit will be installed in the new "CB" almost as is, and there is a strong possibility that an SP version will also be included in the lineup. This spec, which will give the new CB an edge over its biggest rival, the Z900RS, may be the driving force that propels the new CB to the top of its class.
The Design Treatment of the Frame and Tank is the Key to a Complete Chassis.
The frame of the "CB1000 Hornet" is a twin-spar type made of steel, and its handling has been improved by increasing torsional rigidity compared to the previous model. The new "CB" is likely to use basically the same frame, but the frame will be slightly exposed on the sides if it is made into a naked model, so the design treatment here is likely to be key to the new model's design. It may sound bad to say, but it is naturally desirable for a manufacturer to be able to "dress up" a vehicle without using special parts as much as possible. However, if the design is half-baked, it will affect sales. The design of the tank area is definitely a point that makes designers weep.
The frame is a twin-spar type made of steel that is both rigid and flexible, and its overall rigidity is optimized to produce an agile and nimble driving feel while accommodating high power output.
The rear suspension consists of a highly rigid aluminum swingarm and a separate pressurized single-tube shock combined with a Pro-Link.
Suspension is provided by 41mm Showa SFFBP fully adjustable inverted forks on the front and Showa rear shocks on the standard, with Ohlins TTX36s on the SP. Front brakes are Nissin 4-pot on the Standard and Brembo Stylema 4-pot on the SP, both radially mounted. The rear brakes on both the Standard and SP are Nissin single-pot calipers, with 310mm-diameter disc rotors in the front and 240mm-diameter rotors in the rear.
The front suspension is Showa's SFF-BP inverted fork, with damping mechanism and spring on the right side and spring only on the left side to reduce sliding resistance and weight.
The rear shock of the SP is an Ohlins TTX36 with independent oil passages for the rebound and compression sides. The TTX36 shock absorber allows for more fine-tuned damping force adjustment.
The suspension is also expected to follow the Hornet's lead, and the new "CB-F" is expected to have driving performance approaching that of a supersport motorcycle.
What to Expect from the New "CB-F"?
As for the design, the "CB-F Concept" was very attractive, so we expect to see a double feature of this naked style and a cowl like the "CB1100R Concept" displayed at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. The 2007 concept model of the CB1100F, which was announced at the same time, was the production model, and people have been waiting 18 years for it since then.
The CB1000 Hornet will feature a 5-inch full-color TFT LCD meter with advanced features such as the ability to use HONDA RoadSync. However, this square tablet-shaped meter does not suit the neoclassical style, so we would expect the meter to be an analog, twin-lens type. However, it would be nice to have a small LCD screen in the center of the meter or inside the meter so that some of the advanced functions can be used.
The Hornet is equipped with a 5-inch TFT full-color LCD screen that displays a variety of information. This screen is indispensable as it is used to set riding modes, etc. What choices will be made on the new “CB-F”?
Having said that, there is no doubt that the successor model of the CB1300SF is a model that can be expected to sell well not only in the Japanese market but also in overseas markets. The appropriate name for this model would be "CB1000SF." At any rate, we hope that the design and packaging will satisfy all fans of the "CB-F" series and attract new fans.
Concept model of the CB1100R displayed at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. Many CB fans were eagerly awaiting this model, but it was never sold.
The CB-F Concept, presented in 2020, is based on the CB1000R and is therefore a pro-arm version. Unfortunately, this one was also never released.
Combining the Hornet with the body design of the CB1100R concept model would be a perfect fit. If it is to be a naked model, the key point will be how to design the exposed frame and tank.
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