The Hornet = Wasp name first appeared at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show.
Equipped with a CBR250-series cam gear Lane's DOHC 4-cylinder engine, and an up-type muffler, its novel design caught the eye. The 250cc model disappeared after one generation but became a street-fighter model that was very popular in Europe.
Once the name disappeared, the CB750 Hornet was introduced in 2022, followed by a more advanced model, the CB1000 Hornet, in 2023.
2024 The Wasp Strikes Back.
The first-generation Honda Hornet was a rare high-performance motorcycle that began as a 250cc model and was followed by 600cc and 900cc engines mounted on a mid-size chassis. The engines installed in all models were supersport inline-four engines, transcending the "naked" category in Japan and creating a category of its own.
When the CB600 Hornet was redesigned in 2007, the headlight was changed from the previous round shape to a street-fighter-style mini cowl. This design was carried over to the CB1000R, which gained popularity in Europe as the flagship of the streetfighter category. However, with the 2018 model change, the CB1000R adopted a new style with a round headlight with LEDs, rebooting the basic bike's design.
However, in the streetfighter category, which is the mainstream in Europe, manufacturers continue to introduce a series of models with a strong focus, mainly two-cylinder 650-800ccs and four-cylinder inline-four models. Honda also introduced the CB750 Hornet, a street-fighter-designed parallel-twin 750cc model. This was followed by the 1,000cc inline-four CB1000 Hornet at the 2023 EICMA, and the CB1000 Hornet was announced for sale in Japan at the 2024 Motorcycle Show. It was expected to go on sale in the summer of 2024, but now we have the latest information that it will go on sale in the fall and winter of 2024.
Japan version of the CB1000 Hornet presented at the March 2024 Motorcycle Show.
Contemporary street-fighter design with a short tail creating a sharp rear view
The engine is an inline-four 999cc derived from the CBR1000RR, with a maximum output exceeding 150 PS.
Front cowl with LED lights for a tight, street-fighter-like impression
The edgy design of the tank features a shroud-like design
Finally, the two-cylinder supersport CB750 Hornet is expected to be introduced in Japan.
While it is somewhat disappointing for Honda fans that the CB1000 Hornet will be introduced later than originally expected, at the same time, there are a few pieces of good news coming in. The first is that the CB750 Hornet is expected to be introduced in Japan around the same time as the CB1000 Hornet, in the fall and winter of this year.
The parallel-twin streetfighter model category, which currently includes Kawasaki's Z650, Suzuki's GSX-8S, and Yamaha's MT-07 in Japan, has been accepted by many people due to its good balance and easy handling.
Honda has the inline-four "CB650," which has evolved with the adoption of the E-clutch and other features, but as far as parallel-twin middle-sport models are concerned, there was a vacancy. The engine mounted by the CB750 Hornet is the same SOHC two-cylinder 755cc engine as the Transalp, and the specifications for European specifications are 67.6kW (91.2PS)/9,500rpm and 75N-m/7,250rpm. The rival Suzuki GSX-8S has a DOHC 2-cylinder 775cc engine with domestic specifications of 59kW (80.2PS)/8,000rpm and 76N-m/6,800rpm, so the Hornet is a higher-revving, higher-power type.
The The tight, muscular design is a street fighter-like finish.
The motorcycle size is ideal for Japanese people, and it seems easy to maneuver.
The 755cc two-cylinder engine is an SOHC four-valve engine, a rare form these days.
The meters are color LCD, but the tachometer with analog display is exciting.
Transalp, which shares the same engine, was introduced in Japan earlier.
This is the real deal? The full cowl spec "CB1000 Hornet S" also followed!
The other is the possible appearance of a full-cowl version of the CB1000 Hornet, the editorially named CB1000 Hornet S, which we have informed you about once before.
Other sports tourers based on inline-four streetfighters include Kawasaki's Ninja 1000SX, based on the Z1000, and Suzuki's GSX-S1000GT, based on the GSX-S1000. These sports tourers, based on supersport-derived engines, are equipped with a more comfortable position than the Supersports and a more windproof cowl than the streetfighter and offer high performance in a wide range of stages.
As a result, they can handle everything from touring to city riding on a single machine and are becoming the most versatile category. For Honda, the VFR800F was in this category, and it is good news that the sports tourer may be revived to replace the discontinued V-type.
The image is a CG produced by the editorial department. The stylish full cowl will be in line with the recent CB series!?
The image is a CG created by the editorial department. The sporty but upright position is expected due to the high handlebars and other features.
Now, Honda's three choices, the CB1000 Hornet, the CB750 Hornet, and the CB1000 Hornet S. All are tempting and troubling, will you be able to give your answer before they go on sale? Wait for more news!
CB750 Hornet (2023, Overseas Specs.)
Overall length x width x height: 2,090 x 780 x 1,085 mm
Wheelbase: 1,420mm
Seat height: 795mm ・Car weight: 190kg
Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 2-cylinder SOHC 4-valve 755cc
Maximum output: 67.5 kW at 9,500 rpm
Maximum torque: 75 Nm at 7,250 rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 15.2 liters
Transmission: 6-speed return
Brakes: F=double disc, R=disc
Tires: F=120/70 ZR17, R=160/60 ZR17
CB1000 Hornet (2024, Overseas Specs.)
Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 4-cylinder DOHC 4-valve 999cc
Maximum output: 150 PS or more
Maximum torque: 100 Nm or more
Transmission: 6-speed return
Brakes: F = double disc, R = disc
Tires: F=120/70 ZR17, R=180/55 ZR17
