Honda Hornet 1000 SP: The Apex Predator

The resurrection of the Honda Hornet name, a moniker heavy with the expectation of street-fighting finesse, is a moment that demands attention. But the arrival of the 2025 Hornet 1000 SP doesn't just tap into nostalgia; it delivers a visceral, high-octane shock to the system. This isn't just a motorcycle; it’s a meticulously engineered Apex Predator, and frankly, it is pure, unadulterated fun.

From first glance, the Hornet 1000 SP broadcasts an air of inherent exclusivity. Honda’s design ethos here is a masterclass in controlled aggression: a minimalist, muscular aesthetic that serves to accentuate the brute power caged beneath the exquisitely sculpted fuel tank. This is a design philosophy that transcends mere utility, boldly stepping into the realm of kinetic sculpture.

The signature finish, matte ballistic black metallic, offers a brooding backdrop, artfully punctuated by bespoke carbon-fibre accents and the unmistakable, luxurious glint of gold from the premium suspension components. Settle into the seat, crafted from exceptionally soft and breathable Alcantara, and you feel at home, at one with the Hornet. The controls are weighted and positioned with surgical precision that invites total confidence.

The heart of the SP is a heavily revised, liquid-cooled, DOHC inline four-cylinder, a magnificent evolution directly derived from the fearsome CBR1000RR Fireblade engine. This fire-breathing unit, benefiting from Honda's decades of racing expertise, is specifically tuned for high-revving exhilaration. It delivers a staggering 116 kW (155bhp) at 11,000 rpm and 107 Nm of torque at 9,000 rpm.

This machine loves to rev, unleashing a brutal, top-end rush. Yet, its tractable nature ensures it’s no one-trick pony. The power delivery is a deep well of instantaneous energy, making third and fourth gear often all you need to transition from walking pace to "straight to jail" speeds. It is an effortless surge of acceleration that feels as reassuring on a high-speed sweeping bend as it is utterly exhilarating on a challenging backroad blast. 

The SP designation truly earns its stripes in the chassis and handling departments. The core architecture is anchored by a supremely sophisticated arrangement: fully adjustable 41 mm Showa SFF-BP USD forks up front, perfectly complemented by the headline feature, a fully adjustable Öhlins TTX36 rear monoshock, a significant upgrade over the standard Hornet 1000. The resulting ride quality is superb. The bike is sharp, frisky, and feels utterly alive. 

Cornering is elevated to an art form; the chassis communicates with such fidelity that the rider feels entirely integrated into the machine. This abundance of grip and feel inspires enormous confidence, creating an overall package that just begs to play. This is further enhanced by the peerless stopping power delivered by top-tier Brembo Stylema radial-mount front brake calipers, offering phenomenal stopping power with a progressive, predictable feel.

Our press bike had Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tyres fitted, which were excellent. They are known for fast warm-up and strong grip, which perfectly complements the aggressive, high-performance nature of the Hornet SP. Tyre sizes are: Front: 120/70−ZR17M/C, Rear: 180/55−ZR17M/C.

The Hornet 1000 SP is seamlessly supported by a sophisticated electronics package designed for the modern sport bike. The Throttle By Wire (TBW) system ensures crisp, surgical throttle control, complemented by an extensive suite of rider aids, including Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and Wheelie Control. The rider can instantly tailor the experience via three default modes (Standard, Sport, Rain) or two customisable USER modes that govern Power and Engine Brake levels.

An excellent, standard-fit two-way quickshifter provides lightning-fast gear changes, while a 5-inch full-colour TFT screen features Honda RoadSync connectivity.

In terms of ergonomics, the Hornet is remarkably easy to live with. With a low seat height of just 809 mm and a kerb weight of just 212 kg, it feels small and light when you swing a leg over. Out on the road, however, it’s sharp, aggressive, and supremely capable, rewarding enthusiastic riding to the point where it truly feels like everyone else is in slow motion. This is a seriously fun bike that will put a smile on your face.