A bit surprised would be a natural response at first, but a pleasant one, nonetheless. Continuing with its onslaught of bringing all the latest iterations of its big bikes to India, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has now registered the design patent for the new 2024 CB1000 Hornet. Thus, signalling an oncoming launch, sometime by late 2024.
The naked sport, litre-class motorcycle is already available in international markets, after its official unveiling at the 2023 EICMA, in Milan. Launched as a replacement for the Honda CB1000R Neo Sports Cafe, the new CB1000 Hornet carries forward the same 2017 Honda CB1000RR Fireblade engine with a nice 4-2-1 exhaust system for that bassy-y, yet shrill and nice exhaust note. This 999 cc, inline-4 cylinder engine produces 147 bhp and 100 Nm, paired to a 6-speed gearbox with assist/slipper clutch.
(Also Read: Honda XL750 Transalp Launched In India)
Designed to look muscular and yet agile and aggressive, the 2024 Honda CB1000 Hornet is built around a trellis architecture. Suspended on Showa 41 mm SFF-BP USD fork and rear shock with compression and rebound damping control through pro-link. Braking duties are taken care of by radially-mounted four-piston brake callipers clasping twin 310 mm floating discs at the front.
Feature-wise, it is available with ride-by-wire throttle, which inevitably gets you three ride modes, along with traction control aka Honda Selectable Torque Control. The controls can be accessed via the 5-inch instrument console which also gets Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity for call/SMS alerts, music controls, etc.
(Also Read: Honda NX500 Launched At ₹5.90 Lakh)
If the Honda CB1000 Hornet launches in India this year, then it will be the third big Honda bike to launch in the country after Honda Transalp XL750 and NX500. In the naked sport segment, the CB1000 Hornet will compete in a very elite class which will include the likes of the Ducati Streetfighter V2 and the Kawasaki Z900.
