EICMA: 2024 Honda CB1000 Hornet and CB500 Hornet

After the success of its recently launched CB750 Hornet, Honda used the 2023 EICMA motorcycle show in Milan to announce an expansion of its naked range with an all-new CB1000 Hornet and newly named CB500 Hornet.

Details are still scant, but the Honda CB1000 Hornet is powered by the same inline four-cylinder engine found in the firm’s 2017 CBR1000RR Fireblade, which is said to be capable of “over” 150hp (110kW) and “more than” 100Nm torque. It’s mounted in a twin-spar frame made of steel rather than aluminium, suggesting it’ll be competitively priced, while electronic rider aids appear to be limited to three switchable ride modes, traction control, and the Euro-5-mandated ABS.

Suspension duties will be looked after by a 41mm Showa fork adjustable for compression and rebound damping, matched to a Showa monoshock at the rear. And, like the Fireblade, the Hornet will receive a five-inch full-colour TFT dash and full LED lighting.

Adding the Hornet moniker to the updated 2024 CB500 has increased the Hornet range even further. As well as updated styling to bring it into line with its two new siblings, the CB500 Hornet gets traction control for 2024, a tweak to the ECU to improve response, a new LED headlight and the five-inch TFT screen, which is operated by a handlebar-mounted and backlit toggle switch.

More details on the range-topping CB1000 Hornet, including pricing and an on-sale date, will be released closer to its arrival.