Honda’s new CB1000 Hornet SP has officially joined the BigWing portfolio, becoming the fourth premium motorcycle launched by the brand this month. Positioned in the litre-class naked segment, the CB1000 Hornet SP competes directly with some heavyweight contenders—both in engine displacement and price. But how does it fare against rivals like the Suzuki Katana, Triumph Street Triple RS, and the ever-popular Kawasaki Z900?
Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of performance, dimensions, equipment, features, and pricing.
Engine & Performance: CB1000 Hornet vs Katana vs Street Triple RS vs Z900
| Bike | Engine | Power | Torque | Gearbox | Power-to-Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CB1000 Hornet SP | 999cc, inline-4 | 157hp @ 11,000rpm | 107Nm @ 9,000rpm | 6-speed | 744hp/tonne |
| Suzuki Katana | 999cc, inline-4 | 152hp | 106Nm | 6-speed | 700hp/tonne |
| Triumph Street Triple RS | 765cc, inline-3 | 130hp @ 12,000rpm | 80Nm @ 9,500rpm | 6-speed | 691hp/tonne |
| Kawasaki Z900 | 948cc, inline-4 | 125hp @ 9,500rpm | 98.6Nm @ 7,700rpm | 6-speed | 589hp/tonne |
Verdict:
The CB1000 Hornet SP delivers the highest output in this group and boasts the best power-to-weight ratio. While the Triumph Street Triple RS may have the smallest engine, its lightweight design gives it strong real-world performance. The Z900 offers good value but lags in both performance and equipment.
Dimensions & Weight Comparison
| Bike | Kerb Weight | Seat Height | Fuel Tank | Ground Clearance | Wheelbase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CB1000 Hornet SP | 211kg | 810mm | 17L | 135mm | 1455mm |
| Suzuki Katana | 217kg | 825mm | 12L | 140mm | 1460mm |
| Street Triple RS | 188kg | 836mm | 15L | NA | 1399mm |
| Kawasaki Z900 | 212kg | 820mm | 17L | 145mm | 1455mm |
Verdict:
The Hornet SP strikes a balance between weight and rider comfort, offering a manageable seat height and ample fuel capacity. The Street Triple RS is the lightest, aiding agility, but has the tallest seat height. Meanwhile, the Katana is the heaviest and has the smallest tank, which could limit touring capability.
Suspension, Brakes & Tyres
| Bike | Suspension (F/R) | Brakes (F/R) | Tyres (F/R) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CB1000 Hornet SP | Showa USD / monoshock (adjustable) | 310mm / 240mm Brembo Stylema | 120/70 R17 / 180/55 R17 |
| Suzuki Katana | USD / monoshock | Twin disc / single disc (Brembo) | 120/70 R17 / 190/50 R17 |
| Street Triple RS | Showa/Ohlins (fully adjustable) | 310mm / 220mm Brembo Stylema | 120/70 R17 / 180/55 R17 |
| Kawasaki Z900 | USD / monoshock (preload + rebound) | 300mm / 250mm | 120/70 R17 / 180/55 R17 |
Verdict:
Both the CB1000 Hornet SP and Street Triple RS come with premium braking hardware (Brembo Stylema calipers with steel braided lines) and fully adjustable suspension. The Z900 makes do with basic adjustability, while the Katana lacks the advanced braking components of the other two.
Features & Technology
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TFT Display: Standard on CB1000 Hornet, Z900, and Street Triple RS (requires optional module for Bluetooth on Triumph).
-
Quickshifter: Bi-directional unit on all except Z900.
-
Rider Modes & Traction Control: Standard across all.
-
Bluetooth Connectivity: Available on all except the Katana (LCD display).
Verdict:
The Katana falls behind in tech, still using an LCD dash and missing smartphone integration. The Hornet SP offers a full suite of modern features, and the Street Triple RS packs high-end electronics—though full Bluetooth connectivity costs extra. An updated Z900 with a new TFT and upgraded hardware is on the horizon, but not here yet.
Price Comparison (Ex-showroom)
| Bike | Price |
|---|---|
| Honda CB1000 Hornet SP | ₹12.36 lakh (Gurugram) |
| Suzuki Katana | ₹13.61 lakh (Delhi) |
| Triumph Street Triple RS | ₹11.81 – ₹12.07 lakh |
| Kawasaki Z900 | ₹9.38 lakh |
Verdict:
The Z900 remains the most budget-friendly option but offers fewer premium features and lower performance. The Street Triple RS delivers fantastic value for a middleweight, but for around ₹30,000 more, the CB1000 Hornet SP gives you a full-litre class engine, better components, and a higher performance ceiling. The Katana, despite being priced higher than the Hornet, doesn’t match up in terms of features or equipment.
Final Thoughts: Is the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP Worth It?
The Honda CB1000 Hornet SP offers a compelling mix of litre-class performance, premium components, and modern features at a competitive price. It bridges the gap between middleweight nakeds and full-fledged superbike-derived streetfighters.
If you want top-tier performance and don’t mind spending slightly more than a middleweight, the Hornet SP is arguably the best value among litre-class streetfighters in India right now.
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