Blog · 23 October 2026

CB1000GT or CB1000 Hornet: what sets the two apart

The Honda CB1000GT is based on the CB1000 Hornet and uses the same four-cylinder engine, which is based on the engine of the 2017 Fireblade. Nevertheless, they are two very different motorcycles: on one side the sports tourer with panniers and electronically controlled suspension, on the other the naked bike. CB1000GT or CB1000 Hornet – the differences at a glance.

CB1000GT or CB1000 Hornet – Honda CB1000GT with adjustable windscreen and side fairing

Same engine, different tuning

Both have a liquid-cooled 1000 cm³ in-line four-cylinder engine (bore × stroke 76 × 55.1 mm), based on the engine of the 2017 CBR1000RR Fireblade. According to Honda Switzerland, the Honda CB1000 Hornet delivers 111.6 kW (152 hp) at 11,000 rpm and 104 Nm at 9,000 rpm, the Hornet SP 115.6 kW (157 hp). The Honda CB1000GT produces 110.1 kW (150 hp) at 11,000 rpm and 102 Nm at 8,750 rpm. Peak output is therefore almost identical; according to Honda, the GT has more torque in the mid-range.

Suspension: electronically controlled on the GT

The CB1000GT comes as standard with the electronically controlled Showa EERA suspension. Damping adapts continuously to speed, the attitude of the motorcycle (measured by the IMU) and fork travel; the control unit responds within 15 milliseconds. Rear preload can be adjusted electronically in 24 steps while riding.

For touring use, Honda has lengthened and reinforced the subframe, extended the swingarm from 619 to 635 mm and increased rear suspension travel from 140 to 144 mm. This increases the wheelbase from 1455 to 1465 mm.

Honda CB1000 Hornet with twin LED headlights in streetfighter design — The CB1000 Hornet: naked bike without fairing, with the same four-cylinder engine as the CB1000GT

Equipment for long distances

What the CB1000GT comes with from the factory:

panniers with 37 litres (left) and 28 litres (right), removable
cruise control from 50 to 160 km/h, heated grips and hand guards
quickshifter with blipper function
windscreen adjustable to five positions, operable with one hand
centre stand, Smart Key and cornering ABS with 6-axis IMU

With a 21-litre tank (Hornet: 17 litres) and a consumption of 6.0 l/100 km according to WMTC, Honda Switzerland states a range of around 337 km.

The figures compared

	CB1000GT	CB1000 Hornet
Output	110.1 kW (150 hp)	111.6 kW (152 hp)
Torque	102 Nm at 8,750 rpm	104 Nm at 9,000 rpm
Tank	21 litres	17 litres
Seat height	825 mm	809 mm
Wheelbase	1465 mm	1455 mm
Top speed	200 km/h	230 km/h
Suspension	Showa EERA, electronically controlled	Showa upside-down fork
Panniers, cruise control, heated grips	standard	–

Figures from Honda (CB1000GT press kit, technical data from Honda Switzerland).

Which one suits you?

If you are looking for a purist naked bike without fairing, the Hornet is the right choice – more on this in the Honda Naked category. If you often travel with luggage and a passenger, you will benefit from the CB1000GT's panniers, wind protection, cruise control and larger tank; more touring motorcycles are shown in the Honda Tourer category. For both you need a category A licence, as both deliver considerably more than 35 kW. The best way to feel the difference is for yourself, on a Honda motorcycle test ride.

CB1000GT and CB1000 Hornet at Honda Motorrad Zürich

Honda CB1000GT
Model year 2026

Displacement
1,000 cc
Power
110.1 kW
Fuel tank
21 l
Honda CB1000 Hornet
Model year 2025

Displacement
1,000 cc
Power
111.6 kW
Fuel tank
17 l

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions about the CB1000GT and CB1000 Hornet

Does the CB1000GT have the same engine as the CB1000 Hornet?

Yes. Both use the 1000 cm³ in-line four-cylinder engine, which is based on the engine of the 2017 Fireblade. The CB1000GT delivers 110.1 kW and 102 Nm, the CB1000 Hornet 111.6 kW and 104 Nm.

What is the Showa EERA suspension of the CB1000GT?

An electronically controlled suspension: damping adapts continuously to speed, the attitude of the motorcycle and fork travel, and rear preload can be adjusted in 24 steps while riding.

How far does the CB1000GT go on one tank of fuel?

The CB1000GT has a 21-litre tank and consumes 6.0 l/100 km according to WMTC. Honda Switzerland states a range of around 337 km.

Which licence do I need for the CB1000GT or CB1000 Hornet?

A category A licence. Both models deliver more than 35 kW and are therefore not approved for category A restricted (A2).

Does the CB1000GT come with panniers as standard?

Yes. The removable panniers hold 37 litres on the left and 28 litres on the right; cruise control, heated grips and a quickshifter are also standard.

Further links