Comparison · 25 October 2026

CB1000GT vs CB1000 Hornet: which 1000 cc bike suits your routes?

Beneath the tank, the same four-cylinder engine is at work; above it, the differences begin: the CB1000GT is built for long distances with luggage, the CB1000 Hornet for a direct riding feel without fairing. A comparison by intended use – from mountain pass to holiday trip.

CB1000GT vs CB1000 Hornet: the CB1000GT with windscreen and side fairing

One engine, two states of tune

Both use the liquid-cooled 1000 cm³ in-line four-cylinder engine, which is based on the engine of the 2017 CBR1000RR Fireblade. The Honda CB1000GT delivers 110.1 kW and 102 Nm at 8,750 rpm, the Honda CB1000 Hornet 111.6 kW and 104 Nm at 9,000 rpm. Peak output is therefore almost identical; according to Honda, the GT has more torque in the mid-range – which is what counts when touring with luggage.

For touring: what the CB1000GT offers

Showa EERA suspension, which continuously adapts damping to speed, attitude and fork travel; rear preload adjustable in 24 steps while riding
removable panniers with 37 and 28 litres, cruise control from 50 to 160 km/h, heated grips, hand guards and centre stand
windscreen adjustable to five positions, operable with one hand
21-litre tank: at 6.0 l/100 km according to WMTC, Honda Switzerland states a range of around 337 km
longer wheelbase (1465 instead of 1455 mm) and thicker seat padding – by 39.5 mm for the passenger

CB1000GT vs CB1000 Hornet: the CB1000 Hornet as a naked bike with twin LED headlights — The CB1000 Hornet: naked bike with the same four-cylinder engine

For the corners: what speaks for the CB1000 Hornet

The Hornet is the leaner motorcycle: lower seat height (809 instead of 825 mm), a 17-litre tank, no fairing and a top speed of 230 km/h instead of 200 km/h. If you mainly ride day trips, mountain passes and the commute to work, and like your motorcycle without add-ons, you will find the more direct character here.

In common: licence and test ride

For both you need a category A licence, as both deliver considerably more than 35 kW. More touring motorcycles are shown on the touring bike page of Honda Motorrad Zürich. The quickest way to feel the difference between pannier comfort and naked-bike feel is for yourself – on a 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 CB1000GT vs CB1000 Hornet

CB1000GT vs CB1000 Hornet – what is the main difference?

The intended use: the CB1000GT is a sports tourer with panniers, wind protection, cruise control and electronically controlled suspension, the CB1000 Hornet a naked bike without fairing. Both have the same four-cylinder engine.

Which one is faster, the CB1000GT or the CB1000 Hornet?

The CB1000 Hornet reaches 230 km/h, the CB1000GT 200 km/h. Peak output is 111.6 and 110.1 kW respectively.

Which one is more comfortable over long distances?

The CB1000GT: adjustable windscreen, heated grips, cruise control, thicker seat padding and a 21-litre tank for a range of around 337 km.

Do the CB1000GT and CB1000 Hornet have the same engine?

Yes, both use the 1000 cm³ in-line four-cylinder engine based on the 2017 Fireblade; the GT is tuned for more mid-range torque.

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

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

Further links