2026 Honda CB1000F Announced For Europe

While the Hornet is positioned as a modern streetfighter, Honda says the CB1000F was developed to be the “best balanced roadster,” combining the handling of a middleweight with a big bike feel.

Juxtaposing the CB1000F with the Hornet, we can see how stark the difference is between the two bikes despite sharing similar underpinnings. While the Hornet is all sharp edges with a pointy stinger-like tail, the CB1000F emphasizes smooth surfaces with rounded corners. The flat fuel tank flows into the side covers and back to the seat cowl, whereas the CB1000 Hornet’s lines rise upward from front to rear.

The handlebars are higher and closer to the rider while the footpegs are slightly ahead compared to the CB1000 Hornet, making for a more upright seating position. The well cushioned rider seat sits 31.3 inches from the ground, compared to the Hornet’s 31.9 inches. The pillion accommodations are also lower, with more relaxed footpeg positioning.

Like the CB models from the ’80s, the CB1000F sports a single round headlamp over twin horns with separate frequencies. Honda is also offering a color-matched headlight cowl either as a standalone accessory or as part of a Sports Pack.

The 1,000cc engine is derived from the 2017 CBR1000RR’s Inline-Four, just like the CB1000 Hornet. While the Hornet’s engine is tuned towards high-rpm performance, the CB1000F is tuned to favor low- and mid-range torque. This was achieved through revised intake and exhaust valves, and larger intake funnels. Compared to the CB1000 Hornet’s intake, the CB1000F’s intake funnels were extended 50mm to 140mm, and a smaller minimum diameter (now 36mm from 42mm). The two left funnel inlets are 50mm in diameter, while the two on the right are 40mm, resulting in a pulsating intake sound. Honda also designed a new airbox to fit the CB1000F’s more squared off fuel tank.

To match the new intake notes and the ’80s styling, Honda added a 4-2-1 exhaust system with a period-correct three-chamber megaphone-style muffler. Altogether, Honda claims the CB1000F produces 122 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and 76.0 lb-ft. at 8,000 rpm compared to the Hornet’s 149.7 hp at 11,000 rpm and 76.7 lb-ft. at 9,000 rpm.

Honda also revised the gearbox to suit the CB1000F’s more gentlemanly character. First and second gear use lower ratios than the CB1000 Hornet, increasing low-speed response and acceleration. Gears three through six, however, have higher ratios for more relaxed cruising. An assist/slipper clutch helps to reduce fatigue and manage rear wheel hop during hard, rapid downshifts and braking. Like the headlight cowl, a bidirectional quickshifter is available either on its own or as part of the sports package.

Despite the retro look, the CB1000F is fitted with modern electronics, including a throttle-by-wire system and a six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU), which we must point out, the more modern looking Hornet lacks. The CB1000F comes preset with Standard, Sport, and Rain modes, plus slots for two custom modes. Each mode offers a combination of engine power, engine brake, and the Honda Selectable Torque Control (i.e. traction control). Settings are managed via a five-inch TFT color screen and backlit switches on the left handlebar.

Up front, the CB1000F uses a Showa inverted 41mm Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) fork, with adjustable spring preload, rebound and compression damping. Showa also supplies the separate pressurized single-tube rear shock, with adjustable preload and rebound damping.

The braking system consists of dual radial-mount Nissin four-piston calipers with 310mm discs up front, and a single-piston Nissin caliper with a 240mm disc at the rear. Cornering ABS comes standard.

The 2026 Honda CB1000F will be offered in three color options: Wolf Silver Metallic with Blue Stripe, Wolf Silver Metallic with Grey Stripe, and Graphite Black. Honda has prepared a number of accessories, as well as a choice of three curated packs.

The Sports pack includes a color-matched headlight cowl, tank side decals, a radiator grill, engine guards, a red oil filler cap, and a bidirectional quickshifter. The Comfort Pack adds a high windscreen, upper and lower deflectors, fog lights, and more comfortable seating. The Travel Pack combines a tank bag and soft saddlebags.