2026 Honda CB1000F Announced for US Market

We’re well into the 2027 announcement season, but American Honda had one more model to sneak in for 2026, officially announcing the CB1000F. Previously announced for the European market, we had an inkling the retro model would be making its way stateside after it got certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Honda sure took its sweet time to announce it for the U.S., and judging by the reader feedback in our previous coverage, the CB1000F’s arrival is welcome news.

Despite the old school look, the CB1000F is very much a modern machine. Like the CB1000 Hornet SP, it is powered by a liquid-cooled 1,000cc DOHC inline-Four based on the 2017 CBR1000RR’s engine. On the CB-F, the engine receives a more sedate tune than the more aggressive Hornet, with Honda prioritizing performance below 6,000 rpm. This was achieved by lengthening the intake funnel by 2 inches to 5.5 inches, and decreasing the diameter to 36mm from 42mm. The funnel inlet diameters are also varied, with the right pair measuring 40mm and the left two 50mm, creating a pulsating intake sound. Honda also revised the exhaust and intake valve timing.

In Europe, Honda claims a peak output of 122 hp at 9,000 rpm and 76 lb-ft. at 8,000. American Honda did not provide U.S.-spec figures, but EPA certifications and vehicle identification number data Honda submitted to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration cite a peak output of 102 hp at 8,000 rpm.

The engine is matched with a six-speed transmission with lower first and second gear ratios compared to the Hornet, and higher ratios for gears three through six. An assist/slipper clutch reduces the load on the lever while mitigating rear wheel hop during hard downshifts and braking.

The CB1000F is equipped with a six-axis inertial measurement unit, which the more modern-looking Hornet ironically does not have. The IMU works with the ride-by-wire throttle to offer different levels of lean-sensitive torque control (or Honda Selectable Torque Control, as Honda calls it) to match the three preset ride modes and two user custom modes. Each mode also offers different settings for power delivery and engine braking.

The engine is mounted to a one-piece steel diamond-style twin-spar frame, the same one used on the Hornet. The CB1000F gets its own rear subframe for a more horizontal tail and a more comfortable pillion set-up.

The CB1000F offers a relaxed, upright riding position, with a 31.3-inch seat height (0.6 inches lower than the Hornet) and narrow midsection making for an easy reach to the ground for most riders.

The 41mm Showa Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) inverted fork offers adjustable spring preload and rebound and compression damping, along with 5.1 inches of travel. Showa also supplies the rear monoshock, which connects to the swingarm with a progressive Honda Pro-link system. The rear shock offers adjustable preload and rebound damping, and 5.5 inches of travel.

The front wheel is equipped with dual radial-mount four-piston calipers from Nissin, matched with 310mm floating discs. Nissin also provides the single-piston rear caliper, which is paired with a 240mm disc. A IMU-backed cornering anti-lock braking system comes standard.