2026 Honda CB1000GT – First Look
Electronic suspension and panniers come standard
Despite being the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer and having a diverse catalog of motorcycles, Honda had been lacking in sport-touring options since it discontinued the ST1300 in 2013, and the VFR1200 in 2017. That started to change in recent years, first with the introduction of the NT1100, and now, the addition of the Honda CB1000GT.
Based on the CB1000 Hornet, the CB1000GT gives Honda a competitor to go up against the likes of the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT. The 2017-spec CBR1000RR engine and diamond-steel main frame are inherited from the Hornet, but revised to better suit riding with luggage across longer distances.
The half fairing features a number of sharp edges with two points jutting out below the LED headlight and optional fog lights. According to Honda, the fairing was designed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to optimize wind protection and neutral handling, no matter the pitch, roll or yaw angles. The five-position adjustable windscreen provides further wind deflection, but if that’s not enough, Honda offers an accessory tall screen.
Additional touring comforts include heated grips, hand guards, cruise control, and yes, standard luggage. Unlike a lot of sport-touring models on the market, the CB1000GT comes delivered set up for touring, with detachable panniers. The left bag holds 37 liters while the right sacrifices some cargo space with a 28 liter capacity to make room for the exhaust.
The CB1000GT’s 1,000cc Inline-Four is similar to the Hornet’s engine, but receives specific fuel mappings to provide smooth power delivery while traveling long distances. Honda claims a peak output of 147.6 hp at 11,000 rpm and 75.2 lb-ft. at 8,750 rpm.
The six-speed transmission is optimized to offer relaxed highway cruising in sixth gear and acceleration for gears two through six. An assist/slipper clutch helps lighten the lever load and reduce rear wheel hop, while a bidirectional autoblipping quickshifter offers seamless shifting.
The CB1000GT comes with four preset ride modes, standard, sport, rain, and tour, plus a user-defined custom mode. Each mode offers a combination of engine power, engine brake, and traction control. Wheelie control also comes standard.
A Nippon Seiki six-axis inertial measurement unit unlocks the cornering anti-lock braking system while also contributing to the CB1000GT’s Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (Showa-EERA) suspension. A suspension control unit optimizes the damping level using data from the IMU, engine control unit, and fork sensors. Similar to the ride modes, riders can select from four different suspension modes to suit the situation. Showa-EERA can also electronically adjust the rear suspension’s preload, while the 41mm inverted fork offers manual preload adjustment.
Nissin supplies the braking system, comprising dual radial-mount four-piston calipers with 310mm discs up front, and a single-piston caliper and 240mm disc for the rear.
Other features include a five-inch TFT display with Honda RoadSync phone connectivity, a smart key, a 32.5-inch seat height, a 5.5 gallon fuel tank, and a claimed curb weight of 505 pounds.
The 2026 Honda CB1000GT is available in three color options: Grand Prix Red with extended Graphite Black, Pearl Deep Mud Gray, and Graphite Black. U.S. availability remains to be determined.
2026 Honda CB1000GT Specifications | |
|---|---|
Engine Type | Liquid-cooled, DOHC inline 4-cylinder |
Engine Displacement | 1000cc |
Bore x Stroke (mm) | 76mm×55.1mm |
Compression Ratio | 11.7:1 |
Max. Power Output | 147.6 hp at 11,000 rpm (claimed) |
Max. Torque | 75.2 lb-ft. at 8,750 rpm (claimed) |
Starter | E-Starter |
Carburation | Port fuel injection |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 5.5 gallons |
Battery Type | AGM |
Battery Capacity | 12V 9.1Ah |
Clutch Type | Wet multiplate, assisted slipper |
Transmission Type | 6 speed |
Final Drive | Chain |
Frame Type | Diamond frame, Steel |
Front Suspension | Electronically controlled suspension (EERA), manual preload adjuster |
Rear Suspension | Electronically controlled suspension (EERA), electronic preload adjuster |
Front Brakes | Nissin 4 piston radial calipers, twin 310mm discs |
Rear Brakes | Nissin single caliper, single 240 mm disc |
ABS Type | 2-channel 6-axis IMU-based Cornering ABS |
Front Wheel | 17M/C x MT3.50 |
Rear Wheel | 17M/C x MT5.50 |
Front Tire | 120/70ZR17M/C (58W) |
Rear Tire | 180/55ZR17M/C (73W) |
Length | 84.1 inches |
Width | 36.6 inches |
Height | 50.8 inches |
Wheelbase | 57.7 inches |
Rake/Trail | 25° / 4.2 inches |
Seat Height | 32.4 inches |
Ground Clearance | 5.3 inches |
Curb Weight | 505 pounds (claimed) |
Instruments | Five-inch TFT Panel Multi information display |
Headlight | LED |
Taillight | LED |
Connectivity | RoadSync |
USB | USB-C |
Auto Winker Cancel | Yes |
Quick shifter | Yes |
Security System | HISS and SMART KEY |
Cruise Control | Yes |
Riding mode | Standard, Rain, Sport, Tour, 1x User |
HSTC | Yes |
Heated grips | Yes |
Additional Features | Five-stage manually adjustable screen, main stand, panniers, Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Wheelie Control, heated grips |
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Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.
More by Dennis Chung
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48s ago
From Honda Japan on X: “The CB1000GT is scheduled to go on sale in Europe as well as Japan, Asia, and the Oceania region.” So, not for the USA market. 🥹
I find it sad that, with all of Honda’s engineering prowess, they couldn’t/didn’t design an exhaust that would allow the right pannier to be as large as the left one, on an ST bike. /facepalm