Honda Hornet 1000 SP: The big Hornet is finally here — and it’s not pulling any punches. Honda has launched the Hornet 1000 SP in India at ₹12.36 lakh (ex-showroom), bringing its full-blown litre-class streetfighter to Indian streets for the first time.
Why does this matter? Because Honda’s been playing safe in the premium naked segment for years. The Hornet 1000 SP changes that. It’s aggressive, fully loaded, and aimed squarely at riders who want inline-4 thrills without going full superbike. Think of it as the rowdy sibling of the CBR1000RR, minus the fairings, but all the fury.
Muscle Meets Sharp Street Style
At the heart of the Hornet 1000 SP is a 999cc, liquid-cooled, inline-four engine that belts out a solid 157hp at 10,500rpm and 107Nm at 8,250rpm. This is the same motor from the Africa Twin’s bigger cousin — re-tuned for grunt and usable midrange rather than outright top-end madness.
The SP badge brings premium kit. You get Showa’s Big Piston forks up front, a monoshock at the rear (both fully adjustable), a lightweight aluminium frame, and a sharp new design language that feels European in intent. Think street brawler with clean-cut lines — it’s lean, athletic, and unmistakably Honda.
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Tech That Talks to You
It’s not just muscle and metal — the Hornet 1000 SP packs brains too. There’s a 5-inch TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity, four riding modes (Rain, Standard, Sport, User), traction control, wheelie control, and engine brake settings. ABS is of course standard, and the electronics package is shared with the Fireblade. That’s trickle-down tech done right.
It rolls on 17-inch wheels, shod with sticky 120/70 (front) and 190/55 (rear) rubber — perfect for spirited weekend rides or even the occasional track day. Brembo Stylema calipers handle braking duties up front, giving you bite and feel to match the power.
India Launch, Price & What to Expect
At ₹12.36 lakh (ex-showroom), the Hornet 1000 SP undercuts some of its European rivals like the Ducati Streetfighter V2 and BMW S 1000 R. Sure, it may not have their exotic branding, but Honda’s reputation for reliability and refinement makes a strong case for the Hornet — especially if you’re looking for everyday usability with proper litre-class performance.
Deliveries will begin shortly via Honda’s BigWing Topline dealerships across India. Honda hasn’t said anything about local assembly yet, so this one’s coming in as a CBU for now.
Final Word
This is not just another naked bike from Honda. It’s a statement. The Hornet 1000 SP finally gives Honda a sharp weapon in the big bike segment — and for Indian riders looking beyond the usual European suspects, that’s very good news indeed.
Whether you’re moving up from a 650 or just want that inline-four soundtrack without going supersport, this Hornet’s buzzing in all the right ways.