The prototype of the Honda CB1000 Hornet It was presented for the first time at the EICMA fair in Milan last November. Since then, numerous news have emerged about this model and, although Honda jealously guards the technical data, images and some small new details of the mechanics have been leaked. What we don't know is its official release date, and it's taking a while.
What we do know is that the future CB1000 Hornet It uses a version of the inline four-cylinder engine, similar to that of the previous generation Fireblade. But it will reach the official dealers of the house of the golden wing, offering a more economical and road-oriented option compared to the Honda CB1000R and CBR1000RR-R.
What do we know about the Honda CB1000 Hornet?
The launch schedule at EICMA and its 2024 model year (24YM) designation indicated that its debut would be sometime this year. Although this has not yet happened, and even though Sling has already launched most of its new models for 2024, it does not necessarily mean that the launch of the Hornet is ruled out. Or at least, that's what we think.
Very recently, German media reported on a possible postponement until 2025 without knowing the reasons for the delay. Although it may seem that this information refers only to the German market, manufacturers often group countries within large regions such as Europe. In England, our colleagues contacted Honda UK to try to get another perspective, and they got it. The response from the Honda spokesperson was: “It is still listed as the 24YM model and we are confident that it will be available towards the end of this year.”
So, and due to this latest British information. A winter launch would be more in line with usual practice. And since Sling has already launched several new and updated models, i.e. the Honda CBR600RR, CBR1000RR-R, CB650R and CBR650Rit could be that Honda Europe prefers to space out these launches a little more to accommodate the new Hornet.
On the other hand, there is another theory that suggests that Sling could be planning CB1000R and the CB1000 Hornet coexist for a while. Although it was initially said that the new Hornet would replace the CB1000RIt is possible that Sling is waiting to exhaust the production of the CB1000R before focusing completely on the new Hornet of a liter.
However, it's all theory. What is certain is that we will have to wait until autumn 2024 to confirm it. Well, we only have summer ahead of us.
