Honda CB1000 GT Leaked Before EICMA: Honda appears to be expanding its Hornet family with a brand-new grand tourer. Dubbed the Honda CB1000 GT, this upcoming motorcycle has surfaced online through Australian homologation filings ahead of its official debut at EICMA 2025 in Milan. The CB1000 GT promises to be a touring-focused version of the CB1000 Hornet, offering longer suspension travel, improved comfort, and a range of rider-centric enhancements that make it ideal for long-distance journeys.
Unlike some motorcycles that merely get cosmetic updates, the Honda CB1000 GT represents a genuine transformation of the Hornet platform. It’s not just the same naked streetfighter with panniers slapped on; instead, it’s a carefully evolved machine that blends sporty performance with grand-touring ergonomics. With revised suspension geometry, thicker seating, repositioned footpegs, and a taller windscreen, Honda seems to be aiming squarely at riders who want performance with long-distance comfort.
From the first leaked images and homologation details, the CB1000 GT looks muscular and road-ready. It maintains the aggressive twin-pod LED headlamp from the Hornet but adds a semi-faired front section, giving it more visual mass and better wind protection. The design, coupled with a powerful 1,000cc inline-four engine producing 150bhp, positions the CB1000 GT as a formidable contender in the touring segment — likely going head-to-head with the likes of the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX, Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, and Suzuki GSX-S1000GT.
Honda CB1000 GT – Specifications (Expected)
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 999cc, inline-four, liquid-cooled |
| Power Output | 150bhp (expected) |
| Torque | Approx. 111Nm (estimated) |
| Transmission | 6-speed with Quickshifter |
| Frame | Steel twin-spar frame (same as CB1000 Hornet) |
| Front Suspension | Long-travel USD forks |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock, adjustable |
| Front Brake | Dual discs with Nissin calipers |
| Rear Brake | Single disc |
| Wheels & Tyres | 17-inch alloy wheels |
| Seat Height | Slightly higher than Hornet (TBD) |
| Kerb Weight | Slightly heavier than CB1000 Hornet (~220kg estimated) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | TBD (expected 17–18 litres) |
| Riding Aids | ABS, traction control, multiple ride modes |
| Expected Launch | November 2025 (EICMA reveal) |
| Expected Price | Around £12,000 (INR 13–14 lakh, ex-showroom, if launched in India) |
Performance and Engine
The Honda CB1000 GT will be powered by the same 1,000cc inline-four motor that drives the standard CB1000 Hornet. This engine, renowned for its smooth revving and strong mid-range torque, produces around 150bhp, delivering a thrilling yet manageable performance for long-distance touring.
The addition of longer-travel suspension is expected to improve comfort over rough roads and highways, offering more absorption and control when riding with luggage or a pillion. Honda’s inclusion of a quickshifter and Nissin front brake calipers suggests that the GT will retain the sporty character of the Hornet while improving touring usability.
Design and Ergonomics
While the CB1000 GT borrows heavily from the Hornet’s core design language, it features distinctive styling cues that set it apart. The semi-faired front adds wind protection for high-speed cruising, while the taller windscreen and knuckle guards make it more practical for long hauls.
The fuel tank and tail section have been redesigned for a bulkier, more aerodynamic look. The tail is larger and accommodates mounting points for panniers, making luggage attachment easier. Honda has also adjusted the sub-frame to support the heavier touring setup. The rider footpegs are placed slightly forward, and the pillion footrests are repositioned for added comfort — both of which indicate a shift from aggressive streetfighter ergonomics to relaxed touring posture.
Comfort and Touring Features
The GT’s primary focus is rider comfort and long-distance capability. The rider and pillion seats are thicker and broader for better cushioning. The taller windscreen provides improved wind deflection at highway speeds, reducing fatigue on longer rides.
In addition, the motorcycle is expected to feature adjustable suspension, allowing riders to fine-tune damping according to terrain or load. The presence of pannier mounting points confirms Honda’s intention to make the CB1000 GT a legitimate sport-touring option, capable of handling both city commutes and multi-day trips with ease.
Technology and Safety
While Honda hasn’t officially disclosed the complete electronics suite, the CB1000 GT is likely to include riding modes, traction control, cornering ABS, and possibly cruise control. A TFT display could also be introduced to differentiate it from the Hornet, offering better connectivity options and navigation support — crucial for long-distance riders.
Price and Availability
Based on its positioning, the Honda CB1000 GT is expected to be priced around £12,000 in the UK (approximately ₹13–14 lakh ex-showroom in India, if launched). This would place it between the Hornet and Honda’s flagship touring models like the Africa Twin.
The motorcycle will make its global debut at EICMA 2025 in Milan, with sales likely to start in early 2026 in select international markets. As for India, Honda has not yet confirmed whether the CB1000 GT will arrive on local shores, but given the rising demand for premium tourers, it could be introduced later as a CBU (Completely Built Unit) import.
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Conclusion
The Honda CB1000 GT represents a smart evolution of Honda’s design and engineering philosophy — one that blends the raw performance of the CB1000 Hornet with the comfort and practicality of a grand tourer. It caters to a growing segment of riders who want superbike-level performance without sacrificing long-distance comfort.
With longer suspension travel, touring ergonomics, and practical additions like pannier mounts and wind protection, the CB1000 GT fills a crucial gap in Honda’s lineup — a versatile, litre-class sport-tourer that can take on Europe’s finest highways and mountain roads with equal ease.
Its 150bhp engine, coupled with refined chassis tuning and enhanced comfort features, positions it as one of the most promising new tourers of 2025. If Honda prices it competitively and brings it to India, it could attract enthusiasts looking for a blend of performance, reliability, and practicality.
Ultimately, the CB1000 GT reaffirms Honda’s commitment to diversifying its premium motorcycle portfolio — offering not just speed, but also endurance and sophistication for riders who live to explore the open road.
FAQs of Honda CB1000 GT Leaked Before EICMA
1. What is the Honda CB1000 GT?
The Honda CB1000 GT is an upcoming touring motorcycle based on the CB1000 Hornet. It offers the same powerful 1,000cc inline-four engine but adds longer-travel suspension, a taller windscreen, and touring ergonomics for enhanced long-distance comfort.
2. How is the CB1000 GT different from the CB1000 Hornet?
While both motorcycles share the same platform and engine, the GT version includes longer suspension travel, thicker seats, repositioned footpegs, and a semi-faired design for wind protection. It also features pannier mounts and a more upright riding position, making it better suited for touring.
3. What is the expected power and performance of the CB1000 GT?
The CB1000 GT is expected to produce around 150bhp, powered by a 999cc inline-four engine. It should deliver strong mid-range torque and smooth performance, similar to the Hornet but tuned for better long-distance riding stability.
4. When will the Honda CB1000 GT be unveiled and launched?
The CB1000 GT will be officially unveiled at EICMA 2025 in Milan, with international sales expected to begin in early 2026. The India launch has not been confirmed yet.
5. What could be the expected price of the Honda CB1000 GT?
The Honda CB1000 GT is likely to be priced around £12,000 in the UK, which translates to roughly ₹13–14 lakh ex-showroom in India, depending on taxes and import duties. It will compete with sport-touring bikes like the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX and Yamaha Tracer 9 GT.