Here's why the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP is MCN's Bike and Naked Bike of the Year for 2025

There’s been some clever thinking in the hallowed halls of Honda of late. Not that their design and engineering teams aren’t renowned for building eminently rideable, technically advanced machines, but they’ve found a way to tap into the reality of a tough economic climate and serve up some motorcycles that can genuinely help us make the most of our hard-earned cash – without compromising on the passion we have for riding.

• What else has won? Get the full list of 2025 awards here

Honda’s CB1000 Hornet SP and GB350S have both achieved this in 2025, and that’s part of the reason the pairing have between them scooped three of our MCN Awards this year; the Hornet SP bagging Best Naked as well as the coveted Overall Machine of the Year.

Yet, it’s not just the MCN judging panel and thousands of happy customers these bikes have impressed; my long-term test Hornet SP has acted like a personal fountain of youth for me this year, as we’ve ticked off scores of miles on road and track together.

Creating a buzz

As Honda’s latest offering to the super-naked class, and the winner of both MCN’s Bike of the Year and Naked of the Year, the 2025 CB1000 Hornet SP brings with it a change of direction. Gone is the detail-rich showiness of Honda’s previous big naked CB1000R, with its designer monograms and flashy single-sided swingarm, replaced by a far more purposeful, stripped-back streetfighter.

It still has a Fireblade derived engine, although that’s been upgraded from the 2004 to 2017 version to meet Euro 5+, and on paper, engine performance and all-up weight are nigh on identical. But this new bike is a totally different proposition on almost every level, not least because it entered the fray almost £3000 cheaper than its predecessor.

• Related: 2004 Honda Fireblade review | 2017 Honda Fireblade review

At just £9999 on its release (although that has now crept up to £10,099), the Hornet SP raised many an eyebrow and caused more than a few double takes. It was a completely new bike from the ground up, and the keen-eyed were quick to spot that Honda had put the focus on go, rather than show.

In addition to the steel twin-spar frame, Showa 41mm USD forks and aforementioned Fireblade mill that it shares with the standard Hornet, the SP burst onto the scene with Brembo Stylema radial mounted calipers, a fully adjustable Öhlins TTX36 rear shock and a quickshifter with autoblipper. And all for a premium of just £1000, including the snazzy ‘Matte Ballistic Black Metallic’ paintwork with contrasting gold wheels and decals.

Dynamic dynamite

It’s a package that seemed hard to beat, neatly undercutting all the competition – but the proof of the Hornet’s sting is in the riding, and Honda not only hit the bullseye, they obliterated the target. A motorcycle, a good motorcycle, should stir the emotions, and the Hornet does that the moment you hit the start button. At idle, the liquid-cooled 1000cc inline four feels urgent and agitated, the raspy growl from the exhaust tickling the inner ear with impatient encouragement.

• Related: MCN’s pick of the best bike kit for riding naked motorcycles

The seat is canted forward for an aggressive riding position, and with arms braced across the wide bars you’re at the perfect angle to let loose and keep the front wheel from rising on release of the clutch. That needn’t be an issue though, as the Hornet is well stocked with smart electronic rider aids, including traction control with anti-wheelie, and the peace of mind that gives you the confidence to really enjoy this user-friendly bike. That’s not to say it won’t wheelie though – turn off the traction control and it’ll reach for the sky with ballerina-esque balance off the clutch in third gear.

• What’s that helmet? Read Justin’s LS2 Dragon review here

The fly-by-wire connection between twist grip and throttle body is very direct, especially in sport mode, but while it may seem a little trigger happy at low revs, once you start winding on the power it really makes you feel a fully integrated part of the process. Tapping up through the gears with the adjustable quickshifter has all the efficiency and precision of classic Honda engineering, even if that particular aspect practically disappears into subconsciousness as the storming intake wail from the airbox fills your world.

That distinctive rising scream kicks in proper when the SP’s exhaust valve opens at 5700rpm and is utterly addictive, touching something deep and primal in the soul. We’ve taken the Hornet on track, where you can wrench it towards the 11,500rpm redline to your heart’s content, and every time it comes on song you can’t help but smile broadly. For the soundtrack alone, it’s an utter joy, but the way it handles simply piles on the pleasure too.

The decision to fit a 180-section rear tyre plays a big part in the Hornet’s all round rideability, allowing it flit about gracefully and scythe through corners with barely any perceptible input – a positive shift in body position is almost all it takes to swiftly roll into a lean, which it will hold for as long as you ask it to. And there’s more than enough ground clearance to make enthusiastic progress. Make no mistake, this is a quick machine that will give any hyper-naked a run for its money on the street.

• Related: MCN’s pick of the best tyres for sportsbikes and sporty nakeds

But it’s not all about being fast and furious aboard the Hornet, as in typically Honda fashion much of the pleasure is in the everyday riding. Multiple rider modes give you the option to balance power, engine braking and traction control, making it as easy-going as you like. Navigating and adjusting options is as easy as twitching your left thumb on the switchgear, with easy-to-read graphics on the 5in TFT.

At low speeds and around town, that sweet-handling chassis keeps it light and nimble, and when you head out for a Sunday afternoon bimble on your favourite B-road in jacket and jeans it’ll roll effortlessly around bends to your heart’s content. Get caught out after dark and its bright LED headlights cut a swathe through the night.

When it comes to braking, Brembo Stylema calipers deliver sensational stopping power. Almost a work of art on their own, they require little effort at the lever to start scrubbing off speed and transmit enough sensation through the fingertips for instant and accurate analysis. Together with the potent rear Nissin, they haul the Hornet up in a jiffy, along with the safety net of twin-channel ABS to ensure nothing gets out of hand.

This brings us back to the confidence factor, a deep-rooted Honda trait that is a primary factor in the Hornet’s DNA. From the meticulously engineered chassis to cleverly programmed electronics, you get the feel and feedback to focus on the fun of simply enjoying the ride.

A good example is the way slip-and-assist clutch works in tandem with the variable engine brake control and ABS to keep both wheels rolling when you’re hard on the anchors and battering down through the gearbox using the auto blipper (which sounds mint, by the way). There’s no sensation of any systems in operation, the bike just remains composed and poised, ready to tip into the next turn.

Although the showroom swing tag has undoubtedly stolen many a headline, there’s so much more to the CB1000 Hornet SP than a bike built to simply meet a price point. Any cost-cutting compromises have fallen in favour of engineering and performance, with Honda’s designers getting the best from their budget to deliver a thoroughly engaging, enjoyable and effortless machine to ride. Sure the styling may be understated, almost austere, but within the Hornet beats a heart that makes it the undeniable first choice for MCN’s Best Bike and Naked of the year.

The facts

Honda CB1000 Hornet SP

• Price: £10,099
• Engine spec: 1000cc liquid-cooled 16V inline four
• Power: 155bhp @ 11,000rpm
• Torque: 77lb.ft @ 9000rpm
• Weight: 212kg
• Seat height: 809mm