Honda CB1000 Hornet vs CB1000R: Which Is Better?

[@hawkman996]

Right now I prefer the Neo Sports CB1000 styling. The single sided swingarm, the extra detail on the motor and metal finishes, the headlight, etc look much more up market. The new hornet is not terrible but it is a step back for me.

[@tomkarnes69]

I prefer the CB-F concept that was considered the successor, the artest rendition is exactly what I'm looking for in a naked street fighter

[@SpeedDemon92]

i have CB1000R 09’ and i don’t like Neo Sports division so im skipping them and waiting for the Hornet 1000, its more aggressive loooks for me.

[@VelkePivo]

Can’t believe I’m hearing someone say 143HP doesn’t sound that exciting.

[@howiethehowitzer7398]

Some riders are a little desensitized to power figures lol

[@midhungopan9270]

Meanwhile me riding a 47bhp CB500X🥲.... almost 100 bhp difference

[@williamrae9954]

Any bike with the Suzuki K5 motor is only 130bhp at the rear wheel...bar the '950' which can be boosted to 150 with a link pipe,can,airfilter and an ECU flash, at the same cost as all the rest, including the new GX

[@neerajkarunanidhi6804]

when you ride sub 170-200HP machines for a living, 143 seems like a tiny number :/

[@adamnagel7436]

​@@howiethehowitzer7398 and pretty much none of them can take their bikes to it's limit anyway.

[@bcab7955]

Honda killing the neo-sport styling of the CB650R/CB1000R for this Hornet styling has me seriously questioning their design choices.

[@howiethehowitzer7398]

I was thinking that from the start of this video. Hornets are nice but neo sport styling is pristine in comparison.

[@NoNonsense_01]

CB650R retains the same look as previous year.

[@DarkOperationman]

​@@NoNonsense_01not exactly the same for 650. For me the new CB650R side fairing are ugly compare to the last model. Longer tail may looks better but if for the Neo Retro theme I still prefer the short tail.

[@C0zyDunt]

Not quite, they've changed the air intakes to some awful rounded things, that to me ruin the look of the bike.@@NoNonsense_01

[@scottamolinari]

I've heard reporting from EICMA where a Honda rep said the CBxR family is staying in the Honda line-up of bikes. The Hornet series isn't replacing the CBxR family.

[@davidemarsu7098]

The CB1000R looks way better

[@Otto-AutoPilot]

Current 1000R has a real sense of style and quality to it, everything feels and looks premium. My friend has one and it's a fabulous piece of kit. I just think the new Hornet reeks of cost cutting and marketing compromise, so it's a miss from me.

[@jvillain9946]

Agreed. My only issue with the 2023 is, it isnt as nimble and exciting as the other supernakeds and the tech is extremely lacking, but it looks a 100x better and more refined.

[@mr.burger23]

Bought the 2023 CB1000R. Glad I did as it really has more of a custom look to it. A collelctible in the making.

[@wilderbeestmcc6539]

I bought a CB1000r in September…… the quality looks more premium…. No regrets😂👍🇬🇧

[@halodax]

I just bought one last week. No regrets after seeing the new Hornet.

[@muhdfarid406]

How about the wind resistance bro? Is it better or feel bad when the bike reaches over 220 kph?

[@StealthFX9]

The "old" CB1000R Neo-Cafe looked so much better! New Hornet is basically a Z1000 doppelgänger... 🧐 Disappointing.

[@Krom1hell]

With a bit of Ducati streetfigher on a budget......

[@hellraiserrec19]

I love the z1000 styling but I'm also a big fan of Hondas neo cafe design

[@mateiserban1]

and some people were waiting exactly for that...

[@GCTO239]

To all the people leaving negative comments. Buy other bikes! But you know what? This bike will be a massive success. Massive! Rightfully so…

[@GCTO239]

The CB 1000 R will not be replaced. Honda already said that the Hornet 1000 is an additional model. Will be a faster, agile but more affordable bike. It will compete with the Z900 , MT-09 or GSX-S 1000 S. Rumour in Germany has it that it will be sold for around 11.000 Euro. Nothing wrong with that. Another success for Honda.

[@TheChershau]

Thanks for pointing out…. I thought 1000r will be discontinued 😢

[@GCTO239]

@@TheChershau no, also the 650 still sells well and was not discontinued after the small Hornet had conquered the market. In Germany Honda increased its sales numbers by almost 100%. Overall (including scooters and small capacity bikes) Honda has overtaken BMW.

[@75619630]

Faster 😂😂😂

[@craigsimpson3621]

Hornet 1000 has pretty much the same engine = same power & performance as cb1000r

[@dashuntas.m4045]

Honda just announced the CB1000 Hornet and the price is ridiculous, too good to believe…even the SP model

[@joerogers4510]

I'd love it if Honda brought back the old style Hornet, ao much better looking than the modern angular ones!

[@DarkOperationman]

If I have to choose between R or Hornet. I would go with R TBH at first before I really get into the motorcycle world, I really hate round headlight bike. It's feel old, feel sluggish and not excited. But then I was introduced to Neo Sport Cafe (the exact model is CB150R) it really changed my perspective for round headlight bikes. And now I love them (but not every bike of course) CB1000R is one of the most beautiful round headlight there. I wish I could own one. Now I'm regret is that my salary is not enough to buy and maintain it.

[@hsv215i]

I owned a CB1000R Neo and it was a lovely looking bike. This new one I wouldnt even consider unless it was very cheap.

[@downhillupside]

Both new Honda Hornet models are incredibly ugly. They really had something with their neo-retro design language, and then they decided to go to this? It looks a lot like the generic look that they got away from before the neo retro stuff. And they're certainly not nailing the futuristic vibe that Yamaha and KTM are managing.

[@jvillain9946]

It looks like a cookie cutter naked bike now. Like if naked bikes had a base model it would be the hornet. There's no personality, refinement or flair. Its like they took the traits of a current naked bike, chewed them up and shit it out. Its the french vanilla latte of naked bikes.

[@alespider9905]

@@jvillain9946 it's like the AI generated version of a naked bike

[@mathiashammar1]

As you point out. 2:47 its a budget bike. The premium CB1000R i dont think sold that well. So replacing it with a budget liter streetfighter is a move in the right direction. But sad they didn't add cruise-control to it... Seams they cut out the 6-axis IMU and other premium stuff. So we can expect a more premium version later. With high end suspension and full electronic suit.

[@iamwezlee1]

CB1000R hands down. For me there’s no question. The styling and finish on the old bike are just beautiful.

[@TheLoathsomeCowboy]

Congratulations, MotoBob. You’re one of the few KZbin motoring journalists who seems to know the correct usage of “better” and “best”.

[@KhoaLe-uc2ny]

Never liked the neosport style, looks hipster to even a hipster. The new one is absolutely worthy of the name naked bike

[@doctorthousand]

I thought I was the only one to despise the new Hornet 1000 by comparing it to the CB 1000 R MY 2018-2023 and instead I see that I am in excellent company! The cb1000r is a bike that stands out from the crowd for its beauty and personality. You can’t confuse it with anyone else. You see her and recognize her! It has a unique design! This new Hornet 1000 to me doesn’t know about anything, it’s terribly banal. You see it and turn the other way. Congratulations on the video! Finally a serious and honest journalist, telling the truth! Honestly, not only do I think the 2018-2023 cb1000r is much better than this Insipid Hornet1000, but I add that even the old MY 2008 cb1000r was noticeably prettier! Honda, what are you doing?!

[@markfranks1329]

I have tried so hard to like the '1000R, but, I just can't. Sorry. Folk on here raving about the styling. It's an anathema to me. All awkward shapes that conflict with other styling features to my eyes. I am so happy that Honda have decided to offer a 1000 Hornet. Whilst not as premium, being a Honda, what they intend to include you just know it'll all work and be fuss free. The CB1000R just screams, 'Look at me!' The Hornet, however, just quietly and unobtrusively goes under the radar, whilst still looking stylish. Just my tuppence worth.

[@stanallen1072]

You read my mind. Bought a Z900RS based on price, style and features over the CB1000R. And I'm a honda guy, still own a 2007 Hornet (919). This newer bike will sell more units if it's price competitive. I like it.

[@markfranks1329]

@@stanallen1072 Excellent points. Like you, I'm a Honda guy if truth be told but I just can't get my head round CB1000R. It's just too fussy for me. Now, 919? Yep. A proper Hornet.👍 Enjoy your Kwaka too.🙂

[@ragerider6283]

Interesting vid. Although the bike's a bit disappointing imo. It looks cheap & generic Kawasaki Z1000 copy of a few years ago to me where as the previous one looked super classy, stylish & original. If Honda had significantly improved the chassis I could forgive them but they haven't & it's essentially the same bike with inferior plastics but for similar money. If it was this or the Suzuki, it would definitely be the Suzuki for me.

[@Trevster65]

Looked at this at nec last week, bike looks really nice and if they can bring it to market around £10000 it should do well, although dealers are offering huge discounts on litre bikes at the moment. Personally cb1000r would be my choice.

[@Willie.B76]

It makes me FURIOUS that Honda release a generic Hornet....It could well be a Kwak or Yam.....not the slightest understanding of what made people love the old Hornet, like STYLE!!!

[@zrx4me1]

never liked the "R", but this Hornet 1000 gets me excited. I love the pearl white. The bad news is Honda has no plans for bringing it to the USA.

[@gothickah0]

Love the old design. More cafe racer oriented feel

[@lgrw660factory]

I prefer the old bike but if Honda can price this new one at £9999 they’ll sell tonnes of them.

[@aliiorga]

Love them both, but the Hornet is right on my alley!

[@antonholmqvist1241]

I think it looks better exept for the silencer, a slip-on is needed.

[@davidfennessey2727]

I had the 2018 neo for 3 years and still have the 21 black edition which i have had for 2 years i was hoping to upgrade to the new cb next year but not now no single sided swing arm awful styling all i wanted was cruise control and apple car play

[@jaromor8808]

There's an after-market cruise control, McCruise. I have installed one on my 2018 CB1kR, can recommend 👍

[@martythompson6509]

Ditching the single sided swingarm is a mistake. It looks cheap now.

[@jobe20001]

I love my CB1000R. It has more power than anyone can use on the street (especially after an ECU flash and some weight reduction) great handling and fantastic looks. If I wanted something that looks like a transformer I'd have bought Yamaha's MT10

[@Motoboo_Marine]

The new one looks like a Z1000. The old one may have made less power but at least it looked unique. They should've just upgraded the functional bits while keeping that style. No one else is making a superbike with that aesthetic, missed opportunity.

[@rickh8380]

Any bike that has an inline 4 engine. Love that sound through a 4 into 1 exhaust. Thanks Bob for the update. Cheers

[@bensmith7536]

05:38 There it is again. Swing Garm. Not swingarm.

[@Ryanhwelton]

I love the CB 1000R design language. Put a 150-170 hp V4 in there with some good suspension and it would be a forever bike.

[@scottamolinari]

Yeah, we can dream. Honda will never do anything of the sort. They don't have the corporate balls to take any risks.

[@barrydaly7174]

It would also be $6000 more expensive so you'd just get a Ducati streetfighter.

[@ralfmeissnerMrErEm]

No one would buy it for 25TEUR! Ok - perhaps 6-10 guys

[@Barnshal]

They should've kept the single sided swingarm, and maybe use a shorter exhaust, with most the piping underneath the bike, would look way better.

[@mickleblade]

Having owned a 900 hornet and a cbf1000 I've got to admit that steel backbone frames are a pita for maintenance, the damn spine is in the way if you need to take the lid off the motor!

[@scottamolinari]

Can you check with Honda please? Because I've heard in other reporting from EICMA from a rep from Honda, that the CBxR family is staying in the Honda line-up. The CB1000 Hornet isn't replacing the CB1000R.

[@stephenwhiteley2879]

Great video, great review Bob.Thanks for sharing

[@devonnobles1083]

I love the cb1000r. But if I really wanted that bike, I'd have bought one or I'd find one used. So the comparison isn't that important for me. As for the Hornet a 1000cc naked undercutting the already super reasonable price of the GSXS1000 sounds very tempting. I live among the flat and straight roads of Illinois, so i havent considered bikes like this, but I'm considering moving to the mountainous roads of Georgia, where this sounds like a real competitor for my money.

[@SSS-mp8th]

The CB1000R looks great and the Hornet looks like everything else. So boring.

[@mikadavies660]

Having owned two CB1000Rs I always like the quality of the finish. The new CB1000 Hornet just jumps out to me as a drop in the quality of fit and finish.

[@snupermoto723]

Honda and the Hornet are in competition with Kawi to make the ugliest naked.

[@az-cafe-moto]

Just picked up a 21 cb1000r black edition and absolutely love it. Going to put on the aprokivic headers soon too. Only complaint would be the gigantic cat it has on the oem exhaust. Other than that it's awesome.

[@colindeans5972]

If the CB750 has been such a great seller, I can honestly say I've not seen one on the road.

[@leom.9826]

CB1000R much, much better bike. No comparison with the ''bug-like'' design of some bikes today

[@RambO5018]

looking at you, Triumph Speed Triple :D

[@SonriseSunset]

I’d go for the big Sazuke! Looks better and is a proven big bore bike - read a pretty good handling, very reliable street bike

[@sileniu]

The screen/ dash is so ugly on that bike 😢😢😢

[@SonriseSunset]

@@sileniu You are thinking about the LCD dash they had. I believe the 2024 model is now TFT since that is what they now use on the new for 24 GSXS-1000GT and + models. Though maybe not because those models cost significantly more money. But no matter, I actually like the LCD screen, you can do different graphics styles and color with the LCDs screen too. And they look do different fromm all the TFTs that today, mostly look the same. Not like the days of analog displays that were almost like fine watches, particularly Triumphs and BMWs

[@M3ANDER]

I was also not a fan of the CB's neo-design, but that new Hornet looks terrible cheap! I would go for a GSX-S 1000 Katana with it's alloy frame and subframe and a stiff swingarm with a 190mm rear tire.

[@brushcreek]

I love the current CB1000R with its VFR800 Interceptor Single Sided Swingarm and neo-cafe styling. Honda screwed up and missed a lot of high margin sales opportunities over the COVID pandemic because of supply chain issues at the dealers. They were rare as hens teeth until recently. Now they’re fully stocked everywhere and interest rates are stupid high and demand is low (yet the dealers still act like they’ve got the upper hand). Who in their right mind would pay full MSRP plus all the dealer fees for this bike, while your trade isn’t worth anything and interest rates are near 10%? The Honda’s nearest competitors (BMW r1250r and Motoguzzi V100 Mandello) are offering 0% interest and rebates.

[@midhungopan9270]

To my eyes honda completely ruined the looks

[@deea2680]

Is that how you pronounce Hornet?

[@FranFyrhart]

the look of the new cb1000 hornet looks very underbaked. the neo retro style of the cb1000r gave it a refined gentleman vibe to it that I think embodied the refinement of Honda's bikes quite well. And what I find quite baffling about the new design is it somehow manages to look worse than the 2015 kawasaki z1000, an 8-year-old model. Honda flopped their 2024 lineup IMO.

[@metintin]

Honda just needs to add some upgrades to the CB1000R to make it more competitive and appealing. It may come with a price bump, but that’s the price of progress. That bike needs: - newer updated/upgraded engine - Full rider aid suite (including 6-axis IMU and cruise control) - slightly bigger fuel capacity

[@canny7x]

I just prefer the CB1000, based solely on the looks.

[@djnickpeters]

I don't like that the sub-frame is welded to the frame, if it needs to be replaced or repaired that would be a huge hassle.

[@metintin]

The CB1000R is 1000% more pleasing to the eye. It still has that classic standard motorcycle silhouette and has enough “neo” in it to stand out from the insectoid KTMs, Kawasakis and Ducati Street Fighter.

[@TenereAdventureCZ]

I will be choosing between this hornet and Gsx-s 1000 next year. If the price will be lower on the Hornet I might be going for it. if price is the same, not so sure.

[@dimi.r24]

was hoping for a streetfighter and super duke competitor with the new updated fireblade platform of this year, but this budget bike seems nice

[@nickb3968]

My 2004 Honda Hornet 900(919) looks better than the new ones.....

[@tgmwright]

the new 1000 hornet is so ugly it makes the 750 hornet look sexy

[@MightyMouzMoto]

No e-clutch for the CB1000 Hornet? That would be awesome for city riding, stop sign/light to stop sign/light.

[@paulv22]

This is an exercise in cost cutting.

[@bikegeist]

The 750 Hornet isn't even on sale here in Japan. Can't say I'm excited about this new one.

[@zokky7]

I am waiting for the new cb1000r 2024

[@LiarPantsonfire]

I'm sure I'm not the only rider who has bought the CB1000R at least partly because of the single-side swing-arm. This 1000 Hornet is just not hitting the same styling juices as the CB1000R. In fact, the main thing it seems to do is reinforce the age-old "boring" stereotype of Honda, which is a terrible shame after the more inspiring design of the Neo-Sports Cafe line.

[@paulconnell1309]

The Hornet looks cheaper. Motobob. If you had the choice of a CB1000R or a Hornet 750 in your garage as a daily rider and weekend b road bike, which would you pick and why?

[@kankit230]

Welded subframe and steel swingarms dont belong on any big bike, and sadly all hornets have them

[@simondemetriou7750]

Saw the new Hornet 1000 at the NEC and thought it looked abit drab! Be good if it comes in at £9999 though............but you'd have to budget £500 to change the exhaust dustbin straight away 😮

[@angusoliver93]

Im excited for the new Hornet. i Have a GSXS 1000 which is an amazing bike i think with a great price a lot of people will make the shift.

[@vasiliyt8600]

I would go for the CB1000 Hornet. It has a more modern engine. I also love the 90's - 00's design of the Hornet, with the "classic" punchy Honda colours. The CB1000R is a boring "neo cafe racer", with boring dull colours. It's pretending to be something that it isn't.

[@ukvamp]

if that bike came in at £10k, i'd be well tempted!

[@JimmySnakes]

Motobob! This is why I thought the cb1000r black was discontinued I heard you say it in a few vids! lol anyway 2024's are hitting and I have one comin now xD

[@racefeen22p]

I want to purchase a bike next spring. I really want the CB1000R, but over here in the US they're $13,000! If I can get one discounted because the new one comes out, I would 100% pick up the R over the Hornet

[@Maverick-moto]

You can pick one up at the odd UK dealership now for £9999, so you might be in luck 🤞

[@subzero-ku2wx]

Look at your comparison photo again. The Hornet has raised handlebars compared to the old CB1000.

[@dsofe4879]

I don't see the point of a budget 1000. If you need 150hp, you should also be wanting a proper aluminum chassis and top-notch suspension components. I could see this being a sport tourer, but an aggressively-styled hypernaked? Seems like a bad balance. Also, welded subframe is honestly laughable in this class, even if it does come in cheaper than the GSX-S1000. They already had a perfectly good frame and swingarm in the fireblade. They did the same thing with the CB1000R, gave its own chassis that made it unnecessarily heavy and ruined the handling, then wondered why people weren't buying it. IMO, they've learned all the wrong lessons here.

[@vizotzyz]

Am I the onl;y one hearing horner instead of hornet.

[@nickb3968]

Nope, it's all in your head. ;-)

[@brucerossonthetube]

I had wanted a CB1000R a few years ago until I sat on it. My Superduke felt like an ADV bike by comparison. Too cramped for me. I suspect this is a contributor as to why it hasn't been a big seller.

[@ahmadyaqeenmohammad6564]

Looking at it for a long time now, did they hire the designer from the Z1000?

[@m3lvn415]

Neo-sport all the way.

[@camgere]

The first time I sat on my CB1000R I was surprised how high the footpegs were. Tons of ground clearance/lean angle. The Hornet may be slightly more comfortable. Worth trying out both.

[@johntheaccountant5594]

What was the reason to produce the CB1000 Hornet when there is the CB1000R that looks better? I wouldn't buy either. I actually think the CB650R is better looking (the 2022 model) and well adequate for the road as you get a driveable experience, less electronic gizmos to go wrong and hence more reliable and cheaper to service and maintain.

[@daxmotis27]

the styling I feel is much les universally appealing. The old one is so much better.

[@NatureSurfer]

The CB1000R still looks way better, all I want from the new CB1000 Hornet is the new screen, they can keep all the remaining features.

[@Hondadctrider]

More importantly, will the Hornet 1000 come with the new e-clutch?

[@nomdeploom5707]

I'm not keen on the styling of the hornet & they seem to be at odds with the market they're going for (lower pegs yet tilted seat?). The neo sits in its own bracket too. It's kind of in with the Z900RS & XSR900 but it's a bit more serious with that bump in power in comparison. I'd imagine they'll see how the sales go & bump one of them. I hope it's the hornet that gets the boot.

[@TomReinerDE]

I don‘t think that lean sensitive tech should be considered „super fancy“ in 2023 - I rather consider it an important safety feature in a 150-hp-bike….

[@alaskatoy]

Where will it be manufactured? Thailand or Japan?

[@paulherbert1550]

The older bike is far prettier.

[@martybartfast]

What's a 'horner'??

[@deea2680]

An excited old man?

[@druegeme]

I love my 919 but the 1000R would be the one to replace it. Ironically it seems the new hornet is closer to the 919 Hornet, it looks more bland and sleeper-like and the 1000R is everything a new hornet could have been!

[@williamrae9954]

Parts bin special...Kawasaki's parts bin 😂

[@gsr-600-gray7]

A true, cheap alternative for the premium priced streetfighter.

[@flexywing]

new Hornet for me, but then I have a 750 Hornet and love it

[@johnDukemaster]

Nah, it looks cheap. Quite ugly actually. And those downpipes curving forward before turning under the engine. No, the "old" Neo looked so much better. Some comments are funny. "If the price is under 10k,.." So low price might make people forget it looks cheap and are uglier than the old one. Funny indeed! Thank you mr Bob!

[@patrickagan1071]

I like the new cbr650r!

[@zniesmaczony]

I'm not qualified enough to say which one is better but sure as hell I can say which one is prettier.

[@steveparish9210]

I like the old bike s styling but the hornets not bad. 13,000 us here though have seen them discounted to 11,000 at a couple of dealers on cycle trader. Will be interesting to see price on new bike.

[@Mr7O5]

I really hope this comes to Canada

[@larsgeorgolsen4122]

I'm not sure how useful this comparison is when you don't have the specs and details of the new bike. So it's just guesswork and speculations about what Honda will do with the CB100R in the future.

[@kurtinfl]

That gauge sitting right on top of the headlight looks bad; like an action camera attached with a suction cup or something. I prefer the older model.