New Honda CB1000R Looks Mighty Impressive In Its Hornet

The CB1000R could receive a performance and design update to take on the Yamaha MT-10 and Aprilia Tuono V4 1100

The CB1000R is an important motorcycle for Honda. Yet, it hasn't undergone a major update since 2018 and feels rather dated in the much-competitive liter-class streetfighter segment. According to the latest rumors, however, the naked is all set to go under the knife and come out in an all-new avatar with more of everything - performance, aggression, sportiness. Taking this into perspective, Japan's Young Machine has whipped up a render of the new CB which appears mighty impressive, more importantly, capable enough to take on rivals like the Suzuki GSX-S1000 and the Yamaha MT-10.

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According to rumors, the CB1000R will shed its minimalistic neo-retro skin to slip into a sportier attire. It’ll take inspiration from the Honda Hornet CB750's edgy styling, and one-up it with even more aggression. The render shown here paints the same picture, evident from the Transformer-like fascia, sleek tail, and brawny tank shrouds. Another notable detail is the massive radiator and its partnering grill that add even more beef to the mix.

The thing we most look forward to, however, is the upgrade in performance. You see, the current-gen CB1000R draws its 998cc, inline-four engine from the 2007 CBR1000RR (SC57) that gushes out 143 horsepower. But for the upcoming model, it’ll switch to Honda's new liter-class mill found on the 2017 CBR1000RR (SC77). The CBR produced 188 horsepower, so the new CB should be good enough for at least 175 ponies. If so, it’ll beat both its Japanese contemporaries - GSX-S1000 and MT-10 - while being right in the ballpark of the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100.

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Also, since the current CB1000R doesn't focus much on sporty riding dynamics, you can expect a revamp in the underpinnings department. We’re talking beefier up-market suspension, lighter wheels, Brembo brakes instead of Tokico units, and most importantly, tweaked ergonomics. A bi-directional quickshifter would be a welcome addition too which is only an optional extra as of now.

Though Honda hasn't confirmed the aforementioned details (or filed any patents), we still expect the new CB1000R to break cover by the end of 2023, possibly right before the EICMA. And considering Young Machine is often spot-on with its predictions, there's a high chance the new naked will look identical to what you see here. Regardless, even after the updates, it will continue to rival in the liter-class hyper-naked category, just with a better chance at winning against its contemporaries. Stay tuned to TopSpeed.com for all such revelations.

Punya is an avid motorcyclist who's always up for a ride to the canyons or the racetrack. He insists his riding skills are better than his writing skills, even though he's worked with some world-renowned automotive websites.