2026 Honda CB1000GT First Look

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Honda’s 2026 CB1000GT sport-tourer shares much under its bodywork with the CB1000 Hornet. But it also gets some serious equipment upgrades.

It’s becoming increasingly clear that the secret behind Honda’s remarkably affordable pricing for the CB1000 Hornet is the tried-and-tested idea of economy of scale. By developing multiple models on the same platform it saves on R&D and tooling, and after adding the retro-style CB1000F to the lineup just a few weeks ago it’s now introduced a third machine based on the same components in the form of the CB1000GT.

We already got a peek at the new GT in October when Australian type-approval documents were published before the bike’s launch, but the model’s full specs remained secret until its European unveiling at the EICMA show in Milan and turn out to include some market-leading levels of technology and performance paired to a cutthroat pricing strategy.

Honda CB1000GT Engine
It’s no surprise to discover CB1000GT borrows its diamond-type steel frame and the 1000cc inline-four engine from the CB1000 Hornet, albeit with tweaks to suit the GT’s long-distance role. The engine, based on the 2017 CBR1000RR Fireblade motor, gets unique mapping, resulting in a European-market power output of 148 hp, just shy of the 150 hp that the Hornet gets in Europe and another step behind the 155-hp CB1000 Hornet SP in the same market. The peak power arrives at 11,000 rpm, accompanied by 75 lb.-ft. of torque at 8750 rpm. Unlike the Hornet, the GT benefits from a six-axis IMU, enabling cornering ABS and lean-sensitive traction control, along with five riding modes (Standard, Sport, Rain, Tour, and User) each altering the settings of the power delivery, engine-braking, and traction control.

The 2026 Honda CB1000GT gets a six axis IMU.

Honda CB1000GT Chassis
The other big upgrade over the other, related models comes in the GT’s suspension, which is electronically adjustable Showa EERA equipment that constantly adapts the compression and rebound damper settings based on speed, the IMU’s information about the bike’s stance, and the fork’s movement thanks to a built-in stroke sensor. It’s not unusual in the bike’s class—rivals like Yamaha’s Tracer 9 GT+ and Suzuki’s GSX-S1000GX both feature similar systems, but in markets where the Honda’s pricing has been revealed, it undercuts them by a substantial margin.

The rest of the chassis is similar to the CB1000 Hornet, with the same 25-degree rake, but the GT gets more trail (4.2 inches instead of 3.9 inches) and a longer swingarm that brings the wheelbase up by 0.4 inch to 57.7 inches. The result should be more stability, as befits a high-speed tourer, without compromising the cornering too much. The Nissin brake calipers and 310mm discs are borrowed from the standard CB1000, but thanks to the IMU are paired to cornering ABS in the CB1000GT.

The 2026 Honda CB1000GT gets a six axis IMU.

Bodywork is the other addition, of course. That half-fairing is said to be designed using CFD to consider the bike’s aerodynamics in all situations of pitch, roll, and yaw, and features a five-position, manually adjustable screen with a range of 3.2 inches. Detachable panniers are included with the bike, with a total of 2.3 cubic feet of space between them, and an optional top case can add another 1.8 cubic feet of storage. At 32.5 inches, the seat is higher than the Hornet’s, but that’s largely thanks to thicker padding in pursuit of more comfort over long distances, easily achieved thanks to a 5.55-gallon tank that promises over 200 miles of range between stops. The pegs are borrowed from the CB1000F, shifting them down compared to the CB1000 Hornet for more relaxed riding posture.

The bike’s equipment includes a 5-inch TFT dash with three display modes and all the usual phone connectivity, plus backlit bar switches to control it, auto-canceling turn signals and Honda’s ESS emergency stop signal that flashes the hazards during hard stops. There’s Smart Key keyless ignition too, although you’ll still need the flip out key to open the filler cap or release the seat. A centerstand is a welcome addition to the standard equipment roster too.

US pricing and availability for the 2026 Honda CB1000GT has not been confirmed.