Honda Is Bringing The CB1000F To The US. Clearly, It Wants To Print Money.

Motorcycle enthusiasts are a varied lot, and we have a lot of differing opinions about a lot of things. But one thing that we can all mostly agree on is that liveries paying homage to racing greats of the past and present, by and large, are usually very welcome. From replica liveries on motorcycles and scooters, to racer-inspired designs on modern helmets, boots, and other protective gear, it's oftentimes a no-brainer that fans will be lining up to hand over their cash.

Someone (and let's be honest, probably several someones) at Honda clearly knows this, and that's why American Honda just announced that it will, in fact, be bringing the 2026 CB1000F to US shores, in all its 1979 CB750F AMA Superbike Freddie Spencer blue and silver glory. You can say a lot of things about Honda, but one thing this proves is that it's a company that knows how to read the room. (Unlike Yamaha, cough cough.)

In fact, by Honda's estimated time of availability, interested fans in the US should be able to march into their local Honda dealers and purchase one as of May 2026. I'm writing this in the first week of June 2026, so you should actually be able to go pick one up right now. The colorway is officially called Wolf Silver Metallic, but you'll definitely know it when you see it. 

Photos by: Honda

Photos by: Honda

Everything You Need; Nothing You Don't

Built on the already strong and well-received foundation of the CB1000 Hornet SP, the CB1000F gets all the mod cons you'd expect on a brand-new bike in this category in 2026. That includes LED lighting, a five-inch, full-color TFT dash, and of course smartphone connectivity to all your iOS/Android devices via the Honda RoadSync app. A switch on the left handlebar helps the rider access turn-by-turn navigation right on the dash, and Bluetoothing it to your helmet can connect the rider even further.

The CB1000F's version of the 1,000cc DOHC inline four engine has been tuned to give more responsiveness and performance at lower RPMs. Honda says it revised the camshafts and altered both exhaust and intake valve timing, as well as performing additional tuning of its intake specs to affect both desired performance and of course, help it to make a very special sound.

The differences aren't only cosmetic; here, I'll quote Honda directly to explain what it did. 

Compared to the Hornet, the intake system has been completely revised for improved low- to midrange performance and throttle response below 6,000 rpm. The intake funnel has been lengthened by 2 inches to 5.5 inches, with minimum diameter now 36mm (from 42mm). The funnel-inlet diameters vary—40mm for the right pair and 50mm for the left pair—creating a pulsating intake sound as the throttle opens. Smooth across its top section, the airbox matches the shape of the fuel tank and delivers the volume required for maximum airflow with reduced intake resistance.

The gearbox has also been revised, with lower gear ratios for both first and second gear as compared to the Hornet. Meanwhile, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth all get higher gear ratios, and another welcome modern advance is the assist and slipper clutch to help the rider manage it all seamlessly.

A Cool Thousand

First Ride Review: 2026 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP

Sport Touring Motorcycles Aren't Dead, Just Ask the New Honda CB1000GT

While the CB1000F shares a frame with the CB1000 Hornet SP, it gets a brand new subframe that is specific to this model. Unlike the Hornet SP, this subframe is wider and more open, making it easier to accommodate comfortable two-up riding. Incidentally, the seat height is set at 31.3 inches with a narrow standover, which also makes it more than half an inch lower seat-height-wise than the CB1000 Hornet SP. If you're a short-inseamed rider like I am, you know that every half-inch counts!

Since we're talking about a modern, brand-new Honda 1000cc machine in 2026, it does also have throttle-by-wire and corresponding ride modes. Pre-programmed modes include Standard, Sport, and Rain, and there are also two different user-configurable modes where riders can save their favorite parameters for later use. Curb weight is a claimed 472 pounds, which is only seven pounds heavier than the claimed curb weight of the CB1000 Hornet SP.

Suspension and brakes differ from the Hornet, though; on the CB1000F, while you will find a 41mm Showa SFF-BP inverted front fork that's fully adjustable, you'll also find a Showa rear shock and Pro-Link rear suspension, rather than the Öhlins TTX36 unit found on the Hornet.

As for brakes, the CB1000F gets dual, radial-mount Nissin four-piston front calipers with 310mm floating rotors, a six-axis IMU, and cornering ABS. In the rear, you'll find a single-piston Nissin caliper paired with a 240mm rear disc. For comparison, the Hornet has the same rear brake setup, but the front of the Hornet gets dual Brembo Stylema radial-mount calipers (still gripping 310mm brake discs) instead.

Gallery: 2026 Honda CB1000F

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Source: Honda

Go On And Take How Much Of My Money?

If you're already busy planning your next trip to your local Honda dealership to eye up a CB1000F in person, and possibly also hand over some cold, hard cash, what's it going to cost you? Honda's MSRP for this total stunner is US $10,599. If you're playing along at home, the Hornet's MSRP is $10,999. 

Different strokes for different folks, for sure; but hey, you're already saving money with the CB1000F! Aesthetically speaking, I think you already know which one I'd choose, but while I think I've made my own tastes quite clear, everyone's are different and that's part of what makes motorcycling so much fun.

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