TRAVERSE Issue 51 - December 2025 | Page 46

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HONDA ' S BOLD STATEMENT

Honda pulled the covers off the 2026 CB1000GT, a machine pitched at the intersection of sportbike energy and grand-touring comfort.
The development brief is clear:“ High Performance Tourer – going faster, farther with comfort.”
Underneath the sharp bodywork lies the 1000 cc inlinefour engine carried over from the CB1000 Hornet lineage, but retuned specifically for this tourer role.
Honda reports a peak output of 110.1 kW( roughly 147 hp) at 11,000 rpm and torque of 102 Nm at 8,750 rpm.
The throttle-by-wire system, assist / slipper clutch and quick-shifter come standard, smoothing transitions whether forging through winding Alpine passes or cruising on the motorway.
Chassis and ride-dynamics have been thoughtfully engineered for mixed-use: the steel diamond-frame foundation remains, but geometry is tweaked, the subframe redesigned for passenger and luggage load, and the suspension upgraded to a full electronic setup. The favoured Showa EERA( Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment) system automatically adapts damping to conditions, while the fairing and adjustable screen( with 81 mm vertical travel) are designed via CFD for aerodynamic efficiency and better rider comfort.
Electronics are comprehensive and premium: five riding modes( Standard, Sport, Rain, Tour and User) allow the rider to tailor engine, suspension and damping behaviour to conditions. A six-axis IMU powers cornering ABS, wheelie control and other ride aids. Connectivity via Honda RoadSync and a colour TFT screen bring in smartphone integration, map / navigation linking and Bluetooth headset compatibility. Standard comfort features include heated grips, knuckle guards, centre stand, cruise control and detachable panniers( 37 L on the left, 28 L on the right)— so the long haul isn’ t an afterthought.
Design-wise the CB1000GT doesn’ t simply graft a fairing onto a naked bike. The bodywork is a collaboration between Honda’ s Italian and Japanese studios, resulting in sharp, purposeful styling that signals its dual nature: a motorcycle that can attack corners and also carry you across continents in comfort. LED lighting, an upright yet sporty riding position( seat height 825 mm, wet weight around 229 kg) and recycling of bioplastics in components demonstrate Honda’ s broader awareness of sustainability and design coherence.
As for market timing and pricing: for Europe the CB1000GT is expected at dealerships in February 2026, with pricing in the UK stated at £ 11,999.
Honda has indicated global availability will extend to Europe, Japan and the Asia / Oceania region.
What this bike represents is Honda staking its claim in the sport-tourer category with a big-capacity, high-spec machine that doesn’ t feel compromised. Instead of a plain“ tourer with bits stuck on,” the CB1000GT appears to be built from the outset with both chassis dynamics and distance capability in mind. For riders in search of a doeverything motorcycle— one day attacking twisty backroads, the next day covering 500 + kilometre motorway stretches with luggage— this could hit the sweet spot. The proof will of course lie in real-world delivery of ride feel, reliability and dealer support. But on paper the CB1000GT 2026 is a bold statement. TRAVERSE
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