Words: Mike Ryan
Photos: Honda Australia
Fireblade-like performance with long distance comfort and luggage capacity, plus some impressive tech, sounds like an enticing combination. That’s exactly what Honda are offering with their upcoming CB1000GT – a model they say will redefine the sports touring category.
Continuing a heritage in sports touring that includes the ST1100 and CBF1000, Honda’s CB1000GT is an all-new model for 2026 and has already received high praise in the US and UK. Drawing heavily from the CB 1000 Hornet SP naked that arrived in Australia a little over 18 months ago, the CB1000GT uses the Hornet’s engine, frame and selected cycle parts. However, to suit long-haul riding, there are specific changes and adjustments, like wider handlebars, a plusher seat, longer swingarm and larger fuel tank.
“The 2026 CB1000GT combines the performance and character that riders love from Honda’s 1000cc sports motorcycles with the comfort, technology and practicality needed for sports touring,” said Chris Schultz, General Manager - Powersports and Products at Honda Australia.
Performance at Heart
The 1000cc four-cylinder engine in the CB1000GT is close to that in the latest version of the Fireblade sportsbike (and closer still to the CB1000 Hornet SP), but tuned for a smoother, more touring-friendly power delivery. Listed maximum power is 110kW at 11,000rpm, while maximum torque is 102Nm at 8,750rpm. For reference, those peaks compare to 115.6kW and 107Nm for the Hornet SP, and 160kW and 113Nm from the CBR1000 Fireblade, which is only available in premium RR-R SP form in Australia.
The transmission is a six-speed, geared to suit touring, with a slipper clutch and up-down quickshifter standard.
Tech and Spec for Touring
Standard features on the CB1000GT include five riding modes that adjust power delivery and engine braking, as well as intervention of the lean-sensitive traction control. Those modes are Standard, Sport, Rain, Tour and User; the latter a custom mode that allows the rider to adjust settings individually to suit their own preference.
A 5-inch colour TFT screen with a customisable display uses Honda’s RoadSync system and provides integrated turn-by-turn navigation instructions amongst its many functions. There’s also a USB-C port, LED lighting and backlit switchgear, while analogue features include handguards and a five-position adjustable windscreen. These, along with heated grips, a centre stand and panniers with a combined 65-litre capacity are standard for Australian-delivered models.
The suspension – EERA (Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment) units from Showa – monitors movement via the main 6-axis IMU and additional sensors to automatically adjust compression and rebound damping. Already proven on Honda’s Africa Twin and NT1100, this ‘e-suspension’ also features manual preload adjustment on the front end, and electronic adjustment at the rear with four pre-set options. Listed travel is 130mm front and 140mm rear.
Braking uses twin 310mm discs with four-piston calipers up front, and a 240mm disc with a single-piston caliper at the rear. Wheels are 17-inch alloys, fitted with a 120/70R17 front and 180/55R17 rear tyre.
Weights and Measures
To make the most of its Fireblade-based engine, the CB1000GT is light for its class, weighing in at 229kg dry (241.5kg with panniers). Front-rear balance is said to be good, while the narrow cross section will suit both aggressive cornering and negotiating tight traffic.
Fuel capacity of 21 litres (a 4lt increase on the Hornet SP) could potentially mean a range of 300+km between refills. LxWxH is 2,135mm x 930mm x 1,290mm, with 135mm of ground clearance and a seat height of 828mm.
Coming Soon
Following the opening of Expressions of Interest in July, the first units of the CB1000GT for Australia will land in Honda dealerships this December. Rivals are likely to include the Kawasaki Versys 1100 S, Suzuki’s GSX-S1000 GX, Yamaha’s Tracer 9 GT and the BMW S1000 XR. You could potentially add the Moto Guzzi Stelvio as an alternative, along with KTM’s 1290 Super Duke GT
Australian pricing for the CB1000GT starts at $23,999 ride away, with only one colour – Grand Prix Red – available from launch. This upcoming model will be eligible for Honda’s six-year warranty that was introduced earlier in 2026, offering a three-year standard warranty with a further three years available under certain criteria.
A range of accessories available from launch will include a 50-litre top box (with specific brackets), soft luggage, a taller windscreen, fog lights, comfort seats for rider and pillion, wind deflectors and a bunch of cosmetic extras.
To find out more, go to: motorcycles.honda.com.au and search for CB1000GT under ‘Touring’ in the ‘Models’ tab.
