2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet vs Yamaha MT-09
2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet vs Yamaha MT-09
| Specification | Honda CB1000 Hornet | Yamaha MT-09 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 999cc Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, liquid-cooled | 890cc Inline 3-cylinder (CP3), DOHC, 12-valve, liquid-cooled |
| Bore x Stroke | 76 mm x 55.1 mm | 78 mm x 62.1 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.7:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Max Power | 152 HP @ 11,000 rpm (155 HP in SP variant) | 119 HP @ 10,000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 104 Nm @ 9,000 rpm | 93 Nm @ 7,000 rpm |
| Quickshifter | Optional on base; standard on SP | Standard on all variants |
Engine Performance
Main aspect of any bike is its engine and performance. In this first segment, we are comparing Honda’s 98cc inline-four engine with Yamaha’s 890cc CP3 inline-triple engine.
- Honda CB1000 Hornet: Powered by 998cc inline-four engine derived from the 2017 Fireblade is capable of producing 150 hp. When you compare with Yamaha MT-09 it has really loud revving scream.
- Yamaha MT-09: this motorcycle is powered by proven 890cc CP3 inline-triple engine. capable of 120hp slight lesser than 2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet but more responsive in acceleration.
Overall, Honda CB1000 Hornet produce higher horsepower and nice revving sound and Yamaha MT-09 is great for someone looking for daily driving.
Handling and Suspension
| 2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet Base | Showa suspension, Nissin brakes. |
| 2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP | Öhlins rear shock, Brembo Stylema calipers. |
| 2025 Yamaha MT-09 Base | KYB suspension, Advics brakes. |
| 2025 Yamaha MT-09 SP | Öhlins rear shock, Brembo Stylema calipers. |
On paper, they look very similar but let me tell you from my personal experience that weight of motorcycle do play a role. CB1000 is ~211 kg (465 lbs) while Yamaha MT-09 has a weight of ~193 kg (425 lbs) if you look at these numbers you would notice that MT-09’s chassis is lighter because of spin-forged wheels and many other light material
As per my driving experience, MT-09 feels more confident on leaning and sharp turns. While, CB1000 is more of high weight high power motorcycle.
Riding Position and Ergonomics
This is my favorite and most important part after engine because how you feeling while riding any bike is as important as a performance of engine. Honda CB1000 Hornet is having seat height of 809 mm while Yamaha MT-09 has 825 mm of seat height.
For small height riders 2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet will make feel more comfortable. But if you are a taller rider like me (5.11″) you will love extra legroom of 2025 Yamaha MT-09.
Technology and Features
Before we get into comparison of tech and features have a look at what both of these motorcycles are offering.
CB1000 Hornet:
- Basic TFT screen
- Optional quickshifter on base model (standard on SP)
- No IMU, cruise control, or advanced rider aids
MT-09:
- 5” full-color TFT with smartphone connectivity
- 6-axis IMU for lean-sensitive ABS, traction control, wheelie control, and slide control
- Cruise control standard
- Quickshifter (up/down) standard
- Optional Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) on base model
After looking at these specs of MT-09 i am sure that you don’t need to tell that 2025 Yamaha MT-09 is miles ahead of 2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet.
Styling and Design
Styling and design is subjective and different people have different perception. But, if you are asking me then let me tell you that 2025 Yamaha MT-09 is modern design aggressive look but if you are a fan of naked classic aesthetic then 2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet is best choice.
- CB1000 Hornet: this has design elements of Ducati Streetfighter, looks very sharp and muscular. if you opt for SP variant then it features gold highlights which gives it a premium look.
- MT-09: I am personal fan of Yamaha’s signature futuristic design, angular tank, LED headlight cluster and muscular stance of 2025 Yamaha MT-09 just look perfect on any road.
Price and Value
| Model | Price (USD Approx.) |
|---|---|
| CB1000 Hornet (Base) | $9,000 |
| CB1000 Hornet SP | ~$10,000 |
| Yamaha MT-09 (Base) | $10,000 |
| Yamaha MT-09 SP | $11,800 |
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Top-End Power | Honda CB1000 Hornet |
| Midrange Torque | Yamaha MT-09 |
| Tech & Features | Yamaha MT-09 |
| Handling & Weight | Yamaha MT-09 |
| Styling | Subjective |
| Value for Money (Performance) | Honda CB1000 Hornet |
| Value for Money (Tech) | Yamaha MT-09 |
I recommend 2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet to the riders who are lookign for raw power, a high-revving inline-4, and want the value for money motorcycle.
Go with 2025 Yamaha MT-09 if you want torque-rich riding, agile handling, and modern tech with enhanced safety.
