BMW S 1000 R vs Honda Hornet 1000 SP – Spec check

A few days ago, Suzuki pulled the plug on the Katana, leaving the Honda Hornet 1000 SP the sole motorcycle in the litre-class naked segment. However, with the launch of the 2025 BMW S 1000 R, customers now have a choice between a Japanese street naked and a German performance machine for the road.

So if you’re in the market looking for a motorcycle between a reliable Japanese litre-class street naked and a tech-loaded German street weapon, here’s how the new BMW S 1000 R compares against the Honda Hornet 1000 SP.

BMW S 1000 R vs Honda Hornet 1000 SP – Introduction

The BMW S 1000 R retains a familiar design, as the motorcycle has been in the market for a while now. The new updates see the motorcycle look sharper and more aggressive, while a few mechanical tweaks have made it faster. The S 1000 R is suspended by fully adjustable USD forks in the front and a monoshock at the rear, while the motorcycle is loaded with tech such as Headlight Pro with daytime riding lights, M Quick Action throttle, riding modes, ABS Pro, Dynamic Traction Control, and a 6.5-inch TFT instrument console.

Customers can opt for the various packs on offer – Dynamic, Comfort, and M Sport – with the motorcycle, which will add more features such as cruise control, heated grips, shift assistant, M lightweight battery, and forged wheels.

Coming to the Hornet 1000, the motorcycle is sold here in the SP form, which means it gets fully adjustable Showa USD forks at the front and an Ohlins TTX rear monoshock. And similar to the S 1000 R, the Hornet is also loaded to the brim with electronics such as a five-inch TFT instrument console, Honda Selectable Torque control, and five ride modes: Sport, Standard, Rain, and two custom modes. While the Honda may seem a bit down on the features, what’s available is plenty for the street or occasional track days.

BMW S 1000 R vs Honda Hornet 1000 SP – Engine specifications

In terms of power, both motorcycles use an in-line four-cylinder mill, mated to a six-speed gearbox with a bi-directional quickshifter. On paper, the German street naked makes more power than the Japanese machine. However, for street use or on the track, the power these two machines produce is way more than an average rider’s skill.