The Honda Hornet 1000 SP Has Landed… But Good Luck Getting One

So, the long-awaited Honda Hornet 1000 SP has finally dropped in the UK—and on paper, it’s a beauty. Bold looks, big power, and the promise of that classic Honda reliability wrapped in a sharp, aggressive package. But there’s a big problem…

You can’t actually find one. Anywhere.

At the time of writing this post, not a single UK dealership seems to have a demo model available. Not to view. Not to sit on. And definitely not to ride. What you can do is put down a £100 deposit and cross your fingers.

Buy Before You Try?

Let’s be honest: even at its competitive price of just over £10,000, this is no small purchase. For your average motorcyclist, £10k is a serious outlay—this isn't some impulse-buy 125cc. This is flagship territory for many riders. So to be told, “Just order one, and maybe you’ll see it in September,” feels a bit... off.

Introducing the Honda Hornet SP: Get ready to experience power and precision. See you in September!

We get it—supply chains are tricky, post-pandemic production is still catching up, and demand might be outpacing expectation. But this new ‘pre-order and pray’ sales model just feels wrong, especially coming from a brand like Honda, which used to pride itself on availability and accessibility.

Back in the day (yes, we're saying that now), you’d walk into a dealer, throw a leg over the latest model, ask for a quick spin, and come back either impressed or unmoved. That’s how motorcycles are sold. They’re emotional machines. You feel them, you connect with them. That’s not something you can decide with just a spec sheet and a YouTube video.

September? Really?

To make matters worse, even if you do throw your hundred quid into the pot and get your name on the list, the word on the street is the earliest deliveries won’t land until September 2025.

Yes, you read that right—September 2025. When summer is winding down and the leaves are starting to turn. Not ideal for a brand-new naked streetfighter built for sunny Sunday blasts and twisty A-roads.

It begs the question: what’s going on at Honda? Has the industry shifted so far that we’re now expected to pay five figures for a bike we’ve never seen in person and won’t ride for nearly 18 months?

This isn’t limited to Honda either—other manufacturers are dipping their toes into the same waters. But it's especially disappointing here because Honda has long been known for being rider-first, reliable, and practical. This move feels like a departure from that.

Is This the New Normal?

There’s a growing sense among riders that motorcycle buying is becoming more like buying a smartphone or a new car—detached, digital, and dealer-free. But bikes aren’t like that. They're visceral. Tactile. You can’t feel the weight, seating position, or ergonomics through a screen.

Sure, some die-hards will order blind. But for most of us, the decision to drop £10k+ on a new bike is not made on a whim—it’s made after sitting on it, talking about it, comparing it, feeling it.

Got a Bike to Sell First?

And hey, if you are one of the lucky few who’s managed to get your order in for the Hornet 1000 SP—or if you're just eyeing up your next move—don’t forget about us at AnyBikeBought.com.

Whether you’re making room in the garage or just cashing in before the new toy lands, we’re here to buy your current ride hassle-free. No stress, no drama, just a fair price and a quick pickup. Because if there's one thing more frustrating than waiting for a bike—it’s trying to sell your old one.

Final Thoughts

Honda, we love what you've done with the new Hornet 1000 SP. But the way it's being launched in the UK leaves a lot to be desired. The buzz is real, the hype is deserved, but riders want more than just promo shots and promises.

Let us sit on it. Let us ride it. Let us want it the proper way.

Until then… we’ll be waiting.